Chapter 24: The Curtain Falls, Each Goes Their Own Way

Qian Dalang was somewhat taken aback.

Just moments ago, Yuan Gonglu’s admiration for Ye Chang had reached its peak, barely concealed, as though he was about to take Ye Chang as his disciple. Qian Dalang had thought that with such an intelligent and precocious youth, moreover a subject under his jurisdiction, Yuan Gonglu would never let this opportunity slip. Yet unexpectedly, Yuan Gonglu not only changed his mind but hinted at a warning, telling him to mind his words. Yuan Gonglu’s sudden shift had come after his discovery of Ye Chang’s hidden secret at the Bodhisattva’s shrine—could it be that Yuan Gonglu was so narrow-hearted, acting out merely because Ye Chang had deceived him moments before?

Based on Qian Dalang’s understanding, this did not seem to be the case.

Ye Chang was equally surprised, though his grasp of human nature and worldly affairs was deeper than Qian Dalang’s. He quickly discerned Yuan Gonglu’s intent.

Ye Chang, so young and already so perceptive, possessed ingenious schemes; in the future, he might wield these talents to bring calamity. The troubles Ye Chang had stirred—such as those involving Ye Lian and the Liu clan—he could easily resolve himself, not true disasters. But should Ye Chang attract misfortunes he cannot handle, those he offends may prove to be individuals even Yuan Gonglu cannot withstand.

Thus, Yuan Gonglu decisively abandoned his intention to draw Ye Chang close, ending their association here and now. In doing so, he left behind the favor of today’s appreciation and assistance, while avoiding any future entanglement should Ye Chang’s actions implicate him.

Seeking fortune and avoiding disaster is human nature; Ye Chang would not blame Yuan Gonglu for this, though he felt a quiet regret.

His grand display, orchestrated with such fanfare, was not only to clear his own name but also in hopes of forging a closer relationship with Yuan Gonglu. With an official looking out for him, life would be less troublesome and more leisurely. Moreover, Ye Chang hoped, through his influence, to avert the chaos of the An Shi Rebellion a decade hence, and prevent the nomads from disturbing China again.

He shook his head; nine out of ten affairs in the world do not go as one wishes. This Yuan Deputy Magistrate was of Xianbei Tuoba descent, though the Tuoba clan had assimilated so thoroughly that he was indistinguishable from the Han.

As Ye Chang was feeling a bit wistful, Qian Dalang approached, patting him on the shoulder. “Ye Chang, you are gifted and alert, you ought to study literature and learn propriety. If ever you have need, come visit me. My surname is Qian, my personal name is Qi, styled Zhongwen, a native of Wuxing…”

Ye Chang was stunned.

He had a fondness for classical culture and held no impression of Yuan Gonglu, assuming the county officer was a historically obscure figure. Yet to his surprise, Qian Dalang, who was so familiar with that county officer, turned out to be someone of historical renown.

Qian Qi, styled Zhongwen of Wuxing, one of the Ten Talents of the Dali era, counted among the active poets of mid-Tang after Li, Du, Wang, and Meng. While Qian Qi was not the most famous among the Ten Talents, Ye Chang, versed in classical Chinese culture, knew of him.

Although Qian Qi had been unsuccessful in his early years, he prospered after passing the civil service exam. At this moment, he was still caught in a period of frustration.

Ye Chang, however, was only momentarily surprised.

This was an age of brilliance; not to mention the already radiant Li Bai and the unappreciated Du Fu, but Wang Wei, Meng Haoran, Cen Shen, Gao Shi, Wang Changling—so many names Ye Chang could scarcely enumerate them all. Ever since understanding the era he was in, Ye Chang had dreamed that perhaps one day, he could gather these poets together, raise cups in celebration, and part in merriment.

“Yes, should I visit Wuxing, I shall certainly pay respects to Master Qian,” Ye Chang replied, bowing in salute.

Qian Qi laughed heartily and departed without looking back, truly waving away without taking a single cloud with him. He left with Yuan Gonglu, while the commotion here had yet to end, now devolving into the domestic affairs of the eldest branch.

“Eleventh, this... this manifestation of the Bodhisattva, what is going on?” Ye Dan asked hesitantly.

Ye Chang smiled, “Uncle, did you not already know?”

“Then... should I lift the curtain?” Ye Dan asked again.

