Chapter 195: Striking

Even as a monk, and even as a master, such words are petty.

Chen Feng internally criticized, then responded, “A master of the Dharma should be compassionate. Why be so petty?”

Master Wuzhi resumed his masterly manner and said with folded hands, “Namo Amitabha, meetings and partings are all fated. I can’t reveal too much. I must focus on the key points. I must advise the young master to stay secluded and not meet those he shouldn’t see. For the next two years, he must not leave your home and the vicinity within a radius of 100 miles. Otherwise, it will bring great misfortune.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng became somewhat frightened and quickly handed over the swallows’ nest and leaf to him, asking, “Master, who are the people he shouldn’t see…”

Master Wuzhi interrupted her, saying, “I have said what must be said. Meditate on it, and you will understand.” He gestured with one hand, while the other cradled the “treasure,” looking at it with longing.

Was this a dismissal?

She wondered what significant secret the child was carrying and who the people he shouldn’t see were. Seeing that Master Wuzhi didn’t even spare her a glance, she realized she wouldn’t get any more answers and walked heavily towards the door.

As she reached the door, the old monk behind her spoke again, “If next time the lady could bring me a few more of these leaves, I’ll give you some rare incense. Also, these delicious snacks and braised dishes, please bring me more, and add more of that seasoning. When I’m happy, I won’t let you lose out.”

Chen Feng turned to look at him, but Master Wuzhi had raised his head and his eyes were gleaming.

Was this monk leading a double life? Or did these high monks have a side unknown to others?

Feeling perplexed, she nodded and left.

Dabao had already been taken to the hall by the young monk. Seeing Chen Feng, he ran over and grabbed her cloak, as if he hadn’t seen her in a long time. Even the most precocious child could be afraid in a strange environment. Pouting, he called out, “Mom, mom.” rubbing his face against her abdomen.

Remembering Master Wuzhi’s words, Chen Feng tightly held Dabao’s small hand and said, “Dabao, from now on, don’t wander off, don’t talk to strangers, and always stay by mommy’s side.”

No matter what Chen Feng said, Dabao obediently nodded vigorously.

The young monk said, “The master has asked me to escort the lady out of the temple.”

Thinking of the recent unpleasant encounter with the princess and recalling Chu Lingxuan’s words, Chen Feng expressed her gratitude and realized who the woman might be.

As they stepped outside, only Chen Lu and the two guards remained in the pavilion. The others had already left.

Chen Feng also began to recognize who the man resembled—Chu Lingxuan.

Why does he looks at me like that, perhaps noticing the cape and the Zhaojun fur? If he could remember a mere cape, he should recall much more, right? Regardless of what he remembered, a man who irked a woman he shouldn’t have, drove his lawful wife to the temple, and allowed that woman to harm his granddaughter into autism, was despicable.

Chen Lu saw Chen Feng and hurried over, asking, “Sister, did the master mention where our uncle is?”

Chen Feng whispered, “The master only said our uncle should still be alive, but didn’t mention his whereabouts.”

They headed towards the front of the temple. As a precaution, they decided not to pay their respects to the Buddha there and hurried to Yingshuan Monastery.

As they walked along the corridor, they saw the princess and her entourage coming towards them.

What a small world!

Chen Feng lowered her head, covering half of Dabao’s face with her hand, and turned away. She quietly instructed the two guards, “That woman is a princess, protect the children.” Then, discreetly, she nudged Dabao and Lu towards them.

The two guards quickly grabbed a child each and turned to walk in the opposite direction. Chen Feng and the young monk distanced themselves from them and left quickly.

The princess also spotted Chen Feng and instructed her attendants, “Go, bring that woman to me.”

The two maids hurriedly caught up with Chen Feng, assertively saying, “My mistress wants to see you, come along.”

Chen Feng, for the first time, felt the helplessness and indignation of being oppressed by power. In a society without human rights, as a mere commoner, she dared not challenge the authority of the royalty. Walking over on her own would look better than being escorted by the two maids. Moreover, she had to protect Dabao from being seen by these nobles.

She signaled to the two guards who were approaching, then reluctantly followed the two maids to stand before the princess. The young monk also accompanied her.

The young monk reassured her, “Don’t be afraid, this is Lingyin Temple. People can’t act recklessly here.”

Facing Princess Rong Zhao, who sneered, “Oh, it’s the ‘esteemed guest.’ So soon done with your visit?”

Knowing she couldn’t provoke her, Chen Feng bowed her head and bent her knees to her.

Princess Rong Zhao scrutinized Chen Feng and coldly said, “You have a sly look about you, clearly up to no good. Give her ten slaps, and let’s see if she’ll dare to be anyone’s guest in the future.”

The young monk quickly shielded Chen Feng, stating, “This is a sacred Buddhist place. You can’t just strike someone. This lady is a guest of Master Wuzhi and an esteemed visitor to our temple.”

Chen Feng seethed with anger, cursing the old bald donkey. If they were going to escort her, they should have found a more astute monk. This was only making things worse. It seemed she couldn’t escape the beating.

The princess’s face darkened further, and she harshly commanded, “I enjoy punishing ‘esteemed guests.’ Give her twenty slaps.”

One of the maids, using her sturdy body, blocked the young monk and declared, “Under the heavens, there is no king. If our princess wants to punish someone, regardless of where it occurs, no one else has the right to interfere. Little monk, I advise you to mind your own business.”

The other maid, with a plump appearance, raised her hefty hand to strike Chen Feng. Chen Feng closed her eyes, expecting the blow.

But the slap never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw a large hand gripping the maid’s arm. It was the man from the pavilion, or more precisely, Master Chu, or perhaps the Marquis Chu.

With a firm grip, he made the maid stumble back a few paces. Then he released her, wiped his hand with a white handkerchief, and tossed it on the ground. Sternly, he said, “Let’s see who dares to strike now.”

The maid hastily bowed, “My lord.”

Seeing this, the princess stepped forward in a coquettish voice, “Chu Lang, this sly woman…”

Marquis Chu spoke gently, “Rong Zhao, this is a sacred Buddhist place. If violence occurs here, it will anger the emperor and draw censure from the Imperial Censor. What was our purpose in coming here? We just paid our respects to the Buddha, and now we’re fighting in front of the Buddha?”