Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 225 The Mysterious Woman of Destiny!

Jiang Xingzhou bowed slightly, his words humble and composed: "Your Majesty's kindness is too much for me to bear."

The sacred realm is vast and distant; though one may only take a half-step, it is still as if separated by a thousand mountains. Even if one exhausts one's entire life's efforts, one may not be able to even glimpse its entrance.

"I am fortunate enough to have become a great Confucian scholar in my lifetime; I dare not presume to aspire to the position of a sage!"

The Empress's eyes flickered, and she asked with a smile, "Then, in Jiang Lang's opinion, how can we find any clues about the descent of this sage?"

Jiang Xingzhou pondered for a moment, then finally smiled and shook his head: "It is the will of Heaven, and cannot be forced by human power. When the opportunity arrives, the Sage will come riding on the clouds and appear before Your Majesty."

"That's very true,"

The Empress gently stroked the edge of her sleeve and nodded in approval, "If a literary sage truly were to descend upon the world, he would surely make a name for himself in the imperial examinations in fifteen years."

An hour later, the recitation of "Heavenly Questions" was completed.

Jiang Xingzhou closed the book and chatted with the Empress for a while longer. Seeing that the Empress seemed a little tired and closed her eyes to rest, he straightened his clothes and bowed, saying, "Your humble servant takes his leave."

He then lowered his eyes and gracefully withdrew from the Imperial Garden, leaving only a wisp of ink fragrance lingering in the deep palace.

As a fourth-rank Hanlin Academician, his duties were quite simple and straightforward.

Normally, he did not need to deal with complicated court affairs. Every few days, he would enter the palace to accompany the Empress, reading classics and explaining principles to her.

When the Empress listened to the storyteller, she would often ask questions at random, ranging from astronomy and astrology to border defense and food supplies. Her questions were seemingly unrelated, but in fact, they were all subtly connected to the major military and political affairs that were still unresolved in the court.

However, this seemingly prestigious position actually serves as an "advisor" to some extent.

He was often required to wait for summons in the inner palace, responding to the emperor's inquiries at any time, regardless of the time of day.

Sometimes, late at night, he would be summoned to his bedchamber for a "night audience" in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The candlelight flickered red, and the imperial tea steamed. Although the atmosphere was more relaxed than during the day, the conversation was all the more important.

When the Empress was occasionally perplexed about state affairs, he would often enlighten her by drawing on a wide range of sources and analyzing the pros and cons, leading to a decisive decision at the court meeting the following day.

Therefore, although the Hanlin Academy Reader did not participate in specific administrative affairs, he was in fact a trusted advisor close to the emperor.

Historically, they were the preferred candidates for prime ministers who had not yet entered the cabinet but were already involved in important matters, and it was also the fastest way to be promoted to Grand Secretary of the Hall of Fame.

In addition, this fourth-rank Hanlin Academician was often appointed by imperial decree to preside over the local civil service examinations in the ten circuits of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Once he leaves the capital, he will act as the emperor's inspector of education and culture, serving as the same educational administrator as the emperor of the region. Even local officials must show him great respect.

In the Imperial Garden of the palace, clear water reflects the vermilion railings, and a gentle breeze stirs the brocade curtains.

Empress Wu Mingyue sat alone in the pavilion, her eyes slightly closed, as if in deep thought or resting her mind.

The imperial lady-in-waiting, Nangong Wan'er, stood quietly to one side, her delicate hands gently stirring the tea. The stove glowed faintly red, and steam rose in the air.

Ten feet away, the eunuchs and palace servants bowed their heads and held their breath, like still objects in a painting, not daring to disturb the emperor's countenance in the pavilion.

After a long silence, Empress Xu opened her eyes and suddenly asked, "Wan'er, in your opinion, in the next hundred years, will there be anyone in the world who can surpass Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar of this imperial examination?"

Nangong Wan'er paused slightly in her hand holding the teapot, pondered for a moment, and then answered softly: "Six times in the imperial examinations, ten times in the national examinations, and two works that have been passed down throughout the world, enough to shake the past and the present... Such literary fortune is unprecedented, not to mention that it has not been seen in the past thousand years, even in the next thousand years, it is probably difficult to find another like it."