“Amitabha, no, no!” At this moment, the abbot Chunxin walked over.

The old monk was no fool; although his Buddhist practice was mediocre, he lacked nothing in wisdom. He had already guessed the truth and saw this as an opportunity to deepen the devotees’ piety toward Shifang Temple.

Just think, first the Bodhisattva manifests, then the Bodhisattva judges—a tale like this would spread, and the villagers for miles around would flock eagerly to burn incense and make vows, greatly increasing Shifang Temple’s incense offerings, perhaps even surpassing its historical peak!

The previous opportunity for the Bodhisattva’s manifestation was wasted due to the old monk’s hesitation, halving its effect. This chance for the Bodhisattva to judge, he would not miss again.

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“No need to lift it; as long as I explain, everyone will understand.” Ye Chang smiled at the old monk.

The old monk found the gentle smile of the delicate youth before him rather vexing, yet dared not show it, for while others might doubt Ye Chang’s abilities, he had witnessed firsthand Ye Chang’s wondrous strategies.

He had already offended him once; to do so again would mean there’d never be hope of making amends. To be resented by such a person was no fortunate matter.

“Amitabha, patron, what instructions do you have? Please speak.”

“It’s not what I say, but what you do,” Ye Chang replied, as if playing a Zen riddle.

The old monk pondered for a moment and then said, “The temple still owns nearly a thousand acres of mountain forest and valley land. I hear you wish to build a hut to study; I am willing to offer the land for your use.”

Ye Chang and Ye Dan were both surprised: Shifang Temple was so dilapidated that neither expected such an asset hidden behind it!

Moreover, from the old monk’s tone, even the valley Ye Chang intended to settle in belonged to Shifang Temple—a fact even Ye Dan was unaware of.

“If that’s so, I am grateful to accept.” Ye Chang truly needed that valley and gladly agreed.

The old monk breathed a sigh of relief. Though the forests and valleys seemed extensive, in truth they were nearly worthless, barren lands unfit for use. Compared to the faith and incense offerings of the devotees, such land was insignificant.

Just as he relaxed, Ye Chang continued, “However…”

That “however” made the old monk’s heart pound. He pressed his palms together and smiled wryly, “I still hope to see Shifang Temple prosper in my lifetime. If you have any requests, please speak freely.”

“I believe your temple needs a good guest manager; that Daoning fellow isn’t suited for hospitality,” Ye Chang said with a smile.

“You are right, Daoning will leave the mountain in a few days.” The old monk had grown weary of Daoning, who schemed after the temple’s assets—others might not know, but the old monk certainly did. Taking this chance to get rid of Daoning was a boon for all.

Daoning, meanwhile, was unaware that he had eaten vegetarian food for ten years in vain. He had just been whispering among Liu clan relatives, but seeing Chunxin chatting with Ye Chang, he shuffled over, forcing a smile.

As he approached, Ye Chang snapped open his fan and waved it twice. “All matters are settled, the true thief exposed. Uncle, I’m heading home. It’s been a busy day—aren’t you tired?”

“Tired, tired, I’ll go home and have a good sleep,” Ye Dan laughed.

With their departure, the other members of the Ye family followed to descend the mountain. Yet before they had gone far, Ye Lian stumbled over, clutching Ye Dan’s legs and kneeling, “Uncle, uncle, clan chief, save me, spare me!”

Ye Dan asked in astonishment, “Why so desperate?”

He knew well now that the eldest branch would fall into chaos after this affair and posed no further threat. Moreover, they still held considerable land; after returning, he would begin plotting to take advantage of their decline to annex their properties. His only concern was Ye Chang’s attitude, but he felt that with the right incentives, Ye Chang would surely agree.

Thus, Ye Dan feigned complete ignorance of Ye Lian’s plea.

“They want to kill me, they want to kill me, clan chief, uncle!” Ye Lian wept and kowtowed, “I am a Ye family member, and those from the Liu clan want to oppress us. Uncle, you must stand up for me!”

Ye Dan sneered; previously, Ye Lian had relied on the Liu clan’s power and cared little for him, even scheming to usurp his position as clan chief. Now, upon discovering that his reliance had turned against him, he came crying for help—had he foreseen today, why act as he did before?

