Chapter 72 Yang Guifei (Part 2) Taoist Temple
The candlelight in the study of Prince Shou's mansion flickered, illuminating the plain brocade robe spread on the ground. That was the clothing Prince Shou Li Mao often wore during his lifetime, but now it was stained with a few drops of dark red blood, and it looked glaringly cold under the candlelight.
Lin Jiaojiao stood at the threshold, looking at the pale blue shadow of Zero floating above the body of Prince Shou. The halo was becoming thicker little by little, like silk blown by the wind, slowly wrapping around the lifeless body.
"Energy connection in progress... Physical and neural compatibility 68%... Consciousness transmission begins..." Zero's electronic voice intermittently echoed with the hum of electricity. The golden ripples at the edge of the light and shadow fluctuated violently, as if under tremendous pressure. "Jiaojiao... Stay away... The energy shock might affect you..."
Lin Jiaojiao took two steps back as instructed, but her fingertips were still tightly grasping the corner of her clothes.
She watched as the light and shadow gradually merged into Prince Shou's body. The originally stiff body slowly raised its fingers, and its knuckles bent slightly, as if it was adapting to this unfamiliar flesh.
The candle flame suddenly "crackled" with a loud noise, and the light and shadow disappeared completely. Shou Wang's chest began to rise and fall, and he slowly opened his eyes. Those eyes were no longer the cowardly and confused ones of the past, but were shining with a light blue light, with the calmness and sharpness unique to Zero.
"Success?" Lin Jiaojiao's voice trembled slightly, with both anticipation and nervousness.
"Hmm." Ling's voice rang out from Shou Wang's mouth, but it was no longer electronic. Instead, it carried Shou Wang's original voice, less timid and more composed. "It will take time for your body to adapt. For now, you can't perform complex movements or speak for long periods of time. The energy consumption is greater than expected."
He tried to sit up, his movements a little stiff. He glanced at the bloodstains on the ground, frowning slightly. "We need to deal with the scene first. We can't let outsiders know that Prince Shou is dead, and we can't let anyone know that I'm possessed."
Lin Jiaojiao immediately came to her senses and quickly walked to the door. After confirming that there was no movement outside, she closed the door tightly and used the screen to block the blood on the floor. "I'll ask Cui'er to prepare hot water and clean clothes. I'll say that His Highness fell drunk and broke his forehead. Try to compose your expression first so that no one can see anything unusual."
Ling nodded, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and seemed to be sensing every nerve in this body.
Lin Jiaojiao had just walked to the door when she heard him whisper, "Jiaojiao, be careful. Tang Xuanzong's men might be monitoring the Shouwang Mansion. Don't leave any loopholes."
She looked back and saw Ling gently pressing his forehead with Shou Wang's hand. Although his movements were still a little awkward, he looked like he had a "headache after being drunk". She felt much more at ease and turned around and quickly left the study.
In the corridor, Cui'er was pacing back and forth anxiously. Seeing Lin Jiaojiao, she hurried over and said, "Princess, that sound in the study just now..."
"Nothing," Lin Jiaojiao lowered her voice, her tone deliberately flustered. "Your Highness drank too much and accidentally bumped into a pillar, breaking his forehead. Go get a basin of hot water and a clean plain robe. Be gentle and don't alarm anyone else."
Although Cui'er was a little confused, she nodded and walked quickly towards the side yard.
Lin Jiaojiao stood at the end of the corridor, gazing at the golden osmanthus tree in the courtyard. Suddenly, Ling's voice echoed in her mind. It was the "consciousness link" he decisively activated after possessing her. It was more covert than the previous light and shadow dialogue: "I just scanned two unfamiliar figures outside the palace gate. They're wearing ordinary people's clothes, but standing like palace guards. They must be people sent by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang to monitor us. From now on, we must be more cautious with every step we take."
"Can the consciousness link be used continuously?" Lin Jiaojiao responded in her mind. "Transmitting information this way is safer than secret letters and less likely to be discovered."
Ling's voice was a little tired, yet clear. "A mind link is the most reliable method, leaving no physical traces. However, there is a limitation. Beyond ten miles, the connection becomes intermittent, and it consumes a great deal of mental energy. I might even be exposed due to energy overdrafts. But as long as I can stay close to you, such as around Taizhen Temple, I can maintain a stable connection and transfer information more smoothly."
Lin Jiaojiao's eyes lit up: "Then you can use the excuse of 'relaxing' and 'praying' to stay in the courtyard near Taizhen Temple. This way you can be close to me without arousing suspicion."
"I thought so too." Ling's voice was more reassuring. "After you enter the temple, I will ask His Majesty for permission. I will say, 'In gratitude for Mother's kindness, I would like to stay in the Qingxiu Villa near Taizhen Temple for a while to pray for Mother's blessing.' Emperor Xuanzong of Tang will most likely agree. He still thinks I'm the cowardly and obedient Prince Shou and won't think too much about it."
