Chapter 158: A Disciple Cannot Disobey His Master’s Orders
Chapter 158: A Disciple Cannot Disobey His Master’s Orders
Zhu Xiurong’s delicate little face was screwed up in misery. But when Empress Zhang heard the faint whisper of “Brother…” escape her daughter’s lips, her own expression darkened immediately.
“……” Empress Zhang’s gaze instantly sharpened as it landed on Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao looked completely bewildered. He hurriedly protested, “Not me! I didn’t! I haven’t annoyed her recently, Empress Mother! Don’t pay attention to her nonsense!”
Empress Zhang huffed, her voice laced with anger. “No wonder your Imperial Father keeps caning you! And here I was, shielding you at every turn! Bullying your own sister? Do you have any humanity left in you? Worthless creature! Get out!”
“Oh,” Zhu Houzhao said meekly, thoroughly cowed. He obediently slipped out of the room.
Fang Jifan entered the palace early that morning, before the Mingfu ladies arrived, following the Grand Empress Dowager’s wishes. He had just crossed Golden Water Bridge when he spotted Zhu Houzago waiting there excitedly.
The moment Zhu Houzhao saw Fang Jifan, he waved him over. “Hey, hey, Old Fang! Come here! Got to tell you about this infuriating thing.”
“Not listening. I’m here to offer birthday felicitations,” Fang Jifan replied, putting on his most earnest expression. He planned to be a model of propriety today – absolutely no mishaps during the celebrations. “I came to pay respects on the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday. My heart should be full of boundless gratitude towards Her Highness and the genuine joy of this occasion as I head towards Longevity Palace. Your Highness, please don’t spoil my mood. I’m currently steeping myself in the right mindset.”
Zhu Houzhao gritted his teeth. “You won’t believe who! My sister’s brain illness definitely flared up again! She had an episode! You’ve got to do something!”
“Oh…” Fang Jifan merely nodded calmly.
Fang Jifan knew better than anyone that the ‘brain illness’ was a sham. So… it wasn’t his concern.
Zhu Houzhao widened his eyes. “How can you be so indifferent? You’re her physician!”
Fang Jifan stopped walking and looked Zhu Houzhao up and down. “Your Highness, it is actually you whom I suspect has symptoms of a brain illness.”
Zhu Houzhao actually perked up at this. “That sounds great! If This Palace suffers from brain illness, then I can be all high and mighty! Hmph! Anyone who displeases me – I’ll just have an episode!”
This thought made Zhu Houzhao’s whole body quiver, his eyes gleaming with a strange light.
The Imperial Palace was naturally bustling that day, but the heart of the excitement was undeniably the Longevity Palace.
Emperor Hongzhi had arrived very early to keep Grand Empress Dowager company, chatting with her.
Grand Empress Dowager smiled warmly, her eyes surveying the room. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Emperor Hongzhi. “This Fang Jifan… his grasp of Daoist Studies is so profound, it truly is unexpected. I have always heard of ‘attaining the Dao,’ that enlightenment knows no age. Having studied the classics my entire life, I confess it’s rather shameful—I only knew how to read them, but rarely grasped their true meaning. How is it Fang Jifan hasn’t arrived yet? I do wish to see him.”
She paused, her brows knitting slightly. “Last time I was perhaps a bit unfair to him. I nearly misunderstood him, lacking full knowledge. You are the Emperor. I understand you carry some resentment toward those who study the Dao. That was your Imperial Father’s fault. He wasn’t truly fascinated by Daoist learning; he was obsessed with immortality, chasing after the mad dream of eternal life and cultivating immortality. But we cannot blame the Daoist School for that. The late Emperor… he was simply deluded.”
Speaking of her son, Grand Empress Dowager wasted no politeness. “His delusion attracted those charlatan Taoists who catered to him, concocting elixirs for him. But the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi themselves are not at fault.”
Emperor Hongzhi never defied his grandmother and nodded repeatedly. “Grandmother, you are absolutely right.”
Grand Empress Dowager smiled again.
“With Fang Jifan possessing such talent and insights… I’d heard he was prone to mischief, but I didn’t believe it. How could someone frivolous grasp Daoist Studies so deeply? Being able to write such detailed commentaries shows he has invested thought and achieved a high level of mastery. I had said before, you are the Emperor; a sovereign knows his ministers best. Do you know what his daily pursuits truly are?”
