Chapter Ninety-One: Stirring Heart in the Midnight of Spring

Night had fallen over Anguo Temple, casting a tranquil hush throughout its grounds. After the evening prayers, most monks had retired to their beds. Only a few elder monks, accomplished in their practice, lingered—some studying the sutras, some chanting quietly, others sitting in meditation. The only movement outside came from the occasional group of monks patrolling the temple grounds with lanterns in hand. Unlike Huadu Temple, which once possessed the famed Treasury of Endless Wealth, Anguo Temple had little to tempt thieves, and these patrols were more a matter of habit than necessity. However, with Madam Gongsun, her disciples, and their musicians and singers now residing within the temple, security had been doubled to prevent any incident.

A line of monks, lanterns swinging and staves in hand, passed through the bamboo grove behind the lodgings of Madam Gongsun and her group. Not long after, a shiny head popped out from amidst the emerald stalks. The owner of that head watched the retreating glow of lanterns for a while, then turned his gaze to the not-so-high wall enclosing the lodgings. For a considerable time, he hesitated, revealing himself only to step forward a little, but quickly shrank back as if recoiling from a venomous serpent.

No, no—if he really took this step, all his years of Buddhist practice would be wasted!

Late in the month, the waning moon was shrouded by clouds, casting the bamboo grove into deep shadow. With the patrol gone, he was alone, and relying on his years of training, scaling that wall would be effortless. Yet the young monk, Luo Ying, seemed rooted to the spot, unable to take a single step forward. Though he had only met Lady Yue for the first time earlier that day, her every smile and gesture bewitched him, stirring restless emotions he struggled to contain. The temptation grew stronger when a neighboring courtyard was occupied that evening, heightening his sense of urgency.

“That Wang nobleman eyed Madam Gongsun and Lady Yue with obvious ill intent… Yes, I must warn her!”

Finally, Luo Ying found a suitable excuse and, bracing himself, crept cautiously toward the wall. He placed his hand on the packed earth, knowing he could vault it with ease, but hesitation seized him once more. His right hand brushed against the bodhi bead bracelet on his left wrist, deepening his distress.

Master Du had given him the bracelet, admiring both his martial prowess and his devotion. But if anyone discovered him here tonight… Amitabha, what was he thinking!

Luo Ying shook his head vigorously, attempting to dispel the guilt gnawing at him, but the inner conflict only grew stronger. Overwhelmed, he sank to the ground with his back against the wall, praying to every deity and Buddha he could think of, seeking guidance on what to do. Yet, such prayers only made him more lost; he paced under the wall like a headless fly, caught between desire and duty, experiencing for the first time the stirrings of worldly passion.

Once the heart is moved, even the Buddha himself could not turn it back.

Just as he clasped his head in torment, his martial training alerted him to a faint rustling nearby. Footsteps, the sound of weapons brushing against clothes, and the flutter of robes in the night breeze reached his ears. Instantly, Luo Ying became alert, straining his eyes to peer into the darkness. He saw several furtive shadows moving toward him, covering each other as they advanced, and drew a sharp breath.

Night curfew was in effect across the city, with the military prefect patrolling, and Anguo Temple was a peaceful place. The lodgings were deep within the temple, and the monks on duty were trained in martial arts—how had these intruders managed to slip in so easily?

He was about to shout for help, but a sudden idea flashed in his mind, overpowering his urge to call out.

If he could singlehandedly subdue this band of thieves, wouldn’t Madam Gongsun look at him differently? Perhaps Lady Yue would praise his skill, granting him more opportunities to speak with her!

The more Luo Ying considered it, the more determined he became. He remained silent, stealthily moving to intercept the intruders. His martial arts were learned properly at Shaolin Temple, honed through years of arduous training; now, he made not a sound as he approached. Even as he drew near, the intruders remained oblivious. They had reached the packed earth wall and, surprisingly, began to chat.

“Madam Gongsun and her disciples are skilled with swords—if we alert them, or if they refuse to cooperate…”

“If they’re alerted, we force the issue. As for resistance… those swords are just for show. Against real opponents, they’re nothing but empty gestures. No need to worry!”

“The young master has plenty of maids and concubines, but this time he’s set his sights on someone famous!”

“If she weren’t famous, would she catch his eye? No matter her reputation, she’s just a drifting reed. The Wang family is noble! Besides, both master and disciple together—that would be…”

The lewd laughter that followed these whispers ignited Luo Ying’s fury. He dared not approach the cold and austere Madam Gongsun, but revered her deeply in his heart, especially since she was Lady Yue’s teacher. Now, realizing these were the followers of the Wang nobleman who had forcibly moved into the neighboring lodgings, Luo Ying could restrain himself no longer. He took a deep breath, focused on the one who had carelessly placed his sword nearby and stood closest to him, then suddenly lunged.