When I returned to the study, Ling was leaning back in his chair. Although his face was still pale, he was able to speak normally.
Cui'er came in with hot water and some clothes. Seeing the "Shou Prince" leaning back in a chair with a clean silk cloth on his forehead, she hurried forward and asked, "Your Highness, how are you feeling? Do you want to ask the imperial physician to come and see you?"
"No need." Ling spoke, his voice carrying just the right amount of fatigue, even imitating Prince Shou's usual timid tone. "It's just a minor injury. Don't make a fuss, or else father will find out and scold you again. You two should go out first. I want to be alone for some time."
Cui'er and the housekeeper who arrived later looked at each other, and neither dared to ask more questions. They bowed and retreated.
The moment the door closed, Ling's expression immediately regained its composure. He said to Lin Jiaojiao, "Although the consciousness link is good, we also need a backup plan. What if I can't get close to Taizhen Temple due to court affairs, or if there is an emergency, I still need to pass on information through secret letters. I just found a rosewood box in the secret compartment of the study. It contains secret letters that Prince Shou used to pass messages to the royal family. You should carry some with you and use them as an emergency contact method for Cui'er when she comes to deliver things regularly."
Lin Jiaojiao walked to the bookshelf and, following Ling's instructions, turned a copy of "The Book of Songs" on the third shelf. A small secret compartment immediately appeared behind the bookshelf, and there was indeed a rosewood box inside.
When the box was opened, there were several neatly stacked pieces of letter paper with special patterns, and a small bottle of red ink. It was a pattern unique to the Shouwang Mansion and could not be imitated by outsiders.
"Okay, I'll keep a few of these with me." Lin Jiaojiao picked up a few pieces of letter paper and put them into the brocade pouch she carried with her. "But normally, I'll mainly rely on the mind link. Secret letters are only used in emergencies. After all, the mind link is more timely, and there's no need to worry about Cui'er getting into trouble along the way."
Ling nodded and tried to stand up, his movements more agile than before. "I will imitate Prince Shou's words and actions and try not to attract attention. For the next few days, I will stay indoors, using the excuse of 'drunkenness hurting my head'. On the one hand, I will adapt to my physical body, and on the other hand, I will secretly contact the old members of the royal family who were suppressed by Li Linfu before. Only when I have mastered enough power can I take you out in three years and truly change your fate. After you enter the temple, I will ask for permission to live in a separate courtyard near Taizhen Temple. Then we can communicate every day through the consciousness link, and I will be able to know your situation in the temple in a timely manner."
Lin Jiaojiao looked at his slightly stiff but determined back, and a warm feeling arose in her heart.
From the Xia Dynasty to the present day when they were side by side in flesh and blood, Ling had always been by her side, protecting her from the wind and rain.
She said softly, "Don't push yourself too hard. Adapting to your physical body is the most important thing. Three years is a long time, but it's enough time for us to prepare. I won't be idle in the temple either. I'll continue to improve the rice paper and organize court intelligence. Maybe I can even meet some people who can be useful to us. When the time comes, I'll pass the information to you through the consciousness link, and you can combine it with the court's movements to formulate a response plan."
Ling turned around, his eyes landing on her with a hint of tenderness. "I know you won't leave yourself idle, but Taizhen Temple is under the control of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang after all. The Taoists in the temple might have his spies. You must protect yourself and don't act recklessly. If you are in danger, notify me immediately through the consciousness link. Even if it means exposing myself, I will find a way to save you."
The two discussed for a long time, taking into account every detail, from the "safe distance" of consciousness connection, to the code setting of the secret letter, to how to deal with the possible "visit" by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
The sky outside the window gradually brightened, and the shadow of the golden osmanthus tree fell on the ground through the window lattice, like a light ink painting.
"It's time to go." Lin Jiaojiao stood up and straightened her robe. "If it's any later, the housekeeper will come and ask me to prepare for the monastic life. Remember to eat on time and don't forget to take care of yourself because you're adjusting to your physical body."
Ling nodded, watched her walk to the door, and suddenly said: "Jiaojiao."
Lin Jiaojiao turned around and saw him standing by the candlelight, his figure stretched out, his eyes filled with determination. "Three years later, I will definitely take you back and free you from the constraints of these palace walls. Until then, I will always stay by your side and won't let you be alone."
She smiled, with a hint of expectation in her eyes: "I'll wait for you. Remember to take care of yourself and don't let me worry."
Walking out of the study, the golden osmanthus trees in the courtyard have been dyed golden by the morning light, and the air is filled with sweet fragrance.
As expected, the housekeeper was waiting at the end of the corridor. Seeing Lin Jiaojiao, he hurried forward and said, "Princess, someone from the palace said that a car will be sent to pick you up and take you to Taizhen Temple in three days. Please prepare your luggage in advance and don't bring too many valuables."
