Chapter 342: An Unexpected Guest
"Both Left Vice-Minister and Minister Yan explicitly stated earlier that Zhao Chun's Longevity Portrait is utterly incomparable to the work of the young master from the Li family. And the other party... isn’t he several years younger than Zhao Chun? Could it be that this generation of the Li family has truly produced a prodigy?"
As the guests exchanged idle chatter about the earlier events, expressions of astonishment were written all over their faces.
Zhao Chun had gained renown at a young age. Although he had not achieved any dazzling success in the imperial examinations, his talents in calligraphy and painting were unparalleled, far surpassing his peers in the capital.
Of course, Zhao Chun was ultimately still young, lacking the experience necessary to rival true masters like Zuo Qiu and Yan Zhang. Yet, for someone even younger to surpass Zhao Chun in calligraphy and painting and for Zuo Qiu to personally admit his own inferiority—other than calling him a prodigy, no one could think of another term to describe this individual.
For a prominent family, producing a prodigy was undoubtedly a blessing. It could greatly enhance the family's reputation and secure its legacy. However, the situation with the Li family was unique. The main branch of the family had effectively disappeared twenty years ago, and the current head was the second master, Li Mingze. If the younger generation of the Li family continued to be mediocre, the eventual decline of the family seemed inevitable, and the position of family head would naturally pass to the eldest son of the second branch.
Now, at this critical juncture, the Li family’s so-called prodigious eldest grandson had made a powerful return. The Old Matron’s stance remained unclear. Who would inherit the family headship in the future?
Such matters, of course, were not for the guests to concern themselves with.
Those with a keen eye could sense an undercurrent beneath the calm from the darkened expression of the family matron.
The Li family was already in decline, and the Fang family was no pushover either. As for how this family matter would be resolved, no one could predict.
As for Li Yi, he wasn’t particularly interested in the political maneuverings of the family. At the moment, he was preoccupied with something else entirely.
He recalled his prior arrangement with the old monk: after the Old Matron’s birthday banquet, someone from Hanshan Temple would descend the mountain to collect the scriptures. Back in the day, the monk Xuanzang had endured eighty-one tribulations and traveled eighty thousand miles to obtain the true scriptures, suffering countless hardships. He was nearly steamed into dumplings by demons on multiple occasions, all to achieve perfection. Compared to that, the old monk’s task of waiting a few days for a handwritten manuscript was far too easy.
Jingdu was a peculiar place—whatever you thought of often seemed to manifest. Just as Li Yi was deliberating how many days he could reasonably stall, a large bald head appeared within his field of vision.
At the same time, the guests also noticed a sudden brightness around them.
"Is that...?"
"Master Tan Yin! That’s Master Tan Yin!"
"What is Master Tan Yin doing here? Could he also be here to celebrate the Old Matron’s birthday?"
...
Amidst the seated guests, the sudden appearance of a conspicuous bald head was particularly striking. If this bald head happened to belong to Master Tan Yin, a renowned monk of Hanshan Temple who had received imperial accolades on multiple occasions, it was impossible not to draw attention.
The Buddhist faith boasted countless devotees, and many of those present were devout followers. How could they not recognize Master Tan Yin?
Upon hearing the report from a servant, the Old Matron dared not delay and promptly went to greet him. First, she respectfully performed a Buddhist salutation before saying, "I was unaware of Master’s arrival and failed to greet you from afar. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness."
Even the head of the Li family, Li Mingze, could only stand silently to the side, not daring to interrupt.
With his signature serene smile, the old monk replied, "No need for such courtesy, Old Matron. This humble monk has come specifically to congratulate you on your birthday. I bring no lavish gifts, only a simple handwritten copy of the Diamond Sutra, which I present to you."
A young monk accompanying Master Tan Yin immediately stepped forward, carrying an aged wooden box. Master Tan Yin took it with both hands and personally offered it to the Old Matron.
Not only were the guests left dumbfounded, but even members of the Li family were stunned by the scene.
Master Tan Yin was a highly revered figure. Ordinary people could only dream of catching a glimpse of him. Even nobles of the royal family had to book appointments well in advance. Compared to such individuals, the Li family seemed insignificant.
Yet, Master Tan Yin had personally come to celebrate the Old Matron’s birthday, and he even presented a handwritten scripture. Who would dare call this a simple gift? For smaller families, such an item would undoubtedly become a treasured heirloom.
"Master, please, take the seat of honor," the Old Matron said, her shock mingled with pleasant surprise. She dared not be remiss and personally guided the monk to the main seat. Master Tan Yin, however, insisted on sitting in the seat next to the Old Matron. Li Mingyuan, recognizing the situation, tactfully moved to another table.
The guests’ gazes frequently shifted toward this area. Aside from the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebrations, they had never heard of Master Tan Yin attending anyone’s birthday. What merits did the Li family possess to deserve such an honor?
Moreover, it seemed that Master Tan Yin harbored a deep goodwill toward the Li family.
Though the Buddhist order refrains from meddling in worldly affairs, no one would dare underestimate its influence. Master Tan Yin’s visit to the Li family would undoubtedly cause a stir in Jingdu once word got out.
"Quickly, replace everything on this table with vegetarian dishes," Li Mingze instructed the servants as soon as Master Tan Yin took his seat.
"That won’t be necessary..." Master Tan Yin smiled. "Today is the Old Matron’s birthday. This humble monk has delivered my modest gift and wishes only to meet a certain young friend. I won’t stay long."
"A young friend?" Li Mingze was taken aback, and puzzled expressions surfaced on the faces of the guests.
The old monk rose, gesturing for the Old Matron to remain seated, and headed straight toward a certain corner of the hall.
Of course, no one could truly ignore his movements. All eyes followed his gaze.
"Don’t act rashly! This isn’t the right time!" Li Yi clung tightly to Second Miss Liu’s sword, refusing to let go. If she rushed over to challenge the old monk to a duel now, the Old Matron’s grand sixtieth birthday celebration would be utterly ruined.
"Li Yi, my young friend," the old monk called out with a smile as he approached. "I have come uninvited and hope you won’t take offense."
The small monk trailing behind Master Tan Yin had been following closely, but when his gaze fell on the beautiful woman next to Li Yi, his face turned pale with a flicker of panic. He quickly shifted to stand on the other side of the old monk.
"It’s been a while, Master. You’re as spirited as ever..." Li Yi replied absentmindedly, his thoughts focused on the scriptures. He wondered why this so-called eminent monk couldn’t be a bit more composed. Wasn’t there still two days left before the deadline?
"The scriptures haven’t been finished yet, Master. There’s no need to hurry. I’ll send them to the temple once they’re done," Li Yi added.
Master Tan Yin chuckled and said, "There’s no rush. This humble monk merely felt that you possess a deep affinity with Buddhism. If given the opportunity, it would be a joy to debate Buddhist philosophy with you. Hanshan Temple, though small, will always have a place for you."