Qu Yunmie crossed his arms and turned his head, staring silently at the nearby window lattice, as if trying to see something in it. No matter how disrespectful Xiao Rong felt toward him, he wouldn’t actually embarrass Qu Yunmie in front of others.

 

So, after a brief pause, Xiao Rong smiled again, turned around to close the door behind him, and then quietly nudged Qu Yunmie’s back with his knee, signaling him to make some room.

 

Qu Yunmie remained unmoved, forcing Xiao Rong to sit close to him, so close that they nearly touched.

 

Mijing watched their movements quietly, his dark eyes shifting slightly.

 

After sitting down, Xiao Rong politely smiled at Mijing and said, “My surname is Xiao, and my given name is Rong. I am from Linchuan. I have long heard of your esteemed reputation, and now that I see you in person, I realize you are even more distinguished than the rumors. It’s no wonder you were chosen as the designated ‘Buddha’s Child’ by the abbot of Zunshan Temple.”

 

Zunshan Temple was in Changan, and in this era without the Dacien Temple or Da Baoen Temple, Zunshan Temple was one of the most famous temples. Past abbots maintained close ties with the royal family. Some abbots would pre-select their successors, who were then honored as ‘Buddha’s Child.’

 

Of course, now the title of Buddha’s Child was just an empty name with no real position. Zunshan Temple had been completely destroyed in a great fire, and even though it had been rebuilt by later generations, it was no longer the Zunshan Temple that Mijing was familiar with.

 

Mijing looked at Xiao Rong and smiled faintly. “Young Master Xiao praises me too highly. I am no longer the Buddha’s Child, but it is your name that has become well-known.”

 

Xiao Rong was taken aback as he hadn’t known about this. He wanted to ask where his name was so well-known, but before he could, Qu Yunmie, who was puzzled, turned his head and asked, “In what way is he well-known?”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Not looking at the window lattice anymore, are you?

 

Mijing looked at the two of them and spoke slowly. “That sixteen-character warning has spread throughout the land. Even in the taverns of the Shanshan people, there are those who discuss it.”

 

Xiao Rong’s eyes widened, and he and Qu Yunmie spoke at the same time.

 

“How did the Shanshan people learn of my sixteen-character warning?” 

 

“How can a monk drink alcohol?”

 

Before Mijing could respond, Xiao Rong and Qu Yunmie turned to look at each other.

 

Xiao Rong glared at him, as if to say, ‘Is now really the time to ask about drinking?’

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

It’s strange for a monk to enter a tavern, isn’t it?

 

Xiao Rong continued to glare at him. It’s also even stranger that you only noticed that!

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

He averted his gaze and resumed staring at the window lattice.

…

Xiao Rong’s smile began to falter. His information had leaked, and he had no idea until an outsider mentioned it so openly. Xiao Rong  cared about his reputation and suddenly felt a sense of competition that even he wasn’t fully aware of. After all, they were both handsome men, and he didn’t want to lose in terms of demeanor to Mijing.

 

Seeing Xiao Rong’s slightly twisted expression, Mijing seemed to understand the situation. He smiled sympathetically. “Such remarkable foresight, breaking the Xianbei plot in an instant. No one who witnessed such a miracle could resist spreading the word. They mean well, they’re trying to make your name famous.”

 

Xiao Rong gave a dry laugh. “Heh heh.”

 

The Buddha was indeed thoughtful, turning gossip into a form of fame and lack of discipline in the army into good intentions.

 

The Buddha could be polite, but Xiao Rong couldn’t really accept it. He pursed his lips and said seriously, “There’s no need for the Buddha to worry about this Lord’s reputation. The Northern Defending Army is brave and skilled, but it’s a fact that they act without discipline.”

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

What fact?

 

He stared at Xiao Rong in disbelief, shocked that he would say such things in front of him, but Xiao Rong didn’t even glance at him, instead staring righteously at the Buddha.

 

Mijing looked at the two of them and carefully responded. “Young Master Xiao, you don’t have to belittle yourself.”

