Celestial Guidance

Imperial Astrologer Qiu Ren's visit to the palace's bustling armour was an unusual sight. Clad in robes adorned with celestial patterns and carrying an aura of mystique, he stood out amidst the clang of weapons and the bustle of soldiers. His appearance drew curious glances from the palace guards and soldiers who were unaccustomed to such an occurrence.

Word of the Imperial Astrologer's arrival quickly reached Zhang Wei, who was busy inspecting a row of gleaming spears. Captain Xue, who had witnessed the astrologer's request, approached Zhang Wei with a note of intrigue in his voice.

"Zhang Wei, there's a man here who claims to be the Imperial Astrologer. He wishes to speak with you privately."

Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the unexpected request. Nevertheless, he excused himself from his duties and followed Captain Xue to the designated meeting spot.

In a quieter corner of the armour, away from prying eyes and curious ears, stood Imperial Astrologer Qiu Ren. He was a middle-aged man with a wise countenance and eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the cosmos. He greeted Zhang Wei with a nod, acknowledging his presence.

"Zhang Wei," he began, his voice carrying an otherworldly timbre. "I have been observing the celestial patterns, and the alignment of the stars has brought me here to offer you guidance."

"Guidance, sir?" Zhang Wei regarded the astrologer with a mix of curiosity and scepticism.

"Yes, young one. The stars have a way of revealing secrets and providing insight into the path one should tread. Your destiny is entwined with the palace, and I am here to help you navigate its complexities," Qiu Ren smiled knowingly.

Zhang Wei couldn't deny that the palace had been a realm of uncertainty and treacherous intrigues. He found himself intrigued despite his reservations.

"What do the stars say, then?"

"They say that you possess a rare combination of courage and wisdom, attributes that may serve you well or lead you astray within these walls. But remember, young one, destiny is not set in stone. It is a path that you must choose to follow," The astrologer's gaze became distant as if he were peering into the heavens themselves.

As Zhang Wei listened to the astrologer's words about the stars and their influence, a natural scepticism crept over him. He had never put much stock in the mysticism of astrology; his world had always been one of practicality and hard work. Yet, as the astrologer continued to speak, a memory surfaced in Zhang Wei's mind, one that made him reconsider.

Xiao Mei, his childhood friend, had possessed a deep fascination with the night sky. She would often lay with him on the grass, pointing out constellations and sharing stories about the stars. While Zhang Wei had never shared her fervour for celestial mysteries, he had listened with rapt attention simply because it brought her joy. Xiao Mei had been a true believer in the power of the stars.

"Very well, sir. I will keep an open mind," in a moment of quiet reverence for his friend's memory, Zhang Wei found himself nodding, albeit reluctantly.

"To demonstrate the alignment of the stars' influence, consider this: General Li Feng embarked on a mission several weeks ago, and the stars have revealed that his return is imminent, today," seeing Zhang Wei's willingness to entertain the notion of celestial guidance, the astrologer continued.

"General Li Feng's return, you say? That could be mere coincidence," Zhang Wei's scepticism resurfaced, and he regarded the astrologer with a raised eyebrow.

However, just as Zhang Wei uttered those words, a sudden commotion erupted outside the armoury. Voices could be heard shouting excitedly, and the sound of approaching horses echoed through the courtyard.

"Sometimes, young one, the universe offers us proof in its way," The astrologer smiled knowingly.

Surprised by the timing, Zhang Wei stood up from his seat and moved closer to the window. The crowd's cheers grew louder, and he could see a procession approaching the armoury. At its centre was General Li Feng, riding proudly on a magnificent steed. The general's arrival was met with a hero's welcome, and the soldiers gathered around him, eager to hear tales of his mission.

"And, you see, young one, General Li Feng brings with him not just stories but a captive as well, a man who was thought to be a traitor," the astrologer seized the moment and added a cryptic piece of information.

Intrigued, Zhang Wei squinted through the window to get a better look. And there, atop a horse-drawn carriage, was a cage. Inside it was a man, battered and bruised, his face etched with pain and despair. He was tightly bound and appeared to be the traitor that General Li Feng had captured.

