The personal eunuch looked like a cunning advisor. "Your Highness, you already made plans with that group of young masters to continue at the gambling den tonight. If you break your promise, won't all the money you lost today be gone for good?"
"Do you think entertaining guests is more important, or is gambling?"
Chu Hao’s question left the eunuch in a dilemma. After thinking it over, he still felt that hosting the guests from Donglan Kingdom was more important—after all, their status was not to be trifled with.
Unexpectedly, after a long silence, Chu Hao suddenly slapped his thigh and laughed heartily. "Of course, keeping the appointment to gamble is more important! Is that even a question? Don't tell me you thought otherwise... Hahaha!"
"Then what about entertaining the guests?"
"Let whoever wants to entertain them do it. Don't worry, the worst my mother will do afterward is scold me a few times. It’ll be fine."
Chu Hao waved a stack of banknotes, his face full of excitement. "As the saying goes, 'lose first, win later'—that is true skill. I have a feeling that my luck is in tonight, and I will surely wipe the floor with them!"
***
By evening, after Lei Kai finished his shift, he left the palace with Chu Ying as agreed.
For this banquet, Chu Ying had rarely changed into a brocade robe. With a golden phoenix-patterned sword hanging at his waist and a golden crown atop his head, his sword-like brows and star-bright eyes made him look truly dashing and elegant.
In Qiaoyu’s words, he was the spitting image of a handsome young gentleman. Consort Rong had smiled from ear to ear, repeatedly praising Chu Ying for having his mother's grace in her youth; she remarked that if he went out like this, any young lady would surely steal a second glance.
It had been ten years. This was the first time Chu Ying had left the palace.
The moment he stepped past the palace gates, he felt a sudden sense of liberation—as if he had broken free from a cage into a vast, open world. He felt that the future held great promise.
"Taibai Tower—I really must have a good look at it today." He spread his arms, breathing in the long-lost air of freedom, his expression vibrant.
"Haha, it seems Your Highness has been waiting impatiently. Don't worry, you won't be disappointed." Lei Kai laughed, and with a wave of his hand, servants immediately brought over two fine horses.
He grabbed the reins, vaulted onto one horse, and tossed the reins of the other to Chu Ying. "It’s been over a decade; do you still remember how to ride?"
"What could be difficult about that?"
Before Chu Ying had been selected for the special forces in his past life, he had been a patrol soldier on the snowy plateaus; riding horses over mountains and ridges had been part of his daily routine. He stepped his left foot into the stirrup and, using a bit of momentum, landed steadily on the horse’s back with a clean, fluid motion.
"Impressive skill." Lei Kai cheered, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He remembered that ten years ago, Chu Ying had lacked such ability. How, after all these years, had his technique not grown rusty, but rather even more refined? He couldn’t fathom it, so he attributed it to Chu Ying simply being extraordinary. He burst into laughter and took the lead to guide the way.
Chu Ying spurred his horse to follow, and the two galloped toward Taibai Tower.
Taibai Tower was located on the most prosperous street in the Capital. A five-story building, its golden, opulent facade stood tall in the evening light, attracting guests from all directions.
Beneath the steps at the entrance stood two young scholars, accompanied by a burly man who looked like a bodyguard. Although the scholars were dressed simply, the exquisite quality of their fabrics and the rare mutton-fat jade at their waists revealed that they were no ordinary people. They were whispering to each other, looking toward the street from time to time.
"Crown Prince Brother, is that Fourth Prince actually coming? We clearly had an agreement, yet he’s kept us waiting for so long?" The sixteen or seventeen-year-old 'young scholar,' with delicate, refined features and a hint of makeup, pouted and stamped his foot impatiently.
"Shishi, I’ve told you many times, our identities are special. Just call me 'Elder Brother' when we are out." The other scholar, who had a scholarly and elegant temperament, gave a soft reminder, though he, too, frowned. "I don’t know if he’s coming either. We’ve been waiting for over an hour. Perhaps we should just go in and eat first..."
Before he could finish, two horses arrived, kicking up icy slush. They stopped abruptly in front of them, and a golden phoenix-handled short sword caught the elegant scholar's eye. His eyes lit up instantly, and he smiled, "Good, we’ve finally waited for him."
***
Seeing Chu Ying vault off his horse, the golden phoenix sword swaying at his waist, Song Juran confirmed again that he hadn't mistaken his identity—this was the mark of the Chu State’s imperial family. He reached out to pull his younger sister and whispered, "Shishi, this person is about our age; he must be the Fourth Prince. Come with me to welcome him."
"I won't. He’s the one who was late, so why should I be the one to go up and welcome him?" Song Shishi, cross-dressing as a man, pouted her delicate pink lips again, looking quite resistant.
