Chapter 205: Profanation

At first, Niu Youdao had found such long hair rather troublesome, so he had simply tied it into a casual ponytail. It was Shang Shuqing who showed him that having his hair coiled into a proper bun could itself be a kind of pleasure. Gradually, he had developed the habit of wearing it up.

“Having my hair combed by the Commandery Princess really is more comfortable,” Niu Youdao praised with his eyes closed.

Shang Shuqing pressed her lips together slightly and said softly, “It is all the same.”

Niu Youdao gave a negative hum. “Mm, no, it really is different. Only, with your status as Commandery Princess, having you do a servant's work like this is somewhat inappropriate.”

Shang Shuqing murmured, “It doesn't matter.”

Niu Youdao smiled faintly and did not dwell on it. “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

Shang Shuqing's hands never stopped as she carefully arranged his hair. “It is still early. I can eat after I go back.”

Niu Youdao asked, “Do you smell that fragrance?”

Shang Shuqing sniffed, then glanced around. She had already noticed a strange fragrance when she entered this courtyard earlier. Now that he mentioned it, curiosity stirred.

“Does it have something to do with breakfast?”

Niu Youdao smiled. While inspecting the courtyard yesterday, Yuan Gang had discovered that the garden's former owner had left behind a pile of what people here called muzi, which they used as medicinal ingredients. In fact, they were camellia seeds, and oil could be pressed from them. Once they had camellia oil, many kinds of food became possible. Naturally, Yuan Gang had not let the opportunity pass. He had already taught the monks how to process it. The fragrance should be coming from the oil being pressed.

Niu Youdao said with a smile, “Yuan Gang said yesterday that this morning he would teach those monks to make fried dough sticks for breakfast. Stay and try some.”

“Fried dough sticks?”

Shang Shuqing looked surprised. She had never heard of them.

Niu Youdao said, “Now that we finally have at least a minimally stable environment, Yuan Gang will start teaching those monks some cooking techniques. Old Bear heard that from the side and immediately snatched control of the whole business for himself.”

“That demon Old Bear is rather stingy, as you know. From now on, I suspect the meals here won't be something just anyone outside can eat.”

“The Commandery Princess has always combed my hair, and I have nothing with which to repay you. If you don't mind, you may come eat here with us in the future.”

Shang Shuqing smiled as well and agreed without hesitation.

“Good!”

Black Peony arrived carrying water for Niu Youdao to wash with. By then, Shang Shuqing had finished arranging his hair. Black Peony gave the result a proper look and had to admire Shang Shuqing's skill. Master Dao's hair had been combed perfectly smooth, every strand neat and orderly, the entire coiffure clean and proper.

After Niu Youdao washed, the two women left together to go see what these “fried dough sticks” were.

In the morning light, Niu Youdao paced through the courtyard, thinking about something. Yuan Gang came over to his side.

Niu Youdao caught the oily smell clinging to him. He did not ask about the fried dough sticks. Instead, he asked, “Do you have some problem with Black Peony?”

Yuan Gang shook his head. “No.”

The answer was somewhat contrary to what he truly felt. In reality, he could not stand some of Black Peony's behavior and considered certain things she did shameless. But he also understood Master Dao.

Master Dao had never rejected an entire person simply because that person possessed flaws. When judging someone, he looked at the shortcomings, but he also looked at the strengths. If he considered someone suitable, he would accept certain faults along with the rest. Yuan Gang knew Master Dao did not care about Black Peony's minor faults. Since saying anything would be useless, he simply said nothing. Niu Youdao let the subject drop as well.

“Later, bring Lu Shengzhong over to see me.”

Yuan Gang nodded to show he understood.

“She is the Commandery Princess!”

At the kitchen entrance, Black Peony was both annoyed and amused. She and Shang Shuqing had wanted to see how fried dough sticks were made, only for Yuan Fang to block the doorway and refuse to let them inside. Left with no choice, Black Peony pointed at Shang Shuqing and tried to use her as a shield. Yuan Fang cupped his hands toward Shang Shuqing.

“Commandery Princess, this is a private secret of our trade. Master Dao promised to give Nanshan Temple an exclusive secret recipe, a future source of livelihood on which the temple can depend. Master Dao also agreed that Nanshan Temple would have the final say over kitchen matters from now on.”

“I ask the Commandery Princess for understanding.”

