Volume Two: Lord and Grandson Chapter 76: The Temple of Virtuous Waters

The legends and scenery of Mount Wudang are enchanting, but Wei Fufeng had no mood to linger and observe. He had heard from the boatman that many bandits were entrenched on the mountain. The Prefect of Junzhou was also a violent martial man, so Wei Fufeng only wished to find Lin Qingxue and swiftly leave Junzhou with her under the moon and flowers.

According to Xiaoxue, Lin Qingxue had spoken of Shanshui Temple; the guide knew it well—it was a Daoist convent situated on the southern slope of Tianzhu Peak, a place for female Daoists. When Wei Fufeng arrived, he found only earth walls and thatched huts; even the main gate was made from dried wood, with a weathered plaque above it faintly showing the name "Shanshui Temple."

Wei Fufeng felt no disdain. In troubled times, life was hard; even temples in the cities were often in disrepair, let alone a secluded mountain convent. It was called a temple, but in truth, it was a spiritual haven for those wishing to retreat from the world.

The guide called out at the gate, and a female Daoist wearing patched robes appeared, seemingly around fifty years old. The guide shouted, "A good soul has come to offer incense, open the door." The woman responded softly, opened the partially closed wooden door, pressed her palms together and bowed, murmuring, "Please, benefactor, come in."

Wei Fufeng stepped forward, respectfully, "Forgive me for disturbing you, master."

The Daoist woman turned and led him into the main hall, which was, in fact, another thatched room, simply furnished with an offering table, behind which stood a clay statue—not of the Old Master, but of a female figure.

"What is this?" Wei Fufeng turned to the guide and asked quietly.

"Shanshui Temple venerates Lady Nuwa, the ancient supreme deity," the guide explained reverently.

Wei Fufeng nodded; he found nothing amiss, for Lady Nuwa was an ancient great goddess, and could be considered the origin of Daoism. He respectfully pressed his palms together and worshipped.

Xiaoxue and his attendants followed suit, each with a sword at their belt, rather unorthodox in their devotion.

After the worship, Wei Fufeng instructed his men to set down the sacks of rice and wait outside.

This time, Wei Fufeng had not brought Amber's father, but had promoted him to Commandant, placing him in charge of the newly arrived three thousand troops.

The rank of Commandant lay between Commander and Captain; only the Tiger Guard of the Southern Sichuan army held this position, acting as the personal guard for the Military Commissioner.

Wei Fufeng looked at the Daoist woman and pointed to the rice sacks, speaking gently, "These grains are a small token of my respect. Please accept them, master."

She glanced at the sacks, pressed her palms together, and replied, "Thank you, benefactor."

Wei Fufeng continued warmly, "There's no need for thanks. I came here firstly to pay respects to the gods, and secondly to bring my wife home."

The Daoist woman paused, "You have come to fetch your wife?"

"Yes. My wife is Lin Qingxue. I made a mistake, and she angrily returned to Junzhou," Wei Fufeng replied gently.

Her expression grew serious as she looked at him, "Your wife is Qingxue?"

Wei Fufeng nodded, "I met Sister Qingxue in Shangzhou. We have been together."

The Daoist woman frowned slightly, then said, "Follow me, benefactor."

Wei Fufeng nodded, and, with Xiaoxue, followed her out of the main hall, turning into the corridor on the right. Behind the hall, a dozen women were busy, seemingly handling medicinal herbs.

"Shuqing, Qingxue’s husband has come for her. Speak with him," the Daoist woman said calmly.

A woman with graying hair stood up, looking at Wei Fufeng in astonishment.

The Daoist woman turned slightly, whispering, "This is Qingxue’s mother. You may speak."

The Daoist woman departed, and Wei Fufeng hurried forward, respectfully bowing, "Wei Fufeng greets my esteemed mother-in-law. I hope you are well."

"You? Qingxue’s husband?" The woman questioned, clearly taken aback.

"Esteemed mother-in-law, may we speak elsewhere?" Wei Fufeng asked respectfully, his heart filled with joy at meeting Lin’s mother, believing his wish for this journey was within reach.

"Oh, come then," Lady Lin murmured, turning to a thatched hut.

Inside, she moved a simple wooden stool for him to sit. Before taking the seat, Wei Fufeng knelt and bowed deeply, then rose and sat to speak with her.

After learning of Wei Fufeng and Lin Qingxue’s experiences, Lady Lin spoke softly, "Since you have lived together in affection for many days, you may be considered husband and wife."

Wei Fufeng nodded eagerly, "I am very fond of Sister Lin. If not for pressing matters, I would have come to Junzhou long ago to seek her forgiveness."

"What did you do to anger Qingxue so that she left?" Lady Lin asked.

Wei Fufeng replied, "It was due to a struggle for power. I was appointed Military Commissioner of Southern Sichuan. After taking office, in order to control local forces, I sent troops to attack and kill the strongest local clan. When Sister learned of it, she blamed me for acting so. At that time, I was exhausted and offered little explanation before retiring to sleep, which led to her leaving in anger."

Lady Lin was silent for a while, then asked, "Do you now believe it was wrong to attack the clans?"

