Chapter 76: Unforeseen Troubles

Chapter 76: Unforeseen Troubles

The Metropolitan Governor entered the palace, panting heavily, and knelt down, his official robe drenched with sweat from his back.

Yuan Zixu asked calmly, "I've heard that the Third Prince was misbehaving recently, ordering the Metropolitan Governor's office to search for a Hu woman with yin-yang eyes. Is there any truth to this?"

The Metropolitan Governor prostrated himself, "Yes, Your Majesty, I am incompetent and have been unable to locate the whereabouts of the Hu woman..."

But Yuan Zixu replied, "Tell me the entire story from the beginning."

The Metropolitan Governor was surprised by the Emperor's leisurely disposition and hurriedly recounted the details of Yuan Ya's earlier report. When Yuan Zixu heard that the prince mentioned the resemblance between the villain and the Third Prince, his brows slightly furrowed. He then inquired, "How is the investigation progressing?"

The Governor replied hastily, "We dare not be remiss. The tactics used by the impostor and the fraudster indeed resemble those of an esteemed family. However, their hasty departure without even taking valuable items seems abnormal. I instructed our informants to spend some silver to gather more information, and it turns out that under the promise of a generous reward, a brave man has come forward. Just today, we uncovered a crucial lead."

Yuan Zixu asked, "What lead?"

The Governor said, "Due to the Southern accent of the mother and daughter, a former servant from Fujian who had worked in this pleasure district recognized them. Although he had never seen this Yan Xiaoyan, he did know of a courtesan with heterochromatic eyes who had offended an important person and fled from Fujian. Her name was Luan Ji. She was born to a foreign woman and raised by a madam. As she grew up, she began entertaining guests. Later, she claimed to have supernatural abilities, saying she could divine fortunes and consult the gods. But then she made a mistake in her fortune-telling, offended a client, and fled!"

Upon hearing the name Luan Ji, Yuan Zixu's expression subtly changed. He stared coldly at the Governor, lost in thought. The Governor continued, "Concerned that they might be swayed by the reward, I dispatched agents to Fujian. Indeed, our inquiries confirmed that Luan Ji was known as a divine courtesan and was quite famous in that region. It was later rumored that she had offended a powerful figure. Many suspected she had met with an unfortunate end. Now, to hear that she has resurfaced... perhaps she has been in hiding all along."

Yuan Zixu nonchalantly inquired, "Oh? A courtesan from the north sought divine guidance for her fortune? And people actually believe that? Also, was there no one who knew whom she had offended?"

The governor replied, "Your servant sent a bold and meticulous investigating officer to Jincheng Harbor, where he found the former madam who had raised Luan Ji. She had fled to the countryside to live out her days. After some effort and a bit of intimidation, we learned that Luan Ji's supposed divine consultation was a complete fabrication. She didn't know how to summon spirits; instead, she learned ventriloquism from the northern people and invented some mystifying prophecies. By chance, a few of her predictions came true, and her reputation soared. But whether she made an error or offended someone important, the old madam doesn't know. All she knows is that after Luan Ji earned enough money to buy her freedom, she couldn't stay put and secretly fled. Before leaving, she did have the conscience to leave some silver for her madam, saying she had offended someone she couldn't afford to cross, and that she was running away as if dead. Whoever asked about her was to be told that she was deceased, with no further information."

The governor spoke at length to demonstrate his diligence in the prince's assignment, then summarized carefully, "From this, it seems that Third Prince likely encountered the very same Luan Ji, who had fled from trouble. Somehow, she ended up in the capital and accidentally crossed paths with Third Prince. Perhaps she believed he could help her escape her predicament, which is why she staged the accident. Unfortunately, her act exposed her, forcing her to flee hastily."

Yuan Zixu remarked coolly, "So in the end, you still haven't found this northern woman?"

The governor choked, struggling to say, "Your servant has been incompetent, searching everywhere, but given that this woman is skilled in deception and fearful of danger, she might have many hidden exits. We've indeed been unable to trace her."

Yuan Zixu asked, "What about the unclaimed corpse? Was there an investigation?"

The governor hurriedly responded, "We looked into that immediately."

Yuan Zixu mused that if she were truly killed, her body wouldn't have been discarded carelessly... He wondered whose grand spectacle this was, meant for his eyes, or a long-con that accidentally unraveled?

He continued, "Have you traced the source of the rumors about the fox spirit?"

The governor answered, "Given that the incident took place on Gold Powder Street, a district known for its brothels and diverse crowd, and with scholars arriving for exams, the story could easily have been distorted. They mistook the northern woman for a fox spirit and added their own embellishments, leading to the current situation. Your servant will immediately work to dispel these rumors and intensify efforts to locate the northern woman..."

