Chapter 51: 51 Taiyi

Saint Emperor Mountain is situated close to Nanyang County.

Its history of celestial worship can be traced back to the ancient times of Yu Shun and Xia Yu.

In the records of ancient rites, Heaven is the “Emperor,” or “Supreme Deity,” the ruler of nature and the earthly realm, with the sun, moon, wind, and rain as his ministers and messengers.

To sacrifice to the Emperor, prisoners and livestock had to be killed or burned as offerings, costing a great deal of wealth. Later, the image of “Heaven” became personified, and emperors were titled “Son of Heaven.”

During the preceding dynasty, Qin Zheng abolished the title “Son of Heaven,” proclaimed himself “Emperor,” crafted the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, interfered with gods and spirits, and eliminated illicit and human sacrifices.

They ceased to honor any spirits but revered Taiyi, the human emperor from ancient times.

Thus, all the divine statues on Saint Emperor Mountain were destroyed during the preceding dynasty and rebuilt into a Taiyi statue.

After Zhao Ji ascended in the Great Song Dynasty, a statue of the Celestial Lord of Universal Transformation and Thunder God was constructed next to the Taiyi statue.

…

Three hours later.

The Emperor’s Dragon Chariot arrived at the foothills of Saint Emperor Mountain.

Although the name Saint Emperor Mountain sounds quite imposing.

The mountain’s elevation is not very high, only around one to two hundred meters.

However, the scenery is very beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding it. Even at noon, a sea of clouds can be seen in the distance.

Being among it feels like being in a paradise.

A circular altar used for worship has been built on it.

Next to the circular altar, there is a grand and opulent palace.

All officials responsible for this area had long been waiting at the foot of the mountain. Upon seeing the Emperor’s Dragon Chariot, they immediately welcomed him.

“Minister Lin Feng, the Guardian of Saint Emperor Mountain, greets Your Majesty.”

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

…

Seeing Zhao Ji descending from the Dragon Chariot, Lin Feng hurriedly went up to meet him again.

Zhao Ji looked up at the celestial altar above and said, “Lin Feng, have the offerings for worship been prepared?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the cattle, sheep, jade discs, jade tablets, and other offerings required for the worship have been prepared. We are just awaiting Your Majesty’s designation of a time to begin the worship,” Lin Feng respectfully replied.

“Li Taishi,” Zhao Ji called out.

The elder in a black robe, with a star pattern on its back, stepped forward, bowing respectfully: “Your humble servant is here.”

“I leave this matter to you,” Zhao Ji said.

“Yes, I will survey the timing of the worship as soon as possible,” the elder glanced at the sky, speaking respectfully.

Zhao Ji nodded and then stepped forward, heading upwards.

From the mountain top to the foot, nine hundred and ninety-nine green steps have been constructed.

The Imperial Guard is already responsible for the defense surrounding it.

Under the entourage of close guards from both East and West Chambers, the Emperor, Empress, Noble Consort Hu, and all civil and military officials proceeded towards the mountain top.

However, upon reaching the mountain top, most were sweating profusely.

Especially some civil officials, who rarely exercised due to their high positions. Coupled with travel fatigue and no lunch, climbing so far left them exhausted.

Zhao Ji, on the contrary, appeared vibrant, a hint of joy on his face, as he saw Noble Consort Hu, Zhao Chong, and his many children looking relaxed and calm, without sweat.

This became his cause for pride, but he said calmly:

“My dear ministers, you must take more care of your bodies. Just walking a few steps leaves you out of breath…

Look at my Noble Consort Hu, the Crown Prince, and the Empress… Hm? Where is the Empress?”

Zhao Ji surveyed around, realizing Xiao Yunxi was not among them.

Zhao Ji frowned.

At that moment, he saw Xiao Yunxi, somewhat pale, being helped up by Zhao Fujin and Cai’Er, panting.

Noticing the courtiers, who wanted to laugh but dared not, Zhao Ji’s face immediately turned black: “As a Fifth Grade master, is it really this difficult for the Empress to climb these stone steps?”

“Father, actually mother…”

“Fujin.”

Just as Zhao Fujin was about to reveal the truth, Xiao Yunxi interrupted, weakly saying, “It’s my weariness, worrying Your Majesty.”

“I am not worried,” Zhao Ji suppressed his anger and then said, “Since the Empress is tired, rest here first, lest it delay the upcoming worship.”

Finished speaking, he angrily flicked his sleeve and left.

The civil and military officials hurried to follow.

Zhao Chong approached to inquire, and upon hearing Xiao Yunxi say it was nothing, he also left.

…

Arriving at the palace.

Just entering the sleeping chamber.

Zhao Fujin frowned and said, “Mother, why didn’t you tell Father the truth?”

“This is a woman’s private matter, still unpleasant, how could it be mentioned in front of His Majesty and the officials.”

Xiao Yunxi held her belly, glaring at Zhao Fujin.

Indeed.

Her menstrual cycle came early.

“But Father shouldn’t always misunderstand you either.” Watching Xiao Yunxi’s pained expression, Zhao Fujin showed a look of distress.

“You get used to it.”

Xiao Yunxi said, just as Cai’Er was about to prepare a heater for her, Cai’Er returned and respectfully said, “Reporting to the Empress, Chen Hong has arrived, he has brewed red sugar water for you, saying it can alleviate your current pain.”

Upon hearing this, both Xiao Yunxi and Zhao Fujin were taken aback.

A moment later, Xiao Yunxi felt a warmth in her heart; when her menstrual cycle came early, she had told Chen Mo about it through Cai’Er.

Unexpectedly…

“Unexpectedly, the person most concerned about me is he…” A peculiar light flashed in Xiao Yunxi’s eyes.

Zhao Fujin expressed dissatisfaction, feigning anger, “Mother, it was me, wasn’t it?”

Xiao Yunxi stroked Zhao Fujin’s hair, smiled, “You little girl.”

Then she told Cai’Er, “Let him in.”

“Yes.”

Cai’Er bowed and left.

Shortly after, she brought Chen Mo out.

“Empress,” Chen Mo placed the red sugar water in front of Xiao Yunxi and said, “I have brewed this red sugar water for you, hoping it can help you somewhat.”

After Cai’Er tested for poison, Xiao Yunxi looked at the steaming red sugar water, her expression gentle, lightly said, “Little Hong, you truly are my heart’s confidante…”

“Serving the Empress is my duty,” Chen Mo said respectfully, in a manner not seeking credit.

“Chen Hong, I thank you on behalf of my mother,” Zhao Fujin laughed at Chen Mo.

“It’s nothing,” Chen Mo said.

“Little Hong, your contributions are noted in my heart. Once back at the palace, I shall reward you,” Xiao Yunxi said.

“Thank you, Empress,” Chen Mo said respectfully.

…

Li Taishi, watching the clouds in the sky, suddenly felt his right eyelid twitch involuntarily, then muttered to himself, “How strange, I previously calculated that today would be a good time for worshiping Heaven, yet now, there is an ominous presence lingering.

No, the worship must be conducted promptly, if delayed, something unfortunate might occur…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep