Chapter 1046: Preparations for the Westward Journey
Li Shimin stared at Xuanzang, somewhat puzzled.
He had just offered the highest terms he could possibly offer.
Imperial Preceptor, leader of the Three Teachings, king of a different surname.
Anyone else would have smashed their forehead against the bluestone slabs in gratitude by now.
Yet this man before him only asked for a travel pass.
"Why?"
Li Shimin frowned and asked.
"This humble monk wishes to go to the Western Heaven and ask the Buddha what Buddhism is, and what the true scriptures are."
Xuanzang's voice was quiet, but every word struck the ground like a hammer.
Li Shimin opened his mouth, then swallowed the words of persuasion he had prepared.
"Fine."
"I'll keep the position of Imperial Preceptor for you. Once you return from the Western Heaven with the true scriptures, I'll personally ride ten miles beyond the city to welcome you."
After a long while, Li Shimin took a deep breath and nodded in satisfaction.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Hearing this, Xuanzang no longer declined.
Seeing this, Zhang Qi stepped forward and continued, "The westward journey spans a hundred and eight thousand li. I prepared a few things for you that should come in handy."
"Minister Zhang, what novel contraption have you come up with this time?"
Li Shimin leaned closer, asking curiously.
Zhang Qi looked at Li Shimin's money-grubbing expression and smiled.
"Come on. Let's go to the Ministry of Works. I happen to need to give Your Majesty a full account as well."
The carriage stopped at the entrance to the Ministry of Works compound.
Before they even entered, the pungent smells of sulfur, engine oil, and scorched burning wood rushed at them.
The compound no longer held the unhurried carpenters of old, planing wood at leisure. Instead,