So this fellow had been unconscious the entire night, yet his mind was extremely clear!
He had actually thought of so many things.
Ji Yunshu wanted to strongly obstruct him, but she knew that Jingrong’s mind was made up.
After a long silence—
She said, “So then, regardless of whether I agree or not, you’ve already decided.”
He nodded.
Always, it had been him standing on her side. No matter what astonishing things she did, he accompanied her through the madness.
So this time—
It was her turn to stand on his side!
Although this time would involve great risk.
But—
“You’re right. We promised the old servants of Duke Yuguo’s manor that we would investigate the truth, so we must keep our word.”
Jingrong knew she would agree.
Because no one understood her better than he did.
“In this matter, I will discuss it together with Minister Qin. Before the coffin is opened, don’t interfere. Do what you need to do.”
She nodded!
And Jingrong’s plan came swiftly. After his health improved considerably, he immediately sought out Qin Shiyu to begin discussing the matter.
At first, Qin Shiyu disagreed, feeling it was too risky.
But in the end, he still agreed!
A few days later, Jingrong secretly summoned Commander Xiao and informed him of the matter.
He needed his cooperation.
Ever since Jingrong had caught him with evidence of privately manufacturing weapons, and with Jing Yi’s death, Jingrong naturally became his greatest pillar of support, and he wholeheartedly pledged loyalty to him.
In short, whatever Jingrong said was law!
After learning of this matter, perhaps because he was originally born a military officer, he had a reckless energy in his bones and didn’t care whether it was dangerous or not.
He agreed immediately!
He quickly transferred subordinates he trusted to the mausoleum.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace.
Emperor Qizhen summoned Liang Zongzheng.
“How are matters for the ancestral rites proceeding now?”
Liang Zongzheng: “In response to Your Majesty, arrangements are nearly complete. The mausoleum has already increased its guard with heavy troops—there will absolutely be no problems. In a few more days, the monks from Guang’an Temple will also enter the capital. As in previous years, they’ve all been arranged to stay at Anguang Residence. We’ve already ordered people to prepare vegetarian food early on. Other matters have also been arranged. Your Majesty need not worry.”
He reported everything one by one!
Emperor Qizhen nodded. After pondering for a moment, he gave further instructions: “This ancestral rite must be handled with utmost care—there must be no mishaps.”
“Yes!”
“Also, no matter who enters the mausoleum this time, they must be thoroughly inspected—those monks are no exception.”
“This subject understands. Instructions have already been given.”
Emperor Qizhen: “There’s one more matter.”
Liang Zongzheng bowed and waited quietly!
Emperor Qizhen descended from the high platform and walked before him, lowering his voice to say, “Recently, I’ve constantly felt anxious and fearful, often dreaming of Duke Yuguo. Therefore, I worry that something might happen. Before and after this ancestral rite, you must assign people you trust to guard Duke Yuguo’s tomb separately. Without my permission, no one is allowed to approach. Do you understand?”
This…
Hearing these words, Liang Zongzheng was extremely shocked. Why would the Emperor have such strange dreams and harbor such worries?
But in the end, he dared not speak much.
“Yes, this subject will certainly guard it well.”
Emperor Qizhen was satisfied and nodded. “You may withdraw.”
“This subject takes his leave.”
He departed!
Emperor Qizhen let out a light sigh. He was indeed worried, constantly anxious. That feeling was like a rubber band binding him tighter and tighter in circles.
Tighter and tighter…
Of course, he hoped he was overthinking it.
The ancestral rites drew ever closer, and the entire capital became busy.
Heavy troop patrols increased at the mausoleum. Because Emperor Qizhen had given instructions, Duke Yuguo’s tomb was specifically cordoned off.
Without orders, no one could approach.
Commander Xiao immediately reported to Jingrong, “Liang Zongzheng has instructed that people must guard Duke Yuguo’s tomb day and night, and those keeping watch are all his people. Our people cannot get close.”
Damn it!
Jingrong’s brow furrowed tightly as he pondered, “It seems Father Emperor knows what I intend to do, which is why he’s taking precautions.”
Truly an old fox.
Commander Xiao then asked, “Then, Your Highness, should we still…” Continue?
Before he could finish speaking, Jingrong insisted, “The plan remains unchanged. The coffin must be opened. In any case, we must find a way to draw those people away—we only need a few hours.”
“Yes.”
“Also, you must remember that Liang Zongzheng is also a sharp-eyed old fox. Every year he’s been in charge of the ancestral rites, so he’s already completely familiar with the process. Therefore, we must act with extreme caution and absolutely cannot let word leak out.”
“This subordinate knows what to do.”
…
Not long after, Ji Yunshu and Wei Yi moved back to Prince Rong’s manor from Zhuxi Garden.
On this day, it happened to be when the monks from Guang’an Temple entered the capital.
Those monks were particular—they didn’t ride in carriages but relied entirely on walking.
Fortunately, Guang’an Temple wasn’t far from the capital. The several dozen monks entering the palace was quite a spectacular sight, and as soon as they entered the capital, they attracted crowds of onlookers.
They happened to encounter Ji Yunshu’s carriage heading to Prince Rong’s manor!
The coachman asked, “Minister Ji, ahead are the monks invited for this ancestral rite. Should we yield, or not?”
Upon hearing this, Ji Yunshu lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. Several dozen monks were walking toward them in orderly formation. In front and behind were many guards protecting them, also carrying boxes large and small. It was said that inside were items for chanting sutras and reciting Buddhist scriptures—Buddhist holy objects. Therefore, when entering the city gates, they weren’t inspected and were carried straight in.
Leading this time was High Official Gao, who was responsible for receiving those monks.
This person also held office in the Directorate of Imperial Clan Court!
Wei Yi also looked out. Before Ji Yunshu could say anything, he instructed the coachman, “Move the carriage to the side. We’ll yield.”
Ji Yunshu glanced at him sideways.
She agreed!
The coachman complied and quickly drove the horses to one side.
They yielded!
Those monks happened to pass by Ji Yunshu’s side. Out of curiosity, she lifted the window curtain to observe.
Yet it seemed as though she was searching for something among the crowd.
However, among the several dozen people, she still didn’t see that monk from before—the one who limped with a scar on his face.
Wei Yi noticed her gaze and asked, “What are you looking for?”
“A person.”
“Who?”
She shook her head, lowered the curtain, and said, “I don’t know either.”
Wei Yi didn’t ask further.
The carriage proceeded forward and soon arrived at Prince Rong’s manor.
Shi Ziran and Lu Jiang greeted them at the entrance—Jingrong’s figure was nowhere to be seen.
“His Highness went to find Minister Qin.” Lu Jiang explained the situation.
It must be about opening the coffin this time!
She nodded and pointed to her belongings on the carriage. “I’ll trouble Uncle Lu to have someone move the things inside down—those items are somewhat heavy.”
“Very well!”
Her belongings weren’t many—just odds and ends accumulated over these few months at Zhuxi Garden.
Wei Yi’s belongings were more numerous. He had studied for several months and written countless characters, piled up like a mountain. He couldn’t bear to leave any behind, so he brought them all.
When entering, Wei Yi looked around in all directions.
Looking here!
And looking there!
Shi Ziran approached him and looked him up and down a few times. “This isn’t your first time at this place—why so curious?”
He remained silent for quite a while before finally saying, “Is that so?”
“Yes, it’s written all over your face.”
“…” He smiled without speaking.