T/N: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it! Here’s a holiday double update.

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[Friendly reminder: There will be intermittent light rain today. Please bring an umbrella when going out. (Rain will start in 20 minutes)]

Having regained a bit of freedom, Chu Jiubian planned to go out for a walk after breakfast and see if there was a chance to trick any palace servants into contributing some Faith Points. 

He was unsurprised to hear the System notification.

It was sweltering hot the day before, with clouds blazing red in the sky come evening, so it was normal for it to rain today. 

He glanced up at the sky.

It was usually cloudy for some time before it rained, but the weather in the Great Ning Dynasty was odd. It was obviously going to rain soon, but the sky was still clear.

This was a good thing for Chu Jiubian. It allowed him to keep up his act.

“Would the Young Master like to go for a walk?” Xiao Xiangzi asked considerately.

Chu Jiubian gave a hum, then said: “Bring an umbrella.”

Xiao Xiangzi immediately sent Xiao Jinzi to fetch an umbrella. Any hesitation would be disrespectful to this “god.”

The umbrellas prepared for the masters of each palace were exquisite, printed with elegant ink-wash landscape paintings. Perhaps because they were so delicate, they were relatively small and could only cover one person. Trying to squeeze two people under one would be a bit crowded.

Chu Jiubian told Xiao Xiangzi to take an extra oil paper umbrella.

This way, Chu Jiubian could just hold his own umbrella later rather than let Xiao Xiangzi get soaked trying to help him.

Xiao Xiangzi understood his motivations, and was deeply moved.

Their young master was really a very good person, and didn’t look down on servants like them at all.

The two of them left Yaotai Residence and walked unhurriedly toward the Imperial Gardens.

With such nice weather, all of the masters and servants in the palace would want to go there.

And where there were many people, there would be many believers.

Although Yaotai Residence was not large, its location was truly excellent, right next to Yangxin Palace. It wouldn’t be long before they reached the Imperial Gardens. This showed how favored Concubine Duan had been when Emperor Yingzong still lived.

After all, she had accompanied Yingzong and given birth to his eldest son. She was also taken under the wing of the Empress Dowager, so it was understandable that she would hold a higher status.

“Young Master,” Xiao Xiangzi said softly, “I hear that the ice is selling very well outside. The rich and powerful are scrambling to obtain it.”

Chu Jiubian maintained an aloof and noble demeanor, but upon hearing this, he couldn’t help the way his lips curved up: “Did he ask you to tell me this?”

Xiao Xiangzi let out a mischievous laugh and said: “The Young Master is correct.”

Xiao Xiangzi had risen early in the morning and went to Yangxin Palace to pay his respects to his shifu. As it happened, he ran into Lord Ning-wang, who had come to attend morning court with His Majesty.

His Lordship had told Xiao Xiangzi to inform Chu Jiubian about the ice being sold outside the palace, and said that in the future, he could tell Chu Jiubian anything he wanted to know.

What Xiao Xiangzi knew was naturally nothing major, at most some rumors or gossip. Nothing worth telling Chu Jiubian.

But because of this, Xiao Xiangzi felt that what Shui Yun and Xiao Yinzi said the night before must be correct, that their lord treated their young master as someone special!

“What else did he tell you to say?” Chu Jiubian asked.

Xiao Xiangzi said honestly, “His Lordship said that I can tell the Young Master anything he wants to know from now on.”

Chu Jiubian hadn’t expected Qin Xiao to allow him such great convenience. It seemed that the ice was selling extremely well, and was perhaps even enough to complete the dam repairs.

His guess was right.

At the morning court session, without waiting for Minister of Works Xiao Wendao to urge him again, Qin Xiao took the initiative to give the order to commence dam repairs.

Minister of Revenue Su Sheng and Xiao Wendao both agreed.

Xiao Wendao bowed and said: “Your Majesty, this official has another matter to address.”

Bai Lihong’s childish voice rang out: “What matter?”

Qin Xiao had taught him that whenever a minister addressed him as “Your Majesty” and said they had a matter to report, he should respond with a word or two.

