The sun was high in the sky, and the banquet was in full swing. After offering a round of toasts, Xu Qi’an excused himself to use the restroom and returned to his study, contemplating how to face the envoys from the Western Region’s Buddhist sect.
Zhong Li sat at the square table, head lowered, taking small bites of food.
Based on his recent research, Xu Qi’an believed the Western Region’s Buddhist envoys had two objectives for their visit to the capital.
The primary goal was undoubtedly to understand the details of the Sangbo case, which was the main purpose of their journey.
“I wonder if these monks will only gather information, or if they plan to stay in the capital to search for Monk Shenshu’s whereabouts… That probably depends on how much they learn about the situation,” Xu Qi’an mused, twirling a brush in his hand.
The secondary objective was likely to come and demand an explanation.
The relationship between the Buddhist sect and Great Feng was complicated, akin to allies who smile at each other on the surface while cursing in their hearts.
For instance, during the Shanhai Pass Battle years ago, the Western Buddhist Kingdom and Great Feng were allies and part of the victorious side. The Southern Border and the Northern tribes were the defeated parties.
However, after experiencing that dream of death and rebirth, Xu Qi’an discovered that the Shanhai Pass Battle was not as simple as the history books recorded, as the Witch God Cult from the Northeast had also participated.
“The Southern Border tribes, Northern tribes, Northern beast clans, Northeastern Witch God Cult… If we add the remnants of the Myriad Beast Kingdom, how massive must the defeated alliance have been?”
“In other words, how strong was Great Feng’s national power back then? How powerful was the Western Buddhist sect? How formidable was Wei Yuan’s military leadership? It’s terrifying to think about.”
But this alliance was not solid. Over the past twenty years, the North and Southern Border had repeatedly invaded Great Feng’s borders, and the court had sought aid from the Western Region multiple times, but the Buddhist sect turned a deaf ear.
Let’s not mention the North for now, but half of the current Southern Border territory had fallen into the Buddhist sect’s hands—the former territory of the Myriad Beast Kingdom.
If the Buddhist Kingdom truly honored their alliance, they could have simply sent troops to steal the crystal. Would the Southern Border tribes still dare to attack the borders then?
Of course, Great Feng wasn’t innocent either. Long ago, the Cloud Deer Academy had spearheaded the Buddhist purge. More recently, when Monk Shenshu escaped, that old codger, the Astrology Bureau Chief, feigned illness.
“The demand for an explanation has nothing to do with me. I’m just a humble Silver Constable. Naturally, the court officials and Emperor Yuan Jing will have to worry about that. I wonder if the Astrology Bureau Chief will intervene, though that old fox probably won’t.”
“As the lead officer in the Sangbo case, I’ll likely have to interact with the Buddhist monks… To be safe, I should go see the Astrology Bureau Chief.”
“Additionally, the arrival of this envoy is both a crisis and an opportunity. The Buddhist sect knows best about Monk Shenshu’s identity. I can use this chance to probe and uncover more information, which will also help me give Monk Shenshu an explanation.”
A bold plan took shape in Xu Qi’an’s mind.
“Zhong Li, let’s go.”
He promptly changed into his Night Watchman uniform, put on his sable hat, and left the Xu residence.
Riding on his trusty mare that never got stuck in traffic, they soon arrived at the Star-Gazing Tower. He tied the mare to the steps and climbed the tower with Zhong Li.
As soon as they crossed the threshold into the first-floor hall, their vision blurred, and the back of a white-robed magician appeared. A resonant voice recited:
“Holding the bright moon, plucking the stars…”
“No one in the world is like me,” Xu Qi’an interjected.
…Yang Qianhuan paused, then began again: “Holding the bright moon, plucking the stars…”
“No one in the world is like me,” Xu Qi’an interrupted again, then said, “Senior Brother Yang, we’re here to see the Astrology Bureau Chief. Please don’t block our way.”
Yang Qianhuan remained silent for a long while, then said, “That’s why I’m here. The master asked me to inform you.”
The Astrology Bureau Chief knew I was coming? Xu Qi’an nodded, “Please, go on.”
Yang Qianhuan took a deep breath: “Get lost!!!”
…
Xu Qi’an was rubbing his ears as he untied his mare’s reins, grumbling, “Does your Astrology Bureau also practice the Buddhist Lion’s Roar?”
“My ears are ringing. What if I go deaf?”
He then noticed Zhong Li silently using sign language: I’ve gone deaf. I need to go back and take medicine, or my ears will be useless.
“…”
Xu Qi’an pointed at his ears, then at himself, meaning: Was it my fault?
Zhong Li shook her head (resignedly, not wanting to waste words on Xu Qi’an).
Xu Qi’an nodded, realizing this was another of Zhong Li’s tribulations, and he had been affected by her misfortune.
The Astrology Bureau Chief’s refusal to see me means the effect of obscuring heavenly secrets should be sufficient to deal with the Buddhist high monks… Having obtained the answer he wanted, Xu Qi’an breathed a sigh of relief.
After waiting briefly downstairs, Zhong Li returned from taking her medicine.