“….”
Emperor Hongzhi felt a bit blindsided.
He really didn’t want to divulge the ugly truth to Grand Empress Dowager. Emperor Hongzhi wasn’t an emperor who stayed locked away in his palace; even residing within its walls, he had ample channels to learn about events outside.
Take this Fang Jifan, for instance. In recent days… it seemed his main activities consisted of sneaking off to the House of the Crown Prince with the Crown Prince (Zhu Houzhao), closing the door behind them to plot who-knows-what, or tinkering with his greenhouse in the Western Hills. Most of the time, he spent making small troubles wherever he went.
Of course, some things Emperor Hongzhi wasn’t sure he should say. Cultivating the Dao? Non-existent! This fellow, heaven knew where he picked up his Daoist Studies. But Emperor Hongzhi could swear on heaven itself—if Fang Jifan had ever diligently read a single Daoist manual, he’d chop off his own head and offer it to be kicked like a ball.
Taking a deep breath, he still needed to placate the elderly lady. Emperor Hongzhi smiled ingratiatingly. “Indeed. Besides fulfilling his loyal and diligent duties for the imperial court, he spends most of his time sequestered away… reading.”
“Reading Daoist texts, I presume,” Grand Empress Dowager approvingly nodded, her eyes filled with appreciation.
Good. She knew it was impossible for a useless, profligate wastrel to understand Daoist Studies so deeply.
Therefore, she arched her delicate brows slightly and smiled faintly.
“It shows the power of malicious gossip. Those long-tongued busybodies are always eager to slander others. Such people are utterly detestable.”
“Yes… indeed…” Emperor Hongzhi could only nod awkwardly.
Just then, a eunuch approached and announced, “Reporting to Your Highness, to His Majesty. Crown Prince and Bai Hu Fang Jifan have arrived.”
“Invite them in to speak,” Grand Empress Dowager said delightedly. Her phoenix eyes sparkled as she turned and looked eagerly towards the entrance.
Emperor Hongzhi’s face had already stiffened. He felt a pang of apprehension. This was a colossal lie!
He wasn’t a man accustomed to deception; being the Son of Heaven, there was rarely a need for him to lie. Consequently, the usually upright Emperor Hongzhi actually felt his old face flush hotly.
Not long after, Zhu Houzhao and Fang Jifan arrived together. Zhu Houzhao grinned cheerfully. “Your Grandson Subject pays his respects to our Great Grandmother.”
Fang Jifan looked up and saw Grand Empress Dowager looking at him benevolently. He took a deep breath, stepped forward respectfully, and said, “Your subject Fang Jifan pays his respects to the Grand Empress Dowager. Your Highness, your health is so robust, it shows no sign at all of being a celebration for seventy years…”
“…”
This time, it was Emperor Hongzhi and Zhu Houzhao’s turn to look dumbfounded. Offering birthday wishes was fine, but why did he have to run his mouth?
Fang Jifan continued with utmost seriousness, “If my mother were still alive, she would likely have been just like Your Highness here.”
“…”
‘Shameless…’ Zhu Houzhao cursed him silently in his heart.
Emperor Hongzhi felt he had committed an unpardonable error. A thousand regrets—he shouldn’t have said those insincere words in front of his grandmother earlier!
But… Fang Jifan went on. “This subject wishes Your Highness blessings as profound as the East Sea, and a lifespan surpassing the southern mountains! May the sun and moon shine bright upon you, may pine trees and cranes signify enduring vitality! Within the Great Ming, all praise Your Highness’s magnanimity and benevolence. On this occasion of Your Highness’s grand birthday, common celebration fills the land; monks, laypeople, and subjects alike rejoice as if dancing for joy. They are truly even happier than if their own dear grandmother were celebrating!”
Whew…
One doesn’t strike a face offering a smile. To be honest, Fang Jifan harbored a little fear towards Grand Empress Dowager.
With no other options, he decided flattery was the way to go—piling the praise so high that even if she wanted to take serious action against him later, the sheer force of his compliments might create hesitation.
