661 Summer Is Coming (2/2)
In the 17th year of the Tang's Tianqi era, many funerals happened in Chang'an. All the streets were covered with white banners. Many ministers who had served three emperors as well as high-ranking officials were unable to resist the invasion of time and passed away one after another. The Defender-general of the State, Xu Shi, and the Nation Master, Li Qingshan were both seriously ill, which bothered a lot of people.
”I'm nothing special but a hard-working cultivator. Thanks to the Emperor, I am able to be the Nation Master of the Tang Empire. My only unique skill is board foretelling.”
Lying on the bed in the Southern Gate Temple, Li Qingshan looked at the spring view outside the window and said to He Mingchi by his side.
”I had always thought the Great Divine Priest of Revelation and Master Qishan were just so-so. Until now, I finally understand that fate is unpredictable. The two are wiser than me and have a better vision on this. I have forcibly deduced the future for so many years and I am getting weaker and weaker. As Haotian's influence gradually fades from me, I will die sooner or later.”
He Mingchi showed a sad expression and didn't know how to respond.
As the Nation Master, Li Qingshan should have entered the Wilderness with the Emperor. However, he was so seriously ill that he had to stay in bed. Therefore, Huang Yang replaced him.
”I'm not concerned about my life. Since Huang Yang is accompanying the Emperor and they have many powerhouses in the army, I don't worry about them, either. I am thinking about something else.”
His smile gradually disappeared. He said, ”His Majesty took Her Majesty and the Sixth Prince to Helan City, but left the Princess to manage the country. Many officers in Chang'an believe that the Emperor was going to abdicate to Li Huiyuan by doing this.”
He paused and continued, ”However, no one understands His Majesty better than me. He is not a scheming emperor. He is a real hero and if he has decided to abdicate, he will announce it to the world. He despises this kind of petty means, so he won't use them.”
Hearing this, He Mingchi was stunned and asked, ”Teacher, then what are you worrying about?”
Looking at the thick green leaves and thinking of the coming summer, Li Qingshan slowly said, ”I am worried that this is an empty joy. If it is, we will be in trouble.”
At this moment, someone knocked on the door. He Mingchi stood up to answer it. A few moments later, he came back with Li Huiyuan following and said, ”Teacher, the Prince comes to see you.”
Looking at Li Huiyuan's face which became more and more like the Emperor's, he felt warm inside.
When Li Huiyuan went back to the palace, He Mingchi was told to do something for his master, so they left together. The way from the Southern Gate Temple to the palace was short, so they didn't have much time.
The inside of the carriage was so dark that Li Huiyuan looked blurred. Looking at He Mingchi, he said after a moment, ”I have looked into the thing you told me the year before last year, but I didn't find any evidence.”
He Mingchi didn't answer him, smiling and looking into his eyes. He was not unwilling to talk about this, he just needed more details.
Li Huiyuan felt a little angry. He asked, ”Is the Empress really the Saintess of Diabolism?”
This was what He Mingchi was waiting for. He nodded and said, ”Although we don't have the evidence, my master knew it. The Academy should know it as well. We will find the evidence sooner or later. I know what you are thinking about. The Southern Gate Temple has been worshiping Haotian for generations and it won't accept the Saintess of Diabolism's son as the Emperor of the Tang Empire.”
Upon hearing this, Li Huiyuan was a little relieved and became happy. Rubbing his hands together, he helplessly said, ”Why hasn't the Nation Master ever exposed her identity?”
”Because His Majesty won't agree.”
Looking at him, He Mingchi calmly said, ”Your Highness, please remember, powerful weapons should be used at the perfect moment. You cannot tell anyone, including the Princess, as if you didn't know this.”
Li Huiyuan slightly frowned and tried to say something while they arrived at the palace.
He Mingchi followed him into the palace and went to visit Li Yu. No one knew what they had talked about. Then he went to someplace in the palace. Since he had usually entered the palace with the Nation Master, the eunuchs and maids would not stop the respected priest.
A few moments later, he reached a small building in the depths of the imperial garden. Pushing aside the bushy branches and stepping over the grass and flowers, he entered the small building.
Walking along the dark path beneath the building, He Mingchi entered an empty hall where was illuminated by luminous pearls.
He knew where he was and what he needed to start it. He guessed Ning Que had given the array eye pestle to the Academy. No matter the Nation Master or him, they could do nothing.
Standing on the boundless ground and thinking of how to activate the array, he closed his eyes and opened his arms, as if he was standing under the night sky, embracing the whole world.