Like a tiger pouncing on a lamb, his attack caught the servants—who had treated the night’s venture as a game—completely off guard. Before they could react, Luo Ying lifted the man and threw him amidst his companions. In the darkness, chaos erupted; all thoughts of secrecy vanished as they shouted for each other, and someone fumbled to light a firestick.

Ironically, that brief flash of light only worsened their plight. As the flame flickered, the man who had lit it found a shadow looming before him. He screamed, and moments later, a heavy thud signaled someone had crashed to the ground, snapping several bamboo stalks.

“It’s a young monk!”

“Be careful, this monk is formidable!”

“No matter how skilled, he’s only one person. Let’s surround him!”

As the fight grew louder and more tumultuous, a figure appeared atop the wall, seemingly overlooked by all. Surveying the uneven contest, this person suddenly chuckled, then ducked out of sight.

“Master!” Lady Yue burst into Madam Gongsun’s chamber, smiling as she spoke to her teacher, who was meticulously polishing her sword. “There’s quite a commotion out back, but you remain so calm! I just went to look—it’s the young monk we met today, fighting with a group of men who seem to be servants of the Wang general from next door!”

Madam Gongsun didn’t lift her head until her disciple, pouting, pressed her hands to her shoulders. Only then did she reply coolly, “Those sneaky fellows are after me, no doubt. But the little monk is peculiar; he seemed to linger there for quite some time.”

“He must be mesmerized by your unparalleled charm, Master… Ow!”

Lady Yue nimbly dodged the sudden swipe of Madam Gongsun’s skirt-blade, and when she retreated to safety and stuck out her tongue playfully, she felt her hair loosen, the carefully bound locks falling free. Realizing she’d been outmaneuvered, she wasn’t angry; as she fixed her hair, she asked curiously, “Are you really going to pretend you don’t know?”

“Go wake Elder Kang and the others. Tell them to shout loudly… remember, cry out ‘Thieves!’”

With shouts and cries echoing through the night, not only did the monks on patrol converge, but even the abbot, Master Chongzhao, was roused from his sleep. Hastily gathering others, he arrived at the bamboo grove behind the lodgings to find several torches lit, bodies sprawled across the ground groaning and unable to move, while Luo Ying was held fast by two monks. The Wang nobleman, who had only just moved in that evening, was arguing with the monastery’s stewards and other monks.

“Steward, they coveted Madam Gongsun and tried to sneak into her lodgings in the dead of night!”

Wang glared resentfully at Luo Ying, then sneered, “Coveted? Where’s your evidence?”

The young monk’s face flushed crimson. “I saw it with my own eyes, heard it with my own ears!”

“Ridiculous. Any witnesses?” When Luo Ying fell silent, Wang swept his sleeve arrogantly. “My servants saw someone approaching Madam Gongsun’s lodgings late at night. They suspected foul play and came to catch the thief, only to find this wicked monk turning the tables! Anguo Temple is an imperial institution—how can anyone break the rules here? What a joke!”

Luo Ying felt his chest ache with rage, his voice trembling. “You… you slander me!”

“My father is Duke of Huo, Grand General of the Left Martial Guard, Inspector of stables, and I myself hold rank and title. You, a mere novice not yet fully ordained, who is the real slanderer here?”

At this point, Master Chongzhao understood the situation. Though unsure why Luo Ying was present, he trusted the orphan he had raised since childhood and was certain Wang Shouzhen was up to no good. However, if this matter escalated, the temple’s reputation and all its monks would suffer, while Wang Shouzhen would remain untouched. Steeling his resolve, the abbot stepped forward.

Just then, a clear, sweet voice called out from the lodgings.

“Masters, my teacher asks me to deliver a message. The night is deep, and tomorrow brings a grand gathering. Since nothing serious has happened, why not let the matter rest?”

Hearing Madam Gongsun’s words relayed, Master Chongzhao knew she understood the situation. Glancing at Wang Shouzhen’s sullen face, he took a deep breath. “Since Madam Gongsun says so, we’ll detain the novice for now and settle the matter tomorrow morning.”

Though the abbot sought to quell the dispute, when all had dispersed, Wang Shouzhen stood brooding outside Madam Gongsun’s lodgings. Seeing no movement within, he summoned a servant and growled, “That little monk ruined everything! Find out who he is, who he associates with—I refuse to believe a random shaved head could be so bold! And since Madam Gongsun puts on such airs, I’ll make sure she pays. Tomorrow’s sword dance will be anything but smooth!”