"After all, we are in a foreign land and we are the ones seeking help. When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Song Juran offered a word of comfort before walking up to Chu Ying first, cupping his hands with a smile, "Brother Chu, you’ve finally arrived. I have been waiting for a long time."
Given the circumstances, he didn't address him as "Fourth Prince" but used his surname instead.
"Huh?" Chu Ying looked at the inexplicably appearing scholar. *Bro, who are you? Do I know you?*
"This is my younger sister." Before Chu Ying could ask, Song Juran pointed to her. Song Shishi walked up reluctantly and gave a dry laugh: "Heh, you're here."
*I am here, but what does that have to do with you?* Chu Ying was utterly confused and hesitated, "May I ask who you two are?"
"Brother Chu doesn't recognize us?" Song Juran was stunned, then smiled, "I almost forgot, this is our first meeting..." He looked left and right, then lowered his voice: "Could Brother Chu have forgotten? Was it not the palace that arranged for you to be our guide?"
"Me? A guide? Arranged by the palace?" Chu Ying was even more bewildered, but his intuition told him that since this person could mention the palace, he must know his identity. It seemed these two had significant backgrounds.
Just as he was wondering, the burly man who looked like a bodyguard stepped out of the shadows and cupped his hands toward Lei Kai: "Commander Lei, I didn't expect to meet you here. How have you been?"
"Brother Wang Pu?!" Lei Kai was startled. Seeing Chu Ying’s questioning look, he whispered an explanation: "This man is the head of the Donglan Kingdom’s imperial guards. He has escorted Donglan nobles to the Great Chu several times, which is how I know him."
"So, this pair of siblings beside him..." Chu Ying seemed to understand something.
"They must be the Donglan Crown Prince and Princess who are rumored to have come to the Great Chu for an exchange," Lei Kai nodded.
"If the Crown Prince just said the palace arranged for me to be their guide, could it be the Emperor's intention?"
"I have not heard His Majesty mention this, but since they recognized Your Highness at a glance, it is likely true," Lei Kai analyzed.
"I thought it was just the two of us tonight. Pity, royal orders are hard to disobey, so I suppose I shall try," Chu Ying sighed with a wry smile. Getting him to be a guide—had the Emperor forgotten that he hadn't left the palace in ten years? What exactly was he thinking?
He did not know that Song Juran had mistaken him for the Fourth Prince because of the sword at his waist, and because he had been misled by Lei Kai, he didn't bother to investigate the reason. As a result, the two sides bumped into each other, leading to their first interaction.
"I recall now; it is indeed the palace's intention. I am late; I hope Brother Song and Miss Song will forgive me." The other party’s status was far higher than his own as a nominal First Prince, and Chu Ying did not want to offend them, so he chose to apologize first.
"Brother Chu, there is no need for this. It is our fault for arriving a bit too early."
No sooner had Song Juran finished speaking than Song Shishi grabbed him, saying indignantly, "Brother, what are you saying? It was clearly his fault." Even in her scholar's attire, she couldn't hide her feminine charm. She looked up at Chu Ying angrily: "I’m hungry. I want to eat. You're paying."
Without waiting for Chu Ying’s agreement, she turned and walked into Taibai Tower.
"This..." Chu Ying frowned, instinctively feeling a distaste for this arrogant young lady. Besides, he was here to attend a banquet; where would he get the money to pay?
"Don't worry, Your Highness, don't forget I am here." Lei Kai knew his situation well and gave him a reassuring look, signaling that he would take care of the bill.
Chu Ying showed a look of gratitude and gestured for Song Juran to enter: "It was my fault this time; I should indeed pay for the meal as an apology. Brother Song, please."
"Not at all, it is my sister who is being willful. Brother Chu, please."
The five of them entered the tower. Because the Lantern Festival was approaching, the private rooms were all booked, so they could only choose a window seat on the third floor. Everyone else was fine, but Song Shishi took the opportunity to complain a few more times.
The atmosphere was stifling and awkward. Chu Ying had come in high spirits, but now he had little interest left. He only hoped to finish the meal quickly, take them for a short walk, and then find somewhere to have a few drinks alone with Lei Kai.
Seeing that Chu Ying seemed unhappy, Song Juran sighed inwardly; he had no way to deal with his willful sister. Just as he was worrying about how to break the awkwardness, a Buddhist verse drifted over:
"Where in the world can one find a convenient door? Suffering, accumulation, extinction, and the path prove the perfect truth. If one can understand the meaning within, looking back at the sea of suffering, one is already on the other shore."
They saw a young monk dressed in a brown robe and kasaya, looking solemn and dignified, holding an alms bowl, chanting as he walked. He drew the curiosity of all the diners around. Before long, the monk arrived at Chu Ying’s table.
