Chapter 16: The Two Dragons Revealed

Still within the main hall of the Longevity Palace.

Summoned by imperial decree, Tao Zhongwen arrived with a heart full of questions, gazing toward the palace doors he had passed through countless times before.

With cautious steps guided by Huang Jin, he entered the hall.

Before seeing the emperor’s figure, the sound of a struck chime resonated, followed by the emperor’s voice.

“Grass grows green before and behind the mountain, yet the gate remains closed all day long.”

“Forever pondering kin afar in the heavens, I come to visit this old hermit, pitying his descendants.”

Having recited the late Tang poet Cao Ye’s “Leisure Thoughts by the Northern Wall,”

Emperor Jiajing emerged, his eyebrows frosted with age, appearing before Tao Zhongwen.

Hastily, Tao Zhongwen bowed deeply and saluted, “Your Majesty.”

Jiajing smiled warmly, “Master Tao, no need for such formality. Huang Jin, grant him a seat.”

After expressing his thanks, Tao Zhongwen took a seat on the soft stool, his gaze studying the emperor cradling a curly-haired cat.

Jiajing lowered his head, gently stroking the cat Frosted Brow. “Master Tao, I have practiced the Way for many years, often thinking of the sages of old who dwelled long in the green mountains beyond the world, accompanied only by insects, birds, and beasts—peaceful and untroubled. Though I lack such mountains, I have Frosted Brow as companion—quiet and carefree. Do you agree, Master Tao?”

Tao Zhongwen pondered deeply, uncertain of the emperor’s intent in summoning him today.

There was poetry, and talk of the cat Frosted Brow—clearly a matter of great significance.

He nodded and replied, “Your Majesty’s pure cultivation, though within the palace, attains the tranquility rarely found by those beyond the mundane world, reaching the realm of non-action long ago.”

Jiajing’s brow twitched as he glanced at Frosted Brow nestled in his arms. “This cat is truly without care. Each day, as long as I feed it, it desires nothing more, always by the throne, content and at ease.”

At this moment, Tao Zhongwen’s brows furrowed tightly.

The emperor’s words were too veiled and obscure today.

He was not like the civil and military officials of the previous dynasty who would never speak so cryptically to him.

Huang Jin, sensing the emperor’s thoughts, saw that Master Tao had yet to fully grasp the meaning and smiled, offering a way forward.

“Master Tao, His Majesty now pursues profound cultivation, accompanied by Frosted Brow. The three princes of Qingning Palace have all been sent away to study. In a few years, when the Crown Prince and the two princes marry and bear imperial grandchildren, Your Majesty may no longer have such tranquility.”

Jiajing looked at Huang Jin with satisfaction and added, “Ordinary people of our Ming realm all long to enjoy their grandchildren in happiness, to live out their days peacefully. Though I cultivate the Way, I bear the weight of the realm inherited from my ancestors; how could I simply be an ordinary elder?”

Having spoken thus,

Both master and servant fixed their gaze on Tao Zhongwen.

Still contemplating, Tao Zhongwen cautiously inquired, “In the past, Emperor Chengzu had a virtuous grandson, who later became our Ming’s Emperor Xuanzong. Now, Your Majesty, having cultivated the Way for many years and with your sons grown, given time, there must surely be virtuous grandsons. Like Frosted Brow, always by the throne, bringing joy to the imperial family and leaving a legacy for posterity.”

Jiajing sighed softly, shaking his head. “Master Tao, I too wish for virtuous grandsons for our Ming, a hundred years of peace and prosperity for generations. But…”

His expression wavered.

Then, waving his hand, he said, “Forget it, forget it. Just a few days ago, I inadvertently implicated the Crown Prince. From now on, I must not emulate Emperor Chengzu and bring harm to imperial grandchildren.”

After these words,

Jiajing’s face was filled with regret.

Tao Zhongwen’s eyes brightened.

Why the emperor spoke so today, he could not immediately understand.

But now this demeanor was exactly the opportunity he had awaited for days.

Suppressing his excitement, he spoke, “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince was wronged recently, and I have pondered day and night. Now I see some differences.”

Jiajing immediately looked at Tao Zhongwen. “What differences has Master Tao discerned?”

