Chapter 320: Going All In

"Patron Zhao, Mister Cao, if there is nothing else, this humble monk will take his leave." Monk Zhenzhi composed himself, bowing as he spoke.

Hearing the address "Mister Cao," Ruhui smiled quite happily but said nothing. Though he was now composed and at ease, he was meticulous about protocol — whether there was business or not was for the host Zhao Jin to decide; he had no standing to do so.

"Master Zhenzhi, don't leave just yet. What comes next also concerns Cloud Mountain Temple." Zhao Jin's decision surprised everyone present.

"Tomorrow, Cloud Mountain Temple must commit its full strength to relieving the disaster victims along the Yellow River — open gruel kitchens, give the victims shelter, and take them in at the temple proper and all its branch cloisters." Zhao Jin came straight to the point.

At these words, Zhenzhi froze in stunned shock. Ruhui was startled, then caught on at once. The smile faded from his face, and he asked in a grave voice, "Does the host intend to swallow up these able-bodied folk?"

Zhao Jin nodded, his expression grim. "The Xu family of Mount Jing has already made the first move. They certainly know how to seize a bargain!"

This time Ruhui was the one stunned. Then he shook his head with a laugh and said, "Coal mining and iron smelting require too many hands. With so many refugees appearing, it's as if they've been delivered to their doorstep. I suspect they had this in mind the moment the refugees began crossing through their territory."

"Cloud Mountain Temple must get moving tonight — prepare supplies, prepare manpower, and clear out the housing and whatnot for sheltering them." Zhao Jin spoke with stern authority.

Zhenzhi still had not caught up, and Ruhui turned his head and said, "This matter brings only benefit and no harm to Cloud Mountain Temple. Go and set it in motion at once!"

Only upon hearing Ruhui's words did Zhenzhi nod. This was precisely why Zhao Jin had called Ruhui over. Taking in refugees was a massive undertaking; relying purely on force to compel Cloud Mountain Temple would never get it done properly. Ruhui, however, was different. Though Cloud Mountain Temple was nominally a place beyond the secular world, in practice it was no different from Ruhui's own estate. Once this former "young master" spoke, coordination became easy.

"But at a time like this, grain and such are all in short supply. The sorghum and the rest have all gone to…" Zhenzhi spoke haltingly, stealing a cautious glance at Zhao Jin.

"Relieving disaster victims doesn't mean you starve yourselves. Whatever the shortfall, I will make it up to you from my side." Zhao Jin said with a smile.

When Ruhui returned to lay life, he had emptied Cloud Mountain Temple of a great many things — the sorghum for brewing was one such item. So much of it that even He Village and the city proper could not store it all, and a considerable amount remained in Cloud Mountain Temple's own estates. The temple naturally dared not touch any of it.

Hearing Zhao Jin say this, Monk Zhenzhi breathed a sigh of relief. Though the refugees were vast in number, Cloud Mountain Temple's grain reserves, counting the sorghum, were equally enormous. They should be able to manage. Moreover, with Zhao Jin promising to help, the task was far less daunting.

"Host, please wait here a moment. This subordinate will see Zhenzhi out." Although Zhenzhi was nearly twice Zhao Jin's age and could speak endlessly on Buddhist doctrine and worldly affairs, he was profoundly ill at ease in front of Zhao Jin. There was no helping it — the bloodbath inside Cloud Mountain Temple that day remained fresh in the minds of these monks who had experienced so little. Looking at Zhao Jin was like looking at a demon king.

Ruhui was gone for nearly half a shichen before returning. When he walked back into the room, his face was full of wry smiles. Before Zhao Jin could ask, he volunteered, "Just now Zhenzhi earnestly tried to persuade me, saying that you, Host, are too steeped in bloodshed and killing karma, that you will come to no good end, and that I should not stay by your side and risk being dragged down with you. He urged me to leave sooner rather than later. He also advised this subordinate to take up the scriptures and my studies again, to try the civil examinations once more — going on and on about settling down and starting a family."

"He's not wrong there. You've returned to lay life now, and your age is just right. You ought to consider these things." Zhao Jin said with a smile.

Ruhui refilled Zhao Jin's tea, shaking his head. "These matters would be simple for this subordinate to handle. For someone like me, finding a daughter from a good family here in Xuzhou — is that difficult?"

His words were confident, and with good reason. Ruhui was refined and cultured, had no shortage of money, and aside from being slightly older, was in every respect an ideal son-in-law. After this moment of self-mockery, Ruhui's expression turned serious. Earnestly, he said to Zhao Jin, "Host, you need not speak of this subordinate. It is you, Host, who should be considering the matter of taking a wife and having children."

