I'm just an ornamental fish in the water.
Chapter 8 The Emperor Sacrifices to the Luo River
Huandanfang specializes in sacrificial items, offering everything from ritual offerings to cinnabar and yellow paper.
"Oh dear, my lord, I'm so sorry."
The shop owner, a portly man in his fifties, bowed to Jiang Li and apologized, saying, "With the abdication of the emperor and the change of dynasties, numerous sacrifices are required. All the goods in my shop have been purchased by the palace, and we are currently in dire need of supplies."
"In that case, please estimate a time, and I will come back then."
Although Jiang Li was somewhat disappointed, she had no other choice but to make the reservation first.
"In about two months, we will be able to provide everything my lord needs."
The shop owner estimated the amount and then apologetically saw Jiang Li out.
Jiang Li had no intention of going to other shops. Since it concerned a major matter of cultivation, she could use the best quality products instead of the inferior ones.
There's no urgent need right now, so we can wait a while.
After leaving Huandanfang, Jiang Li calculated the time. If he had to wait for all the purchased goods to be delivered, it would take another hour or two. He wasn't in a hurry, so he thought he would find a canteen to eat something.
As they were walking, two knights suddenly appeared in front of them, followed by a man dressed as an official.
The three of them arrived at the market archway and dismounted.
Two knights were posting something on the notice board on the archway, while the civil official looked at the gathering crowd.
"Gentlemen! The Emperor has abdicated, and the dynasty has changed. From this day forward, we are all subjects of Wei. The Emperor has ascended the throne at the Altar of the State, changed the name of the country to Wei, changed the era name to Huangchu, and established Luoyang as the capital!"
"All areas under the jurisdiction of Luoyang will be exempt from taxes for three years, to demonstrate the Emperor's boundless grace!"
The people were overjoyed when they heard this, especially when they heard the last sentence. Some elderly people who had experienced war were particularly moved.
"The new emperor is good; he has at least given us some benefits."
"With three years of tax exemption, the family can always save some food."
The others also began to look forward to the next three years.
Jiang Li stood in the crowd, listening quietly.
Even after four hundred years of the Han Dynasty, it was nothing special for ordinary people.
In the imperial court, it didn't matter to the officials who they were paying homage to.
A good emperor is one who ensures good harvests, low taxes, and doesn't harm the people.
Fate, political struggles, and conflicts of interest—these are the things that scholars pay attention to, and the things they are obsessed with.
But for ordinary people, there aren't that many concerns.
"The four hundred years of the Han Dynasty have finally come to an end. Earth has replaced Fire, and the Mandate of Heaven for the Chinese land has changed."
Suddenly, someone next to Jiang Li spoke up with a sigh.
He turned his head to look.
The speaker was a man dressed in loose linen clothes, with black beard and hair, but clearly not young. He was holding a banner with the character "卦" (gua, meaning divination) written on it.
This is a fortune teller.
The fortune teller also noticed Jiang Li's gaze. He had only nodded casually at first, but his expression immediately hardened, and he subtly glanced at Jiang Li.
"Young man, if you have some free time, why not find a secluded place and listen to this old man say a few words?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li looked down at herself and realized that her identity had probably been discovered again.
He wasn't particularly surprised. This was Luoyang, one of the most important cities in China, and the capital of the imperial court.
It was a critical juncture of dynastic change, so it would be strange if there weren't any powerful cultivators wandering around the city.
"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask you to."
Jiang Li bowed respectfully, and the gentleman smiled slightly before turning and walking towards a quiet corner.
Once they reached a secluded spot, the man put down the banner, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Zhou Xuan, and I greet you, young master."
"My name is Jiang Li, and I greet you, sir."
After Jiang Lifang finished bowing, he noticed that Mr. Zhou Xuan's gaze kept lingering on his face.
"Young Master Jiang, you don't seem to be from our clan?"
Zhou Xuan asked.
"I am a disciple of the Luoshui Divine Palace, and I have only recently attained enlightenment. This is my first time venturing into the mortal realm."
