The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 84 Superstition

Prince Yu was bewildered, but he felt much more fulfilled. He looked at Tao Zhongwen and found him increasingly unfathomable. Could it be that what he said was true?

The heavens are in me, destiny is in me—is it in me?

Prince Yu suddenly felt like crying, but he dared not, fearing that if he cried, he would wake up and find that it was a dream.

Tao Zhongwen's gaze swept over Prince Yu's slightly reddened eyes, and his tone softened a bit: "Your Highness need not feel at a loss. His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, but also a father. How can a father not cherish his own flesh and blood?"

However, the imperial family is ultimately different from ordinary people, and there are some things His Majesty cannot say outright, and some intentions that Your Highness must understand for yourself. I have said all I have to say; Your Highness will be able to verify them in the future.”

Having served the emperor in the palace for many years, he naturally saw through some of the emperor's true nature. No one would pursue the elusive pursuit of immortality without a reason.

Everything has a reason, but he benefited from it all and never thought of comforting the emperor, nor did he have the ability to do so.

Once he abandons what he's good at, he's just a decrepit old man.

Prince Yu suddenly stood up and bowed before Tao Zhongwen: "Please, Immortal Master, teach me again!"

Tao Zhongwen was somewhat helpless. Wasn't what he said clear enough?

But since we've already boarded the pirate ship, there's naturally nothing left to hold back.

He also discovered that what Prince Yu lacked most was self-confidence, and to build self-confidence, he first needed to dismantle the people he felt he was far inferior to.

Prince Yu had only one rival: Prince Jing.

Tao Zhongwen raised his hand and gestured for Prince Yu to sit down, his thin fingers gently stroking the rim of the teacup.

"Your Majesty devotes himself to spiritual cultivation, performs daily rituals and prayers to Heaven, and deeply respects the will of Heaven and values ​​the two words 'benevolence and filial piety'."

Prince Jing was intelligent and quick-witted, but his sharp edges and competitive nature, while seemingly attracting the emperor's attention, actually violated a major taboo of the imperial family. The emperor, in governing his sons, dislikes those who are overbearing and especially averse to rivalry among blood relatives. This is the way of Heaven, which abhors excess, and is also the natural state of mind of a ruler.

These words struck Zhu Zai like a thunderclap. He had always thought his younger brother was quick-witted and pleasing, while he himself was dull and slow, always at a disadvantage in front of his father.

He never imagined that such competitiveness would backfire. He sat there in a daze, his initially panicked thoughts gradually calming down, and he subconsciously straightened his back.

Is it true? This is an immortal whom even my father has believed in for over ten years. How could he possibly lie to me for no reason?

Tao Zhongwen took in the subtle changes in his expression, softened his tone, and continued to speak in a gentle and detailed manner: "Your Highness is kind and gentle, respectful and filial, and waits for orders with utmost deference every day. He is law-abiding and does not seek fame. This kindness and gentleness is your greatest asset."

With auspicious stars shining beside the Ziwei star, it is a sign that Your Highness is virtuous and blessed, and will surely secure your position as heir apparent in the future.

Since the will of Heaven has been decided, Your Highness must not belittle yourself, nor should you follow the example of others and act impulsively.

"So—what should we do next?"

Zhu Zai hurriedly pressed for answers, his eyes filled with an eager desire for guidance. At this moment, he already regarded the old Taoist priest in front of him as a guiding light.

"Nothing more than staying true to oneself, practicing filial piety, and concealing one's talents."

Tao Zhongwen put down his teacup, his gaze suddenly becoming solemn, his words earnest: "From now on, when you frequently visit the Emperor, speak little and argue little, do not inquire about the rights and wrongs of the court, do not discuss matters of ritual and mystery, simply stand respectfully and faithfully fulfill your duties as a son."

Heaven favors those of great virtue. As the Son of Heaven, Your Majesty's thoughts and actions are all in accordance with Heaven's will. Over time, Heaven will naturally be able to perceive Your Highness's goodness.

