Deer Cry and Wild Geese Wail
It still tastes the same.
Su Yao opened his eyes, and a faint ray of light flashed and disappeared from the corner of his eye.
He lowered his eyes, looking at the half-eaten pear in his hand, and suddenly whispered:
"This is the taste I've been craving most all these years."
As Daoist Zheng looked at him, he suddenly remembered many years ago when Su Yao had just learned to walk and was running around the mountain. He was punished by Daozheng and made to copy scriptures in front of the main hall all night.
At that time, Jue Jueming secretly slipped in with a few pears, while Nannuo kept watch at the door. After Su Yao finished copying the scriptures, he Daozheng who came to inspect. Qingyang called out gloatingly outside the door, while Gui Hong grinned from ear to ear.
At that time, no one knew that this extremely unruly boy would one day travel to Nanzhao, ascend to the Purple Mansion within nine years, and become the abbot of Qixia Temple in a foreign land.
Only Daoist Zheng knew that Su Yao was still the same Su Yao, still the Daoist who loved to sit alone in the pavilion at night, gazing at the moon, and remained silent for a long time.
"Daoist." Su Yao's voice brought him back from his reverie, "Since you intend to stay in Golden Ao for a long time, I will prepare a quiet room for you in this back mountain. Ziyan and others will handle matters in the mountains. Now that Nannuo Jueming have also arrived, you can rest assured and enjoy your remaining years."
Just as Daoist Zheng was about to decline, he saw Su Yao turn to Nannuo and Jueming, and say solemnly:
"Nannuo will still be in charge of my cave abode and the Spirit Wood Child, Jueming manage the spirit fruit and forest trees on this mountain."
Nannuo and Jueming exchanged a glance and bowed in unison.
"I will obey the Lord's command."
As Daoist Zheng watched this scene, the words he had intended to say in refusal remained unspoken.
A poem says:
The pear tastes just like it did in the old days, its sweetness filling the mouth and bringing tears to the eyes;
Those were the nights we stole fruit and copied scriptures; today we raise our cups and reminisce.
The mountain moon is near, the water and clouds are low; let us not part from our reunion with old friends.
Let us swallow the past and the pear, and savor the memories of twenty years of human life.
Outside Golden Ao Mountain, the waves of Cibi Lake lap against the stone banks day and night, the sound of the water dull and muffled, no longer the clear and melodious sound of the past.
Inside the Flowing Rosy Clouds Pavilion, guests chatted and laughed as usual, as if the Geng Wood from Gengmu that had been dispelled by the Pure Qi had never appeared. Hu Bugui and Yingge were socializing and entertaining guests in the pavilion.
The Embracing Rosy Clouds Hall was still bustling with activity. Liu Chan led Liu Yunhe and five others through the various factions of Nanzhao, where people were drinking and making merry, and the atmosphere was peaceful and prosperous.
Outside Golden Ao Mountain, in the Great Void, two figures stood side by side, gazing at the immortal mountain where colorful flags fluttered in the distance.
"Liuxia Pavilion, Hongqiao, are full of guests. The splendid scene at Qixia Temple can only be matched by the successive kings of Nanzhao who have ascended the throne." The man on the left stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a green shirt, with a thin face, and it was hard to tell whether he was in admiration or emotion in his tone.
The older man on the right, with graying hair and beard, shook his head upon hearing this.
"The pomp and circumstance are secondary. Look closely at the guests. Mount Lao, Golden Court, Jieshi, Wisdom Light, Jade Pure One Sect are all here, as are Supreme Purity, Highest Clarity, the Four Celestial Masters' Manors, Purple Mansion Continent, and Jade Lake. This isn't just a Dharma banquet; this is the Mysterious Gate officially establishing its presence in Nanzhao."
The man in the blue robe remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Golden Ao Mountain and looking into the distance. Suddenly, he whispered:
"These colorful flags covering the mountains seem to have gathered the last vestiges of Nanzhao's spirit here. Look at Nanzhao and the surrounding lands now: riverbeds are exposed, and the land is barren for miles. Subterranean Water conceal Erhai Lake, but above, He Wood block it, preventing the water veins from flowing Erhai Lake. Four Winds blow together, preventing the vital energy of the Flourishing Wood) Geng Wood dissipating. Miasma surges in the valleys, and the sharp energy of Geng Metal condenses in the sky, causing fire to fall from the heavens and burn the forests. The plague in the western frontier has spread to dozens of Wu kingdoms, causing countless deaths and widespread suffering. In the southwest, the Great Yang's destructive light has dried up the last river. Meanwhile, in the Longchuan Gorge to the north, the tricolor radiance of Proclaiming Earth shines brighter day by day."
