Chapter 458: Dominating Thousands of Miles

The seventeenth year of Taichang.

Spring.

The Emperor was driven mad, dancing frenziedly for three days and nights before dying.

A new sovereign ascended the throne, inaugurating the reign named Pingkang.

Emperor Pingkang was just three years old, with his birth mother, the Empress Dowager, regenting, and Zhou Ping'an raised to the position of Grand Secretary.

The following year.

Zhou Ping'an was further promoted to Grand Preceptor.

...

Prajna Temple.

An ancient temple in the Western Regions, with a heritage spanning a thousand years.

It was the day of Buddha's birth.

Thousands of devotees braved mountains and rivers to pay homage, including princes and nobles from neighboring small countries.

The temple was decked with streamers, banners, and prayer flags, and most importantly, the Merit Box; big-bellied monks wove through the crowds, peddling magic artifacts blessed by high monks.