Chapter 260

Zhenzhi shuddered, his steps faltering. He nearly stumbled on the flat road and waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "How could I dare, how could I dare? This humble one was just being pitiful.."

Even by the dim lamplight, the chill on Zhao Jin's face was clearly visible. Yet Zhenzhi was no longer afraid. A bitter smile surfaced on his face as he said, "In my young master's opinion, it would actually be best to kill them all clean. Back when the old master was forced into his final release, he hated that no one was willing to help."

Zhao Jin nodded faintly and stepped forward. Zhenzhi hesitated for a moment but then opened his mouth again, actually daring to speak further. Even Chen Sheng, standing nearby, frowned and looked over. This time, Zhenzhi walked a bit closer, but he failed to notice that Zhao Jin's hand had already touched the hilt of his blade.

"Young Master Zhao, if Cloud Mountain Temple is truly slaughtered clean, it will be a heaven-shaking case. Since Young Master Zhao dares to come and do this, you must have made preparations. But this Cloud Mountain Temple has nearly ten thousand qing of land, over ten thousand tenant farmers and field hands, and all these businesses. Once the people are dead, it will all scatter completely. The people below will certainly seize the chance to embezzle, and by then it will be a complete mess. Young Master Zhao, you've expended such great effort to eliminate a major enemy, but what benefit is there afterward? Won't you just have to toil all over again to put things in order.." Zhenzhi's voice was very earnest.

Zhao Jin glanced at Zhenzhi and said leisurely, "I thought you were a sutra-chanting monk. I never imagined you also had the shrewd calculations of a businessman."

At this point, Zhao Jin laughed himself. He had been controlling his voice the whole time, so the laughter was not loud. "Actually, I also think it's a pity. It's just that your young master is a refined gentleman, not bad at all in the learning of officialdom and political discourse, and seems quite adept at romantic pursuits, but does he have the ability to manage a whole domain?"

"He does, he does. My young master understands these things. Originally, the old master wanted him to succeed as abbot, so he learned quite a lot.." Zhenzhi answered excitedly.

Zhao Jin raised a hand to stop him and spoke, "Once we go to Cloud Mountain Temple, I will be in charge. Accidental killings and injuries will be unavoidable. Do not delay my important matters. For the rest, do as you please!"

"This is great compassion, this is truly great compassion!" Zhenzhi nodded repeatedly there.

After these words, Zhenzhi was arranged onto a carriage. He was in his forties, and he needed to conserve his strength for when they reached Cloud Mountain Temple, so he went to rest first.

After he left, Chen Sheng came over and asked, "Are we going to take over this whole Cloud Mountain Temple operation?"

Zhao Jin nodded. Chen Sheng shook his head and said, "They say it's nearly ten thousand qing, but the good irrigated land won't exceed a thousand qing. A few of the subordinate temples definitely still hold some. It would be better to just wipe them out and take it directly afterward."

"It's not these fertile fields I want. It's the people of Cloud Mountain Temple I want. Although there isn't much good land, these can at least settle people down." Zhao Jin said something that did not answer the question. Chen Sheng seemed to half-understand and did not continue.

The night road was boring. Chen Sheng stopped talking, and then Ji Xiang came over. They were all insiders, so apart from patrolling around to maintain the formation, there was no need to avoid talking here.

"Big brother, can a monk even pass the abbot's position to his son? No wait, a monk shouldn't even have a son.." Ji Xiang asked with a grin, but his own words tangled him up.

"In Buddhist lore, there are many stories where an old monk, on his deathbed, summons his disciples and speaks a cryptic phrase, and a certain young disciple below replies with a cryptic phrase. This is considered sudden enlightenment, receiving the true transmission. Let me ask you, one or two cases might be fine, but how can there be so many coincidences in the world? Moreover, a temple with so many monks, so much land, so many properties, such a vast establishment—how could it be casually passed on to a disciple who just happened to achieve sudden enlightenment?" Zhao Jin said with a smile.

Ji Xiang slapped his forehead in sudden realization and chuckled, "There really are a lot of tricks in this."

Zhao Jin smiled and turned back into the ranks, roughly inspecting each squad. Some of the household troops were also chatting in low voices, but everyone was intently focused on the lantern ahead, afraid of falling behind.

