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墨書 Inktalez
"This humble official, Zhou Hongzheng, pays his respects to Master Liu."
Liu Ying was slightly taken aback. She did not expect the esteemed Minister of Rites to personally visit the Qintian Observatory. The lord Zhou before her was tall and robust; although he wore a smile, his eyes were as cold as ice.
"This humble official greets Lord Zhou." She bowed respectfully.
"There's no need for formalities." Zhou Hongzheng settled into his chair. "I have heard that Master Liu is well-versed in astronomy, even able to predict the results of the imperial examinations. I would like to seek your guidance on this matter."
Lord Zhang quickly interjected, "Lord Zhou is joking. It is merely star observation and omens; how could one dare to claim predictions…"
"Is that so?" Zhou Hongzheng's expression suddenly darkened. "Then why is it being said throughout the capital that the Qintian Observatory has prophesied a Top Scholar will emerge from the north? Does the celestial phenomenon really differ between north and south?"
Liu Ying remained composed, "Celestial phenomena do not distinguish between north and south; it depends on how one interprets them. Tai Bai appearing during the day and Zi Wei losing its brilliance are signs of heaven's will. As for the prophecy, it will be revealed after Qixi."
"Well said about after Qixi!" Zhou Hongzheng sneered. "I must ask why it must be Qixi? Could it be…" He looked at Liu Ying meaningfully, "related to that Qixi twenty years ago?"
At this remark, everyone in the room was taken aback. Lord Zhang's expression changed dramatically, "What do you mean by that, Lord Zhou?"
"Nothing much." Zhou Hongzheng stood up and began pacing in the hall. "I just recalled that twenty years ago, it was also on a Qixi night when the Xu family was completely wiped out. At that time, it seemed that the Qintian Observatory also observed some unusual phenomena…"
Liu Ying's heart raced, but she did not show it on her face. "As for the events of twenty years ago, this humble official was young and unaware of the details."
"Is that so?" Zhou Hongzheng suddenly took out a scroll from his sleeve. "Then does Master Liu recognize this? This is your grandfather's celestial records from back then. There is a passage recorded…"
Just then, a fit of manic laughter suddenly echoed from outside: "Hahaha, Tian Ji! Tian Ji! Do not disclose; disclosing will bring heavenly retribution…"
Everyone turned to see Xu Yuan staggering into the courtyard. His clothes were tattered and his face smeared with dirt, but his eyes shone brightly.
"Where did this madman come from?" Zhou Hongzheng frowned.
"Reporting to you, my lord," an official beside him said, "this is a well-known madman in the city who spends his days fortune-telling on the streets."
"Oh?" A glimmer of interest flashed in Zhou Hongzheng's eyes. "If he can tell fortunes, let him take a look at this celestial phenomenon."
Liu Ying felt a tightening in her chest. Was Xu Yuan appearing now to help her or…?
"The stars are speaking!" Xu Yuan suddenly jumped up, pointing at the sky. "Tai Bai shines above as Benefactor; Zi Wei loses its brilliance for destiny. With Benefactor present, destiny can change! Hahaha…"
His words sounded crazy, but Liu Ying grasped their deeper meaning. Wasn't this exactly what she had seen in her copper mirror's prophecy?
Zhou Hongzheng's expression darkened instantly: "Someone take this madman away…"
"Lord Zhou, wait." Liu Ying spoke up suddenly. "Though this madman's words may seem absurd, they reflect the principles of celestial phenomena. Tai Bai represents nobility; Zi Wei represents power—this is fundamental to celestial signs. This humble official's prophecy is indeed based on these principles."
Zhou Hongzheng fixed her with a piercing gaze: "Master Liu has quite a boldness to compare herself with a madman."
"Mad words and crazy talk may be closer to Tian Ji," Liu Ying replied, neither humble nor arrogant. "Moreover, this humble official only speaks of celestial phenomena; as for how to interpret them, I ask Lord Zhou to clarify."
This question left Zhou Hongzheng momentarily speechless, and the atmosphere in the hall became tense.
"Interesting," Zhou Hongzheng finally spoke. "However, Master Liu, since you are so confident, I would like to ask you something." He took out an object from his sleeve. "Do you recognize this?"
Liu Ying focused her gaze and was taken aback to find it was a Bronze Fragment identical to the one in her hand.
"I do not know," she replied, forcing herself to remain calm.
"Is that so?" Zhou Hongzheng smiled meaningfully. "Then I shall keep it and come to consult you after Qixi." With that, he turned and strode away.
It was only after Zhou Hongzheng's figure disappeared that Liu Ying let out a long sigh of relief. She turned to look for Xu Yuan but found he had already vanished without a trace. All that remained on the ground was a note:
"Tonight at the Hour of the Rat, Qingfeng Teahouse. This is of great importance; you must come."
"Liu Ying..." Lord Zhang hesitated.
"Rest assured, my lord," Liu Ying took a deep breath. "This humble official understands the gravity of the situation."
As dusk settled, Liu Ying stood in the watchroom gazing at the sky. Venus had begun to appear, while the brilliance of The Purple Forbidden Enclosure grew dimmer. What did this signify? She could not tell.
But one thing she was certain of—the Bronze Fragment in Zhou Hongzheng's possession must be part of the Xu Family Bronze Mirror from years ago. And perhaps this was the key to unlocking the truth.
"With Qixi approaching, please prepare immediately for the calculations, Master Liu," came a voice from outside.
Indeed, regardless of what lay ahead, she had to complete this task first. For it not only concerned the reputation of Qintian Observatory but also the safety of someone she could no longer ignore.
As night deepened, a new moon quietly rose. From the corner tower of the palace city came the sound of the night watchman striking his bell.
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