Two Days Earlier at Xiagui County Government Office
County Magistrate Wu Zhiyuan’s inner residence was about to host a grand banquet for honored guests.
Wu Zhiyuan came from humble origins, entering officialdom through the classics examination. After a lifetime of rising and falling in bureaucratic waters, he had only managed to become a seventh-rank county magistrate in his fifties—already his utmost achievement. Therefore, he absolutely could not let pass this opportunity to establish connections with current power holders. He had spent two days repeatedly discussing the banquet menu with his wife.
Night had fallen completely. Wu Zhiyuan stood outside the government office anxiously waiting. The honored guest was fashionably late—at the second quarter of the xu hour, a young man dressed as a military officer finally arrived on horseback, surrounded by several soldiers. Wu Zhiyuan practically wanted to rush forward and personally hold his horse, but with his subordinates—deputy magistrate, registrar, sheriff, advisors, and others—all standing nearby, he couldn’t appear too obsequious.
This young man came from Xuzhou, a trusted military officer of Military Governor Cui Keyong, named Bao Lang, holding the position of Military Supervisor. About twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, he had a nose like a hanging gallbladder and eyes like cold stars, with outstanding bearing and presence. As an envoy, he was responsible for escorting a treasure offered to the current emperor from Xuzhou to Chang’an, passing through Xiagui County and temporarily staying at the post station.
After exchanging pleasantries, Wu Zhiyuan welcomed Bao Lang into the main hall of his inner residence, inviting him to sit at the banquet’s place of honor. The young man yielded briefly before sitting down calmly. The county magistrate introduced his subordinate advisors one by one. Everyone took seats according to status and position. Besides government officials, tonight’s dinner had a special guest—Monk Liaoru, abbot of Lianhua Temple.
This inner residence garden had exquisite rocks and springs with pavilions and towers in abundance. With torches providing illumination, two hired courtesans sat by the water—one playing flute, one playing pipa—while two musicians sang melodiously. The sound of strings and bamboo was continuous, quite elegant.
Though the banquet invited a vegetarian monk, the table didn’t feature Lianhua Temple’s famous vegetarian cuisine but rather beef, mutton, chicken, duck—meat dishes and wine in full array. Monk Liaoru didn’t mind at all, attending with a beaming face.
When servants brought “Water-Refined Calf” made from a whole steamed young bull and “Ascending Peace Roast” of deer and sheep tongues roasted together, Bao Lang showed a slight smile, saying, “Magistrate Wu has taken great care.”
Wu Zhiyuan quickly replied, “This small place has clumsy cooks with no special local products to offer. We randomly prepared some dishes following Chang’an recipes—forgive us for making the envoy laugh.”
With delicacies arrayed and fine wine fragrant, everyone discussed inconsequential seasonal matters. After several rounds of drinking, Bao Lang solemnly stood and began the day’s real business: “Everyone knows Governor Cui dispatched me to transport a precious pearl as tribute to His Majesty—originally a joyous matter. Who could have expected that just after departing Xuzhou, I heard that His Majesty’s beloved daughter Princess Wanshou had passed away.”
Everyone quickly stood, bowing their heads with hands at their sides, as if the spirit tablet of that princess they’d never met sat before them, everyone observing a moment of silence in her honor.
Wu Zhiyuan’s eyes reddened as he said tearfully, “His Majesty is grief-stricken beyond measure, the dragon body ailing. I heard he hasn’t held court for many days. This humble official also has a fifteen-year-old unmarried daughter. Comparing hearts to hearts, the pain truly cuts like carving flesh from bone. I only pray His Majesty’s dragon body recovers swiftly and forgets this sorrow.”
Bao Lang thought this Magistrate Wu was quite skilled—crying on command faster than stage actors. Without following his emotional outburst, after a pause he only said:
“Governor Cui received news from Chang’an that the recently deceased Princess Wanshou’s personal name contained the character ‘pearl.’ Now presenting a pearl would not only offend the princess’s taboo name but also cause His Majesty grief—courting displeasure. The governor sent word ordering me to find an excuse to delay on the road for several days until His Majesty’s mood settles before delivering the pearl to Chang’an.”
After speaking, he sat down again, and everyone quickly followed suit. These two had already communicated privately about the matter—tonight’s banquet was to settle on methods. Wu Zhiyuan only learned about the princess’s name taboo tonight, thinking that Cui Keyong’s confidant could actually discover palace secrets—quite a long reach indeed.
Wu Zhiyuan quickly dried his tears and respectfully said, “Governor Cui’s foresight is admirable beyond measure. That the envoy’s orders coincidentally brought him to our Xiagui County is truly rare fortune. This humble official, though lacking talent, has a proposal.”
Bao Lang said, “Please speak, Magistrate.”
Wu Zhiyuan gestured toward Monk Liaoru beside him: “The date happens to approach Guanyin’s enlightenment day. The envoy could use this occasion to enshrine Governor Cui’s pearl at Lianhua Temple—whether for blessings or dharma ceremonies, depositing it for ten days to half a month while observing Chang’an’s situation.”
