“Cloud brocade, eighty bolts?” The silk merchant first froze, then sneered coldly. “Even if you searched the entire city, you probably couldn’t find eighty bolts of cloud brocade.”
Qun Qing couldn’t help but freeze.
She remembered that Yunzhou alone had produced over a thousand bolts of cloud brocade and floral brocade last year. She hadn’t expected that while all other fabrics could be purchased smoothly, there were only ten bolts of cloud brocade on this ox cart.
In Yunzhou City, which produced cloud brocade in abundance, they couldn’t even find eighty bolts of cloud brocade.
A hand with distinct knuckles reached over from beside her, its palm holding two pearls. Qun Qing wanted to stop him, but Lu Huating gently pressed down on her arm. “I’m very curious why even silk merchants don’t have cloud brocade. Where has all this cloud brocade gone?”
The silk merchant accepted the pearls, pondered for a moment, then said, “The eldest son of Magistrate Liu, Liu You, likes wearing white cloud brocade, so every year the finest quality cloud brocade is cheaply acquired by the magistrate’s mansion under the name of tribute. You can forget about that portion.”
“What about the remaining portion?”
“The remaining portion was bought by Jinglian Temple,” the silk merchant said. “The prayer flags hung during the Vesak Festival are all woven from cloud brocade, but getting cloud brocade out of a temple would be a fool’s dream for ordinary people.”
“The magistrate’s mansion or Jinglian Temple—which does the young lady choose?”
Qun Qing said, “You want to go to the magistrate’s mansion?”
Lu Huating acknowledged this.
“Then I’ll choose Jinglian Temple,” Qun Qing said. “I can try my luck there first.”
She had only requested half a month’s leave, and seeing time slip away, she couldn’t wait any longer.
Lu Huating lowered his eyes to look at her face, slightly curving his lips. This woman always acted independently—she thought he was too slow.
He asked, “The young lady is a female guest, how will you enter the temple?”
Qun Qing said, “That silk merchant just mentioned the Vesak Festival is approaching. During this festival, they need to embroider many prayer flags and usually seek embroiderers from outside.”
Lu Huating glanced at Zhu Su. A moment later, Zhu Su returned breathlessly, “There is indeed a notice in the city recruiting two embroiderers to embroider prayer flags.”
Outside Jinglian Temple, it was packed with women.
Zhu Su’s words echoed again in Qun Qing’s mind.
“Recruiting two embroiderers”—she hadn’t expected so many people to come.
The more the flood affected livelihoods, the more women from the outer city tried every method to supplement their household income.
Qun Qing stood among the embroiderers, listening to their discussions.
“Working this job this year, I wonder how much we can earn.”
“The Vesak Festival is only a few days away, and many prayer flags are still needed. Surely they’ll hire a few people?”
“I heard this year there’s an Embroiderer Jiang who embroiders both fast and well, but insists on competing with us. I’m afraid there’s no hope this year!”
Several people saw Qun Qing. Seeing her young and unfamiliar face, they paid her little attention.
Qun Qing had her hair in double buns, wearing a short jacket and skirt—the common dress of unmarried young ladies in Yunzhou. When she arranged her sleeves before leaving, Lu Huating had stared at her for a moment. The two made eye contact, but he said nothing, and Qun Qing fastened her veil and brushed past him.
Prince Yan had been presiding over disaster relief for two days already, and Princess Yan personally serving porridge had earned her the title of Guanyin Bodhisattva among Yunzhou’s common people. In just a few more days, the matter would surely reach Liu Sijun’s ears. Once the deception on the swindler’s side was exposed, the magistrate’s mansion would come after them.
Lu Huating must understand in his heart—acting separately, not letting people see her connection to Prince Yan’s mansion, would keep her safe.
At this moment, a young novice monk came out and invited everyone into the temple. As soon as Qun Qing entered, she heard the embroiderers around her immediately begin whispering in tones full of sour envy.
Before her eyes was a magnificent Buddhist painting, and the woman plying her needle on it was probably the Embroiderer Jiang the women had just mentioned. Embroiderer Jiang’s fingers were taut, embroidering so fast that the embroidery cloth trembled slightly.
Embroidering both fast and well indeed made women with only ordinary embroidery skills feel ashamed of themselves.
Qun Qing glanced at the abbot standing to one side.
The abbot of Jinglian Temple had the dharma name Master Duo’e. With white beard and white eyebrows, watching Embroiderer Jiang’s embroidery work, he seemed very satisfied with her.
It appeared one embroiderer position was basically already decided.
