The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 83 Lucky Star

Finally, just as Prince Yu was about to collapse, Huang Jin rushed back, covered in sweat: "Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence, but he must first visit Master Tao."

Prince Yu was somewhat puzzled as to why he still needed to go to Tao Zhongwen's place. Huang Jin quickly explained, "His Highness Prince Jing did the same thing just now."

Prince Yu nodded. Since his favored younger brother was like this, he naturally had no objections.

What Huang Jin didn't say was that when Prince Jing came to see him, His Majesty had specially ordered Tao Zhongwen to wait for him at the gate of Yongshou Palace, while Prince Yu had to go to Qingfu Palace to find Tao Zhongwen himself.

One was summoned, the other was sent away; the difference was more than just a few steps. But Huang Jin wouldn't say these things, and Prince Yu probably wouldn't have thought of this either.

He then headed straight for Qingfu Palace. Prince Yu had no interest in observing the scenery; at this moment, all he could think about was Tao Zhongwen.

His mother and husband had both instructed him that this person held great importance in the Emperor's eyes and must not be neglected; he must be treated with utmost respect.

Fortunately, Tao Zhongwen in Qingfu Hall was far more amiable and approachable than he had imagined.

Upon seeing Prince Yu arrive, the old Taoist priest personally rose to greet him, bowing deeply and displaying a kind and benevolent expression.

"Your Highness Prince Yu has arrived. I am deeply sorry for failing to greet you properly. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

"Quickly, no need for formalities; I have disturbed the immortal master."

Tao Zhongwen straightened up with a smile, whisked his horsetail whisk and led the way into the hall, and said in a gentle voice: "The spell still needs some preparation. Your Highness and Eunuch Huang, please come into the hall with me and sit for a while. Have a cup of rain and dew tea to cool off in the summer heat."

Prince Yu entered the hall as instructed and sat down in the guest seat. A young Taoist boy served him tea, which was chilled and had a clear, green broth.

"Good tea."

Actually, I didn't taste anything particularly good, but in this heat, a cup of cool tea was incredibly satisfying, and there was also ice in the room. Yu Wang's tense heart gradually relaxed as the temperature rose.

After drinking a few cups of tea, Huang Jin, with his keen senses, realized that Tao Zhongwen seemed to have some private words to say to Prince Yu, but because Huang Jin was present, he couldn't speak up.

After a moment's thought, and considering Prince Jing's attitude, it was already a fait accompli that Tao Zhongwen was leaning towards Prince Yu. Could he stop him for a while, or for a lifetime?

Moreover, if Tao Zhongwen dared to get involved in the conflict between the two kings, he would have completely offended the emperor, and once the immortal's golden body was broken, he would not be able to escape death.

He immediately stood up and bowed to Prince Yu: "Since preparations are still needed, this servant will return to the palace to report. Once everything is settled, I will trouble the Immortal Master to send someone to escort Your Highness to the Emperor."

Prince Yu felt a sudden sense of dependence on Huang Jin. Huang Jin was indeed the person he was most familiar with by his father's side, and he was vaguely unwilling for Huang Jin to leave.

Before he could even ask Tao Zhongwen to stay, Tao Zhongwen readily agreed without hesitation.

"Please do as you please, Eunuch Huang."

Huang Jin bowed and took his leave. The palace door closed slightly, and only Prince Yu and the old Taoist priest remained inside. Prince Yu held his teacup and sipped slowly, his mind still not fully at peace.

Tao Zhongwen, holding his teacup, glanced discreetly at Prince Yu's slightly relaxed shoulders and the lingering sweat on his forehead.

When this prince entered just now, he looked reserved and his eyes were wandering. He spoke in a very formal and measured manner, clearly having memorized the etiquette.

Clearly, this one is quite different from Prince Jing, who was unrestrained and dared to openly mock others. He is much easier to control.

