NFBE Chapter 1017 Uneasy
Chapter 1017 Uneasy
“Indeed, I have been observing the celestial phenomena at night recently and have noticed that the Ziwei star is somewhat dim compared to before. The Book of Celestial Offices states that the central palace is the Tianji star, and the brightest one is the Taiyi star, which resides there. The three stars on the sides are the three palaces, and the four stars behind are the main consort. Now that the Ziwei star is weak, it indicates that someone who will harm Your Majesty will be born, affecting Your Majesty's fortune.”
"Then is it possible to calculate the birth date and location of the person who is incompatible with me?" Zhou Pu sat up straight.
"Your Majesty, I am currently calculating and cannot determine the specific birth date and location at this time."
Zhou Pu frowned upon hearing this, "When can we calculate it?"
"Fortune changes constantly, and so does the Dragon's fortune. It is a matter of waxing and waning. As long as Your Majesty is diligent in governing and loves the people, and makes good use of capable ministers, then fortune will not be disturbed by others. I believe that the Ziwei Star will surely return to its former brightness."
"What you said is as good as nothing! It's just ruining my mood!" Zhou Pu wanted to curse as soon as he heard that.
But after all, the person sitting opposite him was no ordinary person, and he still held a certain degree of awe for the Director of the Imperial Observatory, as these people always had some methods that seemed incomprehensible to outsiders.
The strange phenomena that occurred during his father's coup were also said to be the work of these people, and the mystery behind them remains unsolved to this day.
Thinking of this, Zhou Pu pursed his lips and waved his hand, saying, "Then you can go back first. Report to me in the palace immediately if you have any news. I want to see who this person who is my nemesis is!"
The Imperial Observatory did not care about Zhou Pu's attitude. He stood up, bowed respectfully, and slowly turned to leave. His wide robes fluttered in the summer afternoon breeze, making him look like a hermit with an air of superiority.
He waved his sleeve and left as lightly as if he hadn't taken a single cloud with him, leaving Zhou Pu alone in the hall, lost in thought and unable to find peace.
Zhou Pu knew his own abilities were limited, and he had been very lazy in his duties to the court in recent years. Natural disasters and man-made calamities, as well as the large-scale selection of concubines, had depleted the country's strength. The country was only being supported by the foundation left by the late emperor, and he knew that if things continued like this, problems would inevitably arise sooner or later.
It's just an ostrich mentality; they're unwilling to face the reality.
Therefore, he was very wary and secretly fearful of this celestial phenomenon that might threaten his country.
He's only thirty years old now, and hasn't enjoyed life enough yet. He doesn't want to become a king who has lost his country so soon.
After a while, Zhou Pu finally cheered up and ordered the eunuch to summon Cui Ling.
Cui Ling had been keeping a close eye on the palace's movements, and he knew that the Director of the Imperial Observatory had entered the palace to meet the Emperor today. So he wasn't surprised to see Zhou Pu send someone to summon him to the palace.
After rehearsing the possible scenarios several times on the way, I felt more at ease.
When Zhou Pu saw Cui Ling coming over, he didn't waste any words and said directly, "That brat from Jiming Temple can't be kept any longer. Send someone over tonight to resolve this as soon as possible so you can have peace of mind."
Before Cui Ling could respond, he suddenly frowned and changed his mind, "No, you should go there yourself. I don't trust anyone else to do it. You must see for yourself that the child is dead, understand?"
Upon hearing this, Cui Ling knew that His Majesty's suspicion of the Zhang family would be difficult to dispel now. He was secretly overjoyed, but his face remained calm and composed as he bowed and accepted the order: "Yes!"
That evening, after finishing his shift, Cui Ling rushed to Jiming Temple in the suburbs before the city gates closed, personally leading a few trusted confidants.
People who usually do bad things like to choose a dark and windy time, which is how the saying "a dark and windy night for murder" came about. But tonight is unfortunate, it is the night of the full moon, and the starry sky illuminates the area around Jiming Temple so brightly that there is no need to light candles.
Cui Ling looked up at the sky. Although he felt the timing was a bit inappropriate, he couldn't care less about that now.
After exchanging glances with those around them, everyone put on their night clothes, leaving only their eyes showing, and then climbed over the wall into Jiming Temple.
Jiming Temple's incense offerings are nowhere near as numerous as those of Daxiangguo Temple, and its location is also remote, situated halfway up a mountain. Most of those who come here to offer incense are local farmers.
The reason it was somewhat famous in the capital was because the monks in the temple knew some medical skills and often went out to provide free medical services in exchange for food. Over time, the temple gained a good reputation.
Local residents who come to the temple for medical treatment pay slightly less than those who go to a regular doctor.
However, since most of those who come to see the doctor are poor and their income is very limited, the conditions are somewhat difficult.
The Zhang family sent their child to Jiming Temple for this reason, which represents a kind of determination.