Chapter 0082: The Second Prince’s Rage, The So-Called Lucky Star Is a Scam
Xie Chengze pondered for a moment and decided not to reveal that he had already set two plans in motion simultaneously.
He feared Hu Lai might take advantage of the situation to act recklessly.
Originally, he had worried that getting too close to Shen Yuan would make that person suspect he was allied with Crown Prince Shen Yuan. But now, that very person was actively urging him to recruit Shen Yuan…
It seemed that in this lifetime, Shen Yuan’s actions were too aggressive, prompting that person to want him, the Second Prince who was currently fishing in troubled waters, to counterbalance the Crown Prince who opposed him.
This was quite similar to the later developments in the original plot. In the original story, that person couldn’t handle the powerful Shen Yuan and the Crown Prince, so he decided to collaborate with the Second Prince, prolonging the power struggle.
Xie Chengze stroked his chin.
Since Emperor Jian thought he was fond of Shen Yuan, and that person hoped he would establish a connection with Shen Yuan…
Why not go with the flow?
Xie Chengze’s eyes shifted thoughtfully, then he pressed his hand on Hu Lai’s shoulder and asked with a smile, “Hu Lai, if I want to openly approach Shen Shilang without arousing His Majesty’s suspicion, what should I do?”
Hu Lai immediately replied eagerly, “Isn’t that simple? Just tell His Majesty that you admire Shen Shilang! Besides, doesn’t Your Highness already have feelings for Shen Shilang? This way, I can fulfill my task, and you can kill two birds with one stone—or even three!”
You said it! Not me!!!
Xie Chengze immediately gave him a thumbs-up. “Hu Lai! You’re truly my mouthpiece!”
Hu Lai: Huh?
What’s a mouthpiece?
And why does my back suddenly feel chilly?
Watching Xie Chengze rush into his bedchamber and then hurry out again, as if he had some important business to attend to, Hu Lai couldn’t help but stroke his small beard.
Hmm, no big deal~ As long as the Second Prince remains wealthy and prosperous and can keep paying my monthly salary~
After all, I still have a large family to support~
…
Xie Chengze had originally intended to go to the Imperial Study, but halfway there in the palanquin, he spoke up again, “Change course, head to the Directorate of Celestial Observation.”
The Directorate of Celestial Observation was an institution dedicated to observing celestial phenomena, clouds, and stars. It gathered extraordinary talents from all directions, usually conducting itself with great humility and staying out of court disputes. Only when they deciphered celestial signs and received a Heavenly Decree would they gently open their vermilion gates, tread under the moonlight, and seek an audience with the Emperor to ensure the stability of the state.
During Emperor Jian’s reign, the Directorate of Celestial Observation had issued three Heavenly Decrees.
The first was on the day the Second Prince was born. At the moment when night was about to give way to day, the Directorate captured a glimpse of a golden-red meteor leaping toward the east. Then, at the spot where it vanished, the red sun slowly rose, and the koi fish bred in the Directorate’s ponds unusually swam vigorously toward the east.
Subsequently, the Jiantian Si Tidain emerged from seclusion himself and delivered the Heavenly Decree, “The Lucky Star descends to the mortal world, heaven blesses Jian’an,” into Emperor Jian’s hands.
The second time was at the end of the 78th year of Jian’an, which was this year. The Ti Ling of the Directorate observed the stars at night and predicted a major snow disaster. However, due to limited capabilities, they could only confirm that a snow disaster would occur in the north but couldn’t pinpoint the exact location.
By the time the plea for help from Liaozhou reached Jingcheng, it was already too late. The roads were blocked by heavy snow, making travel difficult. By the time Emperor Jian sent people with relief grain to Liaozhou, the ground was already covered with frozen corpses.
Although Xie Chengze only wanted to live a low-key yet luxurious life as an imperial second generation, he couldn’t knowingly conceal the location of the impending snow disaster without reporting it, could he?
Matters that only required moving his lips and mind were something Xie Chengze wouldn’t shy away from. Moreover, the life of an imperial heir stained with blood was far too foul and repugnant!
“Your Highness, we are about to ascend the steps.”