Tao Zhongwen had no other choice. In order to maintain his image as a recluse, he originally did not want to get too close to a certain prince, but Prince Jing showed no mercy and clearly revealed his hostility, so he could only stick with Prince Yu.

In this way, his descendants might continue to be wealthy and powerful in the future; otherwise, if King Jing were to succeed to the throne, his entire family might be implicated and killed.

Having made up his mind, Tao Zhongwen suddenly closed his eyes, stood up, and slowly walked to Prince Yu's side.

Caught off guard, Zhu Zai was startled and nearly dropped the teacup in his hand. He saw the old Taoist's fingers flying across the ground, forming hand seals and silently chanting profound incantations. After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes, his face showing a deep weariness, but his expression became increasingly solemn.

"I have something important to tell Your Highness, but only Heaven, Earth, you, and I can know it."

Prince Yu was somewhat stunned by this strange scene, but his innate politeness made him reply, "Please speak."

"I have been practicing immortality and praying in the palace recently. I observed the celestial phenomena at night and saw an auspicious star shining brightly next to the Ziwei star. This signifies that the royal offspring will be virtuous and blessed. I calculated with my fingers and knew that it would be about Your Highness."

Prince Yu swallowed hard and asked, "Would this make Father Emperor feel closer to me?"

Tao Zhongwen wished he could just walk away. "I'm talking to you about celestial phenomena, do you understand the Ziwei Star?"

When Prince Yu saw the old Taoist's ashen face, he suddenly realized what was happening and turned pale with fright. If the news that there was an auspicious star next to the Purple Star got out, it would be a matter of great importance.

Although he was timid, he knew his limits and understood the weight of Tao Zhongwen's words.

But after weighing the results, I felt more fear than joy.

He waved his hand hastily, saying, "Immortal Master is joking. I am but a mortal and do not deserve such praise. I am so sorry."

Seeing that Prince Yu's reaction had finally returned to normal, the old Taoist's expression gradually became unfathomable.

Tao Zhongwen slowly shook his head, his face still bearing that compassionate and kind expression, as if he hadn't heard his refusal.

He returned to the prayer mat and sat down again, placing his whisk on his lap. After closing his eyes and regulating his breathing for a moment, he finally spoke: "In all these years of serving Your Majesty, I have never made promises to anyone lightly."

The Tao follows the natural order; the celestial phenomena do not lie. I am merely stating the facts.

Prince Yu was skeptical, but still dared not agree. His gaze fell on the palace gate, wondering if he could leave first.

Tao Zhongwen would not let him go; since he had already spoken, he had no choice but to tie him up tightly.

He comforted him, saying, "Your Highness need not be alarmed. Just now, Your Highness was standing under the sun waiting for your summons. I saw you from afar inside the palace, and I was filled with even more emotion."

In this world today, there are few people as filial as Your Highness. The celestial signs responding to people have their reasons. This auspicious star shines brightly at this very moment, without bias or bias. Is this not the will of Heaven?

"Can you see stars during the day?"

"People in the secular world can't see this, but I have my own methods."

Zhu Zaixing opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat tight and he couldn't say anything. He had never been affirmed like this before.

His mother said he wasn't working hard enough, and his teachers said he needed to work twice as hard. His father's face was already blurred in his memory, leaving only a cold and majestic figure, a figure that had never smiled at him.

But the old immortal master with white hair and beard said that the celestial phenomenon was related to him.

Seeing that Prince Yu still did not fully believe him, the old Taoist priest had no choice but to continue to exert his efforts.

"I have been in the palace for more than ten years and have seen many ups and downs."

Tao Zhongwen picked up his teacup, his tone becoming increasingly indifferent, as if he were talking about something utterly ordinary.

"Some people may appear powerful, but their foundation is weak; others may seem ordinary, but they possess great virtue and can bear great responsibilities. Your Highness need not contend with others for short-term gains or losses. Just stay true to your heart and fulfill your filial duties to His Majesty."

The rest is left to the arrangements of Heaven.

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