Chapter Twelve: Master Kongkong

“Could it be that you’re the simple-minded son of the landlord’s family?” Jiang Lan was utterly bewildered.

“What simple-minded son?”

A trace of embarrassment appeared on Xue Mingrui’s face. “Nothing. But why did you buy this?”

Seeing Xue Mingrui’s utter confusion, Jiang Lan only explained, “I heard it was left behind by a great master, so I thought it might be of some use.”

Naturally, the Xue brothers didn’t believe a word of this, but since their cousin was unwilling to elaborate, they didn’t press the issue. Still, their faces were streaked with exasperation. “And you were trying to talk my brother out of it earlier?”

Xue Mingrui’s blatant complaint was one thing, but Xue Mingzhao’s gaze was something Jiang Lan dared not meet.

“To be honest, there’s really nothing to be done with this. That jade statue may look impressive, but it hardly offers any protection. It would be better to seek a talisman from an ancient temple or monastery.”

Xue Mingrui, unwilling to undermine Jiang Lan, added, “If only it were that simple.”

He was the very picture of an elegant gentleman in troubled times; even the faint furrow in his brow carried a touch of otherworldly melancholy.

“There aren’t many ancient temples that can produce such exquisite jade Buddhas, and to have them consecrated by a true master is even rarer. Those accomplished monks and priests wander the world, spreading their teachings far and wide. They are nearly impossible to find. Unless fate decrees it, you could spend a lifetime searching and still never encounter one.”

Jiang Lan nodded. The path of cultivating immortality and seeking the Way was about defying destiny; what did the mundane world know of such things?

“That jade Guanyin isn’t just the work of a renowned master; it was also consecrated with scripture and ritual by Master Yunxiu, an accomplished monk at Baima Temple outside the capital. It is a rare and sacred object.”

“Master Yunxiu? What’s his relation to Master Kongkong of Baima Temple?”

“Why are you asking?” Xue Mingrui’s answer was offhand, as if the question had come out of nowhere. “They are master and disciple. Yunxiu was Kongkong’s student, and the current position of abbot was passed to him from Master Kongkong.”

Thinking his cousin intended to seek out Master Kongkong, Xue Mingrui was quick to quash such impractical notions.

“Ever since he handed over the abbotship, Master Kongkong has vanished without a trace—he’s even harder to find than Master Yunxiu.”

Jiang Lan returned to the small table, put the pouch away carefully, and refilled Xue Mingrui’s teacup.

“Well, cousin, as it happens, I’m in luck. I am acquainted with him. I have in my possession a rare jade Guanyin statue by the late master craftsman Li Mingrui from the previous dynasty. It shouldn’t be difficult to ask him to perform a blessing.”

At these words, even the unflappable Xue Mingzhao couldn’t help but look over.

Xue Mingrui might maintain his gentlemanly poise in front of outsiders, but among family, he made no effort to hide his tendency to nag, question everything to the root, and indulge an insatiable curiosity.

“You? Acquainted with Master Kongkong? Since when? How is it I never knew?”

Xue Mingrui prided himself on always caring for his frail cousin, tending to his every need and comfort. How could he have kept company with such a grand figure without telling him? This was vexing indeed.

“It was when I was ill some time ago. My third uncle, believing that the Taoist with three eyes was not up to the task, spent a fortune inviting many priests and lamas.”

“Your third uncle invited them?” Xue Mingrui interjected.

Jiang Lan shook his head. “Not exactly. That man came uninvited. My uncle knew nothing about it.”

“What an extraordinary occurrence! But how did you come to know each other? He was there to ‘subdue’ you, wasn’t he? Given how you drove away that Taoist, how did you manage to get on good terms with him?”

At first, when Xue Mingrui heard of his uncle’s actions, he’d been angry. But since his cousin was able to handle matters himself, and his uncle’s intentions were out of care, he hadn’t said anything more.

Jiang Lan only smiled, saying nothing. “If you’re free, cousin, why don’t we visit the temple together early the day after tomorrow? Then you’ll see that I speak the truth.”

Now, the Xue brothers were convinced. After all, this was not the sort of jest to be made lightly, and their cousin had never been one for such jokes since childhood.