Just then, a young eunuch dressed in a blue eunuch's robe, walking hurriedly, turned the corner from under the corridor.

Upon seeing Wei Xiaobao, she hurried forward, bowed deeply, and spoke in a high-pitched voice, conveying both respect and urgency:

"Steward Wei, you're here. I've been looking for you for ages."

The Emperor has important business with you in the Imperial Study and wants you to go there immediately.

The projected Wei Xiaobao was also completely bewildered upon hearing this.

So early, just as dawn was breaking, Emperor Kangxi usually had only just gotten up at this time.

He was either practicing his martial arts or reviewing urgent memorials that had piled up from last night.

Why would they be in such a hurry to find me? What "important thing" could it be?

The court seems to be relatively stable recently, there are no major battles on the border, and the palace is as secure as an iron barrel thanks to his management.

Although he had doubts, Wei Xiaobao "didn't delay" and nodded to the little eunuch:

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Having said that, he moved swiftly and headed towards the Imperial Study.

He didn't use his lightness skill to leap across the palace walls, but his steps were extremely fast, with a steady and powerful rhythm, demonstrating excellent physical fitness and martial arts skills.

Those three years spent impersonating Wei Xiaobao were not in vain.

As he walked, thoughts raced through his mind.

The projection of Wei Xiaobao himself is obsessed with martial arts cultivation, focusing most of his energy on improving his own strength, which is undoubtedly his core pursuit.

However, he is not overly enthusiastic about power.

He reorganized the guards to fulfill his duties, solidify his position, and facilitate the acquisition of resources, not to seize power.

This relatively "pure" pursuit of martial arts and "indifferent" desire for power made Kangxi feel more at ease.

More importantly, Wei Xiaobao, the projection body, was influenced by the original Wugu and had a firm Daoist heart.

This determination manifests in handling affairs as having clear goals, acting decisively, and not being wishy-washy;

In interpersonal relationships, this manifests as being principled, keeping promises, and not being easily tempted by interests or swayed by emotions.

Whether it was managing the guards, handling emergencies in the palace, or occasionally offering advice to Emperor Kangxi, he did an excellent job.

All of this reassured Emperor Kangxi.

They trusted him so much that they regarded him not only as a capable minister, but also as one of their own, someone they could confide in and entrust with important matters.

Even in private, Emperor Kangxi addressed him as a brother, often referring to himself as "Little Xuanzi" and calling Wei Xiaobao "Brother Xiaobao."

This kind of friendship is extremely rare in imperial families.

Similarly, Princess Jianning would also go to play with the projection of Wei Xiaobao every now and then.

This lively and even somewhat willful little princess seems to have a good impression of Steward Wei, who can play with her and occasionally keep her in check.

Perhaps this little princess's dependence on the projection of Wei Xiaobao has surpassed that on her imperial brother.

Before long, Wei Xiaobao arrived outside the Imperial Study.

The eunuchs and guards on duty recognized him and, without needing to announce his arrival, bowed and let him in.

Inside the imperial study, Emperor Kangxi stood with his back to the door, gazing at the gradually brightening sky outside.

He seemed to be deep in thought, his back view appearing somewhat solemn, yet also as if suppressing a hint of excitement.

Hearing footsteps, Kangxi turned around.

He had just turned twenty this year, and his handsome features carried an imperial air.

But at this moment his eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he had not slept all night, or had slept very restlessly.

Upon seeing that it was Wei Xiaobao, Kangxi's face instantly showed an expression of relief and extreme joy.

"Xiao Bao, you've arrived. Did you know? The late emperor, my father, is really still alive?"

Kangxi's voice trembled slightly with excitement as he strode forward and spoke with great emotion.

This news struck Wei Xiaobao like a thunderbolt.

The Shunzhi Emperor did not die?

Didn't they announce his death a long time ago?

This is an earth-shattering secret.

Emperor Kangxi's appearance suggests a lack of composure.

But after all, he was only twenty years old. No matter how mature and composed he was, it was difficult for him to remain absolutely calm in the face of news that "his father might still be alive," which was enough to shock all his emotions and perceptions.

That's exactly the kind of reaction he should have at his age.

Wei Xiaobao quickly processed this astonishing news, and at the same time gently patted Kangxi's hand, his tone calm and reassuring:

"Little Xuanzi, don't get too excited, just speak slowly."

He wore a gentle smile, trying to calm Kangxi down a little.

Kangxi took a few deep breaths, then pulled Wei Xiaobao to sit down on a chair nearby.

He sat back down on the dragon throne behind his desk, trying to calm himself down.

With Wei Xiaobao, someone he could completely trust, by his side, he seemed to have found his pillar of support.

"It was my grandmother who told me last night."

Kangxi's voice still trembled slightly, but it was much clearer.

She said that her father was not actually a royal guest back then.

Rather, it was because he was overwhelmed with grief after Consort Dong'e's death, and having seen through the court intrigues and the vanity of the world, he ultimately chose to become a monk.

The imperial court announced the emperor's death to maintain stability.

Wei Xiaobao felt a surge of emotions upon hearing this.

The rumor that Emperor Shunzhi became a monk because of the death of Consort Dong'e had been circulating among the common people and some officials and commoners for a long time, but it had never been confirmed and no one dared to discuss it openly.

Now that we've heard this news directly from Emperor Kangxi, it's practically a confirmed royal secret.

"My grandmother said that my father is currently studying Buddhism at Qingliang Temple on Mount Wutai."

At this point, Kangxi's eyes were filled with filial piety, longing, and deep guilt and helplessness.

"I really want to fly to Mount Wutai right now, appear in front of him, see him with my own eyes, and ask him if he is alright."

However, as the emperor, I cannot leave the capital at will. This is an ancestral rule and also a necessity for the administration of the court.

Moreover, my grandmother forbade me to go, saying that it would cause too much trouble and be bad for my father and the court.

Kangxi's gaze was fixed on Wei Xiaobao, filled with pleading and trust:

"Xiao Bao, I would like you to go to Qingliang Temple on Mount Wutai for me, to check if Father is in good health, and to inquire after his well-being. Is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Xiaobao, whose body was projected onto the screen, was immediately invigorated.

Mount Wutai, Qingliang Temple.

Relevant information flashed through his mind. Mount Wutai is a famous Buddhist mountain, and Qingliang Temple is a renowned ancient temple within it.

More importantly, the saying "all martial arts under heaven originated from Shaolin" is an exaggeration, but it illustrates the status of Shaolin as the source of martial arts in the martial arts world.

Qingliang Temple on Mount Wutai naturally belongs to the Shaolin lineage. It is a pure Buddhist place and also an important place for the inheritance of martial arts in the martial arts world.

Qingliang Temple may contain eminent monks and martial arts manuals.

Even if Qingliang Temple doesn't have it, the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, which isn't far away, must have the martial arts manuals they need.

The clues to top-level cultivation techniques that one has painstakingly searched for, which can help one break through current bottlenecks and cultivate both internal and external strengths, or at least provide important guidance.

Isn't this exactly the "change" and "opportunity" I longed for when I looked up at the starry sky last night?

This mission was not just to help Emperor Kangxi.

It is also an excellent opportunity for him to seek a breakthrough in martial arts.

It was like a perfect pillow for someone who was sleepy.

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