Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 525 Conferring the Title of Celestial Official
In the celestial realm, auspicious clouds roll and celestial light lingers.

In the back garden of the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace, the flowers are in full bloom, each with its own unique beauty.

As the lines "The peony behind the palace is charming but lacks elegance, the lotus on the pond is pure but lacks passion" were recited, the Queen Mother of the West's beautiful eyes instantly sparkled, revealing an undisguised surprise and admiration.

The Queen Mother of the West rose gracefully and walked to the desk.

As the "Golden Mother of Yaochi," who is "the embodiment of innate pure Yin energy," she does not have that deliberate twisting posture, but she has her own plump, rounded, and naturally charming feminine allure.

Like a ripe peach, it exudes an alluring fragrance, making one's imagination run wild.

Before the desk.

The Queen Mother of the West herself picked up the inkstone and gracefully began grinding ink for Xiao Chen, all to help him unleash his poetic inspiration and write another exquisite poem.

This allowed her to enjoy a feast for both the ears and the eyes.

"Only the peony is truly a national beauty, but in the current situation, using the peony to describe the Queen Mother of the West is inappropriate..."

Xiao Chen pondered to himself, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the Queen Mother of the West, who was grinding ink for him.

As the saying goes, "When drunk, I pick up a lamp to examine my sword; when a beautiful woman adds fragrance to my night reading."

Strong liquor paired with a sword exudes a sense of boldness and unrestrained spirit, while poetry and books paired with a beautiful woman add a touch of gentleness and tenderness.

When writing poetry or reading, a beautiful woman is by your side, adding fragrance and grinding ink for you.

It truly has a unique charm.

Moreover, the one before them was the embodiment of "innate pure Yin energy," the Queen Mother of Yaochi, the head of all female immortals in the Three Realms.

Such an honor is usually reserved for the "Heavenly Emperor of the Three Realms".

In this celestial realm, to be so favored by the Queen Mother of the West, who personally grinds ink for one, is an immense honor.

However, things in this world also depend on the person.

Some people are so eager for poetry that they don't need so many formalities.

Back then, in order to get Li Bai to write good poems for her, Yang Guifei personally ground ink for him, which is why:

"The strongman removes her boots, and the imperial concubine grinds the ink."

This story has been passed down through the ages and has become a popular topic of conversation among scholars and writers.

If there is a highest honor for a military general, it is "to seal the wolf's lair and destroy a country to capture its ruler".

The highest honor for a poet is probably Li Bai's line, "The strongman removes her boots, and the imperial concubine grinds ink."

And at this moment, on the desk.

This is how it is in the back garden of the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace.

"Clap clap clap..."

"Clap clap clap..."

On the desk, the Queen Mother of the West's slender, long fingers, like scallion roots, gently turned the inkstone, and the ink flowed slowly within it.

The fragrance of ink slowly spread with her movements, filling the air and adding a unique charm to the garden.

Xiao Chen naturally didn't stand on ceremony.

He held a calligraphy brush, lightly dipped it into the ink personally prepared by the Queen Mother of the West, and his gaze swept over the Queen Mother of the West's peerless beauty in the Jade Pool.

The Queen Mother of the West had exquisite features, a high nose bridge, rosy lips, and snow-white skin; every part of her exuded a captivating charm.

The Queen Mother of the West exudes an innate nobility and majesty, displaying a graceful and luxurious temperament, yet also inadvertently revealing a touch of gentleness and charm.

finally.

Xiao Chen's gaze was fixed on the dazzling "Queen Mother's Golden Hairpin" in her hair.

In an instant.

Xiao Chen had a flash of inspiration and suddenly had an idea.

This golden hairpin of the Queen Mother of the West is a rare treasure. It is made of gold and jade, which are cleverly combined to form a perfect whole, showing nobility and elegance.

The hairpin handle is carved from pure gold with exquisite detail. At the tapering end of the handle, a picture of a "three-legged toad holding a pearl" leaps out. The toad is so lifelike that it seems as if it might leap out of the hairpin at any moment and snatch away the bright pearl, carrying endless auspiciousness.

The hairpin is a jade flower carved from the pure white jade of the Kunlun Mountains. It is warm and smooth like jade, with a restrained luster, just like a budding fairy flower, containing the purest spiritual energy between heaven and earth.

It is also decorated with golden phoenixes.

It is just as the poem says: "The golden toad raises its head to hold a red bean, while the golden phoenix shyly protects the jade pistil."

This hairpin, with its "golden handle and jade stamens gleaming," can be described as either a "Queen Mother's Golden Hairpin" or a "Queen Mother's Jade Hairpin"—they are essentially the same.

