Chapter 148: Two Heavens of Joy and Sorrow, Great Strength Vajra Finger
“Elder Brother Yang.”
As a resonant voice sounded, two fine horses arrived outside the courtyard, and Zhang Wangyue and Huyan Lei dismounted.
The two arrived with wine and pushed open the door.
Zhou Yan stood up and said to Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, and Ma Yu, “This is our Chief Escort Zhang and Head Escort Huyan.”
Ma Yu had met Zhang Wangyue in Zhongdu and, although they hadn’t spoken, they had a prior connection.
He stood up and quickly walked towards Zhang Wangyue.
“This poor Taoist is Ma Yu. My Taoist companion suffered misfortune in Xiangyang, and I am deeply grateful for the care provided by Chief Escort Zhang.”
Ma Yu was referring to Sun Buer.
Zhou Yan had rescued Qingjing Sanren, but at that time, from Xiangyang to Jingzhou, Zhang Wangyue had arranged for carriages and horses, and had indeed taken good care of them.
Zhang Wangyue quickly said, “You are too kind. Master Ma’s reputation precedes him; it is a great honor to meet you today.”
Qiu Chuji was forthright, and the Seven Immortals of Quanzhen were deeply affectionate towards each other. Since Fu’an had looked after Sun Buer and Yang Tiexin, Qiu Chuji naturally felt a sense of closeness.
“Head Escort Zhang and Head Escort Huyan, you arrive at a perfect time. This old Taoist will drink heartily with you two, Brother Yang, and Young Friend Zhou today.”
“It is better to obey than to refuse.” Zhang Wangyue and Huyan Lei bowed.
“Chief Escort, please,” said Ma Yu.
“Good!”
Yang Miaozhen was familiar with Zhang and Huyan, and the three wasted no pleasantries.
Yang Tiexin had prepared thoroughly. After hearing from Zhou Yan that Qiu Chuji was bringing Guo Jing to Zhongdu to meet, he had prepared a banquet according to the standards for the Seven Immortals of Quanzhen visiting. Therefore, there were many tables and chairs in the courtyard.
Zhou Yan moved tables to piece them together, and Mu Nianci added bowls and chopsticks.
As the saying goes, “A cup of turbid wine brings happy reunion,” and also, “When drinking with a bosom friend, a thousand cups are too few.”
The group clinked cups and exchanged toasts, creating a lively atmosphere.
During the meal, Yang Tiexin spoke of meeting Qiu Chuji, how they became acquainted through a fight, and how the latter had thrown a leather bag onto the table, revealing heads and livers.
Qiu Chuji laughed heartily recalling the past, saying that the heads belonged to the corrupt official Wang Daoqian. The Emperor had sent him to congratulate the Jin Emperor on his birthday, but Wang Daoqian had colluded with the Jin people and plotted to invade Jiangnan. In a fit of rage, Qiu Chuji had beheaded him. He also said that although monks should be compassionate, upon seeing those who harmed the people and enemies of the state, his anger would surge, and he would kill every one he saw.
Huyan Lei and Yang Miaozhen clapped their hands in approval.
Guo Jing had never heard these stories from Qiu Chuji. The young hero, filled with chivalry, listened with his blood boiling. Thinking of the teachings of his masters and mother, he resolved that in the future, he would also be like Taoist Priest Qiu, eradicating evil and promoting good.
Yang Miaozhen raised her cup: “Daoist Priest, your chivalry is admirable. I, this humble woman, respect you. If I encounter such a corrupt official, I will find a way to pierce them through with a single shot.”
The two drank their cups dry.
Huyan Lei laughed, “Leader Yang, are you also in Zhongdu to hunt down corrupt officials?”
Yang Miaozhen smiled, “It was to intercept a Jin official and interrogate him. I learned that Mongolia was planning to attack Jin, so I came to Zhongdu to gather intelligence, thinking we could coordinate a pincer attack. However, Brother Zhou just mentioned what if Mongolia becomes the next Jin? I feel I was too rash.”
Zhang Wangyue pondered.
Yang Miaozhen said, “Chief Escort Zhang, we spoke by the Huai River, and I admire your learning. What do you think?”
“Brother Zhou’s words are not without reason.”
Qiu Chuji said, “I wish to hear your thoughts.”
Zhang Wangyue raised his wine cup, carefully choosing his words, “My learning is shallow, and I cannot articulate the specific reasons. However, the Central Plains are in turmoil due to invasions by barbarians. In ancient times, there were the Xiongnu, and recently, the Liao and Jurchen. Those not of our race will surely have different intentions; their ways are not the same as ours.”
“Brother Zhou, is that what you mean?” Yang Miaozhen asked.
“It’s exactly what our Chief Escort thought,” Zhou Yan smiled.