In the past, Grand Secretary Chen Shaoqing achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination, winning first place in all three levels. His essay was so powerful that it resonated throughout the country, and he was hailed as a genius of the century.

Jiang Zhuangyuan's talent is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.

The Empress tapped the stone table lightly with her fingertips and asked again, "If a literary sage were to be sent down from heaven, could he surpass him?"

Upon hearing this, Nangong Wan'er smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, even if a sage were to descend to earth, I'm afraid this would be the best he could achieve. Jiang Zhuangyuan's accomplishments are like the bright moon in the sky. I... can hardly imagine that there is anyone who can surpass him."

"So that's how it is,"

The Empress's gaze deepened, as if she had realized something. "Jiang Lang is probably the fulfillment of Grand Tutor Yuan's prophecy, 'Heaven will grant him fifteen years, and a sage will be born in the southeast.'"

However, the Grand Tutor miscalculated—it was not a 'birth' but a 'manifestation' of his divine power in the southeast.

A single word can lead to a world of difference!

With this change, everything makes sense.

She sighed softly, a sigh that was both a sigh and a praise: "No wonder I and the various noble families searched all over the southeast, desperately seeking the infant saint, but to no avail."

The sage had already appeared, standing majestically atop the jade steps and crimson terrace, yet none of the court officials recognized him.

After speaking, she turned to Nangong Wan'er, her expression calm yet unquestionable: "Wan'er, you should visit the Jiang residence often in the future."

"No matter how small the matter, you may report it!"

Nangong Wan'er's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately lowered her head: "Your subject obeys the decree."

Inside the study of the Jiang residence, the candlelight flickered gently.

Jiang Xingzhou sat cross-legged with his eyes closed on a futon. A black bird egg with dark patterns rested securely in his lap, its shell shimmering with a faint light, hinting at the pulse of life within.

His talent surged forth as if it were a tangible force, its azure light shimmering like smoke and mist, enveloping both him and the egg.

The aura was rich and powerful, gentle as spring water, circulating continuously and slowly entering the eggshell.

Within just three days, he received a series of inspirations at the Confucian Temple of the Great Zhou Dynasty, first breaking through to the rank of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and then being promoted to the rank of Hanlin Academician.

Now, a clear and bright scholar's bone structure has been formed within him, like a pillar supporting the sky, indestructible, supporting his magnificent literary aura.

Furthermore, a vast literary vein arises from within the Dantian literary palace, flowing like a galaxy, connecting the limbs and bones, allowing the talent and energy throughout the body to surge and circulate freely without any stagnation.

Now, as the top scholar in the imperial examinations, a feat unseen in a millennium, and holding the official rank of fourth-grade Hanlin Academician, his talent is as vast as the sea, already overflowing and flowing endlessly.

That boundless talent seemed to have found a new home, flowing endlessly into the Heavenly Bird Egg in his arms, nurturing the boundless vitality contained within.

Moreover, the overwhelming talent permeated the entire residence of the top scholar, remaining concentrated and undiminished.

The abundance of talent within the mansion was almost tangible, transforming into hazy, blue morning dew, hanging from the beams and adorning the tips of leaves.

The plants, flowers, and fruits within the Zhuangyuan Mansion were almost all rapidly condensing into literary talent.

Even Qingfei, the maid who served on the side of the main house, benefited greatly from this.

She was immersed in this endless talent every day, and even without deliberate cultivation, she felt clear-headed, light-footed, and her cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds.

As the wife of the top scholar, Xue Lingqi received even greater rewards.

She was not only officially conferred the title of Lady of Virtue, a fourth-rank imperial consort, by the imperial court, but also received a reward for her talent, being granted the literary rank of "equivalent to Jinshi" and directly promoted to Jinshi, gaining honor and brilliance.

"Click——"

Jiang Xingzhou heard a crisp cracking sound from his arms, and the black bird's eggshell broke open.

A fledgling bird poked its head out from among them, its wet feathers sticky, its eyes bright.

It raised its head and cried softly; though its voice was still young, it seemed to evoke ancient, mysterious sounds that lingered between the beams.

"The Heavenly Mandate of the Black Bird descended and gave birth to the Shang Dynasty, settling in the vast land of Yin. The ancient Emperor commanded Wu Tang to govern the four directions..."

