Chapter 33: What I Owe the Daoist Master, I Have Repaid in Full… p2
The sky was a little overcast. Ganlu Hall was too spacious, and the sunlight could not reach the depths. In the massive red-gold taotie censer, gharuwood was burning. The mist was heavy, winding and coiling, like a white light gauze enveloping the emperor’s throne. Emperor Yuanyan sat high on it. In a daze, Zhao Shangjun felt that his features were a little blurry.
“Wang Yongjing is from a prominent clan in Taiyuan. From Vice Prefect and Junior Prefect to Colonel of the Zhechong Commandery, he is skilled in both literary and martial arts, talented and courageous. His evaluations from the Ministry of Personnel have always been of the highest grade. Why can’t such a talent be the governor of Luozhou? Fifth Prince, you have never asked about court affairs in the past. Why are you suddenly concerned about this today?”
Emperor Yuanyan’s tone was still gentle. No matter what he said to Zhao Shangjun, his expression was the same as it had been in the past, that of a loving and kind elder brother, a faint smile on his lips.
Zhao Shangjun stood below, his posture formal, observing the etiquette of a subject, but his voice was a little heavy. “The governor of Zhuozhou, Zheng Congjing, is very close to Li Yan. This time, the position of governor of Luozhou was also recommended by Li Yan. Then, the entire line of Luozhou, Zhuozhou, Luping, and Fanyang will be the Li faction.”
Emperor Yuanyan’s gaze was kind, looking at his ignorant younger brother, full of tolerance. “Zheng Congjing and Wang Yongjing are loyal subjects of the court. What is this ‘Li faction’? Fifth Prince, don’t be reckless. And as for Li Yan, he defeated the Xi people and the Khitans for Zhen and took a large part of the land by the Xilamulun River. His military achievements are great, no less than yours. It is inevitable that Zhen appreciates him a little more. Fifth Prince, don’t be jealous.”
He even turned his head and said to the Prince of An at his side with a smile, “Imperial Uncle, you see, the Fifth Prince is still the same as when he was a child, very petty. The moment Zhen neglects him a little, he becomes displeased.”
The Prince of An had only come to the palace for his daily greetings today and had unfortunately run into the dispute between the two brothers, Emperor Yuanyan and the Prince of Huai. He tried his best not to speak, hiding to the side and pretending to be a decoration. At this moment, hearing Emperor Yuanyan call his name, his face was expressionless, and he nodded kindly. “The Fifth Prince has always held His Majesty in reverence. It is commendable.”
“This subject dares not be displeased,” Zhao Shangjun’s tone was ordinary. “However, Your Majesty’s appreciation for Li Yan has already given him the jurisdiction of Fanyang, Luping, and Hedong. But Luozhou is the northern gateway to Chang’an, and the journey between the two places is only ten days. If there is any movement in the future, I’m afraid we will not be able to respond in time. This pass cannot be easily entrusted. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider.”
Emperor Yuanyan came down from the dragon throne and walked to Zhao Shangjun.
Zhao Shangjun was already very tall, completely different from when he was a child. Emperor Yuanyan had to look up to face this younger brother. Realizing this, a subtle fluctuation arose in Emperor Yuanyan’s heart, but he did not show it. Instead, he became even more affectionate, placing his hands on Zhao Shangjun’s shoulders and patting them lightly.
“With the Fifth Prince here, Chang’an is at peace. What movement could there be? Zhen trusts you.”
Zhao Shangjun had a penchant for cleanliness and did not like others to touch him, even if the one before him was his elder brother. He wanted to avoid it, but considering the emperor’s face, he only moved slightly, and his face inevitably turned a little cold.
Emperor Yuanyan raised an eyebrow. “What is the Fifth Prince worried about? What, do you not trust your elder brother?”
The two brothers were very close. Zhao Shangjun could clearly see the scar on Emperor Yuanyan’s forehead. It had been many years, but it still couldn’t be removed, leaving a faint mark.
Zhao Shangjun remembered that rainy spring day. His elder brother, Zhao Shangxuan, in order to save him, had knelt outside Guangde Hall and kowtowed again and again. His forehead was broken, and blood flowed out, mixing with the rain, dyeing the stone steps a light red color.
And now, his elder brother was asking him, “Do you not trust your elder brother?”
That was naturally not right.
Zhao Shangjun finally lowered his head slightly. “This subject dares not. This subject was wrong.”
Emperor Yuanyan was satisfied. He nodded and laughed. “It’s nothing. The Fifth Prince can say anything to Zhen.”
Zhao Shangjun was of a taciturn nature. At this point, he had nothing more to say. He stopped and took his leave.
The Prince of An, meekly, also withdrew.
The palace road was long. Zhao Shangjun walked on it, his steps steady, his face expressionless. He was still in a Daoist robe, with wide sleeves and a crane-patterned cloak, his figure tall and sturdy, like an immortal.
The palace servants bowed from a distance and avoided him.