 

At this point, there were no titles like “benefactor,” and monks addressed people by their names just like everyone else, which made Xiao Rong feel a bit uncomfortable. He thought the Buddha should extend his hand and greet him with “Amitabha.”

 

 …

Putting aside his unease, Xiao Rong shook his head: “It’s not self-belittling, it’s being realistic. The Northern Defending Army is undisciplined, and the King only knows how to fight but not how to govern. The civil and military officials under the King’s rule are mostly uneducated rough men. Even when they take off their armor and wear civilian clothes, they still appear out of place, and are unable to form a complete court.”

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

He was so angry his face nearly turned green. His eyes fixed stiffly on Xiao Rong and his fists clenched tightly. However, after a moment, he slowly turned his head to look at the equally stunned Mijing, took a deep breath, and decided to endure.

 

Just a bit longer, just a bit longer.

 

Mijing’s face was filled with shock, and he couldn’t help but look at Qu Yunmie, surprised that aside from his obvious anger and tension, Qu Yunmie wasn’t doing anything else. This shocked him even more than Xiao Rong’s insolent words.

 

At this point, Xiao Rong smiled and asked Mijing, “Buddha, are you wondering why, even though I’m aware of the Northern Defending Army and the King’s flaws, I still choose to serve him?”

 

The Buddha thought, ‘No, no, no, that’s not what I’m wondering at all.’

…

Xiao Rong breathed lightly and sat more relaxed. “It’s because everything has two sides. Although the King and the Northern Defending Army have these flaws, they also possess advantages that others don’t. For instance, the King and the Northern Defending Army have known each other since humble beginnings and endured hardships and injuries together. After Yanmen Pass was repeatedly trampled by the Huns, it was the Northern Defending Army that rebuilt the broken city. The King understands the cruelty of war, the hardships of the people, and the desires of rough men. May I ask, Buddha, do you think scholars are more worthy of salvation, or are common men more worthy?”

 

Mijing hesitated for a moment before answering, “All beings are equal, regardless of whether they are common men or scholars.”

 

Xiao Rong directly smiled, this time not out of politeness but with a hint of coldness. “Buddha, your words are hypocritical.”

 

Mijing wasn’t easily provoked into anger, but after hearing this, he couldn’t stop staring at Xiao Rong.

Qu Yunmie, standing nearby, relaxed his shoulders.

 

Alright, that was satisfying.

…

Xiao Rong met Mijing’s gaze without flinching. “The so-called equality of all beings, is that your slogan or your belief? I know it’s certainly not your principle. The salvation of people in Buddhism also comes with conditions. Whether it’s chanting scriptures or offering incense, the former requires the ability to buy scriptures and recognize words, while the latter requires money to visit the temple. Real common men can’t read a single word, so they can’t recite those obscure texts to earn a bit of merit. Buddha, have you ever seen someone who is busy from the moment they open their eyes until they close them?

 

“I personally believe that the Buddha hasn’t seen such people because they don’t have the time to listen to the Buddha’s sermons. They have no opportunity to appear before the Buddha, so they have no chance to receive the Buddha’s mercy.”

 

Mijing remained silent for a moment before saying, “All beings suffer. The temple may be a place of purity, but it isn’t a paradise. Monks can only do what they can, but they cannot save everyone.”

 

Xiao Rong chuckled softly. “Doesn’t that contradict the idea of equality among all beings? Who decides who gets saved and who doesn’t? When making that decision, one life is saved, while another is ignored. Isn’t that equivalent to harming one life?”

 

Mijing pursed his lips slightly and didn’t immediately respond, but his hand suddenly moved, and he began to rub his prayer beads.

 

Xiao Rong’s expression remained unchanged, but he laughed inwardly.

 

Couldn’t come up with an answer, huh? This kind of world-class dilemma probably won’t have a solution even if humanity goes extinct.

 

Xiao Rong sighed, adopting a reflective demeanor. “Once, I left home to study–”

 

Qu Yunmie, who had been frowning as he listened to their conversation, perked up at these words. His ears twitched, and he turned his head towards Xiao Rong. He almost never heard Xiao Rong talk about his past.

