After the civil and military officials had gone to great lengths to heap praise on him, the emperor finally seemed to have had enough. Wei Zheng read the emperor's mood and waved for the officials to quiet down.
Then Wei Zheng glanced at the sky and leaned close to the emperor's ear to say something. After listening, the emperor nodded and looked at Xuanzang and the others.
"It's getting late. I can't keep the master any longer. If you don't reach today's destination, I'm afraid you'll blame me."
"Amitabha. I wouldn't dare." Xuanzang pressed his palms together, looking calm and unhurried. Only Ye Chen knew that Xuanzang might already be burning with impatience inside.
"Haha, enough talk. Master, please set off now, lest you miss your opportunity." With that, the emperor personally went to Xuanzang's side and helped him onto the horse.
Xuanzang was overwhelmed by the honor. How could he let the emperor help him? So the moment the emperor laid a hand on him, Xuanzang immediately mounted the horse. His movements hardly seemed as frail as the books described.
"Amitabha. Then I'll be on my way. Your Majesty, take care of your health. When I return with the scriptures, I'll surely recite prayers day and night for Your Majesty and the Great Tang."
After speaking, Xuanzang straightened his kasaya and took the Alms Bowl Staff from Ye Chen. Once Ye Chen handed it over, he took hold of the White Horse's reins.
Watching Xuanzang sitting astride the horse, the emperor's eyes suddenly reddened. It was hard to tell whether he was reluctant to part or simply worried for him.
"Master, the road ahead is long and arduous. We don't know when we'll meet again. I ask for nothing else—only that you take care of yourself and overcome every