[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world":3,"chapter-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-45":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Phoenix Returns to Rule the World",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2353169,4602,"Chapter 45: The Purple Gold Jade Token","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-45",45,"\u003Cp>\"Good, good!\" Cheers erupted from the Imperial Princes' seating area as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin turned her head to look over and saw Quan Aoyu smiling faintly, giving her a thumbs-up. She smiled back, showing a hint of smugness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, to Jun Yiyi, these cheers were like thorns in her back, piercing her heart. Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight spilled into her window, she would rise early to practice the zither until her fingers developed blood blisters and a heart-wrenching pain. She had practiced so bitterly and prepared her piece so meticulously just to shine brilliantly today, hoping to gain the Crown Prince's favor. Now, it seemed, there was nothing left for her!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Yiyi could not help but feel a surge of resentment toward Imperial Consort Gao. If not for Imperial Consort Gao's sudden provocation, how could that slut Jun Zijin have stolen all the limelight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Yiyi gritted her teeth so hard she nearly shattered them, her fingernails digging deep into her palms as she struggled to keep her tears from falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the crowd come to their senses, and the Imperial Garden was suddenly filled with chatter. Someone exclaimed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who said the County Princess of Qingping was a good-for-nothing who knew nothing of the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting? Seeing her today, rumors are truly misleading!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, with the County Princess of Qingping possessing such talent, you are truly blessed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words had even faded, a chorus of agreement rose from the surroundings, and everyone nodded in succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zhengming finally felt at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Tianqi smiled and clapped his hands lightly. Immediately after, two eunuchs were seen carefully and gingerly carrying a box wrapped in gorgeous silk toward them. Everyone stretched their necks, wanting to see what kind of treasure could be so precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuchs placed the box gently in the center of the hall and then respectfully withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Tianqi waved his hand, saying with majesty yet without losing his approachability:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"County Princess of Qingping, open it and take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, everyone held their breath, their gazes focused on the box about to be opened. In truth, Jun Zijin was also curious about what object the Emperor had bestowed upon her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She swept her gaze across the curious faces of the crowd and slowly opened the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the box lay a zither. Its shape was of the Shennong style; the zither's surface was thick and slightly semi-elliptical, with the neck and waist featuring rounded edges, and the entire body covered in black lacquer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin picked up the zither and stroked it gently:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, is this the 'Peerless Echo'?\" Jun Zijin asked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Peerless Echo\"—this zither was carved from paulownia wood, with a slightly raised sound chamber, featuring snake-belly and ox-hair crack patterns. The lacquer color was brilliant and ancient, with the crack patterns rising like coiled dragons. With gold tuning pegs and jade bridge pins, it was magnificent and regal. Its sound was resonant and clear, rich with ancient charm; when played, it was crisp and pleasant to the ear—truly an extraordinary zither.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Peerless Echo was one of the famous zithers of antiquity. In her past life, Jun Zijin had seen this zither at the Taipei Palace Museum. She never expected to see it again in this time and space, and for it to become her own possession. This spendthrift Emperor was truly generous, Jun Zijin secretly clicked her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Tianqi laughed heartily and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The County Princess of Qingping is indeed knowledgeable. This zither was specially sought out by me to be gifted to the winner of this year's zither competition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Peerless Echo! The crowd was in an uproar; His Majesty was truly generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present today was from a high-ranking, prominent family; who among them was not a person who affected an air of refinement? Who didn't know that this zither was a breathtaking treasure among zithers? It was an existence that countless zither enthusiasts could only dream of encountering!