Chapter 1099

The Daoist priests and Buddhist monks summoned by Pan Yun to preach on the steppe all knew that the spring snowstorm had little to do with the wrath of the Eternal Heaven; the main reason, as Pan Yun had pointed out, was that the moon waxes and wanes, and natural timing naturally has its favorable and unfavorable phases—this was nature, an unchangeable law.

The law cannot be changed, but disaster can.

If the people of the steppe could predict snow disasters in advance, prepare beforehand, and reduce casualties and losses during the blizzard;

The imperial court and all departments could also prepare relief supplies, disaster response protocols, and post-disaster measures well in advance;

If all three phases—before, during, and after the disaster—were handled properly, the losses and casualties from snow disasters could be greatly reduced.

This is why natural disasters are unpredictable, yet humanity still constantly struggles against heaven.

Whether Daoist or Buddhist, all felt that battling oneself and heaven was more interesting than battling other humans.

The superstitious human chaos sparked by this great snow disaster shocked both the Daoist and Buddhist camps into sudden awareness: if not checked, the spread of heretical sects would far outpace orthodox teachings; worst of all, heretical sects often falsely claimed divine or buddha origins and would inevitably tie themselves to both camps—should the imperial court then issue an edict banning Daoism and Buddhism…

Oh, the State Preceptor is a Daoist, so she might not ban Daoism, but she would certainly ban Buddhism.

These were the Buddhist monks' thoughts, but the Daoists thought differently.

Only the Daoists knew that since Pan Yun became State Preceptor, they had gained no tangible benefits; indeed, imperial control over Daoism had grown even stricter.

Some well-informed Daoists had learned that someone in court had proposed abolishing the tax exemptions for monks and Daoists—and the State Preceptor had said nothing in opposition.

So if these heretical sects truly angered Pan Yun, she truly would ban Daoism and destroy Buddhism.

Thus, both camps began regulating their disciples; Buddhist temples and Daoist monasteries actively promoted correct beliefs and cooperated with the court to suppress all heretical sects.

On the folk level, the court also recognized the power of the words "early warning" against natural disasters.

They could not control when disasters arrived, but what if they could know them in advance?

A runaway cart hitting a person could kill them—what if you knew in advance that a runaway cart was coming?

Couldn't you build a wall in front of yourself, cover yourself with thick quilts, prepare physicians and medicine ahead of time, and minimize harm?

The eyes of the court officials finally shifted from the State Preceptor to the other monks and Daoists.

The State Preceptor was too brilliant, her status too unique—they had fixated on her, assuming her establishment of branch offices for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and her mass recruitment of Daoists as low-ranking officials was for personal gain; now it seemed they could select talent from among them.

The State Preceptor can predict weather three years ahead; these monks and Daoists may not be as powerful, but even predicting three or five days in advance would suffice.

Establish a disaster emergency department, coordinate with local magistrates, and when the next disaster strikes, control the situation.

The court officials were thrilled and begged the Emperor to urge the State Preceptor's return, so they could jointly deliberate on selecting talent and forming the disaster emergency department.

The Emperor wanted the State Preceptor back even more than they did; he had used yellow talismans to summon her several times, but she had brushed him off each time.

She kept saying "soon, soon," yet three months had passed and she still hadn't returned.

The Emperor was heartbroken: "What could possibly be on the steppe?"

Cheng Jing wiped sweat from his brow: "Your Majesty, Minister Kuang has submitted a memorial: vaccination against cowpox has reached forty percent on the steppe; the Imperial Medical Bureau has also reported that the risk of cowpox vaccination preventing smallpox has greatly diminished—except in extremely rare cases, complications rarely occur. The State Preceptor may be lingering on the steppe, perhaps observing the eradication of smallpox."

"Isn't this being handled by Miao and Tao Yanbai? I sent dozens of Imperial Physicians to assist—Pan Yun isn't skilled in medicine. Why not return to the capital sooner?"

The Emperor ordered Cheng Jing to draft an edict, using the electric telegraph to urge Pan Yun's return.

Yellow talismans couldn't compel her, for they were the Emperor's private acts.

Sending a message via electric telegraph was official, a formal imperial decree.

Even to preserve the Emperor's dignity, Pan Yun could no longer ignore it. That very night, she returned to the palace.

The Emperor locked himself in the Study and refused to see anyone, claiming he was handling state affairs.

Empress Wang hurried from the inner palace to receive the State Preceptor on the Emperor's behalf, speaking softly: "The Emperor still has a child's temper."

Pan Yun was not Yu Qian, nor a strict official; she tolerated the Emperor's occasional tantrums easily—after all, they targeted only her and didn't affect common people.

She apologized to Empress Wang: "This Daoist neglected the Emperor. It is my fault."

She offered no excuse, no deflection.

Cheng Jing immediately became a quiet informant; the Emperor in the main hall heard this and his expression brightened considerably.

Cheng Jing stole a glance at his face and said at the right moment: "Your Majesty, I observe the State Preceptor looks quite weary—she must have had much to attend to on the steppe."

The Emperor's expression improved further, tinged with unease: "Has food been prepared for the State Preceptor?"

"The Empress brought a food box; she is currently dining with the State Preceptor."

The Emperor hesitated, then rose: "The remaining memorials can wait until tomorrow."

Cheng Jing immediately served the Emperor with eager attentiveness, escorting him to the side hall.

Seeing the Emperor, Pan Yun rose with a smile and stood beside the dining table, gazing at him warmly.

At the sight of her, the Emperor's pent-up grievances could no longer be contained—he rambled for a long time, complaining bitterly.

He couldn't summon her back, her replies on the yellow talismans were dismissive, the sudden pressure from superstitious unrest on the steppe, and his own stagnant cultivation…

Pan Yun listened quietly, nodding constantly to affirm him, letting him continue speaking.

Empress Wang sat beside them, visibly embarrassed, thinking the Emperor's complaints were shameful.

Wasn't this all part of being Emperor?

How could he complain over such minor setbacks?

She tried several times to interrupt, but Pan Yun subtly pressed her hand to silence her.

Pan Yun knew the Emperor was under immense pressure—especially since he had developed his longing for immortality, and the dual burdens had left him deeply repressed.

He could soothe himself, but he needed an outlet.

Pan Yun knew he didn't need her to solve anything—he simply needed someone to listen.

Her gaze swept between the Emperor and Empress, finally resting on the Empress's belly, and she sighed softly.

The Emperor spoke for half an hour, drinking half a teapot of tea before stopping.

Pan Yun smiled gently: "Your Majesty, please freshen up. We'll move to another location to continue our discussion."

The Emperor truly needed to relieve himself; seeing that Pan Yun had anticipated even this, he felt both comforted and aggrieved—if she was so divinely perceptive, why had she refused to return for months?

The Emperor rose irritably: "To the imperial bedchamber's side hall. I will speak properly with the State Preceptor."

The Emperor rose in a fury of indignation and said, "To the side hall of the sleeping chambers—I must have a proper talk with the National Preceptor."