 

Xiao Rong continued, “–I traveled and studied for eight years, encountering many people, including my mentors. One of my mentors once asked me a question: A startled horse rampages through a busy street. The road is narrow, with children playing on both sides. At that moment, I must choose a direction, otherwise, children on both sides will be trampled underfoot. Currently, the situation is that on the left side, there are three children in fine clothes, while on the right, there is one child in coarse clothes. If you were the Buddha, how would you choose?”

 

This modified version of the trolley problem stumped Mijing. The children are innocent, and either choice would be wrong. Choosing the left side, Xiao Rong would accuse him of ignoring the common people, and choosing the right, Xiao Rong would accuse him of neglecting more lives.

 

Mijing could see that Xiao Rong was making things difficult for him, but he also had his pride as a genius and wouldn’t allow himself to be stumped by this question.

 

Mijing furrowed his brow slightly, his face filled with seriousness. He was indeed thinking hard about how to respond.

 

He would never guess that Xiao Rong didn’t actually want him to answer. In fact, when he noticed Mijing might have some ideas, he immediately interrupted, “It seems this question is difficult to answer. The Buddha can’t think of a solution for now. Your Majesty, if it were you, what would you choose?”

 

Qu Yunmie was startled, not expecting to be involved. He blinked and blurted out, “I would break the horse’s neck. No need to choose a direction.”

 

Xiao Rong smiled knowingly. He had expected Qu Yunmie to say that.

 

Lifting his gaze, Xiao Rong looked back at Mijing. “Buddha, did you hear that? That’s His Majesty’s answer. In the face of a rampaging horse, only a stronger force can stop it. Now, whether it’s you, me, His Majesty or anyone else in this world, standing in this era’s busy street, some people are thinking about how to save the children on the left, and some are thinking about how to save the child on the right. Yet I believe that a Buddha who believes in the phrase ‘All beings are equal’ should agree more with the King’s solution: save everyone.”

 

Mijing: “…”

 

So, that’s where he was going with this.

 

Mijing lowered his eyes and softly said, “It’s easy to save children in a busy street, but the suffering people in this world aren’t so easily rescued. Young Master Xiao used a question to divert the topic, but Mijing cannot use this answer to deceive himself.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

He pressed his lips together, realizing that Mijing was indeed hard to persuade, so he had to resort to his trump card.

 

Staring at Mijing, he straightened his back slightly and said something earth-shattering. “By the end of next year or the beginning of the year after, Sun Renluan will die.”

 

Mijing’s eyes widened in shock as he looked at him.

 

Qu Yunmie was also shocked, but seeing Mijing’s reaction, he forced himself to act as if it was no big deal.

 

Mijing glanced at the calm-looking Xiao Rong, then at the equally calm Qu Yunmie, and couldn’t help but ask, “Is Young Master Xiao joking?”

 

Xiao Rong smiled. “Who would dare joke about such a serious matter? Sun Renluan is indeed a hero in these chaotic times, but unfortunately, he is in Southern Yong, where there are too many people and matters he must consider. Moreover, not everyone feels grateful to him.”

 

The tone of Xiao Rong’s last sentence was a bit odd, as if he were emphasizing something, leaving Mijing looking at him with a mixture of disbelief and doubt.

 

If Sun Renluan died, Southern Yong would immediately fall into chaos. The young emperor was supported by Sun Renluan, and his legitimacy was somewhat questionable; many people were unwilling to recognize him as their ruler. Mijing had originally inclined towards assisting the young emperor, thinking that with proper guidance, he might grow into a wise ruler capable of turning the tide.

 

Therefore, his uncle couldn’t die. If he did, Mijing truly didn’t believe he could protect the young emperor.

 

While Mijing was lost in thought, he didn’t notice Xiao Rong taking a few items out of his sleeve. By the time Mijing finally snapped back to reality, a row of strange objects had been laid out on the table.

 

What were these?

 

Xiao Rong was unwrapping a paper package when he noticed Mijing staring blankly at him. Smiling, Xiao Rong introduced, “This item is called coal. It’s a stone mined from the ground that can burn. A piece of coal the size of a fist can burn for two hours, and when made into a coal ball, it can burn for six hours. The Northern Defending Army has mountains full of such coal. It’s enough to last not just one lifetime, but several.”