"Amitabha, I am Miaokong. Greetings to you, donors."
As soon as the monk finished speaking, gasps of astonishment broke out around them.
"What? This person is the legendary Master Miaokong?"
"It cannot be wrong; after all, not just anyone would dare impersonate the name of Master Miaokong."
"Exactly. I heard Master Miaokong lives outside the city and can use supreme magic to summon water from nowhere and cause lotuses to bloom in the void. People have seen it with their own eyes and say he is the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva..."
*Water from nowhere? Lotuses in the void?* Chu Ying looked at Miaokong calmly and went back to his meal. Lei Kai didn't speak either, but Song Juran, hearing the surrounding chatter, immediately looked on with reverence. This was a truly enlightened high monk; how could one be neglectful? He stood up immediately and returned the bow respectfully: "I am Song Juran. Greetings, Master Miaokong."
Song Shishi, sitting to the side, watched the monk excitedly and asked curiously: "Master, they say you can summon water from nowhere and make lotuses bloom in the void. Is that true? Can you let us see it too?"
"Heh, the female donor jokes. The Buddha only saves those with affinity. Those who are not sincere and do not have an affinity with the Buddha cannot see the true dharma." Master Miaokong pressed his palms together, looking inscrutable.
Chu Ying’s mouth curled into a sneer, but he still said nothing.
Song Shishi was unconvinced and leaned toward Song Juran: "Then check and see if my brother and I have an affinity."
At her request, Master Miaokong observed them carefully for a moment, then pressed his palms together: "Amitabha. I have examined your faces, and both donors are people with an affinity for the Buddha." He paused, turned to look at Song Juran, and smiled: "Especially this Donor Song. You have a deep affinity for the Buddha, are favored by the heavens, are surely of extraordinary birth, and will shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the world in the future."
Hearing him pinpoint his background, Song Juran was both surprised and impressed. He quickly bowed: "I dare not claim such things. The burden is too heavy, and I have been lost until now, fearing I will disappoint millions. I beg for the Master’s guidance."
"Amitabha." Miaokong chanted, his expression becoming even more divine: "To tell the truth, I came here today for Donor Song."
Chu Ying chuckled to himself. *This monk is quite good at fishing...*
***
"The Buddha came to me in a dream two days ago, saying that you have been troubled for a long time. To help you find your direction, he gifted me a scroll of 'Heavenly Books,' which records various ways of governing. I am specifically here to pass it on to you." Miaokong watched Song Juran’s reaction as he pulled out an exquisite booklet and held it in his palm.
"Ways of governing?! Thank you, Buddha, for your compassion. Thank you, Master." Song Juran was overjoyed, becoming even more convinced that the monk possessed great magical powers. Just as he reached out to take it, Miaokong drew his hand back and said solemnly: "Donor Song, do not blame me. Since ancient times, the Dharma cannot be taught for free. May I ask, since you have received the Buddha’s gift, should you not give back to the Buddhist order?"
"Of course." Song Juran’s mind was filled with thoughts of being the chosen one; he had no capacity left for critical thought.
Miaokong smiled slightly: "Actually, the Buddha also asked me to pass a message, saying that the Nantuo Temple outside the city has seen its incense wither because the mountain gate is dilapidated and the golden statues have chipped away. I humbly ask the donor to lend a hand."
"Of course, of course. I believe in the Buddha sincerely and will naturally repair the temple and restore the golden statues. It’s just..." Song Juran frowned: "I am only a guest here; I fear I lack the time."
"That is easy to solve. If Donor Song trusts me, everything can be handled by me," Miaokong said with a sincere face.
Song Juran paused, then clapped his hands and laughed: "That is a good idea." He thought for a moment and took a stack of banknotes from his person: "Here are five thousand taels. I was in a rush to leave, so this is all I have with me. Please, Master, use it to repair Nantuo Temple."
"Five thousand taels?" Miaokong feigned hesitation and didn't reach out.
Seeing that he thought it was too little, Song Juran quickly said: "Master, please do not blame me. If it is not enough, I will certainly have someone send another five thousand taels after I return."
*Hiss...*
A collective gasp of cold air erupted around them. The people who could afford to eat here were certainly not poor, but even for these wealthy individuals, ten thousand taels was a staggering sum.
Miaokong felt a thrill of joy and beamed, finally handing over the booklet: "Amitabha, with Donor Song’s devotion to the Buddha, I am sure the Buddha will see it."
He reached out to take the money, but his hand was blocked by another.
"Donor, this is..." Miaokong turned to look at Chu Ying, a flash of annoyance in his eyes.