Zhang Wei's scepticism wavered, replaced by a sense of wonder and curiosity. Perhaps there was more to the astrologer's wisdom than he had initially thought. The stars, it seemed, held secrets that even he couldn't deny.

As Zhang Wei took his seat once more, he was prepared to hear more from the Imperial Astrologer Qiu Ren, curious about what else this man had to offer in terms of celestial guidance. However, instead of the astrologer delving into further explanations or insights, it was Zhang Wei who found himself subjected to a barrage of questions.

The Imperial Astrologer's eyes bore into Zhang Wei's with an intense focus, as if trying to see beyond the surface and into his very essence. He asked a series of questions, ones that left Zhang Wei taken aback. They were intimate, personal inquiries, probing into details that only Zhang Wei himself should know.

"How many moles do you have on your left forearm?" Qiu Ren's voice held an eerie calm as he posed this question, his gaze unyielding.

Zhang Wei blinked, surprised by the sudden intrusion into his privacy. He instinctively glanced at his left forearm, counting the moles mentally. There were three in total, a fact that he had never shared with anyone, not even Hong Yi.

"Three," Zhang Wei responded cautiously, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"What was the name of your childhood pet, the one you cared for the most?" The astrologer nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer, before moving on to another question.

Zhang Wei's guard went up further. These questions felt like an invasion of his most private memories. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly.

"A cat. Her name was Lulu. I didn't name her though, it was a friend's."

"One last question for now, Zhang Wei. What is the one thing you fear the most?" Qiu Ren nodded again, his expression inscrutable.

This question struck deep, delving into Zhang Wei's innermost fears and vulnerabilities. He took a deep breath, considering his response carefully.

"I fear being powerless, unable to protect those I care about."

The astrologer leaned back, seemingly satisfied with the answers he had extracted. He finally addressed Zhang Wei's earlier inquiry, albeit indirectly.

"You see, Zhang Wei, the stars reveal much about a person. They unveil not only the patterns of the heavens but also the patterns of one's life. Your destiny is intertwined with the celestial realm, and I am here to help you understand its guidance."

Zhang Wei couldn't deny the unsettling nature of the astrologer's questions, nor the curiosity they had ignited within him. It was as if Qiu Ren had peered into his very soul. Despite his initial scepticism, he now found himself drawn into the enigmatic world of celestial wisdom, eager to explore the mysteries it held.

As Imperial Astrologer Qiu Ren made his way back to his secluded chambers, a maelstrom of thoughts swirled within his mind. The encounter with Zhang Wei had left him both intrigued and unnerved. It was as if he had glimpsed the hidden threads of destiny, and what he had seen in the stars left little doubt in his mind: Zhang Wei was indeed the son of the late Emperor Liang Wei.

The celestial patterns had been unmistakable, aligning with the astrological signs and portents that he had studied for years. It was a revelation that had sent shockwaves through him, for it hinted at a looming upheaval in the palace's intricate power dynamics. The stars had whispered secrets of change and transformation, and Qiu Ren understood that he now stood at the precipice of a new era.

Yet, as he pondered the implications of this discovery, he couldn't help but wonder if Zhang Wei himself was aware of his true lineage. Their conversation had revealed nothing to suggest that Zhang Wei possessed this knowledge. This raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Zhang Wei's upbringing and the secrets that had shrouded his past.

Qiu Ren knew that he couldn't unveil this revelation just yet, not until the stars themselves guided him to the opportune moment. The palace was a labyrinth of intrigue and danger, and he was acutely aware of the perils that came with exposing such a profound truth. The timing was everything, and he would need to tread carefully, allowing the celestial forces to align in their favour.

As he settled into his chambers, surrounded by the ancient scrolls and star charts that had been his lifelong companions, Qiu Ren couldn't shake the feeling that he was standing on the threshold of something momentous. The stars had spoken, and their message was clear: Change was coming to the palace, and Zhang Wei was at the heart of it. Now, all he could do was bide his time, watching and waiting for the stars to reveal their next guidance.