Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

King Zhou was suspicious. "Very well, imprison Ji Chang temporarily. If it comes true, I will pardon you and allow you to return home."

"Yes, I'm graduating," Ji Chang immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

After the morning court session, King Zhou ordered that no fires be lit in any of the palaces. The next day at 9:00 AM, Fei Zhong ordered the officials guarding the ancestral temple to keep their eyes wide open and announce the time constantly, saying, "You all need to be on your guard. How is the inspection going? There can't be any mistakes, or you'll lose your heads!"

"Reporting to you, sir," a soldier said, "I have sent the Imperial Guards to guard the gate and the courtyard is now empty. The incense has been extinguished and the ashes have been sprinkled with water. Please rest assured, sir."

Fei Zhong stroked his beard. This time, he was determined to kill Ji Chang.

Meanwhile, Huang Feihu was extremely anxious. The weather was fine, the ancestral temple was quiet, and there was no sign of fire. One of his subordinates walked over and said, "Brother, it's past 9 AM, and there's still no sign of fire. Is the Marquis of Xibo's prediction accurate?"

Huang Feihu remained silent, deeply worried. His men approached him and said, "Brother, how about I burn down the Imperial Ancestral Temple?"

"How dare you! Don't you want your head?" Huang Feihu said. At this moment, not only he, but all the eyes in the palace were on the Imperial Ancestral Temple. How could he easily make a move?

At this moment, King Zhou was leisurely drinking in Daji's harem. "Your Majesty has a good capacity for alcohol. Come, have another cup."

King Zhou, preoccupied with something, couldn't help but ask Daji, "Do you think Ji Chang's divination will come true?"

Daji stroked King Zhou's chest and said, "Your Majesty, he is only a mortal. How could he possibly know the heavens and the earth? He is just trying to live one more night. Your Majesty need not worry."

King Zhou laughed heartily, "I also find it strange, so I will allow him to live one more night, so that he can die willingly."

"Your Majesty, you are truly wise!" Daji said with a coquettish laugh as she lay in King Zhou's arms.

King Zhou laughed heartily and whispered sweet nothings to Daji, their voices becoming increasingly intimate.

It was almost noon, but the ancestral temple was still very quiet. Everyone was talking about how "the Marquis of Xibo's life might not be in danger."

Just then, the timekeeper loudly announced, "It's noon." Fei Zhong, who was standing nearby, laughed loudly, "Ji Chang, Ji Chang, you said that I'm freezing cold and will be put in ice water in the dead of winter and die of cold. You yourself won't live past tonight. I want to see how you die peacefully in your bed, hahahahahahahahaha."

No sooner had he finished speaking than two bolts of lightning appeared in the sky above the ancestral temple, and in the blink of an eye, a raging fire broke out.

News of the fire at the ancestral temple quickly spread throughout the palace. King Zhou lost his appetite for drinking. Looking at the wisps of black smoke rising from the temple, he frowned and said, "It seems that Ji Chang is not destined to die."

Daji quickly stepped forward to comfort him, saying, "Your Majesty, divination and fortune-telling are just coincidences. If you let Ji Chang go now, he will surely hold a grudge. Wouldn't that be like letting a tiger return to the mountains?"

King Zhou pondered for a while, then said helplessly, "But I am a dignified ruler, and I cannot go back on my word."

Daji smiled slightly. "Your Majesty, he may be spared the death penalty, but he cannot escape punishment. If you want to keep Ji Chang, you must find a reason to silence the ministers. How about this, put Ji Chang under house arrest. As long as he cannot return to Xiqi, he will not be able to do anything. In this way, he will not pose any threat to the court."

King Zhou crossed his arms and pondered for a moment. "Very well, let the Marquis of Xibo live peacefully in Youli, study the Eight Trigrams, write books and biographies to teach future generations, and revitalize the Yin Shang Dynasty. In this way, no one will petition for his pardon." After saying this, King Zhou looked at the wine in his hand and drank it all in one gulp.

Under the escort of soldiers, the Marquis of Xibo led his family to Youli. On the way, a servant whispered to the Marquis of Xibo, "My lord, rest assured, my servants have already returned to Xiqi to report the news. You can rest assured and perform divination in Youli."