 

The piece of coal he brought was only the size of a baby’s fist, just recently delivered from Pingcheng. Xiao Rong turned to Qu Yunmie and extended his hand, “Your Majesty, could I borrow your fire starter?”

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

Silently, he took a bamboo tube out of his sleeve.

 

Xiao Rong placed the coal in a ceramic bowl from the inn and lit it. As the black stone began to glow red, Mijing’s pupils contracted.

 

Qu Yunmie casually glanced up and, seeing the Buddha’s shocked expression, felt a bit disdainful. He had already forgotten how he had burned through several pieces, only to wake up in the middle of the night from the heat.

…

 

Xiao Rong then pointed to the next item. “This is a blueprint for something called a heated bed. The two counties of Liaodong and Liaoxi have long had heated beds, but this design is more refined. The arrangement of the flue is more efficient, and you don’t need to keep the stove burning constantly. Cook a meal at dusk, and the residual heat from the flue will keep you warm until morning.”

 

Moving to the next item, he said, “This is a method for composting, which can increase crop yields.

 

“And this is a method for sun-drying salt. The sea provides an inexhaustible supply of salt. Once the sun-drying method is successful, the price of salt can be reduced further.

 

“With lower salt prices, this pickling method will come in handy. Nowadays, most pickles are made with soy sauce, which is edible but lacks flavor. Vegetables pickled with salt can retain their original appearance and taste better.”

 

Mijing’s mouth opened slightly, he was so shocked he didn’t know what to say. At that moment, Xiao Rong handed him the paper package he had been unwrapping, saying, “Please, Buddha, feel this powder.”

 

Mijing hesitated, then raised a hand to gently touch the black powder in the package.

 

As soon as he touched it, he was startled because the powder was warm.

 

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Rong smiled. “This substance, let’s call it ‘heat powder’ for now. It’s cold when wrapped but becomes warm when unwrapped and can be used immediately. I don’t intend to make this publicly available or sell it to ordinary people. They wouldn’t need it or know how to use it, and the formula is somewhat expensive, so common people might not be able to afford it. I plan to reserve it for the Northern Defending Army. With a package of this, even in the harshest winter, they won’t suffer from cold hands and feet. Who could stand against a Northern Defending Army that no longer fears the cold?”

 

At this moment, Qu Yunmie and Mijing shared the same expression, both staring blankly at Xiao Rong. Mijing was the first to react, anxiously asking, “If you don’t sell or make this public, then what about everyone else?”

 

Xiao Rong replied, “Except for the coal, I will make the rest public. Once coal production increases, I’ll consider selling it, with rough coal balls sold cheaply and high-quality coal blocks sold at higher prices. Buddha should understand my intention.”

 

Mijing nodded but was more concerned about another issue. “Can these benefits extend to the people of Southern Yong as well?”

 

Xiao Rong paused before answering. “Communication between the North and South is beyond my control. However, what I can offer is more than just these few things. Given the resources, I will prioritize the people north of the Han River.”

 

With that, Xiao Rong turned to Qu Yunmie. “Your Majesty, wouldn’t you agree?”

 

Qu Yunmie, holding the warming package, looked up blankly, not having heard their conversation.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Mijing fell into complete silence.

 

The things Xiao Rong had presented could improve both civilian life and military strength. Although Mijing didn’t know how Xiao Rong had come by such valuable items, he could see that the Northern Defending Army would undoubtedly grow stronger with these resources.

 

Choosing Southern Yong would mean opposing the Northern Defending Army, but choosing the Northern Defending Army would mean bearing the accusation of usurpation.

 

Mijing, a monk of Zunsan Temple, had received the grace of the Yong Dynasty while in Changan. Based on his past experiences and the hopes of the people, he had always leaned towards Southern Yong as the place to use his talents.

 

Moreover, he truly didn’t have much faith in the King of the North.

 

Seeing his hesitation, Xiao Rong guessed what was troubling him and decided to apply more pressure.

