Chapter 115

“Isn’t it heavy?” Luo Qionghua blurted out.

“Heavy?” Fu Ping’an was initially puzzled, but quickly understood from the other’s expression what she meant. “You think it’s very heavy?”

She placed the silver box on the floor and said, “Try lifting it.”

Luo Qionghua immediately rolled up her sleeves and stood from the chair. She pushed and pulled with all her might, but the box didn’t budge. Fu Ping’an understood then: “Hm, it seems only I can use this item.”

[Ling Moyu: Like Thor’s hammer.]

[Flight Lin Jia Min: What’s the principle behind it?]

[Cold-Faced Samoyed: Probably no special principle. It’s just genuinely heavy. Think about it—inside should be a small mountain of items.]

[Chang’an Flower: From the moment it required a blood drop to bond, I stopped pursuing the principle. It clearly doesn’t match the tech level on my side.]

[I Cover a Hundred-Li Radius: I want to buy one, even for seven million.]

[Little Yellow River: Regretfully informing you, it’s not sold on the shop page.]

Luo Qionghua was equally astonished and impressed. Thoughts surged through her mind, but after a long while, all she could exclaim was, “Truly amazing…”

Seeing that Luo Qionghua didn’t display an excess of curiosity, Fu Ping’an also sighed in relief. According to her original plan, she should return immediately to take her medicine, but recalling Fu Lingxian’s earlier words, she hesitated for a moment and then said, “I plan to go to the Prince Regent’s courtyard first to visit Commandery Princess Yunping.” If the condition was severe, she would naturally administer the medicine to Mu Tingyun directly.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Luo Qionghua immediately said, “I’ll go with you. I also very much wish to visit Sister Yunping.”

In truth, she had wanted to go for the past couple of days. Among the reported list of names, the highest-ranking noble with the most severe illness was Mu Tingyun. But precisely because of that, everyone around her had disapproved of her visiting.

Fortunately, Her Majesty truly hadn’t been deceiving anyone.

Seeing that the worry in Luo Qionghua’s eyes seemed genuine, Fu Ping’an agreed. After temporarily leaving the silver chest in the room, the two of them headed together towards the courtyard where the Prince Regent resided.

Fu Lingxian had just returned as well.

She hadn’t intended to waste much time outside, but too many people had stopped her along the way.

As soon as she left the courtyard, Grand Servant Peng Ling pulled her aside and asked in a low voice, “Would you say this was truly a miracle?”

The former dynasty’s emperors had been obsessed with achieving immortality through cultivation, leading to a long period where various superstitious activities flourished zealously. Consequently, many events that appeared miraculous were later proven to be mere alchemists faking divine signs.

At the founding of this dynasty, there was a powerful Daoist named Yan Delin. When Emperor Gaozu left the palace for the Heaven-worshipping ceremony, Yan Delin sat cross-legged by the Vermilion Bird Gate. As Gaozu’s carriage passed, he opened his eyes and said, “You have destiny, but it’s a pity… such a pity…”

Emperor Gaozu was not a cruel person and merely smiled at this. Yan Delin then sat there at the city gate for three days and three nights during the biting winter cold, neither eating nor drinking, yet remaining completely composed.

Many officials passed by, but the man was neither arrogant nor humble, barely sparing them a glance. It was only when the Head of the Imperial Clan stopped before him and asked, “What destiny do you speak of?” that he elaborated.

“Natural destiny for immortality, of course.”

“And what is the pity?”

“Too tainted by mortal karma. A good root-bone gone to waste.”

The Head of the Imperial Clan frowned, realizing he was speaking of Gaozu, and said angrily, “Utter nonsense! Guards, arrest him!”

The Imperial Guard at the city gate formed up and approached. Just as they drew near, Yan Delin raised his right hand, palm vertical before him, and declared, “Advance no further. Offend this old Daoist, and cultivation will be difficult not only in this life, but in the next.”

The lead gate guard, disbelieving, took a step forward. Immediately, blue flames erupted from Yan Delin’s palm, terrifying everyone present.

This very man went on to perform many astonishing feats until even Gaozu believed in him, making him the State Preceptor. He even authored a bamboo scroll titled Notes on Becoming an Immortal, detailing the steps to achieve it.

Fu Lingxian didn’t know if Gaozu had followed his instructions—probably she had. Which was why, upon later discovering the deception, her rage had been so great. She not only executed Yan Delin’s entire family but even decreed that no one with the surname Yan could ever serve in court. This led to a mass wave of people changing their surnames.

