IDWBE -Chapter 584 The Proposal

In the past, Lin Yi wouldn’t have treated Du Yinniang with any courtesy.

After all, like Zixia, she was just an unofficial attendant without status. But now it was different—Du Yinniang was pregnant!

Inside her womb was the heir to the throne!

A mother gains status through her child—this was precisely the principle.

“Are the people from Vajra Terrace still in Ankang City?”

Lin Yi suddenly asked.

Hong Ying hurriedly replied, “Since Jingyi and Jingkuan were executed, the Vajra Terrace people have revealed themselves. They currently reside at Hanshan Temple.”

“Hanshan Temple?”

Lin Yi frowned. “Why does that name sound so familiar?”

Hong Ying smiled politely. “The abbot of Hanshan Temple is Yuanyin, the chief disciple of Fahui.”

“Fahui…”

Lin Yi finally remembered—this was the man who had cuckolded his father.

Back then, he had entered the palace alone and, under heavy guards, managed to escape carrying the Empress’s body.

His skills were extremely profound.

Eventually, the young monk Jihai inherited his legacy.

Lin Yi had been stunned when he first heard the story.

Such adventures were only fit for novel protagonists!

Hong Ying nodded. “Exactly.”

Lin Yi thought for a moment. “Have Wuxiang come to see me.”

“Yes,” Hong Ying replied, “I’ll inform him immediately.”

The charcoal fire burned strong and the room was warm. Lin Yi had spent a long time there, and after lunch and playing with the child, feeling hot and stuffy, he put on a fox fur coat and strolled in the garden.

He returned to the room only when Elder Wuxiang arrived.

Holding a teacup, Lin Yi looked at the thin, frail monk wearing only a light kasaya and asked with concern, “Master, aren’t you cold in such thin clothing? Should I have someone bring you a coat?”

Wuxiang was clearly taken aback. He could never have imagined that on their first meeting, the Prince would ask such a question. He pressed his palms together in a gesture of respect. “Prince, you worry too much. This monk is not cold.”

“Getting older doesn’t mean you should overexert yourself. Catching a cold would be troublesome,” Lin Yi pointed to the teacup on the table. “Even if you don’t put on extra clothing, drink more hot tea to warm your body.”

After sitting down, Wuxiang said, “Thank you, Prince.”

Did the Prince not know that a Grand Master was impervious to cold and heat? The remark seemed pointed.

“Master, don’t be polite,” Lin Yi smiled. “I understand that you came all the way from Yuzhou. What brings you here?”

“Amitabha,” Wuxiang chanted a Buddha name, then spoke aloud, “Though I reside in a remote place, I have long listened attentively to your speeches and directives. My heart is filled with joy and inspiration. I have come to Ankang City to pay respects to the Prince, to listen to your guidance, and to remain closely united at your side until my death, with no regrets.”

“….”

Lin Yi was stunned.

Before meeting Wuxiang, he had considered many things.

Wuxiang was a Grand Master and an accomplished monk—surely not easy to deal with. How should he handle him?

But he had never imagined Wuxiang would be so attuned to current affairs!

And speak in such flattering, syrupy terms!

Even people who listened to him daily, like He Jixiang, probably couldn’t have said such things!

Lin Yi raised his teacup, sipped lightly, cleared his throat, and said, “Master, you honor me. I am very gratified by your words. I have a favor to ask—may I rely on you?”

Wuxiang said, “Prince, please speak freely.”

Lin Yi smiled. “The news of my expedition to the northern frontier is probably not hidden from you. Our Liang Kingdom must act in unity and solidarity. Therefore, I hope Master will take the lead in issuing a proposal, publish it in the city gazette, and circulate it across the realm.”

Wuxiang pressed his palms together. “This monk will tightly adhere to your leadership, Prince.”

“Good, good, good.”

Lin Yi laughed heartily.

This Wuxiang was truly remarkable.

It wasn’t without reason that Vajra Terrace had developed to its current scale.

Wuxiang said with a straight face, “Prince, you flatter me.”

Lin Yi smiled. “Jingyi and Jingkuan are still visiting the Court of Justice. Please visit them to ease their minds.”

“This monk will not shirk his duty.”

After speaking, Wuxiang was personally escorted by Hong Ying.

Near the New Year, Liang Yuanzhi drafted a fresh “Proposal” jointly signed by Vajra Terrace, Jizhao Hermitage, and the Chunshan City sects.

Its general message: the major sects would uphold Liang law, not violate prohibitions with force, consciously maintain national unity and social stability, and mutually respect and peacefully coexist with the Jianghu community.

The world was shocked.

Both court and countryside buzzed with discussion—no one expected the haughty Vajra Terrace and Jizhao Hermitage to submit so readily!

Spring had arrived.

The preparations for the northern expedition, which had begun last year, officially commenced.

Yuan Ang and Mei Jingzhi were appointed commanders, Hong Ying supervised, and ten thousand troops were dispatched to the northern frontier in succession.

“All this is pure silver,” In court, listening to Gan Mao’s report, Lin Yi sighed, “War is all about money.”

Gan Mao stifled the urge to roll his eyes and said loudly, “The Prince is wise.”

Lin Yi looked at Bian Jing and thought, “Battles must be fought, roads must be built. Once the northern lands thaw, organize manpower to repair the roads to the frontier. Only with open roads can effective management occur.”

Historically, regions divided and reunited. One key reason for the feudal lords’ independence was road conditions. With enough money, some lords dared to close their borders and claim dominion.

Especially those in remote, naturally defensible regions—they acted recklessly.

If roads were blocked, anyone could challenge them, but defend a strategic pass, and no army could break through.

Even bandits could establish local kingdoms in deep mountains.

In rural areas, distant from the emperor, local gentry and strongmen were the law.

“I will follow orders!”

Bian Jing was ecstatic. He had already repaired the road from Sanhe to Ankang City; repairing the road from Ankang to the northern frontier would make him immortal in history!

“Prince.”

Gan Mao was at his wit’s end.

More money would have to be scraped from his hands! Could one even survive this?

“Don’t cry. Just grit your teeth and get through it.”

Lin Yi patted Gan Mao on the shoulder and, under the watch of loyal ministers, left the Golden Throne Hall.

“Prince.”

Xiao Xizi followed closely.

“What is it?”

Lin Yi stood on the steps, basking in the warm sunlight, feeling relaxed and content.

After hesitating, Xiao Xizi said, “Consort Kang made ginseng soup and wishes the Prince to drink.”

“Ginseng soup, huh…”

Lin Yi pinched his chin. “Recently, has Prince Xin done anything wrong?”

He worried the soup might not taste good.

“Prince Xin, besides spending his days at the pleasure quarters, hasn’t committed any major faults.”

Xiao Xizi smiled.

Lin Yi asked, “Did you accept silver from Consort Kang?”

“You are wise, Prince!”

Xiao Xizi smiled in reply.

“Split it in half when we meet,” Lin Yi stretched lazily. “Come on, let’s go drink the ginseng soup.”