Chapter 1471 - 797: Entering Chang'an (Double-Length Version) (2)

Chen Yi listened and nodded slightly. Along the way to Chang'an, he indeed saw an exceptionally large crowd, causing the Vermilion Bird Gate they entered to be completely packed.

Having inquired at many inns and hotels only to find no available rooms, they couldn't possibly squeeze into those makeshift lodgings outside the city with the two young women. Thus, he thought of the traveling merchants he encountered at the wild temple before, searched for the bamboo token Zhang Sanhui gave him, and found it was still there.

"Alright then, which direction should I head towards the Chu Palace?" asked Chen Yi again.

The housekeeper paused, then asked, "Who are you looking for at the Chu Palace, esteemed guest?"

"I'm looking for the Crown Prince."

"Esteemed guest... Why are you seeking the current Crown Prince?"

"I'm an old acquaintance of his, looking for him on some matters," Chen Yi paused, "Once I find him, it won't concern him anymore."

Although his words were vague, the housekeeper wisely refrained from asking further. Having been the housekeeper at Huian Hall for so long, he had to have some insight. This man's surname was Chen, and he possessed the bamboo token, suggesting an extraordinary identity.

"The Chu Palace is located in Xingning Square. You must not be a native of Chang'an, esteemed guest. It's not the right time to seek the Crown Prince now."

"Yes, I know. I'll ask ahead of time and wait until the Holy Emperor returns to the capital."

Donggong Ruoshu had once explained to Chen Yi that since the establishment by the Grand Ancestor of Western Jin, the five-capital system mimicking the Northern Frontier was implemented, dividing the realm for governance, with Chang'an as the Central Capital, predominantly following Han rituals and Han laws. Every three years, the Western Jin Emperor would tour the capitals, accompanied by the Crown Prince. The Western Jin Emperor is currently departing from Shangjing to return, so naturally, the Crown Prince cannot be in Chang'an Li.

Still, Chen Yi had to enquire about the location first. Otherwise, it would be disgraceful for an assassin to not know the way.

"In that case, please arrange a place for us to rest."

......

"Mr. Chen, this way please, and this gentleman as well, please."

Arriving at the Zhang Mansion, the housekeeper led the way in front. Chen Yi casually observed the surroundings: the carved railings, painted pillars, pavilions, towers, and elegant courtyards were typical of affluent residences.

"Does the young lady need a separate accommodation?"

"She's our sibling's personal maidservant, no need for formalities, housekeeper."

"Mr. Chen, this is only expected. You're being too polite."

Having used his fake surname for a while, being addressed as "Mr. Chen" felt unexpectedly uncomfortable.

Once in the Han Zhong area, he'd changed his surname to Chen and was called Wu.

Having traveled so far to this new place, he had to change to another false name. Using the same false name for too long would make it obvious to others, rendering the fake name as a true identity.

As they approached a slightly spacious courtyard side door, the housekeeper suddenly paused, showing a moment of realization and apology on his face. Leaning sideways, he said, "Ah, my memory! Almost forgotten, this path has been impassable recently. Mr. Chen, everyone, please follow me around the west corridor."

Chen Yi looked in the direction the housekeeper pointed, noticing a simple altar set upon a small white stone paved square deep in the courtyard.

Yellow cloth covered a table, incense candles burned high, and blue smoke curled up lazily.

Five or six monks in gray robes chanted scriptures with joined palms around an elder.

"What's this?" Chen Yi withdrew his gaze and looked towards the housekeeper.

The housekeeper sighed and said, "Forgive the intrusion, Mr. Chen. That's our old master's father, Mr. Zhang Sr. Recently... well, nobody knows why, but he's been suffering nightmares every night, claiming to see some unclean things, frightened to the core. We've consulted many doctors and tried various peace-inducing prescriptions, all to no avail. Our master was helpless, so he asked monks from Qinglong Temple to set up an altar, recite scriptures, to purify the mansion and calm Mr. Zhang Sr.'s spirit."

While speaking, maybe the sight of a few people watching here had drawn attention, and Mr. Zhang Sr.'s eyelids twitched on the rattan chair, unexpectedly opening his eyes, directing his cloudy gaze over.