Seeing Monk Liaoru when he entered, Bao Lang had roughly guessed Wu Zhiyuan’s suggestion, thinking this wasn’t a bad method. The current sage revered Buddha and admired Taoism, always showing interest in such religious ceremonies. Enshrining the pearl at Lianhua Temple could both reasonably delay the journey and add sacred significance.
He well knew a treasure’s value lay not only in itself but, like the He Shi Bi or Suihou Pearl, in possessing various miraculous and intricate histories to become supreme treasures. In the eyes of imperial family who possessed all under heaven, no matter how rare, treasures were just items gathering dust in storerooms. Only treasures with special stories could occupy a place in the emperor’s heart.
He asked Monk Liaoru, “This pearl is a rare worldly treasure. Does Lianhua Temple have a secure place for it?”
Having received Magistrate Wu’s guidance, Monk Liaoru had prepared his response long ago, respectfully replying, “Honored envoy, Lianhua Temple has a Duobao Pagoda built by a high monk of the previous dynasty specifically for enshrining Buddhist treasures. The seven-story, twenty-zhang-tall pagoda has only one entrance at the base—quite secure.”
Bao Lang asked again, “Only one entrance—are there windows?”
Monk Liaoru said, “Honored envoy, Duobao Pagoda has no actual windows—only lotus-shaped openwork false windows carved from whole stone slabs for light and ventilation, impassable for entry or exit. If the envoy doubts this, you may accompany this poor monk for on-site inspection.”
Wu Zhiyuan supported him: “Actually, the upper levels are visible from my residence courtyard.”
Bao Lang immediately rose, carrying his wine cup into the garden to gaze into the distance. Tonight’s moonlight wasn’t bright—only the pagoda’s outline was visible, but the thousand copper bells on the pagoda swayed in the wind, producing ethereal sounds.
Returning to his seat with a smile, he said, “These bells make excellent protection. I only brought twenty personal guards—the rest are useless craftsmen. If the pearl enters the pagoda, could Magistrate Wu help arrange security personnel?”
Hearing his tone, Wu Zhiyuan sensed the matter was sixty percent decided and quickly said, “Naturally. Everyone present will spare no effort to accomplish this good deed for Governor Cui.”
He then signaled Sheriff Hao Jin, who immediately stood and reported with clasped hands: “This humble official has a capable Buliangshi named Luo Chengye, nicknamed ‘Lion Mastiff.’ This man is Huazhou’s most renowned constable, having solved several strange cases. Skilled in martial arts and alert, having him lead the Buliang to guard the pearl would be most secure.”
Bao Lang feigned surprise: “He has a nickname too—was he formerly an outlaw?”
Authorities often recruited those with criminal records to serve as investigation and arrest clerks, called “Buliang.” These people knew various illicit neighborhood activities and used ruthless, vicious methods—fighting poison with poison, truly capable assistants in grassroots governance. The leader commanding these Buliang was called Buliangshi.
Hao Jin quickly said, “The envoy is astute. Luo Chengye was indeed formerly a forest hero, famous for wielding four-sided iron maces before reforming and joining Xiagui County government.”
Bao Lang laughed, “Excellent. Having been a bandit, he must know bandit methods—his defense will surely be tighter.” He asked again, “Why not invite him to dine and drink?”
Hao Jin was momentarily speechless, looking toward his superior as if having difficulty speaking.
Wu Zhiyuan quickly took over: “Luo Chengye comes from rough origins, speaks inappropriately, and knows no proper behavior. His nickname ‘Lion Mastiff’—mastiff meaning fierce dog—however capable, he’s still just a dog, unfit for formal occasions. We dare not let such a person pollute the envoy’s sight.”
Bao Lang said indifferently, “No matter—I’m also a rough military man.”
Everyone quickly said, “The envoy is a dragon among men—how could he compare to such people?” They praised Bao Lang as incomparable, toasting him repeatedly.
Wu Zhiyuan asked again, “May I ask if those craftsmen the envoy brought are also to be presented to His Majesty?”
Bao Lang said, “Yes and no. Princess Wanshou died suddenly of illness with hasty funeral arrangements. These are Changzhou craftsmen summoned by imperial decree to rush construction of the princess’s mausoleum. Since they’re also under Military Governor Wei’s jurisdiction, the governor ordered them to rendezvous here for me to escort together to Chang’an.”
Wu Zhiyuan said, “In that case, this humble official can assign people to supervise them, sending them to Chang’an first to prevent road desertions.”
Bao Lang said, “Magistrate Wu is quite thorough. However, I’ll first examine that pagoda tomorrow before deciding whether to linger in Xiagui.”
Wu Zhiyuan repeatedly agreed, continuously toasting. Bao Lang drained each cup boldly.
