CH 49

The sky was only just hazy with the first light of dawn when people began appearing in the vicinity of the Wang Residence. Its grand, lofty walls were unapproachable to the common peasants, so they gathered in the alleys, standing on their toes and craning their necks, watching for any sign of activity.

They were, of course, the citizens of Jinyang who were waiting for the “bodhisattva” to appear. 

For the past few days, Jiang Ni had been tirelessly spreading the news that Master Liang had come to Jinyang and was staying in the Wang Residence.

In the three days prior to the ceremony, Liang Feng hadn’t set foot outside the Wang Residence. Only the few aristocratic guests that Wang Wen had invited had had the chance to meet him. With people like Pei Zhu adding fuel to the fire, Liang Feng’s reputation had gone up another notch. The shops and businesses owned by the nobles used the rumors of the “bodhisattva” to sell large quantities of lotus-themed clothes and accessories. Even the peasants who lived under a rock were starting to know of this “mythical figure.”

Which Jinyang local didn’t know where the Wang Residence was? Those who’d survived the plague could hardly hold themselves back. Afraid they’d miss the chance to see their savior, they’d gotten up early to loiter outside the Wang Residence. The medical center had cured three hundred people alone, and when their relatives and friends gathered as well, their numbers swelled several times over.

As the sun rose and the time of the ceremony drew near, more and more people gathered in the streets, nearly blocking them off completely. 

When the situation was reported to Wang Wen, who was just about to head out with Liang Feng, he uttered in astonishment, “There really are that many people? Zixi, we’ll have to find a way around them…”

That was a mob of hundreds, maybe thousands, of lowly commoners; what if things turned for the worse?

Liang Feng thought for a moment, then shook his head, “They have waited long merely to see me and seek reassurance. How hurtful it would be if I avoided them? I’m afraid though, Controller Wang, that your carriage will be obstructed.”

Wang Wen smiled wryly, “Then I’ll trouble you to open a path for me, Zixi.”

Customarily, it was the person of higher status who would take the lead. Wang Wen was unquestionably kind, to allow Liang Feng to go before him. Liang Feng hesitated for a moment before nodding, “Thank you for your consideration, Controller Wang.”

“Although, with the situation as it is, might it be necessary for the Wang Residence to send soldiers and disperse the crowd?”

Liang Feng smiled, “You needn’t worry, Controller Wang. The Liang Estate’s militia will suffice.”

※ 

An ox-pulled carriage slowly emerged from the Wang Residence. The beast of burden’s measured clopping echoed through the alleys. The cow was only a cow, the carriage only a carriage – it was an all too ordinary sight in Jinyang. In fact, it seemed too ordinary a sight to appear before the Wang Residence. The carriage’s passenger didn’t seem to mind, though, as they unabashedly continued on their way.

The crowd began stirring restlessly upon seeing a carriage leave the Wang Residence. Someone exclaimed, “It’s a carriage! Whose is it?”

None of the prestigious families were so humble. Someone instantly shouted, “It’s not the Wang family’s carriage!”

“Master Liang came?” 

“Master Liang wouldn’t use this kind of carriage!”

“Lbk kbeiv sbe xcbk atja?!”

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None of them raised their voices or weapons towards the crowd. They simply held their spears and maintained their positions at the front of the carriage, but like a river parting around a boulder, the onlookers backed away from them. There were many barbarian servants and nobles in Jinyang, but no one had ever seen barbarians so fierce, threatening as an unsheathed blade. 

Just as they were beginning to feel uneasy, someone within the carriage said, “Lüzhu, open the curtain.”

Following his order, the three bamboo curtains on the front and sides of the lacquered carriage lifted one by one. Instantly, the anxious commoners stilled, nearly to the point of holding their breaths.

The sun had fully risen now, exuberantly scattering its light on the surface of the black carriage and the stunning figure sitting inside. He was exceedingly gorgeous; his skin was pale as snow, his brows dark as ink, and his eyes bright as stars. No ordinary ink and brush could ever depict his magnificence. If he were to gaze out and smile, he would undoubtedly conquer the hearts of countless ladies.

But he didn’t smile. The red ribbons of his headdress were tied beneath his chin, the lapels of his robe folded over each other high at his neck. His posture was dignified, his expression solemn. There wasn’t the slightest trace of frivolity in his bearing, but rather, a sense of inviolable sanctity. 

