MFURCC -Chapter 86 Taking Refuge in Buddhism

The Eldest Master learned from the servants that the Grand Minister of Justice, Pei Yunlian, was also present. Hearing that Liuzheng had traveled part of the way with him, his mind immediately began spinning with all sorts of ideas.

A woman entering officialdom might look glorious on the surface, but behind her back there would surely be gossip. Just two days ago, he had overheard someone sneer that none of the men in the Ruan family amounted to anything, so they had to push a woman forward instead.

He told himself they were merely jealous—yet he was still furious.

It was true. Not one male in their household had earned a proper scholarly degree.

Except for Ruan Mingzheng, who had managed to obtain the rank of juren.

But Ruan Mingzheng had foolishly eloped with a maid.

And so, a thought took root in his heart—if the Grand Minister of Justice were to marry Liuzheng, wouldn’t he then be able to support the Ruan family’s men?

His son might have a chance to rise to high office under such patronage, and his daughter would marry upward. Would that not be the best of both worlds?

The more he thought about it, the more restless he became.

Finally, he could no longer sit still and called Liuzheng over.

“Yaoyao, come out with me for a moment.”

Liuzheng had already entered a meditative state.

Listening to the scriptures filled her heart with clarity and calm.

Being abruptly interrupted made her brows knit slightly, but she still rose and followed the Eldest Master out of the Mahavira Hall.

There were sixty-six stone steps leading down from the hall.

Each step was carved with a lotus motif.

Liuzheng followed him down step by step.

Only halfway down did he speak.

“I heard you came here in the same carriage as the Grand Minister of Justice?”

Only then did she understand his intention. A trace of mockery flickered through her eyes, though her expression remained obedient.

“Who did Father hear that from?”

“That’s none of your concern. Just answer me.”

She replied calmly, “It’s a misunderstanding. I happened to meet Lord Pei and his mother on the road. Their carriage broke down…”

She explained that they had merely run into each other and had not shared a carriage. Pei Yunlian had taken the donkey cart originally meant for Baoqin and Yuliu.

At once, the Eldest Master’s face darkened like storm clouds.

“How could you let the Grand Minister of Justice ride in a donkey cart?!”

“Men and women should keep their distance. Besides, the donkey cart was clean and properly arranged—it would not dishonor Lord Pei. Madam Pei even invited Grandmother to tea another day. They would not be angered over such a trivial matter.”

Looking at Liuzheng’s beautiful face, the Eldest Master sighed deeply.

“How can you be so dense?!”

Had she simply shared a carriage with him, there would have been something to talk about afterward. If the Pei family refused the marriage, they could spread word of the incident and pressure them into accepting.

But this foolish girl had ruined everything.

Liuzheng put on a puzzled look.

“Father, what do you mean?”

He opened his mouth but found it hard to speak too bluntly. After choosing his words carefully, he said,

“That Grand Minister of Justice—handsome as jade, and known for his gentle temperament. Do you have any thoughts about him?”

Despite his attempt at subtlety, his meaning was plain enough.

“To speak plainly—I think he would make an excellent son-in-law. What do you think? A woman’s life should be devoted to assisting her husband and raising children. How high can you climb in officialdom? If you were a man, His Majesty would not have merely granted you the rank of third-grade general. In the future, it will be difficult for you to rise further, and people will only criticize you behind your back.”

Liuzheng said calmly, “Father, the Grand Minister of Justice has no such intentions toward me. You needn’t waste your effort.”

“Why do you say that?”

“A feeling.”

“A feeling?”

“Yes. I feel that he’s afraid of me.”

That was not a lie.

For some reason, she sensed that the Grand Minister of Justice feared her—and feared being alone with her even more.

They had not truly been alone—Nanny Jiang, Yuliu, and Pan Hong had all been present.

Yet Pei Yunlian had kept his back ramrod straight the entire time, never relaxing even a little. And whenever their eyes met, he would quickly look away.

The Eldest Master sighed repeatedly.

“And whose fault is that? If you behaved more like a proper woman and weren’t so valiant and fierce, why would men fear you?”

It was because she, a mere woman, had become a general that the Grand Minister of Justice was intimidated!

Liuzheng countered, “Is Father blaming me for taking my brother’s place in the army? Or for earning merit at the frontier? Should I have remained an ordinary soldier instead?”

His brows knitted in displeasure.

“Is that what I mean?”

“Then what do you mean, Father? Your daughter is slow-witted. Please enlighten me.”

“You—” He glared at her, wanting to scold her but swallowing the words.

She was like a ball of cotton—no matter how hard he struck, it seemed useless.

And yet she still wore such an obedient expression.

Taking a deep breath to suppress his anger, he said, “You think he fears you—that may just be your imagination. I’ve lived longer than you and judge people more accurately. Take me to meet him. I’ll see for myself.”

“They came to fulfill a vow. Afterward, they should be leaving. At this hour, they’re probably already gone.”

“They’re still here. I sent a servant to check—they’re with the abbot.”

“….”

“What are you standing there for? Let’s go! Everything I do is for your own good. Don’t be ungrateful.”