“You are of the Ye family, but so is the Liu clan. Even wise officials cannot resolve family disputes; even the Deputy Magistrate wouldn’t intervene in your affairs. I am old and cannot manage it,” Ye Dan said, and two Ye family members came forward to push Ye Lian aside, after which he strode away.

Ye Lian, pushed to the ground, then saw Ye Chang.

Clinging to the last straw, he lunged toward Ye Chang, “Eleventh, Eleventh, it was my fault, I was misled by that wicked woman. For the sake of our shared ancestry, please help me, help me!”

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“Uncle, you jest. I am but a junior; even the clan chief cannot manage your family affairs, how could I?”

“You can do it, just persuade the Deputy Magistrate to grant a divorce ruling, and that’s enough… Ten years ago, when the three branches split, the second and third were wronged. I’m willing to divide again!”

Ye Lian was desperate, having been completely abandoned by the Liu clan, forced to move to Xiaoliu Village. If that happened, his life would soon be forfeit, and all his property would fall into Liu hands. Not even the children born to his concubines, or even those by Liu, would benefit.

He now hated Liu fiercely, yet failed to reflect on his own culpability, while Liu herself, oblivious to her fate of being dependent on her natal family after losing her husband, was merely crying under Liu Fengyin’s instigation. Ye Lian had been slapped several times, unable to endure, so disregarding his dignity, he begged for help.

The Liu clan had some fear of Ye Chang; even with Yuan Gonglu gone, both Yuan and Qian had just spoken a few words to Ye Chang, showing his importance to those notable figures. So when Ye Lian rushed for help, the Liu clan did not dare approach.

Ye Chang shook his head, “Uncle, you overestimate me. If I wanted your property, I could have just asked the Deputy Magistrate in public. Your family affairs are yours to resolve—take care.”

Ye Chang was not devoid of familial affection, but this uncle had shown him none. So, without hesitation, Ye Chang turned toward Wu Ze Po to return.

Ye Lian pleaded and begged behind him, but seeing Ye Chang ignore him, resorted to curses. Such abuse meant nothing to Ye Chang, who could not even be bothered to retort.

With his departure, the crowd that had followed to watch returned to the village as well. Ye Lian tried to follow, but two Liu clansmen from Xiaoliu Village seized him.

“Ye family gentleman, it’s been a long time since we got close. Today, you must come with us to Xiaoliu Village,” they sneered.

“I’ll leave everything clean, I’ll sign a pledge, leave with nothing!” Ye Lian turned pale, knowing Xiaoliu Village meant losing half his life even if he survived. Selfish to the extreme, he abandoned all resistance and cried out.

“Sign a pledge to leave with nothing?” came a sinister voice from behind. Ye Lian turned to see Liu Fengyin approaching slowly.

Having lost two teeth, Liu Fengyin spoke with a whistle; his eyes showed humiliation and rage. For a long time, his authority over the Liu family had depended on his position as village head, allowing him to interact directly with the county magistrate and wield power under the government’s banner. But today’s events had revealed to all his neighbors that he was merely bluffing; henceforth his prestige would plummet, and the Ye family of Wu Ze Po would no longer respect him.

Just now, Ye Dan had left without even greeting him—a gesture unthinkable in the past.

All this was due to his son-in-law, whose inability to control his lust was one thing, but who had concocted such a farce, bringing shame upon him.

“Indeed, I’ll leave everything clean, just please don’t pursue me,” Ye Lian begged. “I was your daughter’s husband for thirty years; if not for that, then for your grandson’s sake, please spare me!”

“You didn’t think of this when that wretch stole property,” Liu Fengyin sneered. “You’ve caused such trouble, and now you hope to settle it by leaving empty-handed?”

“I am still of the Ye family; if anything happens to me, Ye Dan and Ye Chang won’t let it go,” Ye Lian said desperately. He knew his life was at stake and unleashed his persuasive skills, “They may ignore me now, but if I die by your hand, they’ll certainly involve the county officials and make trouble for you!”

Liu Fengyin was startled.

What Ye Lian said was not impossible, and Liu Fengyin himself had done such things more than once!

If that were the case, Ye Lian could not be dealt with easily; at least he could not die in Xiaoliu Village, or else the resulting uproar might bring disaster to the Liu clan.

“Beat him!” Liu Fengyin ordered. “Death may be spared, but suffering shall not.”

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