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墨書 Inktalez
In the Council Hall of the Qintian Observatory, Zhao Mingyuan's voice of skepticism rang clear. He shook Liu Ying's report in his hand, his expression filled with disapproval. This was already the third day since Liu Ying had presented her predictions, and the entire observatory had been thrown into turmoil.
"My Lord Zhao," Liu Ying replied calmly, "this prophecy is not without basis. Tai Bai is the star of literature, and its appearance during the day alongside Zi Wei indicates a significant omen, as recorded in the Bu Tian Ge."
"But..." Zhao Mingyuan was about to continue when Lord Zhang raised a hand to stop him.
"This matter is of great importance; we must proceed with caution," Lord Zhang said gravely. "Liu Ying, do you realize how much turmoil this prophecy could cause once it spreads?"
Liu Ying certainly understood. The imperial examination had always stirred people's hearts; if word got out that the Qintian Observatory predicted a Top Scholar would emerge from the north, it would likely invite countless criticisms. Moreover, she sensed that there might be deeper meanings hidden behind this prophecy.
"Your Excellency, I am well aware of the gravity of this matter," she said solemnly. "However, since the celestial phenomena have manifested, can we simply ignore them? Furthermore..." She paused for a moment. "I have observed the Purple Forbidden Enclosure for many days; this sign truly is a once-in-a-millennium occurrence."
"A once-in-a-millennium occurrence?" Wang Zhengdao scoffed from the side. "Master Liu must be losing her mind over recent rumors. It is widely said in the capital that your predictions regarding marriage are remarkably accurate; could it be that this prophecy is merely an attempt to attract attention?"
At his words, various expressions flickered across the faces of those present. Liu Ying clenched her teeth inwardly; she knew Wang Zhengdao harbored resentment toward her as a female official, but she did not expect him to slander her so publicly.
Just as she was about to defend herself, an announcement came from outside: "His Majesty summons Lord Zhang to enter the palace immediately!"
Everyone was taken aback. Lord Zhang quickly stood up and cast a meaningful glance at Liu Ying before leaving. "We will set this matter aside for now. Liu Ying, take some time to think it over."
Once Lord Zhang departed, Wang Zhengdao spoke again: "In my opinion, it would be best not to spread this prophecy too readily. If it turns out to be a joke, what face will our Qintian Observatory have left?"
"Lord Wang's words are misguided," Zhao Mingyuan suddenly interjected after remaining silent for so long. "Though there are controversies surrounding this prophecy, Master Liu's deductions are extremely rigorous. Moreover..." He cast a significant look at Liu Ying. "Twenty years ago, there was a similar celestial phenomenon."
Liu Ying's heart stirred. Twenty years ago—wasn't that when the Xu Family Case occurred? Did Zhao Mingyuan know something?
"Gentlemen," she surveyed everyone present. "Since I joined the Qintian Observatory, I have never spoken recklessly. This prophecy is grounded in fact. If you do not believe me, you may verify my deduction process."
"A fine claim of being grounded in fact," Wang Zhengdao sneered. "Then tell me, why specifically the north?"
Just as Liu Ying was about to explain, she caught sight of a shadow darting past outside the window. Upon closer inspection, it was unmistakably the masked figure who had appeared at the East Suburb Stargazing Platform that night.
"That..." She hesitated slightly. Could that attack be related to this prophecy?
Seeing her hesitation only fueled Wang Zhengdao's momentum. "Can't come up with an answer? I told you..."
"Venus appeared last night in conjunction with the Big Dipper and shone alongside Zi Wei," Liu Ying suddenly interrupted him. "According to the Astronomical Divination records, this signifies a literary omen from the north. If Lord Wang does not believe me, he may verify it."
As soon as she finished speaking, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. A young clerk rushed in and exclaimed, "Gentlemen! Bad news! Word has spread throughout the capital that our Qintian Observatory predicts that this year's Top Scholar will surely emerge from the north!"
The hall erupted into chaos. Yet Liu Ying found herself pondering another matter—why had that masked figure appeared at the Qintian Observatory? What connection did he have with Xu Yuan and this prophecy?
In the distance, the bell chimed softly, marking noon. She gazed out the window and caught sight of a White Dove flying by, its wings as white as snow, tracing a graceful arc in the sunlight. In a moment of reverie, she seemed to recall Xu Yuan's profound words: "On the night of Qixi, we shall meet at the Purple Forbidden Enclosure."
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