The old monk left. Chen Changsheng saw in him the rising presence of the Buddhist Sect.
In truth, Da Xiang needed the Buddhist Sect now.
The world was united, seeming peaceful, but it wasn’t truly so. After several major wars, countless people lost their fortunes. Many became outlaws, while others, seeing the Daoist Sect flourishing, formed new cults. The people’s minds remained barren.
Comparatively, Confucianism could serve the same purpose as Buddhism, and it was indeed the best choice.
But the one sitting on the Dragon Throne now didn’t trust the Confucian scholars.
Back when Prime Minister Wen was involved, the emperor had disposed of Wen after using him. That always made His Majesty wary of Confucian scholars. Now that some of their influence was finally cut off, he wouldn’t let them rise again.
So Buddhism became the best option.
This meant Buddhism’s rise suited the times.
Chen Changsheng understood this. The old monk understood. Most importantly, His Majesty on that high platform understood. All that was lacking was a reason.
Who could give His Majesty this reason? Only someone from the Buddhist Sect. Anyone else would lack credibility.
The key was whether the old monk could reach Shangjing and meet His Majesty.
Chen Changsheng looked at the old monk and said, “Venerable One, the road ahead may be difficult.”
By now, the Daoist Sect had probably caught on.
The old monk exhaled softly. “This road is long, yet it has an end.”
Chen Changsheng smiled warmly. “As the saying goes, ‘I must enter hell myself.’ May your journey to see the Son of Heaven be smooth.”
The old monk hesitated, then said, “Benefactor, you possess wisdom.”
Chen Changsheng chuckled. “You flatter me, Venerable One. Someone like me can’t become a monk.”
The old monk nodded slightly and asked no more.
Just as he was leaving, Chen Changsheng spoke up. “Venerable, could you do me a favor?”
“Benefactor, please say.”
Chen Changsheng said, “I have three Copper Coins here. If you reach Shangjing, could you deliver them to His Majesty?”
The old monk didn’t ask what purpose these coins held. He only said, “I might not be granted an audience.”
“Leave it to fate.”
After hearing this, the old monk nodded and accepted the three coins.
Chen Changsheng said, “Apologies for the trouble.”
“Benefactor speaks too kindly.”
The old monk left. He drank half a bowl of water, tucked away the coins, and departed.
As he walked, Gui Xin (or old monk), couldn’t help pondering the meaning of those ordinary coins. Yet, he could not guess their purpose.
But he truly remembered the kindness of that half bowl of water.
Perhaps it was the sweetest water he’d tasted all journey.
“Amitabha Buddha…”
The old monk grew more distant.
Chen Changsheng slowly withdrew his gaze. By the time trouble reached Shangjing, those three coins might help him see everything clearly. Then, he wouldn’t need to make the trip himself.
Seeing night approaching, Chen Changsheng left the Long Pavilion. He entered Chang Guan Pass, passed patches of Green Mountain, and reached Qingshan City before its gates closed.
The walk back to his courtyard was brief. Many people strolled leisurely, chatting unhurriedly in quiet enjoyment.
“Ah! Chen…” Li Lao’er paused and called out, “Young Master Chen.”
He nearly slipped into an old habit. It was because this man looked just like Mister Chen.
Chen Changsheng approached and greeted, “Li Erge.”
Li Erge smiled. “Did Young Master Chen go outside the city?”
“To meet someone,” Chen Changsheng replied.
They chatted in front of Li Erge’s wine distillery shop. Last time, their talk was rushed. Now, with time, conversation came easily. Through Mr. Chen’s connection, they spoke of much and more. Neighborhood ties were like this: bonds overlapping and deepening. Long-lasting and connected.
Leaving, Li Erge offered him wine again. Chen Changsheng declined politely. “The last bottles you gave me weren’t finished.”
Li Erge smiled, “Good. Too much wine troubles the mind.”
He watched Young Master Chen walk away.
Li Erge gazed at that retreating shape and muttered, “How can two men look so alike…” He smacked his lips, feeling like his memory was playing tricks.
Lihua sat at the lane entrance. She looked into the distance, occasionally licking her paw, as if waiting.
Only when a figure appeared at the lane’s bend did she stretch and walk toward it.
Chen Changsheng saw the tabby approach and crouched. “Lihua, were you waiting for me?”
Lihua glanced around. Seeing others, she stayed silent.
Chen Changsheng reached to pick her up, but she slipped away.
“Miao.”
She walked herself. Being carried made her plump.
Chen Changsheng chuckled helplessly. “Alright, walk.”
He stepped forward. Lihua followed close beside him, never leaving his shadow.
Only upon reaching the quiet lane did she speak.
“Good Human Chen.”
“Hmm?”
“Lihua is hungry.”
Chen Changsheng halted, amused. “So, you waited at the entrance because you were hungry?”
Lihua blinked. “Why else?”
Chen Changsheng was defeated by her simplicity.
He asked, “Didn’t Ruyi feed you?”
“Ruyi said she had work. She isn’t back yet.”
“Ah, perhaps an Embroidery Workshop task.” Ruyi, after all, was its steward. She couldn’t idle daily in the courtyards.
“So, did Good Human Chen bring food?”
“None. I haven’t eaten either.”
“Hmm… Are you hungry?”
“Not overly so.”
Lihua blinked slowly. “Then next time, Lihua brings you food.”
Chen Changsheng was charmed by her sincerity.
“Sure.”
“What food does Good Human Chen like?”
“Whatever Lihua brings.”
“Fish.”
“That’s edible.”
Talking, man and cat entered the laneway and reached the little courtyard.
Soon, thin smoke rose from the kitchen.
A certain tabby settled primly on the stove’s sideboard, waiting.
Though not fish, she never complained. Good Human Chen ate this. So did she. She had her own bowl. Very good.
Twilight faded. Man and cat sat in the courtyard eating dinner beneath cooling breezes.
Plain fare gained flavor from the peacefulness of nearing night.
Chen Changsheng paused. He took out the Jian Tea Bowl gifted by Tao.
Seeing its brilliance, Lihua’s eyes shone.
“What treasure?”
“No treasure.”
“Lihua disbelieves.”
Lihua inspected the bowl.
She paused in sudden enlightenment.
“Good Human Chen, this bowl is expensive, yes? Aren’t you treating me too well?”
“?”
