eurekapd Chapter 280 Red Luan Star Moves
Chapter 280 Red Luan Star Moves
Gu Liuli returned to her palace and tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. The eerie scene brought about by the jade pendant kept replaying in her mind. The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the carved window lattices, bathing everything in a golden glow, but Gu Liuli had no heart to appreciate it. She got up early, dressed herself, and hurried to the imperial study.
Inside the imperial study, Xiao Jingchuan had already summoned a group of important court officials to discuss countermeasures. Gu Liuli entered the study, and everyone bowed in greeting. Xiao Jingchuan gestured for her to sit down to the side, and then explained the matter of the jade pendant to everyone in detail.
"My esteemed ministers, the Nanzhao Kingdom may soon face an unprecedented crisis. The unusual phenomenon of this jade pendant may be a warning from Heaven. What are your thoughts? Please share them." Xiao Jingchuan's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression solemn.
An elderly minister with white hair stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, this jade pendant may be an ancient divine artifact. Its radiance foretells a great calamity for the Nanzhao Kingdom. We should immediately offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and pray for divine protection.”
Another young minister countered, "While worshipping Heaven and Earth is important, we cannot rely solely on deities. The most urgent task now is to strengthen border defenses and reorganize the army in preparation for any eventuality."
Everyone expressed their opinions, arguing endlessly. Gu Liuli sat quietly to the side, listening intently, her mind preoccupied with the scene depicted in the jade pendant. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck her; she remembered the location of the falling meteor in the scene, which seemed to be the northwestern border of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say." Gu Liuli stood up. "I saw in the image on the jade pendant that the meteor fell in the direction of the northwest border. Perhaps we should send someone to the northwest to investigate the situation."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan's eyes lit up: "Liuli is absolutely right. Send a troop of elite soldiers to the northwest border immediately to gather intelligence. Be sure to proceed with extreme caution."
Just as everyone was discussing, a guard hurriedly entered the imperial study and knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, we have just received a secret report that the garrison on the northwestern border has discovered an unknown force gathering, which seems to have the intention to invade."
Xiao Jingchuan's face darkened: "It seems the prophecy of the jade pendant is gradually coming true. Issue the order to strengthen the defenses of the Northwest garrison and be ready to meet the enemy at any time."
To uncover the secret of the jade pendant, Xiao Jingchuan ordered a nationwide search for experts in jade. After a long search, they finally found a jade master who lived in seclusion deep in the mountains—Lin Qian. After being brought to the palace, Lin Qian carefully examined the jade pendant, a look of surprise on his face.
"Your Majesty, this jade pendant is no ordinary object. Judging from the quality of the jade and the carving technique, it is very likely a relic from ancient times. The sapphire at the center of the pendant is a rare starstone, which is said to have the ability to foresee the future," Lin Qian said.
"Is there any way to interpret the disaster foreshadowed in the jade pendant?" Xiao Jingchuan asked anxiously.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Qian said, "Legend has it that there is some mysterious connection between the Star Stone and its holder. Perhaps only through meditation can Her Highness the Princess further obtain the information contained in the jade pendant."
Under Lin Qian's guidance, Gu Liuli began to meditate. She sat cross-legged, holding the jade pendant in her hand, closed her eyes, and tried to calm her mind. Gradually, the jade pendant emitted a soft light again, and Gu Liuli's consciousness seemed to be drawn into a mysterious space.
In this space, Gu Liuli saw more details about the crisis. She saw a black eagle painted on the enemy's banner, and their leader was a man with a ferocious face. At the same time, she also saw the Nanzhao army struggling on the battlefield, and the people fleeing in all directions amidst the flames of war.
Gu Liuli awoke from her meditation and told Xiao Jingchuan and the others everything she had seen. Based on this information, Xiao Jingchuan formulated a detailed battle plan. He appointed an experienced general as commander and led a large army to the northwestern border to meet the enemy.
While the army marched off to war, Gu Liuli and Lin Qian continued their study of the jade pendant, attempting to find a way to avert the crisis. After many days of effort, they discovered that the jade pendant not only could foresee the future but also concealed a mysterious power. If they found the right method, they could activate this power and help the Nanzhao Kingdom overcome the crisis.
