Chapter Forty-Two: The Sixth Master of the Lotus

Wu Zetian sighed and said, "Since my youth, I have assisted Emperor Gaozong in managing state affairs and have encountered countless people. With a single glance, I can discern the extent of a person's ambition and wisdom. Take Di Renjie, for instance—he was promoted from a mere county magistrate because I opposed all objections. But you, as the saying goes, ‘He who knows others is wise, he who knows himself is enlightened,’ yet you neither understand others nor yourself. Such a person is unlikely to achieve great things. If you were entrusted with governance, you would surely become someone else's puppet, and might one day lose your head without even knowing who was behind it. If not for these shortcomings, I would have promoted you long ago, and would not have waited until today!"

Tenderly, she stroked Zhang Yizhi's hair, remaining silent for a while.

After some time, Wu Zetian spoke again, "Wulang, you lack decisive strategy; it is enough for you to be content with your current situation. Do not form factions behind my back! Those people are all ambitious, and you cannot control them. Are you familiar with Xue Huaiyi? He was originally named Feng Xiaobao, a martial artist performing on Tianqiao Street. He did possess some skills, and built the Scripture Hall called the Palace of Myriad Phenomena in Daming Palace. His construction methods even shamed the officials of the Ministry of Works, and I was pleased. Yet he became arrogant due to my favor, gathering a band of vagabonds in the hall to carouse day and night, openly assaulting Ministry of Justice officers, and even demanded to be made a national preceptor. When dissatisfied, he went so far as to set fire to the hall. Though I favored him, I could not allow him to defile imperial authority, so I had to eliminate him. Wulang, I've heard you have established some Crane Immortal Sect? This sect always reminds me of that Palace of Myriad Phenomena. You are my favored courtier, of noble status—why indulge in such disreputable matters?"

Zhang Yizhi hurriedly kowtowed again, "Your Majesty, forgive me! Wulang was merely indulging in a passing amusement—" "Amusement? Your Crane Immortal Sect has thrown Youzhou into chaos, extorting substantial wealth, and many local officials are members of your sect. Do you think I am unaware?"

Wu Zetian snorted coldly, "And that Tian Yangming—he neglects his duties as Grand Protector of the Anxi Protectorate, yet secretly sends men to assist you. If his intent is merely to amuse you, so be it. But if he harbors other ambitions, his days are numbered!"

Pausing, she waved her hand, "I am tired. You may withdraw. Your so-called Crane Immortal Sect must be dissolved by the end of this year!"

Zhang Yizhi wiped the cold sweat from his brow, quickly knelt to take his leave, and departed. Returning to the Crane Command, he entered the secret chamber, where a middle-aged scholar greeted him, "Greetings, Master." Zhang Yizhi waved his hand irritably, "Stop calling me Master—the title will soon be gone, and you, as the Holy Envoy, will be finished too! Calling yourself the Celestial Sage—nonsense!"

The scholar was Nan Xianwen, the Celestial Sage and Holy Envoy of the Crane Immortal Sect. Originally a strategist from the Anxi Protectorate, he had been sent by Tian Yangming several years ago to help Zhang Yizhi establish the sect, which had quickly gained notoriety, owing much to his efforts.

Nan Xianwen asked, "What has happened?"

Zhang Yizhi replied, "What else? The matter of the Crane Immortal Sect has been discovered by the old witch, who has ordered its dissolution by year’s end! She even brought up the case of Feng Xiaobao to frighten me!"

A barely perceptible smile flickered in Nan Xianwen's eyes. "Master, do not worry. We still have half a year until the year's end; much can be accomplished in six months. I have already sent people to search for the Imperial Edict. Once it is in our hands, we can use it to either advance or retreat as needed. If the realm is thrown into turmoil, we can present the edict and rally the generals to restore the Tang dynasty. At that time, you will be the greatest benefactor to the Tang imperial house, able to command the emperor and subdue all dissenters. When the time is ripe, you may even depose the emperor and claim the throne yourself."

Zhang Yizhi retorted coldly, "Do you think a mere piece of paper can command the heroes of the realm? Don’t be foolish! Do you not remember how Xu Jingye died?"

Nan Xianwen laughed, "The times have changed. The Wu clan’s sons may hold high military posts, but they all seek comfort and prefer to stay in the Imperial Guard, unwilling to endure the hardships of the frontier. Thus, the Wu family does not have much sway in the border armies. Xu Jingye was isolated; now, the Protectorates of Anxi, Beiting, and Mobei, together with numerous border garrisons and tens of thousands of troops, are discontented with the old witch’s employment of cruel officials and wanton killings. If you raise your arm, the whole realm will answer your call."

Yizhi pondered, "What if nothing happens in the realm? Wouldn’t holding the edict be like holding a hot potato?"

Nan Xianwen replied, "Not at all. It is a treasure for promotion and honor. Wu Zetian’s greatest anxiety is surely this edict. If you present it to the emperor, not only will the Crane Immortal Sect survive, but you can enter the cabinet and become prime minister. In time, the sect will spread throughout the land, with millions of followers. When Wu Zetian’s time is up, you can seize the Wu family's throne!"

Zhang Yizhi’s anger turned to joy. Laughing loudly, he said, "You are truly my mastermind. If the realm changes, or even if it doesn’t, I will make it change. Once the edict is in hand, the old witch will have no say. Tian Yangming has done well—when I ascend the throne, he can be appointed Sima. Ha ha ha!"

