Chapter 499: Chapter 499: Framing Kong Chan

The Emperor’s gaze was sharp as a knife: "I kept this matter private, and you treat me like a muddled fool? Speak! Why did you repeatedly and relentlessly attack Prince Cheng’s Heir without cause? Previously, when you dealt with Old First and Old Nine, it could be justified as a struggle for the Crown Prince’s position. But you clearly know Old Fifth poses no threat to your position, let alone his son. Do not lie to me, and do not attempt to evade the issue. I want the truth!"

Prince Zhuang’s face was ashen; his father knew everything.

"Are you still not telling the truth?" the Emperor roared.

Under the Emperor’s imposing authority, Prince Zhuang was drenched in sweat. He stammered, "Father, I didn’t want to do it, but I received news that Old Fifth’s son... took away my fate as the Crown Prince!"

"What are you saying?" The Emperor frowned, having considered several possibilities before. Perhaps Old Fifth clashed with Old Third when he was in the Capital City; perhaps the palace conflicts affected the two children; perhaps Old Fifth, as a carefree wanderer in Yunzhou, scorned the Capital City, making Old Third resentful and eager to teach him a lesson; perhaps Huangfu Jingchen, though low-profile, was outstanding enough to cause apprehension...

Unexpectedly, none of these reasons were correct. It turned out to be such a ridiculous reason!

Fate? What fate as Crown Prince? Where did he hear such nonsense?

The Emperor asked solemnly, "Who told you that Huangfu Jingchen took away your fate as Crown Prince?"

This person must have ulterior motives; if he finds out who it is, he will certainly punish them severely!

Is Old Third foolish? How could Huangfu Jingchen take away the Crown Prince’s fate? Because Old Fifth could never become the Crown Prince, could Huangfu Jingchen surpass him to become the Imperial Grandson?

Others may not know whether Old Fifth and his son have this chance, but he surely does. These decisions rest on his authority, and he has never made such a decision — isn’t it baseless? How laughable that Old Third believed it!

So whoever spoke such words to Old Third was deceiving and manipulating him! Old Third is usually astute and insightful, qualities he valued greatly. Who would have thought Old Third would be so foolish about this matter, falling into someone else’s trap?

Prince Zhuang’s eyes flickered; should he mention the Stargazing Method’s fragments, or Mr. Gongyang? No, he cannot. If he reveals it, Mr. Gongyang will surely be held accountable by his father!

Mr. Gongyang possesses the capabilities of a State Preceptor, but is currently only a Fourth Rank Astronomer, a person with great abilities who will be of significant use in the future, possibly aiding in a comeback thanks to his talents. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

If his father learns Mr. Gongyang produced the results, he will undoubtedly punish him severely, perhaps even kill him, essentially cutting off his own limb!

So he must not reveal Mr. Gongyang.

But his father cannot be deceived!

Prince Zhuang’s agile mind raced rapidly; filled with fear, his speech was halting and anxious: "Father, that person is an extraordinary master who did not deceive your son!"

"I’m asking you, who is he?" The Emperor’s tone grew even more severe, his voice emanating an icy chill capable of freezing one’s blood.

Under the Emperor’s authoritarian power, how could Prince Zhuang withstand it? Closing his eyes, he reluctantly whispered, "It’s a High Monk from Bodhi Temple!"

Upon hearing the words Bodhi Temple, a dark shade flickered across the Emperor’s face, becoming complex.

Since over six hundred years ago, when Bodhi Temple produced Ancestor Xu Yun, Bodhi Temple has always held a crucial position in Nanxia.

If Prince Zhuang had mentioned anyone else, the Emperor would not have believed it, would merely capture that person and execute them. But Prince Zhuang mentioned a High Monk from Bodhi Temple. Could it truly be valid?

However, despite Bodhi Temple’s revered status, whether among the Imperial Family, Court officials, or the public, Bodhi Temple is an extraordinary entity. Yet, not everyone at Bodhi Temple is considered a High Monk, as only one Ancestor Xu Yun has emerged over many years.

Further, Bodhi Temple has never involved itself in Royal affairs; how could a High Monk deliver such a prophecy to Prince Zhuang?

Thus, the Emperor was filled with suspicion and asked gravely, "Bodhi Temple? Which High Monk?"

Internally, Prince Zhuang lamented. He assumed mentioning Bodhi Temple would make his father inquire no further, simply trusting that he was driven by hardship in his actions.

But unexpectedly, his father wanted to know who specifically.

If he names someone lacking gravitas, his father will undoubtedly disbelieve him and will doubt his judgment, deeming him gullible!

But who should he say?

Recalling his last visit to Bodhi Temple when he encountered an old monk, who merely glanced at him without offering a formal greeting, treating him—the Crown Prince—as unworthy of notice, he darkly answered, "It’s Master Kong Chan!"

The Emperor furrowed his brow again.

In today’s Bodhi Temple, few truly deserve the title of Master; the most senior current generation is the Kong Zenith, and only three possess the profound Buddhist Law to be considered true Masters.

One is the Abbot Kong Xing, another is the Chief Kong Ji, and the last is the Sweeping Monk Kong Chan!

They were of course once mere sweeping monks.

Bodhi Temple holds esteemed status, naturally attracting skepticism. Forty years ago, three boasting profound Buddhist Law came to challenge Bodhi Temple’s authority. Having gathered intelligence, they chose a day when the Abbot Kong Xing and Chief Kong Ji were absent.

These three indeed possessed some genuine skill, possessing a deep understanding of Buddhist Law, expressing their insights eloquently, engaging in persuasive discourse, speaking pearls of wisdom, wielding Buddhist philosophy as they overwhelmed the temple’s monks, rendering West Hall’s Master, the Eight Deacons, unable to contend.

Before the Scripture Pavilion and Precepts Hall, all monks were rendered speechless. If this affair became known, Bodhi Temple’s reputation would be tarnished, a legacy built over hundreds of years ruined, and Ancestor Xu Yun’s prestigious name obliterated as well.

At the time, the sweeping monk Kong Chan was a young monk, observing the pleased expressions of the eloquent, witty, and philosophical three challengers. He merely shook his head and remarked, "Using Buddhist Law, yet wielding it as a weapon; speaking of purity, should purity be defiled? Buffoons unworthy of sight, unworthy of witness, unworthy of mention!"

These three monks, having found no equal, were growing smug. Suddenly hearing such words, having their faces slapped on the spot, directly insulted as buffoons—this was stirring a hornet’s nest, against being called clueless regarding Buddhist Law, defiling purity. What man could endure such an insult?

Especially when they looked up and found the remark had come from a mere sweeping young monk, they became furious, seething with rage.

They immediately lashed out.