Chapter 676: Plump and Round

Over a hundred Imperial Guard soldiers blocked him.

Stop! Everything inside has burned down—what are you going in for?

This place is under repair—no outsiders allowed!

Mo Zhanggeng looked at them. Burned down? Then where is my disciple?

He had just overheard servants chatting, saying they saw a notice posted claiming the previous day's fire was started by Xibei spies—and it turned out the Guoshi Residence was what burned.

Instantly a chill ran from head to foot—Tuan Tuan!

He insisted on coming to see, making a fuss, otherwise he'd rather cut himself than give acupuncture again.

Cheng Jing, helpless, could only send two servants to escort him over.

I never expected there to be so many Imperial Guard stationed here.

With so many people watching, even if Tuan Tuan were here, she couldn't possibly come out to see me.

Then let's find the National Preceptor!

Mo Zhanggeng plopped onto the ground and wailed: 'National Preceptor!'

'How can your life be so bitter! You are my lifesaver!'

'You died so horribly—I didn't even get to see your last breath!'

The two servants exchanged a glance, both stunned.

The National Preceptor is actually this Divine Doctor's lifesaver? No wonder he's so anxious.

The leading Imperial Guard, his head pounding from the wailing, shouted: 'Hey! Old man! Stop wailing! The National Preceptor isn't dead—why are you crying?'

Mo Zhanggeng sprang up, wiped his face, and asked: 'He's not dead? Then where is he?'

Once we find the National Preceptor, we can ask about my disciple's whereabouts!

The Imperial Guard looked him up and down and asked: 'Who are you?'

A servant hurried forward, producing Chen Wang's token: 'Sir, please have a look.'

The Imperial Guard glanced at the token and said: 'The National Preceptor now lives at the last house in Jade Belt Lane, northeast Jingcheng.'

Northeast Jingcheng? We're in the southwest—it's not close at all.

Upon hearing this, Mo Zhanggeng darted into the carriage: 'Quick! Quick! Do you still want me to rush back and treat your master's illness?'

The two servants hurriedly urged the coachman to set off, jogging alongside the carriage all the way to Chu Yuan's residence gate.

The two stopped, panting, their legs weak from running.

Mo Zhanggeng leapt out of the carriage, rushed to the door, and pounded on it: 'Open the door! Open the door!'

The little Daoist had just cracked the door open when he shoved it wide and rushed inside.

'Hey hey! Who are you? Don't run around!' the little Daoist cried, hurrying after him.

The two servants followed close behind.

Mo Zhanggeng crossed a small courtyard, shouting all the way: 'National Preceptor! Where are you?'

He had just rushed into the front hall when he saw a man in Daoist robes sitting upright, holding a teacup and sipping tea.

This must be him—never mind, if I'm mistaken I'll say my eyes are playing tricks!

He lunged forward, grabbed Chu Yuan's hand, and shouted: 'National Preceptor, you're not dead!'

Chu Yuan was dazed by the shouting—'Who said I died? Who are you?'

He took a close look at Mo Zhanggeng; the old man's ruddy glow was bright enough—he was a good-hearted person.

'Who are you?'

Mo Zhanggeng, hearing footsteps approaching from behind, hurriedly asked in a low voice: 'Is Tuan Tuan all right?'

Chu Yuan glanced behind him and saw, besides his residence's two little Daoists, two unfamiliar faces already following; he immediately understood and nodded with a smile.

Mo Zhanggeng felt a huge weight lift from his chest—hah! His disciple is fine!

I told you! She's so clever—how could anything happen to her?

'Please have a seat,' Chu Yuan instructed, 'serve tea.'

The two servants stood one on each side behind Mo Zhanggeng, ears pricked up.

Mo Zhanggeng said solemnly: 'Seeing the National Preceptor safe puts my mind at ease.'

'We haven't seen each other in years, but I've always remembered your lifesaving kindness.'

'Hearing the Guoshi Residence caught fire, I couldn't just sit still—I came rushing over.'

Chu Yuan smiled and nodded: 'No matter, it was just a flood—a false alarm.'

After a few pleasantries, a servant spoke up: 'Divine Doctor, it's time to go back.'

Mo Zhanggeng glared at him, rose, and walked over to Chu Yuan.

He produced a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Chu Yuan: 'National Preceptor, this is a medicinal pill I carefully prepared.'

