Chapter 262: Beyond the Monastery, Just Like the Mortal World

After she said this, the girl's emotions broke down completely, and she began to wail loudly. Zhao Jin did not go to comfort her; by now, all these girls had already escaped their sea of suffering, and there was no need for unnecessary gestures.

"Search every room in both courtyards again. Tie up everyone you catch and put them in one courtyard, then leave ten men to guard them."

"... Grandfather... Ancestor... thirty percent of this temple's annual income must be sent to the Eunuch Defender of the Central Capital... if you lay a hand on this poor monk... the imperial court will certainly not let you off... certainly... certainly a great army will come to encircle and annihilate... exterminate your nine clans... you..."

Abbot Yuanxin heard Zhao Jin's orders and arrangements clearly. He had already realized something, and while desperately trying to block the girl on top of him from biting and tearing, he spoke haltingly. But at that moment, two more young girls, also aware that their circumstances had changed, rushed over together and began kicking and hitting him furiously, and his words were immediately cut off.

The Eunuch Defender of the Central Capital—so this was the backer behind Cloud Mountain Temple. The Zhu Ming dynasty rose from Fengyang, and most of the founding nobles of the Great Ming were from Fengyang and its surrounding areas. Therefore, Fengyang was also called the Central Capital, holding an extremely high political status. In addition to the Governor of Fengyang, a eunuch was also stationed there to guard it—this was the Defender of the Central Capital.

This Defender Eunuch held an esteemed position and was one of the top figures in the Southern Metropolitan Region. The only ones who could be mentioned in the same breath were the Minister of War of Nanjing, the Defender Eunuch of Nanjing, and the two Dukes residing in Nanjing—just these few individuals.

For Cloud Mountain Temple to have such a powerful patron backing it, no wonder it could seize so much land and run rampant across Xuzhou to this degree. An annual tribute of thirty percent was likely over ten thousand taels. Offending such a major power would indeed bring an army to encircle and annihilate them, and their nine clans would be exterminated...

Watching Zhao Jin sink into thought, Abbot Yuanxin, from who knows where, summoned a burst of strength and shoved the girl who was hitting him away. The several women who had rushed over also sensed something was wrong. Everyone thought this so-called eunuch had intimidated Zhao Jin, and that the situation in the courtyard was bound to change now.

"So what?" Because of the hood, no one could see Zhao Jin's expression, but everyone could hear the smile in his retort. The three girls who had stopped their hands gritted their teeth and pounced on him again.

"... Ancestor, take all the money, just spare my life, spare me..." Watching Zhao Jin turn and leave, Abbot Yuanxin finally realized what was about to happen and screamed desperately. Zhao Jin paid no attention and walked straight out of the courtyard.

Weeping rose and fell continuously in the courtyard. The older girls and women generally showed no sorrow; instead, their gazes toward Zhao Jin held some resentment. Mixed with the pained cries from the beatings, it was utter chaos. It was still a bit more refreshing outside.

Over these past three days, among everyone in the Zhao Character Battalion, Zhao Jin could be said to have slept the least, yet his toil and busyness were not one bit less. Yesterday afternoon's brief rest had not allowed him to recover at all. After walking out of the courtyard, he sat down directly on the steps in front of the gate.

Just moments ago inside the courtyard, he had constantly felt as if he were in the mansion of some wealthy household in Xuzhou City. Only after leaving the courtyard did he realize he was at Cloud Mountain Temple. Inside and outside the courtyard were two completely different worlds.

What Zhao Jin found interesting was that Cloud Mountain Temple was now only slightly noisy, without the expected chaos and collapse. There were no monks running around everywhere, no smoke or wailing. Perhaps it was because he had come too early, and the temple lacked armed forces; he had promptly seized control of several key points. The Discipline Hall counted as armed force, the weapons in the storehouse could arm the ordinary monks at any time, and the Bell and Drum Hall was the place for sending signals. These two compounds were the core of the entire Cloud Mountain Temple. By controlling these locations, Cloud Mountain Temple could not call for help, could not organize, and thus became a sheet of loose sand.

Footsteps sounded ahead. Zhao Jin looked up and saw that the family guards had only been slightly on alert before relaxing their vigilance, because it was the monks who had gone out earlier returning with the family guards who had been dispersed to various places.

"... The monks in the Discipline Hall were still sleeping, so we tied them up directly..."

"... There was a clash over at the storehouse. After we killed two people, everyone else fell in line..."

"... No one was stationed at the Bell and Drum Hall..."

