Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Nobleman
Translator: 549690339 j
Jinshan Temple.
Liang Ying didn’t have to sulk for long, as Zheng Wanchun had returned to the temple and appeared before him again.
“Sheriff Zheng.”
Liang Ying greeted him proactively. Zheng Wanchun took a look at him, let out a light sigh, and laughed, “It seems that Lord Liang slept extremely well last night. You look much more spirited than before.’’
Before Liang Ying could even answer, Zheng Wanchun leaned in and whispered, “Have you found anything after a day here?1’
Liang Ying shook his head slightly. Zheng Wanchun didn’t seem disappointed, because if they could find people that easily, they wouldn’t have spent so much time finding the clues up to this point.
“It doesn’t matter; we were always prepared for a long battle. Lord Liang, you don’t have to be too anxious. The County Lord still has great trust in you.
However, yesterday we only met the Chief of Reception Xuan Nan and none of the other high monks. It is a bit of a pity.
I wonder if there is any particular monk that Lord Liang wants to meet; today we can visit them and hope to be as refreshed as Lord Liang?”
Just as Liang Ying wanted to shake his head to say that he had no one in mind, he thought of Liang Qi he saw today and nodded his head.
“Sheriff Zheng, today as I was passing by Discipline Hall, 1 heard sounds of martial arts practice. We are all martial artists; how about going to the Discipline Hall first?”
Since Zheng Wanchun had come to Jinshan Temple to investigate the strengths of the monks, he agreed to this suggestion without hesitation. The Abbot of Discipline Hall should be responsible for martial matters, so his cultivation level shouldn’t be lower than Master Xuan Nan.
Both agreed without further ado. They first visited Master Xuan Nan at Reception Hall, because Liang Ying had been turned away before, and they were worried they wouldn’t meet the Abbot of Discipline Hall if they went straight there.
Xuan Nan, who had just finished his morning class, hurried out upon learning of the arrival of Liang Ying and Zheng Wanchun from his novice monk.
After listening to Liang Ying’s intentions, he thought of Abbot Xuankong’s instructions from yesterday and agreed readily.
“If you two gentlemen are interested in the disciples of Discipline Hall, please follow me.”
This time, thanks to Xuan Nan leading the way, the martial monks in front of the Discipline Hall didn’t block their entrance, and Liang Ying met the Abbot Xuanji of the Discipline Hall.
At this moment, Zheng Wanchun was secretly awed. Jinshan Temple indeed possessed formidable monks, as Xuan Ji had actually reached the Post-Natal “Eighth” Level.
But just as Liang Ying looked around and couldn’t help but ask, “Venerable Monk Xuan Ji, where is Master Hongzhi?”
Xuan Ji looked up at Liang Ying, and with a meaningful tone, he said, “Hongzhi went down the mountain to visit friends in Jinzhou City today; he will only be back in the evening.”
“Oh? How unfortunate! Master Hongzhi went to Jinzhou City?”
Hearing this, Liang Ying couldn’t help but frown. Seeing his expression, Xuan Ji asked him what he needed from Hongzhi.
Liang Ying could only shake his head, stating that he was only asking because Hongzhi wasn’t there. Then they followed Xuan Ji and watched the practice of martial arts by the monks of the Discipline Hall.
Jinshan Temple was generous in showing them everything without concealing anything. After that, the two of them took leave and went back to their guest room.
Only then did Zheng Wanchun inquire about who Master Hongzhi was. Liang Ying naturally didn’t hide anything. After finding out it was Liang Qi from the Liang Family, his eyes flashed with excitement.
However, Zheng Wanchun didn’t say much and prepared to leave. “It’s a bother for Lord Liang to stay at the temple for a few more days. Once the County Lord has other orders, I will inform Lord Liang.”
Then Zheng Wanchun left the mountain, realizing that Jinshan Temple was indeed extraordinary, filled with many masters. He feared the County Lord should be prepared in advance.
But where was rhe person they were looking for?
Jinzhou City.
At this moment, Liang Sheng wasn’t at the Shengde Building but had been dragged to Zhang Rongjun’s not-yet-open teahouse.
“Brother Sheng, 1 invited you here today for two reasons: first, to show you the location of my teahouse, and second, to borrow your name to boost its reputation.”
Zhang Rongjun didn’t hide his intentions at all. People can’t be too cunning, especially between old friends. Sincerity is key, as it moves people the most.
Liang Sheng wasn’t angry when he heard this, as he would probably do the same if he were in Zhang Rongjun’s shoes. It wasn’t too much to ask.
