Xianyang of the Qin became Chang'an of the Han. Developed on the foundation of the Xianyang that Xiang Yu had not completely burned, the city of Chang'an was even more majestic, with Qin and Han palaces stretching endlessly.
The Han emperors still remembered the agreement that the King of Qin was a guest of the state; within the Han palaces, there was a Qin palace specifically prepared for the King of Qin.
The Jade Maiden Shrine was located near this cluster of Qin palaces.
Even after following Qingnu to the Jade Maiden Shrine, Chunyu Tiying had not yet recovered from the shock of traveling a thousand miles in a single day.
What were the methods of the immortals?
Yesterday atop Mt. Tai in the land of Qi, today in the East and West Markets of Chang'an—it was exactly like that.
"Sigh... I suppose I finally have property in the capital!"
Observing the interior decorations of the Jade Maiden Shrine, Qingnu clicked her tongue in admiration.
The Old Scoundrel had been frightened by Qingnu and hadn't built a shrine for her himself, but he had renovated the Jade Maiden Shrine that the commoners had built spontaneously. This imposed no restrictions on Qingnu.
This shrine was established by the people, not the government.
She looked back and saw Chunyu Tiying's nervous expression, then comforted her, "Don't be afraid. Regarding your father's matter, I've already sent Hongluan to investigate! She's very capable and will have news soon. Rest here with me for a moment first."
Chunyu Tiying took a small step forward and asked, "Is this place Your Ladyship's shrine?"
"Indeed. So, just rest easy."
Qingnu nodded slightly.
She leaped onto a crossbeam, leaning against a pillar as she looked down at the commoners coming and going. She could hear every thought and prayer they had as they worshipped the Jade Maiden of the Azure Heavens.
Chunyu Tiying stood behind the curtains, feeling somewhat at a loss.
Before long, Hongluan flew back.
She landed on Qingnu's shoulder and poured out everything she had discovered in a flurry.
The snake girl had traveled too fast; the party escorting Chunyu Yi had not yet reached Chang'an.
However, that wasn't the most important part. More importantly, the current Son of Heaven, Emperor Liu Heng, was about to arrive at the Jade Maiden Shrine.
"What is he coming for?"
Qingnu found it strange.
Under Hongluan's explanation, Qingnu finally understood the situation.
Decades ago, that auspicious snow that ended the drought had caused the people of Guanzhong to believe in the Jade Maiden of the Azure Heavens. Starting with the Old Scoundrel, every Han emperor would come to the Jade Maiden Shrine to offer sacrifices every autumn, praying for auspicious snow in winter to ensure fertile land and a bountiful harvest the following year.
"A timely snow foretells a bountiful harvest. He actually cares about the commoners. Hey, do they offer meat?"
Qingnu was most concerned about this question.
Hongluan pecked Qingnu's earlobe and scolded, "Stupid snake, all you think about is eating!"
Before long, the Minister of the Household entered the Jade Maiden Shrine. Qingnu had Hongluan pull Chunyu Tiying up onto the beam to hide in the shadows, remaining undetected.
Shortly after the Minister left, another young man walked in, dressed in black imperial robes. He was the current Son of Heaven, Emperor Liu Heng.
A ceremonial procession filed in, chanting an elegiac address.
The address was filled with such excessive praise that even Qingnu, acting as a 'thief in the rafters', felt a bit embarrassed.
Qingnu clicked her tongue. "Honestly... why are they speaking such blunt truths!"
Hongluan gave a snort of disdain.
After the address was read, someone held up an exquisite official seal and announced in the tone of the Jade Maiden of the Azure Heavens: "Granted! As you wish."
Then, the seal was taken and pressed onto the sacrificial text.
Qingnu watched their performance in silence.
Once the process was complete, Liu Heng ordered everyone to leave, keeping only the Seal of the Jade Maiden with him.