"... All the main gates and side doors have been shut. The monks have all been persuaded to return to their rooms and wait..."

Reports from various locations were quickly relayed back by the family guards. Zhao Jin nodded and glanced at the several uneasy monks beside him. The key to today's smooth operation was probably these monks. The core among them might be the nails planted by Ruhui, but more likely, they were simply dissatisfied with Yuanxin and Runan. However, with the help of these people, he could know the entire inner workings of Cloud Mountain Temple clearly, and so many monks could also be pacified, preventing a complete breakdown into chaos.

Speaking of which, the meritorious figure behind today's smooth success should be Ruhui. Thinking of this, a smile surfaced on Zhao Jin's face.

But with the cloth sack over his head, no one could see Zhao Jin's expression. The family guards stood solemnly, while the monks who had come along grew increasingly uneasy. Last night, no one could have imagined that Cloud Mountain Temple would undergo such a cataclysmic change today. Before dawn today, everyone thought that Abbot Yuanxin, Runan, and their faction would remain entrenched in Cloud Mountain Temple for ages to come. No one expected that today, a group of hooded men would charge in, and then Runan died, Yuanxin was captured, and now the entire temple was being searched for the followers of Yuanxin and Runan.

Those close to Ruhui, and those who had been frustrated for years, all more or less guessed that they might be about to turn their fortunes around. But each of them felt unease—firstly because of the weapons in the hands of these fierce men, and secondly because everyone had a feeling that after this matter was over, Cloud Mountain Temple would probably never be the same as before.

"After you've finished capturing those who need to be captured, have Zhenzhi come to me. Also, prepare dry rations and hot soup for four hundred people now," Zhao Jin instructed calmly. The monks exchanged glances, and two more people quickly ran off.

Zhao Jin yawned and rubbed his face vigorously through the cloth sack. Fatigue and drowsiness made his thoughts sluggish. After a moment, Zhao Jin asked, "Are there many pilgrims at this time?"

"... It's not yet the season for Buddhist festivals, so not many people come. The devout ones all go to the nearby branch temples..."

Given Cloud Mountain Temple's conduct, it was likely that not many commoners usually came to pray and offer incense. Even if a few came occasionally, seeing the main gate tightly shut, they would only turn back in disappointment. The chance of his operation being discovered was thus much reduced.

Sounds of disturbance and clamor could finally be heard around him, and not from the courtyard behind him. Zhenzhi was leading people to search and arrest throughout the temple; if it were still quiet everywhere, that would be eerie instead.

Not long after, several family guards were seen escorting two dejected monks over. As soon as the two monks looked up, they saw the people beside Zhao Jin. One of them immediately shouted, "Ruzheng, you bastard, you actually colluded with bandits—"

Halfway through his words, a family guard behind him raised his spear and struck him down. With a pained cry, he immediately fell silent. The other man, however, spoke up pleadingly, "Senior Brother Ruzheng, we are fellow disciples cultivating together. What grievance can't be talked through? I, your junior brother, have never offended you, Senior Brother. Please show mercy this time..."

Among the five monks standing beside Zhao Jin, one appeared to be in his forties or fifties and was dressed relatively better, though his monk's robe had a few patches. When he was cursed at, this monk instinctively shrank back. When the other man pleaded, a look of pity appeared on this monk's face.

The one who pleaded was not stopped. He continued, "Senior Brother Ruzheng, many positions are vacant in the various branch temples. Senior Brother Ruzheng is well-versed in the Buddha-dharma..."

It seemed that the practice of promising official posts and favors was not limited to officialdom; it existed in Cloud Mountain Temple as well. Zhao Jin watched all this with great interest. In any case, the entire Cloud Mountain Temple was already under control.

Unexpectedly, at these words, the seemingly rather timid Monk Ruzheng suddenly flew into a rage. He took two steps forward but then stopped, pointing and shouting, "Karmic retribution, the cycle is unerring! You are receiving your retribution! It was because your exploitation was too cruel—my disciple spoke a few extra words, and when he fell ill, you wouldn't even buy him medicine. You even sent him to the Discipline Hall for closed-door reflection, and he died of illness! And you still have the face to say these things to me..."

After a few sentences, Monk Ruzheng could not continue. His voice carried a sobbing tone. He wiped his face, wanting to speak again, but the tears would not stop. He could only stand there with his palms together, head bowed. After calming down for a moment, he began to murmur sutras.

"Where is the most spacious place in Cloud Mountain Temple?" Zhao Jin asked.

"It's behind the Great Hero Treasure Hall," a monk quickly answered.

