Tang Sihai said respectfully, “Madam, you did this for the greater good. I believe the young master will surely understand your good intentions.”
An Chengxi nodded, quietly wiping away the tear at the corner of her eye, and smiled faintly. “Wu Feiyan has always believed that I am still alive. Perhaps I will not even live to see the day when Chen’er triumphs. If that is the case, whichever of you or Sister Sun survives, go to Chen’er and tell him the whole truth. As long as he can laugh until the end, even if he resents me, hates me, or fails to understand me, it will not matter. I must simply let him know that all these years, he has not been walking alone.”
…
At this moment, atop the main hall of Kinkaku-ji, which had already closed its doors, the elderly Master Kongyin was sitting cross-legged on a cushion with several of his most favoured disciples, listening to Master Jingqing expound on the Dharma.
Jingqing knew that Kongyin had shut down the entire Kinkaku-ji this time, which had helped An Chengxi considerably, so he was putting great effort into sharing his deeper insights into Buddhism. The two had become like old friends despite their age difference, discussing matters with great relish every day. Not only had Kongyin gained profound inspirations from Jingqing, but Jingqing had also, through Kongyin’s pure sincerity, further purified his own spiritual platform. It was a case of mutual benefit, and Kongyin’s disciples had all gained much from their exchanges as well.
However, Master Kongyin was advanced in years, and his health was not the best. Prolonged cross-legged meditation drained his stamina greatly, so his exchanges and studies with Master Jingqing often had to pause frequently due to his condition, resuming only after he had recovered somewhat.
Seeing that they had discussed for an entire morning and that Master Kongyin’s condition had clearly deteriorated, his breathing even becoming laboured, Master Jingqing pressed his palms together and said, “Namo Amitabha. Master Kongyin appears somewhat fatigued. Perhaps we should end here for the morning. Rest well, Master, and we can decide in the afternoon based on the situation.”
Kongyin, who had been forcing himself to persist, waved his hand with some effort and said to him in fluent Mandarin with a smile, “Master Jingqing… Lately… I have felt that my time is near, with few days left. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, one may die content in the evening if one has heard the Way in the morning. Your understanding of Buddhism is the deepest I have encountered in a century, so before my passing into nirvana, I wish to hear as much as possible. Please, Master Jingqing, do not hold back in your teachings.”
Jingqing could not help but sigh in admiration. “Master Kongyin views life and death with such equanimity. It truly inspires awe. In that case, let us continue.”
When Lin Wan’er reached the entrance of Kinkaku-ji, a sign prohibiting entry had already been erected outside the temple gates. The sign explained the reason for the prohibition in detail: it was still the same excuse about renovations, with no specific end date set.
Several monks stood guard at the entrance, patiently turning back all approaching tourists.
When the young Lin Wan’er drew near, one of the monks stepped forward out of habit and said, “Amitabha. Please do not come any closer, benefactor. Kinkaku-ji is currently closed for renovations and is not open to the public.”
Lin Wan’er smiled sweetly. “Hello. I would like to see Master Kongyin.”
The monk shook his head. “Master Kongyin has not seen visitors for many years. Please return.”
Master Kongyin was the most renowned monk in all of Japan, the pillar of Japanese Buddhist scholarship. Many devout Japanese Buddhists hoped for a chance to meet him in person, and the temple gates saw several such requests every day. He was long accustomed to it.
Lin Wan’er knew that the mysterious person hiding here must be extremely cautious, and there might even be spies set by the other side watching the surroundings discreetly. Thus, she revealed no aura whatsoever and simply smiled as she said, “To be honest, my ancestors were related to Master Kongyin by blood. I have come this time on the orders of the elders in my family to see him. Could the master kindly pass a message to Master Kongyin for me? Say that ‘Masahira, the young lady has arrived’, and he will understand.”