Hearing this, Zhao Jin's first impulse was to say, "I'm only this old, why should I think about that?" But he caught himself at once. In this era, someone his age taking a wife, having children, even having several children — that was normal. The reason no one in his family had brought it up was that his parents had assumed he and Mu Shulan would grow up together and then marry and start a family. They had treated it as a childhood betrothal.

After Mister Mu's sudden death and Mu Shulan's departure, Zhao Jin's fortunes had exploded with such speed that his parents had no time to raise the matter. He supposed that if he spent any length of time at home, it would certainly be mentioned. In fact, many people had probably already gone to his home to propose a match. It was just that his parents were either considering his own feelings or had not yet found a suitable candidate, and so had kept silent.

Mu Shulan? Where was that girl who had grown up alongside him now? Her second uncle had said there would be no further entanglements, had even said Zhao Jin could not aspire to reach her. There must have been a reason for saying so. In this era, leaving one's home and wandering far usually meant there was no coming back — let alone for a girl with whom all contact had been severed.

Could he find Mu Shulan through the Smelling Incense Sect in Xuzhou? Zhao Jin had entertained the thought, but after learning the Smelling Incense Sect's structure from Zheng Quan, he had abandoned the idea entirely. For secrecy and ease of control by the central headquarters, the sect's various branch chapters were sealed off from one another with no mutual contact. They merely received orders from higher-level envoys, and those higher-level envoys were controlled by the clique at the headquarters.

In other words, if the Mu family did not want him to find Mu Shulan, then he would not find her. Sometimes Zhao Jin's thoughts went a layer deeper: he was thinking of her, but was she thinking of him? After all, Mu Shulan held a high position in the Smelling Incense Sect's upper ranks. If she likewise missed him, why had she made no effort to send word?

Zhao Jin also knew this was unlikely. The road was long and the obstacles many. Not to mention that Mu Shulan was even a few years younger than him — perhaps she was not capable of thinking that far.

These were the thoughts that had occupied him most after their parting, but lately he had thought of them less and less. Growing his power, life-and-death battles — there were simply too many things. That girl was gradually fading from memory. People truly do forget easily.

When Ruhui spoke those words and saw Zhao Jin sink into contemplation, a teasing smile crept onto his face. He had naturally heard about the matter of Mu Shulan. What amused Ruhui was that his host, a man of heroic stature, still had his moments of tender sentiment. He supposed that after a few more years, Zhao Jin would understand that childhood sweethearts, deep love and devotion, all that romance beneath the moon and flowers — it was all hollow. But for now, letting go was probably very hard.

"It is indeed time to consider this. What does Mister Cao have to say?" Zhao Jin finally spoke.

Since it was fading, since there was little chance, then be realistic. If he wanted to leave his name in the annals of history, he had to grow his power step by step. He could not afford to spend too much thought on tender sentiments.

But after saying those words, Zhao Jin felt an emptiness inside, deeply unsettled. Ruhui had been about to speak, but seeing Zhao Jin's expression, he fell silent.

No matter the time, Zhao Jin was not one to dwell and agonize. Having made his decision, a nameless fury suddenly rose in his heart. What is mine is mine. Why should I give it up? No matter what, she is mine!

Ever since he began practicing martial arts, ever since he began killing, ever since he led his companions and his household guards forward step by step, defeating enemy after enemy, Zhao Jin's character had changed — or rather, evolved. He was still rational, but that rationality had transformed into something else.

Watching the shifting expressions on Zhao Jin's face, which finally settled into calm composure, Ruhui was inwardly curious but tactfully refrained from asking.

"Mister Cao, please speak."

"Host, your foundation is now considerable — industries that earn a fortune daily, nearly a thousand elite troops, the foremost power in our Xuzhou city. This enterprise naturally bears the surname Zhao. While you, Host, are here, everyone is naturally loyal. But if, heaven forbid, something were to happen to you now, it would instantly collapse into loose sand. If you, Host, start a family and have heirs, then after being loyal to you, everyone will be loyal to the young master. There will be nothing to waver or doubt over." Ruhui spoke at length with ease.

Zhao Jin nodded. Ruhui came from Cloud Mountain Temple, an environment similar to a great aristocratic clan, so he was very clear on the ways of inheritance and succession.

