Chapter 77

No matter how earnestly the ministers pleaded, Luo Qinghan remained steadfast in his decision, unwilling to change his mind.

They had no other choice but to write the matter into a memorial and present it to the emperor, hoping that the emperor would intervene and persuade the crown prince.

Upon learning of the matter, the emperor immediately ordered the crown prince to be summoned to the imperial study.

"Why did you think of holding a rain-summoning ceremony? Do you know what consequences you will face if the rain-summoning fails?"

Luo Qinghan lowered his eyes and did not directly answer his father's question, but instead spoke about something else.

"In fact, there have been rumors among the people for a long time. The south has suffered from disasters for two consecutive years, possibly due to the heavens being displeased. The people hope that Your Majesty will hold a ceremony to pray to heaven, seeking the heavens' forgiveness and to stop the suffering of the southern people."

The emperor frowned: "Why didn't I know about this?"

"Because no one dared to mention it to Your Majesty. If they informed Your Majesty, whether or not you held the ceremony, it could lead to criticism and affect your image in the hearts of the people. So, everyone chose to say nothing."

"I believe this is an act of avoidance, a poor strategy."

The emperor countered: "Do you think your rain-summoning ceremony is the best strategy?"

"It may not be the best strategy, but it is certainly better than avoiding the problem."

"Your Majesty is of great value, and you are already burdened with the affairs of the state. It is not appropriate for you to worry about the rain-summoning. Therefore, I am willing to take on this task and personally go to the south to hold the rain-summoning ceremony. First, to demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence to the people, and second, to address the negative public opinion caused by the lack of a heaven-praying ceremony."

"If the rain-summoning fails, it will be my fault alone, and it will have nothing to do with Your Majesty. Your Majesty will still be the revered emperor in the hearts of the people. This action will bring nothing but benefits to Your Majesty. I hope for Your Majesty's approval."

The emperor looked at him steadily for a long time before saying: "Do you know that going to the south is a long journey, and given your high position, it could be dangerous?"

Luo Qinghan smiled bitterly: "Even if I stay in the palace, I am not necessarily safe."

The emperor recalled the incident at the birthday banquet where the crown prince was poisoned and fell silent.

Luo Qinghan said: "Under the vast sky, all is the emperor's land. No matter how far the south is, it is still part of our Great Sheng Dynasty. What is there for me to fear in my own country? Moreover, with Your Majesty overseeing the empire, everything is under your control. How could anything happen to me under your watch?!"

These words moved the emperor.

He sighed: "I am old and no longer have the drive to take risks. Unlike you young people who dare to take on challenges. Well, since you are determined to go, then go. Remember to bring more people to protect yourself. When you return, I will personally go out of the palace to welcome you."

Luo Qinghan knelt and bowed: "I accept the imperial command and thank Your Majesty!"

In the Jinfeng Hall, Consort Li had been copying the Lotus Sutra for half a day, and her right hand was sore and painful.

She could no longer bear it and threw down the brush in a fit of anger.

"I won't copy anymore! Let whoever wants to copy do it!"

Caiyun hurriedly consoled her: "Your Majesty, take a break first. You can copy these slowly, there's no need to rush."

Consort Li was angry: "How can I not be anxious? One hundred copies of the Lotus Sutra! How can I possibly finish them? Even if I manage to finish, my arm will surely be useless! If I lose the use of my arm, the crown prince will surely look down on me even more."

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became.

She could not just sit and wait for disaster to strike; she had to find a way to save herself.