Chapter 94: Do You Take Your Emperor for a Fool?
Within the Tianluo Institute, Cang Ming, the director, sat cross-legged upon his mat, waiting quietly for news to arrive.
Outside, hurried footsteps echoed across the wooden floor, prompting Cang Ming to furrow his brow. The heavy tread suggested ill tidings. Had something gone awry?
Before the messenger could request audience, Cang Ming spoke softly, “Enter.”
The man outside paused in surprise, then respectfully opened the door and entered, bowing low. “Director.”
“What happened?”
“Daodezi appeared and took them away.”
Cang Ming’s expression shifted at the mention of Daodezi. He had little connection with Ye Ming—why intervene now? It seemed the Sage’s plans had been disturbed by Daodezi’s interference.
“I understand. Leave now, and tell Zhang Jin to suspend all actions until further notice.”
“Yes, sir!”
Cang Ming rose slowly. It seemed he would have to meet the Sage in person. Daodezi was the foremost practitioner of law and Tao in Taijing; even if the Sage wished to blame him, he would need justification.
Meanwhile, in the rear garden of the Taijing Imperial Palace, the Sage sat directly opposite Daodezi.
The sudden appearance of Daodezi surprised Changsun Yu; it had been decades since their last meeting. Today, Daodezi seemed somewhat disheveled, his beard unkempt, his expression unusually grave, and even his cane lacked its customary wine flask—quite unlike his usual manner.
“Sage,” Daodezi greeted, bowing from his seat.
Only Daodezi could behave so in all Taijing. Changsun Yu smiled, “Daodezi, your sudden arrival must mean there is something you wish to discuss with me.”
Daodezi placed his cane on the stone table, nearly knocking over Changsun Yu’s teacup. Despite the gesture, Changsun Yu maintained his smile, though inwardly...
“Sage, I took those people away. I trust that is not a problem?” Daodezi picked up the teacup. Nearby, a palace maid prepared to pour tea, but Changsun Yu waved her off.
Daodezi poured his own tea. This meditative brew was reserved solely for the Sage in Taijing; if anyone else possessed it, it was only through the Sage’s grace. Without that, it was a capital crime—a mark of disrespect.
Changsun Yu’s smile lingered. “You are too modest, Daodezi. Your actions surely have their reasons; I have no objections.”
“Your magnanimity commands my admiration,” Daodezi replied, setting down the cup. His tone lacked reverence, and his words seemed less than sincere.
Changsun Yu felt helpless—Taijing’s stability relied upon Daodezi’s reputation as a deterrent. Yet this rare opportunity was slipping away; Daodezi was clearly intent on opposing him.
“Your devotion to Taijing is its blessing,” Changsun Yu said.
Daodezi disliked such empty flattery, which was why he avoided close dealings with the Sage; they both knew each other’s true intentions.
“Sage, after I took those people, I lingered to see who was orchestrating events behind the scenes.”
Changsun Yu’s gaze sharpened, then quickly softened. “And then?”
Was Daodezi subtly mocking him? Did he not know? If he truly did not, why come here? Do not mistake my patience for weakness!
“Then a man clad in silver appeared.” Daodezi fixed his gaze upon Changsun Yu, as if seeking to pierce his soul.
The question caught Changsun Yu off guard. “A silver-clad man?”
“You are unfamiliar with him?” Daodezi had assumed the silver man was sent by the Sage, but the Sage’s demeanor suggested otherwise.
“I do not know him.”
“Truly?” Daodezi’s bold questioning stunned the nearby palace maids.
Even Changsun Yu, with his temper and dependence on Daodezi, was annoyed. Royal dignity was not so easily trampled.
“Leave us!” Changsun Yu ordered with a wave.
“Yes, Sage,” the maids replied in sweet voices, stirring a faint yearning in the air.
Once they had all departed, Changsun Yu’s expression darkened. “I did arrange for someone, but he was from the Tianluo Institute.”
Daodezi preferred the Sage’s honest demeanor.
“That silver man was formidable.” Daodezi exhaled, still shaken by the encounter.
Changsun Yu was surprised; few could earn Daodezi’s praise, let alone be called strong.
“How formidable?” Changsun Yu grew cautious—this was no trivial matter.
“Not his equal.” The simple phrase made Changsun Yu lose composure. His teacup rolled off the stone table, spilling the precious brew and filling the air with its fragrance.
Changsun Yu fell silent, as did Daodezi.
“Afterward, a golden-haired woman appeared,” Daodezi continued quietly.
Had Ye Li overheard, he would have fainted with despair in the latrine—who had given him such a nickname?
“She was strong as well?”
“Yes, but she and the silver man seemed sworn enemies. Had she not fled swiftly, she might have perished.”
Changsun Yu drew a deep breath, restoring his imperial poise.
“Sage, the Director requests audience.”
Changsun Yu nodded, and soon Cang Ming hurried in. Upon seeing Daodezi at the stone table, he frowned slightly.
“Blessings upon you, Sage!” Cang Ming bowed respectfully; Daodezi merely glanced at him before turning away.
“Rise.”
“Thank you, Sage.”
Changsun Yu asked gravely, “Director, have you heard of the silver-clad man and golden-haired woman?”
Cang Ming was at a loss. “Sage, I have not.”
“Then investigate for me—discover whence they came and what they intend! I must know everything clearly!”
Cang Ming glanced at Daodezi—had he whispered something to the Sage?
“Yes, sir!”
Daodezi picked up his cane and spoke softly, “Sage, I shall not disturb you further.”
“Take care of yourself, Daodezi—Taijing still needs your protection.”
“What Taijing needs is the Sage,” Daodezi replied, drawing a circle in the air before vanishing.
Bang!
Changsun Yu swept all the tea vessels from the table with a single blow, shattering the stone table to powder and shaking the entire imperial garden.
“Sage, calm yourself!” Cang Ming urged, bowing.
“He ruined my plans, concocted tales of a silver man and golden woman—does he take me for a child? Who would give such names? Tell me, Cang Ming! Would you name them thus, with all your brilliance?”
Cang Ming bowed, head lowered. “I would not.”
“Without Daodezi, Taijing would simply demand greater effort from me!” Changsun Yu’s words carried a murderous intent; Daodezi’s disrespect had thoroughly infuriated the Sage of Taijing.