“In regard to the dam construction in Hexi Prefecture, it would be best to send a supervisor to personally oversee it. This way, the local people will no longer dare to act arbitrarily.”

Su Sheng retreated to the side and didn’t interrupt.

Bai Lihong said: “What does Lord Ning-wang think?”

The child’s voice was crisp and tender, and such words coming from him sounded strange and discordant. But everyone was used to hearing it now, and knew that this was Qin Xiao trying to save face for the young emperor.

“Your Majesty, this official also thinks that we should find a supervisor so as to prevent certain people from becoming greedy.”

Qin Xiao lowered his eyes to look at Xiao Wendao, saying meaningfully: “I believe Minister Xiao already has a candidate in mind. Shall we hear it?”

“This official dares not speak lightly.” Xiao Wendao, as usual, put on a show of being humble.

But just as he finished speaking, Qin Xiao smiled and said: “Since you won’t say it, I will.”

Xiao Wendao’s expression froze, and the looks on the others’ faces also varied.

Su Sheng lowered his head even more to hide the smile on his lips. Could it be that Minister Xiao was just meeting Qin Xiao for the first time?

The identity Qin Xiao had given himself was that of the most notorious dandy in the capital. Although he was pretending for the benefit of others, that rich young master temperament was the real deal.

Attempting to be modest with such a person was simply digging a hole to bury yourself.

However, Su Sheng and the Xiao family were on the same page regarding who to send to supervise the construction of the dam.

They both wanted Bai Lihai to take on this task.

Su Sheng was just wondering whether he should suggest Bai Lihai and get Xiao Wendao out of trouble, when Qin Xiao spoke again: “This lord recalls that Bai Lihai is sixteen years old this year, correct? It is time for him to get involved in government affairs. It isn’t appropriate to allow him to remain by the Empress Dowager’s side, so why not have him take on this mission and gain experience?”

Xiao Wendao and Su Sheng were both somewhat taken aback.

Especially Xiao Wendao, who had originally intended to suggest Bai Lihai for this task.

With him, the Minister of Works, giving the order and the Xiao family backing him, the people below would certainly not dare to engage in corruption as they had before. Bai Lihai would definitely complete this task brilliantly.

At that time, they could find some scholars and writers to create a few poems and essays praising him, and the reputation of Jiannan-wang would be established.

It was just that he hadn’t expected Qin Xiao to take the initiative to bring it up. Wasn’t he afraid of the credit falling to Jiannan-wang?

Qin Xiao was naturally aware of their plan, and just went along with it.

It didn’t matter who got the credit. In the end, it would be counted as the emperor’s achievement.

The most important thing at the moment was to repair the dams in Hexi Prefecture.

It was a rainy year. According to reports from his subordinates, the water levels in Hexi Prefecture had been rising, and the embankments had been in disrepair for many years. If there was more heavy rain, flooding was inevitable.

At that time, the thousands of people living along the river there would not only lose their land and food, but also their lives.

The Xiao family might find ways to make things difficult for him if he sent someone else, and the money wouldn’t reach its destination.

But if Bai Lihai went, with the Xiao family’s protection, everything would go much more smoothly.

It only took Su Sheng a moment’s thought to understand Qin Xiao’s actions.

He couldn’t help but lament to himself that Lord Ning-wang should not be underestimated.

*

*

Chu Jiubian and Xiao Xiangzi walked all the way to the Imperial Gardens.

Along the way, busy palace servants were surprised to see Xiao Xiangzi holding two umbrellas on such a sunny day.

Once the two walked away, the palace servants gathered to whisper amongst themselves.

It was no secret that Chu Jiubian had predicted the rainfall before. Such a miraculous story had spread quickly, and the mystery only grew.

But because they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, most people didn’t believe it.

Now, seeing that Chu Jiubian had brought an umbrella, they cleverly guessed that it might rain again.

“How is it possible?” A servant looked up at the sky in disbelief. “The sun is shining so brightly that I fear the rain will dry up before it even falls.”

