This rule was established by the ancestors, so the Emperor did not oppose it much.
For him, fasting and bathing is not a hard ordeal.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, he could also rest peacefully for a few days.
Most importantly, he could avoid the nagging Lin Guifei.
Therefore, under the guidance of the etiquette officer Qin Huai, the Emperor went straight to the replica main hall to rest.
The Fourth Prince and a group of guards responsible for the Emperor’s safety naturally followed.
Leaving behind Prince Zhan and Lin Guifei, who were led to another courtyard.
This courtyard was the first time Lin Guifei had come.
Since the death of Empress Xu, she had longed countless times, hoping to accompany the Emperor to Taishan to worship the heavens.
This would solidify her future status as Empress.
Unfortunately, while she did come this time, she did not stay in the palace meant for the Empress.
So fasting and bathing rituals were not something she had to observe.
Prince Zhan noticed her displeased expression and dismissed those around before speaking.
"Your Highness, do not be anxious. Regardless, you were the only one to accompany the Emperor this time, which is a great honor."
"Although that is true, the Emperor does not treat me as he did before. Uncle, you aren’t aware that in the almost two months we’ve been traveling, the Emperor has not once let me serve him closely. How is this different from being banished to the Cold Palace?"
Lin Guifei felt distressed, all because of her excessive greed.
She wanted both the supreme position of Empress and the Emperor’s unique affection and care.
Good things in relationships had to be possessed solely by her.
Prince Zhan, after a two-day rest, became much clearer minded.
He immediately consoled her.
"Your words are off, Your Highness. If you wish to ascend to the supreme throne, you must give up certain things. Did not news from the palace say the Fourth Prince was born safely? Instead of worrying about the Emperor’s affection here, it would be wiser to find a way to raise the Fourth Prince under your care, which is the proper action."
After all, the position of the Central Palace without a prince lacks legitimacy.
In this respect, Princess Consort Yi holds a great advantage.
So in Prince Zhan’s opinion, the Emperor’s affection was useless.
Only a real prince can ensure Lin Guifei’s lifelong glory and the honor of their Prince Zhan Mansion.
Consoled by him, Lin Guifei also became much clearer.
Thus she laughed at herself.
"As I age, my mind isn’t as broad and discerning as it was before, Uncle, you’re right!"
"Your Highness is too modest, you’re merely too involved to see clearly."
"Yes, then let’s focus on our goal. After the ritual of worshiping the heavens is over, we’ll return to Shengjing City, capturing the Fourth Prince is our top priority."
"Your Highness is correct."
The two of them discussed everything thoroughly.
At this moment, as the Emperor began his seven days of abstaining from politics while bathing and fasting in the main hall.
Lin Xingzhi had a concern on his mind, unsure if he should speak of it.
Eventually, he found the Fourth Prince and voiced his worries.
"What? You mean to say this phenomenon is man-made?"
"I dare not say it with certainty, but something feels off. As a child, I saw my father use specially polished crystal stones to create such phenomena at home, which is why I’m suspicious."
Their voices were so low, only the two could hear.
But it was still enough to shock the Fourth Prince.
He always thought the phenomenon was something the Prince Zhan Mansion coincidentally encountered, thus helping Lin Guifei out of trouble consecutively.
Unexpectedly, it might have been "fabricated".
If it were indeed fake, it would mean the Emperor had been thoroughly fooled.
If it is indeed false, fear of Long Wei’s wrath is justified.
But if Lin Xingzhi guessed wrong, he too would be putting his life at risk.
Therefore, he dared not be careless.
"How certain are you?"
Isn’t that an even chance?
The Fourth Prince’s expression turned grave, and he said nothing.
The Emperor’s attention to this phenomenon is obvious; otherwise, he wouldn’t hurry here upon hearing the news.
He didn’t even care about spending the Mid-Autumn Festival in the palace.
Knowing that this might have been orchestrated by the Prince Zhan Mansion, the anger from this revelation could implicate many people.
Thinking about it, he instructed.
"Camouflage your identity and bring people down Taishan to investigate. If an unexpected situation arises, don’t act rashly, just bring back the information."
The Fourth Prince’s camp was filled with military talents, especially the Personal Guard Camp.
Thus they all learned how to disguise themselves.
On a night as dark as pitch, Lin Xingzhi and Jiang Huanqing, along with two others, quietly left the traveling palace, heading straight to the foot of Taishan.
They did not have much time.
Especially as Lin Xingzhi had been seen by Lin Guifei, it would be best if they returned before dawn.
Otherwise, if Lin Guifei discovered, their efforts would be futile.
This night felt exceptionally long.
The lights in the Fourth Prince’s room didn’t go out until it was almost dawn.
Then they heard some noise outside.
Entering was Lin Xingzhi and others, all dressed in black.
October’s weather had turned chilly. Although they hurriedly moved through the night, the cold followed them indoors.
However, this bit of cold was nothing to the Fourth Prince.
Lin Xingzhi gently brought out a small piece of crystal stone wrapped in black cloth from his pocket.
Upon seeing it, the Fourth Prince’s expression became increasingly serious.
"I guessed correctly, this so-called Taishan phenomenon is created through these crystal stones. At night, without sunlight, the crystals can’t function. But when the sun shines, it naturally creates dazzling effects. Hidden underground, dozens of these spots reflect, appearing like auspicious lights."
After hearing Lin Xingzhi’s explanation, the Fourth Prince fell silent.
After a moment, he gestured at the other three to leave.
"Seal your lips tightly for me, or your lives are at stake if word gets out!" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs n0velfire.net
The Fourth Prince’s strict military discipline ensured those in the Personal Guard Camp were the elite.
So he wasn’t worried about them leaking the secret.
Jiang Huanqing, however, was anxious about why he left Lin Xingzhi alone with the Fourth Prince.
Fearful that to protect the secret, the Fourth Prince might trouble Lin Xingzhi.
But he was powerless, having no choice but to leave the room.
Once they left, the Fourth Prince asked Lin Xingzhi quietly.
"Where did you first see these crystal stones?"
This question suddenly made Lin Xingzhi realize just how big a trap this was!
Truly, the second branch of the Lin Family, Princess Rongkang, and Prince Zhan Mansion went to great lengths!
He gritted his teeth and said.
"Your Highness, they came from my maternal grandfather’s hand. That year, my uncle went to the Western Regions to collect medicinal materials and found this thing. Originally unaware of its use, it was accidentally discovered by my father."