Time flew by, and soon it was early May, drawing near to the Late Emperor's birth anniversary.
The current Emperor governed the realm with filial piety, and every year at this time, he would go to Protector Nation Temple to fast for three days.
This year, to everyone's surprise, Concubine Yun was to accompany him.
Prince Jing was put in charge of the travel arrangements and security.
An imperial entourage, naturally, moved with grand pomp and circumstance.
Though the Emperor repeatedly requested simplification, the retinue, including palace maids and Imperial Guards, still numbered nearly three hundred, not counting the Royal Shadow Guards concealed in the shadows.
At the hour of chen, 7-9 AM, the procession set off majestically from the palace gates. Jun Mo and Wei Yuanling rode on horseback at the front, and the journey proceeded without incident.
Upon reaching Protector Nation Temple, they saw the abbot, accompanied by dozens of monks, waiting respectfully at the temple entrance from afar.
"Greetings to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long long live!"
A palace attendant helped the Emperor alight from his sedan chair, and Concubine Yun, supported by her own maidservant, stepped forward to stand beside the Emperor.
The Emperor's dignified voice resounded, "All of you, there is no need for such formality."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, Concubine Yun, please enter."
The abbot led everyone into the temple, after which they retired to their assigned rooms to rest.
"Ziyan, I've arranged everything, both inside and outside the temple. I guarantee we'll know about even the slightest disturbance," Wei Yuanling said to Jun Mo, who was sitting and drinking tea, as he entered the room.
Jun Mo poured him a cup of tea. "The official fasting begins tomorrow. Many matters will require your oversight, especially regarding imperial father. This Prince has a nagging feeling that Concubine Yun's accompanying him this time isn't so simple."
Wei Yuanling nodded. "Indeed, and the Sixth Prince has been unusually quiet in his estate lately, doing who knows what."
Though he was a boisterous person, he was far from foolish. On the contrary, he had a clear understanding of the court's dynamics.
"While we must be vigilant, there's no need to be overly anxious. Apart from Moyun and Moyu, all other Mo Guards are observing from the shadows. Whatever he intends, he won't succeed," Jun Mo said calmly and unhurriedly.
"You called all the Mo Guards? Isn't that making a mountain out of a molehill? What if we're mistaken?"
Jun Mo responded slowly, "Better safe than sorry."
Wei Yuanling was taken aback. The Mo Guards numbered only a few dozen, yet each could contend with a hundred, overseeing various domains of Prince Jing's Estate.
Sigh, never mind. It's only for a few days. Even if all the Mo Guards are here, it won't delay too many matters.
Once everyone was settled, young novice monks delivered vegetarian meals to each room.
Fasting meant a change of abode, and abstinence from alcohol and meat.
Later in the evening, coarse cloth robes and bathwater were delivered.
Incense, bathing, and donning plain clothes.
The Emperor entered the fasting chamber, beginning his three-day fast.
As an imperial grandson, Jun Mo also donned plain robes, removed his golden coronet, and simply tied his hair back with a moon-white silk ribbon.
Unlike the Emperor, he didn't need to enter the fasting chamber, only remaining in his wing room.
That night, tree shadows swayed outside the window.
Concubine Yun paced anxiously back and forth in her room, occasionally glancing towards the door.
Just then, the door was pushed open.
Concubine Yun's eyes lit up, and she hurried forward to greet the newcomer.
"Wet nurse, how did it go?"
The old mammy handed Concubine Yun a slip of paper, lowering her voice. "Your Ladyship, a young monk gave this to this old servant."
Concubine Yun took the paper and, seeing the characters, said, "This is Hui'er's handwriting."
Then, she frowned as she read the content of the note.
"Your Ladyship, what's wrong?"
Concubine Yun frowned. "Hui'er wants us to find a way to replace the eunuch delivering the Emperor's fast meal with one of his own men."
How could that be done? That Eunuch Sun has been with the Emperor for most of his life. The Emperor only trusts him, which is why he entrusts him with anything that enters his mouth.
The old mammy pondered for a moment, then her eyes brightened.
"Your Ladyship, Eunuch Sun's young apprentice has also come this time. That young eunuch wishes to become a 'paired partner' with Caiyue from our palace. This old servant believes we can use this to our advantage."
Concubine Yun's face lit up with joy. "There's such a thing? Then go and arrange it. Tell that young eunuch that if this matter is accomplished, not only will this consort fulfill his wish with Caiyue, but she will also ensure he enjoys wealth and prosperity for the rest of his life."
The old mammy bowed. "Leave it to this old servant."
Concubine Yun said, "You may withdraw."
"Yes, this old servant takes her leave."
Once the mammy left, only Concubine Yun remained in the room.
She looked at a Buddha statue within the room. The Buddha statue smiled faintly, giving a sense of looking down upon all living beings.
Concubine Yun's heart pounded wildly. They had just discussed such matters right under the Buddha's nose; it felt as if their conspiracy was known to all under heaven.
Concubine Yun clasped her hands together, murmuring, "Buddha, I only wish to no longer be trodden underfoot. If you can truly deliver people, please deliver me as well, and let my wish be fulfilled."
For two consecutive days, nothing happened, and Wei Yuanling relaxed his guard.
"Ziyan, I told you we were too nervous."
Jun Mo looked at him. "Nothing happened today, did it?"
"No, everything is fine. Except for Eunuch Sun spraining his ankle yesterday, everything else is normal."
Jun Mo frowned. "Eunuch Sun?"
"He's old, it's normal for him to sprain an ankle. But don't worry, even if Eunuch Sun's legs aren't good, he hasn't let the fast meal pass through anyone else's hands. His young apprentice supports him every day as he personally prepares the fast meal for His Majesty."
Jun Mo shot up from his seat, saying coldly, "Let's go!"
Wei Yuanling's eyes widened. "Where to?"
"To the fasting chamber!" With that, he strode quickly out of the room.
Wei Yuanling hastily followed him. "What are we going to the fasting chamber for? His Majesty is fasting inside!"
Jun Mo paid him no heed, rushing towards the fasting chamber.
Just as he was about to enter, a Shadow Guard appeared, blocking his way.
"Your Royal Highness Prince Jing, His Majesty is fasting; he cannot be disturbed for three days!"
Jun Mo's face was grim. "I have urgent matters to report to imperial father. If imperial father blames anyone, this Prince will bear full responsibility!"
The Shadow Guard remained unyielding. "Your Royal Highness, please forgive this subordinate!"
Jun Mo didn't want to waste more words. "Moyang!"
Moyang and Mofeng immediately appeared.
"Jun Mo, are you rebelling?" Concubine Yun rushed over at that moment.
Jun Mo turned, his gaze cold as he looked at Concubine Yun, then scoffed. He turned back and raised his leg, walking inside.
"Jun Mo, you are arrogant! Shadow Guards, stop him quickly! Don't let him disturb His Majesty!" Concubine Yun screamed.
When Wei Yuanling arrived, both sides had already begun to fight.
Though he didn't know why Ziyan was acting this way, he unhesitatingly joined the chaotic battle.
"Ziyan, go do what you need to do! Leave this place to me!" Wei Yuanling shouted to Jun Mo.
Concubine Yun stomped her foot on the side. "Rebellion! Rebellion! Prince Jing is conspiring with Duke Wei's Estate to rebel! Quickly, summon the Imperial Guards to protect His Majesty!"
With Wei Yuanling's involvement, Jun Mo quickly broke free and headed towards the fasting chamber.
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