The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 236 - 209. The Birth of the First "Imperial Merchant

The vibrations in the pagoda ceased, and the water in the three teacups on the table no longer rippled.

Mr. Zhao, feigning composure, fixed his gaze on the white-robed monk before him and said,

"I have no understanding of the Buddhist Law, and what I just said was prejudiced. It is best for the Mage to consider it at his discretion."

After all, he was a high monk of the Divine Dragon Temple; Mr. Zhao felt that he might have been a bit too forceful just now.

Fearing the opposite effect, after all, he just wanted to gain some advantage, not to make an enemy for no good reason.

However, his words seemed like comfort to the ears of Mage Bian Ji.

He shook his head, his mind unable to calm down; initially, he had intended only to have a look at this rising figure.

Yet he almost found his Buddhist heart shaken, something he never could have foreseen.

Especially the last Buddhist verse spoken by the other party, though plain and simple, cut through his chest like a steel knife, leaving him with a feeling as if a thorn was in his back.

Could this truly be something a junior cultivator could articulate?

"Lord, the words you spoke are noted by this poor monk. It is late, and I shall not trouble you further. I will take my leave," said Mage Bian Ji as he rose to his feet.

Using mantra to suppress his spirit was not a long-term solution; at that moment, he felt an urgent need to return.

"Please do as you wish," Mr. Zhao said.

Then, he watched the white-robed monk descend the stairs and leave; he was momentarily stunned and somewhat dumbfounded.

He hadn’t expected the monk to walk away without offering anything in return after getting a line of Buddhist scripture for free.

Just like that, he’s gone?

How is this even more of a scam than Old Wang...

But then he thought, considering the psychological damage that his deliberately PUA-esque words seemed to have caused, it didn’t feel quite right to ask for money...

"Wait, I forgot to ask him what he came to see me for..."

Only after Mr. Zhao and the others left did he remember this matter, shaking his head helplessly, he could only ask the next time they met.

Hurriedly, he ate some cakes with the tea to fill his stomach and got up to rush to the government office.

The Young Master suffered a loss in silence. This issue had come to an end, but there were still some loose ends that required his personal attention.

Divine Dragon Temple.

"Greetings, Mage."

Amidst the glow of the sunlit clouds, the sweeping monks stopped to pay respects when Mage Bian Ji returned.

However, the usually smiling Mage Bian Ji seemed as if he had lost his soul today, hurrying with his steps, straight to the main hall at the back.

"What happened to the Mage today? He seems to ignore us completely."

"Could it be some urgent matter has arisen?"

The monks looked at each other, puzzled.

Main Hall.

Inside the serene and magnificent Buddhist Temple.

Mage Bian Ji ascended the steps, pushed open a vermilion door, and the steady knock of the wooden fish instantly reached his ears.

In a flash, it steadied his restless spirit.

In the temple, the massive and compassionate Buddha statue overlooked the space below.

Donned in a brown robe, his eyes tightly closed, short in stature and with an ordinary appearance, yet solemn.

"Master, your disciple is troubled,"

Bian Ji stepped through the threshold and approached behind Master Xuan Yin, speaking respectfully.

The persistent tapping of the wooden fish stopped, and after several breaths, as if the old monk, whose spirit had wandered beyond the skies, leaving only his shell, slowly opened his eyes.

He did not turn to look at him but instead peered forward at the curling sandalwood incense in front of the Buddha statue:

"What is it?"

Without hesitation, Mage Bian Ji recounted his dialogue with Mr. Zhao in detail.

At the end, he said, "Disciple’s heart was moved by his words, yet felt it was not right; thus, I have come to ask."

All phenomena are but an aspect... to see the Buddha... Master Xuan Yin chewed on the verse, as if not even the crumble of Mount Tai could change his expression. The wrinkled face revealed a hint of unusual color and said:

"What is your question?"

With respect, Mage Bian Ji inquired:

"Has your disciple been attached to appearances, fallen into obsession, without any awareness? As Mr. Zhao said, has the attachment to external forms clouded the true mind?"

Master Xuan Yin asked, "Do you feel that your mind has been clouded?"

Bian Ji looked befuddled, "Disciple does not know."