 

He stood up, raised both hands, and performed a deep bow to the Buddha, just as he had done when paying respects to Qu Yunmie.

 

“Please, Buddha, for the sake of the people, stay with the Northern Defending Army. The stronger the Northern Defending Army becomes, the less suffering the people will endure. When two tigers fight, the earth shakes, when tigers and wolves battle, the land is devastated. Only when the contest is between a tiger and a mouse can the world finally find peace.”

 

Mijing didn’t dare accept Xiao Rong’s bow and quickly stood up as well. Qu Yunmie, seeing Xiao Rong lower himself so much before Mijing, suddenly felt a pang of discomfort.

 

Suddenly standing, Qu Yunmie pushed Xiao Rong behind him and said in a deep voice to Mijing, “As Xiao Rong said, this King and the Northern Defending Army have many flaws. Still, this King is determined to relocate the capital for the sake of the army and those who follow me. I will act as a King of the North should. Though I neither believe in Buddhism nor Daoism, since the people and Xiao Rong believe in the Buddha, I must invite the Buddha child back with us. If you have any dissatisfaction with me, you may speak freely. I will consider your words and make changes if needed.”

 

Xiao Rong never expected Qu Yunmie to say something like this, leaving him stunned. Mijing, seeing Qu Yunmie’s serious but slightly impatient expression, couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

 

He placed the hand holding his prayer beads in front of him and made a single-handed gesture of respect to Qu Yunmie. “Then I will trouble His Majesty.”

…

Half an hour later, they set out on their return journey. Xiao Rong sat in the carriage, glancing occasionally at Qu Yunmie, who was riding outside.

 

Though Mijing was lean, he was muscular enough to handle the pilgrimage route. He was riding behind them, unable to hear what was happening.

 

Qu Yunmie had noticed Xiao Rong’s gaze long ago. After enduring it for a while, he finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “Why are you looking at me?”

 

Xiao Rong chuckled. “I was wondering if His Majesty has been possessed.”

 

Qu Yunmie was confused. “What does ‘possessed’ mean?”

 

Xiao Rong thought for a moment before explaining, “It means the body is the same, but the soul inside has been replaced.”

 

Qu Yunmie said, “This King hasn’t been taken over by a wild ghost!”

 

Xiao Rong shrugged. So, during this time period, possession was considered being taken over by a wild ghost.

 

Teasing His Majesty was fun, but Xiao Rong was getting a bit tired. He leaned against the carriage and let out a small yawn. As he quieted down, Qu Yunmie looked at him again, frowning deeply before finally speaking. “In the future, you aren’t allowed to bow deeply to others.”

 

Xiao Rong turned his head. “Why?”

 

Qu Yunmie replied, “There’s no need for any reason, just do as I say.”

 

Xiao Rong blinked at him. “Not even to Chancellor Gao?”

 

Qu Yunmie said, “No.”

 

Xiao Rong asked again, “What about bowing low to the King?”

 

Qu Yunmie responded, “Not necessary. I’m not that exceptional.”

 

Xiao Rong let out a sound of acknowledgement. He was about to lie back down again, but suddenly, he turned back, curious, and asked, “If I meet the Emperor in the future, can I bow?”

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

He turned his head towards Xiao Rong, his face expressionless, and snapped, “If you dare bow, I’ll chop off his legs!”

 

Xiao Rong stared at him, and after a moment, burst out laughing so hard he nearly rolled over.

 

Qu Yunmie: “…”

 

Was it that funny?

 

Xiao Rong struggled to speak through his laughter, barely able to catch his breath. “No—not that, shouldn’t you chop off my legs instead? What does it have to do with him?”

 

Qu Yunmie’s face darkened as Xiao Rong’s question hit the mark. Why had his first reaction been to chop off someone else’s legs? He couldn’t come up with an answer, so he could only glare at Xiao Rong. The more he glared, the harder Xiao Rong laughed.

 

Soon, Xiao Rong’s laughter reached the back. Mijing, riding on his horse, listened silently to the sounds from the two of them.

 

Why did it feel like he had made the wrong decision?!

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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