The South Suburb Temple was built by the Grand Ancestor in the early years of the founding of the dynasty, covering a vast area.
Besides the Heavenly Altar at the core, five palaces were set up for the Imperial Family to rest and organize here.
The original process of the heaven worship was very complicated and solemn. Before this, the Emperor needed to fast for three days, refraining from speech, music, and won, to welco the arrival of the Heavenly Gift Day in the best state.
But ever since Wu Lie’s health deteriorated, the entire process was greatly simplified.
In fact, he didn’t leave the palace for the past two years, and Lv Huaiyu took his place by carrying the crown, Dragon Robe, and the jade scepter for the observance, showing the level of trust the Emperor had in Lv Huaiyu.
Chen Mo followed Eunuch Jin, heading towards the palace.
The do of the hall is arched, without exposing the beams, referred to as the "beamless hall," symbolizing "daring not to weigh upon the heavens."
The brackets and purlins under the eaves are made of glazed tiles, painted with exquisite colors, with a plaque inscribed in gold on a black background reading "Revere the Sky" prominently hanging in the center.
Chen Mo took one glance at it and felt a sharp pain in his eyes, as if stabbed by a steel needle, quickly moving his gaze away.
It took a while before he could ease the discomfort.
Eunuch Jin lowered his eyelids, saying, "This plaque of revering the heavens was inscribed by the Grand Ancestor himself, containing the emperor’s overpowering and fierce aura, which has never dissipated over the centuries."
"Hundreds of years?"
Chen Mo clicked his tongue slightly, "How strong must one be to rely leave an aura that lasts this long?"
Eunuch Jin chuckled and said, "In those days, mighty heroes arose across Jiu Zhou, and the Taoist Lord and Buddha appeared in succession, but in front of the Grand Ancestor, they could only submit, pay tribute, and declare long lives... Such a realm is beyond what you and I can fathom."
Chen Mo also had so understanding of this.
The Great Yuan Ancestor rose from humble beginnings, and within re decades, reshaped thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, laying the foundation for the Great Yuan Dynasty.
The experience was too legendary, even a protagonist of popular novels wouldn’t dare write it like this.
"However, governing a country and cultivation are two different matters; no matter how strong one is personally, there will eventually be limits, and external assistance will be necessary." Eunuch Jin remarked calmly.
Chen Mo whispered, "Are you referring to the Hidden Clan?"
"Hidden Clan? Heh..."
Eunuch Jin sneered disdainfully, "Hidden from the world but not from power, clear in talk but not in mind, chanting Leisure Cloud Scripture while counting silver ingots... They claim to be outsiders, but they’re re slaves to fa and fortune."
Chen Mo secretly nodded.
Truly, the words from those who govern are sharp.
Jiang Wangye claims to be a commoner, with an air of lofty purity untouched by financial taint, yet secretly associates with the powerful, forming hidden alliances, even coveting the military power held by the Princess...
The inconsistency between words and actions is amusing upon reflection.
The two chatted as they walked, passing through the palace corridors, arriving at the Chuihua Gate.
Eunuch Jin stopped, turned to Chen Mo, and said with a serious tone, "Years ago, the land was shattered, surrounded by strong enemies, and relying on noble families was the only way to preserve the nation. That’s the truth. But the court has already paid a huge price for this."
"Yet they are like parasites on the bones, insatiable, with endless greed."
"Privately casting armor and weapons, withholding taxes, monopolizing salt and iron, disrupting the court... voraciously draining the blood of Great Yuan, never ceasing."
At this, Eunuch Jin changed his tone and suddenly asked, "If it were Mr. Chen, how would you solve this issue?"
"?"
Chen Mo was caught off guard, pondered slightly, and said, "Extraordinary tis require extraordinary asures, even if bearing the na of infamy, if it can bring a hundred years of peace to future generations, it’s worth it..."
Eunuch Jin pressed, "Specifically, what would you do?"
Chen Mo shook his head, "As a subordinate, my words might be inappropriate."
Eunuch Jin waved his hand, "It’s just a casual conversation, from your mouth to my ears, no need to be nervous, sir."
"Uh, alright."
"Though I don’t know the specific situation, these things, in the end, follow a few steps."
Since the matter was spoken to this extent, Chen Mo had no concerns and said word by word, "Indulge their arrogance, foster their major faults, clip their wings first, then demolish their foundation..."
Eunuch Jin’s eyes sparkled, "And then?"
Chen Mo subconsciously lowered his voice, "Ultimately, cut off their bloodline, root and branch, wash away the traces of noble families with blood. If they claim to be ’Hidden Clan,’ then let them completely disappear into the dust of history..."
Eunuch Jin’s expression beca slightly solemn.
Then the corners of his mouth slowly lifted into a pleased smile.
"Indeed, blood debts can only be cleansed with blood."
"Mr. Chen, our household is growing increasingly fond of you."
These words sounded quite familiar to Chen Mo, as if that’s what the Princess said yesterday.
It seems he is quite liked...
Eunuch Jin lifted the door curtain and said, "What you spoke of, we rember, please enter."
"Thank you, Eunuch."
Chen Mo felt sowhat puzzled, but didn’t think much of it either.
Inside the inner hall, the Empress sat poised on a chair, with the Crown Prince standing before her, bowing to receive her teachings.
anwhile, Chu Yanli had removed her golden armor, exchanged for a long dress woven with gold, leaning by the window, yawning lazily.
"Subordinate greets the three Highnesses."
Chen Mo bowed elegantly.
The Crown Prince’s eyes lit up upon seeing him, "Chen Mo, it’s been a long ti~"
Then recalled sothing, collected himself, and pouted, "You said you would co find to play before, but you never did... You don’t keep your word, I don’t want to be friends with you anymore!"
"..."
Chen Mo explained, "I’ve been really busy lately. As soon as I heard your Highness was leaving the palace, I ca right away."
"Really? You ca for ?" The Crown Prince’s expression quickly brightened again, with hands on hips, he humd, "Given your loyalty, I won’t bother you."
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