“I wouldn’t dare. But if Father wishes to see them, we should at least have a reason. If we approach them without cause, they might suspect ulterior motives.”

“That’s simple. We’ll ask whether their carriage has been repaired. If not, we can lend them one of ours.”

Liuzheng sneered inwardly.

At times like this, her father’s mind worked very quickly indeed.

She had no choice but to agree.

In any case, after this visit, he would give up.

Her instincts were not wrong.

Pei Yunlian had no romantic thoughts toward her whatsoever.

…

Pei Yunlian and Madam Pei had already fulfilled their vow on the back mountain.

In Great Jin, there was an unwritten custom: if a child was frail in body, they might symbolically adopt an object as a godparent for protection.

Pei Yunlian had been weak since childhood, so Madam Pei had brought him to the back mountain of Changlong Temple and recognized a pine tree there as his godfather.

She had vowed that if he lived to twenty-five, she would return to give thanks.

Now, Pei Yunlian had just turned twenty-five.

When Liuzheng and the Eldest Master arrived, mother and son had just stepped out of the abbot’s meditation chamber.

The moment Pei Yunlian saw Liuzheng, his back stiffened.

Madam Pei, by contrast, brightened immediately. But upon noticing Lord Ruan beside her, she composed herself and stepped forward with a polite smile.

Lord Ruan bowed first.

“This humble one greets you both…”

“Please rise, Lord Ruan. We are practically family—there’s no need for such formality.”

Madam Pei was a third-rank titled lady. Hearing her say “practically family,” the Eldest Master was overjoyed.

“Yes, yes, family—no need for formalities. I’ve prepared a room in the rear courtyard. If you have time, why not come sit and have some tea? Family should sit together and chat to pass the time.”

He was overly enthusiastic.

Madam Pei was momentarily at a loss for words.

She had only said “family” as a courtesy, out of respect for Liuzheng.

She had not expected Ruan Hanmo to take it so literally.

At once, a trace of dislike rose within her toward him. And with it, her warmth toward Liuzheng cooled slightly as well.

“My son still has official matters to attend to,” she said. “I’m afraid we cannot stay for tea.”

Pei Yunlian added, “Lord Ruan, I do indeed have duties to fulfill. I must take my leave.”

The Eldest Master felt awkward.

Rubbing his nose, he forced a smile. “In that case, we won’t insist today. Another day, do visit our General’s Manor for tea. My Yaoyao hasn’t yet taken up her post—she has plenty of time.”

Madam Pei chuckled politely and left with her son.

Watching them depart, the Eldest Master did not think himself at fault. Instead, he frowned at Liuzheng.

“Are you mute? You didn’t say a single word! After all I said, they wouldn’t even stay for tea!”

“…”

Liuzheng was speechless.

Could it be that his excessive words were precisely what had displeased them?

And besides, they were not unwilling to drink tea with her—they were unwilling to drink tea with him.

But she did not bother arguing. Lowering her head, she said, “Your daughter is dull-witted. Next time, I will speak more.”

“What next time?! This marriage is hopeless! Go back and listen to the scriptures, cultivate yourself properly. Stop mingling with swords and spears all day!”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

“Father, aren’t you going back to listen to the scriptures?” she called after him.

“Listen to what? I’m furious! I’ll go to the back mountain to clear my head!”

She paid him no further mind and turned to return to the Mahavira Hall.

Suddenly, an aged voice sounded from within.

“Since the young benefactress is here, why not come in and sit awhile?”

She glanced inside and recognized the speaker as the abbot of Changlong Temple—Abbot Mingshun.

Pei’s mother and son had just come to bid him farewell after fulfilling their vow.

Lifting her skirts slightly, Liuzheng entered.

Keeping her gaze lowered, she bowed upon seeing the edge of a monk’s robe.

“Ruan Liuzheng greets the abbot.”

“There is no need for such formality, benefactress. This place lies beyond worldly conventions.”

Abbot Mingshun poured her a cup of tea.

“Please, sit.”

She nodded and took a seat.

“May I ask why the abbot wished to see me?”

“I have a question, but if I ask, I hope you will not take offense.”

“Please speak.”

“Earlier, by the window, I glimpsed your physiognomy… and found myself puzzled. You were destined to face a great calamity in this life. How is it that you passed through it safely?”

Her heart suddenly pounded violently.

Fortunately, nothing showed on her face.

She curved her lips into a faint smile.

“I have indeed faced life and death many times. I took my brother’s place in the army and fought on the frontier for years. In several battles, I nearly lost my life… It was only through sheer will to live that I endured.”

“You know that is not what I mean,” the abbot said gently.

“….”

“If you are unwilling to speak, I will not press you. Consider that I said nothing.”

“Thank you, Abbot. There are matters I cannot easily explain.”

After exchanging a few more words, Liuzheng rose to take her leave.

Staying here made her uneasy.

She had the strange feeling she had already been seen through completely.

This abbot possessed real ability.

Yet just as she was about to depart, he spoke again.

“Benefactress, I see that your killing intent runs deep. Why not lay everything down and take refuge in the Buddha?”