Inheriting a Taoist temple, the story begins with Wu Zetian offering incense.

Chapter 17 Once upon a time, there was a beautiful woman named Gongsun, whose sword dance moved all four directions! [Seeking monthly votes]

Upon confirming that the female swordsman before him was indeed Gongsun Da Niang, Zhou Yi couldn't help but jokingly remark to himself:
"Du Fu, your white moonlight has fallen into my hands!"

Gongsun Da Niang was a famous dancer during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty. She was skilled in sword dancing and was famous throughout the land. After Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji heard of her great reputation, he quickly recruited her into the royal dance troupe as an instructor. She can be called the number one female internet celebrity of the Tang Dynasty.

During the Kaiyuan era, cultural figures were as numerous as stars in the sky. Li Bai, Du Fu, Gao Shi, Wang Wei, Huaisu, Wu Daozi... these great figures who shook the world were all fans of Gongsun Da Niang in that era.

The poet Du Fu watched Gongsun Da Niang perform a sword dance once when he was four years old in Yancheng. He talked about it for the rest of his life, especially in his later years, when he lived by recalling Gongsun Da Niang's sword dance.

Huaisu, the Sage of Calligraphy, was always just one step away from mastering the art of calligraphy until he watched Gongsun Da Niang's dance, which allowed him to grasp the true essence of cursive script and achieve the title of Sage of Calligraphy.

The painting master Wu Daozi further developed a new way of brushwork based on Gongsun Da Niang's dance posture, thus establishing his status as a painting master.

The saying "one dance made three saints" refers to the influence that Gongsun Da Niang had on Du Fu, Huai Su, and Wu Daozi.

Throughout the Kaiyuan era, from Emperor Li Longji to ordinary people, singers, and actors, everyone was incredibly enthusiastic about Gongsun Da Niang. Wherever she performed, the streets were packed with people.

Zhou Yi asked curiously:
"Now that you've come to Hunyuan Palace, why don't you come out and say hello?"

Gongsun Da Niang clutched the hem of her dress, her expression somewhat unnatural:

"This servant...this servant thought the Taoist priest was a demon, and was afraid that if I showed myself, you would eat me."

So you're just stealing my leftovers, huh...? Zhou Yi noticed the staining on her chest was getting bigger and bigger, and tentatively asked:

"Did you take the dragon fruit from the God of Wealth Temple?"

Upon hearing this, Granny Gongsun realized what was happening, reached into her bosom, and pulled out some broken dragon fruit:

"Oh dear, I can't eat this... This fruit is so delicious, I can't bear to eat it."

The Book of Changes says:

"Come on, I'll help you change your clothes and teach you how to use the shower."

To everyone's surprise, Granny Gongsun waved her hand with practiced ease:

"I know how to use it. I've secretly used it several times while you were away. That shower gel... it's called shower gel, right? It makes my whole body feel so fragrant and smooth after using it. It's so comfortable."

The Book of Changes: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Good grief, you're trying to take the initiative with me, aren't you?

Gongsun Da Niang put the sword back in its sheath, held it in her arms, and followed Zhou Yi away from Xiao Penglai.

On the way, she secretly examined the Book of Changes several times, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Ask whatever you want. Do you think I'd sell you out here?"

Gongsun Da Niang looked around before lowering her voice and asking softly:

"Taoist Master, was the Wu Meiniang who came here a couple of days ago Her Majesty the Great Sage Empress Wu Zetian?"

The title of "Empress" is so childish... Zhou Yi nodded:
"It's her. Since you know that, why don't you come out and say hello?"

Gongsun Da Niang looked astonished:

"She passed away when I was a child, so why... why has she become so young again?"

In childhood?
The Book of Changes asks:

What year is it under where you are now?

"In the second year of the Xiantian era, a new emperor was appointed last year, and a general amnesty was granted. However, military preparedness has become strained again this year, and the state has not issued travel permits to Chang'an for a long time."

Second year of innate constitution?

Zhou Yi took out his phone and scrolled through it before realizing that this was the second year of Li Longji's reign, a period that was indeed very turbulent.

Princess Taiping wanted to emulate Empress Wu Zetian by launching a coup and becoming empress herself. Her nephew, Li Longji, however, emulated his great-grandfather Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident, striking first and swiftly eliminating Princess Taiping's supporters. In the end, he ordered the execution of his aunt, completed the reorganization of the court, and changed the era name to Kaiyuan at the end of the year...

In other words, this year is not only the second year of the Xiantian era, but also the first year of the Kaiyuan era.

The historically renowned Kaiyuan era of prosperity is about to begin!

What month is it where you are?

"May."

Princess Taiping's coup broke out in July. Now both sides are probably secretly contacting their respective trusted forces. The situation in Chang'an is turbulent, so it's best to stay away.