That earlier conversation was actually something Wang Zhaojing had mentioned in casual chat, but it originated from when Wang Youshan was an official in the capital and occasionally discussed it with colleagues. The source, however, was the secret files of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Back then, a certain noble was a devout Buddhist and became very interested upon hearing of a temple's story of transmitting the Dharma through sudden enlightenment. But this noble was also very shrewd and did not wish to be deceived, so he had the guard agents investigate. As a result, they uncovered the truth, and from this one case, they inferred the truth of many similar situations.

By the time they circled to the north side of the city wall, most of the sky was pitch-black as ink, but the east was beginning to brighten. Cloud Dragon Mountain was right before their eyes.

Xuzhou was a land transportation hub, and its terrain was completely flat. The highest point of Cloud Dragon Mountain was less than fifty zhang. Although not tall, set against the flat plain, it appeared quite lofty. The mountain range wound for about ten li, with no steep places; it was all very gentle. The northern part of Xuzhou City was actually built against a branch of Cloud Dragon Mountain, and that part was Hubu Mountain, where the wealthy families gathered.

They had traveled the entire way on official roads and main thoroughfares. Even without guides, Zhao Jin would have known the way. But upon reaching the vicinity of Cloud Dragon Mountain, the two guides headed in another direction. Ji Xiang glanced back and quickly followed them.

"Sirs, in the past, some private salt and illicit goods had to be stored in the estates near Cloud Mountain Temple. The patrol inspectors would also go there to check, so we humble ones always take this path," the two men explained.

"A pure land of the Buddha." Zhao Jin recited this a few times with a smile. Over on the side, Zhenzhi chanted the Buddha's name in a low voice, a look of shame on his face.

This road was not wide. Fortunately, the mountain slope was relatively gentle. With everyone pushing together, the carts could also follow for a stretch. About halfway there, they saw a pine forest ahead. The guide said, "Cross that pine forest and go forward less than fifty paces, and you'll see the west wall of Cloud Mountain Temple."

"When I was little, I always thought temples were on mountain peaks. Later I realized that at most they build a pavilion on top. The main halls and nunneries are all halfway up the mountain or at the foot. Otherwise, offering incense and worshipping Buddha, their purchasing and transporting, would all be so much more troublesome, not to mention going out to beg for alms and such," Ji Xiang rambled on.

Normally, Ji Xiang was not like this. His rambling was purely due to nervousness.

"I've troubled you two to toil for half the night. One hundred and fifty taels of silver each," Zhao Jin spoke.

"…Many thanks, many thanks, Master Jin!" Upon hearing this sum, the two merchant guides were stunned, then immediately overjoyed and bowed in thanks. Although they were also involved in shady dealings, earning a few dozen taels of silver in a year was already considered good. Just walking for half a night yielded this much, so naturally they were ecstatic.

"However, the silver must be collected at the goods yard inside the city. Before we return, you two will wait here," Zhao Jin added.

The two merchants' expressions immediately turned unsightly. Seeing so many men carrying blades and spears, and even armor on the carts, they certainly knew of the grudge between Zhao Jin and Cloud Mountain Temple and what was about to happen next. Anyone who wasn't a fool could guess. Thinking about what was to come, they both looked somewhat troubled.

"Wait here obediently. What do you think Liu Yong went back into the city to do?" Zhao Jin said leisurely.

The two merchants' faces changed dramatically. Had Liu Yong returned to the city to watch their families? At this thought, the two guiding merchants' knees went weak, and they directly knelt before Zhao Jin. Before they could even plead, Zhao Jin waved his hand and said, "I keep my word. The silver promised will certainly be given. Keeping you here is merely for absolute certainty. Don't go imagining any killing-to-silence plots like in those operas. I can't be bothered with such trouble. However, you should know in your hearts what to say and what not to say."

With the matter put in such terms, what was there left not to understand? The two men kowtowed several times and said no more about leaving.

"Eat! Drink!" Zhao Jin ordered. According to the prior arrangement, the command was passed from front to back. The squad leaders went to the carts to get dry rations and distributed them. Those who wanted water used wooden bowls to pour from the jars.

"Master Jin does things so thoroughly!" The two guiding merchants flattered. Originally, one of them had even gone over to warn that drinking unboiled water easily upset the stomach, but he was told that the water in the jars was boiled.

They had not brought much dry rations; no one could eat their fill, but it was a supplement nonetheless. The night before last, a great enemy had attacked, and they had fought from dusk until dawn. In the end, everyone was starving and weak. Having learned this lesson, every man in Zhao's Camp chewed their food carefully for better absorption.

While eating and drinking, a dozen or so men took their dry rations and spread out to the surroundings to stand guard. Although this road was desolate, it was still possible for private merchants or hunters to pass by.

