A young monk in a gray kasaya slowly emerged from the courtyard gate leading to the Buddhist Sutra Pavilion. Hu Xiaotian saw him clearly: it was Mingjing, whom he had met once when accompanying Qiqi to offer incense at the Great Xiangguo Temple.
Mingjing approached Mingyuan and said softly, "Senior Brother, Martial Uncle instructed us not to resort to force without permission."
Mingyuan nodded, but did not order the Staff Monks to put away their eyebrow-height staffs.
Mingjing looked toward Hu Xiaotian, and their eyes met. Hu Xiaotian found his eyes remarkably clear, like a limpid spring whose bottom remained visible. His gaze was open and unclouded by impurities. Neither joy nor anger, sorrow nor pleasure showed on his face; his expression remained gentle throughout.
Hu Xiaotian remembered the little novice telling him that Mingjing had the deepest understanding of Buddhist teachings among Heavenly Dragon Temple's younger generation. His words, bearing, and expression already revealed an enormous difference between him and his fellow disciples. Young though he was, every movement carried the poise of a great master.
Mingjing pressed his palms together toward Hu Xiaotian. "Benefactor, the Buddhist Sutra Pavilion lies within the Heavenly Dragon Temple Forbidden Grounds. Even ordinary monks may not enter. Please do not disrupt our temple's rules."
Hu Xiaotian raised the imperial edict in his hand. "Which carries greater authority: Heavenly Dragon Temple's rules, or His Majesty's imperial edict?"
Mingjing answered calmly, "Since His Majesty came to Heavenly Dragon Temple to practice Buddhism, he has laid aside everything of the secular world. Moreover, he told the Abbot beforehand that, during his stay, he would never use his authority to oppress others, nor set foot outside Samantabhadra Courtyard."
Hu Xiaotian chuckled. "Heavenly Dragon Temple really is something. Even His Majesty must obey your rules."
"It is not