“But wasn’t the rain a few days ago like this too, coming on fast and hard?”

“Okay, stop arguing. We can just wait and see if it really rains, right?”

Chu Jiubian deliberately made an appearance in front of more people so that they would notice the umbrellas in Xiao Xiangzi’s arms.

When the rain began to fall, his points would definitely go up.

He was in a good mood, and felt even more relaxed looking at the Imperial Gardens with its clusters of flowers, rockery, and green bamboo.

It was going to rain in three minutes, so Chu Jiubian took Xiao Xianzi to a pavilion to rest. It would be awesome to appreciate the gardens in the rain later with his points rapidly increasing.

Just as he was lost in thought, Xiao Xiangzi suddenly tugged at his sleeve and whispered: “Young Master, the Empress Dowager is here.”

Chu Jiubian glanced to the front left and saw a group of people coming down a small path.

The woman in the lead was wearing a slightly dark yellow palace dress, with emeralds and pearls hanging in her hair. She looked noble and elegant, with a benign countenance.

The novel’s description of the Empress Dowager immediately flashed through Chu Jiubian’s mind: an ambitious, ruthless politician.

In her life, she sought neither men nor money – only power.

To this end, she did not hesitate to kill her half-sister and nephew, or use benefits to get her own family and brothers on her hook.

What little affection and love she possessed was all given to Bai Lihai, whom she had raised with her own hands.

Chu Jiubian stood up for the sake of politeness and waited for the group to approach.

Matron Liu, supporting Xiao Ruohan’s arm, entered the pavilion. When she saw Chu Jiubian standing tall, she couldn’t help but scold: “Audacious commoner, how dare you not bow down to the Empress Dowager!”

Xiao Ruohan’s benevolent gaze fell upon Chu Jiubian, and she looked him up and down.

The young man stood with his hands behind his back, exuding a cool and aloof air. His light-hued eyes were seemingly devoid of emotion.

Xiao Ruohan had previously wondered what such an extraordinary person would look like, having only heard that he was very good-looking.

Seeing him now, he truly possessed a divine appearance.

Xiao Xiangzi raised his eyes to glare at Matron Liu, thinking to himself, Even our Lord and His Majesty have never made the Young Master kneel. Who do you think you are?

This was the first time Matron Liu had seen anyone show such disrespect to Xiao Ruohan. Even Qin Xiao had to bow and say “Greetings, Empress Dowager” when they met.

She started to say more, but Xiao Ruohan interrupted her: “It’s alright, young people have their own way of doing things. If he doesn’t want to kneel, then he shouldn’t kneel.”

She sat down on the stone bench and assumed the role of a host, smiling at Chu Jiubian: “Please sit.”

This person had clearly come here for him, and since Chu Jiubian wanted to know what she was up to, he sat.

Xiao Ruohan smiled at the sight of the two umbrellas on the table and asked: “Will it rain today?”

“En.” Chu Jiubian adopted a mysterious and inscrutable demeanor, his attitude as cool as could be.

“I’ve heard that Jiu-gongzi is able to predict the timing of rain. I wonder if I might have the honor of witnessing it today?”

The Empress Dowager’s entourage was quite large; even when she went out for a casual stroll, she was followed by more than twenty palace servants.

At present, those twenty-odd people were standing nearby and could hear what those in the pavilion were saying.

In Chu Jiubian’s eyes, that was a whopping ten to twenty Faith Points.

And why not take advantage of this opportunity to show off?

The System message stated that it would rain in about thirty seconds.

Chu Jiubian glanced at the young eunuch beside him and said: “Xiao Xiangzi, count to thirty.”

Xiao Xiangzi guessed that his young master was predicting the rainfall, and his heart pounded like a drum.

He had only ever seen the blocks of ice the young master had made before, and this was his first time witnessing one of his rainfall predictions.

Most importantly, the young master was involving him in the process!

Xiao Xiangzi was so excited that he couldn’t contain himself, and his voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

At this moment, the Imperial Gardens fell completely silent. Everyone reflexively held their breath, and all that could be heard was Xiao Xiangzi’s shaky countdown.

