The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 107 Birthday Gift

A few days later, Zhu Zaizhen came to Xiyuan again. Tomorrow was the Emperor's birthday. He took the scriptures he had copied, but it was difficult. If he wrote a word wrong, he had to rewrite it.

Ma Dezhao held a Hetian yellow jade ruyi, with a gemstone inlaid in the center of the head, and shallow relief cloud patterns filled with the character "仙" (immortal). The handle was engraved with tiny characters in regular script, such as "万寿无疆" (long life without end) and "道体永昌" (eternal prosperity of the Dao). The tail was tied with a bright yellow silk tassel and two pearls.

Zhang Xing, on the other hand, held the "Tang Garden in Springtime" painting, and after finishing his copy, he had to return it to its rightful owner.

Huang Jin came to greet him personally. Zhu Zaizhen was about to give a formal bow when they met, but Huang Jin was shocked and quickly reached out to stop him: "My young master, please don't frighten me every time you come."

"If it weren't for Huang Ban, Zaizhen would probably be on his way to his fiefdom today."

"Your Highness, you are too kind. It is merely my duty."

Even so, seeing that King Jing truly remembered his kindness and gratitude, he felt very warm inside, and it was worth it for him to confront Tao Zhongwen head-on that day.

Zhu Zaizhen did not say anything more, nor did he promise to reward him in the future. Given Huang Jin's current status, he had no other desires.

The position of Director of Ceremonial Affairs, with its many powers and complex affairs, was not a pleasant one. With mountains of gold and silver accumulating, he was always at the emperor's side and had no time to enjoy them.

For him, the closeness between the emperor and the princes was the most precious thing.

After inspecting the birthday gifts that Zhu Zaizhen had sent in advance, Huang Jin said, "Your Highness's gift is just in time. His Majesty will be going into seclusion for cultivation tomorrow morning. This servant will see if there is an opportunity to present it to him."

"Yes, no rush. If Father is in a bad mood, there's no need to go to the trouble of serving it separately."

The emperor possessed the wealth of the entire world and had seen all sorts of wonderful things. The Taoist scriptures and ruyi were just tokens; as a son, he couldn't just leave without showing any appreciation. He didn't think these things would move his father much.

"Yes, I understand."

Huang Jin hesitated for a moment before asking, "Should I inform them once and see?"

Zhu Zaizhen shook his head decisively: "No, let's wait for the results of the Imperial Observatory's observations of the celestial phenomena."

The last one was only for a day; the emperor has ordered the Imperial Observatory to observe the Purple Star for a whole month to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

The status of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau has risen sharply in this dynasty. Previously, its main job was to present the "Datong Calendar" every year and occasionally select auspicious days with the Ministry of Rites.

Now they are directly involved in the highest decision-making. Fortunately, Yan Song had made preparations in advance and cultivated a disciple to control the Imperial Observatory.

Since the final outcome is bound to be good, Zhu Zaizhen is not in a hurry, lest he provoke his sensitive and suspicious father.

Huang Jin nodded: "Alright, then this servant will go back first. His Majesty just summoned Tao Zhongwen, he should have arrived by now."

""

This is a reminder that such a person cannot be kept by the emperor's side indefinitely, otherwise he will find opportunities to influence him.

"Alright, Huang Ban, you're busy now. I'm going back to the palace."

"This humble Taoist greets Your Majesty."

Tao Zhongwen has aged considerably in the past few days. Even though he took the pills in advance, he still couldn't hide the haggard look on his face.

Especially these past few days, the emperor hasn't summoned him at all, but he has to constantly think about how to give a reasonable explanation if His Majesty asks him.

Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet His Majesty. I feel both nervous and somewhat relieved, for finally, there will be a result.

"Master Tao".

"This humble Taoist is here."

His face remained expressionless, but his heart was pounding.

Inside the hermitage, the curtains still hung, and one could vaguely see that slender figure. He was not sitting in meditation with his eyes closed, but was leaning against the pillow, with one hand on his knee and his fingertips trembling slightly.