“Is your ear better?”
Zhong Li nodded, “Mm.”
They then went directly to the Night Watchmen’s office, heading straight to Min Shan’s Golden Jade Hall. The burly Silver Constable Min, with a scar on his cheek, grumbled:
“Your One Blade Hall has already been renovated. Why are you still coming to my place?”
One Blade Hall was Xu Qi’an’s “office,” a name he had chosen himself, meaning “Who among the world’s heroes can block my one blade?”
“Is anything happening in the capital today?” Xu Qi’an asked casually.
“You’ve heard too?”
Min Shan snorted, “The Western Region’s Buddhist envoys have arrived. I heard there are enlightened high monks in the group, with Buddhist light soaring to the sky within ten miles. Many of the soldiers guarding the city saw it.”
“After entering the city, the civilians went crazy, hailing them as holy monks. When it comes to bewitching people’s hearts, the Buddhist sect is still the strongest.”
This should be the ability of a Seventh-Grade Dharma Master. I remember reading in the archives that when a Seventh-Grade Dharma Master sets up an altar to preach, the people who hear it become greatly enlightened and flock to join the monastic life… Xu Qi’an feigned confusion:
“What are the Buddhist envoys doing in the capital?”
“Who knows?”
Min Shan was unaware that the sealed object in the Sangbo case was Monk Shenshu from the Buddhist sect. He knew nothing of the complexities involved.
…
The canal transport ship slowly docked at the pier. On the deck of a three-masted sailboat stood dozens of Night Watchmen.
Gold Constable Yang Yan and Jiang Luzhong led a group of Night Watchmen off the official ship. They gazed at the long-unseen capital, their hearts filled with excitement.
Especially Jiang Luzhong and Magistrate Zhang’s advance team—they had been away from the capital for a full two months, leaving in the depths of winter and returning to find willow branches budding and all things sprouting anew.
Li Yuchun beckoned Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao, saying solemnly, “After we report for duty, let’s go pay our respects to Ning Yan.”
Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao nodded, their expressions heavy.
A month had passed since Xu Ning Yan died in battle. The overwhelming sorrow they had felt at the time had now settled in their hearts, becoming a colleague and subordinate they would forever remember.
Years later, when recalling that lively young man, they might still feel a faint sadness and regret.
Yang Yan, walking ahead, turned back, his face expressionless but his voice low: “I’ll go too.”
Magistrate Zhang sighed, “I must see His Majesty, so I won’t be able to join you. Tomorrow, I’ll bring my wife and children to pay our respects.”
He had many matters to attend to and definitely wouldn’t be able to find time to visit Xu Ning Yan’s grave tomorrow.
This group had been drifting on water since leaving Qingzhou and couldn’t receive any dispatches from the court, so they were unaware of Xu Qi’an’s resurrection.
Not only had Xu Qi’an come back to life, but he had also solved a palace murder case in the process.
Soon, they arrived at the Night Watchmen’s office.
…
Meanwhile, Xu Qi’an led Zhong Li out of the Golden Jade Hall, intending to visit his hall, when Zhong Li noticed that Xu Qi’an had suddenly stopped in his tracks.
She glanced at Xu Qi’an first, then followed his gaze towards the office entrance. There, a group of travel-worn Night Watchmen crossed the threshold… and froze in place.
They looked like statues.
“Who is this person? Why does he look so similar to Xu Ning Yan…”
“Do we have such a Silver Constable in our office…”
“Am I seeing things? I think I see Xu Ning Yan, but no, Xu Ning Yan was never this handsome…”
“Is it a twin brother? But Xu Ning Yan didn’t have any siblings…”
These questions flooded the minds of the returning Night Watchmen.
The most frightening thing is when the air suddenly falls silent, when memories suddenly surge and twist painfully without subsiding when you suddenly see your figure… Xu Qi’an felt these lyrics perfectly captured their current mood.
He put on an awkward but polite smile: “Hello everyone, my name is Xu Qian.”
Sooner or later, there would be a day of reunion, but in Xu Qi’an’s mind, the correct way to open this scene should have been:
After Yang Yan and the others returned to the capital, they would learn about his resurrection from their colleagues at the office, be overjoyed, and then rush over like unleashed dogs, hugging him and crying.
Such an awkward reunion was something he hadn’t anticipated.
It must be Zhong Li bringing me bad luck.
Li Yuchun stared intently at Xu Qi’an, using all his strength to stammer: “You, are you Xu Ning Yan?”
The others didn’t speak, silently watching him, holding their breath.
“It’s me, I’m not dead,” Xu Qi’an smiled.
Hearing his answer, they remained silent for about ten seconds before Song Tingfeng suddenly let out a cry and rushed into Xu Qi’an’s arms, embracing him tightly.
“How are you not dead? You were dead through and through.”
“What’s with the drastic change in appearance? How did you come back to life? Tell us.”
“He’s alive, really alive… warm and everything.”
The Night Watchmen surrounded Xu Qi’an, speaking one after another, their faces full of excitement.