His meaning was perfectly clear. He would not yield. He was afraid someone might steal the secret formula. Shang Shuqing was not thick-skinned enough to force the matter after hearing that. Embarrassed, she could only abandon the idea of seeing it for herself. Black Peony turned and left with her. Before going, she threw Yuan Fang a contemptuous remark.

“Old Bear, the kitchen isn't even yours. Why don't you just hang the signboard of Nanshan Temple over the kitchen door while you're at it?”

After watching the two women leave, Yuan Fang went into the kitchen and came back out carrying a golden fried dough stick. Crunch, crunch. He bit into it. Crisp outside, tender and fragrant within, it grew more flavorful the more he chewed. His face was full of bliss. Then he looked back at the lintel over the kitchen door.

Still chewing, he muttered thoughtfully, “Nanshan Temple... There is some sense in that...”

He stuffed the rest of the fried dough stick into his mouth in a few bites, chewed it down, clapped his hands, and ordered someone to summon Ruming, Chief Seat of the Western Courtyard, and Ruhu, Chief Seat of the Eastern Garden.

“Abbot!”

The two Chief Seats pressed their palms together in greeting. Yuan Fang pointed toward the kitchen.

“From now on, whenever work is being done in there, remember to station people outside. Don't let anyone steal the secret recipe.”

“Yes!”

The two accepted the order. Yuan Fang then pointed to the lintel over the kitchen.

“Immediately have a Nanshan Temple signboard made and hang it above the entrance.”

“...”

The two Chief Seats wondered whether they had heard him correctly.

Ruming asked suspiciously, “Abbot, is it appropriate to hang the signboard of Nanshan Temple over a kitchen?”

Yuan Fang quickly darted a furtive look around.

“Do you know why I shamelessly begged Master Dao for the right to control this kitchen?”

“Money. This is a road to making money, understand?”

“If one day we can't make a living here anymore, we'll still have the secret recipe in our hands. Wherever we go, we won't have to worry about starving. Understand?”

The two nodded. They understood that much. But Ruhu glanced back at the kitchen and still found the idea difficult to accept.

“Still, hanging our temple's signboard over a kitchen entrance... isn't that somewhat disrespectful to the Buddha?”

Yuan Fang stared at him.

“This kitchen isn't ours. On what grounds can we stop other people from entering?”

“Once our signboard is hanging there, that makes it our territory.”

“I am someone at Master Dao's side. People give Master Dao face, so while I am here, I can block outsiders. But I can't stand here forever. On what grounds could the rest of you stop people?”

“Once the signboard is hanging there, it becomes different. Anyone who wants to tear down Nanshan Temple's signboard will have to think carefully first.”

“That way, this kitchen will remain under our control from now on.”

“We aren't of much use here. Besides doing odd jobs, what else can we do? We have to keep control of at least one thing, don't we?”

“This poor monk has put so much painstaking thought into this. Why can't you understand?”

“Amitabha!”

The two Chief Seats suddenly looked solemn with respect. Together they pressed their palms and bowed to him. Ruming quickly departed afterward. Once the decision had been made, there was no delay. He went to have the signboard made.

Before long, a wooden plaque bearing the words “Nanshan Temple” was hanging above the kitchen lintel...

The fried dough sticks were indeed delicious. Shang Shuqing praised them highly while eating with everyone.

Duan Hu likewise nodded repeatedly. While biting into one, he turned and asked, “Old Bear, why is there a Nanshan Temple signboard hanging over the kitchen, and why aren't people allowed inside?”

“Cough, cough...”

At the question, Yuan Gang suddenly covered his mouth and coughed. He nearly sprayed out the white congee he was eating. Niu Youdao's head snapped up. He stared at Yuan Fang as though seeing a celestial marvel.

“You hung Nanshan Temple's signboard over the kitchen door?”

His astonishment was genuine. Nanshan Temple held no ordinary place in the hearts of these monks. How could the name be profaned like that? Yuan Fang rubbed his hands together and gave a chuckling smile.

“Some of the dirty odd jobs can simply be handled by us monks of Nanshan Temple.”

“Whatever Master Dao wishes to eat in the future, just give the order. There is no need to trouble anyone else.”

“Besides, food prepared by our own people is safer to eat, isn't it?”