Thinking of this, Qun Qing said, “This humble woman wishes to compete with Embroiderer Jiang.”
As soon as these words left her mouth, the women all turned to look at her. Embroiderer Jiang furrowed her brows, displeased at being interrupted by someone so tactless. She stuck her needle in the embroidery cloth and looked Qun Qing up and down. “You look under twenty years old, and have a foreign accent—no wonder you’re so confident, young lady. My family has embroidered for generations in Yunzhou. Competing in embroidery with you would be a waste of time. Let’s just compare basic skills.”
Saying this, she pinched a section of colored thread between her fingers and in two or three moves divided a thread as thick as a hair continuously into eight strands, like performing a magic trick.
For embroiderers, the finer the thread splitting, the more lifelike the woven fabric. Ordinary embroiderers could divide thread into four strands; being able to divide into eight was already considered a supreme skill. Doing it so casually into eight strands further demonstrated Embroiderer Jiang’s proficient embroidery skills.
Qun Qing walked to her side and took a section of thread.
She hadn’t practiced embroidery for quite some time. She steadied herself slightly, divided the thread into four, paused, and when dividing again, thought to herself this wasn’t good. She did manage to split it, but not evenly. Fortunately, outsiders couldn’t tell the difference.
“Your embroidery skills are actually quite good.” Before Embroiderer Jiang beside her finished speaking, exclamations erupted from the crowd. Qun Qing looked up to see that while speaking, Embroiderer Jiang had divided that one-eighth thread in half again, her face showing a proud smile.
Being able to split one thread into sixteen strands was something ordinary people couldn’t do. Qun Qing lowered her eyes to look at the thread in her hand—it could no longer be split.
Perhaps seeing Qun Qing’s grave expression, the women were delighted to watch the joke, covering their mouths as they said, “Young lady, you’re young and impetuous. How could a random embroiderer from outside compare to Yunzhou’s embroidery families? Why don’t you admit defeat?”
But Qun Qing walked to Embroiderer Jiang’s side. “Give me this thread, madam.”
“What are you going to do?” Embroiderer Jiang only thought her overconfident. However, Qun Qing had already seen that thread clearly and scooped it into her hand.
This thread was only one-sixteenth, truly too fine. Between Qun Qing’s fingers its form couldn’t be seen—only a speck of trembling white light reminded everyone that a thread still existed between her fingers.
Realizing what she was about to do, Embroiderer Jiang found it hard to believe, and everyone held their breath. However, Qun Qing had already stretched it taut between her fingers, placed it before her upturned eyes, and gave it a light shake.
Master Duo’e’s beard-stroking motion stopped.
Between her fingers, one speck became two trembling specks. Qun Qing separated the two threads. The women fell silent as crows and sparrows. Embroiderer Jiang blinked, only suspecting she was dreaming. “Impossible! Sixteen strands is already the limit—I’ve never seen anyone able to split thread into thirty-two strands!”
“There are always people better than oneself, and skies beyond the sky. When I say I embroider better than Madam Jiang, I’m absolutely not speaking empty words,” Qun Qing said calmly.
Mother had also said that sixteen strands was an ordinary embroiderer’s limit.
She could divide sixteen strands because she was a martial artist—between her fingers was a wisp of sword energy that ordinary embroiderers didn’t have. Since becoming an operative, she could control her energy and breath. If her hand wasn’t steady, it would affect human lives.
Qun Qing slightly clenched her fingers. Naturally she couldn’t tell Madam Jiang about this. Sensing Master Duo’e’s attention turn to her, Qun Qing pointed at that Buddhist painting again. “Madam Jiang isn’t familiar with Sanskrit. The third line of Sanskrit is misspelled.”
Embroiderer Jiang wanted to speak but stopped, her face flushing red. Master Duo’e couldn’t help but ask, “Does the female benefactor know Sanskrit?”
“Although Embroiderer Jiang embroiders quickly, she doesn’t know Sanskrit. Embroidering while comparing against scripture is not only slow but prone to errors. At this time, we need a lady who knows Sanskrit to embroider the scripture exclusively, while Embroiderer Jiang embroiders the images,” Qun Qing said. “Two people working together can complete three hundred flags at the fastest speed.”
All the women dispersed.
A young novice monk led Qun Qing into the temple and gave her fruit to eat. “The female benefactor may remain here now. I’ll go fetch the prayer flags.”
As soon as his front foot left, Qun Qing’s back foot discovered thirty bolts of unused cloud brocade in the storeroom.
