Chapter 6: A Mine at Home, Lavish
The next day, Fu Tangli went out again, this time to the Daoist temple.
The weather was cold and snowy. In the near distance, white plum blossoms were half-hidden. The halls and pavilions of Yunlu Temple were mottled with age. Two or three Daoists were sweeping snow with bamboo brooms on the steps before the corridor, making a soft rustling sound.
This temple was obscure, hidden deep in the mountains. Now, in the dead of winter, it was even more desolate. In the Hall of the Celestial Worthy, the old Daoist on duty sat cross-legged, his head nodding as he dozed off. A thin wisp of smoke curled up from the censer, dissipating in an instant.
Fu Tangli entered the hall. Dailuo went to fetch water, and Yanzhi went to light incense.
The old Daoist was startled awake. Seeing a pilgrim arrive, he immediately perked up and came forward. With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he made a bow. “May the Celestial Worthy grant immeasurable blessings. This humble Daoist is Qingxuzi, the abbot of this temple. My greetings.”
Fu Tangli bowed in return. “Greetings, Master Qingxu.”
Dailuo brought water in a small bronze basin. Disregarding the cold, Fu Tangli carefully washed her hands and dried them with a handkerchief. Yanzhi brought the incense, and Fu Tangli raised it to the height of her brow, bowed three times, and offered the Three Treasures Incense.
Her etiquette was impeccable, her posture dignified, respectful, and devout.
Qingxuzi nodded repeatedly. After Fu Tangli had offered the incense, he said with a smile, “The female benefactor is most sincere. Although the incense offerings at my Yunlu Temple are few, the Celestial Worthy is most efficacious. Whatever the benefactor seeks, you may pray for it.”
Fu Tangli became even more respectful and said in a soft voice, “This believer has come to pray for the well-being of my late maternal grandmother and my late mother. I wish to offer ten taels of silver for incense and oil, and to request a master from the temple to copy the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering forty-nine times for me, so that it may reach the celestial palace and deliver my ancestors from suffering.”
It was precisely because Yunlu Temple was so remote and rarely had visitors that Qingxuzi had been ordered to move here in the first place. For several years, he had watched over a solitary temple with only seven or eight disciples. Life was mind-numbingly dull. Now, a rare visitor had come to offer incense and even donate money—ten taels! It was a grand sum, making her a veritable patron of Yunlu Temple.
The old Daoist’s eyes lit up, and he puffed out his chest with pride. “That is easily arranged. This old Daoist hails from Yuanzhen Palace and is the junior brother of the Perfected One Qingyang. I possess the ability to roam the eight extremities in spirit and the art of bringing forth spring with a touch. Today, this old Daoist will personally copy the scripture. The merit will surely be doubled, and I will not fail the benefactor’s sincere devotion.”
This old Daoist was tall and thin, with a gaunt face and three long wisps of a beard, the very picture of an immortal. Unfortunately, he was a braggart.
Yuanzhen Palace was the foremost temple in the realm, and the Perfected One Qingyang had been revered as the Imperial Preceptor by two successive emperors, Zhangwu and Yuanyan. His magical arts were sublime, beyond the reach of mortals. For this tiny Yunlu Temple to dare claim a connection was audacious.
Dailuo and Yanzhi both pursed their lips.
Fu Tangli’s expression did not change. She calmly discussed the matter with the old Daoist. “There is no need to trouble you, Master. There is a Daoist Master in your esteemed temple by the name of Xuanyan. I once met him by chance and saw that his bearing was pure and elegant, as if he were destined for immortality. I imagine his mastery of the Dao is profound. I only ask that Daoist Master Xuanyan copy the scripture for me, so that I may pray for the ultimate bliss for my ancestors.”
Qingxuzi’s smile froze on his face. He couldn’t help but take a few more looks at Fu Tangli.
Today, Fu Tangli was dressed in a plain, straight-sleeved, waist-cinched robe. Her form was like a flourishing spring pine, her demeanor quiet and leisurely. Her temperament was like a glorious autumn chrysanthemum, light and elegant. No matter how one looked, she was an impeccably composed and proper young lady.
