Chapter 418 Predicting Good and Bad Fortune
Chapter 418 Predicting Good and Bad Fortune
Inside the main hall, sunlight filtered through layers of crimson curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
Yelü Abaoji was revered as Khan by the Khitan nobles and styled himself as the Heavenly Emperor (Emperor Taizu).
He was seated in the center of the magnificent hall.
The main hall is surrounded by exquisite bas-reliefs depicting galloping horses and soaring eagles on the grasslands.
And the heroic deeds of our ancestors in their conquests across the land.
The main hall was filled with a rich aroma of sandalwood, and wisps of smoke rose slowly from the bronze incense burner.
Like swirling clouds and mist, it adds a touch of mystery to this majestic and solemn space.
His children stood on either side, dressed in magnificent and heavy Khitan noble attire.
Some stood solemnly with lowered brows, while others gazed intently ahead.
Their feet were covered with a snow-white wool carpet, and they took each step with extra caution.
They were afraid of making even the slightest sound that might break the tranquility and solemnity.
Yelü Abaoji wore a golden battle robe and had a jade belt inlaid with jewels hanging from his waist.
His face was resolute and stern, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, and he looked at his children with an unquestionable authority.
Occasionally, guards would move lightly between the pillars.
They were clad in armor, wielding weapons, and their eyes scanned the surroundings warily.
On the roof of the palace, huge glazed tiles shimmered with seven colors under the morning sun.
It blends seamlessly with the entire building, showcasing the grandeur of the Liao Dynasty.
At this moment, the hall was completely silent, except for the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the flagpoles outside.
It echoed throughout this vast space.
Everyone's heart seemed to be pounding at its lowest point, for everyone knew that the Iron Khan was about to speak—
And every word he utters will determine the fate of countless people.
When Yelü Bei heard the Khan ask whose purple silk it was, he was stunned.
His face was slightly pale, and his lips moved, but he did not answer for a long time.
The other siblings looked at each other, some with curiosity, others with hidden meaning.
Some even had a barely perceptible sneer on their lips.
"Tuyu (Yelü Bei's alias)," Yelü Abaoji's voice rang out again, this time with a more stern tone.
"Father Khan asks you, where did this thing come from? Could it be that you have secretly made acquaintances with someone you shouldn't have?"
Yelü Bei took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
He knew that this question could not be answered hastily.
However, at that moment, his younger brother Yelü Deguang suddenly interjected:
"If brother likes a certain woman, why hide it? Would we, as his younger siblings, laugh at him?"
The day before yesterday, Yelü Deguang had heard from his spies that Yelü Bei had hidden a purple silk handkerchief in his inner pocket, and today he took this opportunity to do so on purpose.
Yelü Deguang's words seemed lighthearted, but they actually contained hidden meanings, making the atmosphere at the scene even more complicated.
Yelü Bei raised his head, his gaze towards his father firm yet complex, and finally spoke slowly:
"Reporting to Father Khan, this item was indeed a gift from a woman, but..."
He stopped before he could finish speaking.
Because he realized that telling the truth could have unforeseen consequences.
After all, in this turbulent era, any slight disturbance could become the fuse for political maneuvering.
Yelü Abaoji stared at his favorite son for a long time, but did not immediately press for answers. Instead, he turned to look at his other children:
What do you think?
This question caused Yelü Bei's brothers present, including Yelü Lige, Yelü Diela, Yelü Yindishi, Yelü Anduan, Yelü Su, and Yelü Hu, to fall into deep thought.
Some people lowered their heads and remained silent, while others secretly observed each other's expressions.
Many people, however, focused their attention on Yelü Bei, trying to glean more information from his expression.
Shulu Mingyao was the daughter of Empress Shulu Ping's elder brother. Upon seeing that it was purple silk, she immediately said:
"This silk is purple. Could it be that vixen Qiu Ziyue's? I warned my brother long ago not to be bewitched by her."
But it seems my brother is still being misled. What should we do?
"Oh, who is this Qiu Ziyue?"
Yelü Abaoji asked in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, she is a sorceress who used witchcraft to rout our entire army."
"To think she could have two husbands at once, she's utterly shameless!" Yelü Mingyao reported.
"I have also heard of such a woman, but whether it is sorcery or secret arts, she is indeed quite capable to be able to withstand my Khitan army of thousands."
After Yelü Abaoji finished speaking, he turned to Yelü Bei and asked:
"Tu Yu, what exactly is going on? Is it a token given to you by Qiu Ziyue? Have you really taken a liking to that woman?"
Yelü Bei was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.
Yelü Deguang said:
"The laws of the Tang Dynasty strictly forbid non-Han people from marrying Han women, especially since that woman already has two husbands."
