I Serve as a Celestial Official in the Ming Dynasty

My name is Feng Tang, and I have no wish to become an immortal.

A careless attempt at fortune-telling landed me in Mao Xiang's inner circle, where I became the chief adviser to the first Commander of the Ming Dynasty's Embroidered Uniform Guard. I wasn't exactly honored, because Mao Xiang was simply too much to handle.

It wasn't until the emperor discovered me, dug me out, and installed me at the Imperial Observatory that I learned what it meant to regret ever getting involved.

As the ancients said: “One should trust in the Way of Heaven and follow it, for doing so brings prosperity.”

The emperor said so, too: “I am the Son of Heaven, ruling by the Mandate of Heaven.”

But I think “Heaven” really has no standing at all!

The Imperial Observatory serves the will of Heaven. I am its deputy director, a true official of Heaven, yet my life is nowhere near as carefree as it was in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Mine is the only department in all the Ming Dynasty where no one is allowed to resign, transfer posts, get promoted across departments, change careers in the next generation, or retire and return home. We aren't even allowed to go home to mourn when our parents die.

“Your Majesty, the heavens are vast and the earth is wide. I wish to go and see them.”

“Speak plainly!”

“The world is so big, and I want to see it.”

“I've heard that the stars are Heaven's kingdoms are Earth's. In that case, my dear subject, observe the heavens tonight and take a good look at wherever you wish.”

“...Your Majesty, there is something I don't know whether I should say.”

“Don't. Haven't you heard that the secrets of Heaven must not be revealed?”

“...MMP!”