Kneeling with Embroiderer Jiang on meditation cushions in the inner hall, Qun Qing began embroidering. The Sanskrit characters under her hand had beautiful shapes, even more flowing than those hand-copied in the scriptures. Sensing Master Duo’e behind her, apparently watching her embroider the scripture, Qun Qing took the opportunity to say:
“Master, this year there’s been much rain. If the temple’s cloud brocade is stored until next year, it will easily mold. I have rain-resistant yellow linden to give as a gift. Could we exchange for this cloud brocade?”
Master Duo’e’s brows and eyes didn’t move even a fraction. He didn’t ask about her motives, nor did he care about her small schemes. “Yes.”
Receiving such tolerance, Qun Qing felt guilty and embroidered even faster.
Though she and Embroiderer Jiang were fast, the quantity of three hundred prayer flags was still enormous. The window light falling on Qun Qing’s needlework shifted from bright yellow to murky black.
In the evening, Embroiderer Jiang hurried over and quietly said to her, “Two people have come to the temple. They seem to be Master Duo’e’s enemies.”
Hearing a familiar voice, Qun Qing slightly lifted the curtain. She saw Lu Huating, and Lu Huating also glimpsed her.
Juan Su was just about to call out when Lu Huating slightly lowered his lashes. Juan Su understood and bowed his head in silence. Qun Qing lowered the curtain. The two pretended not to know each other, and only then did Lu Huating raise his eyes to look at the cold-browed Master Duo’e.
“Evil obstacle!”
Master Duo’e’s staff pounded the ground, making a dull, heavy sound that caused the needle in Qun Qing’s hand to tremble as she pricked up her ears to pay attention to the movements there.
Master Duo’e said, “Prince Yan’s oral decree has already reached Jinglian Temple, and Princess Yan has personally visited. Temples and monasteries throughout the nation are not subject to imperial restrictions. Do you still want to use imperial authority to pressure us?”
Lu Huating’s tone was so calm it was almost cold. “His Highness Prince Yan has no such intention. I know I’ve come to ask for money and would never act arrogantly. It’s just that Yunzhou is currently disaster-stricken. The common people’s usual incense money is substantial. Might the master consider taking it out to build new temples, providing work as relief and increasing future incense offerings?”
The places in the city with the most ready silver, apart from pawnshops and money houses, were temples and monasteries. Chu’s temples and monasteries had always had a tradition of relieving disasters and saving the world. If one wanted to quickly mobilize silver for disaster relief, coming to find temple abbots was indeed the fastest way.
The tone Master Duo’e used to speak with Lu Huating was completely different from how he spoke to others. “If it were anyone else seeking help from Jinglian Temple, there would be no reason not to respond. But if Prince Yan comes, this old monk simply cannot agree.”
Lu Huating said, “I know you were waiting for me to come. I came.”
Master Duo’e laughed coldly. “You know full well that Master Zengjia was my junior disciple. Having committed a monstrous crime, you still dare step into this temple. With an evil obstacle like you who betrayed his teacher and destroyed his lineage as a strategist, what kind of virtuous person could Prince Yan be?”
What a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road—this Master Duo’e actually knew Master Zengjia.
Master Zengjia’s death was originally Lu Huating’s forbidden subject. Qun Qing couldn’t help but lift the curtain, afraid Lu Huating would go on a killing spree in Jinglian Temple.
However, Lu Huating had no reaction. After a while, his dark eyes remained calm. “What must the master do to agree to disaster relief?”
Master Duo’e said, “Bring out the ‘Lotus Seat.'”
Two young novice monks, seeing their master so angry, ran into the inner room and together dragged out a heavy lotus meditation cushion. Lu Huating lowered his eyes. This cushion was heavy because hidden beneath the pad was a nail board, specially for sinners to atone.
Master Duo’e moved his prayer beads, his tone returning to calm. “If you want Jinglian Temple to provide disaster relief, fine. The demon-driving and salvation work that Master Zengjia didn’t complete back then, let this old monk do it for him. Kneel.”
Qun Qing saw Lu Huating fall silent for a moment, then actually lift his robe hem and slowly kneel on the lotus seat.
Before him was a golden basin holding salt water, with thorns bundled in the water. He put his hands into the water to wash them, and when he took them out, several blood-red wounds had appeared between his fingers.
Lu Huating’s fingers relaxed for a moment, then slowly tightened around the bronze hammer, producing rhythmic wooden fish striking sounds.
Juan Su’s breathing trembled slightly. Not daring to try to dissuade him, he could only stand with clenched fists, glaring angrily at Master Duo’e.