“It is hateful that the court is foolish and makes no effort to advance. There are no wise and virtuous officials. Chen Tang of Han submitted a memorial to Emperor Yuan, stating, ‘Their heads should be displayed at the barbarian legations in Gaodie, to show the world that those who offend the mighty Han, though far away, will be punished.’ How inspiring! Alas, I was born decades too late and never knew Yue Wumu. Otherwise, this old Taoist would also have wielded his sword to sweep away the enemy, rather than merely killing a corrupt official in anger.” Qiu Chuji sighed, then changed the subject: “However, Brother Yang is a descendant of General Yang Zaixing. Meeting you again after our previous encounter is a way to resolve some regrets. Let’s drink.”
As cups clinked, Qiu Chuji said, “We are all considered family. This old Taoist has something to tell Brother Yang.”
This must be about Bao Xiruo, Zhou Yan thought.
As expected, Qiu Chuji said, “Brother Yang, your child is still alive.”
The sudden words struck like thunder, and Yang Tiexin’s hand trembled violently, spilling half a bowl of wine onto the table.
“Elder Brother Yang’s child is alive, where is he?” Huyan Lei asked.
“Far away, yet right before your eyes.” Qiu Chuji didn’t keep them in suspense: “Not only Brother Yang’s child, but mother and son are together, at the Zhao Wang Manor. Their current identities are the Jin Dynasty’s Zhao Wangfei and the Little Prince.”
Yang Tiexin, already emotionally overwhelmed by meeting Qiu Chuji and Guo Jing, trembled upon hearing this and said, “Daoist Priest, that’s impossible.”
“It’s a long story.”
“Please elaborate, Daoist Priest.” Zhou Yan poured wine.
“Thank you, young friend.” Qiu Chuji expressed his gratitude and said to Zhou Yan, “The reason for this is also related to you, young friend Zhou.”
“How so?” Huyan Lei asked.
Qiu Chuji spoke slowly, recounting some information he had obtained from the Six Freaks of Jiangnan. Zhou Yan had captured Duan Tiande at Taihu Lake, and Zhu Cong and others had interrogated him on their southward journey, revealing that Wanyan Honglie had plotted in Niu Family Village, leading to the tragic deaths of the Guo and Yang families. Bao Xiruo, unaware of the truth, eventually went to the Prince’s Manor and gave birth to Yang Kang.
Apart from Qiu Chuji’s voice, there was no other sound in the courtyard. Even Shagu listened intently. Qiu Chuji then briefly explained how he and the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan had agreed to search for the descendants of Guo and Yang, the martial arts competition in Jiaxing, and how they had found Bao’s family and Yang Kang in Niu Family Village in Lin’an Prefecture to acknowledge his ancestors.
During this time, Zhou Yan observed Yang Tiexin. He saw the muscles in his face twitching, his hands trembling, and his lips quivering. Tears streamed from his eyes, falling onto the table and into the wine bowl. When Qiu Chuji finished speaking, Yang Tiexin shouted, “Wanyan Honglie, you scoundrel!”
“Gulp!” Yang Tiexin’s qi was blocked, and he fell backward.
Zhou Yan’s hand moved swiftly, catching Yang Tiexin.
“Father!”
“Uncle Yang.”
The courtyard was in chaos. Zhou Yan placed his right hand on Yang Tiexin’s “Mingmen acupoint,” channeling pure internal force to relax his muscles and invigorate his blood. With his left hand, he massaged vital acupoints, and Yang Tiexin slowly regained consciousness.
“I swear to kill that old scoundrel Wanyan.”
Yang Miaozhen said, “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Wanyan Honglie must be at the Prince’s Manor. Why don’t we go kill him directly? Elder Yang, you won’t need to stay in Zhongdu anymore. Take your wife and son and leave the Jin Dynasty. Where in the world can’t you go? If you don’t mind, you can come to my mountain stronghold. Brother Zhou, what do you say?”
Zhou Yan helped Yang Tiexin sit on a bench and said, “Let’s first hear what the Daoist Priest has to say.”
“Very well.”
Qiu Chuji said, “Although my worthless disciple has acknowledged his ancestors, he is greedy for wealth. Brother Yang is still staying at the escort bureau. If this matter is handled improperly, it will implicate the escort bureau. We must consider this carefully and not be careless.”
Zhou Yan said, “The Daoist Priest speaks wisely.”
“What is the Daoist Priest’s suggestion?” Yang Miaozhen asked.
“This old Taoist will bring that worthless disciple out and see his attitude first.”
“That makes sense.” Zhang Wangyue nodded and said to Yang Tiexin, “Elder Brother Yang, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Yang Tiexin stood up and bowed.
Zhang Wangyue quickly helped him up. Yang Tiexin said, “Daoist Priest Qiu is right. This matter is of great importance, and we must not drag the escort bureau into it. It is also inconvenient to trouble the Chief Escort and others with family matters. I will not be going to the escort bureau these few days.”
