Zhao Lie tied Zhao Jian up like a rice dumpling with rattan vines, dragged him out of the woods, and threw him in front of the temple.
Then he walked into the main hall. Only now did Zhao Lie have time to examine the statue of the deity. He saw the majestic figure sitting upon the altar; although weathered by time, its imposing presence remained distinct. Flanking the sides were a pair of couplets, whose calligraphy was still faintly legible:
"Be a good person, with a clear conscience and peaceful dreams."
"Do good deeds, acknowledged by heaven, earth, and divine spirits."
Chapter 20