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing that this zither was the Peerless Echo, Jun Yiyi was struck dumb. The Emperor had bestowed the Peerless Echo upon that slut Jun Zijin! That was the precious zither her own mother had spent a fortune trying to track down for years without success. She never expected it to fall into the hands of that slut Jun Zijin today. Jun Yiyi glared at Jun Zijin, so angry she felt like vomiting blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin wanted to complain; she had no particular love for music, and the Emperor giving her such an object was truly a bit of a waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin glanced at all the male guests and female relatives present. Everyone's eyes were red, looking at her with envy and jealousy. She had to act as if she cherished this zither immensely. Otherwise, she feared the people present might want to tear her apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin kowtowed until her head hit the ground and said obediently, \"This subject's daughter thanks Your Majesty for the reward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the previously quiet crowd suddenly stirred, and a person squeezed out from the throng—it was the Minister of Rites, Jun Zhengming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Emperor had bestowed such a rare treasure upon his daughter, as her father, he naturally had to come out and offer thanks together since he was present. Thus, he hurriedly knelt on the ground as well and kowtowed heavily: \"This subject thanks Your Majesty for bestowing the precious zither upon my daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quan Wuji was in an excellent mood and did not tease Jun Zhengming today. He waved his hand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Jun Zhengming stood up, Imperial Consort Gao, who had been silent on the side, spoke slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With such talent, I am curious, County Princess, why were such untrue rumors spread about you in the past?\" These seemingly gentle words actually hid a trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin was unhurried, a flash of cunning in her eyes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Imperial Consort, in truth, this daughter has been obsessed with the zither since childhood. Perhaps I am not good at socializing, but I have never dared to forget the teachings of my late mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present was a shrewd person; the County Princess of Qingping was speaking with hidden meaning. She had loved the zither since she was young, and the late first wife of the Jun household had also taught this Second Young Lady with great care before she passed away. Why was it that as soon as the Wu woman took charge, this Second Young Lady was rumored to be so incompetent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A stepmother is a stepmother. It's pitiful that the County Princess of Qingping lost her mother at six, left young and without support.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who's to say? But a father is still a biological father, right? How could he allow his own daughter to be humiliated like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In my view, a father who lets a concubine who usurped the position humiliate the legitimate daughter born to the first wife is better off not existing at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A concubine is a concubine. Even if she is elevated to the main position, she can never reach the heights of elegance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every lady who could attend such a palace banquet was a primary wife in her own home. They were all from prominent, noble families with prestigious status. As fellow primary wives, they shared many commonalities and similar experiences. Naturally, they stood united against a common enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ladies and young misses present whispered among themselves, filled with doubt and sympathy. The words scolding Jun Zhengming reached his ears. Jun Zhengming blushed with shame and quietly retreated to the side, not daring to make a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Jun Yiyi was so angry her eyes could spit fire, and her face was distorted. She gritted her teeth, forcibly suppressing the rage in her heart, and had to lower her head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also darkening in face was Imperial Consort Gao, who was also a concubine. She was so angry she nearly keeled over, but she could not lash out here. She took a deep breath and managed a forced smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today was meant to be a joyous occasion for listening to music; let us not discuss such disappointing matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd then seemed to wake from a dream. Imperial Consort Gao was also the Emperor's concubine; no matter how prestigious a concubine was, she was still a concubine. Everyone's heart sank with a dull thud, and their eyes revealed shock and panic as they all closed their mouths in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Consort Xin, who was below Imperial Consort Gao, spoke up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such a precious zither—even the palace doesn't have one. For the Emperor to bestow it upon the County Princess of Qingping, it truly makes one envious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consort Xin had always followed Imperial Consort Gao's lead. From the moment Jun Zijin took out that zither, although Imperial Consort Gao's greedy expression was well-hidden, it was still noticed by Consort Xin, and naturally, it did not escape Jun Zijin's eyes either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin was just fretting that such a good zither was a pity, fearing it would just go to waste in her hands; this object was far less practical than silver. It would be better to use it as a favor; she wouldn't have much use for it anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin frowned slightly, gazing at the zither with deep eyes. After a long while, she slowly withdrew her gaze, sighed lightly, and spoke with what appeared to be some reluctance:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Consort is right. This daughter is devoted to the study of medicine and likely has no time to play the zither. Moreover, my zither skills are shallow; having such a fine zither in my hands is truly a waste of a heavenly treasure. It would be better to place this zither in the palace's Seven Treasures Pavilion. I trust it will allow more people who truly understand and appreciate the art of the zither to get close to it and appraise it. In this way, the zither can exert its greater value and purpose, rather than being buried here. As for me, although I am reluctant, the thought that this zither might meet a true soulmate in the future makes me feel at ease. I hope Your Majesty will grant this daughter's request, allowing this precious zither to shine brilliantly in the Seven Treasures Pavilion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Seven Treasures Pavilion\" was a special place in the Tianqi Imperial Palace. It was, in reality, a treasure house of culture and art: a place for the concentrated display of the seven skills and talents—zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, song and dance, riding, and archery. Whether it was stringed instruments, chessboards, calligraphy scrolls, riding equipment, or archery gear, every single item was a worldly treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was the true masters of the palace, the concubines, or the palace performers, as long as they were true connoisseurs, they had the opportunity to use and appraise items in the Seven Treasures Pavilion. Even officials and the female relatives of their households could get close and appraise them on special occasions like palace banquets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Jun Zijin's words, everyone showed looks of astonishment; there was no reason for anyone who had obtained such a good item to give it up. Jun Yiyi, however, secretly gritted her teeth, thinking that this slut really knew how to play the good person, obtaining a precious zither for nothing only to give it away to curry favor with everyone in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial Consort Gao's face was instantly filled with smiles. \"The County Princess is truly generous. Once this zither enters the Seven Treasures Pavilion, I am sure the subjects of Tianqi will all be able to admire it, and it will surely shine brilliantly.\" Consort Xin also hurriedly followed with flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor and the Imperial Princes had not expected Jun Zijin to make such a decision. The Emperor was the first to recover, a flash of appreciation in his eyes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The County Princess of Qingping's action is very magnanimous. I grant it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Imperial Prince nodded slightly, the Second Imperial Prince frowned, secretly speculating on Jun Zijin's intentions—could it be a tactic of \"to let go, one must first seize\"? The Third Imperial Prince looked at Jun Zijin with great interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fourth Imperial Prince, Quan Tianchen, turned his head and said to Quan Aoyu beside him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sixth Brother, this woman is not ordinary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quan Aoyu curled his lips slightly; this girl could always give him surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quan Wuji glanced at Quan Aoyu and added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The County Princess of Qingping is deeply righteous and is a model for the women of Tianqi. It truly makes me feel deeply gratified and appreciative. I shall bestow upon you a Purple Gold Jade Token, so that you may enter the Seven Treasures Pavilion at any time in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was shocked once more. A Purple Gold Jade Token personally bestowed by the Emperor—what an honor! This jade token was crafted from purple gold and the rare treasure red jade; its texture was warm and delicate, its color magnificent and enchanting. Whoever held this Purple Gold Jade Token could travel through the palace without obstruction, entering and exiting the heavily guarded Imperial Palace freely, with no one daring to block them. Not to mention the female relatives of those powerful Princes, who could never compare to this; even since the founding of Tianqi, there was likely only this one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jun Zijin originally did not know what use this Purple Gold Jade Token had. She glanced at the male guests whose jaws had dropped and the female guests whose eyes were red. Seeing Quan Aoyu nod slightly at her, and seeing Quan Qingle anxiously telling her to hurry and accept the decree, even if she were slow-witted, she knew this token had a significant background. In the split second she was stunned, Jun Zhengming hurriedly took two steps forward, pulled Jun Zijin, and kowtowed to the Emperor:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subject (this subject's daughter) thanks Your Majesty for your great grace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2349,"2026-06-21T03:35:39.629Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","d135f6c5e265ef762ca26d595ced3df6fbec652a2125eb4bc50589f5e4369d4a","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-46","the-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-chapter-44",224,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-phoenix-returns-to-rule-the-world-cover.jpg"]