“Certainly.” Zhang Wangyue had his own ideas, but he needed to discuss them with Zhou Yan, so he politely replied and said no more.
Mu Nianci looked dazed. Her adoptive mother was the current Zhao Wangfei, and she had an adoptive brother. Her thoughts returned to her adoptive father’s hardships over the years, and she couldn’t help but shed tears.
Zhou Yan said, “It is ultimately a joyous occasion that Senior knows the whereabouts of his wife and son.”
“Exactly!” Yang Miaozhen said, “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s not dwell on sad matters. Brothers Guo, what do you say?”
Guo Jing’s mind was filled with thoughts of how to kill Wanyan Honglie and avenge his father and the Yang family. When Yang Miaozhen suddenly asked him, he said, “I swear to kill that scoundrel Wanyan.”
Yang Miaozhen was taken aback. She had wanted him to persuade Senior Yang, but he said this instead. What a blockhead, she thought, and gave Zhou Yan a wry smile.
Zhou Yan thought that if Guo Jing were so adaptable, he wouldn’t have become the great hero who served the country and its people in the Legend of the Condor Heroes and the Divine Condor. It was a pity he died in Xiangyang. He then considered that he would undoubtedly have dealings with Guo Jing in the future, and with Yang Tiexin alive, with careful guidance, perhaps Guo Jing’s future might change.
…
The Prince’s Manor was decorated festively. Yang Kang stood at the imposing gatehouse, looking into the distance. Beside him were Helian Chuncheng, Yin Kexi, Ni Mo Xing, Monk Lingzhi, Sha Tongtian, and others.
As dusk settled, two horse carriages approached from afar.
Helian Chuncheng said hurriedly, “Little Prince, my father has arrived.”
Yang Kang’s eyes showed excitement.
During a previous trip to Datong Prefecture, they had visited Helian Zhantai, and the Changfeng Escort Agency had acted as a go-between. The Prince’s Manor had a good reputation. Now, they had finally invited people from the Vajra Sect of the Western Regions, but he wondered about the caliber of this great Buddha.
The carriages stopped at the Prince’s Manor. The runner from the first carriage jumped down, quickly went to the rear of the carriage, placed a bench, and lifted the curtain.
Helian Zhantai alighted.
“Mr. Helian.”
Yang Kang greeted him with a smile.
Helian Zhantai said hurriedly, “How can I be worthy of such a reception from the Little Prince?”
“It’s nothing. Who is in that carriage?” Yang Kang asked, feigning ignorance.
“It is Master Baoxiang of the Vajra Sect. I will escort the Master to meet the Little Prince.”
“Thank you.”
“You are too kind, Prince. Please wait a moment.”
As Helian Zhantai turned, the bamboo curtain of the rear carriage had already been lifted, and a stout monk, in his thirties, with a pair of downward-sloping eyebrows, alighted.
The owner of the Changfeng Escort Agency quickly stepped forward, “Master, the Little Prince has been waiting for a long time.”
“Thank you, Owner Helian, for the introduction.” Baoxiang clasped his hands together.
“Master, please.”
As Baoxiang stepped forward, Yang Kang said enthusiastically, “Master, you have worked hard. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you.”
“Thank you, Young Prince, for your kindness.”
“You are too kind, Master. Please.”
“It is better to obey than to refuse.”
Hou Tonghai saw Yang Kang’s warm reception of Baoxiang and felt indignant. He said, “Master Lingzhi, have you heard of the Vajra Sect?”
Sha Tongtian was surprised, thinking that his junior brother usually spoke nonsense, but now he seemed to have gained some sense.
The one-eyed Monk Lingzhi understood Hou Tonghai’s intention to mock the other party. He was also displeased with Yang Kang’s favoritism and, having never heard of the Vajra Sect, said, “This humble monk is ignorant and has not heard of it.”
Baoxiang was no fool. “Little Prince, who are these heroes?”
“Guests of the manor.”
“So that’s how it is.”
Baoxiang clasped his hands together, “This humble monk is Baoxiang. I hope all heroes will guide me in the future.”
“We shall see.” Hou Tonghai replied.
Baoxiang chuckled deeply and followed Yang Kang into the gatehouse. Suddenly, he bumped into Monk Lingzhi, and a bronze cymbal carried by the latter
fell.
Baoxiang reached out and caught it, “Master, your bronze cymbal…”
Caught off guard by the collision, Monk Lingzhi was furious but dared not show it in front of Yang Kang. He took his weapon with an unfriendly expression.
With the bronze cymbal in hand, Monk Lingzhi’s expression suddenly changed. He saw five distinct finger imprints on it.
Sha Tongtian, who was watching from the side, was greatly astonished. Leaving imprints on a bronze cymbal with such finger strength was something even Ouyang Ke could not do. This monk was truly formidable.
Yang Kang witnessed this scene and was overjoyed, finally having invited a master as he had wished.
