Chapter 439: Swaying the Divine Rod?
“Start the next step, let Grandmaster Liao Chen enter the capital as quickly as possible.” When Jing Wan said these words, she subconsciously carried a tone of not allowing for comment, directly commanding. This kind of subtle change, even she herself has yet to realize, but some of the people by her side noticed. However, they all won’t say anything. In reality, since long ago, they’d already anticipated that there might be such a day.
To want to invite Grandmaster Liao Chen into the capital, naturally can’t be the people of Jin Qinwang Manor going to invite. They still needed for Le Cheng Emperor to take action.
Because his beloved son has been unconscious for five days in a row, not having the slightest signs of improvement, Le Cheng Emperor was definitely unprecedentedly irritable. The slightest trivial matter was all able to make him immediately explode, practically even scarier than that time during the Jiangnan incident. After all, at that time, certain old ministers were still able to say a few words. This time, even people like Ruan Rui Zhong all didn’t dare to rashly open his mouth.
Under this kind of situation, if someone were to let him intentionally or otherwise hear the words ‘Grandmaster Liao Chen’, he would definitely go invite the person immediately. In reality, this was indeed the case.
This time, there weren’t any tricks either. It was the Head Minister of the Inner Cabinet Ruan Rui Zhong directly suggesting.
Le Cheng Emperor finally had a look of realization, “How come this emperor just didn’t think of this? How come just didn’t think of? Beloved Minister Ruan, White Dragon Temple, will be troubling you to…………..Never mind, someone come, let Kang Qinwang, Rui Qinwang, and Gong Qinwang immediately come see this emperor.”
Letting Beloved Minister Ruan go, the sincerity although was enough, but at this age of his, even in the freezing winter weather, if by chance an accident were to occur, not only will it hold up his son’s condition, might even have the Head Cabinet Minister worn down. It was still better for youngsters to go. The three sons with the most weight going together, that was just the upmost sincerity, merely just a bit inferior to him personally going.
Speaking of which, although Grandmaster Liao Chen was a sage, he was inherently easy-going and modest. As long as it doesn’t go against his taboo, generally speaking, he would still very much give face. Based on this bit, Le Cheng Emperor rather wasn’t worried about not being able to invite him.
Getting summoned by their old man, the three naturally came particularly quick, especially Rui Qinwang. After all, having lost his job at the Ministry of Appointments, he has been very idle lately, and the mockery and ridicule he received both in the dark and on the surface were naturally even more, so he desperately wanted to break away from the current situation.
In any case, he didn’t have any matters at hand, so it can’t be that there was a slip-up somewhere again, right? Thus, this speed of his was naturally quick.
After the three of them learned the reason why Le Cheng Emperor was looking for them, they worked very hard to control their expression in order to not let their face crack. Sure enough, that bastard was imperial father’s actual son, and they were probably all picked up from the outside, right?
“What, letting you all take a trip to White Dragon Temple, you all are even unwilling? Bastard things, that is your younger brother. This old man still hasn’t died yet, each and every one…………..” Le Cheng Emperor immediately just began scolding, having the three qinwangs scolded to the point of getting wounded all over, practically just unfilial and not fulfilling their duty as a brother, the epitome of being cold-hearted and cold-blooded. The ins and outs of his words were just hating that he didn’t have them strangled to death when they were born, so as to avoid seeing them like this now.
The three of them hadn’t said anything at all. It was just that the expression on their face didn’t get put away cleanly, yet just got scolded like this, and even in front of a few important court officials’ face. What will they think? However, at this time, they weren’t able to think too much, quickly kowtowing to humbly apologize, asking their imperial father to forgive, and that they definitely didn’t have that kind of bad thoughts. Old six ‘falling ill’, they were also very worried, hating that they can’t take his place. If able to do a bit of something for old six, then they will certainly offer their life in sacrifice.
Le Cheng Emperor coldly sneered, “Still not getting lost?”
The three of them hurriedly got lost, not daring to delay in the slightest.
“These unfilial sons, not a single one can make one feel reassured and satisfied, really regressing more and more.” Le Cheng Emperor very ‘helplessly complained’ to the court officials.
What can the officials say? His Majesty can criticize and scold his own sons, but they can’t say the slightest bad thing about them, not just because their status was esteemed. Actually, for these people, their thoughts were all the same. Their own children they can treat however they want, but others can’t. In this situation right now, naturally it was just quickly consoling.