This tactic was something Fang Jifan, drawing on the wisdom of his two lives, had meticulously developed through practice. And well… it seemed… remarkably effective.
True enough, Grand Empress Dowager showed no sign of anger. Smiling warmly, she beckoned him closer. “Come a little nearer. This Dowager has questions for you.”
Fang Jifan didn’t stand on ceremony. He stepped closer directly. “This subject awaits Your Highness’s instruction.”
Honestly, someone of her age could well have been his grandmother’s mother. Respecting elders was a traditional Chinese virtue. So… Fang Jifan felt no psychological pressure whatsoever.
Grand Empress Dowager looked Fang Jifan up and down. “Such a handsome youth…”
“…”
Well, women do seem to start with the face, Fang Jifan thought privately.
Grand Empress Dowager continued, “I heard you spend your days absorbed in reading books?”
“…”
Fang Jifan’s mind churned. Who on earth spread that rumor? Fantastic!
He looked up and caught a murderous glare from Emperor Hongzhi, who was seated nearby.
Suddenly understanding, Fang Jifan adopted an expression of deep humility. “To speak of it is rather embarrassing. Since I was a small child, I’ve adored reading. Reading brings me immense joy!”
From right beside him came Emperor Hongzhi, choked by violent coughs as if struck by Consumption.
Zhu Houzhao was utterly speechless with admiration. Regarding Old Fang, he was wholly convinced. The man’s audacity could easily rival the fortress walls encircling the Forbidden City.
Grand Empress Dowager, however, gave a light laugh. “Young man, don’t jest lightly. I also heard… that you and the Puji Zhenren are actually fellow disciples, sharing the same master?”
Fang Jifan replied, “Before this, your subject had no knowledge of such a deep bond existing between me and my martial senior brother.”
Exactly, he thought wryly. Those ten thousand acres of fertile farmland belonging to Longquan Taoist Temple were the red string binding him and his so-called ‘brother.’ He had clung to him for dear life in a previous transaction.
Grand Empress Dowager nodded again.
“It truly shows that the affairs of mortals are ordained by heaven. You possess deep understanding of Daoist learning and received guidance from the sagely master Wei Dayou – clearly, you have an innate affinity for the Dao. The Longquan Taoist Temple has petitioned the Ministry of Rites to enroll you in the daoist registration, formally placing you within their temple. However, Puji Zhenren wrote me a letter explaining the matter. He stated that while you possess a fate intertwined with the Daoists, you still serve as an official in the imperial court. Furthermore, being the Heir to the Nanhe Bo title, it’s hoped you will eventually inherit the peerage. Therefore, he implores me to grant permission – bestowing upon you registration within the Daoist order, yet allowing you to pursue your Daoist cultivation within the imperial courts, without becoming an ordained priest outside worldly affairs.” She paused, her expression carrying a hint of regret. “I do think it’s a pity. Since you possess this predestined opportunity, why not ascend the mountain and devote yourself wholeheartedly to the Daoist path? You might achieve great enlightenment! Why linger amidst these mundane entanglements?”
“!!!”
Fang Jifan barely kept a straight face. His heart gave a violent leap. He was terrified Grand Empress Dowager might just clap her hands decisively—You’re the one!—and have him consigned to Longquan Taoist Temple forever, doomed to spend his life as a stinky Taoist…
He thought quickly and hurriedly said, “After master guided me… erm… he said… something quite peculiar, rather embarrassing to repeat…” Fang Jifan adopted a shy demeanor. “He declared that I was destined… destined to assist an enlightened sovereign. My worldly bonds are yet untied. Therefore… due to this… a disciple cannot disobey his master’s orders.”
Grand Empress Dowager raised a brow slightly. Fang Jifan’s words… she actually believed them!
Being elderly—regardless of status or prestige (much like in his previous life, where they’d enthusiastically partake in square dancing and yangko)—often implied a fundamentally kind-hearted nature beneath it all.
Grand Empress Dowager smiled, turning her head to cast a meaningful glance at Emperor Hongzhi. “Emperor, these words you must also remember. That sagely master Wei Dayou is an extraordinary man beyond worldly concerns. His divine instructions… hold significant weight and surely carry truth.”