A trace of sadness crossed Nan Xianwen's heart as he thought, "What a pity for this man as beautiful as a lotus..."

As night fell, Nan Xianwen quietly exited through a side gate. Not far from the alley, a tarpaulin-covered carriage waited. He got in, and the driver gently flicked the whip; the carriage departed silently. It wound its way through the streets, finally stopping beside a secluded side door of the Prime Minister’s residence. Nan Xianwen disembarked, entered through the door, where a servant waited for him, and led him to the inner quarters.

Upon reaching a secret chamber, the servant bowed him inside. Within were Prime Minister Zhang Jianzhong, Cui Xuanwei, Jing Hui, and Yuan Shouji. Zhang Jianzhong, with a smile, asked, "How are things?"

Nan Xianwen replied, "Your Excellency, Wu Zetian’s pressure has made Zhang Yizhi restless. If the edict is obtained, he will act."

Zhang Jianzhong clapped his hands and laughed, "Jing Hui was right—leaking the news to the Empress Wu has thrown Zhang Yizhi into confusion. Once he acts, we will have the chance to eliminate the Two Zhangs."

Nan Xianwen said, "But the edict is not yet in hand. If it cannot be found by year’s end—"

Jing Hui smiled, "My dear fellow, do you really think we need that edict?"

Seeing Nan Xianwen’s confusion, Yuan Shouji explained, "Our success does not depend on the edict, but on whether the Two Zhangs move. As soon as they act, we have justification. If the edict cannot be found, we can fabricate one. Zhang Jianzhong has already prepared an edict, stamped with the imperial seal, only waiting for the script. But unless absolutely necessary, we must not use it lightly, lest we be accused of forging edicts and usurping power."

Nan Xianwen said, "According to the sect’s Divine Radiance, he once captured Zhu Shitian, but was foiled by Li Jiu of the Tianshan Sect, who remains missing. I asked my lord, General Tian, who said Li Jiu is actually Li Chongjun, son of Prince Luling, Li Xian. Presumably, Li Chongjun seeks the edict as well."

Zhang Jianzhong mused, "Originally, our paths were different, but our goals are the same—to force Wu Zetian to return power. Yet Li Chongjun has long wandered the martial world, lacking foundation at court; even if he obtains the edict, what use is it? Still, we must not press too hard, lest the Wu family profit as bystanders. We have contingencies: if the edict cannot be obtained, we can provide one. In any case, by year’s end Zhang Yizhi must act."

Li Chongyuan and his companions, weary from travel, arrived at the town of Sanhu near Hengyang and found a noodle shop for a meal. Lin Qingli gazed longingly at the inn where she, Xu Qianfan, Qingyuan, and Qingbai had stayed months ago. Separated for nearly half a year, she wondered how her master and senior brothers were. Tears streamed down her face.

Li Chongyuan knew her sorrow but was not adept at comforting words, feeling awkward and at a loss.

Lan Wutong glanced at him, thinking, "This man is like a block of wood. This is the perfect moment to win a girl's heart with a few gentle words, but he stands there dumbly, so frustrating! He and Li Chongjun are fellow disciples, yet Li Chongjun is so dashing. Ah, comparing them is infuriating!"

Just then, someone outside spoke, "Benefactor, this humble monk has traveled here and is hungry. Might you spare a bowl of vegetarian noodles?"

The noodle shop owner, burly and coarse, with equally robust assistants, was rude and dismissive upon seeing it was merely a young monk in dusty robes. He waved his hand, "Go on, I’m running a small business—barely making enough myself, how can I spare anything for you!"

The monk blushed, bowed, and said, "Forgive me for disturbing you; I shall take my leave."

Li Chongyuan quickly called out, "Master, let me buy you a meal. Shopkeeper, bring three bowls of vegetarian noodles for the young monk!" The owner, seeing someone pay, said no more and served the noodles. The monk thanked Li Chongyuan with palms pressed together, but did not eat immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes and began to recite a sutra.

Lan Wutong asked curiously, "Little master, what are you doing?"

The monk replied, "I am reciting the Rebirth Mantra."

Lan Wutong said, "But these are vegetarian noodles, not meat. Why recite a mantra?"

The monk explained, "Buddha observed that a bowl of water contains thirty-eight thousand living creatures. Even though these are vegetarian noodles, the Rebirth Mantra must be recited."

Lan Wutong asked, "How do you know there are thirty-eight thousand creatures? Did you see them?"

The monk smiled, "My cultivation is shallow; I cannot see them. But since my master says so, I do as instructed."

Lan Wutong continued, "Then... can your master see them?"

The monk replied, "My master’s cultivation is profound, yet... he has not reached such a level. He cannot see them either."

Lan Wutong pressed, "Then who has seen them?"

The monk answered, "The Buddha. The Buddha’s eyes penetrate all things; nothing escapes his gaze. Naturally, he can see them."

Lan Wutong stared silently at the noodles. After a while, she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no! Monk, your patriarch miscounted—there are thirty-eight thousand and one creatures. You just recited for thirty-eight thousand, but one was left out. That poor creature, will it become a wandering ghost unable to reincarnate? Why don’t you be merciful and recite again?"

The monk, helpless, pressed his palms together and began to recite the Rebirth Mantra once more. Lin Qingli laughed, "Little master, my sister loves to joke, and you took her seriously. If you keep reciting, your noodles will get cold." The monk could only smile wryly.