Chapter 94

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Protagonists:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

Liu Qi did not respond; Tang Jia, kneeling upright across the desk, continued on his own: "That day, the Sixth Prince shot and killed Huang Jie. Although this act was overly impulsive, this official has never thought to blame Your Highness……"

Tang Jia's tone held less rigidity and severity than before, and more understanding and difficulty: "It was they who bullied others too far in the first place; this is not the Sixth Prince's fault."

"It is said that Zhu Zhiduan's severed arm was severely injured, and treatment in the South proved ineffective; he is now on the road back to the capital…… Regardless of whether this man can return alive to the capital, this official has already drafted a memorial detailing his arrogant evil deeds and sent it by fast horse to Chang'an City; now we only await the Holy Will."

"If His Majesty imposes no punishment on him, I absolutely will not let the matter rest; if repeated memorials prove useless…… even if Tang Jia must return to the capital to remonstrate unto death, he will surely win back this justice for the Sixth Prince!"

Having finished speaking, Tang Jia remained seated in place, raised his hand in a deep bow, as if to demonstrate his resolve.

In the dimness, Liu Qi, who had appeared to be resting with eyes closed, slowly opened them and looked at the official bowing his head before him.

This official, consistently upright and dull-witted, now declared he would return to the capital to remonstrate unto death for him; the method still carried an inflexible, pedantic air, yet it was already the sharpest means of protection the other could devise.

In truth, Liu Qi had never imagined this scene; this Master Tang had never been within his sphere of recruitment — first, because he knew this man was a loyal and upright minister; second, because the other's character was too lofty, pure, and benevolent.

At this moment, Liu Qi laughed with an inscrutable meaning and said: "But I am not worth the Adult doing this; the Adult should leave this place and seek another future."

"But Tang Jia is still the Changshi of the Wuling Commandery Prince." Master Tang raised his head, his gaze and resolve unwavering, fixed on the dark-robed youth: "In his position, he plans its governance; if one cannot even fulfill the duties of a Changshi, cannot share the lord's worries, it shows meager ability and no talent whatsoever — what face would one have to speak of any other future?"

As he spoke to this point, Tang Jia's tone grew low and slow, yet the genuine emotion within surpassed what came before: "This official knows the Prince's despondency is due to a knot in the heart that cannot be untied…… Tang Jia has always been dull; these years he has only known how to harshly demand and restrain the Prince, never once guiding or relieving him."

Until the Embroidered Uniform Guard came to the door this time, facing such an external crisis for the first time, he watched this child being bullied so, and a rare anger rose in his heart — only then did he truly see this child's pitiable, tragic plight, like a trapped beast.

And he had been unable to play any blocking role that day; so incapable, yet he harshly demanded the Sixth Prince rally and be magnanimous.

After such an "ordeal," Tang Jia, who had been reflecting these past days, spoke solemnly and sincerely: "The Sixth Prince may well regard Tang Jia as a trustworthy person; henceforth when matters arise, you might try discussing them with this official."

Under the dim light, the youth closed his eyes once more at some unknown time, like a statue of cold jade, indifferent and still.

Tang Jia was not disappointed.

Three feet of ice does not form in a single day's cold; after the events of that year, how could the Sixth Prince ever dare to lightly trust anyone again?

He had never hoped that after saying these words the Sixth Prince would immediately throw himself into his arms weeping and pour out his heart; this child didn't even throw a wine jar at him today — how is that not a kind of progress?

Today he only needed to declare his heart and stance; the rest can come slowly.

Tang Jia brought up a second matter on his own: "The day the Embroidered Uniform Guard came, that Master Zhuang present was invited by this official…… Master Zhuang once had some discord with the Former Emperor's consort, but his talent and prestige are extraordinary; though now exiled to the South, he committed no great fault — there will surely be a day he rises again."