This "golden and jade hairpin" not only symbolizes the beautiful meaning of "a perfect match", but also symbolizes the supreme majesty of the Queen Mother of the West as the head of the female immortals in the Three Realms, holding the highest power in the world.

However, in the world of mythology.

This golden hairpin of the Queen Mother of the West has a strange and inexplicable connection with a kind of elegant flower in the mortal world.

The great Song Dynasty writer Huang Tingjian once wrote in his poem "The Jade Hairpin":

"After the banquet at the Jade Pool Mother's house, the tender jade flew up to the purple cloud chariot. The jade hairpin fell to the ground and no one picked it up, but it turned into the first flower of Jiangnan."

The "Yaochi Amu" in the poem is another name for "Yaochi Wangmu".

This poem vividly depicts the scene of the Queen Mother of the West, slightly tipsy after a banquet at the Jade Pool, when a jade hairpin from her hair accidentally falls to the mortal world.

That is, according to legend, there was a day...

The Queen Mother of the West held a banquet in the Jade Pool, where all the immortals gathered. Laughter and merriment filled the air, with fine wine and delicacies, and wine cups fluttering in the breeze.

In her moment of revelry and in a drunken stupor, the Queen Mother of the West inadvertently left behind the precious jade hairpin from her hair as she rose to depart.

The jade hairpin melted upon touching the ground, instantly transforming into a cluster of exquisitely elegant white flowers.

The flowers are as white as snow and shaped like hairpins, hence the name "Jade Hairpin Flower".

The "Jade Hairpin Flower" is hailed as the "Number One Flower in Jiangnan".

It can be said that the golden hairpin on the head of the Queen Mother of the West is the origin of the Jade Hairpin Flower in the Three Realms.

This story is known as: "The Queen Mother, drunk, left behind a hairpin that miraculously produced flowers."

The jade hairpin flower in the mortal realm is the transformation of the hairpin that the Queen Mother of the West dropped when she was drunk. It descends to the mortal world carrying the Queen Mother of the West's fairy aura and spiritual charm.

Wang Anshi of the Song Dynasty also wrote a poem called "The Jade Hairpin," which records this event:

"The fairy maiden of Yaochi feasted amidst the flowing clouds, and in her drunken state, she left behind a hairpin that transformed into a flower."

At this moment.

Using "jade hairpin flower" as a metaphor for the Queen Mother of the West is truly the most fitting analogy.

The jade hairpin flower, with its icy skin and jade-like bones, and its elegant and outstanding appearance, when in bloom, fully displays the charm of a classical beauty, just like the extraordinary and ethereal temperament of the Queen Mother of the West, which is perfectly natural and without the slightest affectation.

Thinking this through, Xiao Chen's mind cleared. With a light flick of his wrist, he picked up his brush and wrote a poem, "Ode to the Jade Hairpin," which appeared on the paper:

"The peony behind the pond is charming but lacks elegance, while the lotus on the pond is pure but lacks passion."

"Only the jade hairpin is truly a beauty of the nation; when it blooms, it moves the heavens."

With Xiao Chen's careful revisions, the poem became even more in line with the Queen Mother's noble and otherworldly temperament.

The rhyming of the characters “情” and “庭” is clever, making it easy to read aloud, like pearls falling on a jade plate, adding a touch of poetic beauty and rhythm.

Upon seeing this, the Queen Mother of the West's eyes flashed with amazement. She parted her lips slightly and softly recited:
"...Only the jade hairpin is truly a beauty of the nation; when it blooms, it stirs the heavens."

Good poetry is very powerful.

It is like the saying, "Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you?" Its boldness and unrestrained spirit fully demonstrate its magnanimous mind.

"Everyone has their own unique talents, and even if I spend all my money, it will come back again." His confidence and high spirits demonstrate extraordinary courage.

"I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, then suddenly turning around, I found him where the lights were dim." Its subtle and profound meaning, imbued with boundless emotion, leaves a lasting impression...

The line "Only the jade hairpin is truly a national beauty, its blooming season moves the heavens" also perfectly captures the unparalleled beauty and elegance of the Queen Mother of the West.

Through these verses, one can almost glimpse the breathtaking and magnificent scene of the Jade Hairpin Flower (Queen Mother of the West) blooming in the Heavenly Court.

"The peony in the rear is unparalleled in its beauty... Only the jade hairpin is truly a national beauty, its blooming season moves the heavens."

This poem, "Ode to the Jade Hairpin," echoed gently above the Jade Pool, accompanied by the Queen Mother of the West's chanting. Like celestial music, its lingering melody resonated for a long time.

The Queen Mother of the West was also a lover of poetry. When reciting poems, she was focused and absorbed, as if she had become one with the scenery in the poems.