He squinted for a while and his lips moved lightly, "Zhuanzi? Is it Zhuanzi? Why are you standing there? Those ones... where are they from?"

The housekeeper hurried several steps forward, reaching the altar's edge, saying, "Mr. Zhang Sr., it's me. These ones are... friends that our third master met abroad, holding his token, coming to Chang'an on business, temporarily staying at the mansion."

Mr. Zhang Sr. uttered an "oh" sound, and his gaze swept through the group once more,

"Hey... isn't there a Taoist among them?"

His words were abrupt, and his voice quite loud, subtly interrupting the chanting Qinglong Temple monks. The chanting paused imperceptibly for a moment, then resumed as usual, although two younger monks seemed to glance at Yin Weiyin's side.

A hint of embarrassment graced the housekeeper's face, hurriedly explaining, "Mr. Zhang Sr., this gentleman is a layman companion of Mr. Chen, who came to Chang'an together."

"Recently... Always seeing things unsettling, the mind uneasy... can't sleep well, closing my eyes there's... Ah, consulted a doctor, took medicine, also asked masters to chant scriptures."

Mr. Zhang Sr.'s voice was intermittent and hoarse, sweeping through the group of monks in confusion before returning his gaze, saying:

"I was thinking... perhaps inviting a Taoist priest to try?"

These words caused among the chanting monks at the altar, a younger monk's brow to furrow, stopping the chant mid-way, saying:

"Mr. Zhang Sr., rest assured. Though our mana may be insufficient, once Master Huipu arrives, he will be able to eliminate your troubles and calm your spirit. Master Huipu's practices are profound, he's the chief of Qinglong Temple, and is certain to protect the mansion's cleanliness."

The housekeeper promptly echoed along, "Yes indeed, Mr. Zhang Sr., don't entertain wild thoughts. Master Huipu, what sort of person is he? He's been to the Imperial Palace, lectured the Holy Emperor and the empresses! Buddhist Law boundless, with such a great master involved, what demon dares not to disperse? Just ease your mind, cooperate well with the masters' chants. Once the master arrives, you'll be well taken care of!"

Being spoken to like this by both, Mr. Zhang Sr. leaned eagerly forward, asking insistently, "Then... when can Master Huipu arrive?"

The young monk witnessed Mr. Zhang Sr.'s urgency, explaining, "Mr. Zhang Sr., don't worry. Master Huipu these days is hosting an important altar at the temple, praying for the Holy Emperor's return to the capital and for the Central Pass spring plowing. After the altar, he needs to lecture the believers for several days. Once the temple affairs are settled, the master will personally come."

"Several days... still several days..." Mr. Zhang Sr. murmured, heavily resting back on the rattan chair.

The housekeeper saw Mr. Zhang Sr.'s low morale and dared not say more. The young monk also lowered his eyelids, rejoin the chanting with his companions.

Chen Yi calmly gazed over the altar's flickering candle flame, curling blue smoke, diverse expressions of monks, and the weary, fearful elder, finally pausing slightly on the silent figure of Yin Weiyin.

The female crown was silently calculating with her fingers.

The housekeeper hastily led them past the courtyard.

The further they moved away, the more the Buddhist Mantra and incense scents faded. Donggong Ruoshu glanced back at the altar direction shaded by the pavilion, pursed her lips, and whispered:

"This old man, desperate for cures, but that Master Huipu... sounds like quite a display, being able to enter the Imperial Palace. I hadn't heard of him before."

Having heard this, the housekeeper furrowed his brow slightly and said, "The lady seems to be local to Chang'an, possibly away for a few years now. Master Huipu came from the Western Regions a year ago and is an unparalleled high monk and master, how many nobles in the capital saw him subdue evil demons and ghosts firsthand."

His words were intended to remind this young maid not to speak rashly, although she was ultimately the maid of the esteemed guest, not under his authority to scold, so he only hinted subtly.

The housekeeper led the three to the guest courtyard, gave a few instructions, exchanged polite remarks, then left.

It was a rather elegant and tranquil small courtyard, with clusters of bamboo leaning against the pink walls.

Chen Yi slightly turned his head towards Yin Weiyin at this moment.

The female crown gently swept her sleeve with grace and composure, speaking softly:

"Little Yi, follow me in setting up the altar and practicing the magic arts to banish demons."