The sky was dark, pressing down heavily, and the shadow of a person in it seemed obscure.
The Prince of An walked behind. He was old, after all, and his legs were a little slow. Zhao Shangjun’s pace slowed until the Prince of An had caught up and was walking beside him.
“The Fifth Prince will be leaving the capital soon. It is not convenient for me to see you off. Take care on your journey,” the Prince of An looked straight ahead and could only say this.
Zhao Shangjun did not answer him. He walked slowly, his tone even. “What does elder brother mean by arranging Wang Yongjing in Luozhou? If there is a change in Chang’an, Luozhou can provide reinforcements in a few days, is that it? What change could there be in Chang’an? Is it me?”
To this, the Prince of An could not answer and could only offer a dry comfort. “It won’t come to that. The Fifth Prince is overthinking it.”
Zhao Shangjun’s voice grew lower. “I have already retreated again and again. Why is elder brother still not at ease?”
The Prince of An was silent for a long while, then said vaguely, “The Fifth Prince resembles his father. No one can match him. As long as you still have a sword in your hand, others will inevitably be uneasy.”
Zhao Shangjun tilted his head up slightly. He looked at the distant palace city. The red walls were too high, and the clouds were layered. The sky was overcast. Even with countless high platforms, at this moment, they were all hidden behind the sharp, intertwined eaves.
His gaze was deep, its color impossible to see. “I cannot hand over the Black Armor Army to elder brother. I dare not gamble. In the end, I am just leaving a way out for myself.”
The Prince of An sighed and could only repeat, “It won’t come to that.”
Zhao Shangjun said no more. He brushed his sleeve, quickened his pace, and soon was far away.
The sky grew even darker, and the wind blew hard.
***
After winter, the white plum blossoms of Yunlu Temple had long since withered. Only the green moss on the steps remained. The clouds hung low, as if it were about to rain. Even the foraging birds were nowhere to be seen, and the temple was even more deserted.
When Zhao Shangjun returned, he happened to run into Zhao Yuanjia accompanying Fu Tangli. They met at the mountain gate.
Zhao Yuanjia came forward with a smile. “Second Lady was saved by Imperial Uncle the other day and is endlessly grateful. She has come today especially to thank you. They just said that Imperial Uncle was not in the temple, and we were lamenting the unfortunate timing. But it’s good that Imperial Uncle has returned.”
Fu Tangli’s posture was graceful and elegant. She lowered her head slightly and followed properly behind Zhao Yuanjia.
The two of them always seemed to appear before Zhao Shangjun at the same time, a perfect pair.
For a moment, the violent impulse in Zhao Shangjun’s heart reached its peak. He clenched his fist in his sleeve, and his knuckles made a crack sound.
Zhao Yuanjia suddenly felt a chill, as if the air around him had grown cold. He felt a little guilty for no reason, took a step back, and said sheepishly, “Since Imperial Uncle has business today, why don’t we come back another day?”
Zhao Shangjun was silent. His gaze fell on the person behind Zhao Yuanjia.
But Fu Tangli kept her head down and did not spare him a glance.
After a long while, Zhao Shangjun took a step, his face expressionless, and uttered two words: “Come in.”
Xuan’an and Xundu came forward and led Zhao Yuanjia and Fu Tangli in.
Before long, they arrived at the elegant cottage in the back courtyard of the temple.
The arrangement here was still the same as before, with a bright window like snow, two mats and a table, and an ancient zither hanging on the white wall.
Xuan’an brought another cattail cushion. The host and guests sat down. Xundu served plain water, pouring it for Zhao Yuanjia and Fu Tangli.
Yes, Zhao Shangjun only drank plain water at Yunlu Temple, and he usually served his guests the same.
Zhao Shangjun picked up his teacup and took a sip. He lowered his eyelids, his long lashes like feathers, hiding the expression in his eyes.
Zhao Yuanjia was used to a life of luxury and would not drink anything but the finest tribute tea. He just glanced at the cup of plain water. For some reason, he was particularly afraid today, as if sitting on pins and needles, and did not want to stay long. So he signaled to Fu Tangli with his eyes to get to the point quickly.
Fu Tangli knelt on the cattail cushion, took out a small porcelain jar the color of the sky after rain from her sleeve, no bigger than a fist, and placed it in front of Zhao Shangjun. She then folded her hands, bowed respectfully, and said softly, “Last winter, this child personally picked white plum blossoms and, on a clear day, placed them under a tree to dry with Jingting Green Snow tea. I have obtained this jar of plum blossom tea. The Daoist Master is noble and pure and does not touch worldly things. This child wishes to offer this tea as a token of my gratitude.”
“Wine is used for rites. Does Lady Fu not remember? Why use tea as a gift again?” Zhao Shangjun’s fingers tapped on the table, tap, tap. The sound was abrupt in the quiet space, seeming to carry a certain dangerous meaning.