Upon hearing the poem, the surrounding fairies all gathered around, surrounding Xiao Chen and the Queen Mother like stars around the moon.

The sounds of laughter and playfulness instantly fell silent, leaving only the melodious verses floating in the air, seemingly possessing a magical power that captivated the listener.

"Only the jade hairpin is truly a beauty of the nation... How well written!"

Their faces were filled with amazement and admiration as they whispered among themselves, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

"This poem is so well written! Comparing the Queen Mother of the West to a jade hairpin flower is just right, a perfect match!"

A fairy in a pink dress spoke softly, her eyes filled with admiration.

“Yes, that ‘Only the jade hairpin is truly a national beauty, its blooming season moves the heavens’ perfectly showcases the Queen Mother’s nobility and beauty. I never expected that this heavenly soldier would have such talent. It’s truly remarkable!” Another fairy chimed in, her eyes full of admiration and showing her respect for Xiao Chen.

Even the Jade Rabbit Spirit at this moment.

And so did Fairy Su'e, who had previously taken off Xiao Chen's boots and was quite resentful.

After all, they were fairies from the moon palace.

Throughout history, there have been countless poems praising the moon in the mortal realm.

As goddesses on the moon, they too could feel these "poems about the moon".

Although there are many poems in the Three Realms, few can surpass this "Ode to the Jade Hairpin".

The Queen Mother of the West smiled slightly, a smile as beautiful as spring flowers in bloom, breathtakingly beautiful, dazzling and mesmerizing, as if all other things in the world paled in comparison.

"A single glance back and a smile can captivate a hundred beauties, making all the beauties of the three realms pale in comparison."

This phrase perfectly describes the Queen Mother of the West's radiant smile at this moment.

"What a wonderful poem! It's truly a wonderful poem!"

The Queen Mother of the West slowly walked up to Xiao Chen, her eyes full of admiration, and said softly:

"Yang Guoshan, your poem 'Ode to the Jade Hairpin' is truly wonderful. Not only is the rhyme beautiful, but it also cleverly connects me with the jade hairpin flower."

"It makes me feel as if I can see the magnificent sight of the jade hairpin flowers blooming in the Heavenly Court, a sight that will shake the Three Realms. It is truly a rare masterpiece."

"Yang Guoshan, you are indeed exceptionally talented and have lived up to my expectations."

Xiao Chen bowed slightly, his face humble, and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty is too kind. I am already extremely grateful to have Your Majesty personally grind the ink for me. This poem is merely a spontaneous creation born of a sudden inspiration."

"It is truly an honor for me to receive such praise from the Queen Mother of the West."

Even so.

But in truth, Xiao Chen secretly thought that his humble demeanor was merely a prelude to gain the trust of the Queen Mother of the West and lay the groundwork for obtaining greater benefits in the future.

The Queen Mother gently shook her head and said:

"I have witnessed your talent today."

"I greatly admire this poem, so I have included it in my poetry collection, so that all beings in the Three Realms may appreciate the beauty of its verses."

Xiao Chen quickly bowed again and said:

"Thank you for your kindness, Queen Mother. I will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."

The Queen Mother of the West waved her hand and said:

“Turn this poem, ‘Ode to the Jade Hairpin,’ into a musical piece. Once it’s finished, have the musicians come to Yaochi to play it.”

A fairy maiden quickly bowed and said:
"I will obey Your Majesty's decree and will do my best to complete the task as soon as possible."

Then, the fairy maiden hurriedly went to find the musician.

The Queen Mother of the West is indeed the "richest woman in the Three Realms," possessing immense wealth and abundant treasures.

She's very generous; whenever she's in a good mood, she'll give a tip.

The Queen Mother of the West looked at Xiao Chen, her gaze thoughtful, and said:

"Yang Guoshan, you have written such a fine piece for me today, I will reward you handsomely."

"What reward would you like?"

What Xiao Chen actually wanted most was naturally the "Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass".

If he had to settle for second best, he hoped to obtain a "token of free access to the Jade Pool." With it, he could access the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass more secretly and conveniently, creating excellent conditions for obtaining the grass in the future.

Finally, he would get a "new outfit" to show off his power as the Golden Horned King.

but.

Nine-leaf Ganoderma lucidum is extremely rare, perhaps even more precious than the peach of immortality.

His current identity as King Golden Horn is just an ordinary heavenly soldier, but he has the cultivation of a Xuanxian and has no injuries.

If he were to rashly demand the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass, it would certainly arouse suspicion. Why would an ordinary heavenly soldier like him want such a precious spiritual herb?
Moreover, King Golden Horn has a huge demand; he needs all nine leaves of the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass, leaving none behind.

Given the Queen Mother of the West's mood today, and her high praise for his poem, he might be able to receive one or two leaves of the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass if he only asked for them.

