Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Master Zhang of Longhu Mountain Enters the Scene

The emperor and empress went their separate ways!

Empress Ma got off the carriage at the county office’s entrance, preparing to ask Li Fan some questions. Zhu Yuanzhang, on the other hand, was eager to inspect the imperial tomb. He could hardly wait to rush over and see what had become of it. Although he didn’t fully understand Feng Shui, he could still recognize some signs.

Worried, he sat in the carriage heading towards the tomb. Half an hour later, he arrived at the entrance of the imperial tomb, with a straight spirit path leading directly to the underground palace. On either side of the spirit path were tall stone statues of deities. In the distance, construction of the palace within the underground chamber was underway, with workers laboring diligently.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced around and was quite satisfied with Li Fan’s work on the imperial tomb. However, he was instantly angered by the presence of numerous merchants. This was an imperial tomb, a place that should be solemn and dignified. How could it be so noisy? If so many people really were buried here, how could his grandparents, parents, and siblings rest in peace?

He glared at the people with fury. Not only were there merchants, but also people dressed as stewards, clearly from noble families. They were evidently attempting to get involved with the imperial tomb, which was unacceptable. Since these people seemed to have no regard for life, they wouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.

Just as he was about to order Mao Xiang to drive all the merchants away, a servant hurried over, excitedly introducing himself to Zhu Yuanzhang:

“Sir, are you here to purchase a burial plot? Do you have an invitation?”

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback. Buying a burial plot required an invitation? It was as if this was being treated as a grand event. He decided to observe the situation first to see just how outrageous it had become. Turning to Zhu Shoucheng, he asked:

“Uncle, do you have the invitation?”

Zhu Shoucheng took a card out of his pocket and handed it to the servant. The servant, seeing the invitation, respectfully took it and inspected it carefully. Recognizing the name on it, he became even more courteous and quickly bowed:

“Greetings, Master Zhu. I didn’t know you were coming; please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. Would you like to see the sand table model in the reception area first or inspect the burial plots directly?”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, feeling an indescribable sense of unease. It was just the sale of burial plots, yet they had a sand table model? Could they have modeled the entire layout of the imperial tomb? He was slightly stunned and then said:

“Let’s see the sand table first.”

The servant quickly and respectfully led Zhu Yuanzhang into the grand reception hall. Zhu Yuanzhang, looking at the imposing reception hall, began cursing Li Fan in his heart. This was supposed to be a side hall for the emperor and officials to rest, but it had been completely remodeled. In the middle of the hall was a gigantic sand table, three zhang square, displaying the entire area within a hundred li around the imperial tomb.

The entirety of Huai River and Fengyang City was included. Following the Bagua positions, the imperial tomb’s surroundings were divided into eight regions. The servant, holding a slender stick, began explaining the layout of the tomb to Zhu Yuanzhang:

“The county government divided the burial area according to the Bagua, arranging a professional team for calculations. We can determine the most suitable burial position based on the ancestor’s birth and death dates, or we can perform divination for your family to recommend the best burial area. You can purchase plots based on these recommendations.”

Zhu Yuanzhang carefully examined the tomb and didn’t find anything amiss. The person who designed this burial ground was undoubtedly talented, especially with the Bagua design, which resonated with people’s desires. Burial grounds significantly impact descendants, and everyone wants a Feng Shui treasure. Now, Li Fan provided such a place. What place could have better Feng Shui than the imperial tomb? He curiously asked:

“Aren’t you worried that openly selling plots around the imperial tomb will incur the emperor’s wrath?”

The servant quickly explained:

“The areas planned by the government are all outside the imperial tomb and not within it. The key point is that the tomb’s Feng Shui has issues. The county magistrate specifically invited Master Zhang from Longhu Mountain to inspect it. Master Zhang personally devised this remedy. Even if the emperor blames us, once he learns about this, he will thank those who purchased burial plots!”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned upon hearing this. Li Fan even brought Master Zhang from Longhu Mountain into this to sell plots. He wondered if the tomb’s Feng Shui indeed had problems and asked:

“Which Master Zhang from Longhu Mountain is in Fengyang?”

The servant was taken aback, thinking the guest wanted to inquire further, and hesitantly asked:

“Sir, how many burial plots are you considering purchasing?”

Realizing that buying fewer plots wouldn’t grant him access to inquire, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said:

“If Master Zhang declares this place a Feng Shui treasure, buying dozens wouldn’t be an issue!”

The servant’s eyes lit up. Selling one plot earned him an ounce of silver; if this guest bought dozens, it would mean dozens of ounces of silver. After a moment of consideration, he quickly bowed and said:

“Today, Master Zhang Zongbao from Longhu Mountain is here. I will take you to him!”

Zhu Yuanzhang knew Zhang Zongbao well. He was a prominent second-generation figure from Longhu Mountain, having visited the capital with his master during the New Year. Now, Zhu Yuanzhang could inquire directly about the tomb’s Feng Shui.

In a side hall, a middle-aged man in a Taoist robe sat on a meditation cushion. The servant quickly bowed and said:

“Master, this guest wishes to consult with you!”

Zhang Zongbao, with his eyes closed, appeared displeased. Originally, he was contently cultivating at Longhu Mountain. He couldn’t believe his master sent him here to help sell burial plots, an unseemly task for a Taoist master of Longhu Mountain. However, his master insisted it was of great benefit to Longhu Mountain, so he reluctantly came. Hearing it was for the imperial tomb had initially shocked him, but upon learning of Li Fan’s plan, he admired the grand scale of the scheme. If Longhu Mountain had such bold ideas, prosperity would follow.

Hearing someone wanted to see him, he opened his eyes. Upon recognizing the visitor, he was utterly shocked and terrified. Oh my god, the emperor is here!