The carriage creaked forth without pause. Someone came to their senses and yelled, “Master… Master Liang!”

The silence was shattered. The same thought appeared in everyone’s mind: that’s right, this is the one who received a dream from Buddha, Master Liang!

No one had ever mentioned what Master Liang looked like. But upon seeing the person within the carriage, everyone had their answer already. Only one with such an appearance, such a demeanor, was worthy of Buddha’s grace! Then, weren’t those fierce barbarians surrounding the carriage just like the yakshas who waited upon Buddha?! It was only befitting of one who could save the masses!

“Master Liang….” “Master Liang!” 

The cheers sounded louder and louder, like crashing waves and roaring thunder, resounding throughout the sky. These were all people who’d, against all odds, survived the disease. They’d escaped from death’s jaws and gained a second chance at life. There was a well of gratitude in their hearts much deeper than most people’s. There was piety and faith, and long-repressed fear. But someone had saved them, someone had granted them salvation! That person was like ice, like jade, unsullied and unworldly. That person was Buddha’s earthly incarnation!

Thousands lost their composure and cried out at the top of their lungs.

The wheels rolled on amidst the wild uproar, unmoved. The person sitting remained expressionless, motionless, his gaze cast slightly downwards.

But that only stirred the people around him into further frenzy. Quite a few old crones and young women burst into tears. A number of devout believers along the streets prostrated to him as they would to Buddha. In Jinyang, it was a custom to throw fruits at a carriage when viewing a handsome scholar, but no one would ever toss fruits or scent pouches at this carriage. It was too blithe, too irreverent. 

Still, because today was the day of the festival, everyone had flowers on their hands. And only these vibrant flowers could match that person in the carriage!

Peonies, orchids, lilies …. the flowers fell like rain. But the ones that fell most were lotuses, white lotuses that drifted down like snow and burst with fragrance when they were crushed beneath the wheels of the carriage.

Yiyan grasped his spear anxiously. He hadn’t imagined that the situation would be so uncontrollable! The cries deafened his ears, the flowers blinded his eyes. The people around him seemed crazed and delirious. If they all rushed up at once, would he be able to escort his lord to safety?

Suddenly, there was a commotion as a young woman burst through the crowd and threw herself before the carriage, “Master Liang! It’s all thanks to Master Liang that my father survived! I’m willing to do anything, anything at all, to repay this kindness, Master Liang!” 

Her words seemed to serve as a reminder, for the crowd began to kneel, like grass bowing in the breeze. They touched their heads to the ground in thankfulness, clogging the streets even further.

Yiyan felt the hairs all over his body standing up on end. He’d already begun to raise his spear, intending to drive these people away. But an impassive voice coming from within the carriage stopped him, “Yiyan, no need.”

Liang Feng leaned forward slightly, picked up a white lotus that’d landed on the edge of the carriage, and handed it to the woman outside, “The doctors and monks had part in stopping the plague, as everyone here had part in saving themselves. You needn’t thank me, but rather, the common people of Jinyang.”

The woman dumbly took the lotus and stared at that divinely beautiful man. 

Liang Feng retracted his arm, sat properly with his head raised high, and addressed the kneeling commoners, “Today, Huai’en Temple, in its benevolence, opens its doors to all. The monks fast and incant scriptures to deliver the souls of the deceased. I wish for everyone to make way, and accompany me to the ceremony.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear as the sound of pearls falling upon a jade platter. The crowd’s excitement boiled over once more. The bodhisattva said that their salvation was due to their own merit! The bodhisattva was willing to lead them to the ceremony as well, to pray for the dead!

The crowds parted like the red sea, instantly creating a path. Then, like household servants, they followed alongside the simple ox-pulled carriage.

Liang Feng let out a small breath, then said, “Let’s continue.” 

Yiyan clenched his spear. As he looked out at the endless horde of people, drunk and rapturous, he felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. Was the person sitting in the carriage still his lord?

Without pause, the carriage steadily passed through the ever-growing crowd.

