Fangzheng took the stack of money and pulled out the 10,000 yuan that Song Xianhe had donated before handing it back to him. "Amitabha. This money is tainted with too much negative karma. This Penniless Monk cannot accept it. Patron, it's best you take it back. As for your father's illness, please bring him up the mountain. If he can be treated, This Penniless Monk will naturally do it. If not, just treat it as you having taken your father on a tour of the mountains."
Song Xianhe was stunned when he heard that. He had traveled the country and had been to countless monasteries of various sizes. Never had he seen a monk take out money from the merit box and return it to the donor! However, after his momentary daze, he felt an anger stemming from humiliation brew within him. He frowned and said, "Abbot Fangzheng, what's the meaning of this? What do you mean my money is tainted with negative karma?"