The Marquis of Xibo looked serious, his eyes tightly closed. He silently prayed that nothing more trouble would arise.

The news quickly reached Xiqi, and upon learning that the Marquis of Xibo was under house arrest, everyone in Xiqi was very anxious, especially Bo Yikao, the eldest son of the Marquis of Xibo, Ji Chang. He was very filial and concerned about his father's safety, so he immediately convened his ministers to discuss how to rescue his father.

Chapter 1118 Boyi Passes Examination and Enters Chaoge

"Ministers, my father is imprisoned in Youli. What do you suggest I do?" Boyi Kao paced restlessly in the hall, seeking the ministers' opinions.

Minister Nangong Shi, the “Young Lord,” advised, “Our Great Zhou is vast and rich in resources. Your Lordship treats your ministers with kindness and loves your people like your own children. In my opinion, we should spread the news of Your Lordship’s imprisonment to the public, recruit soldiers and gather horses. Hundreds of thousands of people will surely respond. Then we can march on Chaoge and use this to coerce King Zhou to release you.”

"Absolutely not!" another minister, San Dafu, immediately objected. "King Zhou is stubborn and willful, insisting on his own way. If we raise an army, this will cost Your Majesty your life." He turned to Nangong Shi and said, "Nangong Shi, you've come up with this terrible plan; you're disregarding the life and death of our lord!"

"Stop arguing," said Ji Fa, the second son of the Marquis of Xibo. "Before Father left, he repeatedly warned us not to act rashly. Let's think of another way."

“But now my father is imprisoned and his fate is unknown. I am really worried about him,” Boyi Kao said. “But there is no way to save him right now. It is really worrying.”

"Brother, Grandma is not in good health, and we should keep Father's imprisonment a secret from her for now," Ji Fa said.

The courtiers seconded the motion, arguing that the old woman's health was of utmost importance.

However, three years later, King Zhou still refused to let them go. The old lady wept every night, and Boyi Kao was also very worried. Early one morning, he said in the palace, "My father has been imprisoned in Youli for three years. Last night, my father appeared in my grandmother's dream. So I have decided to go to Chaoge to atone for my father's sins. After I leave, Ji Fa will take over the leadership of Xiqi in my father's stead. I wonder what you all think?"

Ji Fa tried to stop him, saying, "Brother, don't go..."

“If the eldest brother isn’t going, are you going?” said Ji Chang’s youngest son, who was standing nearby.

Ji Fa nodded. "I was just about to go in my brother's place."

“No,” Boyi Kao said to Ji Fa, “If you can govern our Xiqi well for your brother, that will be the greatest support you can give me.”

“Alright, if you insist on going, I will definitely govern Xiqi well,” Ji Fa solemnly promised.

“Young Master,” said the minister San Dafu below the stage, “Lord Jun is renowned throughout the land for his divine calculations. Before he departed, he instructed us not to visit the capital. He said that the disaster would be over and he would return in glory. Although three years have passed, the disaster is not yet over. Perhaps we should wait a few more months.”

“Yes, young master, if you really have to go, it wouldn’t be a problem for me or Doctor San Yisheng to go. It would be more convenient to send someone who is unknown and doesn’t attract attention,” Nangong Shi also advised.

Bo Yikao shook his head. "Father is getting old. As the eldest grandson of my grandmother and the eldest son of my father, I would feel ashamed if I did not go in person, and I would be ridiculed by the world. There is no need to discuss it anymore." Bo Yikao made up his mind. "I will take the three treasures passed down from my ancestors and go to Chaoge in person to pay tribute and atone for my father's sins. San Dafu, you should prepare yourself and set off tomorrow."

San Yisheng's expression was solemn, and he remained silent. Bo Yikao continued to ask, "Doctor San, what's wrong? Is there anything else you need to tell me?"

San Yisheng nodded. "Young Master, Prime Minister Bi Gan and Grand Marshal Huang Feihu have a deep friendship with the old master. Fei Zhong and You Hun are King Zhou's favorite ministers. You should visit them appropriately and prepare a generous gift for each of them. As for King Zhou, he is fond of drinking and women. Young Master should also cater to his tastes and flatter him more."

“I overlooked that point,” Boyi Kao said, lowering his head and thinking for a moment after hearing what San Dafu had said.