"That day the Sixth Prince suffered undeserved humiliation and had no leisure to entertain this man, causing him to leave in a huff…… but such a man, even if one cannot befriend him, truly should not be made an enemy." Tang Jia proposed: "This official earnestly requests the Sixth Prince write a letter, explain a thing or two, lest grudges multiply needlessly."

The youth, eyes closed, gave an "Mm," his tone carrying a faint impatience: "Changshi, handle it as you see fit."

Tang Jia earnestly advised: "This man's temperament is stubborn and exacting; it would be best if the Sixth Prince wrote the letter personally."

Seeing the youth frown but not immediately refuse, Tang Jia struck while the iron was hot and settled the matter: "Your Highness writes it today; tomorrow I will send someone to deliver it."

Liu Qi did not speak, which amounted to tacit consent.

This letter he could naturally write at any time, but being passive about it was the only sure way.

Right now he and Master Zhuang had no consensus; both sides still needed to probe each other. Even if he secretly sent a letter, the other might not refrain from openly sending a reply. The Commandery Prince's Mansion has eyes and ears everywhere; if people felt he was actively courting Zhuang Yuanzhi, it would hardly match his usual words and deeds.

Sending this first letter "reluctantly" would also serve to probe Zhuang Yuanzhi's attitude; if consensus truly developed later, all correspondence could shift from open to covert, and there would be no need to be so constrained.

Behind the screen, Shaowei, lying on the bamboo couch, blinked, her eyes full of thought.

This Master Tang Changshi seems to have been used again without realizing it?

Shaowei silently analyzed Liu Qi's intentions and methods; though her body did not move a muscle, she used her brain as brush and heart as ink, copying it all down in a rush.

Tang Jia still wanted to say more, but then heard that the blue-robed monk had arrived.

The blue-robed monk had gone into seclusion due to an unsettled Buddhist heart; however, just as he emerged, he heard that the Sixth Prince had shot and killed the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Deputy Zongling Huang Jie at the mansion — his vision went black, and the equanimity he had just opened nearly closed again.

The blue-robed monk had thought to return to the capital, but his letter of complaint reached Guo Shi, and the Middle Attendant's reply was full of nothing but persuasion and appeasement.

The blue-robed monk failed to flee, yet also reflected deeply; he examined himself repeatedly and could not help but feel ashamed — so lightly giving up, how could he speak of spreading the Buddhist law to all beings?

The Sixth Prince is also one of all beings; he should not be abandoned by him. Perhaps encountering the Sixth Prince is precisely the Buddha's test for him; only if he crosses this barrier can his cultivation be deemed complete.

The blue-robed monk entered, performed a Buddhist rite, and knelt beside Tang Jia.

Liu Qi picked up the wine cup listlessly, his tone holding little respect: "Master, what instruction brings you here today?"

The blue-robed monk lowered his eyes: "Amitabha, how dare I presume to instruct; this poor monk merely heard of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's visit that day and wishes to tell the Sixth Prince a few stories."

The youth drained the wine in his cup in one gulp and casually set the cup down: "Then speak, to accompany the wine."

The empty wine cup rolled on the desk; Deng Hu steadied it and continued pouring.

Amid the wine fumes assaulting the face, the blue-robed monk lowered his eyes and slowly recounted a few Buddhist stories, including the Buddha cutting his flesh to feed an eagle and sacrificing his body to feed a tiger.

After Liu Qi listened to them all, he looked up and asked: "Master's meaning — are you saying I should submit meekly and sacrifice myself, letting those Embroidered Uniform Guards bully, tear apart, and devour me, is that it?"

"Amitabha, whether official robes or skin and flesh, both are mere outer appearances." The blue-robed monk said: "Whether they demand the Sixth Prince remove his clothes or submit to inspection, why should the Sixth Prince care? Only by discarding all chaotic thoughts and not clinging to appearances can one attain purity and ease."

Liu Qi smiled, but before he could speak again, Tang Jia, who had long been unable to bear it, could endure no longer and frowned: "This is Buddhist law, not worldly law; official robes concern worldly honor and shame. Master speaks lightly — if I made Master lecture naked before others, I wonder if Master would be willing?"