Yuan Zixu replied, "There's no need."

The governor was taken aback. Yuan Zixu continued, "Since no wealth has been lost, no one has been murdered, and no one witnessed the woman being abducted, it's most likely that the scammer left on their own accord. The government is the public instrument of the state; why stir up trouble for a prince's personal matter? Let rumors in the streets and alleys run their course; soon enough, they'll be overshadowed by new gossip. If the authorities force a ban on spreading the story, the common folk, lacking knowledge, might assume the prince is involved, which would only worsen the situation. It's just a case involving a woman from the north."

The governor heaved a sigh of relief. He had been hastily summoned to the palace, fearing that even the Emperor had taken an interest in this minor case. He was inwardly complaining, but now that the Emperor had spoken, there was no need for further investigation – a most welcome relief!

Prostrating himself, the governor exclaimed, "Your Majesty's wisdom shines bright!"

Yuan Zixu said, "I only learned of this matter from the Second Prince today. I wonder if the Second Prince's residence has sent anyone to interfere with the governor's investigation?"

The governor promptly replied, "Not at all."

Yuan Zixu's eyes flickered slightly as he asked again, "What about the other influential families in the capital?"

The governor said, "Aside from Prince Third showing great interest in this case, no other high-ranking officials have intervened." The governor found it odd. If even Prince Third had taken an interest, who else would dare to meddle? The Censorate might be getting restless, but with his seasoned and cautious approach, he hadn't caused any disturbance to the people. Thus, he hoped that the Emperor would view his handling of the matter positively.

Yuan Zixu nodded, then spoke warmly, praising the governor before dismissing him. Lately, the Emperor had been unpredictable and easily angered, reprimanding and demoting many officials. Now, the sudden change in demeanor left the Governor of Chang'an feeling relieved. He had only learned about the reason behind the Emperor's sudden interest after giving Li Dongfu a generous sum of silver. Carefully choosing his words, he had managed to escape unscathed, leaving him both physically and mentally at ease.

However, Yuan Zixu sat alone for a long while before casually summoning Li Dongfu. "I recall there is a high monk named Wuwang at Long'an Temple in the northern part of the city. He is proficient in many languages and skilled in astrology. Arrange for him to enter the palace tomorrow. Tell him that I have some questions about Buddhism that I wish to discuss."

Li Dongfu hastily bowed and withdrew, inwardly remembering that Venerable Wuwang was a mute but could recite scriptures and discuss Zen using his abdomen. He was nearly a hundred years old and ranked among the highest echelons of Buddhist monks.

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In the Lingyun Hall, Empress Luo gazed at Prince Yuan Zhen with exhaustion. Ever since her brother had secretly conveyed news from outside the palace that Prince Yuan Ya was searching the world for a Hu woman with yin-yang eyes, she knew that trouble had arisen.

Was it Consort Jiang? Or the Crown Prince?

That didn't matter now. But why did this matter end up being brought before the emperor by Yuan Zhen?

Any other son would have been fine, but this one, whom she now despised, had chosen to inform the emperor. Empress Luo couldn't help feeling frustrated, knowing that her son had only been aware of the plot involving the dragon robe but not her divination skills. Now that he saw an opportunity to trap his third brother, he couldn't resist. This son had been nurtured to be shortsighted and hasty, bearing no resemblance to her or his cautious and meticulous older brother, Yuan Zixu. However, his stubborn disobedience was a perfect match.

Empress Luo's anger intensified, but her expression remained calm. "Another month has passed, yet there is still no news of a pregnancy in the Second Prince's household?"

Yuan Zhen was already tired of Empress Luo's constant reminders about his offspring. He also disliked Princess Bei Xi's submissive and pitiful facade. After several failed attempts, he had resolved to abandon the hope of having a legitimate son through this barbarian princess. Moreover, his father didn't care whether he produced an heir; his father was preoccupied with the grand scheme of immortal cultivation. As long as his father pursued immortality, who succeeded him was of little concern.

As Yuan Zhen's thoughts were consumed by the prospect of attaining immortality, Empress Luo found her son increasingly irrational. Amidst her turmoil, she tried to maintain composure and consider how to salvage the situation.

Just as she had discussed with Luo Shiming, although she was the prime suspect, Consort Jiang was now under suspicion too. Furthermore, who had divulged this information? The Crown Prince and the princess? The emperor still feared the Crown Prince the most. Even if this turned out to be a scheme against him, it wouldn't alter the emperor's distrust of the Crown Prince or mend their strained relationship.

