Chapter 45: The Temple of Nüwa Receives Incense, Emperor Xin Recites Obscene Poetry

  "This is great, and it has solved my problem of choosing a name." Yun Zhongzi said with a slight bow, casting a spell in his hand, and a purple light fell into the center of Lei Zhenzi's brow. "Thank you, Marquis, I will take my leave now. If fate permits, we will meet again someday."

  As soon as the voice of Yun Zhongzi fell, he shook off the dust with a flick of his sleeve and stepped on a auspicious cloud that suddenly appeared under his feet, and rose up to leave. Ji Chang secretly rejoiced in his heart, thinking that if he could climb up to such a true immortal, it would be a blessing for Xiqi. He immediately followed Yun Zhongzi's departure and performed the ritual of kneeling and bowing: "The immortal has appeared, Xiqi will surely prosper!"

  Everyone listened to the words of Xi Bo Hou, all of whom followed his voice and echoed in agreement. On one side, Zhang Emperor Xin watched with a cold eye, secretly calculating, and suddenly came up with a plan. He walked up to Ji Chang's face and said: "Yun Zhongzi has a predestined relationship with Lei Zhenzi, but I have a predestined relationship with you. Do you know that this time the imperial court is not clear?"

  "On the fifteenth day of March, it's the birthday of Nüwa Niangniang. What did Xian Chang say that was unclear?" Ji Chang's tone was questioning, but his footsteps moved forward involuntarily. Zhang Emperor Xin saw this and had his own ideas, taking a step forward and speaking slowly: "The thing you worry about is not in Chaoge, but in Xiqi."

  Ji Chang heard the words, gestured to the crowd to retreat, and one person stepped forward, but did not speak. Zhang Emperor Xin saw that he naturally knew that he had spoken correctly, and opened his mouth again: "But what about the future of Xiqi, how will the children be?"

  Xian Chang said with a smile, "Xi Qi has been deeply favored by heaven. How can we ask about the future? When Shang prospers, Xi Qi prospers; when Shang declines, we merchants will also decline." Ji Chang heard this and was taken aback at first, but then slowly spoke up. Zhang Emperor Xin looked at him with a gaze that seemed to see right through him, but in his heart he already knew that the scheme to drive them apart had been effective from the start.

  Ji Fa was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xi Ping, and although he had a reputation for having two marquises in one family, his descendants were actually directly supplemented from Ji Chang's fief. Although they were nominally father and son, there was some estrangement between them. Ji Chang intentionally kept his distance from Ji Fa because of this. The matter of the Phoenix Crying on Mount Qi had also reached Zhang Emperor's ears, and he understood even more clearly that when the ancient emperors rose to power, they must have had some unusual signs. This time, Ji Fa's luck was rising rapidly, and after this incident, those who looked up to him in the court were even more numerous. However, Bo Yi Kao was still the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and he had his own dissatisfaction, but it was not good for him to speak out loudly. The rift between the two became even greater.

  Ji Chang deeply understood the personalities of his many sons. Bo Yikao and Ji Fa, although having good reputations, were both people who sought immediate benefits. Only his third son, Ji Dan, remained silent but was deeply loved by him. If either of these two brothers ascended to the throne, one would die and the other would gain power. The discord between close brothers was what the Marquis of Western Zhou least wanted to see.

  "Everything in the Western Qi is under your control, if it's a business order, then I'm just talking nonsense. Please don't mind me." Zhang Emperor Xin saw the hint and was about to leave, but Ji Chang furrowed his brow and didn't speak for a long time before saying: "Please teach me, sir!"

  "This is the will of heaven, but also the fate of heaven. I'll tell you about it...". Zhang Emperor hesitated for a long time before slowly speaking, telling Ji Chang all about the affairs of the imperial court, teaching him this and that.

  But the people killed by Yun Zhongzi were reduced to ashes under the Heavenly Fire Pillar, and the black ash was blown away by the wind. A flame rose from it, and a figure emerged from the flames - it was the red-clothed woman: "This person is quite formidable; if I didn't have my secret method, today would be my end..."

  In the blink of an eye, March 15th arrived, which was the birthday of the Queen Mother of the West. The Emperor led his ministers out of the south gate of Chang'an City and rushed to Mount Guiling. A red carpet was laid all along the way, stretching for hundreds of miles. Drums and music filled the air without a break. Wherever they went, there were fresh flowers and golden petals scattered on the ground.

