The young ruler of Southern Chen was deposed, but it caused few ripples there.
For one thing, Prince of Ancheng Chen Xu had long held the reins of power. His followers filled the court and the provinces, and he controlled the army. His position was already secure.
For another, the prince acted decisively. The whole affair was a straight thrust, without a moment's hesitation. Before anyone could react, it was settled.
So even if others had ideas of their own, what could they do? Chen Bozong was already in Chen Xu's custody.
Pei Shiju sighed at the thought, then wrote down his reasoning as a warning to himself.
His judgment had indeed been wrong this time, but he had learned much from the failed prediction.
Yet amid his reflections, he could not help recalling the immortal from his dream.
"Was that man really Chen Fangqing?"
Pei Shiju had not sat idle these past few months. Following his friend's suggestion, he had made inquiries and found relevant information. But the more he learned, the more puzzled he became.
"Chen Fangqing may be young, but he should still be older than that Young Daoist. Their ages don't match. They can't be the same person."
He shook his head and laughed at himself.
"Enough. I could think about ghosts and gods all I want, but it would only be idle fancy. There's no need to dwell on it."
Once he had quieted his thoughts, Pei Shiju returned to his peaceful routine. He studied each day and occasionally traveled, though he never went far beyond Hedong.
Still, a change of emperor in the mortal world was bound to affect Fortune to some degree.
Southern Chen's throne had changed hands, and the young ruler Chen Bozong had been deposed. Chen Xu had not immediately proclaimed