"Oh, Your Majesty, I will send men to prepare as soon as possible: one hundred jars of the 'Man-Magnet' wine and ten beautiful women, to be presented to King Zhou," said San Yisheng.

"Yes, Dr. San is very thoughtful. Let's do it this way," Boyi Kao said sincerely.

The next day, Boyi Kao left Xiqi with the three treasures. The entire city came to see him off. Boyi Kao was moved and secretly resolved to bring his father back.

When Boyi Kao arrived in Chaoge, as instructed by the Grand Master, he first went to pay his respects to Prime Minister Bigan. Boyi Kao personally performed the grand kneeling ceremony to thank the Prime Minister for recommending him, and entrusted Bigan to speak on behalf of the Emperor to inform King Zhou of his arrival to pay tribute. Bigan immediately agreed and asked Huang Feihu to inform Ji Chang of Boyi Kao's arrival in Chaoge.

The next day, the prime minister personally went to see King Zhou and said arrogantly, "Which lord has rebelled again? I won't listen!"

“Your Majesty, it is Boyi Kao, the young master of Xiqi, who has come to pay tribute,” Bigan stepped forward and bowed.

King Zhou found it strange: "It's not time to pay tribute yet, so what has Xiqi come to offer?"

“Oh, he has brought three rare treasures,” Bigan said hastily. He looked up to observe King Zhou’s expression, and King Zhou was indeed interested. “Also, he has another request. He wants to atone for his father’s sins and asks Your Majesty to pardon the Marquis of Xibo and allow him to retire to his hometown.”

"Please invite Boyi Kao to the Star-Picking Tower, and we will discuss it after the meeting," King Zhou said. Bigan knew that if the three treasures could win the king's favor, then there was hope for the release of the Marquis of Xibo. Bigan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Bo Yikao has come to the Zhaixing Tower for an audience." Bo Yikao was finally able to see the king. As soon as he entered the Zhaixing Tower, he immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Bo Yikao, the son of this sinful subject, pays his respects to the king."

When King Zhou saw Boyi Kao bowing his head, he said, "Raise your head."

"I, the son of a guilty subject, dare not," Boyi Kao said humbly. "I forgive you for your guilt." King Zhou said, "Did Prime Minister Bigan impeach you a thousand miles away just to atone for your father's sins?"

"Your Majesty, my father, Ji Chang, was spared death by Your Majesty and wrote a book. My family and I are grateful to Your Majesty. I have come to court today to humbly request Your Majesty to grant my father permission to return to his hometown so that he may serve his elderly father and fulfill his filial duty."

Bigan, who was standing nearby, pleaded on his behalf, saying, "Your Majesty, Boyi Kao's filial piety is touching. He has also offered the three ancestral treasures, ten beautiful women, and a hundred jars of fine wine. It is better to remember his filial piety and show Your Majesty's kindness."

King Zhou was very pleased to see that Boyi Kao was so humble and that the gifts he presented pleased him. At this moment, Shen Gongbao said from the side, "Your Majesty, you may accept the gifts first. As for the matter of the Marquis of Xibo returning to Xiqi, let's put it aside for now."

"Bo Yikao, rise. Although your father was treacherous, your presence today demonstrates your loyalty and filial piety. I hereby pardon you," King Zhou said.

At this moment, Daji suddenly came out. She had long heard that Boyi Kao was handsome and talented in playing the zither. As a fox spirit who had lived for a thousand years, how could she not see such a beauty?

"Your Majesty, I have something to say," Daji stepped forward with a wicked smile.

"Oh, what does my beloved consort want to say?" King Zhou pulled Daji into his arms.

Chapter 1119 Cruel Cannibalism of Parents and Children

"Your Majesty, I've heard that Boyi Kao is skilled in playing the zither and is proficient in music. How about we have him play a piece for Your Majesty to enjoy today?" Daji said in King Zhou's arms.

Bo Yikao quickly refused, saying, "The son of a sinner has come to atone for his father's sins. I feel ashamed and have hastily played the zither, which may offend Your Majesty's ears."

"Since the Queen wishes to hear it, play a tune to please her. For the Queen's sake, if the music is indeed extraordinary and can make her happy, I will allow you and your son to return home," King Zhou said to Daji in a good mood.