  Departing from Chao Ge, every household burns incense and sets fires, every door hangs colorful decorations and lays out felt mats. Three thousand iron cavalry clangs open the path, eight hundred imperial guards protect the emperor as he proceeds. The Son of Heaven rides in a nine-dragon carriage, to his left are the three senior officials Wen Zhong and Wen Tai Shi protecting him, to his right is the Prince of Ding Guo Wu Cheng Wang Huang Fei Hu guarding him. From this point on, banners and flags wave and unfold, displaying great military might.

  After the great army, 800 vassals rode black horses at a slow pace. Before they had even made their offerings, incense sticks as thick as wrists were lit in their hands, and the fragrance wafted along with them as they walked. Not long after, they saw a white jade stone staircase in the ancient Ling Mountain, which led directly to the Temple of Nüwa. The Son of Heaven climbed up the stairs, walking 999 steps, before finally arriving at the gate of the Temple of Nüwa.

  In front of the Nuwa Temple, nine bronze tripods were set up, each as high as a zhang, with golden auspicious cloud patterns painted on them. The four legs were all dragon heads, which was even more magnificent than the imperial tripod. The specifications were also higher by three points. When the incense was lit on the nine tripods of the Son of Heaven, the various vassals followed closely behind, and between the palace gates, the fragrance wafted and swirled, filling all sides with a delicate scent, as if it were an immortal realm, light and airy like floating in the clouds.

  If you're coming, then come. Zhang Emperor's heart and soul were slightly calmed, and he walked towards the Temple of the Heavenly Empress. The temple was magnificent, with five-colored makeup, golden boys holding flags in pairs, and jade maidens presenting auspicious objects in pairs. A crescent moon hung in the air, and a precious canopy fluttered; a thousand pairs of colorful phoenixes danced in the sky. On the green stone bed, there were dancing cranes and soaring phoenixes; on the fragrant treasure throne, dragons and phoenixes walked and flew. The strange and wondrous colors were beyond ordinary, with golden incense rising; auspicious omens rose in purple mist, and silver candles shone brightly.

  Zhang Di Xin had arranged for the people to decorate the Nuwa Palace, but he didn't expect it to be so exquisite. The rich and majestic Dragon Virtue Hall and Xianqing Hall couldn't compare to it. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew up the curtains, revealing the sacred image of Nuwa. Her face was elegant and beautiful, with auspicious colors fluttering around her, and her national beauty and heavenly bearing were as gentle as if she were alive. It was truly like the immortal maiden of the Jasper Palace descending to the mortal world, or Chang'e, the goddess of the moon, coming down to earth.

  She was a beauty, with a face as lovely as the national flower. Emperor Zhangxin thought her beautiful, but not to the point of being infatuated. On the other hand, in his heart, he couldn't help but praise Fei Zhong for building such a magnificent palace under these circumstances, which was truly a masterpiece of heavenly craftsmanship.

  In front of the statue of Nüwa, Zhang Emperor Xin knelt down and worshiped with courtesy, reciting the words of sacrifice. The vassals from all directions also knelt down: "Cheng Tang has received the heavenly grace, enjoying six hundred years of good fortune under heaven, your holy virtue is boundless, all people in the world are devoted to filial piety, we sincerely request that the heavenly grace be bestowed again, and bless our great Shang...".

  Just as the ceremony was over, five-colored flower umbrellas descended from the palace, and silk clouds rose slowly. Zhang Emperor Xian smiled, and everyone saw him with a different expression on their faces. Suddenly, flowers fell down, and a voice echoed from afar: "Your Majesty is sincere, if you follow the will of heaven, there will be good results."

  He heard the words, and couldn't help but frown. He had originally only arranged for the five ghosts to scatter flowers to deceive people and show off the heavenly grace of Da Shang Yong Xing, but he hadn't allowed the five ghosts to speak at all!

  Could it be that the Goddess Nuwa is showing her spirit? Zhang Emperor Xin was anxious in his heart, secretly pulling on the five ghosts, but found that there was no connection at all, and the ghosts had already gone to who-knows-where!

  If following the will of heaven, there will be a good outcome. Emperor Zhang thought to himself, privately harboring great resentment. If following the will of heaven, wouldn't he have to spend several years as a defeated emperor, only to end up at the bottom of Zhai Xing Lou, throwing away the 600-year foundation of Cheng Tang for nothing, becoming an eternal sinner, and suffering the scorn of the world.

  "But I don't know how to follow the will of heaven, how to obtain good fortune?" Zhang Emperor Xin's heart was not angry, but he also calmed down his tone, and asked with a low head. The voice on that side paused for a moment, then slowly said: "Following the will of heaven, enjoying the respect of the world above, receiving the courtesy of the world below, obtaining the cultivation of all people, is being effortless, is the decree of heaven."