"Take everyone who's been captured there. Remember to tie them up securely," Zhao Jin casually instructed.

A monk went to lead the way, and the family guards took the people over. Meanwhile, Monk Ruzheng continued chanting sutras, his state of mind gradually calming.

As Monk Ruzheng was still chanting over there, a more quick-witted monk beside him, perhaps sensing Zhao Jin's curiosity, offered an explanation to ingratiate himself: "Uncle-Master Ruzheng is upright by nature and couldn't stand the actions of those Buddhist degenerates. As a result, he was suppressed by those degenerates. His beloved disciple was also harmed and died of illness. Uncle-Master Ruzheng has been deeply distressed in his heart all along."

This monk spoke in great detail, clearly with the intention of currying favor. At this point, anyone who wasn't a fool could see that these fierce men, with only their eyes, noses, and mouths exposed, were the heavens of Cloud Mountain Temple. And judging by their relationship with Zhenzhi, they might very well remain the heavens above this temple in the future.

Zhao Jin merely nodded. Cloud Mountain Temple was so large and involved so many interests; it was no surprise that such conflicts existed. But for these monks, even the grieving Ruzheng before him, Zhao Jin felt little sympathy in his heart. Because this Ruzheng also relied on the incense offerings and the exploitation of tenant farmers to peacefully study the Buddha-dharma within Cloud Mountain Temple. Compared to Yuanxin, Runan, and their ilk, the difference was merely a matter of taking more or less.

The clamor from all around was growing louder, and occasionally angry curses and pained cries could be heard. But these sounds remained sporadic, appearing and then immediately vanishing. Cloud Mountain Temple had been seized too quickly, and the temple interior was too empty, so no resistance could form at all.

Family guards kept coming back to report, saying that under the monks' guidance, they had captured so-and-so. The reports were incessant, but Zhao Jin was not interested in them. After a dozen or so waves of reports, he directly ordered that the captured people be sent to that designated area. Then he instructed someone to go to the mountain path to see if the two traveling merchants who had led the way were still there, and to tell them to wait at ease.

"... Zhao Jin, Zhao Jin..." Chen Sheng's voice sounded by his ear. Zhao Jin woke with a start and saw a masked man standing beside him. He was momentarily alarmed, then realized he himself was dressed the same way.

Unknowingly, he had fallen asleep sitting on the steps. The sun had risen, and its rays felt warm on his body. Calculating the time, at least one two-hour period had passed.

Zhao Jin rubbed his eyes and heard the sound of wailing, and it was not coming from the courtyard behind him. Zhao Jin was startled, then frowned and said, "Why are they still arresting people?"

"That's why I came to find you. That bunch of monks seems to be acting on personal grudges. The more they arrest, the more people there are," Chen Sheng said in a muffled voice.

Zhao Jin quickly stood up, paused, and said, "Why didn't you tell them to stop?"

"This kind of thing is better said by you," Chen Sheng replied with a smile.

Zhao Jin waved over a family guard nearby and said irritably, "Who says it isn't the same?"

"It's not the same. With so many people now, we need to establish rules. We need to let everyone know that only your word counts," Chen Sheng said again.

Zhao Jin turned his head and stared at Chen Sheng for a moment. Chen Sheng's gaze was normal, and his tone was very sincere. Zhao Jin nodded solemnly and said to the family guard, "Pass the order to all units: stop arresting people. The first squad of the veteran team, follow me. The rest, disperse and take over guard duties from the recruit team. Have the recruit team go to the rear of the Great Hero Treasure Hall. Guard assignments will be arranged by Chen Sheng. Then, call Zhenzhi over here!"

Several messengers, along with a few monks waiting for news, quickly scattered and ran off. Chen Sheng also nodded and turned to go make arrangements. Before he could turn around, Zhao Jin grabbed his arm and heavily thumped his chest twice with his fist.

"That hurts! I forgot you're wearing armor!" Zhao Jin's fist was red. He winced and gasped from the pain. Chen Sheng was startled, then burst out laughing. Zhao Jin waved his hand irritably and said, "What are you laughing at? Hurry up and get to work!"

Chen Sheng agreed with a laugh, turned, and strode away. Zhao Jin shook his head while clutching his hand, a smile also appearing on his face.

Just as he left, Zhenzhi came running over, panting heavily. He was not young and not physically strong; after all this turmoil, fatigue was unavoidable. But besides the look of exhaustion, Zhenzhi's face was also full of excitement, and within that excitement was a trace of ferocity. Recalling what Chen Sheng had just said, Zhao Jin understood why.