"Why should my brother fall in love with that woman? It diminishes the prestige of our Khitan people."
The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became tense and oppressive.
Seeing his brother's predicament, Yelü Zhigu quickly came to his rescue:
"My brother was injured a few days ago, and the purple Hanfu I wore when I went to the Central Plains was used to bandage him."
"I never imagined that the brother was carrying it on his person because he wanted to return his sister to her?"
Upon hearing Yelü Zhigu's words, Yelü Bei immediately said:
"Your Majesty, what my sister said is true. A few days ago when we went to the Central Plains, I was injured, and it was my sister who tore off my sleeve."
"You bandaged my wound; I've come today specifically to thank you, sister."
"So that's how it is. Tu Yu, you are my eldest son, you must be careful in your words and actions."
Let's leave it at that for today. In the future, any misunderstandings should be clarified promptly to avoid affecting the harmony between you siblings.
"Yes, Father Khan."
Immediately afterwards, the competition continued in turn, and Yelü Bei cast a grateful glance at Yelü Zhigu.
In such a tense atmosphere, Yelü Zhigu did not dare to pay any attention to Yelü Bei.
Yelü Bei returned to the secret room and found that Qiu Ziyue had already woken up.
He instructed Amu to bring food to Qiu Ziyue and to perform acupuncture on her injuries.
Qiu Ziyue asked, "What happened today?"
Yelü Bei said, "I'm so sorry, Miss Qiu, your purple silk has not yet been delivered to Jinyang. My brother Yelü Deguang is keeping a close watch on it."
Furthermore, during my competition with Deguang in the main hall today, your silk handkerchief fell out, and you were almost punished by Father Khan.
Fortunately, my younger sister came to my rescue, which allowed me to escape.
Qiu Ziyue said, "You, Yelü Bei, are very talented, but it's a pity that you are too kind and are always bullied. You should be more careful in the future."
Qiu Ziyue thought for a moment and then said, "I'll find a way to send the purple silk out. Also, you need to be more domineering in the future."
Otherwise, you will definitely suffer many hardships in the future and will die at the age of 38, which would be a real pity.
Upon hearing this, Yelü Bei said:
"Miss Qiu, can you predict the future?"
Qiu Ziyue replied, "I do have some ability to predict your future fortune."
"It seems Miss Qiu knows me quite well. Tell me, how much do you know about me?"
Yelü Bei chatted while administering acupuncture.
"I know that you, Yelü Bei, have been intelligent and studious since childhood. You are not only knowledgeable about Yin and Yang and music, but also skilled in medicine and acupuncture."
He also loved collecting books and translating, and was skilled in writing and painting; he was a remarkable person of his time.
"And what else, Miss Qiu? I would like to hear the details."
Yelü Bei became even more interested.
"You are deeply loved by your father, the Khan, but your mother, Shulü Ping, favors Yelü Deguang. In the future, your father will become Emperor Taizu of Liao, and you will become the Crown Prince."
You will also have a deep and loving marriage with a beautiful woman, but you admire Confucianism and want to completely Sinicize, which runs counter to your mother's political views.
You will pass the throne to your younger brother Yelü Deguang, and later you will go to the Later Tang Dynasty, but you will die young.
Yelü Bei felt a mix of emotions upon hearing Qiu Ziyue's words.
He sighed deeply and said:
"Miss Qiu, what you said is something I didn't know, but I will never forget it. However, I was also powerless to do as I pleased."
This place is fraught with danger. Though I yearn to change my fate, I find it difficult to escape the ties of my family.
Amu listened silently from the side, not daring to interrupt, but keeping a close eye on Qiu Ziyue's injuries.
After the acupuncture, Qiu Ziyue's complexion became slightly rosy, but she was still weak.
She took a sip of the herbal medicine and said to Yelü Bei:
“Your younger brother Yelü Deguang is clearly hostile towards you. If you don’t make plans soon, you will be in dire straits sooner or later.”
Yelü Bei nodded, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
“I know Deguang has always seen me as a threat, but we are brothers after all…”
His voice gradually lowered, as if he himself did not believe his own words.
Qiu Ziyue shook her head and said firmly:
"Yelü Bei, you are too kind. But in this chaotic world, kindness can sometimes be a weakness."
If you want to protect yourself, you must learn to protect yourself.
For example, this time, if it weren't for my sister's timely rescue, you probably wouldn't have escaped punishment today.
But what about next time? Who can guarantee that we'll be so lucky every time?
Yelü Bei remained silent for a moment, then raised his head to look at Qiu Ziyue, his eyes filled with a mixture of struggle and determination.
"You're right, I can't go on like this. But..."
How can I send that purple silk out?
To be continued in the next chapter!
novelhk