The more others scheme and plot, the more Your Highness must remain steadfast in your principles. When the time is right, destiny will fall upon you, and no one can seize it from you.

Prince Yu did not dare to ask when the time would come, but he felt that if it was truly the will of Heaven, then it was not necessarily impossible for him.

Reviving the Ming Dynasty and bringing glory to our ancestors was also his dream!

He bowed solemnly once again. Tao Zhongwen gently raised his hand to help Prince Yu up, lowered his voice, and added a final admonition: "What we have said today is a secret of heaven. Once you leave this palace, you must keep it to yourself and not reveal a single word to anyone."

Only by keeping secrets can you safeguard your destiny, Your Highness.

"I understand, Master, please rest assured."

"Go ahead, go ahead."

"Um—Master, how can I ask you for guidance if I have any questions in the future?"

To be honest, Prince Yu didn't want to leave anymore. He had never felt so at ease in his life and wished he could stay with the immortal master forever.

Tao Zhongwen closed his eyes, a wave of inexplicable regret washing over him.

He deeply regretted his perfunctory attitude when Prince Jing first came that day. If not for that, why would he be entangled with Prince Yu here?

But now there's no turning back.

The old Taoist gritted his teeth: "Your Highness must not think like that, and you must not associate with me too closely, otherwise you will surely bring disaster upon yourself and also incur the Emperor's displeasure."

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over his head. Zhu Zaikong, who had just been full of joy and confidence, froze on the spot. All the joy on his face disappeared, and the light that had just ignited in his eyes quickly dimmed.

Prince Yu opened his mouth blankly, and the confidence that had just taken root in his heart was about to crumble again.

Maybe we should just forget about it.

Upon seeing this, the old Taoist priest swayed precariously. He seemed to already see King Jing ascending the throne, not only slaughtering all his disciples and followers, but also throwing his coffin into the ground and mutilating his corpse, causing his soul to scatter.

Oh, the regret! I am filled with remorse! Is this really His Majesty's son?

Unlike His Majesty's unfathomable depths, unlike the late Crown Prince's gentle and magnanimous nature, and unlike Prince Jing's sharp and unstoppable edge, this...

Tao Zhongwen's vision blurred and his chest ached. He struggled to find a golden pill in the sandalwood box and swallowed it. Only then did he catch his breath, and his complexion immediately became strangely rosy.

"The value of our friendship lies in its intangible nature, not in our daily interactions. From now on, Your Highness only needs to fulfill your duties, stay in your residence to cultivate yourself and fulfill your filial duties, and be careful in your words and deeds. This will be the best assistance you can give to me, and also the fulfillment of your own destiny."

If you are confused, there is no need to seek me out. When you enter the Western Garden to pay homage to His Majesty, we will meet by chance at the foot of the palace steps. At that time, I will only need to give a slight indication, and His Majesty will know what to do.

The secrets of heaven are hidden in silence; that is the only truly foolproof strategy.

Tao Zhongwen pushed Prince Yu forward, then led his disciples to quickly complete the ritual, handing Prince Yu a talisman as well, and then ordered his disciples to escort him there.

"Someone come here—cough cough—"

When the disciples entered the room upon hearing the commotion, Tao Zhongwen could no longer hold on. His face turned deathly pale, and he collapsed to the ground. The disciples, already accustomed to this, quietly carried him to the bed and told everyone that the immortal master had gone into seclusion to study the profound mysteries.

Prince Yu's steps, which started confidently, gradually became unsteady and hesitant as he approached his palace. He looked up and saw only the dazzling, scorching sun, radiating endless light and heat.

He looked for a long time, but couldn't even see the Purple Star, let alone his own lucky star.

Finally, Prince Yu realized something: he also needed to find a master immortal!

I wonder if Master Tao has any particularly skilled disciples or grand-disciples?