After eating vegetarian meals at Linji Temple for two days, Chen Wu, at Monk Zhongcheng's recommendation, visited another famous temple in Zhengding County Town—Longxing Temple—before leaving.
Compared to Linji Temple, which had repeatedly suffered the ravages of war and had only a single brick pagoda left to carry on its legacy, Longxing Temple had received rewards from emperors throughout the ages. Its grandeur far surpassed that of Linji Temple, and it still preserved the Song-dynasty Mani Hall and the suspended sculpture of the upside-down Guanyin, sights so marvelous they made one slap the table in amazement.
Chen Wu jokingly asked Zhongcheng, "This temple is obviously much richer. Why didn't you come here when you became a monk?"
Zhongcheng laughed as well. "Hahaha, if wealth could determine the depth of Buddhist teachings, then Qiao Weisheng ought to be a great Bodhisattva, and Qiao Jisheng would at least be an Arhat."
Chen Wu smiled, then headed for the capital together with Monk Zhongcheng.
Nothing happened along the way, and Monk Zhongcheng did not stir up any trouble either. They arrived safely in the capital.
As soon as they arrived, Zhongcheng bade Chen Wu farewell.
It turned out that the Great Shun imperial family had bestowed a plaque upon Linji Temple and conferred an additional title upon Chan Master Yixuan, the patriarch of Linji. Monk Zhongcheng had entered the capital on his master's behalf to attend an imperial Buddhist ceremony and offer thanks for the favor.
"Benefactor Chen, this humble monk will be staying at Guangji Temple for a time. If you are free, you may come find me there."
Zhongcheng pressed his palms together in farewell. Chen Wu waved back and headed toward his own destination.
Of course, it was not Wude Palace, but somewhere else.
Yongqingxing!
This was where Chen Wu