Accompanied by a cry, its originally moist and soft wings quickly unfolded, revealing a faint, mysterious light. Ancient and enigmatic patterns emerged from the depths of its wings, like seal script or engraving, subtly displaying a magnificent aura.

The newly hatched black bird was still somewhat bewildered. It lowered its head and gently pecked at the remaining eggshells before nestling in Jiang Xingzhou's arms, looking around timidly with clear and curious eyes.

A knowing smile appeared in Jiang Xingzhou's eyes. He gently stroked the top of its downy head with his fingertips and said softly, "It really is a little black bird."

To be precise, this is not a rebirth, but a resurrection.

The Celestial Bird, like the legendary fire phoenix, possesses an indestructible body. When it faced "death" last time, it quietly transformed into a black egg, falling into a long period of silence, waiting for the opportunity to revive in the silent years.

Until it was discovered in the ancient ruins of the Yin and Shang dynasties and taken to a mirage ship for sale. Even if an ordinary person obtained this egg, without enough destiny, luck, or talent, they would be powerless to awaken it from its egg.

Jiang Xingzhou nurtured it with his boundless talent and warmth, thus reawakening it from its ancient slumber.

But I wonder if it still retains any memories of its past life?

"Hey, it's out!"

Xue Lingqi's eyes sparkled, and she exclaimed softly. She carefully picked up the newborn black bird with both hands, her movements as gentle as plucking a flower.

Qingfu had already prepared many spiritual items—precious herbs imbued with talent, rare fruits that glowed and shone, and refreshing morning dew—and presented them one by one before the table.

The little black bird seemed to have been thirsty for a long time. It lowered its head and hurriedly pecked at the spiritual dew, then picked up a spiritual fruit and swallowed it lightly. The mysterious light around its body also flickered and flowed, as if in response.

Nourished by abundant talent and nurtured by spiritual beings, three days have passed in the blink of an eye.

The little black bird grows taller with the wind, and now it is more than half a zhang long, showing the beginnings of a divine and majestic appearance.

Its wings gradually grew fuller, covered with a layer of dazzling golden feathers. In the shimmering light, it bore a striking resemblance to the legendary fledgling phoenix.

Its neck is long and slender, its posture is noble and proud, and every feather seems to be born bathed in the sunlight, making it incomparably beautiful.

The black bird is a symbol of destiny, representing gestation and creation;

The phoenix is ​​an auspicious omen, symbolizing virtuous governance and a prosperous era—although they may look similar, their divine nature is ultimately different, and each has its own destiny.

Jiang Xingzhou stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, watching the black bird gracefully spread its wings, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

At this rate, it will probably be fully developed in less than half a month, and will once again display the splendor of the ancient black bird soaring through the sky.

half a month later.

Jiang Xingzhou was reading quietly in his study when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

Chun Tao rushed in with a beaming smile, her voice brimming with excitement: "Young Master, the little black bird has begun to transform!"

"Let's go and have a look!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xingzhou was startled and immediately put down the book in his hand, hurrying towards the bedroom.

Upon arriving at the door, they found Xue Lingqi already inside, with Qingfei and several experienced old maids assisting her in an orderly manner.

The maids carried basins of hot water back and forth, and a clear yet unfamiliar moaning sound could be faintly heard from inside the room.

Jiang Xingzhou was about to push open the door and enter.

Chun Tao gently tugged at his sleeve, her face slightly flushed, and whispered, "Young Master, the little black bird's transformation... is like a ten-month pregnancy; this is a crucial moment in its metamorphosis."

She has transformed into human form, her clothes are disheveled... You should wait outside until she has successfully transformed before going in to visit her.

"Ok."

Jiang Xingzhou was taken aback upon hearing this, and could only suppress his emotions and wait quietly outside the door.

The transformation of the Black Bird into human form is the process of shedding its feathers and transforming into human form—a path that most demon races in the Eastern Continent must take.

Only by undergoing this transformation can one be reluctantly accepted by the human race, the rulers of this land.

Whether the demon race can integrate into the human race has always been a controversial issue.

If it weren't for powerful clans that have a long-standing tradition of keeping demon servants, it's likely that even if demons took human form, they wouldn't be accepted.

If one insists on cultivating the true form of a demon, one will be at odds with the human race and will find it extremely difficult to survive in this world. Let alone survive in Luoyang, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

After a long time.