Outside, the three qinwangs had heard everything clearly. That complexion was just like a blending palette, yet they didn’t dare to say a single word, even needing to quickly head to White Dragon Temple to invite Grandmaster Liao Chen. They even need to pray that Grandmaster Liao Chen was at White Dragon Temple, else if unable to invite the person back, once they return, they will certainly suffer a calamity.
There was no need to prepare a carriage and whatnot either, directly spurring the horse at full speed, dashing towards White Dragon Temple, unexpectedly having the time cut down to a quarter. It was also fortunate that it didn’t continuing snowing these last few days. If the snow were to block the path, they will definitely suffer.
Grandmaster Liao Chen was present, phew, they greatly relaxed a breath.
They stated their purpose in coming, and afterwards, just waited for Grandmaster Liao Chen’s reply.
Grandmaster Liao Chen struck the wooden fish[1] as he neither slowly nor quickly chanted the scriptures. The scent of sandalwood faintly drifted in the air. Originally, it should be a good place to peacefully meditate, yet the three qinwangs were unable to calm down no matter what, their heart restless and irritable. The sound of the wooden fish echoing was just like as if it was drumming their hearts, feeling terribly anxious and uncomfortable. However, they also didn’t dare to make a sound.
Two hours later, Grandmaster Liao Chen finally stopped, meeting their expectant gaze, “Amitabha Buddha, since that’s the case, this humble monk will take the trip with wangye.”
“Many thanks grandmaster.” The three happily expressed their gratitude.
See, this was just the difference in treatment. Think of Li Hong Yuan’s attitude in front of Grandmaster Liao Chen, although under normal circumstances, it was still considered respectful, but once in disagreement, he similarly will threaten. Compared to these three, that was definitely an arrogant one.
Grandmaster Liao Chen’s age can’t be inspected, but it was definitely over a hundred years, even longer than Qi Yuan’s history. Although he still frequently traveled around, appearing to also be very healthy, returning to the capital at this time, they still didn’t dare to travel too quickly. The three wangyes all subconsciously worried.
Learning that Grandmaster Liao Chen entered the capital, directly heading to Jin Qinwang Manor, Le Cheng Emperor thought for a moment, and then changed his clothes, once again leaving the palace.
By the time Le Cheng Emperor arrived, Li Hong Yuan had been moved from the bedroom to the outer room and was placed on a recliner. The things in the surrounding had been moved away, and a small table was placed in the middle. Placed on there was an incense burner, emitting an unusual fragrance.
Grandmaster Liao Chen sat to the side, his eyes closed as he twirled the buddhist beads.
“Grandmaster.” Le Cheng Emperor went forward, lowering his voice as he called out.
Grandmaster Liao Chen opened his eyes, putting his palms together, “Amitabha Buddha, a thousand peace to your Majesty.”
“Grandmaster is too polite.” Le Cheng Emperor hurriedly returned the etiquette, and then paused for a moment, “Grandmaster, this emperor’s sixth son, for what reason is he unable to wake? This is already the fifth day. This emperor is very worried.”
“Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry, wangye is fine. It’s just the soul leaving the body. Once the soul returns, he naturally will wake. This humble monk has already lit the soul guiding incense for wangye. Once the incense finish burning, he more or less will be able to wake.” Grandmaster Liao Chen explained.
Le Cheng Emperor greatly relaxed a breath, “So it was like this, all is good if able to wake, all is good if able to wake.”
And to the side, Jing Wan’s expression was a tiny bit peculiar. This one here, among the various countries, afraid, was one of the most esteemed high monk. Turns out, he was actually just a professional conman?
“Grandmaster, don’t know, why this emperor’s sixth son’s soul would leave the body for no reason?”
“It’s not without a reason, but rather because…………..”
[1] A wooden fish is an instrument used by monks when chanting sutra or other buddhist texts. It helps keep the rhythm.
T/N: The title of this chapter is actually meant to describe Grandmaster Liao Chen here. It’s the literal translation but the phrase also has a figurative meaning. In ancient times, it’s used to describe conmen that use superstitions to deceive and trick others. The phrase comes from describing someone pretending to be an exorcist and such, going around and swinging a ‘magic’ stick to trick others that they have powers, usually for money or fame. Although not necessary describing Grandmaster Liao Chen’s character, but rather his actions here, hence why Jing Wan described him as a professional conman.