The Third Department Attends The Twelfth Chapter Southeast

  Jiaoren heard this and fell over: people say that when a monk scolds a bald donkey, it's called "pointing at the mulberry to scold the locust tree". But this Zhishen master is good, he himself is a monk yet scolds the bald donkey. Could it be said that on your forehead there are lush branches and leaves? It seems that this person has truly mastered the three flavors of Zen, not only does he scold Buddha and curse his ancestors, drink wine and eat meat without restraint, but also views his own identity as a monk as empty and false, form is emptiness, emptiness is form.

  Although it's laughable, the two monks were quite intimidating when they started fighting. On one side, a bald-headed monk leapt up, and Lu Zhishen swung his arms with a force of at least a thousand pounds, bringing down his 38-pound iron staff with a loud crash, stirring up a whirlwind on the ground and sending dust and debris flying everywhere. On the other side, the Diamond Sutra's Deng Yuanjue was unflappable, raising his bald head and holding out his crescent-shaped spade to deflect the blow. The sound of the impact was like a great bell tolling, causing everyone nearby to stumble backward several steps.

  Its sound echoed far away in the quiet night, and the residents outside the temple thought that the monks inside were striking the bell for some Buddhist ritual at midnight, scolded a few words and turned over to sleep again. The monks in the temple knew that it was Master Lu Zhishen and High Inner Court discussing Buddhism here, making such a big noise was really unexpected, indeed, the Buddha's law is boundless and the divine power is vast, it is said that when the Buddha transmitted the Dharma that day, there were heavenly maidens scattering flowers, bells ringing in unison, and eight dragon kings flying and gathering clouds, but I don't know if there is such a grand scene today? Good, good...

  The situation suddenly became tense, Shi Bao saw Lu Zhishen's powerful momentum, and the two good hands on the side were staring at him with tiger-like eyes. The two young men who came later also looked like they weren't ordinary people. On his own side, there was one person injured, and another was a young girl. If something went wrong, the consequences would be unbearable. He couldn't help but secretly scold Deng Yuan for being reckless. Was this really the time to fight? Although the other party didn't seem to have much sincerity, they were still speaking politely and hadn't made any moves without reason.

  Shi Bao thought of this, just about to stop the two fierce men, when he suddenly saw a shadowy figure flickering on the ground, and a faint wind blowing beside him. He secretly called out "not good", someone was sneaking up! At this moment, there was no time to carefully observe the situation, and he hastily retreated eight feet with his toes pointed at the ground. The single knife in his hand shook in front of his body, transforming into several knife flowers that protected his body. All that could be heard were a series of rapid sounds, like a string of pearls, as two knives clashed in mid-air, spewing out countless sparks, and it was truly a magnificent sight in the dark night.

  Shi Bao stood up straight and shouted in a loud voice: "Who is it that dares to launch a sneak attack?"

  Only a tall and straight figure stood in front of him, slightly bowing his body. In the darkness, he seemed even more majestic and powerful, yet restrained. His voice was cold and stern: "You dare to be so presumptuous! If it weren't for my family's careful planning, you would have been caught by the officials from Kaifeng Prefecture and punished according to the law. And yet, you still have the nerve to attack my family's master? How shameless!" It was Shi Xiu who made the move, taking advantage of the darkness to launch a surprise attack, which was typical of his ruthless nature.

  Chai Jin saw that the situation was not good, Shi Sanlang was eager to make a name for himself, and his words and actions were ruthless. If they continued to fight like this, how would it end? Although the two monks were fighting each other, and the two stone statues were facing off against each other, it seemed that they were evenly matched. However, he had been busy all night, mobilizing over a hundred men, was it just for them to find a place to duel? Seeing Yang Zhi on the side also eager to join in, and Xu Guanzhong quietly approaching from the other side, with stones already grasped in his hand, if they started fighting again, it would be impossible to stop. He immediately used all his strength to shout: "Everyone, slow down! I have something to say!"

  As soon as this was said, except for Lu Zhishen who was fighting with Deng Yuanwai, one stick and one shovel, sparks flying everywhere, the others on both sides stopped moving. Shi Bao became even more vigilant, his eyes wide open staring at this side, thinking that this little guy had come out earlier shouting to stop the fight, but in the end he fought harder than the officials, and couldn't be trusted!

  Gao Jiang glanced at the two monks who were "fighting fiercely", shook his head in dismay, knowing that it would be impossible to stop them with just words. He decided to conserve his energy and build a good relationship with the young man instead. He cupped his hands together and said: "Since our master and this great master are getting along so well, let's not disturb them for now. May I ask how you gentlemen refer to each other, and what do you plan to do next?"

  Shi Bao and the young man looked at each other in dismay, both thinking it was unbelievable. These two monks were fighting so fiercely, where could they mention the word "harmony"? However, what that sneaky little kid said just now did make sense. If this High Priest really had malicious intentions, he wouldn't need to use so much effort.

  However, the girl's thoughts were more delicate and deeper: this High Commissioner may not have any malicious intentions towards them, but he also had no other plans. With her beautiful appearance, men would be moved by her presence, and although the High Commissioner seemed nonchalant, his eyes had already swept over her body dozens of times. As a woman, how could she not understand? At this moment, the girl's impression of the High Commissioner had greatly changed, and he looked quite elegant in the moonlight...

  "That young man announced his name, but Gao Qiang had already known the names of the three men. He still pretended to hear it for the first time: 'Good, good name! Master Deng's Buddhist name is sharp and hidden, Brother Shi's name... This simple and firm one, the best is still your two characters, Tian Ding, with great ambition like a rising cloud, what a good name!'"