He paused, then turned to look at the older man, his tone carrying a hint of inexplicable pity:
"Brother Zhao, we have cultivated for a thousand years and have witnessed many Dharma banquets. But this one, with its overflowing feasts and clinking glasses, is it truly in the same world as the desolate barren land outside?"
The older person did not answer.
He simply gazed at the shimmering, colorful Flowing Rosy Clouds Pavilion for a long time before whispering:
"A grand performance always needs an opening gong and drum, and this Dharma banquet is that gong and drum."
The man in the blue robe remained silent for a long time, then suddenly sighed softly and murmured:
"The miasma-laden Miao Mountains are shrouded in ink-black clouds, and the southwestern sun's poison has dried up the rivers and streams."
The Geng Metal moves horizontally across the sky, fire falls from the heavens, and the earth cracks.
The Geng Wood hides in the abyss, the waves subdue the mountains, and all flowers are blown away;
Alas, the Proclaiming Earth, and in the Longchuan Gorge, the dormant dragon awakens, and the wind and thunder roar.
Who remembers the clear moon over the Er River, shining upon the royal city, how many times has it waxed and waned?
The Subterranean Water eastward; where are the villages now, and the fields are overgrown with weeds?
The epidemic broke out in western Xinjiang, causing widespread suffering and leaving the once-great nation in silence.
When will we be able to retrieve the Milky Way and cleanse the world?
After reciting the poem, he turned his back, no longer looking at Golden Ao Mountain adorned with colorful flags, and suddenly smiled:
"But of all these guests filling the mountain, who truly cares about the desolate wasteland beyond?"
The older person did not respond.
The spiritual energy within the Great Void surged, bypassing the two and keeping the hustle and bustle of the mortal world far away.
Inside the Langqiong Zhao office, County Magistrate Zheng Qingci, dressed in his official robes, stood before the main gate.
Aside from the inspector, clerk, and instructor, all the local officials had gathered behind him.
A short while later, a streak of light flew in from afar and landed beside Zheng Qingci. The person leaned close and whispered in his ear:
"Inspector Yin and Clerk Wang are still in seclusion, while the sons of both families, along with members of several other gentry families and the Yang and Li families, have all gone to Qixia Mountain."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Qingci's expression remained unchanged; he simply waved his hand.
The man immediately retreated and disappeared into the crowd behind him.
Zheng Qingci straightened his clothes and glanced at the officials below the steps.
Although the man spoke in a low voice when he reported, those who were supposed to hear it had already gotten the gist of it.
The faces below the steps clearly showed unease. Those whose families also had children attending the banquet all lowered their heads and looked down, afraid of being called on.
He sneered inwardly.
Having embarked on the path of Confucian School, there is no turning back.
Moreover, this detached courtyard of Qixia Temple has already violated His Highness the Crown Prince's decree that it must not be decorated with lanterns or colorful decorations for a hundred years.
Today, Golden Ao Mountain is ablaze with lights, Rainbow Bridge stretches across the landscape, and congratulations come from all directions—every single event is a blatant act of defiance against the imperial decree.
He remained silent for a moment before speaking, his voice not loud, yet it silenced the entire courtyard.
"The national mourning is still fresh, and the Crown Prince's edict remains on my desk. For a hundred years, no sect or faction may hold any celebrations or lanterns. This is the Crown Prince's decree, not my personal opinion. Since Qixia Temple has established a branch in Golden Ao, it is within the two thousand li of Langqiong Zhao's territory. It should abide by the national law and share the grief with all the people. But look at their actions now, with colorful flags all over the mountain, Rainbow Bridge paved, and guests from all directions making a ruckus on the mountain. Have they paid any attention to the late Emperor's death or the court's edict?"
He paused briefly, then his tone suddenly turned stern:
"As the magistrate of Langqiong Zhao, I am responsible for guarding this land, overseeing its education, and maintaining order. Today, the Qixia Temple has defied my imperial decree in broad daylight. If I were to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear, I would be betraying both the Emperor and the people. Having received a salary from the court, I must fulfill my duty as a subject. Today, I will stand up for what is right, even if it is a celestial sect. Before the law of the land, there are no exceptions!"
After he finished speaking, the entire courtyard fell silent.
The officials below looked at each other, none daring to utter a sound.