  "If it's non-action, how will the world be?" Non-action and governance, following heaven's orders, isn't that just accepting one's fate? Zhang Emperor Xin heard this and became annoyed, raising his head to ask.

  As soon as he raised his head, Zhang Di Xin felt a wave of dizziness, and in front of him stood a person whose beauty was beyond description. The phrases "beauty that can topple cities" and "heavenly fragrance" were not enough to capture her allure, which was even more captivating than the most beautiful women of legend. Her beauty was impossible to put into words, and it had an irresistible charm that made one unable to tear their eyes away.

  Not good, I've been deceived! Zhang Di Xin secretly thought it was not good, but on this side, miscellaneous thoughts sprouted and grew, like a vast river, once started, it couldn't be stopped!

  Zhang Di Xin struggled to restrain himself, but his face turned red and his ears flushed. The evil thoughts in his heart grew stronger, and his body involuntarily moved forward, walking towards the beautiful Taoist priestess. She saw the emperor approaching and smiled slightly, a silk gauze falling away to reveal a whiff of feminine fragrance.

  At this time, Zhang Dexin even felt that his body was not his own, the illusion grew stronger and stronger, and even in his mind, there were more scenes of faint fire, and even using his skills to defend against it had little effect!

  That beautiful Taoist, upon seeing this, slowly descended to the ground, her sleeves fluttering, and in a nearby area, she danced slowly, every move revealing a charming demeanor, every frown and smile exuding eternal gentle emotions. Even if Zhang Emperor Xin tried his best to control himself, even if he bit his tongue until it bled, he couldn't escape the illusion!

  "What's this all about?" The beautiful Taoist, slowly dancing, held a golden pen in her hand and gently leaned into Zhang Emperor Xin's ear, saying, "This is what I'll give you."

  No, no! Once this brush falls, there will be no room for regret! Zhang Emperor Xin shouted in his heart, and the Lingtai hole was clear and bright. He furrowed his brow: "Who are you? How dare you disturb my mind!"

  That beautiful Taoist saw the Emperor's clarity restored, furrowed his brow, secretly incanted a spell, and with a wave of his long sleeves, his body became even more ethereal. In front of Zhang Emperor Xin, he made another stroke, and it was as if in clouds and mist, unknowing what was happening.

  Zhang Di Xin had just replied to Qing Ming, and in an instant he disappeared. He only felt a dizziness in his mind, and his hands and feet were no longer under control, as if he was a wooden puppet. He slowly walked forward and said to the crowd: "Bring me pen and ink!"

  The eunuch did not know what the emperor wanted to do, and he did not dare to disobey, so he hastily brought it over and presented it. Emperor Xian held the purple brush in his hand, but in his heart, he was shouting "no way", and no matter what, he would not move his pen. The beautiful Taoist's eyebrows were tightly furrowed, thinking that he had not expected the emperor to have such a temperament, and it seemed that more effort was needed.

  Na Mei Dao's figure flashed, landing behind Zhang Emperor Xin. His body swayed and disappeared from view. A sharp glint flashed in Zhang Emperor Xin's eyes as he walked towards the wall, where he began to write on the side wall with a brush!

  Everyone saw it and turned their heads, but it was not easy for the Son of Heaven to write this poem. When Zhong and Bigan stepped forward quickly, they were pulled back by Zhang Emperor Xin, but unexpectedly, their bodies were locked up and couldn't move!

  "Foolish! Utterly foolish!" Bi Gan looked at him, slapping the table and shouting, pointing at the Son of Heaven: "Nuwa is a true god from ancient times, how can she be treated with such disrespect? Such actions will make people all over the world see that the Son of Heaven has no virtue, and even more so, go against the ancestral rites. How can Your Majesty not know this?"

  Zhang Di Xin's face turned pale as he shouted loudly, suddenly regaining his composure, and involuntarily looked towards the wall, his mind exploding like thunder:

  The phoenix and dragon treasure pavilion is extremely beautiful, all adorned with cleverly crafted golden mud decorations.

  Distant mountains stretch far and wide in emerald hue, fluttering sleeves dance with apricot-colored garments.

  Peach blossoms compete with rain for beauty, peonies entwine smoke and show off their charming makeup.

  But got the demon's power to move, took back Chang Le's servant king.

  He took every precaution, but unexpectedly, this blasphemous poem was still brought up!