The blue-robed monk smiled faintly: "To prove the Dao with one's body — it is what one seeks but cannot obtain."

Having spoken, he reached to undo his monk's robe.

Liu Qi's heart suddenly panicked; ordinarily he would have enjoyed teasing this noisy monk, but at this moment a divine object was hidden behind the screen — he absolutely could not let this absurdity happen.

Only hate that the meddlesome Tang Jia was a step faster, reaching out to stop him: "…… Broad daylight, what propriety is this!"

The two tugged and pulled for a while; the blue-robed monk helplessly stopped.

At this moment an inner attendant came to report, saying officials had come to the front courtyard seeking an audience, stating business required the Changshi's instruction.

Tang Jia wanted to take the blue-robed monk away with him, but the monk sighed and insisted: "Amitabha, this poor monk will observe."

It seems that day's affair truly stimulated this Sixth Prince greatly; the killing aura coiling around him has grown several fold, utterly lawless — he even finds it hard to parry.

What's more fatal: hearing these words, the youth showed no self-alarm or reflection, but instead laughed — a laugh devoid of coldness, full of amusement…… yet making him appear all the more vicious and terrifying.

The blue-robed monk closed his eyes.

The surroundings were dim; amid the "bang bang bang" of the wooden fish being struck and the sound of scripture recitation, the youth leaning against the armrest propped his head on one elbow, closed his eyes, and slept for a while.

When the recitation stopped, Liu Qi opened his eyes, yawned, and said with a hint of a smile: "Many thanks, Master, for letting me have a good sleep."

The blue-robed monk did not get angry; on the contrary, he said: "Being able to let Your Highness set down his many heart-knots and have a moment of peaceful sleep is also a piece of merit."

"It truly was a peaceful sleep." Liu Qi smiled and sat his body up a little straighter: "In the dream I killed a dozen or so people; right now my Qi is smooth and my spirit clear."

The blue-robed monk's expression tightened; he recited a Buddha's name and said solemnly: "Using killing to stop killing is a boundless sea of suffering. The Sixth Prince has fallen into such delusion; in life he can hardly find ease, and after death he will not attain rebirth..."

"Killing all who deserve to be killed, I will naturally break out of the delusion." Liu Qi interrupted the blue-robed monk's words: "When that time comes, I will listen to Master expound on Buddhist law again."

The blue-robed monk was grieved and indignant.

Shaowei, however, felt that Liu Qi's words might be true; when he died in his previous life it was that auspicious — could that count as killing to the final step and breaking out of the delusion?

From behind the screen there still came the unceasing words urging people toward goodness: "... If the Ling Empress's soul had awareness, how could she wish to see the Sixth Prince mired in a hell of killing?"

Liu Qi's voice carried a thread of mockery: "How does Master know my mother's wishes? The living cannot speak words of forgiveness on behalf of the dead; Master cannot, and neither can I."

"Although the Ling Empress and the Ling Taizi committed faults, they were also gentle and forbearing all their lives; naturally they would not wish to see..."

Liu Qi sneered and cut off those words of great goodness: "Gentle and forbearing all their lives — so they should die?"

"Amitabha, life and death are cause, effect, and destiny. Those who die violent deaths in this life are often repaying debts from their previous lives; at this moment the Ling Empress has surely already ascended to the Pure Land..."

Liu Qi nodded and no longer rebutted: "Then let Mother ascend to the realm of the Pure Land."

He said: "I only ought to remain in the hell of killing spoken of by Master and undergo my cause and effect."

And then, not waiting for the blue-robed monk to speak further, he smiled and said: "Master's mouth must surely be parched by now; however, there is only wine here. Deng Hu, see Master off to drink tea."

Deng Hu answered "Yes," and the blue-robed monk was forced to pick up the wooden fish and leave with a depressed expression.