Lin Qian consulted numerous ancient texts and finally found a way to activate the jade pendant's power. He told Gu Liuli that on the night of a full moon, the jade pendant needed to be placed on the altar in the palace to activate its mysterious power with the help of moonlight.
On the night of the full moon, Gu Liuli, accompanied by her entourage, arrived at the altar in the palace. She carefully placed the jade pendant on the altar; moonlight shone upon it, and the pendant instantly shone brightly, a dazzling pillar of light shooting straight into the sky. Meanwhile, on the battlefield of the northwestern border, the Nanzhao army, initially at a disadvantage, suddenly experienced a surge in morale, as if blessed by a mysterious force. They fought bravely, gradually turning the tide of the battle.
After a fierce battle, the Nanzhao army successfully repelled the enemy and safeguarded the country's security. When news of the victory reached the palace, the entire Nanzhao Kingdom was immersed in a sea of joy.
Xiao Jingchuan said with emotion, "We were able to turn danger into safety this time thanks to Liuli and this jade pendant. It not only helped us foresee the crisis, but also provided us with the strength to defeat the enemy."
Gu Liuli gazed at the jade pendant in her hand, her heart filled with emotion. She knew that this jade pendant would continue to accompany her, protecting the peace and tranquility of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Love Song of Nanzhao: The Star-Studded Fate of a Princess and a Guard
In the scorching summer of the Nanzhao Kingdom, the sun beat down relentlessly, baking the earth. In the palace's training grounds, Xiao Nanyao, dressed in light, practical attire, stood tall and spirited, wielding a long sword as she sparred with the guards. Her swordsmanship was agile and graceful, each move carrying a sharp, powerful aura. Sunlight bathed her, casting a soft halo around her, making her appear like a war goddess descended to earth.
"Your Highness, your swordsmanship is becoming increasingly exquisite," a guard exclaimed.
Xiao Nanyao sheathed her sword and stood there, fine beads of sweat glistening on her forehead, but a confident smile graced her face: "We're still a long way from it. By the way, have you guys discovered anything new lately?"
The guards looked at each other in bewilderment. Just then, a voice came from the side of the training ground: "Your Highness, there are a variety show troupe performing at the market today. It's quite a lively show."
Xiao Nanyao looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was a burly guard named Feng Hu. He was over eight feet tall, with a broad back and thick waist, thick eyebrows and big eyes, a firm mouth under a high nose, and bronze skin that radiated a healthy glow. He exuded a simple and heroic air.
A hint of interest flashed in Xiao Nanyao's eyes: "Oh? Is it really that lively? This princess has never seen anything like it before. Feng Hu, tell this princess in detail."
Feng Hu stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then vividly described the performance of the acrobatic troupe: "The troupe had sword swallowers, fire-breathing performers, and one person who could juggle several balls at the same time, which was dazzling to watch. The most exciting thing was the tightrope walking. The performer walked on the thin wire as if flying, and made all kinds of dangerous moves, which made the audience gasp in amazement."
Xiao Nanyao listened intently, her mind filled with vivid images of the market, and she longed to go there: "It sounds really interesting. I've practiced enough for today, Feng Hu, how about you accompany me to the market?"
Feng Hu was slightly taken aback, and quickly said, "Your Highness, this... I'm afraid it's inappropriate. Your status is noble, and the market is a mixed bag. If anything happens, I cannot bear the responsibility."
Xiao Nanyao waved her hand dismissively: "What's there to be afraid of? With you by my side, what could possibly happen? Besides, if I disguise myself, no one will recognize me."
Seeing that Xiao Nanyao had made up her mind, Feng Hu had no choice but to agree: "Alright then, Your Highness, please wait a moment while I go and make the preparations."
A moment later, Xiao Nanyao changed into ordinary peasant girl clothes—a simple cloth skirt, her hair tied in a ponytail, and she deliberately smeared some dust on her face to conceal her stunning beauty. Feng Hu, dressed in plain clothes and carrying a long sword, followed beside her. The two quietly slipped out of the palace through a side gate and headed towards the market.