Master Duo’e appeared completely oblivious, coldly instructing those two young novice monks, “Go fetch the thorn whip.”
Kneeling on the lotus seat, one could still barely maintain balance, but if struck with a thorn whip, the nail board would embed deeply into his knees—this was intended to cripple both his legs. Lu Huating and Juan Su’s expressions changed slightly.
Qun Qing lifted the curtain and said, “The scriptures say that it’s not only practitioners who can save others. Sentient beings with pure thoughts and no evil deeds can also serve as vessels to save others. I wonder if I might act as a substitute for this salvation?”
Seeing her emerge, Master Duo’e’s anger burned toward her. “Which volume contains such content?”
“The Liuli Kingdom’s Vast Sea Discourse Volume, the one hundred thirty-third volume, spoken by Master Zhihao’s disciple. The master praised him for it.”
Master Duo’e froze slightly.
Qun Qing lowered her lashes, feeling somewhat anxious, afraid Master Duo’e would see through her gentle exterior and smell the bloodlust in her bones.
However, Master Duo’e’s expression softened. “The female benefactor is indeed familiar with Buddhist teachings. Young people like you who study scripture diligently are rarely seen anymore.”
Saying this, Master Duo’e actually stepped aside.
Qun Qing then wiped her hands clean, drew out a willow branch from the vase on the offering table, held it in her hand, and walked toward Lu Huating.
Lu Huating only saw the auspicious knot hanging on her skirt slowly approach.
Then Qun Qing expressionlessly touched the willow branch to his head. Lu Huating’s thick lashes trembled violently once as the heart-startlingly cold dew rolled down along his forehead.
Opening his eyes, he was somewhat dazed, gazing at that tender green willow branch held between her jade-like slender fingers.
Qun Qing had just inserted the branch back when she heard Master Duo’e say, “Bring the incense ash water.”
Turning her head, a young novice monk brought over a cup of murky water. Master Duo’e picked up the cup, looking at him with eyes devoid of warmth. “Drink the incense ash water, and the grievances between you and me will be wiped clean.”
His slightly trembling hand indicated this cup had malicious intent. Lu Huating looked at him coldly, refusing to drink.
Master Duo’e forcefully pushed the cup before his eyes. Qun Qing intercepted the cup, raised it, and drank it herself.
Lu Huating couldn’t stop her in time, his dark eyes looking at her with slight shock. However, this surprise didn’t last long. With a “pfft” sound, Qun Qing sprayed the incense ash water all over his face. Then she wiped her moist lips with the back of her hand and said, “Master, is this exorcism acceptable?”
Lu Huating tilted his head slightly, water droplets wetting his magnificent features. His expression was indescribable. Qun Qing didn’t need to look to feel his anger. But she had no choice—she couldn’t put herself in danger. If she didn’t do this, how could they both escape?
Master Duo’e was silent for a moment, didn’t make things difficult again, and seemed drained of all strength. “You may go. Jinglian Temple will donate the silver.”
Lu Huating glanced at Qun Qing, slowly rose from the lotus seat, and left quickly.
Master Duo’e also brought out the cloud brocade Qun Qing wanted, wrapped it up and handed it to her. “It’s dark now. Benefactor, take these prayer flags home to embroider. When finished, bring them to the temple.”
“At that time I’ll bring the yellow linden to the master as well.” He had the intention to send her away. Qun Qing understood in her heart—it was indeed inconvenient for a female guest to remain in the temple. She packed up the prayer flags and left with a bow.
Master Duo’e watched her leave.
Then suddenly, from every corner of the temple, several guards in black armor flashed out. Several young novice monks were held hostage in their hands, only daring to emit low whimpers.
A sharp blade was also pressed against Master Duo’e’s throat.
A young man in python robes walked out anxiously. This person had feminine features—it was Fang Xie. He said coldly, “Just now you watched her seize the cup and drink it. Why didn’t you stop her?”
Master Duo’e said, “There was no lovesickness potion in the incense ash water. What was put in was yeast powder.”
Fang Xie froze, then his gaze turned vicious as he pressed the blade tighter. “Do you know how important this opportunity was? Why did you miss this chance?”
Master Duo’e still calmly closed his eyes, as if not feeling the blade at his throat. “Practitioners have things they will not do. In the end, I’m unwilling to kill. If you want, kill this old monk.”
A hidden guard beside Fang Xie said, “Your Highness, the meditation master didn’t necessarily fail.”
Fang Xie withdrew his hand, stroking the blade. After a long while, as if thinking of something, his expression calmed.