"Why don't you hurry up and express your gratitude?" Upon hearing this, Bigan immediately asked Boyi Kao to play a tune.

Bo Yikao played the long zither, and exquisite music flowed continuously. He played "The Wind Enters the Pines" with unparalleled grace. King Zhou clapped repeatedly, "Hahahaha, just as the Queen said, this music should only exist in heaven. It is truly perfect!"

Seeing that King Zhou was pleased, Boyi Kao prepared to bring up the matter of pardoning his father and allowing him to return home. However, Daji told the king that she wanted to keep Boyi Kao at the lunch banquet the next day, after which the pardon of the Marquis of Xibo would be granted.

Daji also suggested that Boyi Kao teach her to play the zither privately so that she could learn the skill and play for King Zhou every day. King Zhou readily agreed. In fact, Daji was using the guise of teaching the zither to seduce him. She was attracted to Boyi Kao's dashing and charming appearance and wanted to seduce him, but Boyi Kao sternly refused. This infuriated Daji, and she planned to kill Boyi Kao at the lunch banquet the next day.

Meanwhile, Huang Feihu made a special trip to Youli to inform Ji Chang that Boyi Kao had come to Chaoge, hoping to alleviate his longing for his son.

"Great news, great news, Brother Ji Chang!" Huang Feihu rushed over to congratulate the Marquis of Xibo, who was feeding birds.

"Haha, Brother Feihu, what brings you this joy?" During Ji Chang's days imprisoned in Youli, he was isolated from the outside world and lived a peaceful life, enjoying a leisurely existence.

Huang Feihu said with a smile, "Your eldest son, Boyi Kao, arrived in Chaoge yesterday, presented the three ancestral treasures, and earnestly requested Your Majesty to release you so you can return home. Prime Minister Bigan has already brought your son to meet Your Majesty, so you should be able to leave here soon."

"What?" Ji Chang's expression changed drastically upon hearing this. "What did you say?"

Huang Feihu thought Ji Chang was too agitated, so he loudly repeated, "Young Master Boyi Kao has come to Chaoge to plead for you. You can leave this place now!"

After hearing this, Ji Chang took two steps back, his eyes suddenly went blank, and then he fainted.

Huang Feihu was shocked and quickly helped Ji Chang back into the house. He pinched Ji Chang's philtrum, and after a while, Ji Chang slowly woke up. "My son Boyi Kao did not heed his father's advice. His life is over, over..."

Huang Feihu was puzzled. “Brother Ji Chang, Yi Kao came here on the orders of his grandmother, and he has also presented three treasures. There will be no trouble.”

But Ji Chang seemed not to hear him, his eyes were vacant, and then he coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Huang Feihu was shocked: "Brother Ji Chang, Brother Ji Chang..."

Ji Chang wailed loudly on the bed, "Daji, Daji, you are truly my son's nemesis!" It turned out that Ji Chang had already foreseen that Boyi Kao would be framed by Daji on his trip to Chaoge and would never return.

The next day, after the lunch banquet, King Zhou asked Boyi Kao to present three treasures in front of all his ministers. "My dear ministers," he said, "I have summoned you here today to show you these three treasures that have been passed down through generations of the Marquis of Xibo."

"Bo Yikao, I wonder if the three treasures you are presenting are genuine or not?" Daji asked Boyi Kao. Because of the matter of teaching the zither yesterday, Boyi Kao did not dare to meet Daji's eyes at this moment, but only lowered his head and said, "With the king and the ministers here, the three treasures can be examined in person and a conclusion can be drawn."

"Bo Yi Kao" Shen Gongbao stroked his beard. "The crime of deceiving the emperor is punishable by death according to the law!"

Bo Yikao was confident in his ancestral treasures, and he solemnly said, "If any of them are found to be fake, I am willing to accept punishment according to the law."

Shen Gongbao glanced at Daji, then revealed a sinister smile. He had already conspired with Daji to secretly sabotage the three treasures.

Bo Yikao called out to the outside of the main hall, "Shangbao!" Soon, someone carried a cart over. "Your Majesty, this is the first treasure, the Seven Fragrance Cart. It is made of seven different kinds of fragrant wood. It is originally odorless, but after being sprinkled with water, it can emit fragrance that can travel for thousands of miles."