Chu Ying did not look at him but stared at Song Juran, his words carrying a hint of suggestion: "Brother Song, since your money is so easy to earn, why give it to a stranger? As it happens, I know a thing or two about the ways of governing and could answer your questions. Why not let me earn this money instead?"
The Emperor had named him to accompany the Song siblings; as the host, he naturally couldn't watch Song Juran get swindled. Otherwise, if word got out, no one would look good, and the Emperor would only grow more displeased with him.
"Brother Chu, this is the Buddha’s will; we cannot joke about such things." Song Juran was so deeply deluded that he began to try to persuade Chu Ying instead.
"What Buddha’s will?" Chu Ying smiled and shook his head. Catching Miaokong off guard, he snatched the booklet away and opened it for all to see. The pages were blank: "Do you see? There isn't a single word in here. This monk is nothing but a swindler."
*Boom...*
The room was in an uproar. Diners in the restaurant began to discuss it: "No way. The Heavenly Book given by the Buddha has no words? Could it be that Master Miaokong is a fraud?"
Song Juran was finally stirred. He took back his banknotes and stared at Miaokong with a frown: "Master, what is the meaning of this?"
Song Shishi felt indignant for her brother and slammed the table: "That's right! Monk, why are you trying to trick us?"
"Heh, why would the female donor say that?" Miaokong tried to keep his composure and smiled: "The rain of heaven is wide, yet it does not nourish rootless grass. This is the Heavenly Book; naturally, only those with an affinity for the Buddha can see the words. Donor Song simply needs to return, fast, bathe, and pray with incense. In three days, you will surely have your wish granted."
Song Juran was half-skeptical, but then Chu Ying sneered: "In three days, I’m afraid you’ll have long since run off with the money!"
"Donor, watch your words! You have no affinity with the Buddha, so it is normal that you cannot see the words. I do not blame you, but you continue to offend the Buddha—take care that disaster does not come from your mouth." Miaokong pressed his palms together, his words carrying a warning.
"Keep your threats to yourself. I don't buy it." Chu Ying stood up and pointed at Song Juran: "You say I have no affinity with the Buddha, but that Brother Song does. Whether one has an affinity or not is entirely based on your word—how are we supposed to believe you?"
This comment drew a wave of agreement. "This gentleman is right. You claim to be Master Miaokong; you must provide some proof."
"It is rumored the Master is a highly enlightened monk; why not show us a thing or two to promote the true dharma, so that we may all share in the Buddha’s grace..."
Seeing that more and more people were questioning him, Master Miaokong knew that if he didn't pull a stunt, the day might not end well. He was being pushed by Chu Ying anyway, so he decided to act. He put on a solemn expression, looked around the room, and chanted: "Amitabha. Since you all wish to see the true dharma, I shall make an exception and enlighten your wisdom."
He held the alms bowl and offered it to the Song siblings, asking: "May I ask Donor Song, is there water in this bowl?"
Before Song Juran could speak, Song Shishi volunteered, peering into it: "The bowl is empty! Where would there be water?"
"Good eyes, donor." To prove it was empty, Miaokong held the bowl upside down and looked around with a smile: "All donors have seen it; there is not a drop of water in this bowl. Next, I will find someone with a deep affinity for the Buddha, borrow the 'Dew of the Willow Branch,' and sprinkle it upon you all to wash away your karmic obstacles."
He looked at Chu Ying, then smiled at Song Juran: "Donor Song, don't you doubt me? Please pour a few drops of tea into the bowl."
"Me?" Song Juran was stunned.
"That's right. For a person with such a deep affinity for the Buddha, even if you offer a few drops of tea, the Buddha will grant you a spring," Miaokong laughed.
Song Juran was still half-skeptical, but he didn't refuse. He picked up a cup of tea he hadn't yet touched and dripped a few drops into the bowl.
"Donor Song, watch closely." Miaokong smiled, hooked his thumb around the rim of the bowl, and shook it several times.
The next moment, Song Juran’s expression shifted. Song Shishi cried out in surprise: "Ah! How is there so much water? I only dripped a few drops in, but it’s already half full!"
"This is the Dew of the Willow Branch; it is no ordinary thing." Master Miaokong laughed, plucked clusters of water droplets with his fingers, and sprinkled them in all directions. The surrounding diners rushed forward immediately.
"It really is Master Miaokong! This is water from nowhere, a gift from the Buddha! There is great benefit to having it sprinkled on oneself."
"Move aside, let me get more! Master Miaokong, do you see if I have an affinity for the Buddha?"
"Everything has been going wrong lately; I beg the Master to point the way..."
As the news spread, diners from other floors rushed into the third floor, kowtowing to Master Miaokong in every way possible.