"Young Master Zhao..."

"Zhenzhi, have you finished capturing everyone who needs to be captured?" Zhao Jin asked calmly.

Zhenzhi froze for a moment, then said with a trace of awkwardness, "... They've all been rounded up."

There was a clear pause in his words, but he still knew what he was supposed to say. Zhao Jin nodded and spoke again: "Take me to where the people are being held."

Zhenzhi hastily bowed and led the way. His manner was thoroughly practiced — hard to tell whether it came from doing business or from being a monk.

Along the way, they could see the various squads marching in relatively neat formation, moving briskly toward the assembly point. With hoods covering their heads, no one could tell who was who, but the bands on their right arms made their identity clear. All of them stopped and saluted.

Besides the new recruit squads of Zhao Camp, there were also quite a few monks along the road. Judging by their not particularly fearful expressions, they were likely Zhenzhi's people. The younger monks were fine, but the older ones all took the initiative to greet Zhenzhi, and some simply fell in behind him.

By the time they reached the destination, it was already quite a large crowd. But the monks kept their silence, and the new recruit squads in formation were even more solemnly quiet. Apart from the weeping, shouting, and cursing coming from the large courtyard within, there was not much noise.

In front of this courtyard stood the Great Hero Hall. For a grand temple like Cloud Mountain Monastery, the Great Hero Hall was vast, and the courtyard behind it was correspondingly spacious. The new recruit squads were drawn up in formation inside, along with nearly two hundred captured monks, all bound hand and foot, kneeling on the ground.

Zhao Jin walked to the front, spear in hand, and swept his gaze around. The captured monks were overwhelmingly fat. Many of them had probably still been in bed when they were seized, for they wore only their underclothes — and a great many of those were silk and fine cotton, the sort of thing even many respectable households in Xuzhou City might not manage. Their faces bore every expression: fear, fury, and not a few looked utterly despairing. The monks standing on the new recruit squads' side, by contrast, were mostly gaunt, many with a famished look. Their clothes were largely coarse cloth, patched all over. The expressions on their faces at this moment were just as vivid — excitement, vindictive glee, and anticipation all mingled together.

The muttered discussions, the weeping, the shouted curses — all gradually fell quiet. Every gaze turned toward the orderly ranks of Zhao Camp. These masked men gripping long spears inspired an involuntary awe.

"Zhenzhi, go discuss with your companions. See if there is anyone who was seized by mistake. If someone was rounded up merely because of your personal grudges and not as part of Ru Nan's faction, it would be best to let them go. 'A monk's heart is filled with compassion' — these are not words I should have to say." Zhao Jin spoke unhurriedly.

Zhenzhi was first dumbstruck, then his old face flushed crimson. Still, he knew his side had gone too far. Yet Zhenzhi dared offer no retort. He had heard of Zhao Jin's former reputation, and today's operation had thoroughly shaken him. Zhenzhi hastily turned and went over to his companions. A dozen or so monks of similar age huddled together, murmuring in debate for a long while. Then Zhenzhi turned back.

"No need to tell me. Go in yourselves and pick those people out. Remember — you only have this one chance." Zhao Jin waved his hand as he spoke.

Zhenzhi paused, not quite grasping Zhao Jin's meaning, but he dared not ask further. He and his companions went over to pick people out.

Perhaps influenced by the grim, lethal aura of Zhao Camp, the monks' excitement at settling scores had faded considerably. Or rather, once the initial fervent impulse subsided, people always cooled down.

Zhenzhi led the monks as they threaded through the bound crowd, with several dozen household servants following behind. They would point at someone, and the servants would release that person. The process was not quick — for some, they still had to debate and argue over whether to let them go. By the time it was over, more than thirty people had been led out. Throughout the process, some of those seized had begged, some had cursed in rage. Zhenzhi and the others all wore expressions of acute embarrassment and unease.

"Fewer than two hundred left. Cloud Mountain Monastery has over ten thousand monks. Did they rely on just these people and a thousand-odd monk soldiers to keep everyone suppressed?" Zhao Jin asked.

At Zhao Jin's question, Zhenzhi paused a moment before he grasped it, then immediately explained, "... Young master, those ten thousand monks include everyone from the main temple, the four branch monasteries, and the nunneries within the city. These people here all hold some degree of authority within the temple. By their status, they command the monks under them — that accounts for several thousand right there. Add to that the monk soldiers and warrior monks, all firmly in Ru Nan's grip, and the rest could only swallow their rage in silence."