As the countdown reached ten, the sky gradually darkened.

When it reached twenty, lightning flashed across the sky, trailed by thunder.

Then the countdown reached thirty, and a light drizzle began to fall.

Silence.

Chu Jiubian watched his Faith Value skyrocket and almost couldn’t hold back his laughter.

He had recovered the 50 or so points he’d spent last night, and his total points once again exceeded 100, with his accumulated points reaching over 180.

With just over ten more points, he could recruit another Believer!

Inside the pavilion, Xiao Xiangzi stared in awe at the steady drizzle, the pounding of his heart unabated.

He felt that no one would be able to understand how he was feeling at that moment.

As he was counting down, the sky had darkened and the rain had begun to fall, as if he was the one controlling it.

He would never forget this feeling!

And the shock in the hearts of the others was no less than his.

Matron Liu couldn’t suppress the fright in her eyes, and Xiao Ruohan’s face was much paler than before. She clenched her hands tightly to just barely calm herself down.

“Jiu-gongzi’s skills are truly remarkable.” Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Chu Jiubian met her gaze and saw the burgeoning ambition and greed in her eyes.

She wanted him.

This wasn’t strange at all. She simply wanted Chu Jiubian as an ally to help her gain greater power and status.

At this moment, Chu Jiubian finally understood.

There must be quite a few people like her.

And they probably all wanted this “god” to themselves.

Xiao Ruohan forced herself to relax, and said gently: “The young master has been confined to the palace for several days now, and I imagine he must feel rather stifled. If you are willing, I can speak with Ning-wang and ask him to let you out to see the world.”

Chu Jiubian said mildly: “He won’t listen to you.”

“No need to worry, Young Master. Just give the nod, and I will help you.” Xiao Ruohan’s eyes gleamed with a sharp light. “The Yanmen Qiu family will be holding an auction in the evening the day after next. I participated once before I married, and it was incredibly lively. I’m certain that you will also find it entertaining, Young Master.”

*

*

As the Empress Dowager’s entourage slowly receded into the distance, Chu Jiubian’s eyes darkened slightly.

The day after tomorrow…..wasn’t that the day Qin Xiao had agreed to take him out of the palace?

Judging from Xiao Ruohan’s words, the auction must be a grand and solemn affair which nearly all of the powerful and influential people would attend, including the four great families.

If Chu Jiubian, the renowned “Jiu-gongzi” of the capital were to make an appearance, these people would surely flock to him.

And judging from Xiao Ruohan’s attitude toward him today, Chu Jiubian knew that there was nobody in the capital who didn’t wish to get on his good side; he was now an absolute hot commodity.

But because he had been imprisoned inside the palace by Qin Xiao, those outside were unable to contact him and could only attempt to get him out.

Qin Xiao must already know this, and even guessed that these people would use the auction to incite Chu Jiubian to leave the palace. So he had decided to play the good guy and personally take Chu Jiubian out.

That way, he could both curry favor with Chu Jiubian and see what benefits those outside would use to tempt him, while also probing their backgrounds.

This was killing two birds with one stone.

Chu Jiubian felt like he was being used again.

He was annoyed. Truly, incredibly annoyed.

Xiao Xiangzi had just realized that the Empress Dowager wanted to sow discord between Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao. Seeing that the expression on Chu Jiubian’s face wasn’t good, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

The young master wouldn’t have a fight with their lord because of this, would he?

He was just wondering whether he should try to persuade him when he heard Chu Jiubian say: “Xiao Xiangzi.”

“This servant is here.”

“Let’s go fetch Qin Xiao after court.” Chu Jiubian picked up an umbrella, opened it, and stepped out into the rain.

Xiao Xiangzi quickly opened his own umbrella and followed, a huge weight lifting from his heart.

It seemed that the young master wasn’t angry. On the contrary, he was worried that their lord hadn’t brought an umbrella and wanted to go and personally pick him up.

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Chapter 14 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 16