Huo Yuanzhen pondered for a moment before saying to the hopeful Ning Wanjun, "Please follow me, female benefactor."
Ning Wanjun nodded, covering her face again with a veil, and followed Huo Yuanzhen out of the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda.
Outside the pagoda, the woman named Xiaocui was still waiting. Upon seeing Ning Wanjun, she hurried over and began inspecting her from head to toe, asking with concern, "Miss, are you alright? How come you were in there for so long? Did this monk do anything to you?"
Ning Wanjun scolded Xiaocui lightly, "You little rascal, what nonsense are you talking? The abbot is a man of virtue."
Xiaocui was still somewhat unconvinced and retorted, "That's because he hasn't seen you. Otherwise, even if he were virtuous, he'd turn wicked."
Huo Yuanzhen couldn't help but chuckle at the bluntness of the little girl.
Seeing him laugh, Ning Wanjun felt more embarrassed and told Xiaocui, "If you keep talking nonsense, you can go back by yourself."
Noticing that Ning Wanjun was truly angry, Xiaocui finally fell silent.
"Wait here. I need to consult with the abbot about something."
Ning Wanjun left Xiaocui behind and followed Huo Yuanzhen into the small temple.
They entered Huo Yuanzhen's room and sat down.
"Female benefactor, you don't need to tell me your troubles. Just sit here, and let me play the wooden fish for you. Perhaps, with a calmer mind, you'll see things more clearly."
Huo Yuanzhen took out his beloved wooden fish. He thought to himself that this treasure had proven useful time and time again, always showing its worth at critical moments.
At first, Ning Wanjun was skeptical of Huo Yuanzhen's method. What could a few taps on a wooden fish possibly do?
However, as the sound of the wooden fish echoed, her thoughts began to shift. The rhythmic tapping, though not loud, felt like the ringing of a morning bell or evening drum, reverberating deep into her soul, cleansing her mind.
In that moment, it felt as if she had gained clarity. The troubles regarding her father seemed less daunting, and although she had no solution yet, she was now certain that there was a way forward. She simply needed to keep searching.
Time seemed to stretch on indefinitely, but eventually, Huo Yuanzhen stopped playing the wooden fish.
Ning Wanjun slowly opened her eyes, gazing at Huo Yuanzhen through her veil. She rose slightly and gave him a slight bow, saying, "Abbot, I don't know how you did it, but I believe now that you are indeed a truly virtuous monk, unlike some of the older monks in the temples who, despite their appearance, are either helpless or only speak of strange doctrines. You, though, haven't said much, yet I understand your meaning. I feel enlightened. Thank you, Abbot, for your guidance."
Huo Yuanzhen waved his hand modestly. "Benefactor, you flatter me. I haven't done much. Many times, we seek an ideal result, but reality often falls short. Perhaps, if you change your perspective and let go, things will work themselves out."
"Let go?"
"Yes, let go. Don't force things. Let everything unfold naturally. When fate closes one door, it often opens a window somewhere else. Letting go is a form of transcendence."
Ning Wanjun thought about his words for a while and then bowed again. "Thank you, Abbot. I understand now."
Huo Yuanzhen smiled inwardly, thinking, You understand? I still don't. It seems Buddhist teachings are indeed effective at deceiving people.
Because when one has a problem that they can't solve, they turn to Buddhism for solace.
As the abbot, with his status and influence, it was easy to speak vague, comforting words, and with a few taps of the wooden fish, people often believed they had found a solution to their problems.
But whether that solution was real, only heaven knew.
After speaking, Ning Wanjun appeared quite moved. She hesitated for a while before saying, "Abbot, to be honest, I've made up my mind. I don't want to return to my father's side for now. I believe he will come to understand things on his own."
"Very well," Huo Yuanzhen nodded, thinking to himself, It's probably time for her to pay up.
However, Ning Wanjun's next words took him by surprise: "Originally, I planned to offer a donation to Shaolin, no matter the outcome. Though it wouldn't be much, it would suffice to support you monks for ten or twenty years."
Huo Yuanzhen smiled without speaking, his heart swelling with joy. Ah, that's great! A donation large enough to sustain us for ten or twenty years. Surely it's two or three thousand taels of silver. Hand it over, then.