"Don armor. Everyone put on your head covers." The soldiers of Zhao's Camp all pulled the cloth sacks over their heads. They looked at each other, finding it amusing to see their comrades with only eyes and mouths exposed. All those wearing armor had robes and hoods over the outside, so the armor could not be seen from the outside, at least not the style. Zhao Jin and his companions all tied red bands on their right arms. Zhao Jin tied two. The squad leaders each had an earth-brown cloth band to distinguish their rank.

"Without my order, the head covers must not be removed," Zhao Jin instructed again. He dared not speak loudly now; every sentence was passed forward and backward.

After saying this, Zhao Jin made a gesture to Zhenzhi. Zhenzhi walked to the front. Having reached this point, the two merchants were no longer needed as guides. Those two stayed behind to guard. Dong Bingfeng's mount was also left here.

The first light of dawn had appeared, but it was still very dim within the pine forest. Fortunately, the forest was not large, and the trees were sparse. These pines were not native to Cloud Dragon Mountain but were planted later to complement the solemn dignity of the temple.

The large force stopped when it reached the edge of the forest. They could see a high wall. Because the sky was not yet fully bright and they were within the forest, at first glance, the wall seemed boundless. Everyone crouched or sat to rest.

"Good heavens, this is much bigger than our big compound!" Shi Manqiang exclaimed in amazement.

"This Cloud Mountain Temple is also a large estate, and the largest estate in Xuzhou!" Zhao Jin added.

The western courtyard wall had more than one gate. Two small gates were already open, and monks carrying shoulder poles could be seen entering and exiting, while the several large gates were tightly shut.

Zhao Jin turned his head and called Zhenzhi over. Zhenzhi was a bit out of breath from walking. Zhao Jin asked directly, "Can you go in now?"

Zhenzhi nodded, then removed the small cap he wore on his head, revealing a bald pate with ordination scars. It turned out he wore a wig; the small cap and wig were connected as one piece. Then he took off his outer robe, revealing a gray monk's robe underneath.

"How long will you need to open the west gate?" Zhao Jin asked in a deep voice.

Zhenzhi paused briefly, then spoke, "It will not exceed the time it takes one stick of incense to burn."

"Good. If this time passes, I will leave directly. You should know what happened to Ruhui. Understand?" Zhao Jin said without any courtesy, though his head was now also covered by a hood, so his expression could not be seen.

Zhenzhi's body trembled. He nodded to show he understood. Zhao Jin waved his hand and said, "The time starts now. Go!"

With things said to this point, Zhenzhi dared not delay. He left the pine forest and began jogging. The monks entering and exiting the small gates were actually not surprised by Zhenzhi suddenly running out. They glanced at him and then went about their own business.

As soon as Zhenzhi left the forest, Dong Bingfeng came over and said, "Big brother, we didn't bring any incense sticks."

"Count from one to eight hundred. If the gate isn't open, we withdraw," Zhao Jin said with a smile.

Dong Bingfeng was stunned and asked urgently, "But that's at most a little over half a stick of incense.."

"Caution first. Don't give him time to scheme," Zhao Jin answered grimly.

Over there, Zhenzhi had jogged all the way and already entered the small gate. Zhao Jin and his companions were all intently focused on that spot, watching the reaction.

A melodious bell rang out from within the temple, likely signaling the start of some morning recitation. Chen Sheng placed his hand on his blade hilt and suddenly said, "It seems like there's nothing amiss inside the temple. Yet they suffered a rout."

"Word of the rout should have reached them by now, but the underlings won't know. The routed troops are probably still being rounded up, and they may not return anytime soon. More to the point — if you were someone from Cloud Mountain Temple, could you imagine us coming here?" Zhao Jin answered in a low voice.

Chen Sheng fell silent for a moment, then spoke. "No. After a big battle, you'd need rest and recovery no matter what. And this is a private feud — Cloud Mountain Temple sits right beside Xuzhou city. No one would have the nerve to make a move..."

Before he could finish, the entire Zhao-character Camp hidden among the pines went still. They had seen one of the large gates swing inward. Zhenzhi, who had run inside not long before, now walked back out and was waving at them — though the motion looked more like stretching.

"... That easy..." Shi Manqiang muttered.

"Opening a gate to go in and out is perfectly normal. Of course it's easy." Zhao Jin answered, then rose to his feet. Everyone in the Zhao-character Camp squatting there stood up as well.

