Liang Shicheng’s words trailed off, leaving the rest unspoken. Having followed Zhao Ji for so many years, he understood the emperor’s thoughts perfectly. What he had said was already enough. Though it seemed like nothing had been said, everything that needed to be conveyed was already implied. Now, it was up to the emperor to draw a conclusion based on his counsel.
“So, you and I are of the same mind. This is the good fortune the esteemed master has brought me by defying the heavens! However, those two young generals are also fortunate individuals. Otherwise, they would have been like everyone else, sitting obediently in the camp. Fang La wouldn’t have delivered himself to them, would he?”
“Your Majesty is wise! But if this old servant may say, the most fortunate person in this world is naturally Your Majesty. If Your Majesty hadn't promoted them, who knows where they would be farming right now!”
“You old scoundrel, why speak of such things at a time like this? Am I supposed to contend for merit with them? Let’s go, let’s go, you and I shall visit the Divine Firmament Palace and see how the master is doing!”
Despite Zhao Ji’s feigned grumbling, a triumphant smile involuntarily appeared on his face at Liang Shicheng’s words. When the emperor left the palace, it was certainly no ordinary affair, especially when visiting a place like the Divine Firmament Palace. The proper pomp and ceremony could not be neglected. After nearly an hour of preparations, Zhao Ji, accompanied by Liang Shicheng and a retinue of soldiers, finally arrived at the Divine Firmament Palace.
“Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty!”
“At a time like this, let’s dispense with such formalities. How is our master now?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, Master Yuan Miao has suffered severe internal injuries and will likely take some time to recover. He will probably be confined to bed for a period…”
Upon hearing the emperor’s inquiry, the leading imperial physician stepped forward and replied cautiously.
“I don’t care what methods you use, nor how much medicine you employ. Even if it requires dragon’s liver and phoenix marrow, find a way! I must have the master recover!”
After hearing the imperial physicians’ report, Zhao Ji waved his hand and walked directly into the room. As soon as he entered, he detected a strong scent of blood. Although incense was burning in the room and the floor appeared to have been recently cleaned, faint traces of blood could still be seen on the nearby walls and cabinets.
“Your… Your Imperial Majesty…”
Seeing the emperor enter, Lin Ling su, who had just opened his eyes, struggled to sit up.
“The master has rendered invaluable service to our Great Song. Now that you are injured, you should remain lying down!”
Looking at Lin Ling su’s pale face, devoid of any color, even Zhao Ji felt reluctant to say more.
“Your Majesty, this old Taoist did nothing. The battles on the front lines were fought by the soldiers. This old Taoist…”
As Lin Ling su spoke, he coughed up a mouthful of blood directly in front of Zhao Ji. Witnessing his miserable state, Zhao Ji’s eyes began to redden.
“Master, please do not speak further. You should rest. When you have recovered, you can tell me whatever you wish!”
“No, Your Majesty, this old Taoist must speak now. My time is short, and my body likely cannot hold on much longer. There are things this old Taoist must say…”
Having just vomited blood, his face was completely drained of color, yet Lin Ling su stubbornly raised his head.
“Then speak quickly, and then lie down to rest!”
“Your Majesty, the grand formation in Bianliang City can only stabilize the national destiny for a time. To achieve true national prosperity and peace, the entire realm requires twelve formation eyes to suppress the land! Moreover, these formation eyes must be completed within a year…”
“Within a year? But Master, your health…”
It took Lin Ling su nearly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to clearly convey his message in these few broken sentences. As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Ji couldn't help but step forward and grasp his hand.
“Your Majesty, this old Taoist has already drawn the formation diagrams. Your Majesty only needs to follow the instructions and proceed step by step. My disciple, Zhang Ruhui, has been by my side for many years. His skill in dragon-finding and positioning has already reached a master’s level!”
Lin Ling su spoke while tightly gripping Zhao Ji’s hand.
“Then where are the formation diagrams drawn by the master?”
Listening to Lin Ling su’s words and looking at his pale face, Zhao Ji couldn’t help but shed tears. Even Liang Shicheng, who knew there was likely some trickery involved, couldn’t help but appreciate the old Taoist’s acting skills at this moment.
“The, the formation diagrams are right there…”
As Lin Ling su spoke, he pointed towards the foot of his bed. Following his gaze, Liang Shicheng stepped forward, picked up a scroll, and handed it to Zhao Ji.
“Your Majesty, this old Taoist knows that national affairs are difficult, and the court has no surplus funds to build formation eyes. The Divine Firmament Sect is willing to undertake this great task for Your Majesty with its own resources!”
After Lin Ling su finished speaking, Liang Shicheng was completely convinced. This old fellow was far more perceptive than those old monks! As soon as those monks recovered slightly, they immediately began to amass wealth unscrupulously. But Liang Chen had a different approach. Having just spent millions of strings of cash for the emperor in Bianliang City, he was now prepared to offer tens of millions of strings of copper coins to help the emperor build the formation eyes. Regardless of whether these things were useful, the gesture alone was enough to move the emperor profoundly. Even if those monks were still in Bianliang City, they wouldn't be able to compete with him.
“Master, you treat me with such loyalty. How can I ever repay you!”
These few words, combined with Lin Ling su’s exquisite acting, caused the emperor Zhao Ji to burst into tears within moments.
“Everything this old Taoist has is bestowed by Your Majesty. The reason I accepted it all before was so that I could use this wealth to resolve Your Majesty’s troubles one day…”
After Lin Ling su said this, Liang Shicheng was utterly impressed. Lin Ling su’s residence in this dilapidated hut had always been criticized. Now, with these words, the image of a virtuous scholar was immediately established! From now on, if anyone dared to accuse the disciples of the Divine Firmament Sect of wanton profiteering, Emperor Zhao Ji himself would be the first to reject them! Brilliant, truly brilliant! With a few simple words, coupled with the sacrifice of half his wealth, he gained unhindered progress for the Divine Firmament Sect. This strategy felt increasingly familiar.