Chapter 69:
Chapter 69:
Changle was delighted when she heard that Su Li wanted to give her a gift. She didnt even care if Su Li was planning to use her own money. After all, Su Li was her husband, so it would be reasonable for him to use the princesss mansion money to buy her a gift.
Its not about being tight on money Su Li sighed.
Eh? Then what is it? What are you doing? Changle exclaimed in surprise, and Su Li had already rushed to her.
Outside the room, a female officer had intended to deliver Zhangsun Chongs worship post. However, unexpectedly, she overheard the sounds from inside the room.
The female officers expression changed, and she retreated with a smile. In ancient times, it was common for couples to consummate their marriage at a young age, especially given the shorter average lifespans. Moreover, Princess Changle and Su Li were a legally wedded couple.
Being perceptive, the female officer understood the situation and chose not to disturb Princess Changle and Su Li during this special moment. Instead, she took Zhangsun Chongs worship post, stepped outside, and reached the doorway. Her smiling face instantly turned solemn, restoring her cold indifference as she approached Zhangsun Chong.
The princess has just woken up and is not feeling well enough to get out of bed. Its inconvenient to receive visitors. I hope the young master understands. The female officer handed the worship post back to Zhangsun Chong.
Zhangsun Chong watched the female officers departing figure with a sense of desolation, feeling a bit sad about his life.
How is it possible? My cousin must have me in her heart!
It must be that wicked peasants doing!
Zhangsun Chong thought of different possibilities and found it hard to accept that he was still being rejected by Princess Changle even after her awakening.
My cousin has just woken up. Naturally, she might not be feeling well He consoled himself with a smile.
Separated by a wall, outside was the fluttering snow carried by the northern wind. Inside, it was a mix of affection and love, mutual dependence
Zhangsun Chongs dejected figure gradually moved farther away, disappearing like a defeated dog.
On the other side, within the palace, Li Er and Yuan Tiangang sat across from each other at a table. There was simmering tea infused with star anise, cinnamon, geranium, and tea leaves on the table. The hot water constantly bubbled, and a pleasant fragrance filled the air from the burning incense nearby.
How is what Su Li said about Bai Yujing true or false? Li Er repeated Su Lis poem and description of Bai Yujing to Yuan Tiangang.
The poem is well-crafted Yuan Tiangang touched his beard and chuckled.
But what about Bai Yujing? Is it real or not? Li Er looked at Yuan Tiangang with anticipation.
I dont know Yuan Tiangang answered Li Ers question earnestly.
What? Li Er raised an eyebrow, almost ready to stand up in surprise.
The Taoist master himself divined bestowing blessings for the bride. As the Taoist master predicted, the bride has now awakened. The groom was also personally chosen by the Taoist master Li Ers face held a strong sense of doubt as he spoke.
It is clear that you predict Su Li to be the right groom, and after Princess Changle marries him, she does wake up. Now youre telling me you dont know who he is? Li Er said to Yuan Tiangang.
Li Er knew that people like Yuan Tiangang often left things unsaid, so he didnt believe Yuan Tiangang truly didnt know Su Lis background.
Your Majesty I genuinely dont know There are numerous rumors about Bai Yujing in the world, some true and some false. There are countless legends, and even Daoist texts contain numerous accounts. Even if it were true, I havent heard of anyone ascending to Bai Yujing from the mortal world. Why should Your Majesty be fixated on this?
Moreover, opinions are varied when it comes to the abode of immortals. Some say they reside in Kunlun, some say in Penglai. Bai Yujing is just one speculation among many about where immortals live. How can I distinguish between truth and falsehood? Yuan Tiangangs face bore a wry smile.
Could the Taoist master divine? Li Ers face showed curiosity.
After all, this was ancient times, and feudal superstition was widespread. Su Li claimed to have come from Bai Yujing, and Princess Changle had just woken up after the auspicious ceremony. It could be seen as a test of his method. How could Li Er not be curious?
I dare not divine Yuan Tiangang shook his head in response to Li Ers intriguing suggestion.
Not that you cant divine it? Li Er keenly picked up on the crucial point.
The old minister is just an ordinary person. How could I have the courage to divine the abode of immortals? Im afraid that as soon as I start divination, thunder will strike instantly Though Im getting older, I still have the vitality and knowledge to stay healthy. Your Majesty, please dont trouble the old minister. Yuan Tiangangs wry smile deepened.
Li Er had several conversations with Yuan Tiangang and knew that this was his way of handling things, often leaving things unsaid. Yuan Tiangang had a reputation for being skilled in divination and offered accurate predictions and advice in the past.
However, Yuan Tiangangs divination was not all-encompassing. It revealed what it revealed. There were also three things he didnt divine, the emperor, himself, and longevity.
Li Er had asked Yuan Tiangang several times to divine for him, but Yuan Tiangang always declined. Today, however, was a special occasion in the palace, and Li Er felt that he might be able to get a hexagram reading from Yuan Tiangang.
Yuan Tiangang retrieved a tortoise shell and copper coins he carried and began to divine. Li Er, curious as ever, watched the process closely. Yuan Tiangang was known far and wide for his divination skills, and Li Er had even invited him into the palace as a trusted adviser.
Yuan Tiangang skillfully went through the divination process, focusing entirely on the task. When the cracks in the tortoiseshell were set, and the copper coins had been cast, it took about fifteen minutes. Yuan Tiangang then put away the tools of divination.
Is it done? Li Er inquired, looking at Yuan Tiangang.
Its done! Yuan Tiangang nodded.
Hows the hexagram? Li Er asked, his curiosity piqued.
Auspicious! Yuan Tiangang answered with a serious tone.
Could you elaborate? Li Er leaned in closer, excited to hear the details.
Your Majesty, the consort is an auspicious individual for the nation! Yuan Tiangang spoke up.
How so? Li Er asked.
If Your Majesty can value and be close to the consort, the nation will prosper greatly, Yuan Tiangang replied with a smile.
How should I value him? What position should I give him? Li Er continued to inquire.
Its up to Your Majesty to decide. I can only divine up to this point. If the position is right, the Tang Dynasty will naturally flourish, Yuan Tiangang explained.
Is that all? Li Er asked.
Any great auspicious sign indicates good luck and prosperity. There are often extraordinary events associated with such individuals. If Your Majesty gets close to the consort, the luck of the Tang Dynasty will gradually rise! Yuan Tiangang rose from his seat, swaying slightly.
Your Majesty, Im not feeling well today. Please allow me to take my leave. Yuan Tiangang requested, hinting at his physical discomfort.
Li Er didnt stop Yuan Tiangang. He had achieved his goal of receiving a hexagram reading. However, faced with Yuan Tiangangs words, Li Er faced a dilemma. Could it be that simply valuing and being close to Su Li would bring prosperity to the Tang Dynasty? Could something so auspicious be true?
How should he value Su Li? What official position should he offer? Could there be consequences if he placed Su Li in the wrong position?
Li Er was left with a lot to ponder. The divination had guided him, but now he had to decide how to act on it.