Before Baozhu boarded the carriage, Shen Dexian came forward himself and stressed repeatedly, "Tonight, you are the true incarnation of Guanyin. Every word and gesture must be composed and solemn. You must not show the slightest irreverence."
Baozhu turned a deaf ear to him. Gathering her skirts, she climbed the ladder onto the Treasure Carriage with graceful composure. A wooden Lotus Seat stood atop it, allowing her to stand amid its petals as though upon a sacred throne. White Ox had only just begun to plod forward when a green blur flashed past. Wei Xun leaped onto the Treasure Carriage and settled cross-legged behind Baozhu, heedless of everyone around them. His lips curved upward. "Is this close enough?"
The City Procession was bound to be chaotic. Wei Xun had harbored some misgivings about it all along, but, confident that his martial prowess was unrivaled, he firmly believed he could keep her safe in any situation. Thus, he had never tried to stop her.
The ladder had already been removed, leaving the lofty platform isolated in the air, and the crowds of spectators were gradually surging closer. Having witnessed the green-robed man's extraordinary skill, no one had the ability to drag him down from the carriage roof. Shen Dexian was furious and frustrated, yet dared not lose his temper. In desperation, he hit upon an excuse and called out, "You will play the child attendant beneath the Great Guanyin's throne!"
Laughter filled Baozhu's eyes. "Excellent. The pavilion nearest the water catches the moon first." As she spoke, she eagerly dipped the willow branch into the Pure-Water Vase, soaked it thoroughly with sweet dew, then turned and vigorously sprinkled Wei Xun's head and shoulders.
Shen Dexian had never seen such a willful Guanyin Attendant. Following beside the carriage, he tried his utmost