"I understand." Lin Jiaojiao nodded, her tone calm. "Go tell the people in the palace that I'm ready and will leave on time in three days. Also, His Highness is still resting, so don't disturb him. He said he wants to rest for a few more days and may stay in a villa near Taizhen Temple to pray for Concubine Hui."
The butler bowed and agreed, then turned to leave, a hint of doubt in his eyes. In the past, Prince Shou always made excuses for such matters, so why did he suddenly take the initiative to ask for blessings today? But he didn't dare to ask more, just thinking that something had happened in the mansion, and his temperament had inevitably changed a little.
For the next three days, while Lin Jiaojiao packed her luggage, she taught Cui'er the emergency code for the secret letter and repeatedly reminded her, "Only take the secret letter out when I ask you to do so through the mind link. Normally, just send some clothes and food. If anyone questions you, just say that I used this paper to copy scriptures, and the patterns are just for decoration."
Although Cui Er didn't know the specific reason, she nodded firmly: "Don't worry, Princess. Even if I die, I will never betray you."
Ling Ze stayed indoors the entire time, only telling others that he "had a head injury from being drunk and needed to rest." In fact, he was secretly adapting to his physical body. He could already walk and talk fluently, and could even imitate the mannerisms of Prince Shou. However, when his emotions occasionally fluctuated, a faint blue light would flash in his eyes, which he had to suppress deliberately.
At the same time, through the consciousness link, he asked Lin Jiaojiao to help compile a list of the old members of the royal family and analyze which ones can be won over (such as Li Mi, the former prince's groom who was framed by Li Linfu) and which ones need to be vigilant (such as Li Linfu's trusted censor Cui Lin).
He also used his identity as Prince Shou to secretly have his housekeeper transfer some of the property in the mansion to a villa near Taizhen Temple, in preparation for living there for a long time and accumulating strength in the future.
On the day of departure, there was drizzling rain in the sky of Chang'an. The dripping rain hit the plain-colored car curtains, leaving faint water marks.
Lin Jiaojiao sat in the carriage, clutching the brocade pouch containing the secret letter. Suddenly, Ling's voice rang in her mind: "Jiaojiao, I'm following behind the carriage. I'm less than three miles away from you. The connection is stable. When you get to Taizhen Temple, don't rush to adapt. I'll help you scan the environment inside to see if there are any spies of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang."
"Okay." Lin Jiaojiao responded in her heart, and the corners of her mouth rose unconsciously. With Ling by her side, she felt at ease even though they were separated by a carriage.
The carriage traveled for half an hour before finally arriving at Taizhen Temple. Standing in front of the temple gate were several Taoist nuns in cyan robes. Upon seeing the carriage, they hurried forward to greet it.
The leading Taoist nun clasped her hands together and said, "I am Qingci, the poor Taoist. I greet Princess Shou. The abbot is already waiting inside the temple. He has specially prepared a courtyard for the princess to practice."
Lin Jiaojiao got off the carriage and looked up at the gate of Taizhen Temple. On the vermilion gate, four large characters "Purity and Inaction" were engraved. The rain hitting the gate seemed to wash away the worldly noise.
Ling's voice echoed in his mind: "Scans have detected three Taoists in the temple with auras similar to those of palace guards. They're likely Tang Xuanzong's spies. They're located near the temple gate, the Sutra Hall, and your courtyard. Be low-key and don't initiate any contact with them. I'll find a way to distract them."
"I understand." Lin Jiaojiao responded in her heart and followed Xuanqing into the temple.
As she walked through the courtyard, she saw an inconspicuous carriage parked under a willow tree not far away. It was Zero's carriage. As expected, he had followed her and was guarding outside the temple, maintaining the stability of the consciousness connection.
Xuanqing brought Lin Jiaojiao to the east courtyard. The courtyard was not big, but it was clean and tidy. There were a few green bamboos planted in the courtyard, which exuded a sense of tranquility.
"Princess, this is your place for practice. A little Taoist boy will bring you three meals and scriptures every day. If you need anything, you can send someone to the front yard to inform me at any time." After Qing Ci finished speaking, he bowed and retreated.
The moment the door closed, Lin Jiaojiao leaned against the door panel and breathed a long sigh of relief.
Ling's voice echoed in his mind, bringing a hint of reassurance: "I've used my energy to disrupt the perception of the Taoist nun in your courtyard. She won't notice anything unusual about you for now. Rest well and get used to the environment in the temple. I'll tell you about the court tonight."
"Okay." Lin Jiaojiao walked to the window and looked at the green bamboo outside the courtyard. She knew in her heart that her dormant life in the Taoist temple officially began from this moment.
And Ling was guarding not far outside the temple, connecting with her through consciousness, and waiting together with her for the counterattack three years later that would change the fate of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Ling, who was sitting in a carriage far outside the temple, looked towards the east courtyard of Taizhen Temple and tapped the wall of the carriage lightly with his fingertips.
His eyes were sharp and contained a hint of coldness. One day, he would deal with all those who had threatened Jiaojiao one by one.
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