Venerated Venomous Consort

“However, the place is indeed a geomantic and treasured site, so the emperor was unwilling to gift this place to anyone. Two years ago, the emperor disapproved of the fake Celestial master Zuo’s request to build his residence here. Unfortunately, just last year, the residence caught fire, and most of the buildings turned into ashes. It made the emperor’s heart ache to see such waste. After the execution of the fake Celestial Master Zuo, the emperor quickly ordered for the reestablishment of the place but to a larger scale. He purposely turned this place into the National Celestial Master’s mansion.

The eunuch continued to tell her the brief history of the place. Gu Xijiu nodded to everything he said. It was no wonder that the area seemed so familiar to her, as it turned out to be an old friend’s place. Back in the days, the eighth prince and Gu Xijiu were close friends. She visited his residence a few times. They even took a stroll together along the shore once.

Rong Che, the eighth prince, was a man of great talents, considerably an epitome in art and poetry. He treated her well and was indeed a good friend in her need. Who would have thought that he was actually the reincarnation of Mo Zhao?

The good old days were still vivid in her mind, like the stroll that they had together along the lake. The memory of Rong Che was like a reflection in the water – beautiful, but evanescent. There was no way they could go back to the time.

While Gu Xijiu was still overwhelmed with the reminiscences, someone came to notify her about the arrival of her guests. “Celestial Master Zuo and Celestial Master You have come to congratulate you.”

Gu Xijiu was slightly surprised to hear about the arrival of Di Fuyi.

…

As the new celestial master, Gu Xijiu had no choice but to make her appearance to welcome the arrival of Celestial Master Zuo and Celestial Master You.

Attracted by the fame of both celestial masters, the people had come all the way to her residence to watch the scene of bustle. When Gu Xijiu showed up at the door, it was already crowded with a big audience. Also, the carriages of Di Fuyi and Tian Jiyue had just arrived.

As usual, Di Fuyi arrived in his typical ship which was of charming blue. Onboard, there were the four messengers in every corner. A female servant took the lead to strew flowers on his path. It was the same display of splendor like the first time they met.

Tian Jiyue’s style was humbler. He arrived with the help of a giant bird. It was strange to see the giant bird carrying another elegant carriage behind it. Tian Jiyue only had two children by his side as his servants. They were the ones who guided the carriage. Unlike Di Fuyi, he did not require many people to pave his path.

Both groups landed simultaneously. Gu Xijiu fixed her eyes at them smilingly as they slowly threaded on air. She did not let her emotions show.

Ever since the breakup, it was the first time for her to see Di Fuyi in about two weeks. Di Fuyi was still wearing his signature purple robes with a mask. The mask concealed his face entirely, leaving only his bright eyes.

Their eyes met. His eyes curved slightly as he spoke, “Miss Gu, congratulations on your conferment as the National Celestial Master.”

Gu Xijiu smiled at him and answered decently, “Thank you.”

Tian Jiyue, on the other hand, changed his signature attire from the usual cool black into a suit of pale grey robes. The color complemented his handsome appearance. Immediately after the landing, he joined his hands together in salute and greeted Gu Xijiu, “Xijiu, I am late. Congratulations!”

Gu Xijiu’s smile seemed sincerer this time. “Thank you very much.” She seized him up before commenting, “You are finally freed from your isolated training. You look great!”

Tian Jiyue was not wearing a mask. His complexion was rather pale but he still looked cool. When he smiled, it was as charming as the plum blossoms.

He pointed at the elegant white carriage that was behind him and continued, “To celebrate your conferment, I hereby present to you this carriage as a token of congratulation.”

The entire structure of the carriage was carved from a piece of smooth, pure white jade. The design of the exterior was simple and neat, covered with carvings of the clouds. A flock of egrets lied above the clouds as they split across the sky.