Chapter 144: Unfortunately, Linglong Isn’t a Man

When Xianzong’s retinue left Safeguard Temple, Yu Xiaoxiao’s group was long gone. He saw State Preceptor Cheng Guan into the carriage before telling Zhao Qiuming, “Forget about horseback, come with Zhen to the carriage. Zhen has questions to ask.”

“This subject obeys the decree,” Zhao Qiuming said hastily.

His Majesty’s carriage shifted from its usual leisurely drive to a frantic pace for the palace. Inside, Zhao Qiuming was still scheming how to get his daughters to the emperor. But Xianzong simply asked, “Why does Jing Mo and Zuo You seem dissatisfied with Wen Fenglin as well?”

“Wen Fenglin?” Zhao Qiuming echoed.

“That Junior Master Fenglin, Linglong gave him a surname,” Xianzong explained.

“Oh,” Zhao Qiuming said simply. He felt it was impossible to pass judgment on such a statement.

“Zhen is asking you about Jing Mo and Zuo You. Why are you talking about Wen Fenglin with me instead?”

Zhao Qiuming lowered his voice. “Your Majesty, it was the third and fifth princes of Zhuri that went to Eternal Life Temple in their youth. Eldest Prince Jing Mo has never entered their doors. As for Zuo You—that little princeling in White Tiger has been personally tutored by Head Monk Mo Wen. Now that the prince is older, he has plenty of conflicts with Grand Marshal Zuo when it comes to government affairs.”

Xianzong mused over Zhao Qiuming’s words.

Prime Minister Zhao continued, “The reason Grand Marshal Zuo came to Fengtian this time was all White Tiger’s empress dowager’s idea. She wanted him to leave the country for a while so his relationship with the young prince wouldn’t continue to deteriorate.”

Xianzong asked, “And of the princes in Zhuri, Eternal Life Temple supports the third prince?”

Zhao Qiuming chuckled. “Your Majesty is wise and brilliant. No matter how the Eternal Life Temple acts, it would never help an eldest prince who has never stepped through its doors.”

Xianzong rubbed his chin and muttered to himself, “Zhen didn’t know about any of this.”

Your Majesty, how would you know of these things if you’ve never asked after the country’s affairs?

Prime Minister Zhao shook his head. “Your Majesty, no matter what kind of gap exists between Eternal Life Temple, eldest Prince Jing, and Grand Marshal Zuo, Fengtian is better off not making an enemy of the temple.”

“It’s not like Zhen’s sick of living,” Xianzong replied. “Why would Zhen make enemies with Eternal Life Temple?”

Zhao Qiuming had to remind him, “Then what about the eldest imperial princess?”

“It’s not like Linglong will go seeking trouble for Wen Fenglin day after day,” Xianzong replied.

Heheh, I only hope that’s the case, Zhao Qiuming thought. Who knows what Princess Linglong is thinking?

“Don’t worry,” Xianzong waved a hand, “Zhen told Gu Xinglang to look after Linglong. If he can’t even take care of his wife, then what good is he for?”

Zhao Qiuming didn’t continue their conversation. He only wanted to ask him one question, but was too afraid to open his mouth. Your Majesty, even you can’t control Yu Linglong. You think Gu Xinglang can do any better?

Xianzong looked out the window, but the carriage was moving too quickly and the scenery blurred by. He suddenly sighed and said, “Then which imperial prince should Zhen send to Eternal Life Temple?”

Zhao Qiuming’s heart rose in his chest. He wanted to know the answer too. But Xianzong only laughed mockingly at himself and looked at Prime Minister Zhao. “If only Linglong was a boy.” With such a brave son, he would never have to fret for Fengtian’s Yu Clan or its future heir.

Prime Minister Zhao only trembled. If Yu Linglong was a prince, would my Zhao Clan still be alive?

“You’re not a good father,” Xianzong switched topics again as he wagged his finger at Zhao Qiuming.

Immediately, Zhao Qiuming fell to his knees in the carriage, his body shaking. “Your Majesty, this subject was amiss in instructing my son and deserves death, ah.”

Xianzong shook his head. “Zhen is giving you the perfect chance now, but you’re not even pleading mercy for Zhao Beicheng. You’re certainly a heartless one.”

Zhao Qiuming quickly amended. “Your Majesty, Zhao Beicheng deceived the monarch and even ruined the Royal Son-in-Law. This subject…”

“Don’t tell Zhen you hate him to his very bones,” Xianzong stared at him. “A son is a son. No matter how grievous his mistakes, he’s still your child.”1

Zhao Qiuming was all tangled up by Xianzong’s words. If he begged for mercy, he’d be accused of favoritism. If he didn’t, then His Majesty would only see him as a cruel, bad father. He was less than human no matter where he appealed. “Your Majesty, this subject—”

“Enough, stop talking,” Xianzong sank into his seat. “Zhen was frightened today and wants to sleep awhile. You should rest too.”

B-bastard, ah! Prime Minister Zhao privately cursed him. Am I supposed to beg for mercy or not? Can’t you explain things clearly before you sleep?!

By the time Xianzong returned to the palace, Junior Master Fenglin’s follower monk Beiling (北岭)2 had arrived as well with a written prescription for the emperor.

Sitting in the imperial study, Xianzong read over the ingredients before telling Beiling, “Zhen will have the imperial physicians prepare the medicine for you. Master monk, you can sit here and wait with Zhen for a spell.”

Beiling managed to show due respect as he replied, “Your Majesty, this monk would like to visit the Imperial Physician Courtyard.”

Xianzong didn’t have any semblance of making things difficult. “Then someone come,” he said, “Send Master Beiling to the Imperial Physician Courtyard. Tell those imperial physicians not to neglect Zhen’s honored guest.”

One of the study eunuchs accepted the decree before taking Beiling outside. Meanwhile, Xianzong summoned Jing Zhong and muttered, “Go to the Imperial Physician Courtyard and tell them not to hand over a single ingredient on that prescription capable of treating poison.”

Jing Zhong accepted before he asked, “Your Majesty, what if they’re common antitoxins?”

“Just say we’re all out and will deliver the ingredients once we’re restocked,” Xianzong didn’t hesitate. “Have the imperial physicians tell that monk that common ingredients can be purchased from any of Fengtian’s pharmacies. Zhen will cover the expenses, so they can buy as much as they want.”

Jing Zhong left for the Imperial Physician Courtyard with his orders.

Xianzong tapped his table in thought. Whatever was needed to cure Wen Fenglin’s poison must be rare indeed. Otherwise, the Eternal Life Temple monks wouldn’t have gotten so desperate after they heard that lightning had destroyed the medicine. He was certain these monks wouldn’t be able to find the necessary ingredients even if they bought out all of the pharmacies in the capital city.

“Your Majesty, the courtiers are still waiting outside. They say they have matters of national importance to report to Your Majesty,” a eunuch announced as he entered the study.

“Zhen only missed morning court for a single day. How much news could they have?” Xianzong replied. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, I’m retreating to my books. That’s right—send someone to find out where the princess is flower-watching.” Xianzong still recalled Jing Mo’s words. He didn’t even know the capital had a spot for chrysanthemum viewing, but this Zhuri prince did. “How dare him!” Xianzong complained as he hit the table.

Currently, Yu Xiaoxiao had followed Jing Mo into an ordinary residential compound. After passing through the covered walkway, the ground entered into a guest hall. When she saw the four walls covered in paintings and calligraphy, Her Royal Highness asked, “Didn’t we come to eat and sightsee? Jing Mo, why did you take us to look at some paintings and writings?”

Couldn’t this man stop reminding her of her cruel reality as an illiterate ignoramus?