Master Xuan Yin said calmly,

"Buddhist practice preaches letting go of attachments, yet it’s not about abandoning them. One may have attachments without being obstinate, to have a clear conscience, and a heart like a mirror, is the essence of cultivation.

Seeking Buddha through cultivation isn’t about severing all suffering. When you enlighten others, do you harbor any selfish thoughts?

Have you reached the state of selflessness? Can you sacrifice yourself for others? Do you possess boundless compassion?

Such questions, there’s no need to ask me, just ask your own heart, and there will be no obstacles."

Querying his own heart... Bian Ji subconsciously pressed a hand to his chest.

"Letting go of attachments without abandoning them... I preach the Dharma for the glory of the Buddhist path without selfish motives, remaining egoless in my heart... Having attachments also does not hinder my true nature..."

"I seek to enlighten all beings, not only to encourage them to become Buddha but also to sacrifice myself for their sake. But asking this heart, directly attaining Buddhahood..."

Bian Ji probed his heart over and over, feeling the dust upon it being wiped away each time, gradually returning to clarity and transparency.

The Buddhist faith that had been shaken, not only returned to its original state but became even firmer than before.

"Amitabha, disciple understands."

Bian Ji stood up and walked out of the temple doors with a smile.

Inside the Buddhist Temple, Abbot Xuan Yin gently tapped the wooden fish and murmured softly,

"Zhao Douan..."

When did such a person capable of beguiling people’s hearts appear in the Capital?

...

...

Imperial Court.

Just before nightfall, Zhao Douan arrived at Lihua Hall on horseback, the clop-clop of hooves sounding in the air.

He saw that all four of his subordinates were waiting inside.

Upon his return, they rose to greet him, "Subordinates pay their respects to Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Douan nodded and asked, "Where is the person?"

Qian Kerou caught on instantly and said, "In the office, I will take Mr. Zhao there."

Inside the office.

Lady Lin, with a goose-egg face and silkworm eyebrows, resembling Yuan Fei greatly in appearance, sat anxiously on a round stool.

Since she had been brought here, nearly an entire day had passed without a sign, fearing an unforeseen event might occur.

The door was pushed open, and that "scoundrel" who had appeared at the Divine Dragon Temple days ago to extend a helping hand to her, now on the brink of despair, appeared with a smile.

"Lady Lin, we meet again."

"Mr. Zhao!" Lady Lin’s eyes brightened, and she stood up abruptly, then bowed down deeply,

"This humble woman, Lin Susu, thanks Mr. Zhao greatly for the rescue."

Zhao Douan accepted her thanks with a smile, then settled down to hosts and guests seating.

After brief pleasantries, Zhao Douan, observing her anxious demeanor, skipped further small talk and took out two items from his bosom.

To the left was a stack of silver notes, and to the right, a peculiar contract,

"The promise I made; I did not go back on my word. Since it was a trade, now is the time to fulfill that promise.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

The order for your husband’s release has been sent on horseback to the south via the Imperial Court.

Once delivered, he will be freed. Of course, having offended Li Yinglong to the point of death, once he realises, he may seek revenge.

With the power you two possess, I suppose you won’t be able to resist... hence, I’m giving you two options."

Zhao Douan pointed to the stack of silver notes:

"Take these, enough to cover your escape from the Capital, reunite with your husband, and live anonymously wherever you choose to start anew. With no more ties to the government, as long as you avoid the Li family’s sight, you can live carefree."

He then gestured to the contract:

"As for this, it represents another choice. The court is introducing new policies to open markets and bring in merchants, needing a few as examples for the first phase, to work for the court.

There are certainly risks, but bigger profits. Of course, the greatest benefit for you is, once choosing to support the court, becoming merchants to pave the way for new policies, you’ll be under protection, safer, and even Li Yinglong would have to think twice.

The downside is, once you’re in the court’s service, you’ll be entwined in disputes."

He spoke lightly,

"The choice is yours. There’s no need for an immediate answer. The Imperial Court happens to have a convoy heading south; you can go with them and decide once you get there."

Lin Susu looked up, stunned.

Without hesitation, she firmly reached for the contract, only to see that the name on it was not her husband’s, but her own.

"This humble woman chooses this," she said with unwavering determination.