-

"Recently, I feel as light as a feather, and every night I dream as if my soul is about to leave my body and ascend to heaven. However, when I wake up, I feel weak all over and my mind is not at peace. Immortal Master, please tell me why this is."

Jiajing's voice was not as cold and stern as usual, and he was not asking about the astrological incompatibility that Tao Zhongwen had been worrying about lately.

"Your Majesty," he slowly straightened up, his face still bearing that kind and compassionate expression, "the lightness of the body is a sign that the mortal essence has faded and the turbid energy has dissipated, which is proof that Your Majesty has passed the tribulation of the elixir. As for the dream, this dream was not given by the elixir, but by the evil spirit."

"What '煞' (sha), the '相克煞' (xiangke sha)? Do you mean that King Jing's fire element counters my metal element?"

Seeing that the conversation had finally steered back to the question and answer he had prepared, Tao Zhongwen answered crisply and clearly: "The Purple Star resides in the center of the sky, governing the supreme ruler. Although the vassal stars seem to be peaceful recently, their fiery energy is actually contained and has not dissipated. They wander among the palace walls, disturbing the emperor's body, which is why his spirit cannot be at peace."

He understood the emperor well, and that's why he knew that once the words were spoken, there was no going back. Contradictions would only make the emperor more suspicious of him, so he had to stick to his word.

Even if the emperor doesn't listen to him, it's still better than suspecting him of colluding with Prince Yu. The former still has a chance to live, while the latter would probably cost him his head immediately.

The trembling in Jiajing's fingers intensified, his tone revealing impatience and suspicion: "The Imperial Observatory's reports all say the celestial phenomena are stable and there are no unusual movements. Now the Celestial Master says there is a clash or conflict. I haven't seen Prince Jing for a long time, where did this clash come from!"

These words were like a sharp blade pressing down. Even if one had prepared for many days, anyone would instinctively feel fear when facing an existence that could control their life and death at any moment.

But Tao Zhongwen's tone became even more resolute: "Your Majesty is wise. The stars appearing in the sky are external signs, while the qi invading the human body is an internal disturbance. The celestial signs can be temporarily concealed, but the root cause of the conflicting fates is not easy to resolve."

The Imperial Observatory observes the celestial orbits, while I cultivate Yin-Yang and destiny principles. On the surface, all is well, but in reality, undercurrents are lurking. Once the time is right, the hidden dangers will resurface.

The hall fell silent, with only the faint crackling of incense burning in the incense burner.

After a long silence, Jiajing slowly spoke: "In your opinion, Immortal Master, how should this be resolved?"

"When Yin and Yang are in balance, the first priority should be to create barriers. In my humble opinion, we should set a date for Your Highness to go to your fiefdom as soon as possible and order you to return to your fiefdom."

With such distant celestial energy, it naturally cannot disturb His Majesty's presence. Furthermore, with the support of a pure and holy ritual, chanting scriptures and praying for blessings, His Majesty's health and well-being can be ensured for ten thousand years.

Silence, long silence.

Tao Zhongwen closed his eyes, his back ramrod straight, seemingly calm and composed, but in reality, his clothes were already soaked with cold sweat. He was betting on whether the emperor's nascent favoritism towards Prince Jing could be suppressed by the words "clashing fates".

"I understand. You go and perform the ritual. There's no need to tell anyone else about it."

"promise."

Tao Zhongwen breathed a sigh of relief and slowly retreated to the palace entrance. He felt that a seed of suspicion had been planted in the emperor's heart, and it would eventually take root and sprout.

After all, he knew that the emperor was getting old and his health would only get worse. Even if Prince Jing did not go to his fief, as long as His Majesty was restless and unable to eat or sleep, he would subconsciously blame it on Prince Jing's fate.

Can that little bit of favoritism outweigh the daily suspicion?

With such a success, Prince Yu will surely be grateful, and his children and disciples may become imperial tutors in the future.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, that cold, indifferent voice suddenly rang out.

"Immortal Master, that day, you spoke with Prince Yu for a long time. What did you talk about? Tell me."

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