The painful groans inside the room gradually subsided.

The maids and nannies seemed to be wiping her body and grooming her.

for a long time,

"My husband has arrived! The Black Bird has completed its metamorphosis."

Xue Lingqi had just opened the door and was smiling.

Behind her, Qingfei was helping a beautiful girl with a pale face and wet hair out of the house.

Her neck was long and slender, and her beauty was like that of a fairy. A dot of vermilion between her brows made her even more stunning.

"Black Bird greets its master!"

Upon seeing Jiang Xingzhou, she bowed deeply to greet her master, her voice slightly hoarse and shy.

She seemed to have no memory of her past life and was quite unfamiliar with everything about the human race.

Jiang Xingzhou nodded with a smile and said gently, "The name 'Xuan Niao' is a bit too crude. From now on, you shall be called 'Xuan Nu'. You just transformed and were quite exhausted. You are still weak. Go back to your room and rest well. You can come to pay your respects again tomorrow."

Xuan Nu's eyes flickered slightly. She curtsied again, her voice soft yet tinged with delight: "Xuan Nu thanks her master."

Jiang Xingzhou stopped disturbing Xuan Nu's rest and left with Xue Lingqi, entrusting Qing Fei to stay and take care of her.

Qingfei carefully helped Xuannu back to her room and said softly with a smile, "Sister Xuannu, from now on, there will be another sister to accompany you in this scholar's mansion."

Xuan Nu, still somewhat inexperienced, said in a low voice, "Thank you, Sister Qing Fei. I hope you will continue to guide and instruct me in the future."

"Sister Xuan Nu, you are much luckier than me!"

Qingfei gently held her hand, her eyes smiling, yet a trace of memory flashed across them. "Back then, I took human form in the deep mountains of Wuling, hiding alone in the tiger and bear cave, with no one to rely on."

Fortunately, not long after, my master and his party went on a training expedition, and I was able to accompany them.

"If it weren't for this, I would probably still be a wild demon in the desolate mountains, living a precarious life, barely able to make ends meet."

"I don't know when my life will be taken by these so-called 'guardians of morality'..."

Qingfei's tone held a hint of envy as she softly said, "Being able to follow my master in cultivation is already the greatest fortune of my life..."

My sister Xuan Nu was fortunate enough to meet her master as soon as she took human form, and she never had to experience the lonely and helpless days in the deep mountains, living a life of uncertainty. She is much luckier than me.

Our host treated us extremely well, and he was highly praised by his fellow villagers and old friends.

He is so young, yet he is already a Hanlin Academician; he may very well become a sage someday. On that day, perhaps both you and I will be able to…”

Upon hearing this, Xuan Nu simply hummed in response, her cheeks flushing slightly, and lowered her head.

Jiang Xingzhou and Xue Lingqi walked side by side to the back garden of the top scholar's mansion. The garden was full of blooming flowers, a tapestry of beauty, and the colors of spring were in full bloom.

This five-courtyard mansion was originally a duke's residence next to Tianjie Street. It was later reclaimed by the imperial court and carefully rebuilt into the residence of the top scholar. Despite the renovation, the former grandeur can still be seen everywhere, with vermilion railings and jade steps, and flying eaves, exuding a subtle luxury.

The two walked to the foot of a sturdy ancient tree and sat together on a hanging swing. A gentle breeze rustled the flowers and leaves, and the swing swayed slightly, creating a unique and charming atmosphere in the tranquility.

Xue Lingqi nestled gently in Jiang Xingzhou's arms, smiling as she whispered, "Husband...shouldn't you consider taking a few concubines?"

Jiang Xingzhou chuckled, pulled her arms closer, and said gently, "I have Lingqi as my wife, and that's enough for me in this life. Why would I need a concubine?"

"That won't do,"

Xue Lingqi gave a light snort and tapped his chest with her fingertip, "You are now a top scholar in the imperial examination, and in the future you will be appointed as a prime minister and a grand secretary in the imperial academy."

Even if he had many wives and concubines, others would at most say he was dashing and debonair, nothing more.

But if I don't even have a few concubines, wouldn't outsiders say that I, Xue Lingqi, am jealous and lack a sense of propriety?
Besides, there are many younger sisters in the household, and since they don't have any official status, people will gossip!

(End of this chapter)