Chapter 83: Chao Chao Summons A God
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
In the vibrant heart of the capital, an enormous altar rose toward the heavens, piercing the clouds and nearly touching the stars—a sight so majestic, it seemed one could almost reach out and brush the cosmos with their fingertips.
Standing atop this grand structure, the king, surrounded by his devoted courtiers, wore a solemn and respectful demeanor.
“Let us pray for the divine protection over our people,” he announced with a grave tone.
“Furthermore, let us invoke the divine to grace our kingdom of North Zhao with their holy presence,” he continued, as everyone present knelt in deep prayer, invoking celestial aid.
The Lantern Festival, revered even more than the New Year, was the occasion when the whole realm engaged in fervent divine worship, eagerly hoping to experience what they termed ‘divine descent’—usually a brief, ephemeral visitation of a deity to the earthly plane.
During the festivities, a young prince, filled with curiosity, whispered to his mother, “Why do we specifically venerate the chief deity at every Lantern Festival? Is today his birthday?”
In place of his mother, a young, bald novice monk answered. “No, it isn’t his birthday. According to historical records, the chief deity made his presence known during past Lantern Festivals. It is said he descended six times, each during this festival, thereby sanctifying it as a day of significant reverence and a chance to gain divine favor.”
This novice monk was none other than the fourth prince, who had been sent away to the National Temple due to a dire prophecy foretold at his birth. His separation was a source of yearly sorrow for his mother, Consort Xian, especially during the Spring Festival—a time usually for family reunions.
Despite this, Consort Xian always maintained a smile, knowing her son would soon return to the temple, leaving her to solitude once more.
“Mother, are you feeling the cold?” the tender novice monk inquired, his concern evident amidst the chilly temple air.
“No, my dear, I am not cold. But what about you? Are you keeping warm?” she responded, her voice gentle yet tinged with underlying sadness.
The fourth prince shook his head, his innocent and hairless appearance endearing him further to his mother, who longed for nothing more than his happiness and to have him by her side.
Originally from a prominent family, Consort Xian’s entry into the palace had sparked rumors of her challenging the queen’s position. Initially proud and competitive, her recent years had been marked by a deep commitment to Buddhism, seeking tranquility for her son’s predicament, which significantly softened her demeanor.
“Fourth Brother, you are so knowledgeable,” the young prince remarked, looking up to him with admiration.
Blushing, the fourth prince modestly admitted, “The temple has a library where I spend much time reading.” He envied his siblings, who had the luxury of staying close to their parents.
“The worship ceremony is about to commence,” announced an attendant, prompting the children to join their mothers, standing quietly, disciplined and silent.
Behind the crown prince, who was dressed in bright yellow robes, the king held incense sticks with reverence, praying loudly for the gods to descend. He raised his eyes toward the silent skies, his face reflecting a blend of hope and melancholy.
“The last time a god descended was thirty-four years ago, at the beginning of winter,” noted Xu Yi Ting, the eldest of the Xu siblings, his eyes fixed on the heavens.
“Lord Yi Ting, your memory serves you well. It has indeed been thirty-four years,” the king confirmed.
That day, a massive celestial form had appeared, aweing the onlookers, although curiously, no one had stepped forward to make a wish, and the divine form had disappeared shortly thereafter.
Now, the populace waited again for another divine visitation, clinging to hope. Yet, as time dragged on, a collective sigh of disappointment swept through the crowd.
Deep into the night, Lu Chao Chao awoke beneath the offering table where she had planned to steal some roasted chicken after the ceremony. Unsure if the worship had concluded, she sniffed the air, enticed by the aroma of the chicken. Suddenly, a mysterious, yet oddly familiar voice whispered to her. Confused, she felt as if a part of her memory was missing.
Outside, astonishment erupted.
“The divine has descended! After more than thirty years!” people shouted in excitement.
As the king prepared to depart the altar, a shadowy figure materialized in the sky, its features indistinct yet commanding, its gaze imposing.
“Quick, back to the altar!” the king ordered, his officials hurrying back. “The divine has answered us.”
Heart pounding, the king pondered for whom the divine had appeared.
“Quickly, find out who summoned the divine. Tell him North Zhao will spare no expense for his intercession. Titles, nobility—all can be his,” the king urgently commanded.
“What do they seek? Longevity? Titles? To establish a dynasty?” the crown prince mused quietly.
In a neighboring nation, a commoner had once wished to become a king and had founded a dynasty as a result. For this reason, being granted a wish by the diety wasn’t just a blessing, but also threat to the kingdom if incorrectly granted.
As the anticipation grew, the divine voice inquired, “What is your wish? Declare it, and it shall be granted.”
However, Lu Chao Chao, annoyed by the persistent voice, was solely focused on ignoring it.
“What do you desire? I can grant anything—immortality, fame, wealth,” the divine voice offered indifferently.
Finally, having had enough of the pestering, Lu Chao Chao emerged from under the table and, pointing to the roasted chicken, declared, “Can I have your roasted chicken, please?”
The divine paused, taken aback by her simple request.
Maaan, what a cliffhanger