Looking at the young monk before him, the prefect of Chang'an felt a trace of admiration.
This monk was so young, yet his thoughts ran so deep. He was quite skilled at persuading others as well.
"Little monk, what is your name? Which temple are you from?" the prefect asked with a smile.
"Answering Your Excellency, this humble monk is from Gold Mountain Temple outside Chang'an."
"Gold Mountain Temple!" The prefect could not help but be startled. "Is the abbot of your Gold Mountain Temple Elder Faming?"
"Indeed. Elder Faming is this humble monk's master," Xuanzang replied calmly.
"So you are Elder Faming's disciple. Please, sit. Please, sit," the prefect said with a smile.
Elder Faming of Gold Mountain Temple had a rather good relationship with His Majesty.
Last year, Li Shimin had launched a coup at Black Tortoise Gate. It was said that Li Shimin had sought Elder Faming's aid at Gold Mountain Temple, and Elder Faming had provided him with some assistance. Without Elder Faming's help, the coup might truly have been difficult to carry out successfully.
Very few people knew about this matter, but the prefect of Chang'an was aware of it, because he too had followed Li Shimin in launching the coup last year.
Otherwise, how could he have become the prefect of Chang'an?
The prefect began mobilizing personnel throughout Chang'an to set up defenses around the city. At the same time, he sought out cultivators and had them all gather under his command so they could face the threat together when the time came.
Naturally, his actions drew the attention of the imperial palace. The emperor had already sent someone to question him, and the prefect told the emperor what had happened.
He had thought the emperor would blame or reprimand him, but that did