Early the next morning, the imperial procession moved to Wudang Mountain. Wang Ziteng led the imperial guards in setting up defenses at the foot of the mountain, ensuring that no enemy troops could suddenly appear nearby. The Imperial Guards of the Dianqian Division were deployed along the winding mountain paths, while the mysterious Imperial Guard with Weapons remained inseparable from Zhao Gou's side, ensuring the emperor's safety beyond all doubt.
Since this was a sacrifice to Heaven, Zhao Gou naturally could not ride in a sedan chair. To demonstrate his sincerity, he walked up the mountain the entire way.
The road up Wudang Mountain was nowhere near as perilous as the plank paths of Mount Hua. Moreover, Zhang Sanfeng's reputation had stood for years. Emperors of every nation had spent vast sums helping him build up Wudang, and even the road up the mountain was paved entirely with bluestone steps, making the climb far from difficult.
Even so, Zhao Gou was panting heavily. He stopped to rest countless times along the way, while the accompanying officials did not dare utter a single word. Many of them, for the sake of preserving his dignity, pretended that they too could no longer climb.
"His Majesty's health is getting worse and worse. Wasn't he quite vigorous a few years ago?"
"Perhaps the illness took root when he fled the Jin Dynasty's mountain-and-sea search back then. Isn't that why he has never had any children?"
"Who knows how much longer His Majesty can hold on?"
"Fortunately, two sons were adopted from the imperial clan years ago. Now that the Crown Prince has been chosen, even if something happens, the foundations of the state can still be preserved."
"What a pity about Prince Yi. He is gifted, capable, and most importantly, courteous and respectful toward