Along the way, Xiao Nanyao was like a cheerful little bird, full of curiosity about everything around her. She would look at the roadside stalls one moment, and tease the dogs on the street the next, her laughter never ceasing. Feng Hu, on the other hand, remained vigilant, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, afraid that any danger might approach Xiao Nanyao.
When they arrived at the market, it was already packed with people and bustling with activity. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and laughter mingled together, creating a unique symphony. Little Nanyao excitedly weaved through the crowd, watching the acrobatic performances, sampling various snacks, and having a wonderful time.
"Feng Hu, look at that!" Xiao Nanyao suddenly pointed to a sugar figurine stall, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Feng Hu stepped forward and bought a butterfly-shaped sugar figurine for Xiao Nanyao. Xiao Nanyao took the sugar figurine, took a small bite, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face: "So sweet! Feng Hu, you should try some too." As she spoke, she held the sugar figurine to Feng Hu's lips.
Feng Hu took a step back somewhat embarrassedly: "Your Highness, this humble servant..."
"Stop being so indecisive, just try it when I tell you to," Xiao Nanyao said, feigning anger.
Feng Hu could only take a small bite of the sugar figurine, a blush creeping onto his face. Just then, Xiao Nanyao accidentally stepped on a stone, her body lurching forward. Feng Hu reacted quickly, catching her in his arms. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the surrounding noise seemed to vanish, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats.
Xiao Nanyao's cheeks instantly turned crimson. She quickly broke free from Feng Hu's embrace, lowered her head, and whispered, "Thank you, Feng Hu."
Feng Hu was also somewhat flustered, and stammered, "Your Highness...Princess, you're too kind. This is what I should do."
After that, the relationship between Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu seemed to undergo a subtle change. Every time Xiao Nanyao practiced martial arts, she would specifically ask Feng Hu to spar with her, and the two gained a better understanding of each other through their exchanges; in their spare time, Xiao Nanyao would also chat with Feng Hu, sharing her joys and sorrows. Although Feng Hu was not good with words, he would always listen attentively to Xiao Nanyao's words and give her warm responses.
However, their relationship did not escape the notice of others. One day, Xiao Jingchuan summoned Xiao Nanyao to the imperial study and asked with a serious expression, "Yao'er, I heard that you have been getting very close to that guard named Feng Hu lately?"
Xiao Nanyao's heart tightened. She knew that the truth would eventually come out, but she still mustered up her courage and said, "Father, Feng Hu is a good man. He is upright, kind, and highly skilled in martial arts. I am very happy to be with him."
Xiao Jingchuan frowned: "Yao'er, you are a princess of the Nanzhao Kingdom, with a noble status. Feng Hu is just a guard. There is a huge difference in your status. If this gets out, people will probably gossip about it."
Xiao Nanyao said anxiously, "Father, status and position don't determine everything. I don't care about these things. I only know that I like Feng Hu, and he likes me too."
Looking at Xiao Nanyao's determined eyes, Xiao Jingchuan felt somewhat helpless, but he didn't want to force his daughter: "Yao'er, this matter is of great importance. Let your father reconsider."
After leaving the imperial study, Xiao Nanyao was very downcast. She knew her father meant well, but she didn't want to give up her feelings. Just then, Feng Hu came over and, seeing Xiao Nanyao's troubled expression, asked with concern, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Xiao Nanyao told Feng Hu about her conversation with Xiao Jingchuan. Upon hearing this, Feng Hu felt a pang of pain in his heart: "Your Highness, it's all my fault for being of lowly status and causing you trouble. Perhaps we really are not suitable for each other."
Xiao Nanyao raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes: "Feng Hu, don't say that. I don't care about status or position, I only care about you. Let's work together to find a way, we'll definitely be able to persuade Father."
Just as the two were lost in confusion, news suddenly came from the border of Nanzhao Kingdom that a neighboring country was making moves and seemed to intend to invade. Xiao Jingchuan immediately summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures, and Feng Hu also volunteered to join the army on the expedition.