But Ning Wanjun suddenly changed her tone, saying, "However, after thinking it over, I no longer wish to do so."
"Why is that?" Huo Yuanzhen thought, Is she thinking of giving ten thousand taels?
Ning Wanjun continued, "Though you are young, Abbot, you are truly a virtuous monk. I, as a woman, understand that material wealth has no place in your life. Even if gold and silver mountains were piled in front of you, you would not even look at them. If I were to offer such worldly things as a reward, it would be a desecration to you and to Shaolin's sacred ground."
Huo Yuanzhen remained silent, inwardly groaning, Damn! This little girl really thinks I don't like gold and silver? She's completely wrong. I still owe money to the moneylender!
But with the high praise she gave him, Huo Yuanzhen was in a tough spot. If he now asked for money, it would make everything he said earlier seem pointless.
Damn it! I've played myself!
Ning Wanjun went on, "However, I do feel guilty for troubling you so much this evening. After hearing your wooden fish, I truly have the thought to stay by the Buddha's side, but since you cannot accept female disciples, how about this: I have a servant, Iron Bull, who can represent me. Let him stay at Shaolin as a disciple, and I can show my gratitude to Shaolin in this way."
"Iron Bull? The large man who was carrying a tiger?" Huo Yuanzhen asked.
"Yes, that's him."
Huo Yuanzhen looked at Ning Wanjun, his expression somewhat hesitant. He had underestimated this woman. Earlier, she had been emotionally open in the pagoda, but now, after regaining her composure, it was clear she was a clever and calculating person.
Although the wooden fish could calm the heart, it was not so effective that it could completely cleanse her thoughts. This woman was clearly trying to make Iron Bull a disciple, using her words as a bargaining chip. She had known he would refuse her request to stay, but by pressing the issue with Iron Bull, she had forced him into a corner.
Why was she doing this? Did she truly want to contribute to Shaolin?
Huo Yuanzhen pondered for a moment. "All beings have the Buddha nature. Shaolin has always been open-minded, and if Iron Bull wishes to stay, we can allow him. But he will have to pass our tests."
"He is a good man. Please do test him," Ning Wanjun replied.
Huo Yuanzhen nodded slightly.
With that, Ning Wanjun seemed to have let go of a burden. She once again bowed to Huo Yuanzhen and said, "Since that's the case, I have no further matters. Let Iron Bull undergo the test. If he fails, let him leave on his own. I will take my leave now."
"Please, be safe, female benefactor."
As she left, Ning Wanjun paused at the door and turned to Huo Yuanzhen, asking, "Actually, I've always been curious. Abbot, don't you want to know my true identity?"
Huo Yuanzhen smiled lightly, "Benefactor, you're being too concerned. What does it matter if you are a princess or a beggar? In the eyes of the Buddha, all beings are equal. Perhaps your status is noble, but to me, you are no different from any other."
Ning Wanjun didn't respond but left with a smile. Huo Yuanzhen, though unable to see her face, could sense her smile, though he couldn't understand why. Maybe she was grateful for his help, or perhaps she was happy with her own success.
But he didn't sense any malice from her, and Huo Yuanzhen felt confident in his judgment.
There must be a reason for her actions, and though he didn't know what it was, he agreed to let Iron Bull stay. Huo Yuanzhen wanted to understand the reason, and Iron Bull could provide the clue.
Could Shaolin be hiding some secret?
Huo Yuanzhen watched as Ning Wanjun and Xiaocui left, leaving Iron Bull behind. He muttered to himself, "A skilled one!"
He was certain that both Ning Wanjun and Xiaocui knew martial arts. While he couldn't gauge their exact skill level, it was clear they weren't ordinary. Otherwise, they wouldn't be walking around in the mountains at night, with the howling wind and wild beasts. Two young women traveling alone without fear? Clearly, they had martial prowess.
Beautiful, skilled, with a powerful father and influence, surrounded by subordinates, and even carrying a tiger. They're not righteous people!
"You want me to guess your identity? I'll guess... you're a demoness from the demonic sect!"
With that, Huo Yuanzhen returned to his bed and casually muttered.