Though mindful of the future of the imperial family and the Tao clan’s legacy,

Tao Zhongwen hesitated a moment before replying, “I believe that although the Crown Prince faced grave peril, emerging from darkness into light, this calamity was also a heavenly opportunity. Otherwise, why would Shao Shaoshi, though having ascended to immortality, still intervene to save the Crown Prince?”

Jiajing recalled Tao Zhongwen’s mention of a celestial being’s aid.

He had suspected it might be Shao Yuanchie, an old acquaintance.

Now hearing Tao Zhongwen’s words confirmed his thoughts.

He pressed further, “Master Tao truly believes that on that day… it was Shao Shaoshi who intervened?”

Tao Zhongwen nodded firmly. “I am certain. That is why I say this event may be a heavenly opportunity for both the Crown Prince and Your Majesty.”

Jiajing asked, “What opportunity?”

Seeing the emperor’s interest and curiosity,

Tao Zhongwen took a deep, silent breath. “I believe the impasse of ‘Two Dragons Not Meeting’ may, in time, be broken by this chance.”

At these words,

Jiajing’s heart skipped a beat.

He had been considering that if Master Tao could act, or at least have his disciples protect the Crown Prince, he himself might have more opportunities to be with the heir and personally teach him the art of governance.

But he never imagined

That the “Two Dragons Not Meeting” dilemma could actually be broken.

Growing eager, he asked, “Master Tao, how should I proceed?”

Tao Zhongwen reviewed his recent thoughts and spoke slowly, “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince’s ordeal was indeed aided by a celestial being, who saved him. His body is thus imbued with some trace of immortal energy. Upon observing the Crown Prince these days, I have discerned this affinity with the Way.”

He carefully watched the emperor’s reaction and continued,

“Previously, the ‘Two Dragons Not Meeting’ referred to the fact that Your Majesty is the true dragon, while your sons are hidden dragons. Hidden dragons cannot meet true dragons without conflict. But now, the Crown Prince has been crowned as heir apparent—no longer merely a hidden dragon nor a true dragon, but undergoing a profound transformation. With the celestial aid, he carries a protective aura. Though he cannot remain constantly beside the true dragon, with the protection of the Way, he can daily stay nearby without harm.”

For this explanation,

And to ensure his own grandson could serve at the Crown Prince’s side,

Tao Zhongwen had spent several days contemplating how best to present it.

Now that he finally spoke it aloud,

He privately breathed a sigh of relief.

His old theory of “Two Dragons Not Meeting” could not be truly broken,

Yet he could provide the young, extraordinary Crown Prince with layered explanations that slightly softened the doctrine.

Thus,

His original theory would not bring disaster, and his grandson could once again join the imperial household.

A dilemma resolved!

While Jiajing hesitated,

Huang Jin suddenly gasped, eyes wide with astonishment. “Master Tao, if so, might Your Majesty and the Crown Prince truly be the two dragons meeting?”

Hearing this,

Tao Zhongwen’s expression flashed.

Only now did he realize that the emperor’s summons today was also to break the “Two Dragons Not Meeting” impasse.

He had truly stumbled upon this by accident!

With a smile, he said, “The emperor is the true dragon incarnate, and the Crown Prince, graced with immortal affinity, naturally can be the two dragons meeting.”

Hearing Tao Zhongwen’s words,

Jiajing hesitated. “If the two dragons truly meet... then caution is all the more necessary.”

Tao Zhongwen smiled and looked steadily at the emperor.

Jiajing then said, “This matter will surely trouble Master Tao further. If your grandson or your direct disciples could be placed beside the Crown Prince, it might be more fitting.”

Still smiling broadly, Tao Zhongwen rose and bowed deeply. “I have long received the emperor’s grace, immense and boundless. If my grandson Zhongfu may ease the burdens of Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, it would be my greatest honor.”

The old Taoist’s heart suddenly burned with warmth.

His eldest grandson had died young; his grandson Liangfu had been made Doctor of Rites ten years ago.

Now, if his youngest grandson could enter the palace to accompany the Crown Prince, he could die without regret.

Jiajing swept his hand grandly, his robes billowing.

“Huang Jin.”

“Yes, your servant.”

“Draft an imperial edict: grant Tao Zhongwen’s grandson Zhongfu the rank of Captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Let him enter the palace with the Way to protect the Crown Prince.”