'This pill is called Cicada Slough. If you encounter that disobedient, round-and-plump, lively little thing, you can give it to her.'

'It will keep her calm for twelve double-hours, as if wandering the celestial realm, and she'll recover the next day.'

'The National Preceptor saved my life—this pill shall be my repayment.'

'Round and plump, lively little thing? Could that be Tuan Tuan?'

Chu Yuan took it, almost laughing, and said: 'This Divine Doctor is truly interesting—thanks, see you out.'

Mo Zhanggeng swaggered out, leisurely boarding the carriage: 'You've worked hard too—just take it easy, no need to rush.'

But the two servants were frantic: 'Divine Doctor, our master is still waiting for you.'

'What's the rush?' Mo Zhanggeng's voice came from the carriage: 'Nobody's going to die!'

'By the way, I'm peckish—I'll find a place to eat something before I leave.'

The two servants: '……'

Just a moment ago you were rushing a summons, and now you bring up treating the adult's illness—you're no longer in a hurry!

However, with my lord's life now in the hands of this Divine Doctor, what can be done?

The two could only comply: "Yes."

Night, Zi hour.

Xiao Ningyuan, Xiao Er, Tuan Tuan and Xiao Ran together arrived at Eldest Princess's Cenhui Hall.

Xiao Ran rushed forward, fell to her knees: "Imperial Aunt!"

Eldest Princess stepped back, startled: "You, you aren't…"

"Brother Jiu is fine!" Tuan Tuan hurriedly interjected, "We rescued him! Imperial Aunt, look, he's fine!"

Eldest Princess reached out and helped Xiao Ran to her feet: "Good that he's fine, I thought… never mind, everyone… sit down."

Grandma Jiang still stood upright in the hall, her gaze vacant, like a standing pillar.

Tuan Tuan walked up to her and poked her arm: "Hey, is being a pillar fun?"

Eldest Princess let out a snort of laughter: "She complains of leg pain every day, yet she doesn't know why; even after seeing several doctors, nothing helps."

"Standing night after night," Xiao Ningyuan also laughed, "it would be strange if the legs didn't hurt!"

Eldest Princess waved her hand: "Come, Tuan Tuan, over here."

Tuan Tuan walked up to her, and Eldest Princess pulled her into her arms: "What brings you here today?"

Xiao Ran gave a brief account of the events of the past few days.

Eldest Princess widened her eyes in surprise: "No wonder!"

"Lately rumors have spread through the Palace that a fox appeared in the Imperial Kitchen, with a pair of horns on its head, and it has devoured a lot of food."

"The eunuchs all say, 'That's not an ordinary fox, it's a Fox Immortal!'"

The crowd laughed.

Xiao Ningyuan asked, "Eldest Princess, do you know anything else?"

"Although we now have no worries about food and drink, we have lost contact with the outside."

"They even set fire to the Guoshi Residence, truly audacious."

Eldest Princess sighed: "If the throne can be usurped, what does a Guoshi Residence matter?"

"Moreover, I heard that a public notice has been issued to the people, stating that after a thorough investigation, it was confirmed to be the work of Xibei spies."

Tuan Tuan frowned: "Why do they keep saying it was Father Emperor and his men! Not a single true word!"

"I only learned about outside affairs from idle talk among Palace people," Eldest Princess thought for a moment, "However, there is an upcoming grand event in the Palace."

Xiao Ran asked, "Grand event?"

Eldest Princess nodded: "Prince Chen ordered your eleventh brother to issue an edict, granting him permission to perform the Crown Prince's investiture ceremony within the Palace, and to hold a grand banquet for the ministers in Taiji Hall this evening."

Xiao Ran erupted in anger: "What? He is now only a Regent King, yet he dares to hold an investiture ceremony in the Palace? And set a banquet in Taiji Hall?"

"That is the place where Father Emperor hosts grand banquets for guests! Since the eleventh brother has already ascended the throne as emperor, issuing such an edict is like slapping his face."

"Chen Hao is still alive, and Prince Chen does this, where does that place him?"

Eldest Princess silently shook her head.

Tuan Tuan, upon hearing Chen Hao, twitched her eyes and smiled like a little fox: "Imperial Aunt, when? I'll give Chen Hao a chance to vent!"