Jiang Li made no attempt to hide it, openly admitting that this identity was nothing to be ashamed of in Luoyang.
There's no need to worry about being killed or exorcised for no reason.
"So you are under the command of the Goddess Luo. My apologies for my oversight."
Zhou Xuan wasn't particularly surprised by what he heard. After all, in Luoyang, any extraordinary cultivator who dared to act so openly and without any concealment must have some background.
"No, no, I wouldn't dare ask. May I ask what brings you here, sir?"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Li asked.
"The current emperor will hold a grand ceremony in the coming days."
Zhou Xuan stroked his beard, smiled, pointed in the direction of the Luo River, and said, "The one being worshipped is the Goddess of the Luo River, to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests in Luoyang."
Jiang Li was somewhat surprised, but upon further reflection, it was indeed normal.
Not to mention that Luoyang was the capital, and that farmland irrigation and daily water use all depended on the Luo River.
It's no secret that Lady Luoshui is the only one who knows her identity.
When the Wei emperor established his capital in Luoyang, he naturally had to worship the Goddess of the Luo River, and most importantly, he had to acknowledge her status as the eldest daughter of Fuxi.
Although the current emperor is abdicated and is in accordance with all the rites and laws, we must not forget that the current state of Wei is only one-third of the world.
In Western Shu, there is still a Han imperial uncle who might ascend the throne and establish the Han dynasty again.
Therefore, the Wei emperor would not let go of any way that could prove he was the legitimate ruler.
"For such an important matter, the Emperor will send someone to consult with the Grand Master of the Luoshui Divine Palace."
Jiang Li asked in confusion, "I am of lowly rank and dare not offer any advice. Why are you telling me this, sir?"
"I only ask to guide the way."
Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "To be honest, I am an envoy sent by the Emperor to pay respects to the Lady of Luoshui."
As he spoke, Zhou Xuan took out a gold token from his bosom, on which was written the character "Wei".
"I was originally a lowly sorcerer, but thanks to the Emperor's favor, I was promoted to the palace to serve as his advisor. Now that I have been given this important task, I dare not delay."
"However, the previous emperors of the Han Dynasty have not offered sacrifices to the Luo River for a long time. If we go there rashly, it would be an offense to the Goddess of the Luo River."
"Yesterday, I invited Lord Guan Lu and Lord Jianping to cast a divination together. They predicted that a red carp would emerge from the Luo River today, which is a messenger from the Luo River. That is why I have come here to meet you."
"Please introduce me."
Putting everything else aside, Jiang Li still remembered the name Guan Lu, who was later revered as the progenitor of divination.
The divination techniques of today are mostly based on physiognomy, astronomy, feng shui, and divination diagrams, which are similar to Qimen Dunjia or the Three Changes, and have not been integrated into Taoism.
Therefore, those who are skilled in divination call themselves sorcerers, not Taoists.
"In that case, I naturally have no choice but to accept. Would you please accompany me to the Luo River, sir?"
Such an important matter did not warrant any delay from Jiang Li, who immediately spoke up.
"good."
Zhou Xuan smiled and nodded, then left Luoyang City with Jiang Li, heading straight for the Luo River.
Both of them possessed cultivation, so their speed naturally far exceeded that of ordinary people. Before long, they arrived at the Luo River, which was also the time that Jiang Li had agreed upon with the group of merchants.
In this day and age, Jiang Li no longer needs to worry about someone taking the money and running away. The concept of trust is still deeply ingrained in the bones of today's merchants.
Not long after, someone's actions caused problems in all aspects of life.
"I humbly submit that the Holy Dynasty governs the world with filial piety."
After seeing the merchants off, Jiang Li looked at the Luo River before her and couldn't help but sigh.
Without stopping, he took out his travel token and shone it on the Luo River.
Before long, waves surged in the Luo River, and a team of ten river patrol envoys appeared. Upon seeing Jiang Li, they immediately beamed with joy.
"Young Master Jiang, Aunt Chi has instructed that if you return, we will handle the goods. You can go directly to the palace to find her."
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