Liu Qi seemed tired; he casually pushed aside the armrest and simply lay flat on the bamboo mat beneath him, one leg bent and one stretched, an arm pillowed behind his head, and spaced out for a while.

Separated by a single screen, Shaowei also still lay on her back on the bamboo couch, not hurrying to get up.

The slowly moving Golden Crow passed outside the window; a ray of sunlight squeezed through the thin window crack and fell on the screen between the two people.

Liu Qi was attracted by this ray of brightness; he somewhat came back to himself, his left hand touched an object, so he picked it up, held it before his eyes to examine it, and saw it was a Wunu mask with beast horns.

That was something Zhao Qie'an brought back from outside and gave to Shaowei; in the past few days he kept bringing things back — food, objects, everything.

"They have all not noticed that there is another person behind the screen; it can be seen they are not dangerous, unfathomable people." Liu Qi said casually, and slowly covered his face with that mask.

But he heard the person on the other side of the screen say: "The person who just left, however, seemed somewhat dangerous."

Liu Qi: "You mean the blue-robed monk?"

"What is a 'monk'?"

"A kind of tonsured cultivator." Liu Qi said: "They come from the Western Regions; they like to urge people to put down the butcher's knife and turn to goodness early."

Having finished explaining, he tried asking: "What he said just now — how did it sound to you?"

Beneath the mask, the youth's face bore a trace of bewilderment never shown to outsiders.

The reason he did not kill the blue-robed monk: first, he knew this person's background; he indeed posed no threat.

Second, he occasionally also wanted to hear the Buddhist principles in the other's mouth, to see if they truly possessed the divine power to ferry all across.

His steps are destined not to stop; this body lives for the sake of revenge and killing.

But the soul hidden beneath the body sometimes also feels a certain bewilderment, unable to distinguish the faces of those around him, unable to recognize what kind of ghostly thing he himself has become now.

In truth he listened to those Buddhist laws and scriptures with consistent seriousness; his heart might not have been without a yearning to find an answer and an exit, but the more he listened, the more confused it became.

The person he tried asking at this moment gave him the answer: "I don't want to listen; I just want to strike his mute acupoint and smash his wooden drum to pieces."

Beneath the mask, Liu Qi's eyes blinked slowly, his voice carrying a smile as he reminded: "That's not a drum; it's called a wooden fish."

"Who cares what it is." That voice was crisp and decisive: "In any case, what he said is wrong; to my ears, it's all harmful words."

She also cited herself as proof: "A person cannot be without anger; I once tried discarding anger."

Liu Qi asked: "What was the result?"

She answered: "I nearly died!"

Liu Qi was surprised; he thought to himself this was indeed a very persuasive experience.

Then he heard her say: "Why doesn't he go find the real evildoers and say these things? I see he's clearly bullying the soft and fearing the hard. The words of someone who bullies the soft and fears the hard are naturally wrong; you mustn't listen either — listen too much and you might turn stupid."

Not right, wrong, don't listen —

Her words were simple and forceful, leaving no room, affirmative to the point of sounding like an order being issued.

Truly, Liu Qi is no longer a child; he considers himself no longer like in childhood, easily swayed in judgment by the firm words from others' mouths.

But this instant, for whatever reason, he was still driven by such unwaveringly simple words, as if in the dimness of swaying and falling a beam of extremely straight light appeared, striking straight down, without a single trace of a seemingly-right-but-actually-wrong winding curve.

Under this inexplicable absolute command, he even felt a long-lost sense of safety; so he took off the Wunu mask and turned his head to look toward the screen.

He often heard the blue-robed monk preach that Buddhist light universally ferries all beings; he never knew what Buddhist light was, but if there truly is wondrous Buddhist light in this world, most likely it is this very beam right now.

He looked at that screen and answered a sentence: "Good, from now on I won't listen anymore."

?? Good night everyone, it's the end of the month, want to ask for a monthly ticket to stabilize the ranking~~~~~~

? (Chapter End)