The Emperor arrived swiftly, appearing at the Great Clumsy Temple early the next morning with Hua Bolin in a light carriage and minimal entourage. Zeng Han, who had just finished morning prayers with the monks as instructed by his master, went to the gate to welcome them.
Observing his little junior, who carried himself like a miniature adult, the Emperor smiled playfully and teased him, "In those robes, you truly resemble a young novice. Well then, can you sit through the sessions? If not, just tell your senior brother, and I’ll plead with the Grand Tutor on your behalf."
"I can sit through them," Zeng Han replied, pursing his lips. He didn’t mention that he had felt a bit drowsy, but his master always had her reasons. If she said spending a few days with the monks would benefit him, he would endure it—even if it meant resisting the urge to explore the Great Clumsy Temple’s Library.
The Emperor, too perceptive to miss the boy’s half-hearted denial, patted his head and refrained from further teasing. His gaze swept across the serene, sunlit courtyard, fragrant with sandalwood, and his heart settled into calm. This tranquility deepened when he caught sight of the Grand Tutor, dressed in everyday attire and radiating gentleness.
Before the two could bow, the Emperor strode forward and helped the Regent Prince up. Seizing the moment, Lai Fu also assisted the Princess Consort. "No need for such formalities out here," the Emperor said. "Let’s all sit and talk."
Hua Zhi responded with a smile and took a seat below, her eyes briefly grazing over her younger brother without lingering.
"Yesterday, after receiving the Regent Prince’s message, I summoned the official in charge of this matter. According to him, the number of monks applying for ordination certificates has indeed increased since the beginning of the year. I then sent people to investigate and found that all nineteen temples in the capital, large and small, have seen a significant rise in monks—far beyond what he described as a slight increase."
The Emperor’s face showed displeasure, but Hua Zhi was not surprised. Ordination certificates weren’t given freely; they had to be purchased. Less scrupulous officials would naturally be reluctant to cut off this source of income.
"Has the price of the certificates been raised?"
"Not openly," the Emperor replied, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach his cold eyes. "But unofficially, without some ‘greasing,’ it’s impossible to obtain one."
Hua Zhi understood perfectly. However, her intention was to use this situation to temper the Emperor, so she offered no opinion and simply asked, "Does Your Majesty have a plan in mind?"
"Blocking is not as effective as channeling. I can’t force all monks to return to secular life over this. While there are those who scheme for gain, there are also good monks like Master Banruo, who hold Buddha and all beings in their hearts."
Picking up a plain fruit to toy with, the Emperor inwardly sneered. Ultimately, this mess stemmed from his esteemed father’s hasty decree. If one were to assign blame, it started at the very root.
Hua Zhi didn’t press further. After all, she and Yan Xi were there to handle any fallout; no major mishaps would occur.
Clearly, the Emperor had no desire to spoil the relaxed atmosphere with such unpleasant talk. Changing the subject, he suggested, "Xiao Han rarely gets out. Why not let him join us for a stroll in the market?"
"Your Majesty has taken the words out of my mouth," Hua Zhi said, glancing at her young disciple with an amused smile. "I finally bring him out, and all he can think about are the collections in the temple’s Library. Reading so hastily is worse than not reading at all."
Zeng Han lowered his head, shuffling his feet slightly. He felt both happy and a little embarrassed.
The Emperor, unburdened by such reservations, burst into laughter. He stood, scooped the boy up, and headed out. "I’ll take him with me then. Grand Tutor, be sure to save us lunch."Hua Bolin hurried to catch up, turning back at the doorway to flash a wide grin at his elder sister and cupping his hands in salute before quickly walking away.
Hua Zhi shook her head with an amused smile, standing at the entrance watching the three figures recede into the distance. How wonderful this is, she thought wistfully. If only many years ahead could remain exactly like this.
Sensing someone approach, she leaned against the newcomer without looking, effortlessly resting against a solid chest as arms encircled her. They stood together watching the trio chatting and laughing as they disappeared from view.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Hua Zhi shook her head gently. How could she not worry? Even with confidence in her ability to calculate all worldly affairs, she could never fully comprehend human hearts. One was her biological brother, the other two her disciples - any harm coming to any of them would be unbearable. "I will fulfill my role as Grand Tutor well."
At the very least, she needed to teach him that life requires two or three kindred spirits to be truly meaningful. Otherwise, one would end up a solitary figure talking to oneself.
Gu Yanxi gave a soft hum of agreement. He too would fulfill his role as Regent, making sure the Emperor understood what actions were absolutely forbidden before he withdrew from court affairs.
Away from the watchful eyes of palace maids and eunuchs, free from the constant scrutiny of ministers, the Emperor felt several pounds lighter as he observed the devout commoners coming and going.
Hoisting his little junior brother who obediently clung to his neck, he glanced around before abandoning any attempt to navigate on his own. "Lai Fu, which way?"
Lai Fu bowed his head to conceal a smile, gesturing respectfully toward one side while stealing glances at the intimate scene between the three. What appeared as an ordinary sight to others represented the most extraordinary occurrence within the imperial family.
Zeng Han squirmed slightly, wanting to get down. The Emperor patted his bottom and held him more securely, tilting his head toward Berlin. "This matter is likely Grand Tutor's test for me. Pay close attention - report any intelligence from the Seven Constellation Bureau immediately. I want to see how many people are involved."
"Yes."
"Even a policy implemented for merely one year has caused such complications. I dare not imagine how deep the waters run in other matters." The Emperor's face turned cold. He had thought himself well-acquainted with darkness and filth, but only upon ascending the throne did he realize his previous knowledge barely scratched the surface. No wonder those in the deep palace either went mad or died in such an environment.
"I actually think this situation is rather good."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow at him.
Hua Berlin smiled, his expression open and clear. "With external threats eliminated and peace reigning throughout the land, if everything required no effort from you, would such days hold any meaning? What motivation would drive us to continuously strengthen ourselves?"
Using the empire's internal troubles as self-motivation? The Emperor glared at him, though the glare soon threatened to turn into laughter. The Grand Tutor's boldness was overt - everyone knew there was nothing she wouldn't dare do. But Berlin's courage ran deeper, usually hidden beneath the surface until it suddenly emerged to astonish everyone.
Yet his words held truth.
He now understood the undercurrents swirling beneath the calm surface. Even if he couldn't act now, when he became sufficiently powerful, he would certainly stir those waters!
Therefore, he had no right to complacency.The clamor of voices drew nearer, prompting the two to cease their conversation and quicken their pace. Matters of state could wait—what mattered now was the task assigned by the Grand Tutor. Given the Grand Tutor's temperament, he would undoubtedly question them upon their return, and neither wished to face the humiliation of being unable to answer.
PS: The side stories won't be updated daily, but expect updates every other day. Just to clarify, I don’t want the side stories to feel too fragmented, so I’m using a thread to tie everyone in, though the plot won’t be overly elaborate. Also, a new book is in the works and should be released by the end of June.
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