The day after the magic duel, the Emperor did not participate. Eunuch Su relayed that the Emperor had caught a cold while participating in the duel the previous day.

Then, in the afternoon, news came that the emperor had a high fever and was unconscious, and the palace was thrown into chaos.

"Nowadays, people in the palace say that the reason why the emperor's fever is not going down is because he did not leave behind an incompetent master, which angered Buddha and is why he is being punished."

While Li Youran and the Crown Princess were talking, Xiao Hong went out for a walk and inquired about a lot of information from the palace maids and eunuchs outside.

"Some people say that all of this is the work of Daoist Qiufeng, and if Daoist Qiufeng continues to stay, he may bring disaster to the country and its people."

The person in charge was massaging the Crown Princess's legs. As her pregnancy progressed, the Crown Princess's body became increasingly uncomfortable.

Logically, the Crown Princess should have knelt outside with the Crown Prince to wait for the Emperor to wake up, but because the Crown Princess was heavily pregnant, it was inconvenient for her to go, so the Empress did not allow her to go.

"This is not a good sign. If this matter continues to be spread, it may be detrimental to Daoist Qiufeng."

Li Youran said with a frown.

Now that this has happened, the most important thing is to stop the rumors as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might become a case of "three men make a tiger," and if more people believe it, who will care about the truth of the matter?

"No, I have to go find Master Qiufeng."

Li Youran said this, and without even bothering to massage the Crown Princess's legs, he hurriedly left.

The Crown Princess wanted to stop Li Youran, since being in the air was different from being outside. If people found out that she had a close relationship with Daoist Qiufeng, it would probably bring even worse rumors.

But then she thought of her younger sister, who was extremely cautious in everything she did, and realized that her worries might be unfounded, so she didn't interfere with Li Youran.

After leaving the Crown Princess's room, Li Youran found an empty house, grabbed a eunuch, changed into a cheap outfit, and then swaggered away.

"Master Qiufeng, the paper you requested has been delivered."

"Come in."

Daoist Qiufeng said without looking up.

After Li Youran entered, she placed the tray on the table. Before Li Youran could speak, Daoist Qiufeng turned around and said to her.

"Did you come here because you heard the rumors in the palace, Princess?"

When Li Youran saw that Princess Qiufeng recognized her at a glance, she was slightly taken aback. She thought to herself, in all the period dramas she had watched, wasn't it true that if the female lead simply changed into men's clothes, no one would be able to recognize her?

However, Master Qiufeng did not play by the rules. Even though she had not looked up, Master Qiufeng still recognized her.

"What does Master Qiufeng plan to do? You know, these rumors can be very persuasive, after all, these things are just too coincidental."

Li Youran looked at Daoist Qiufeng, who casually picked up the talisman Li Youran had given him and then put it down.

"The incompetent monk is currently chanting sutras for the Emperor outside. You should know that this old monk will not do anything without a profit. He must be absolutely certain that the Emperor will wake up."

Daoist Qiufeng looked out the window and felt that the palace was truly as deep as the ocean.

"Does Master Qiufeng mean that all of this is under Master Wuneng's control?"

When Master Qiufeng saw that Li Youran had directly grasped the meaning of his words, he couldn't help but think that this woman was even smarter than he had imagined, having so easily guessed his thoughts.

"These rumors in the palace must have been spread by Master Wuneng. In that case, no matter what we do, there will always be another rumor waiting for us."

Li Youran thought to himself, "This old monk is really ruthless. He actually dared to plot against the emperor. Not only that, he also had people spread these rumors."

If one truly falls for the old monk's trick and tries every means to clear one's name, the more one tries to clear it, the dirtier it will become.

“I have a plan that I need the princess’s help with.”

"Please speak freely, Master, and I will do my best to assist you."

Upon hearing Li Youran's words, Daoist Qiufeng suddenly felt as if he had found someone to huddle together for warmth in this deep palace. However, this matter was far too dangerous. He looked at Li Youran and saw that her eyes were burning with sincerity.

For a moment, Master Qiufeng's heart was touched, and the trembling feeling left him unable to recover for a long time.

The sect to which Master Qiufeng belongs has no restrictions that Taoist priests are not allowed to marry or have children.

Along his journey, Daoist Qiufeng had encountered many women who showed him affection, but he never had any intention of being with them.

But when he was with Li Youran, he felt that it wouldn't be bad to have someone like that by his side, someone who would always be there for him and trust him without reservation.

"Master Qiufeng, what can I do for you?"

Just as Daoist Qiufeng's thoughts were drifting further and further away, he suddenly heard Li Youran's voice. He hurriedly snapped back to reality, glanced at Li Youran with great embarrassment, and thought to himself, how could he have such thoughts...

Seeing that Master Qiufeng, who usually appeared calm and collected, looked somewhat different from usual, Li Youran thought that Master Qiufeng might really be in big trouble. This time, she was determined to lend him a hand, since Master Qiufeng was also her benefactor who helped her break off her engagement.

"Master Qiufeng, there's no need to worry. We have an agreement that I will do my best to help you in any way I can."

Li Youran spoke earnestly to Daoist Qiufeng.

Master Qiufeng nodded, turned around, took out a tiny gourd from the box, and poured out a black pill.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!