"Master Zhi Dun?"
When Wang Xizhi saw Zhi Dun approaching, he returned the greeting and asked, "Master, what brings you here? Is there something I can help you with?"
Zhi Dun shook his head and glanced at Verdant Green Maiden. "I have a few words I'd like to speak with Lady Fu. I wonder if you have a moment, Lady Fu? Would you accompany me over there so we can talk?"
Talk with her?
Verdant Green Maiden sized up the man before her, then nodded. "All right. Let's go."
At her reply, Zhi Dun thanked her, and the two of them walked over to a grove nearby.
Zhi Dun asked quietly, "At the winding-stream banquet, did the zither piece you played afterward have a name?"
"No name."
Verdant Green Maiden shook her head, then added, "If you want to give it one, call it Orchid Pavilion."
Zhi Dun thanked her, then said, "The name is secondary. I came for the spirit within it! That piece is steeped in Zen. You're so young, Lady Fu, yet you've attained such deep Zen insight. Your understanding of Buddhism must be profound. Do you have a teacher?"
Verdant Green Maiden smiled at his question. "I taught myself."
Zhi Dun froze. He looked at Verdant Green Maiden, then lowered his head after a moment and murmured, "Well said."
Seeing his reaction, Verdant Green Maiden asked, "You don't believe me, Master?"
Zhi Dun nodded. "I admit it."
At least he was honest.
Verdant Green Maiden studied him, then suddenly asked, "Though you practice Prajna Buddhism, you must have heard of the Medicine Buddha's teachings. Have you ever read the Glazed Sutra?"
"I have, of course. Do you study the Medicine Buddha's teachings, Lady Fu?"
Zhi Dun nodded. Verdant Green Maiden smiled at his question and said,