But if he were to ask for all nine leaves, the Queen Mother of the West would certainly not agree.

After all, this herb is far too precious to be compared with ordinary things. Although the Queen Mother of the West is the richest woman in the Three Realms, she would not give away such a treasure to others so easily.

Besides, what would I need so many leaves of the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass for now that I'm disguised as an "ordinary heavenly soldier"?
It's really hard to explain.

The Queen Mother of the West is "benevolent," not "stupid."

The Queen Mother of the West has been in charge of the Jade Pool for many years, and has seen countless people. She has keen insight and if King Golden Horn were to rashly ask for it, the Queen Mother of the West would definitely be suspicious.

If he's not careful, King Golden Horn might easily expose his true identity and purpose, attracting unnecessary trouble and suspicion. At that point, all his previous efforts would be in vain.

Things are accomplished in secret, but ruined by being revealed. King Golden Horn should keep his ambitions hidden and wait for the right time.

As the saying goes, "The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without striving, and none in the world can contend with it."

This means that if one can conduct oneself in the world without striving for fame and fortune, without being arrogant or complacent, and by following the laws of nature, one can reach the highest realm where "no one in the world can compete with one."

Xiao Chen pondered to himself:

"The highest level of competition is not to compete."

"Because he does not contend, no one in the world can contend with him."

"Not competing is the greatest competition."

"At this moment, I should adopt the strategy of 'retreating to advance,' first gaining the trust and favor of the Queen Mother of the West, and then seeking greater benefits!"

Therefore, Xiao Chen bowed slightly, his expression respectful and humble, and said:

"A good article is born of nature, and a skillful hand may occasionally bring it to fruition."

"This poem is simply a humble fairy's good fortune to have seen the Empress's face, and the feelings in my heart led me to write this poem."

"Your Majesty's beauty is natural, like a jade hairpin flower, pure and elegant. It is only right that you are like this. How dare this humble immortal take credit for it?"

"If Your Majesty wishes to reward me, then I will reward you with the ability to frequently visit the Jade Pool, like a bird returning to its nest, to always accompany Your Majesty, and to compose poems for Your Majesty, to express my respect for Your Majesty."

"Um……"

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother of the West nodded slightly, a thoughtful look appearing in her delicate eyes.

Having held a high position for a long time and seen countless people, she could see that Xiao Chen's humility was genuine, and her goodwill towards him increased even more.

After a moment, the Queen Mother of the West parted her lips slightly and slowly said:

"I have never been bound by conventions when it comes to employing people."

“Those with outstanding literary talent can become officials, those with exceptional martial prowess can become officials, and those with a special skill can also become officials.”

"The Heavenly Court welcomes talented people. If someone as eloquent as you is buried, it would be like a pearl lost in the ocean, a true regret for the Heavenly Court."

"Since you possess such talent, you should be employed by the Heavenly Court."

"I hereby appoint you as the 'Jade Pool Master of Ceremonies and Literary Master'."

"This position is directly under the jurisdiction of Yaochi, and is a seventh-rank official position. It allows access to poetry, literature and classics from the Three Realms."

"Furthermore, you will be in charge of the grand gatherings at Yaochi, such as the Peach Banquet and the poetry recitation ceremony for the immortals to pay homage. All matters related to poetry will be arranged in your favor."

The Queen Mother of the West is the head of all female immortals in the Heavenly Realm, and her status is extremely revered. She is one of the "Three Giants of the Heavenly Court".

She wielded immense power, able to directly manage and bestow official titles upon female immortals in the Three Realms according to the laws of Heaven.
but.

The conferment of official titles to male celestial beings in Heaven generally requires the personal appointment of the Jade Emperor.

After all, the Queen Mother of the West is the head of female immortals, not the head of male immortals.

However, the duties of the Queen Mother of the West are "first, to lead all the female immortals, and second, to manage the Jade Pool and the Fairy Garden".

In addition to having the power to oversee all female immortals, the Queen Mother of the West also has full control over the fairyland of Yaochi Langyuan.

The Queen Mother of the West can make all the decisions and arrangements regarding matters and personnel within the Jade Pool.

There is no need to consult the Jade Emperor or the Supreme Taoist Ancestor.

For the Queen Mother of Yaochi, creating a seventh-rank celestial official position directly under Yaochi was a simple matter of lifting a finger and was not a big problem.

"The Liwen Envoy of Yaochi Secretary..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen pondered for a moment.

To put it simply, the "Jade Pool Literary Envoy" was someone who would present elegant poems and songs to the Queen Mother of the West or other immortals during the grand Jade Pool gatherings.

To enhance the cultural atmosphere and elegance of the Yaochi Festival.

(End of this chapter)