So naturally, mentioning this now brought Yan Delin to mind. Peng Ling said, “I recall that Yan Delin used certain powders. When burned, they would produce a blue flame. Today’s light was also blue…”

Fu Lingxian retorted, “How do you explain the Roc bird in the sky, then?”

That was the hardest part to explain. That vast, vivid tableau, enough to inspire instinctive fear—it was nearly impossible to imagine it being man-made.

Peng Ling continued, “I’ve read in books that at sea and in the Gobi Desert, strange illusions sometimes appear. They say it’s breath exhaled by a type of clam-creature…”

Fu Lingxian had no patience for more. “I don’t understand this. Minister Peng, perhaps discuss it with others. Just don’t forget to inform me of the conclusion.”

She didn’t even look at Peng Ling’s expression before turning and walking away. There was only one path down the mountain, and on the way, she encountered Shangguan Ming.

Shangguan Ming blocked her path: “Prince Regent, did Her Majesty give any orders?”

“No.”

“Then, regarding that scene just now…”

Before he could finish, Fu Lingxian cut him off. “Regardless, for such miracles to manifest on Her Majesty is a good thing. It is a blessing for Great Wei. At this moment, I feel only joy.”

“Yes, yes. Naturally, I am also joyful. Seeing such a scene, there’s no room for disbelief. But upon reflection, I still feel there might be some trickery…”

He followed right behind her down the mountain, muttering incessantly. His doubts mirrored Peng Ling’s—could it be some wandering Daoist magic or a mirage? He trailed her all the way to the entrance of the temporary palace. Fu Lingxian, finally at her limit, turned and glanced at him, frowning. “Minister Shangguan, your face is somewhat flushed, yet your lips are colorless, and you’ve been sweating cold sweat. You don’t look quite right.”

Shangguan Ming was startled. “I… I am merely nervous, nervous on Her Majesty’s behalf.”

Fu Lingxian said, “In any case, I hope all of this is real. After all, if Her Majesty cannot produce the medicine, we’re all finished. Minister Shangguan, I suggest you have your pulse checked. You truly look unwell.”

With that, Fu Lingxian strode towards her own courtyard, leaving Shangguan Ming behind.

But just as she was about to reach the courtyard, another figure appeared. This one was unexpected—it was Fu Li, who had been staying at Following the Heart Abbey all along. He looked even more profoundly unsettled. Fu Lingxian had braced herself for him to approach her too, but surprisingly, upon seeing her, Fu Li merely froze for a moment, then turned and walked away.

Fu Lingxian couldn’t help but think: Could it be that there truly is such a thing as being ordained by Heaven in this world? Fu Li was once so close to the throne, yet now, he seemed utterly unable to compare to the one currently sitting upon it.

She remembered that at the time, the Empress Dowager had opposed making Fu Li the Crown Prince. Aside from his own excessive arrogance, it was also because his attachment to his birth mother was simply too intense. Within just a few days of entering the palace, he constantly cried out to see his A-niang—and that A-niang certainly did not mean the Empress Dowager.

Thus, the Empress Dowager grew wary, and within days, Fu Li was deposed.

But thinking back now, a child not even ten years old missing his mother was entirely normal. It was the current Emperor, with her unshakable composure, who was truly extraordinary.

Perhaps even without the Mandate of Heaven, the outcome had been predetermined from the very start.

Her thoughts drifted for just a brief moment before swiftly returning. Fu Lingxian focused on the present, wondering if Yunping’s condition had worsened today.

Fearing the uncleanliness of outdoor garments, Fu Lingxian first changed her clothes. As soon as she entered Mu Tingyun’s room, the harsh scent of medicine assaulted her nostrils. She immediately ordered, “Do not give her today’s medicine yet. Her Majesty has divine medicine now. Wait until later and give her the medicine bestowed by Her Majesty.”

At these words, the deathly gray faces of the servants instantly brightened.

“Her Majesty has divine medicine?”

“I told you! That celestial phenomenon earlier was indeed auspicious!”

“But the sky was so dark…”

Fu Lingxian frowned, and the servants instantly fell silent. Just then, a report came from outside that Her Majesty and the Empress had arrived.

She hurried out to greet them. In the distance, she saw two figures walking side by side under a floral canopy tied with colorful ribbons. Two peerlessly graceful beauties, as if strolling on clouds, the ground beneath their feet somehow swirling with mist. They truly resembled immortals descending upon the earth.

She suppressed a wry smile and thought, Indeed, how can a mere mortal compete with an immortal?