Ruhui spoke with great caution: "Host, this subordinate is not saying anyone now harbors disloyalty. But you, Host, don armor and take up arms, braving death time and again — this is, after all, a hidden peril. With this layer of hidden peril and concern, your enterprise cannot give people a sense of permanence, cannot make them follow with absolute devotion. The foundation will therefore be unstable!"

Seeing that Zhao Jin had no objection, Ruhui continued, "Host must start a family as soon as possible, must have heirs to carry on the line as soon as possible. Only then can it be said the enterprise is secure."

"You are right. This was an oversight on my part." Zhao Jin affirmed, brief and to the point.

A smile surfaced on Ruhui's face. He filled his own cup with tea, took a sip, and then spoke again: "Host, you are fierce and skilled in battle, and you possess great talent for managing the economy and gathering people — a rare heroic figure. Yet even so, with you braving death and fighting bloody battles time and again, you have only firmly controlled an area fifty li around the prefectural city here in Xuzhou. As for the four counties of Feng, Xiao, Dangshan, and Pei — can it be said they obey and submit to you, Host?"

Zhao Jin shook his head. Throughout Xuzhou, people mostly feared and respected him; very few submitted completely. This territory fifty li around the prefectural city was roughly the area his Zhao Character Camp could reach in one or two days. Within this range, no one dared defy him or engage in deceit. But farther afield, people merely paid lip service. Strictly speaking, such territory could not be called a domain. As for the lands north of the Yellow River — his liquor had been sold there, but his men had never gone. Whether they even paid lip service was another matter.

"Even with a heroic genius like you, Host, braving death to carve out such a domain — if you wish to seek more, how much time would that take?" Ruhui paused for effect. Seeing that Zhao Jin was listening intently, he continued, "What this subordinate is about to say, Host may not wish to hear. But if you want to expand quickly, there is a shortcut."

"What shortcut?"

"Marriage alliance!" In a quick exchange, Ruhui stated his conclusion.

Zhao Jin was taken aback, then shook his head with a rueful laugh. Ruhui leaned forward, emphasizing his words: "Host, you are a hero — you are loath to rely on others' hands to achieve your goals. But if you can form a marriage alliance with a powerful house, you instantly gain a strong ally. Why not do such a thing?"

"With your heroic talent, Host, and with heroic men around you — do you fear being controlled by others? Look across the whole of Xuzhou: there are many with wealth and power, but not a single one is a figure like you, Host. Choose a suitable one to marry and bring into your household. If the future matriarch's family has no brothers, that vast family fortune will belong to you, Host. If there are brothers, they become a major source of support for you. One move, multiple gains — why not take pleasure in it?" Zhao Jin's earlier rueful laugh had made Ruhui somewhat anxious, and he now spoke with even less restraint.

By this point, Zhao Jin's expression had instead become indifferent. Ruhui, having said all this, did not know how to continue. After a moment's thought, he came out with this: "If Host still holds someone else in your heart, marry her as well. A great man may have three wives and four concubines — what is there against it?"

Zhao Jin was silent for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face. But he did not pick up Ruhui's thread. He merely said, "It's getting late. Mister Cao, go and see whether Cloud Mountain Temple has begun preparations. We should set out early tomorrow."

"Please rest assured, Host. This subordinate will keep a close watch on this matter." Ruhui stood, clasped his fist in salute, and accepted the order. At the door, he turned and added, "Please, Host, make your decision quickly. Though there are many eligible young ladies in Xuzhou, to find one fit to be the matriarch of our enterprise requires careful selection, and that will take yet more time."

Zhao Jin waved him off with a smile, shooing the smirking Ruhui out the door. He calmed his mind, lay down, and fell asleep at once.

As usual, Zhao Jin awoke just as the sky was beginning to brighten. He called out, and someone was already waiting there. A simple wash, armor strapped on — only then did he begin breakfast.

Cloud Mountain Temple was quite adept at hosting outside guests. Although Zhao Jin and his men had risen early, rice porridge, flatbreads, and an assortment of side dishes were all ready. They even came to ask if he wanted meat — the temple could supply that as well.

During breakfast, Zhao Jin did not have everyone eat together. Instead, each squad ate separately in order. This was, after all, Cloud Mountain Temple; a little caution never hurt.

Breakfast was finished quickly. Zhao Jin and his household guards exited Cloud Mountain Temple. When they reached the front of the main gate, they saw that Cloud Mountain Temple's contingent was already waiting there.

Temples and Daoist abbeys inherently had the function of aiding the poor and relieving disaster victims, so their preparations were very thorough. Cart after cart was loaded with grain, large cauldrons, and stoves. There were carts carrying fuel, as well as oilcloth and frames for erecting shelters, and bundles large and small giving off the smells of medicine and lime.

