Zhang Liuzhen looked at her quietly.
Pan Yun's shoulders slumped. "Fine. I need to make a trip to Japan. Saying I'm going to sweep graves will make it easier to ask for leave."
Zhang Liuzhen turned the wine cup in his hand, his expression inscrutable beneath the moonlight. "Very well. I have something to entrust to you."
Hearing that he was not going to stop her from going out, Pan Yun immediately brightened. "Just say the word, Senior Brother Zhang. If I can do it, I'll certainly do my utmost."
Zhang Liuzhen smiled. "It isn't difficult. I have two people who wish to go to Japan to spread the faith. Could you take them along for the journey?"
Pan Yun was about to agree when Xue Shao pressed a hand down on her and asked softly, "Daoist Priest Zhang, now that the sea routes have opened, not only does the Maritime Trade Office have official ships going to Japan and Korea, but there are also quite a few civilian merchant ships. As far as I know, many monks travel by merchant ship. Since this is meant to be training, wouldn't it be better for them to go to sea like ordinary people?"
Zhang Liuzhen's gaze drifted from Pan Yun to Xue Shao's face. After studying him for a moment, he suddenly laughed. "I do not want others to know of this."
Xue Shao wanted to ask more, but Pan Yun and Zhang Liuzhen abruptly turned to look outside together.
Xue Shao stopped in tacit understanding and turned toward the door as well, but there was nothing there.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Liuzhen withdrew his gaze and smiled at everyone. "Did you enjoy tonight's meal?"
Miao He and the others, who had been earnestly eating, nodded repeatedly and took