From cute to empress

Chapter 326: The Ominous Premonition in the Palace and the Monk's Prophecy

"Your Majesty...something bad has happened..." The palace maid's face was filled with panic and she couldn't speak clearly. My heart tightened and the dress in my hand slipped to the ground.

"Chun Tao, go and see what happened?" I quickly held onto the table and tried to calm myself down.

Chun Tao left immediately and came back shortly afterwards, her face pale as she trembled, "My Lady, the weather officer... the weather officer..."

"What's wrong with the meteorologist? Tell me quickly!" I was anxious and an ominous premonition came to my mind.

"The meteorological officer...fell to his death...on the observatory..." Chuntao's voice became smaller and smaller, almost inaudible.

My vision went dark, and I nearly fainted. The weather officer was an old man in the palace, a loyal and honest man. How could he have suddenly fallen to his death? Could it be... that young man?

"Youcai! Come on, go to the observatory!" Without thinking too much, I immediately pulled Zhen Youcai who had come over and ran towards the observatory.

The observatory was in chaos, with guards gathered in a circle, discussing the situation. I pushed through the crowd and saw the meteorologist lying on the ground, already dead. Beside him lay his astronomical instruments and an open notebook.

“How could this happen…” I collapsed on the ground powerlessly, my mind going blank.

Zhen Youcai looked solemn. He carefully checked the situation at the scene and asked the guards around him, but still found no clues.

As night fell, the palace was brightly lit, yet the once joyous and festive atmosphere was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere. My parents, as well as Zhen Youcai's family, were all uneasy about this sudden change.

I suppressed my grief and entertained my relatives who had come from afar. During the meal, the atmosphere was extremely dull, everyone was preoccupied and had no appetite.

At this moment, an elderly man with white hair and beard stood up. He was an official in charge of agricultural forecasting and a longtime friend of the meteorologist. He raised his glass tremblingly and said in a choked voice, "Everyone, I have a happy announcement. According to the meteorologist's predictions, this year will be a bumper harvest, and the people will usher in a prosperous year..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers. The gloom on their faces vanished, and their joy was evident. I looked at them, feeling a mixture of emotions.

After the dinner, I called Zhen Youcai over and asked in a low voice, "Do you think the meteorologist's death was really an accident?"

Zhen Youcai shook his head and said with a deep look in his eyes: "I have sent people to investigate, and I believe there will be results soon. It's just..." He paused, wanting to say something but stopped.

"Just what?" I demanded.

"But I always feel that this matter may not be that simple..." Zhen Youcai didn't say anything else, but the worry in his eyes made me even more uneasy.

Just then, a palace maid came in and reported to me: "Your Majesty, there is a high monk outside the palace who wants to see you. He said that..." The palace maid's voice became smaller and smaller, and finally she began to stammer.

"What?" I felt something in my heart, and vaguely felt that the arrival of this eminent monk might be related to what happened today.

"It is said that... it has a great connection with you and the general..." "Xuan." I said this word almost without thinking, but my heart beat faster and faster uncontrollably.

A moment later, a distinguished monk, draped in a cassock and holding a staff, entered, led by a palace maid. He was tall, with a kind face and benevolent eyes, and his expression exuded a peaceful and tranquil aura that inspired awe. Youcai and I rose to greet him, our hearts filled with doubt.

"Amitabha, my Buddhist name is Huiming. I am honored to meet Her Majesty the Empress and the General." Master Huiming put his hands together and bowed slightly to us.

"Master, you have come from afar. I wonder if you have any advice for me?" I gestured for him to sit down and ordered someone to serve him fragrant tea.

Master Huiming's gaze lingered between Youcai and me, and he finally revealed a meaningful smile. "I have come here to bring blessings to Your Majesty and the General."

Blessings? Youcai and I looked at each other, even more puzzled.

"Your Majesty and General, your past lives were bound together. Your meeting in this life is a match made in heaven," Master Huiming said slowly. "The two of you, one with a heart for the world, the other possessing both wisdom and courage, working together, will surely usher in a prosperous and peaceful era."

His words flowed through my heart like a warm current. I glanced at Youcai secretly and saw that he was also looking at me affectionately, his eyes full of love.

After Master Huiming left, Youcai and I were left feeling restless for a long time. His words planted a seed of hope in our hearts, and made us cherish each other even more.

In order to live up to Master Huiming's expectations and to better govern the country, Youcai and I decided to go on a secret visit to the people to understand their sentiments.

We walked through bustling streets and visited impoverished villages. We listened to the concerns of the people and helped them solve their problems. Along the way, we witnessed their suffering and felt their simplicity and kindness.

"Youcai, look, the crops there are growing so well!" I said excitedly, pointing to a golden wheat field in the distance.

"Yes, this year will definitely be another year of bumper harvest." Youcai also showed a gratified smile.

We walked hand in hand along the path in the country, feeling the gentle breeze on our faces, our hearts filled with happiness and hope.

However, just as we were immersed in this beauty, a strange sound came from not far away, breaking the tranquility of the field...