Niu Youdao fell speechless. He and Yuan Gang simply stared at Yuan Fang in disbelief. Others might not understand what little scheme the man was running, but how could the two of them fail to see it? For the sake of taking advantage, the fellow truly had no shame left at all. They had never encountered such a bizarre specimen. They could only admit defeat. Shang Shuqing and Black Peony looked at one another. Black Peony's remark earlier had been nothing but a mocking joke.

Neither woman had imagined Yuan Fang would actually do it. Niu Youdao looked down at the bowl of white congee before him and immediately decided to make things difficult for the monk who was twisting Buddhist scripture to suit himself.

“I want meat. Make several meat dishes tonight!”

“...”

This time it was Yuan Fang's turn to stare blankly. In the end, Yuan Gang came up with a good idea that finally soothed the grief-stricken Yuan Fang. And so a couplet soon appeared beside the kitchen door: Wine and meat pass through the gut;
The Buddha remains within the heart! After breakfast, Shang Shuqing left. Lu Shengzhong was brought before Niu Youdao. A Goldenwing hung in a cage inside the pavilion, occasionally giving a soft coo.

Seated in the pavilion, Niu Youdao looked at Lu Shengzhong, who had now been washed clean and restored to a normal appearance. He sighed.

“Brother Lu has suffered during this period.”

Then he extended a hand.

“Please sit.”

Lu Shengzhong did not sit. Remembering the days he had spent imprisoned in conditions worse than those of pigs or dogs, resentment and grief entered his voice.

“Niu Youdao, what exactly do you want?”

“If you truly mean to harm me, then you might as well give me a quick death!”

“Whatever we have to say, sit down and speak.”

Niu Youdao invited him to sit again. Lu Shengzhong gave a helpless, bitter laugh. Slowly, he sat opposite Niu Youdao.

As he watched Niu Youdao personally pour tea for him, he asked, “You kept me alive instead of killing me. Does that mean I still have some use to you?”

“As expected of an intelligent man.”

Niu Youdao set down the teapot and smiled.

“Truthfully, I admire Brother Lu.”

“Speaking of it, your only real failing was bad luck. Of all things, you happened to use the poem I had given Song Yanqing. Otherwise, what the final result might have been is difficult to say.”

Lu Shengzhong gave a self-mocking chuckle.

“Just tell me what you want.”

Niu Youdao asked, “Does Brother Lu know the present situation of Wuliang Mountain?”

Lu Shengzhong said, “Most of the time I was locked away somewhere without seeing daylight. Those monks doing the menial work barely spoke to me at all. How would I know the situation in my sect?”

“But after offending Wang Heng and the others, I doubt things are going very well.”

Niu Youdao lifted his cup, gesturing for him to drink.

At the same time, he asked, “Then does Brother Lu know the current situation of the Song family in Yanjing?”

Lu Shengzhong remained composed. He lifted the teacup and slowly took a sip. Then he closed his eyes. It had been a very long time since he had tasted the fragrance of tea. He seemed intent on savoring it slowly.

With his eyes still closed, he said, “How would I know? Why ask when you already know the answer?”

“Song Jiuming has fallen from office.”

Niu Youdao raised his cup and pointed toward the direction beyond the city.

“Someone delivered the heads of his entire household to me. Song Jiuming, Liu Lu, Song Quan, and the others are buried outside the city.”

“If Brother Lu is interested, I can have someone dig them up and let you take a look.”

Lu Shengzhong was badly startled.

“You destroyed the Song family?”

Niu Youdao raised the cup to his lips but answered a different question.

“How does Liuxian Sect compare with your Wuliang Mountain?”

“What about Fuyun Sect and Lingxiu Mountain?”

“All three sects are now under my side. Their Sect Leaders are in the estates outside. I summon them and they come; I wave them away and they leave.”

Lu Shengzhong's eyes widened. Those three sects were naturally far stronger than Wuliang Mountain. Niu Youdao continued at an unhurried pace.

“Brother Lu may also not know that Commandery Prince Yongping has now captured all of Qingshan Commandery.”

“Zhou Shouxian, Provincial Governor of Nanzhou, can do nothing about it. The court of the State of Yan has swallowed its anger and endured.”

“Next, Guangyi Commandery will also fall into Commandery Prince Yongping's hands.”

“Before long, all of Nanzhou will likewise be within easy reach.”

“I wonder what Brother Lu thinks of that.”

“And what does Wuliang Mountain intend to do?”

[End of Chapter 205]