Qingxuzi couldn’t discern any hidden motive, so he could only conclude that this young lady had poor judgment and had mistaken an Asura for an immortal. He coughed twice and said tactfully, “Xuanyan is this old Daoist’s disciple. In terms of cultivation, he is far inferior to me. Why would the benefactor choose the far over the near?”
Hearing this, Fu Tangli shook her head and said with regret, “So Daoist Master Xuanyan is not available. In that case, I shall come again another day.”
Seeing Fu Tangli make a move to leave, Qingxuzi grew anxious and said decisively, “He is available! Very available! Benefactor, please wait a moment. This old Daoist will call him out right now.”
The old Daoist scurried off to the back hall.
Dailuo was a sincere person and felt a pang of pity. She whispered, “Ten taels of silver. Ten taels. It’s not worth it.”
Yanzhi loyally defended her mistress. “Your horizons are too narrow. Not to mention anything else, half the profits from that silver mine in Weizhou belong to My Lady. She has a literal mountain of silver. What are a mere ten taels?”
The corner of Fu Tangli’s mouth curled up. She said nonchalantly, “That’s right. I have money. What is there to fear?”
Dailuo clicked her tongue twice and said no more.
Fu Tangli waited with perfect composure. After a long while, Xuanyan finally emerged. Qingxuzi, the supposed abbot and master, followed behind him, his back bent, bowing repeatedly.
Xuanyan’s expression was as cold as ever, betraying no emotion. He walked closer, and upon seeing it was Fu Tangli, he actually smiled. “It’s you again.”
The smile was even colder, making one shiver.
Dailuo and Yanzhi both took a step back in unison. My Lady was right. This Daoist Master Xuanyan is truly difficult to get along with.
Only Fu Tangli remained composed. She gave a slight nod, reserved and serene. “I have a request. I must trouble you, Daoist Master.”
Xuanyan shot a cool glance at Qingxuzi and raised an eyebrow without speaking.
Qingxuzi knew this disciple’s background and was so frightened that sweat beaded on his forehead. Fortunately, he had never been one to fear death. Braving Xuanyan’s sword-like gaze, he forced a nod and even began to lecture him earnestly.
“The way of the immortals values life and the salvation of all beings. Half lies in cultivation, the other half in the mortal world. Xuanyan, ah, back then, your master listened to you and moved to this secluded mountain. It is indeed quiet and free of dust, but if we cannot help the world and save the people, we will never attain the true meaning of our Daoist path. Now, a rare benefactor has come, needing you to pray for blessings and avert disaster. This is an opportunity bestowed by our patriarch. You must not refuse.”
Xuanyan couldn’t be bothered to speak. He just stared coldly at Qingxuzi.
Qingxuzi’s voice grew smaller and smaller. “Xuanyan, I am your master. As the saying goes, heaven, earth, ruler, parent, teacher. Since I am your elder, you must obey my command. Be good. Go and copy the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering forty-nine times, without error.”
As he spoke, he backed away. By the time he finished, he was already at the hall’s entrance. He fled in a flash, not daring to look back.
Xuanyan, expressionless, turned to face Fu Tangli, trying to force her to retreat with his gaze.
This man was proud and aloof, like a pine on a snowy mountain, keeping everyone at a distance. Looking at him… made one’s teeth itch even more.
Fu Tangli smiled faintly, gestured with her hand in a “please” motion, and said gently, “Daoist Master, may we begin with the ink and brush now?”
The two locked gazes for a long moment. Fu Tangli remained as still as a mountain.
Xuanyan took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and said in a low voice, “Follow me.”
On either side of the Hall of the Celestial Worthy were side halls, used by the Daoists for their cultivation and studies. Xuanyan entered one and sat down directly. Brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone were all prepared. He rolled up his sleeves and began to grind the ink.
Dailuo and Yanzhi stood guard outside the hall entrance. Fu Tangli followed him into the side hall and found a meditation stool to sit on, not too close and not too far from Xuanyan, watching him leisurely.