※

The entrance of Huai’en Temple was packed with finely decorated carriages. The monks had risen early, lit incense, and tidied up, so as to greet their esteemed guests. This was the first time they’d used Yulan Festival as a reason to hold a ceremony, plus, they were delivering the souls of the deceased. Many of Jinyang’s elite were attending in person. 

As the greeter of Huai’en Temple, Nianfa was, of course, at the gates welcoming guests. His appearance was comely, and his manners were superb, so he often earned the favor of noble ladies and highbrow scholars. While he was carrying out his duties, he suddenly heard a great clamor. He raised his head to look, then froze on the spot.

A black tide was surging towards the temple. There were men, women, old, and young. From their dress, it was apparent that they were all ordinary peasants. Nianfa had been wondering why so few commoners had come – but it seemed that now they’d all come at once!

He peered at the crowd once more and finally noticed a carriage in the center. It was extremely plain. Seeming to realize something, he lurched and hurriedly sent someone to report to the abbot.

At that moment, the abbot was sitting within the meditation room, conversing with guests. These people were the temple’s greatest benefactors, even he didn’t dare to disrespect them. He was sipping tea and preaching when a monk quickly shuffled over to him, bent down, and whispered something by his ear. The abbot raised a whitened brow then slowly stood, “Forgive me, my kind benefactors, for I must go to greet a guest of honor.” 

Just what kind of guest could make the abbot ditch his loyal supporters and greet him personally? Everyone wondered in shock. An old woman wearing a curtained hat asked, “Who might this guest of honor be?”

“Someone for whom this ceremony is the effect to his cause,” the old monk smiled and saluted, then left for the door.

There weren’t so many rules and customs within the temple, so the guests followed him out of curiosity.

The temple wasn’t very large, so it didn’t take them long to reach the entrance. Once they did, someone gasped in shock, “Why are there so many peasants?” 

Not even princes or dukes could gather such an entourage around them. And yet the carriage they surrounded was extraordinarily ordinary.

Someone with a good eye noticed another vehicle within the crowd and yelled, “Isn’t that the Wang family’s carriage?”

It was as he said. A luxurious carriage, which seemed to belong to the Wang Residence, followed behind the immense swarm. But the frenzied peasants’ attention was completely focused on the ox-pulled carriage.

None of the people there were stupid – they quickly ascertained that perhaps the Wang family’s guest, Master Liang, had likely come to the temple. Since when did he have the prestige and influence to sway so many commoners? 

The ox-pulled carriage stopped at the temple’s gates. Liang Feng glanced at Lüzhu, who was flushed and shaking with exhilaration. He said softly to her, “Stay inside the carriage, don’t go anywhere.”

Lüzhu bit her lip and nodded forcefully. Her eyes teared up with thrill and fright that so many people would kneel to her master. She wasn’t able to settle her emotions no matter how she tried. Her legs were so numb that she could hardly move, much less get off the carriage.

Liang Feng smiled amusedly at her discomposure, then ordered, “Yiyan, lend me a hand.”

Yiyan instantly stepped forward and reached out. Like it had in the past, that pale, slim, graceful hand rested on his arm. As he had done countless times before, Yiyan helped him down the carriage. But unlike any other time, his mind was in utter turmoil. 

He no longer wore his faint, customary smile. Rather, his expression was hard and graven. His turquoise robes solidly encased his thin frame, he seemed stern, lofty, and fearsome as a true deity.

Yiyan took one look, then hastily lowered his head as he attended to that person with utmost respect.

After descending from the carriage, Liang Feng stood in place to wait for Controller Wang’s carriage. Shortly after, the Wang family’s carriage pushed through the crowd and arrived at the temple. Wang Wen disembarked and chuckled, “It seems your fame far surpasses that of Anren‘s.”

“You praise me overmuch, Controller,” Liang Feng shook his head amusedly. 

“It is surely one of life’s joys, to have the chance to walk upon a street paved with flowers. Come, walk with me.” Wang Wen was indeed magnanimous, to not care in the slightest that someone else had stolen the limelight.

Liang Feng could hardly refuse his goodwill. The two supported each other as they ascended the steps.

Behind them, Yiyan’s jaw tightened as he glanced at his empty hand. He silently followed behind that person, towards the temple.

The author has something to say: 

In regards to his appearance in this story, young Liang expresses: “it’s called the ascetic aesthetic, understood?” =_,=