Their father-son bond had long been severed, and now their only concern was to shift the blame onto Consort Jiang.

Empress Luo, with great restraint, spoke to Yuan Zhen, "Go back and discuss today's events with your uncle. Don't elaborate, just tell him what happened. Let him devise a plan to make the Emperor suspect that Third Prince and Consort Jiang are involved. Understand?"

Yuan Zhen nonchalantly agreed and hastily took his leave.

Empress Luo was filled with unease and ordered her attendants to keep an eye on any movements from the Emperor's side.

====

The following day, Master Wuwang indeed arrived at the palace, surrounded by his disciples. Yuan Zixu received him warmly, offering a seat and a string of prayer beads. After listening to a chapter of scripture, he humbly inquired of Wuwang, "I've heard that Master Wuwang can recite scriptures from memory. May I ask if this skill is difficult to learn?"

Wu Wang said, "There is no insurmountable task in the world, as long as one puts their heart into it. Ventriloquism isn't difficult to learn, but most people, unlike this old monk who is physically impaired, don't rely on it, hence they don't put in the effort to master it."

Yuan Zixu asked again, "I've heard that Master has a natural aptitude for divination, able to predict fortune and destiny, and is proficient in the 'One Palm Scripture.' Can you calculate my fate?"

Wu Wang replied, "Seeking truth outside oneself is called an external path. This old monk dares not. As the supreme ruler, the emperor of humanity, your destiny is intertwined with the nation's fortune. If the country prospers, then that is the will of heaven for Your Majesty. I've heard that Yan Yun has returned to the Central Plains, and all quarters have submitted, bringing peace to the land. This is a grand stroke of destiny for Your Majesty."

Yuan Zixu said, "I wish to know about my lifespan and the relationships with my children. Does Master need my birth time?"

Wu Wang shook his head and said, "Amitabha Buddha, the emperor's longevity is as vast as the heavens, and your destiny is too noble to be measured. All children in the land are Your Majesty's children. Why seek to divine such matters? Your Majesty, do not forcefully seek answers. The Buddha Sakyamuni taught that relying on fortune-telling, observing celestial bodies, or calculating through numerology and astrology should not be indulged in."

The emperor had expected Master Wuwang to evade specific details about destiny, yet he was not annoyed. Instead, he said, "Actually, I invited you today to meet with the Crown Prince. Lately, he has been seeking scriptures and enlightenment, engaging in Zen meditation, which worries me greatly." With that, he instructed, "Fetch the Crown Prince to meet Master Wuwang."

Surrounded by guards and eunuchs, Yuan Jun emerged and bowed before the emperor.

Yuan Zixu studied his eldest son carefully. He noticed that, having recently recovered from a severe illness, Yuan Jun's face still held a slight pallor. His robe hung loosely on his frame, the youthful sharpness in his features almost faded, and the lingering melancholy in his eyes seemed to have vanished, replaced by an emptiness that suggested a lack of concern.

Yuan Zixu couldn't comprehend this emptiness. He introduced, "Hengzhi is here to pay his respects to Master Wuwang."

Yuan Jun bowed deeply and said, "Master Wuwang."

Master Wuwang returned the salute, "This humble monk has had the honor of meeting His Highness the Crown Prince."

Yuan Zixu smiled and gestured for Yuan Jun to sit, "Master is well-versed in Buddhist teachings and skilled in astrology. If the Crown Prince has any questions or doubts, feel free to ask."

Yuan Jun spoke calmly, "As Your subject, I abide by your command."

Seating himself properly, he posed his question, "Master, in my readings, I've come across a tale where a maiden's soul leaves her body, travels a thousand miles to find her husband, gives birth to two children in five years, all while her physical body lies gravely ill at home. Eventually, her soul reunites with her body, and she recovers. Is this story true? Which is more significant, the soul or the body? What wisdom do you have to share on this matter?"

Wuwang pondered briefly, "Clouds and moon may seem alike, yet rivers and mountains differ.

All things are impermanent, yet the mind remains undisturbed."

Yuan Jun smiled slightly, no longer inquiring further, a subtle glow appearing on his face as if he had gained some insight.

Yuan Zixu observed this and felt even more restless. He dismissed the prince, saying, "The crown prince is still young and should not be too engrossed in the profound principles of Buddhism."

Yuan Jun bowed obediently, responding, "I, your son, will abide by Father's teachings."

Yuan Zixu then instructed him to return and rest.

Only after Yuan Jun had left did Yuan Zixu ask, "What is Master's opinion of the crown prince?"

Wu Wang replied, "The crown prince is exceptionally pure and serene, like a lotus flower untouched by water."