"I do not believe it was wrong. These are chaotic times. The powerful clans of Luzhou control most of the land, commanding over ten thousand private soldiers and tens of thousands of tenant farmers, while I had only a few hundred followers. If I did not strike first, I would have ended up a puppet or killed," Wei Fufeng answered.

Lady Lin shook her head, "The Lin family was once a great clan in Junzhou. Our ancestors served as Prefect, but were slaughtered without cause by rebels."

Wei Fufeng nodded, speaking quietly, "I understand Sister’s feelings, but when faced with life and death, I could not act with Buddhist self-sacrifice and compassion."

Lady Lin was silent for some time before saying, "Qingxue is not at Shanshui Temple. She will return in a few days. Wait for her and take her away."

Wei Fufeng hesitated, "Esteemed mother-in-law, I fear I cannot wait. Our arrival has been noticed by Junzhou soldiers. I hear the Prefect is violent. If we stay, Shanshui Temple may suffer."

Lady Lin was surprised, "You wish to leave now?"

"I can only stay until tomorrow morning. If Sister Qingxue does not return, I ask you and her to go to Jinzhou. My grandfather is now Prefect there. If you do not wish to stay in Jinzhou, you may settle in Jiangcheng of Yuzhou, renowned for its livability, and I will make all arrangements," Wei Fufeng said sincerely.

Lady Lin shook her head, "As one who has left worldly life, I am accustomed to the mountain’s peace. I do not wish to leave Junzhou. If Qingxue returns, I will let her see you."

Wei Fufeng nodded, and Lady Lin added softly, "Qingxue has suffered much. Treat her well."

Wei Fufeng nodded warmly, "We are companions through hardship. My affection is genuine, and I desire nothing but a lifetime together."

Lady Lin nodded, and together they left the hut, she returning to her work.

Along the way, Wei Fufeng heard from the guide that mountain Daoists often treated the villagers below, who repaid them with rice and salt, creating mutual respect.

Wei Fufeng returned to the main hall and saw the Daoist woman, respectfully bowing, "Thank you, master, for your help. I will return your kindness one day."

"What can you offer in return?" she asked calmly.

Wei Fufeng was taken aback, then replied gently, "If one day I can act freely in Junzhou, I will build a comfortable temple here and help Wudang’s Daoism flourish."

The Daoist woman turned to gaze at Tianzhu Peak, then nodded, murmuring, "There are many legends in the mountains. Perhaps you may dream of something, and I may see something."

With that, she bowed and returned to the hall.

Wei Fufeng watched in surprise, then turned to Tianzhu Peak, understanding dawned on him, and he could not help but smile wryly. At present, he had no need for miraculous signs; such would only bring adverse consequences.

The legend of Liu Bang slaying the white serpent was a flourish added after his great rise. If Wei Fufeng were to produce a miracle of the true dragon emperor, he would become the epitome of rebellion, bringing the wrath of the whole realm upon him.

He let Xiaoxue stay overnight, while he left Shanshui Temple alone, resting in the nearby forest with his men. Xiaoxue remained, seeking out Lady Lin.

...

Night fell, and in the first watch, the northern slopes of Tianzhu Peak on Mount Wudang.

The Daoist woman stood on a steep hillside, her posture upright, the mountain wind whipping her robes. Her feet seemed as one with the earth, unmoving.

A lithe figure moved through the night, soon arriving beside her. An anxious female voice asked, "Master, is something wrong?"

"Your husband has come for you," the Daoist replied calmly.

"Ah?" The newcomer exclaimed in surprise, dressed in black, slender, wearing a bamboo hat.

"Wei Fufeng has come to Shanshui Temple, seeking his wife Lin Qingxue," the Daoist said.

"So he has come." The woman’s voice trembled, clearly unsettled.

"You never told your mother about your marriage," the Daoist said.

"Master, Qingxue and he share an ill-fated bond. She is seven years his senior," Lin Qingxue explained bitterly.

"A woman ten years older is not uncommon. Your mother hopes you find a good home, and she has already accepted Wei Fufeng as her son-in-law," the Daoist said calmly.

"He is shameless; Qingxue never formally accepted his suit," Lin Qingxue protested in a small voice.

"To risk danger and seek you in person proves he is a worthy man. What is his rank?" the Daoist asked.

"He is Military Commissioner of Southern Sichuan," Lin Qingxue replied.

"How did one so young attain such a post?" the Daoist inquired.

Lin Qingxue recounted his story, concluding, "He acts with ruthless cunning. He slaughtered the powerful clans of Luzhou without cause, chilling my heart."

"The victors rule, the losers perish. Power struggles are life and death. Had he not been decisive and merciless, he would have died. The vision of one who governs a nation is utterly different from your family’s vengeance," the Daoist said calmly.

"Master, you have always aided those in suffering. How can you approve of his actions?" Lin Qingxue objected.

"My healing and aid are a small kindness to individuals. To bring peace to ten thousand people is true benevolence," the Daoist said.

Lin Qingxue was silent. The Daoist continued, "He will leave in the morning. Go with him."

"Master, Lin Hu needs Qingxue's help," Lin Qingxue replied urgently.

"Several bands of mountain bandits are fighting, disturbing Wudang’s peace. What meaning is there in their victory or defeat? Advise Lin Hu to leave Wudang, serve under your husband, and seek a proper path," the Daoist said calmly.