Wu Zhiyuan thought this man, deeply trusted by the Military Governor of Wuwei, was traveling to Chang’an to present treasures and might establish royal connections—truly unlimited prospects. Moreover, with such handsome, imposing appearance and young age, he very much wanted to acquire this dragon-riding son-in-law. When everyone had drunk themselves merry, he borrowed the opportunity of toasting to quietly ask if Bao Lang had wives or concubines at home.
Bao Lang smiled without answering, refusing to engage.
Wu Zhiyuan felt quite regretful.
The Previous Day
Early morning, Bao Lang brought several personal guards to Lianhua Temple’s back courtyard. County Magistrate Wu Zhiyuan, Sheriff Hao Jin, Buliangshi Luo Chengye, and Lianhua Temple Abbot Monk Liaoru had been waiting there for some time.
Observing this middle-aged man bowing with clasped hands, Bao Lang immediately understood why his nickname was Lion Mastiff.
Luo Chengye wasn’t particularly tall, with a face full of disheveled, curly short whiskers. His hair was bound under a cap—presumably as curly as his beard—making him resemble a curly-haired mastiff. Though unprepossessing, his movements were agile with prominently bulging temples—clearly possessing real martial skills. However, his official robes fit poorly, tightly constricting his body.
Seeing an iron rod-like weapon at his waist, Bao Lang asked, “Is this your famous four-sided iron mace?”
Luo Chengye quickly confirmed, removing the weapon from his waist and respectfully presenting it with both hands for his superior’s inspection.
Receiving this unusual weapon, Bao Lang found it extremely heavy. The mace resembled a whip in appearance but couldn’t bend at joints. Each of its four sides had ridges, none sharpened, feeling like a thick, square iron rod without a point. Presumably it didn’t rely on skilled technique like swords but on brute force to smash bones and break tendons.
Being a master with horizontal swords himself, Bao Lang felt he lacked sufficient strength to wield this unusual weapon. Returning the four-sided iron mace to Luo Chengye, he said, “Commander Luo’s strength is quite formidable.” He then questioned him about his Buliang subordinates and how to arrange defenses at Lianhua Temple.
Luo Chengye answered fluently, showing shrewd competence—nothing like yesterday’s description of “inappropriate speech and ignorance of proper behavior” from Magistrate Wu. Bao Lang assumed his superior deliberately suppressed him to prevent advancement.
Monk Liaoru led the supervising monks in opening Duobao Pagoda’s great door, inviting the group to tour inside.
As the abbot described, the pagoda’s structure was simple with solid, substantial materials. Examining level by level, there were simply no hidden places for concealment. The pagoda’s top level enshrined a golden clay sculpture of Weituo Bodhisattva holding a vajra demon-subduing pestle, with a bronze incense burner on the altar table and only some daily cleaning tools.
Looking up, the pagoda’s top was umbrella-like, with stone slabs forming gaps between umbrella ribs for both light and rain protection. The widest gap was about one span wide (thumb to middle finger when spread)—impossible for humans to squeeze through.
Bao Lang, meticulous despite his rough exterior, personally examined the clay sculpture, tapping and knocking without discovering any mechanisms. Quite satisfied, he immediately decided to enshrine the pearl in Duobao Pagoda. His personal guards would mix with Luo Chengye’s Buliang in groups, maintaining three shifts of continuous day-and-night patrols outside the pagoda.
To eliminate suspicion, Bao Lang suggested he, Wu Zhiyuan, and Monk Liaoru each provide a large lock. After the treasure entered the pagoda, all three locks would be applied simultaneously with keys held separately by the three men. This arrangement was seamless. Wu Zhiyuan thought this young military officer was both cautious and suspicious—no wonder he achieved high position at such a young age.
Bao Lang’s personal guards feared him like a tiger, silent as winter cicadas. When he said go east, they dared not glance west—showing his usual strict command.
After all arrangements were complete, Bao Lang brought the treasure from the post station. Everyone had long been curious about this military governor’s treasure, all staring wide-eyed. From a large sandalwood chest, Bao Lang lifted a seven-inch lacquer box. Opening the lid revealed a pearl over an inch in diameter resting on silk brocade padding, pure white and perfectly round, covered with a translucent thin veil for dust protection.
Everyone marveled at this pearl’s size and roundness—truly rare in the world. Bao Lang smiled slightly, showing some pride: “Unfortunately it’s daytime now. If it were night, this pearl would emit radiance—an incomparable luminous pearl.”
As if fearing these people’s gazes might dim the pearl’s luster, he immediately closed the lacquer box after the display. Then, holding the box with both hands, he personally enshrined it on the altar before Weituo Bodhisattva on the pagoda’s top level.
Duobao Pagoda’s great door closed, and three large locks were hung one by one on the door rings. With the approaching dharma assembly bringing crowds and complications, Monk Liaoru announced that during the pearl’s enshrinement period, Lianhua Temple’s back courtyard was sealed—neither monks nor laypeople could enter the courtyard.
Luo Chengye’s home was next to the monastery—convenient for commanding, dispatching, and supervising patrol personnel.
Everything was properly arranged, everything perfect.