Inside the livestream, however, the viewers were roasting Fu Ping’an—

[Bernese Mountain Dog & Golden Retriever: Isn’t this a bit much? Is this act of faking divine signs still not over yet?]

[Ping’an, Mommy Loves You: Ping’an is just being thrifty. She doesn’t want to waste the dry ice she didn’t get to use earlier.]

[A-Hua’s Old Mother: I’m dying of laughter. Even Qin He beside her doesn’t know how to walk properly anymore. This is the first time I’ve seen her like this.]

Fu Ping’an’s expression remained calm, but inside she was deeply embarrassed.

When she’d bought this dry ice, it was because the product details said it could create a swirling, immortal-realm effect of mist. Thus, it was originally meant to be used the moment the ministers entered the hall.

But back then, she hadn’t known how to use it. She’d thought you just had to set it out, never realizing you had to mix Reagent 1 and Reagent 2. Because of that, it hadn’t worked properly then.

Thankfully, no one in this world would realize she’d made a foolish mistake. So Fu Ping’an decided to salvage the situation and mixed the two already-opened reagents together.

But it turned out they needed a reaction time.

So, only now, when they arrived here, did the mist start billowing out.

Thus, she could solemnly swear she had absolutely no intention of creating this effect while traveling. Yet clearly, although the livestream viewers were roasting her, the people in reality were very receptive. At the very least, the way everyone looked at her was noticeably more awed.

Feigning composure, she walked up to Prince Regent Fu Lingxian and said, “Royal Aunt, I have come.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Yunping for your gracious favor.”

Fu Ping’an asked, “How is Sister Yunping’s illness now?”

Fu Lingxian shook her head with a sigh: “According to the servants, she hasn’t woken all morning. We could only pour some medicine and sugar water into her mouth.”

“What medicine was she taking?”

“A prescription from Physician Fei.”

Fei Ming had followed along as well. Upon hearing this, she hurried forward and recited her prescription. It was largely standard herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying. However, believing Her Majesty would have divine medicine in three days, she hadn’t dared to prescribe anything strong.

The result was that Mu Tingyun, always frail, was now indeed critically ill.

She didn’t dare say it outright, but from her phrasing and expression, Fu Ping’an could read the truth.

Fu Ping’an immediately said, “I will go in and see her.”

Fei Ming hesitated, but didn’t dare voice an objection. After all, although it was an epidemic inside… well, Her Majesty now seemed almost otherworldly.

Fu Ping’an strode quickly to the bedside. Seeing Mu Tingyun’s state, she was stunned.

She had actually fallen this ill.

In the original story, the other’s death at Qianliang Mountain… could it truly not have been because of the Tyrant Emperor’s Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony?

Her mind was in disarray for a moment, and the danmaku buzzed with debate, but she quickly regained her focus. She was about to take out the medicine when, aware of all the people around, she stopped. With forced calm, she said, “I… I haven’t seen Sister Yunping in a long time. Seeing her like this, my heart is filled with sorrow. All of you, step back. Let me speak with her alone.”

The servants exchanged glances. One Nanny hesitated, saying, “I know Your Majesty and the Commandery Princess share a deep bond, but… perhaps a few servants should remain to attend?”

Fu Ping’an looked at her expression for a moment and suddenly understood.

Both she and Mu Tingyun were now grown. Additionally, one was an Alpha (Tianqian) and the other an Omega (Dikun). Propriety dictated they should avoid being alone together.

Fu Ping’an thus grabbed hold of Luo Qionghua, who had also been about to rise and leave, and said, “The Empress will stay and speak with us together.”

Luo Qionghua: “…Ah? Oh, mm!”

Since the Empress was staying, the concern about them being in a room alone was resolved. The others quickly withdrew, and the door was shut. The moment it closed, Luo Qionghua stood up, hurried to the side, and declared, “I won’t look.”

She figured Her Majesty had initially wanted everyone to leave, so there must be secrets she didn’t want others knowing.

Seeing Luo Qionghua’s instant discretion, Fu Ping’an was briefly taken aback, then couldn’t help shaking her head with a soft laugh.

The truth was, she’d dismissed everyone mainly because, in her haste, she hadn’t disguised the special medicine.

Thus, what she now produced from her sleeve was a small brown glass tube, clearly not something from this era. Following the danmaku’s advice, she flicked the tip and broke off the top. But she didn’t know how to administer it. Yunping’s lips and eyes were tightly shut, completely unresponsive. She needed someone to help her open Yunping’s mouth.

After gazing at Mu Tingyun’s sickly face for a moment, Fu Ping’an turned and said, “Empress… Ah Hua, come and help me.”