"All of you — form ranks after leaving the pine woods, then follow me as we charge in. Once inside the temple, shout: 'Kneel and you will not be killed.' Kill those in the temple who resist. Kill those who refuse to surrender. Kill those who flee. Spare the rest. Archers, no need to shoot — use blades and spears. The veteran squads will spearhead. The recruit squads will follow in order behind them!" Zhao Jin declared in a clear voice. He was not quiet about it; he no longer much cared whether anyone outside could hear.

Once he had spoken, Zhao Jin strode out of the pine woods, his long spear held high so that everyone could see it. Behind him, the pine forest rustled with noise and commotion as squad leaders urged their men to keep up.

The sun had not yet risen, and there were not many monks up and about, especially here on the western side. After Zhao Jin emerged from the pine woods, hardly anyone even noticed.

Zhao Jin paid no attention to anyone else. He simply stood there holding his spear aloft. Drawing on their daily drill-field formation training, the veteran squads quickly moved in front of Zhao Jin and formed up. The first and second veteran squads were the most disciplined; by the time Zhao Jin turned around a short while later, they were already aligned and standing at attention. The remaining squads were closing in and falling into order one after another.

"Charge with me!" Zhao Jin bellowed, then turned and broke into a run toward the gate. Behind him came the sound of orderly footsteps as both squads followed. The other squads scrambled to roughly gather together, then charged after them.

By the time the first two veteran squads were forming up, some monks had finally noticed. Watching a crowd of people wearing head-coverings and carrying weapons stream steadily out of the pine woods, the monks' first reaction was neither to shout a warning nor to scatter and flee. They simply stared in puzzlement, wondering what sort of charade this was.

Who could possibly imagine that these people had come to attack Cloud Mountain Temple? Cloud Mountain Temple had dominated Xuzhou for decades. From the authorities to the jianghu, no one dared show it disrespect. Even the sincerely devout monks knew that no one would dare make trouble for Cloud Mountain Temple. Who could conceive of someone attacking it directly, let alone charging inside!

It was only when they saw the coldly glinting long spear in Zhao Jin's hand, and the blades in the hands of the Zhao-character Camp, that the monks sensed something was wrong. Yet even then, they merely stepped aside to either edge, keeping their distance to see what was actually happening. Over by the open gate, however, Zhenzhi and several other monks wore shifting expressions — a tangle of agitation and terror was plain on their faces.

They charged straight in without meeting any obstruction. Still no one reacted. One monk did seem to mutter in disbelief, "Could it be bandits?"

The Zhao-character Camp could not be bothered with such remarks. They simply poured into the compound.

Once inside the courtyard, the space opened up wide. Since carts went in and out here, this must have been where the entire temple moved and loaded goods. Ox carts and horse carts were parked inside, and a dozen or so monks were busy at work. They had now stopped what they were doing and were staring, dumbstruck, at the charging column.

"Kneel and you will not be killed!" Before anyone there could react, the long spears were already thrust forward. The dozen-odd monks dropped to their knees in stupefaction, offering no resistance whatsoever. Every face was blank with shock; none of them had grasped what was actually happening.

"Shut the main gate!" Zhao Jin shouted. The gate that had just been opened was closed once more.

Zhenzhi led the six monks over at a quick pace, hastily pressing their palms together in salute. Zhenzhi's expression was relatively composed, but the others' faces were a mingling of terror and bewilderment, as if they still did not understand what was going on.

Zhao Jin said nothing else, merely asking, "Are there still monk-soldiers and warrior-monks inside the temple?"

Before Zhenzhi could speak, one monk started, then hurriedly answered, "The monk-soldier guards have all gone down the mountain. They said the tenant households at the Xiao County sub-temple were causing trouble. As for warrior-monks, there are still a dozen or so over at the Discipline Hall..."

"Shitou, take four recruit squads and go with this man to the Discipline Hall. Seize those dozen-odd men. Kill any who refuse to surrender. After that, split your forces and seal every entrance and exit of Cloud Mountain Temple. You — lead the way!" Zhao Jin issued the order crisply. The monk he had pointed at shuddered, stunned once more, then turned his head to look at Zhenzhi. Zhenzhi nodded emphatically. The monk stammered, "P-please... please follow me..."

Zhao Jin continued, "There is a storehouse in the temple where weapons are kept — in the Monks' Quarters West Storehouse. Who knows where that is?"

The monks exchanged glances, all wearing expressions of disbelief. Only after Zhenzhi shot them several fierce glares did they snap out of it. One monk hastily said, "This humble monk knows!"