Chapter 27
Putuo Mountain was situated among the islands of Zhou Mountains . Putuo Mountain, together with Wutai Mountain, E'Mei Mountain, and Jiuhua Mountain were the four famous Buddhist Mountains, also where people gather to practice Avalokiteśvara's philosophy . Putuo Mountain had also been mentioned in some well-known sayings regarding famous mountains .
At the foot of Putuo Mountain facing the east where the land met the sea was where people came to watch the sunrise . There was a house neither big nor small, constructed by using green bricks and surrounded by a yard filled with plants and flowers . Within the house was a Buddha hall and in there was seated an old man in Buddhist robe . He looked to be over 60 years old and was meditating .
There were two men standing outside the Buddha Hall . One of the was Yang Deng, who had a fight with Qin Sheng . He had just recovered recently, although still looking weak . There was a middle-aged man by his side who had a cheerful countenance, who was playing with a string of Buddhist beads .
There were no strangers in the house and there was only one way leading up to it . With one man guarding the gate, there was no possibility of trespassers . Apart from the servants, the place was only occupied by the old man and two other stewards . However, there were often visitors who came by . The old man often went to the temple to meet the teachers there to discuss the Buddhist teachings . Besides reciting the Buddhist Sutra everyday, he either slept or wandered around the island whenever he liked . He was most excited to speak with tourist because that was the time he met some interesting people .
By the time the old man exited from the Buddhist hall, Yang Deng and the middle-aged man quickly went up to him and greeted him, "Third Master," with respect .
"Little stool, have you recovered from your injury?" Third Master asked . He had shaved his head and grown a long beard and he hunched a little . Fortunately, his legs were still strong . All who saw him would make the comment that he had a Buddha's face . After all, he had devoted himself in the Buddhist teachings for over many years and his countenance was that of a kind soul . However, his mannerism exuberated an imposing aura .
Feeling a little guilty, Yang Deng answered saying, "Third Master, I have embarrassed you because of my lack of capabilities . I will have no complains if you decide to punish me . "
"Han Guoping is dead . This matter has come to a close . It's not a bad thing to experience failure . There is bound to be people better than us . We all grow from our experiences and no one could be at the top all the time . A person who rises to the top very quickly will fall down harder," the old man said with a kind smile . The children living around there who saw him often always called him Grandfather Wu . It seemed as if nobody knew his real identity . In fact, he was a highly influential figure throughout the entire Yangtze River Delta .
He was none other than Third Master Wu, who had cornered Han Guoping and whom Jiang Xianbang feared and respected at the same time . His life was so dramatic that it could be written into a book .
Despite the fact that this old man had left the political arena for many years, his successors whom he nurtured had all become powerful people in society .
"Third Master, I have found out information about the young man according to your instructions . He seemed to not have any relationship with Jiang Xianbang . I am sure they are not relatives," the middle-aged man beside him said, looking perplexed .
Third Master raised his eyebrows and snorted . "No relationship? If they are not related, why would the cunning Jiang Xianbang be willing to part with his treasures and offered his antiques to me?"
"I have failed," the middle-aged man hung his head and trembled as he continued, "Qin Sheng was from Xi'an . He orphaned at a young age and lived with his grandfather . Eventually, he came to Shanghai to study in Fudan University . It was during those days he started to have contact with Jiang Xianbang . However, he vanished for two years after graduating from university before reappearing again recently . As with regards to his relationship with Han Guoping, we can't find anything . The only thing we found was that he was instructed by Han Guoping to protect his daughter . "
"Is there any news about his grandfather?" Third Master Wu asked with interest .
The middle-aged man shook his head and said, "Nothing much, just that he passed away two years ago . "
Third Master Wu went into deep thought . Then he felt it was a little funny and thought that this young man was rather interesting .
"Third Master, what shall we do about this matter?" the middle-aged man asked .
Third Master Wu continued walking toward the beach where it was very windy . He had not gotten used to the strong evening wind . Shaking his head, he said, "I am letting the matter rest . After all, I have accepted those expensive gifts from Jiang Xianbang, and I should at least give him face . Moreover, there wasn't really any hard feelings between Han Guoping and me . It was only because he was too arrogant and bruised my pride . He was not my match at all . It is my usual practice to add icing on the cake, either good or bad, depending on the person's relationship with me . "
"I know what to do now," replied the middle-aged man who smiled and nodded .
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