Fu Tangli’s posture was proper and straight, her voice soft and gentle. “Wine is not a good thing. It confuses the mind and deludes the senses. This child was once greedy for a cup and, after getting drunk, spoke recklessly and made a great mistake. From this, I have reflected and will no longer go near it. The Daoist Master is in cultivation and should observe the precepts. This child, for your sake, dares not offer wine.”
Zhao Shangjun stared at Fu Tangli, the corners of his mouth curling up, as if in a smile, but the smile did not reach his eyes. “Oh, is that so?”
Fu Tangli took out another item and, with a doubly humble posture, presented it to Zhao Yuanjia with both hands, who then passed it to Zhao Shangjun’s table.
“This is the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering copied by the Second Lady, to make up for what was not finished last time,” Zhao Yuanjia explained with a smile.
Fu Tangli lowered her head, her eyes on her nose, her nose on her heart, her etiquette impeccable, not a single flaw. “This child accidentally knocked over the inkstone in front of you, Daoist Master, and stained the Daoist scripture, which was a great breach of etiquette. Later, thinking about it, I felt very uneasy, so I punished myself by copying the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering forty-nine times.”
She looked up, straight at Zhao Shangjun. There were a few bloodshot veins in her eyes, from copying the scripture all night, but her gaze was firm and bright, her words particularly clear. “…This is what I owe you, Daoist Master. I have repaid it in full.”
Zhao Shangjun silently picked up the scroll of scripture and opened it. The calligraphy on it was familiar, like her herself, the strokes clear and bright, with an elegant and strong character. Forty-nine times of the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering.
He remembered. She had once stood by the door, her hands leisurely tucked into her sleeves, innocent and roguish. “The Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering, forty-nine times, not a single one less. It’s alright if you can’t finish today. Take your time. It will be enough to keep you busy for several days. I will come every day from now on. Thank you for your trouble.”
The mountain was oblivious to the passage of time. At that time, she was smiling, her features as bright as a spring flower. It was as if it were yesterday. But now, she said, what she owed him, she had repaid in full.
The veins on the back of Zhao Shangjun’s hand bulged. He closed the scripture scroll, slowly nodded, and said, word by word, “Lady Fu is very thoughtful.”
Fu Tangli picked up her teacup, which was filled with plain water. She bowed her head and raised the cup above her brow. “This child owes you a great deal, Daoist Master. I am both grateful and ashamed. It is all in this cup. Are you willing to drink it?”
It is all in this cup.
Outside, it finally began to rain, beating against the roof tiles, a noisy, chaotic sound. The light in the room also dimmed, and the rain splashed in from the window lattice, a cold, damp feeling gradually spreading.
Zhao Shangjun did not speak. His features were magnificent. When he was so quiet, he was like a celestial being in a painting, his features cool, showing neither joy nor anger.
It was quiet for too long, so long that Fu Tangli’s hand began to tremble slightly, and the water from the teacup spilled out, soaking her sleeve.
Zhao Yuanjia was a little embarrassed and coughed. “Second Lady need not be so formal. It is all a small matter, not worthy of Imperial Uncle’s attention. Let this cup be.”
But at this moment, Zhao Shangjun reached out, steadily took the teacup, drained it in one go, and then said one word.
“Alright.”
***
The rain continued to fall, not stopping even at night.
Through the window, the sound of the rain falling from the eaves was particularly obvious, incessant, as if it were about to drip through the green steps under the eaves. Outside the corridor was a clump of banana trees, which made a splashing sound in the rain, very noisy, but when one listened closely, it became blurry.
It made it difficult to sleep.
Fu Tangli didn’t know how long she had been tossing and turning in bed. Her mind was in a jumble, suppressing one thought only to have another surface. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t find peace.
She couldn’t help but sit up. She was dazed for a long while, not at all sleepy. She simply fumbled to get out of bed and lit a candle.
She didn’t know what watch it was. The sound of the rain was incessant. Besides that, the surroundings were desolate, too quiet. Yanzhi, who was on night watch in the next room, was also silent.
It was as if everyone in this courtyard had fallen into a deep sleep, except for Fu Tangli.
This was not right.
Realizing this, Fu Tangli’s heart suddenly tightened. A cold sweat broke out on her back. She tentatively called out, “Yanzhi?”
No one answered.
Fu Tangli’s heart pounded even harder, as if it were about to leap out of her throat. She hesitated for a long time, then put on her outer cloak, finally went out, and pushed open the door.
It was raining, and the night was dark. Only a faint candlelight came from the doorway. The shadow of the veranda pressed down, and nothing could be seen clearly, including that man’s expression.
He was holding an umbrella, standing under the steps, wearing a crane-patterned cloak, a wide-sleeved long robe, his figure tall and sturdy, his bearing cool and aloof, still with the air of an immortal. But there was a dark patch on the lower part of his lapel, which had been soaked by the rain. It was strange. A man as fond of cleanliness as him actually didn’t seem to mind at this moment, just stood there quietly, in the rain.
I don’t know how long he had been standing there.