In reality, however, a bishop wielded genuine sacramental authority, with the final say over all important matters within his diocese.
Even Father Ram's earlier address of "my lord bishop" was, strictly speaking, a breach of etiquette.
According to church protocol, he should have addressed the bishop as "Your Excellency," or even the more reverent "Your Holiness."
Yet the bishop seemed entirely unconcerned. A gentle smile remained on his face, as though he had not heard the disrespect in Father Ram's tone, and he simply ignored his question.
His gaze passed over Father Ram and settled on Cui Jiuyang. "Sir, I believe we met once before, but our encounter was so brief that I never had the chance to ask your name."
Cui Jiuyang nodded. "Yes, my lord bishop. My name is Cui Jiuyang."
The bishop inclined his head slightly and slowly repeated Cui Jiuyang's name in his faintly foreign accent.
Then he turned his gaze to Liu Jingtang beside him.
Liu Jingtang hastily bowed again and said respectfully, "Hello, my lord bishop. My name is Liu Jingtang."
The bishop's smile grew a little gentler. He nodded slightly and said, "I already know why the two of you have come to this church."
His gaze swept over them. "Although you do not believe in God, you are, ultimately, children of the Heavenly Father. The church should provide shelter for all lost lambs."
At this, his eyes fell on Liu Jingtang's waist. "I imagine this is also why Father Ram gave that Cross to this hardworking young man?"
Hearing this, Liu Jingtang instinctively looked down.
Only then did he discover that the Cross he usually kept tucked into his belt had somehow slipped free. It hung quietly at his waist, swaying gently with his movements.
It must have caught on something and