Having learned about these major events, Zhou Yi shifted the topic to Granny Gongsun:

How old are you this year?

"Sixteen." "Sixteen... Du Fu met you in the third year of the Kaiyuan era, which is the year after next. You were eighteen years old then, the best years of your life. No wonder he wrote in his poem, 'Once there was a beautiful woman named Gongsun, whose sword dance moved all four directions.'"

Grandma Gongsun's eyes widened in surprise:

Is this a compliment to me?

Zhou Yi nodded:

“You were very famous during the Kaiyuan era. Many literati, scholars, and nobles were your admirers. However, the one who remembered you the most was the great poet Du Fu. If it weren’t for his poems commemorating you, people of our generation would have no idea who Gongsun Da Niang was.”

As they entered the courtyard, Granny Gongsun pointed to the motorcycle and said:
"That mount was so comfortable to ride. I even secretly started it, but I didn't dare to drive it, afraid of breaking it and you finding out."

The Book of Changes asks:

"You'll launch it again?"

"Just turn the key and press the red button. I've peeked at it several times when you start it, so I've already learned how."

Zhou Yi pointed to the kitchen:
"Can you use the rice cooker, electric griddle, and gas stove inside too?"

"I don't quite understand. I didn't dare get too close when you were doing it, but the things in that cabinet are so delicious, so cold and refreshing. I secretly ate several of them."

Zhou Yi was stunned for a moment before he realized that the woman who was referring to the leftover food thief must have been talking about the refrigerator.

After receiving the money from the statue, he bought a whole box of popsicles in town and put them in the freezer, intending to have one to cool off when he was tired from carrying bricks. Unexpectedly, before he could even taste it, she ate it first.

Entering the room, Zhou Yi opened the wardrobe and took out a light green robe and an undergarment, handing them to Granny Gongsun.

"These clothes were bought from a Hanfu shop in town. They didn't have women's Daoist robes, so I had to use a Zhiduo instead. Go take a shower, and remember to put the clothes in the washing machine. After washing, hang them up to dry so you can wear them tomorrow."

"This dress is indeed beautiful. I wanted to try it on as soon as you brought it back."

Zhouyi: "..."

I have no secrets from you anymore, right?
If you have the money, you should install a surveillance system at Hunyuan Palace to prevent anyone from sneaking in without your knowledge.

Lady Gongsun put down the sword from her bosom and said charmingly:
"Master, please don't touch my sword. If it becomes rusty, I won't be able to explain myself when I get back..."

Zhou Yi was numb. He didn't know how long this incredibly beautiful female thief had been hiding. Hunyuan Palace held no secrets for her whatsoever.

He waved his hand and said irritably:
"Go take your shower. I have a sword in my closet that's much prettier than yours."

The sword he was referring to was a Tai Chi sword left by his grandfather.

Once, after drinking too much, the old man boasted that the sword could slay dragons and told Zhou Yi to keep it safe. But Zhou Yi didn't take it seriously... There are no dragons in this world. Slaying dragons is more like slaying a long worm.

Gongsun Da Niang picked up the clothes and gave Zhou Yi a deep bow:
"I have eaten so much food from you, Master, and I have no way to repay you. Let me show you the [General Pei's Full House Stance] that I have just mastered when I have a moment, as payment for the meal."

Zhou Yi didn't understand what "General Pei's imposing presence" meant, so he waved his hand and said:
"I'm too tired today, let's talk about it tomorrow."

After Gongsun Da Niang left, Zhou Yi picked up the black notebook and began searching page by page for the new female swordsman.

After flipping through the pages from beginning to end, I finally discovered that some text had flashed by on the last page.

He silently recited the meditation mantra three times, then stared at the blank page again, and lines of text finally appeared:

[Visitor's Name: Granny Gongsun]

[Time of Appearance: Early summer of the year Yi Si]

[Timeline: Year 2 of the Xiantian Era (713 AD)]

[Household Registration Exchange Progress: 5/361]

Merit: None

[Special Note: For every day and night a pilgrim stays at Hunyuan Palace, the total number of days for exchanging household registration will automatically decrease by one.]

There's even a bonus for exchanging household registration! The Leftover Thief has turned misfortune into good fortune!
With a sense of reflection, Zhou Yi also secretly reminded himself that he should check his notebook regularly every day from now on, so that such a thing as historical figures hiding in Hunyuan Palace would never happen again.

"Last time I complained that Xiaopenglai was like a dance studio, and then a famous dancer who has made history came... It is said that Xi Shi was also good at singing and dancing. I wonder if she can come."

Zhou Yi was lost in thought when he noticed a change on the first page, just as he was about to close the notebook.

After examining it carefully, he realized that his merits had decreased:
[Merit Donation: Two Coins]

----------

The second update is here! Please vote, add to your favorites, and keep reading!

(End of this chapter)