Besides all this, several hundred able-bodied young monks were accompanying them. These monks all carried packs on their backs, held staves, and had a strip of white cloth tied around their necks.

Zhao Jin nodded slowly. In relieving disaster victims, handing out dry rations was impractical and could easily lead to deaths. Providing gruel, on the other hand, replenished both food and water — this was the most suitable approach. To guard against rain and snow, to let the monks rest, and to treat those victims on the verge of death, shelters had to be erected. Medicine treated illness, lime could disinfect, and staves could be used either to maintain order or for self-defense. As for that strip of white cloth, it presumably served the function of a face covering.

Ruhui came before Zhao Jin. His eyes were completely bloodshot; he had likely not slept all night. After saluting, he said with a smile, "Host, Cloud Mountain Temple is ready. We await only your order to set out."

Zhao Jin nodded, raised his arm, and waved. Behind him, the household guards of Zhao Character Camp formed ranks and followed. Ruhui gestured with a smile, and the long-waiting Cloud Mountain Temple relief contingent also mobilized and fell in behind.

"To produce so many supplies and so much manpower overnight — no wonder Yuanxin and Runan got ideas." Zhao Jin glanced back and remarked with feeling to Ruhui beside him.

An organization as large as Cloud Mountain Monastery, with its vast manpower and immense wealth, and a relatively tight-knit structure at that, was truly a formidable force. With such power in their hands, Yuanxin, Runan, and Runing would certainly not be content to remain mere rich men or local strongmen of Xuzhou. The monk-soldiers who attacked the He family compound that day had clearly been prepared for a larger purpose.

"You're right, master, though they probably don't even realize their own ambitions. If they truly meant to do something, they wouldn't spend their days in debauchery and scheming against each other," Ruhui said with a smile.

Cloud Mountain Monastery had taken good care of Zhao Jin's mount the night before as well, but there was no rush to ride. They led the horses down the mountain. Ruhui swept his hand backward and spoke again: "Master, the entire Cloud Mountain Monastery, its wealth and manpower, now all belong to you. You made up your mind about this long ago, didn't you?"

"With so much at stake, you're surprisingly willing to give it away to outsiders," Zhao Jin replied, sidestepping the question.

Ruhui yawned, rubbed his eyes, and said with a smile: "When betting on big or small, you only win big when you spot the moment and place a heavy wager. The dice have already been cast — if you don't bet now, it'll be too late."

"You think too highly of me!" Zhao Jin cursed with a laugh.

As the main party descended the mountain, they could already see quite a few commoners walking toward them. Calculating the time, the city gates would not yet be open, so these must be residents from outside the walls. Ruhui sent men to inquire. It turned out they were people from various places coming up the mountain to burn incense and fulfill vows. When the great wave of refugees had struck, many commoners had come here to take shelter and, as a result, had "luckily" escaped the great calamity. There were also other fortunate commoners who, in their flight and hiding, must have prayed to the gods and buddhas for protection, and were now coming to fulfill their vows as well.

Seeing this, Zhao Jin's expression gradually grew stern. He said in a deep voice: "So many refugees, driven from their homes, heedless of life and death, and still so frenzied beneath the walls of Xuzhou — I never understood why. But seeing these commoners, I begin to have some idea."

A smile flickered across Ruhui's face as he teased: "The true Buddha stands right before their eyes, yet they don't know to come burn incense and give thanks. Instead, they go up the mountain seeking that clay idol."

After saying this, Ruhui's expression turned leisurely. He said lightly: "Master, this piety is of great use. In others' hands, it is a great harm. But in our hands, it can be a great benefit!"

The party reached the foot of the mountain and continued forward, halting outside the city to regroup. Zhao Jin's camp, a force of over a hundred men, remained orderly, while the Cloud Mountain Monastery contingent had already grown somewhat disordered.

They did not wait long outside the city before the time came for the gates to open. Once the refugees had dispersed, the gate schedule had returned to normal. In truth, Prefect Tong Huaizu had wanted to maintain the restriction of opening the gates for only one shichen a day for a while longer, but since Zhao Jin's camp needed to exit the city early, everyone simply ignored the prefect's wishes.

Chen Sheng and his men led the main force out from the city. Summoned back yesterday afternoon, nearly all the household troops who had taken leave to visit their families had now returned to the ranks.

The two groups merged. Zhao Jin noticed that Wang Zhaojing was not among them. Chen Sheng knew the reason: "His father is returning today. He had to go receive him."