“I’ll explain later, later…”
Xu Qi’an pushed away Song Tingfeng and the others, grinning as he pointed at the Silver Constable badge on his chest, saying to Li Yuchun, “Chief, I’ve become a Silver Constable.”
Li Yuchun clasped his hands behind his back, feigning composure as he nodded, “Not bad, my painstaking efforts to cultivate you weren’t in vain.”
Xu Qi’an beckoned, saying, “Zhong Li, come here. Let me introduce you to my chief.”
Only then did Li Yuchun notice Zhong Li…
Her hair was dry and disheveled, her coarse linen robe full of wrinkles, her embroidered shoes unwashed for a long time, her face unseen… Li Yuchun felt as if a cold snake was crawling up his back, his scalp tingling inch by inch.
He showed a terrified expression, backing away repeatedly, pointing at Zhong Li and roaring:
“Whose daughter is this? Whose daughter is this?!”
“Zhong Li, go to my One Blade Hall first, it’s the first right turn ahead,” Xu Qi’an quickly sent his fifth senior sister away.
“Oh!”
Zhong Li lowered her head and walked away dejectedly.
Li Yuchun breathed a sigh of relief, the goosebumps on his arms slowly subsiding.
Next, Xu Qi’an explained in detail to everyone how he had come back to life.
“The Rebirth Pill, a pill that allows one to shed their old shell and gain a new body? I heard His Majesty once asked the Astrology Bureau Chief for it, but even he didn’t give it… Is that Chu Caiwei your sweetheart?” Jiang Luzhong marveled.
Hearing his explanation, some of the Night Watchmen who didn’t know about the Rebirth Pill finally understood.
As his colleagues’ emotions gradually stabilized, Xu Qi’an put his arm around Song Tingfeng’s shoulders and said, “Let’s go enjoy ourselves at the Court of Revels tonight.”
To his surprise, Song Tingfeng shook his head, “I won’t be going to the Court of Revels anymore.”
He glanced at Xu Qi’an, speaking righteously, “I’m no longer who I used to be. The Song Tingfeng now will be a person who strives for progress and cultivates diligently.”
“Ning Yan, you’ve changed, and so have I. You can’t view me with your old perspective.”
Xu Qi’an scrutinized him with surprise. In the month since his death, Song Tingfeng had indeed become much more steady and resolute.
Li Yuchun praised, “Well said, Tingfeng. This journey to Yunzhou has changed you the most. I’m very pleased.”
Song Tingfeng smiled steadily.
Xu Qi’an clapped his hands, looking around at everyone, and said, “After everyone reports for duty, let’s all go to the Court of Revels for drinks tonight. My treat.”
Then, Xu Qi’an put his arm around Zhu Guangxiao’s shoulders and said, “I still owe you five visits to the Court of Revels, remember? I signed an agreement.”
The colleagues were delighted.
Song Tingfeng swallowed, “Ning Yan, your agreement included me too… Tonight, I also want to go to the Court of Revels for drinks.”
“You can’t go.”
Xu Qi’an’s face turned serious as he spoke righteously, “You’re no longer the Song Tingfeng you used to be. Drinking, merrymaking, and living a dissipated life—let Guangxiao and me handle that. You’re the Song Tingfeng who strives for progress.”
…
The Buddhist envoy’s lodging was at the Three Willows Post Station in the Western City, the largest post station in the outer city. It had a two-courtyard compound with three century-old willows planted in the courtyard.
That’s where the name came from.
A post station runner came out of the main gate, looked around for a while, and silently entered a small alley.
In the alley stood a young man in Night Watchman uniform, one hand on his sword, leaning against the wall, fingering a piece of silver, having waited for some time.
“Sir, this is the list of names for this Western Region envoy. The lead master’s dharma name is ‘Du’e’,” The runner handed over a slip of paper, his eyes sweeping over the silver piece as he said, “Master Du’e has just been summoned to the palace and is not at the post station.”
“Well done.”
Xu Qi’an’s fingertip flicked, and the silver piece flew in an arc, caught steadily by the runner, who beamed, “Thank you, sir.”
After sending the runner away, Xu Qi’an quickly took off his Night Watchman uniform and then retrieved a monk’s robe from a fragment of the Book of Earth and put it on.
He felt his crew cut and inwardly steeled himself, comforting himself by thinking:
It can grow back.
A few minutes later, a masculine and handsome monk emerged from the small alley, his robe swaying.
Arriving at the post station entrance, the guards were not runners but two young monks.
“Brother, may I ask your name?”
Two young monks stepped forward, blocking the path.
Xu Qi An pressed his palms together and recited his Buddhist name: “Amitabha. I am Hengyuan from Qinglong Temple. I heard that a fellow disciple from our sect has arrived from the Western Regions, so I came to pay my respects.”
Hengyuan of Qinglong Temple… The two monks were not easily deceived; they scrutinized Xu Qi An and asked, “Has Senior Brother Hengyuan not observed the precepts?”
“I am a martial monk,” Xu Qi An replied with an air of familiarity as if sharing a secret known only to their kind.
The two monks no longer doubted him, their tone shifting to one of politeness. “Senior Brother Hengyuan, please come in!”