NCCnovel Chapter 136 Prayer Ceremony
Chapter 136 Prayer Ceremony
After lunch, Su Yue, having nothing else to do, took Dali to the front courtyard of the Star-Picking Tower, where there was also a well.
However, the well here is much bigger than the one in the backyard, and there are several turtles in it.
Su Yue also poured some spiritual spring water into this well, and saw people drawing water here on the day she returned.
As soon as the spring water was poured into the well, the turtle swam even more happily.
Su Yue watered the jujube tree with some spiritual spring water, making it grow even more lush.
After finishing their tasks, the two of them strode off to stroll through the market.
Although Kyoto still looks bustling today, it is somewhat less vibrant than it was at its most prosperous period.
Strolling along the streets, you can see that there are still many empty shops on both sides of the road.
Surprisingly, not a single shop in the area surrounding Zhaixinglou was vacant.
Su Yue and Dali each held a string of bright red, crystal-clear candied hawthorns, savoring them with relish while curiously looking around.
Ultimately, their attention was drawn to a two-story shop about 100 meters away from the Star-Picking Tower.
After some inquiry, it was learned that the shop originally belonged to Grand Tutor Lu, who had strongly opposed the establishment of a girls' school.
It's no wonder Su Yue was puzzled. This place is so close to the Star-Picking Tower, so logically there shouldn't be any empty spaces here!
So it was that stubborn and opinionated Grand Tutor Lu!
Since that's the case, it gives her a chance to meet that old-fashioned person.
So, Su Yue inquired about Lu Taifu from passersby and successfully obtained the exact location of his residence.
It's worth noting that Su Yue is now considered a celebrity in the capital.
They certainly wouldn't do something like sneaking into someone else's residence.
Finally, they returned to the Star-Picking Tower, where Su Yue explained the relevant matters in detail to the guards at the entrance.
He was also asked to pick some dates from the front yard and send them to Grand Tutor Lu, while also inviting him to come and have a chat.
The Star-Picking Tower is truly magnificent in scale, covering a vast area.
The front yard alone is almost the size of two standard football fields.
The Zhaixinglou (Star-Picking Tower) itself has a unique architectural style. Its shape resembles a towering pagoda reaching into the clouds, presenting a circular structure and covering an area of approximately 600 square meters.
In addition, there are several small and exquisite courtyards scattered in the backyard, and the courtyard where Shen Lerong and the others lived was the closest to the Star-Picking Tower.
The front courtyard of the Star-Picking Tower is relatively simple and clear. Apart from a beautifully crafted double-eared lotus incense burner, there is only a well standing alone.
However, a new scene has now been added: a jujube tree with lush branches and abundant fruit stands proudly in the front yard.
At this moment, Su Yue was in the tea room on the second floor of the Star-Picking Tower. She sat cross-legged, closed her eyes and concentrated, quietly cultivating while patiently waiting for the arrival of Grand Tutor Lu.
Time passed quietly, and before they knew it, night had fallen, but Lu Taifu was nowhere to be seen.
When it was time for dinner, Shen Lerong finally spoke to Su Yue: "The guards just returned and reported that Grand Tutor Lu fell ill because of his argument with His Majesty about the girls' school. He is currently recuperating at his estate outside the city and has not yet returned."
Upon hearing this news, Su Yue simply replied, "Oh? That's quite a coincidence!"
Actually, she wasn't too fixated on whether or not she could get the shop.
Anyway, there was an empty shop across from him, but after asking around, he couldn't find out who it belonged to, so Su Yue decided to look for Grand Tutor Lu.
Time flies, and two days have passed in the blink of an eye. Finally, the long-awaited blessing ceremony has arrived!
Early that morning, before dawn, Su Yue was still immersed in a sweet dream when she was awakened by a commotion.
Several maids were already waiting by the bedside. Su Yue rubbed her sleepy eyes and reluctantly sat up.
However, the young maidservant quickly stepped forward and busied herself with the task.
Some were helping her comb her long hair, while others were busy preparing toiletries, and still others were carefully selecting clothes suitable for the occasion.
After a busy and orderly process, Su Yue finally finished washing up and getting dressed.
She was wearing a crescent-white brocade embroidered dress, the fabric of which was soft and smooth, like the bright moonlight falling on earth.
The hem of the skirt is adorned with intricate and ornate floral and bird patterns meticulously outlined in gold thread, so lifelike that they seem ready to take flight at any moment.
As Su Yuelian moved with light steps, her skirt swayed gently, creating a breathtaking and enchanting scene.
Her hair was styled in an exquisite flying fairy bun, adorned with several golden flowers scattered throughout, adding to her noble and elegant air.
Two long ribbons cascaded down her back like a waterfall, fluttering gently in the wind, graceful and lively.
When Su Yue stood by the window and looked down, she was stunned by the sight before her.
It turned out that the area outside the Star-Picking Tower was already packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, as if the entire population of Kyoto had turned out to participate in this grand blessing ceremony.
Laughter and chatter could be heard from the crowd from time to time, creating a lively atmosphere.
Not only that, Mu Yuqing and other ministers from the court also arrived here early.
They were all dressed smartly and looked solemn and dignified, clearly taking this grand event very seriously.
Even Grand Tutor Lu, who had claimed to be ill and was recuperating at the estate, was actually waiting quietly outside the door with his entire family early on.
From a distance, one could see that all the members of the Lu family were dressed in fine clothes, with respectful yet slightly nervous expressions.
Looking at the front courtyard of the Star-Picking Tower, it was already bustling with people.
Numerous servants bustled about, making the already tidy courtyard even more spotless.
A bright red carpet, like a fiery dragon, winds its way from the main entrance all the way to the wide steps leading down to the Star-Picking Tower.
At this moment, melodious music began, as sweet and gentle as the chirping of orioles and swallows;
The dancers gracefully moved, their long sleeves billowing as they danced, their figures elegant and captivating.
Accompanied by the stirring drumbeats, like thunderous war drums, the powerful and exhilarating sound stirred the heart.
Amidst this joyous celebration, the prayer ceremony slowly began.
Mu Yuqing stood majestically before the crowd, wearing a crown and a bright yellow dragon robe, as radiant as the sun in the sky.
Behind him followed a group of high-ranking officials and nobles, all with solemn expressions, ready for battle.
Upon seeing this, the officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau quickly ordered someone to present three carefully prepared incense sticks.
He then bowed slightly to Mu Yuqing, indicating that he should be the first to insert the incense into the double-eared lotus incense burner placed on the high platform.
Mu Yuqing nodded solemnly, took the incense with both hands, stepped forward steadily, and carefully inserted the incense into the burner.
Just then, a loud and clear shout rang out: "The prayer ceremony officially begins!"
The sound was like a great bell, resounding through the sky and instantly spreading throughout the entire capital.
Immediately following was the unified command: "Bye!"