The carriage shifted slightly as Xie Chengze looked up.
A tall, imposing black-and-red tower stood atop the celestial stairs. Its layered structure rose progressively, with upturned eaves at each corner resembling phoenixes ready to take flight. The blue-black tiles reflected sunlight with a glaze-like luster, appearing both ancient and magnificent.
Upon reaching the main gate of the Directorate of Celestial Observation, two figures in navy blue star-patterned robes were seen sprinkling water to cleanse the red doors. Noticing Xie Chengze, they calmly bowed slightly in greeting before resuming their tasks.
The Directorate of Celestial Observation, entrusted with interpreting celestial phenomena and the “Heavenly Decree,” served as messengers of heaven, granted the privilege of not bowing to the emperor.
As the carriage halted, the driver informed Xie Chengze, “Your Highness, aside from its officials, only members of the imperial family are permitted to enter the Directorate.”
Thus, they could proceed no further.
“Very well, wait here then,” Xie Chengze said, alighting from the carriage and stepping into the Directorate.
The interior of the tower was vast, adorned with simple yet solemn decorations. Gazing upward, one could see directly to the rooftop. Each level’s walls were lined with miscellaneous texts, records, and historical astronomical classics, though the ground floor uniquely housed a pond of carp, two yellow dogs, several cats, and even various species of songbirds.
Officials moved about the hall, some engrossed in studying texts, others tinkering with aged instruments. Remarkably, none noticed his entrance.
Xie Chengze wandered around, occasionally peering over shoulders, and found their research surprisingly intriguing. One official, attempting to replicate an astronomical instrument, was even delving into mathematics, currently stumped by a geometry problem in a book.
Standing behind him for a moment, Xie Chengze pointed at the troublesome question. “Let me teach you.”
“You know how?” the man replied, turning around, but his initial delight froze upon seeing Xie Chengze in red robes.
It was widely known that no outsiders were allowed in the Directorate of Celestial Observation. Any unfamiliar face would either be the Emperor or a prince.
And the one who wore red could only be the Second Prince.
But how could the Second Prince possibly be here?!
Guo Tianheng, now the Jiantian Si Tidain, last remembered seeing the Second Prince on the day Consort Hua passed away.
On that snow-heavy night, the Second Prince had climbed the hundred-step celestial staircase alone, his eyes red-rimmed, asking Guo Tianheng, then the Chief Astronomer, “Sir, am I truly the Star of Fortune? Please look again, am I really the Star of Fortune?”
But the stars were obscured by thick clouds and heavy snow, leaving him unable to provide an answer. He could only soothe, “Your Highness, of course you are the Star of Fortune. There is no mistake.”
“Birth, aging, illness, and death are the natural course of life. Your Highness must not grieve excessively.”
That day, the Second Prince had erupted in fury, smashing numerous astronomical instruments and tearing apart many classics in a fit of rage, screaming that the Directorate was full of deceivers.
He never returned after that.
Now his sudden appearance… could he be here to wreck the hall again?!
Should he first divert the Second Prince’s attention or order the officials to protect the texts and instruments?!
Seeing Guo Tianheng’s panicked and fearful expression, Xie Chengze couldn’t help but stroke his chin, puzzled. “My dear minister, are you… afraid of me?”
Guo Tianheng quickly shook his head, forcing a faint smile. “What brings the Second Prince to the Directorate of Celestial Observation so unexpectedly?”
Xie Chengze: “Oh, just strolling around, and incidentally asking about something.”
At the mention of “asking about something,” Guo Tianheng’s head instantly throbbed more intensely. “Your Highness, perhaps we could move to the side hall…”
“Ah, no need for such trouble.” Xie Chengze patted his shoulder quite amiably. “This prince merely wishes to ask…”
Triggered by the familiar and dangerous keyword, Guo Tianheng swallowed hard, his hands behind his back secretly slipping components from the table into his sleeves.
“Recently, during your nocturnal celestial observations, have you detected any signs of a major snow disaster in the north?” Xie Chengze asked with a smile.
“Oh?” The hand sneaking components paused slightly. Guo Tianheng looked at Xie Chengze, somewhat perplexed. “Why does Your Highness say that?”