“Angado was skilled in physiognomy and fortune-telling. I had His Majesty and you avoid revealing your true birth dates and times in front of him because I could see that you both possessed the countenance of emperors!”

His words left Li Shimin utterly shocked, staring intently at Xia Houduan, “You… what did you say?” That Li Yuan possessed the countenance of an emperor was a matter of course, but he… Though he harbored ambitions for that supreme position, it ultimately seemed rather distant from him. Whether he could attain it, he had no confidence. Yet now Xia Houduan was saying that nearly ten years ago, he had already discovered Li Shimin possessed the countenance of an emperor. This… this was truly too incredible to believe.

Seeing the confusion in his heart, Xia Houduan said, “I won’t hide it from Your Highness – though the arts of fortune-telling and physiognomy may sound mystical, they truly exist. Birth dates and times combined with facial features and bone structure are sufficient to predict a person’s fortune. And some people with extraordinarily prosperous fortunes can be discerned through physiognomy alone, even without knowing their birth dates and times. Both you and His Majesty are such people.”

Li Shimin’s mind was in turmoil for a moment, not knowing where to begin. After a long while, he finally composed himself and said, “Why does Uncle Xia Hou suddenly bring up this matter after so many years have passed?”

Xia Houduan said solemnly, “It wasn’t this official who brought it up, but His Majesty!”

“Father Emperor? What did he say?” This time, Li Shimin rose in alarm. For Li Yuan to bring up this matter at this time could absolutely not be good news, at least not for him.

Xia Houduan recounted the events at Ganlu Hall, then said, “Though this official said Your Highness no longer possesses imperial aura, whether His Majesty believes it is still unknown. Your Highness should be extra careful!”

“I understand.” Saying this, Li Shimin bowed formally to Xia Houduan, “Thank you for informing Shimin of this matter, Uncle Xia Hou. This kindness and favor, Shimin will remember in his heart and dare never forget.”

Xia Houduan quickly supported him, “Your Highness speaks too seriously. Over these years, Your Highness has established countless meritorious achievements for Great Tang. This official truly does not wish to see Your Highness harmed because of this matter.”

“I understand.” As he spoke, Chuyi knocked on the door from outside, reminding Li Shimin it was time to attend court.

Xia Houduan cupped his hands, “The hour is late. This official should take his leave.”

Li Shimin nodded, “If Uncle Xia Hou doesn’t mind, why not leave through the back gate? There are fewer people there.”

He was well aware of the great risk Xia Houduan had taken in coming here to tell him this matter. If anyone discovered this and reported it to Li Yuan, Xia Houduan would probably lose his head immediately!

Seeing that Li Shimin was so considerate of him, Xia Houduan nodded gratefully, “Your Highness is thoughtful.”

After he left, Li Shimin went to Taiji Palace for court as if nothing had happened. The court proceedings were the same as usual, with nothing abnormal. However, when court was dismissed, Li Shimin was detained.

After all the ministers withdrew, Li Shimin respectfully said, “What other instructions does Father Emperor have?”

Li Yuan descended from the dragon throne and said kindly, “There are no outsiders here, no need for such formality.” After a pause, he said, “The weather is fine today. I want to visit Xuanjing Temple. Come with me.”

Li Shimin’s eyelids twitched almost imperceptibly, “Is Father Emperor going to see Daoist Wang Yuanzhi?”

“That’s right. Losing to him at chess last time has left me quite unwilling to accept it. I’ve been studying some ancient chess books recently, and the game records in them are all exquisitely masterful. This time I’m determined to beat him.” Speaking thus, he added, “I remember your chess skills are also quite good. When the time comes, help me beat him together.”

Li Shimin smiled, “Your son’s chess skills are merely average and probably can’t help Father Emperor. However, your son believes that with Father Emperor’s chess prowess, combined with your study of ancient chess books, you’ll definitely be able to defeat Daoist Wang!”

Li Yuan looked at him with a smile, “When did you become so eloquent?”

“Your son speaks only from the heart.” Saying this, Li Shimin said, “Your son will go arrange the imperial carriage.”

Li Yuan waved his hand, “No need. Before court, I already had Gao Yang give the orders. It should be ready soon now.”

Sure enough, just as Li Yuan finished speaking, a palace servant entered and bowed, “Your Majesty, the carriage to Xuanjing Temple is prepared and waiting outside Taiji Gate, ready to depart at any time.”

Li Yuan nodded and led Li Shimin toward Taiji Gate. Along the way, Li Shimin’s thoughts kept turning. He knew Wang Yuanzhi was the head of Xuanjing Temple and the most famous Daoist in the world, skilled in physiognomy and fortune-telling. Li Yuan had known him before ascending the throne, and afterward would occasionally visit Xuanjing Temple to play chess with him. Without Xia Houduan’s words beforehand, he would indeed believe that Li Yuan had suddenly taken an interest in playing against Wang Yuanzhi, but now…

Duan Zhihong was waiting outside Taiji Gate with horses. Seeing Li Shimin and Li Yuan emerge together, he was momentarily stunned, then quickly came forward to pay respects after recovering, “This subject greets Your Majesty!”

After he straightened up, Li Shimin said, “I’m accompanying Father Emperor to Xuanjing Temple. You should return first.”

“Yes.” As he passed by Duan Zhihong, Li Shimin quickly said something in a voice barely audible. Upon hearing his words, Duan Zhihong immediately showed a look of surprise, but fortunately he was keeping his head lowered, so no one noticed this flash of alarm.

After Li Yuan’s carriage departed, Duan Zhihong immediately mounted his horse and galloped swiftly toward a certain place in the capital!

Xuanjing Temple was built atop a mountain with beautiful scenery outside Chang’an City. After alighting from the carriage, they still had to walk a long mountain path. By the time they reached halfway up the mountain, Li Yuan was already breathing heavily. He took the handkerchief Gao Yang handed him and wiped his sweat, saying, “I’m truly old. Just walking this short distance has me panting like this. In my younger days, I could march continuously for a day and night without feeling tired.”

Gao Yang said with a smile, “Where is Your Majesty old? Look at those guards who came with us – they’re all more tired than Your Majesty, and they’re in their prime years.”

“Though this path isn’t long, it’s quite steep. Not just Father Emperor – even your son finds it very tiring.” Saying this, Li Shimin brushed the dust off a large stone with his sleeve, “Father Emperor, please sit and rest for a while. When we go up later, we can just in time request a vegetarian meal.”

Li Yuan was amused by his words, “The way you put it makes it sound like I came here today specifically to beg for vegetarian food.”

Li Shimin smiled, “The one who wants to beg for vegetarian food is your son. I’ve always heard Father Emperor say that Xuanjing Temple’s vegetarian cuisine is unparalleled under heaven, but unfortunately your son has never had the chance to taste it.”

Li Yuan nodded, “Xuanjing Temple’s vegetarian cuisine is indeed the finest under heaven. At least I haven’t tasted any vegetarian food better than here – even the imperial kitchen can’t make it. You should eat more later.” After saying this, he stood up, “We’ve rested enough. Let’s continue.”

Li Shimin nodded and supported him as they walked toward Xuanjing Temple built at the highest point of the mountain peak. Li Yuan didn’t reveal his identity, only having a young Daoist go in to announce that an old friend had come.