  I thought this was a great opportunity, but unexpectedly the girl burst out laughing and said: "What's with the lofty ambitions? My big brother's name 'Tian Ding' actually means 'adding a child to the family', it's because my dad didn't have a son until he was 30 years old, so he gave him this name."

  "Ah, this..." Gao Qiang felt a wave of embarrassment. He hadn't expected that the renowned Ming Cult's Crown Prince would have such a name. It would be embarrassing to go out with him. But thinking about it, it made sense. Fang Xue was only a lacquerer by birth, and it was common for someone who had a child in middle age to give them a name like this. At least he wasn't named something like "Treasure" or "Good Fortune".

  Just seeing Fang Tian's embarrassed face, Gao Jianlin quickly smiled and said: "Brother Fang is such a hero, your respected father must not be an ordinary person, taking such a name must have deep meaning. According to my humble opinion, your respected father should hope that Brother Fang can grow up in his childhood, and after growing up, he can make great achievements. Therefore, this name was originally for adding good luck in childhood, but now it is destined by heaven. I don't know if my interpretation is appropriate?"

  The young man was overjoyed to hear this, and the high official was indeed a scholar with profound knowledge. He immediately dismounted his donkey and said: "High official, you are indeed wise in recognizing talent. My father had exactly the same intention, but unfortunately I am mediocre and have achieved nothing, so until today I didn't dare change my name to Tian Ding, which is truly disappointing to him. How shameful!

  This brought the two sides suddenly closer, with a sense of mutual appreciation and uncontrollable emotions. Just as they were about to clasp arms in joy, another loud "thud" was heard from that side. The two tall monks each retreated several steps. Lu Zhishen's hearty laughter rose again: "Good bald donkey, you really have some strength, just the right opponent for me!"

  Deng Yuanjue was both angry and amused, never having seen a monk repeatedly call someone a bald donkey. However, after fighting for so long, he knew his opponent's strength and moves were formidable, and it being midnight, one careless move would result in broken bones and tendons, which wasn't a good situation to be in. He glanced at the corner of his eye and saw that the hostility between Fang Tianding and Gao Qiang had dissipated, thinking to himself: "This monk isn't bad either, we're evenly matched, I'm afraid even if we fight all night, there won't be a clear winner or loser, why not just call it quits?" After turning it over in his mind several times, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to call the other person a bald donkey.

  Gao Qiu let out a sigh of relief, thinking that they had finally finished fighting and no one was hurt or killed. He quickly put on a smile and introduced Lu Zhishen to the Fang family, exchanging pleasantries with them.

  After the courtesy was over, Gao Qiang asked Xu Guanzhong to bandage Fang Tianding's wound. It turned out that when he escaped from the Zhao residence, he was hit by a sleeve arrow on his thigh and was quite inconvenient in his movements, but his life was not in great danger. Gao Qiang mentioned that he had been worried about the safety of Fang Tianding and several others, and had secretly sent Shi Xiu and others to monitor the situation at the Zhao residence. He also ordered the crowd to disturb the market and divert the attention of the officials, so that these people could arrive safely. When boasting, one should lightly describe the achievements on the surface, but in words, one must talk about the difficulties and risks, as well as one's own bitter efforts to overcome all difficulties. These small tricks Gao Qiang had mastered when writing reports in his previous life, and now he said a few words that made several simple old people feel grateful and tearful. Even the most cautious Shi Bao didn't have much guard against him, and everyone scolded Zhao Ting and his son for being ruthless and heartless. Seeing the beautiful girl Fang Jincheng also following suit, Gao Qiang thought back to the scene where he was bullied at the Imperial Academy a few days ago, and compared to that, this was really a different world. Gao Qiang felt even more proud and scolded with extra relish.

  Just as the scolding was getting intense, Fang Tianding suddenly grabbed Gao Qiang's hand and said: "Gao Gong, since we've met before, I have a few words of heart-to-heart advice to entrust to you; you won't disappoint me, will you?"

  Gao Jianyi's face changed, and he thought to himself: "You've come to Beijing to file a complaint for the ten taels of silver. This important matter has already been taken care of by our department, what other confidential words do you want to entrust me with?" He caught a glimpse of Shi Bao also changing his expression, and immediately exchanged glances with Fang Tianding, their eyes seeming to convey differing opinions. It was clear that this matter was not ordinary, and he couldn't help but feel curious. However, he pretended to be nonchalant and said: "Brother Fang is a hero, if there's anything difficult, it can be settled with a flip of the hand, why mention entrusting?"

  Fang Tianding didn't know that this little official had a twisted mind, but instead thought he was straightforward and sincere. So his intention became even firmer, ignoring Shi Bao's warning gaze, he took out an object from his bosom and said: "High Official, to be honest, I came to the Eastern Capital this time under the guidance of Lord Zong of Longyou County, with the intention of presenting this strategy for defending the southeast to the high-ranking officials in the court. Originally, I thought Zhao Tingzhi was opposing the treacherous Prime Minister Cai Jing and should be a good official, but unexpectedly... Fortunately, I met an official like you who is as righteous as the sky, and surely can help Lord Zong's sincere efforts reach the ears of heaven." As he spoke, he handed over a scroll wrapped in oilcloth from his hand.

  These words were spoken with an air of utmost sincerity, and even Gao was taken aback, his face flushing bright red. Fortunately, it was late at night and the darkness hid the color rising to his cheeks, or else the news of Gao's blush (and at that, because of a man!) would have spread like wildfire and become the laughingstock of all.

  He composed himself before responding, but didn't rush to receive the scroll. Instead, he asked: "Brother Fang, is this a letter from County Magistrate Zong Ze of Longyou? What's the strategy for defending the southeast?"