After grinding the ink, Xuanyan did not begin copying the scripture. He first took out a piece of cinnabar and a few sheets of talisman paper, then lifted his brush and scribbled a few strokes on them like flowing clouds and water.
Then, he looked up and uttered a single, cold word: “Hand.”
Fu Tangli considered for a moment, then lifted her sleeve and tentatively extended a hand to see what he would do.
With a smack, Xuanyan slapped a talisman onto her palm.
“Talisman of Supreme Purity and Dust Cleansing. Hold it. Maintain cleanliness.”
For a moment, Fu Tangli almost flipped the table.
No, no, no. A lack of forbearance in small matters upsets great plans. She repeated this to herself several times in her mind. Finally managing to calm herself, she folded the talisman, tucked it into her sleeve, and slowly nodded. “Yes. I will respectfully follow the Daoist Master’s teachings.”
The young lady was now dressed in plain, clean clothes, her words and actions gentle and refined. Her hair was impeccably combed into a high chignon, revealing a section of her tender neck. Her graceful and elegant posture made her look like a white swan.
Xuanyan glanced at her and felt that he could barely tolerate her today. He gave a slight nod. “Who are you? What is your prayer? Speak.”
“This humble woman’s surname is Fu.” Fu Tangli lowered her gaze, pondered for a moment, and said softly, “My given name is Lihua. I am originally from Xiangwu in Weizhou. I have come to pray for my late maternal grandmother, of the Fang clan, whose taboo name was Shushen, and my late mother, of the Han clan, whose taboo name was Lingya. I wish for my two ancestors to soon be freed from the path of confusion, to transcend the three realms, and to receive good fortune and blessings.”
Xuanyan said no more. He switched to another brush, first transcribing the benefactor’s name and the reason for her prayer, then began to copy the scripture. His brushstrokes were sharp and forceful, completely different from his aloof and elegant demeanor, filled with the sharp spirit of iron cavalry and golden halberds, powerful and vigorous, penetrating the back of the paper.
Nine Harmony Incense was burning in the side hall. This was the incense of celestial jade maidens, its fragrance deep and rich. This scent slowly diffused among the ink and brush, softening everything around them.
Fu Tangli’s finger tapped lightly on the small table, like a small insect, making a tap, tap sound.
Xuanyan acted as if he hadn’t heard, not even a flicker of his eyelashes.
Fu Tangli covered her mouth with her sleeve, coughed lightly, and asked in a soft voice, “May I ask the Daoist Master, what is the meaning of ‘I originate from the Great Nothingness’ in this scripture?”
“The Celestial Worthy of Salvation from Suffering was originally transformed from the primordial qi, which cannot be perceived by ordinary people,” Xuanyan replied curtly, his eyes fixed on his work.
Fu Tangli, intent on disturbing his peace, asked again, “What does ‘These are called the Three Treasures Lords’ refer to here?”
“The Three Treasures are the Celestial Treasure, the Numinous Treasure, and the Divine Treasure. They are the venerable deities of the Three Caverns, known as the Cavern of Truth, the Cavern of Mystery, and the Cavern of Spirit.” Xuanyan’s expression was turning sour.
Strange. He looks particularly pleasing when he’s angry.
Fu Tangli smiled sweetly. “Then what are the ‘thirty-six in heaven and thirty-six on earth’?”
Xuanyan’s face darkened. He took another sheet of talisman paper, and with a few swift strokes of his brush, he reached out and pressed it.
“Hm?” Fu Tangli was too close and couldn’t dodge in time. The talisman, stained with cinnabar, was stuck squarely on her forehead.
“Talisman of Sweet Dew and Purity. Hold it. Be silent.”
Fu Tangli closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then another. When she opened them again, her gaze was clear, neither angry nor annoyed. Her smile even held a hint of cunning. She plucked the talisman from her forehead and waved it in her hand. “Daoist Master, I spent ten taels of silver on incense money to ask you to copy this scripture and pray for me. You could at least be a little more patient with me.”
The tip of Xuanyan’s brush paused. He looked up abruptly, his gaze as sharp as a sword.