Once everyone was gone, Liu Heng looked up, bowed respectfully toward the crossbeam, and whispered, "Is it Our Lady the Jade Maiden herself? I am Liu Heng. By the order of Emperor Gao, I have waited for My Lady for a long time. I wonder if we might meet today?"
Hongluan huffed twice and said, "I told you not to speak so loudly. You've been discovered!"
Qingnu, however, wasn't shy at all. She flipped down from her hiding place on the beam, dusted off her dress, and sized up the man before her, who was known as the teacher of a hundred emperors.
"My Lady!"
Liu Heng bowed to Qingnu with a slight smile.
Smile or not, Qingnu didn't think the man before her was truly kind. This was Emperor Xiaowen of Han, a man who had mastered 'thick and black' philosophy to the extreme, someone who could ruin a person while making them feel grateful.
Qingnu stared at him and asked, "Old Three Liu told you to wait for me? Don't tell me he could predict the future?"
"Emperor Gao naturally did not have such ability."
Liu Heng shook his head and explained to Qingnu, "However, Emperor Gao left a final edict, instructing us, the emperors of later generations, to return this object to My Lady."
With that, he offered the Seal of the Jade Maiden.
After Qingnu took the seal, Liu Heng let out a sigh of relief and said, "Now that the divine object has returned to its original owner, I can finally give an account to Emperor Gao."
As the Seal of the Jade Maiden touched her hand, Qingnu felt a strange flash of inspiration; the small seal seemed somewhat different.
However, now was clearly not the time for research.
Qingnu snapped her fingers, and Hongluan brought Chunyu Tiying down.
"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty!"
Chunyu Tiying performed a grand kowtow to Liu Heng.
Under Liu Heng's surprised gaze, Chunyu Tiying told him about Chunyu Yi.
Since the girl had been brought personally by Qingnu, Liu Heng naturally wouldn't refuse her request!
He stepped forward quickly to help her up and comforted her, "I understand. Once your father arrives in Chang'an, I will order a thorough investigation!"
Chunyu Tiying was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Qingnu tossed the seal into the air and caught it. "The person is in your hands. Goodbye."
"Is My Lady leaving already?"
Liu Heng had wanted to invite Qingnu to stay in the Han palace for a few days.
But the snake girl had grown wise; she wouldn't have excessive contact with these deep-thinking monarchs.
Leaving Chunyu Tiying behind, she and Hongluan left the Jade Maiden Shrine.
On the streets of Chang'an's East and West Markets, Qingnu scrutinized the seal and said to Hongluan, "Sister Bird, this seal seems a bit odd. I feel like I have a telepathic connection with it."
The reason she had agreed to come to Chang'an for Chunyu Tiying was for this seal. She had originally thought it was just a valuable treasure, but now it seemed quite unusual!
Hongluan, however, couldn't see anything different about the seal.
As Qingnu was examining the seal, a carriage passed by. The person inside suddenly lifted the curtain and poked their head out to look at Qingnu.
"Noble lady, please wait!"
Hearing this, Qingnu turned to look.
She saw a woman hurry down from the carriage and walk toward her with attendants, bowing in greeting.
The woman had a kind expression as she introduced herself to Qingnu, "I am Xu Fu. Greetings, noble lady!"
As she spoke, she looked around at the noisy environment and asked, "Noble lady, might we find a quiet place to have a proper conversation?"
"Sorry, I don't get my fortune told."
Qingnu waved her hand and turned to leave.
Xu Fu said hurriedly, "Noble lady! My Lady! I mean no harm; I merely wish to speak with Your Ladyship."
When she called out 'My Lady', Qingnu stopped in her tracks and glanced back at her.
A while later, inside a quiet private room.
Xu Fu ordered food to be served and then instructed that no one was to enter or disturb them.
She looked at Qingnu, but before she could speak, Qingnu said, "Which sect or school are you from? You have an aura about you that I dislike."
Xu Fu's expression changed. She stood up and bowed, her expression tense.
"I was once a member of the Yin Yang School."
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