“Brother Rong, in that case, when the teahouse opens, I must be served the best tea.”
“Hahaha, Yuntai, did you hear that? Remember to save the best tea leaves for my Uncle Liang separately.”
“You rascal!”
At this moment, Liang Sheng couldn’t help but pat Zhang Rongjun’s shoulder. T o this day, the only one left who could still tease and argue with him like the old days was Zhang Rongjun.
At this moment, some people around were dodging their eyes, but Liang Sheng didn’t care, knowing that they were Niu Ben’s subordinates who wanted to take over the teahouse.
However, after today, their opponent probably won’t ever think about taking over the teahouse again. No matter how much a “waste” he is, he’s still a Liang.
Moreover, he could rely on Sheriff Zheng Wanchun’s deterrence to keep the troublemakers in Jinzhou City at bay.
Seeing that his goal was accomplished, Zhang Rongjun didn’t waste any more time and invited Liang Sheng to go drink wine together.
But they had barely walked a few steps when they were stopped by someone. Liang Sheng was somewhat surprised when he saw who it was.
However, Zhang Rongjun was the first to speak, showing first a hint of confusion before realizing something and blurting out.
“Liang Qi?”
The person who had stopped them was Master Hongzhi, who had come down the mountain and entered the city. Naturally, he also knew Zhang Rongjun and immediately brought his hands together in a gesture of respect.
“Liang Jushi,” he said to Zhang Rongjun before continuing, “Zhang Jushi, it’s been a long time./’
“You, you, you…”
Because of his great surprise, Zhang Rongjun stammered a bit before Liang Sheng whispered, “Master Hongzhi has entered the Buddhist path. 1’11 explain the details to you later.”
After saying this, Liang Sheng laughed and said, ’’Master Hongzhi, this morning magpies were chirping, and 1 thought some good fortune is coming my way. It turns out it is bumping into you.”
Hongzhi just smiled without saying anything, but Zhang Rongjun was still somewhat taken aback. However, they were old acquaintances, and they had once had a relationship at Yichun Building.
Since they met here by chance, it was fate. Zhang Rongjun immediately said, “Brother Sheng, as we bumped into each other today, why not have a meal together?”
Liang Sheng naturally wouldn’t refuse such an offer, but it ultimately depended on Hongzhi’s intention. To his surprise, Hongzhi agreed without hesitation.
Well, then what are they waiting for?
When everyone returned to Shengde Building, because of Hongzhi s presence, they didn’t drink wine, and most of the dishes served were vegetarian.
Fortunately, rhe chefs at Shengde Building were experienced in preparing vegetarian meals, so they handled it skillfully.
Zhang Yuntai acted as the waiter, pouring tea and water for everyone. At this moment, a remark by Hongzhi caught Liang Sheng’s attention.
Liang Ying had not descended the mountain yesterday but planned to stay longer. According to Hongzhi’s description, the one accompanying Liang Ying to Jinshan Temple should be Zheng Wanchun. This made Liang Sheng wonder a bit.
However, Liang Sheng was always cautious and had already noticed during the conversation that Hongzhi was also probing for information from him.
But the subject of Hongzhi’s inquiry was the recent situation in Jinzhou City and the Liang Family. This confirmed to Liang Sheng that encountering Hongzhi was no coincidence, but on purpose.
However, Liang Sheng did not reveal any of his thoughts. Instead, he related the recent situation in Jinzhou City, and in return, Hongzhi unknowingly revealed quite a bit of information about Jinshan Temple.
When the meal was over, Hongzhi excused himself to leave and return to Jinshan Temple. As soon as he left, Zhang Rongjun immediately asked about Hongzhi becoming a monk.
Liang Sheng simply said a few words before dismissing him. Sitting alone in the room, he analyzed and summarized all the information he had gathered.
It seemed that the County Government Office and Jinshan Temple had suddenly become entwined for some reason. Both sides were probing each other’s situations, making the situation even more complex.
Could something be about to happen?
Afterward, he heard the news that County Lord Xia Zhiqiu had hurried to the city gate as if to receive a distinguished guest. People only saw Xia Zhiqiu dismounting his horse and personally leading the horse carriage into the County Government Office.
Most frightening was the large number of Dragon Suppression Guards from the provincial government escorting them.
T his news immediately made Liang Sheng think of the entanglement between the County Government Office and Jinshan Temple, making him feel that something was wrong with rhe situation.
Meeting Liang Qi today was also uncertain whether it was good or bad. In his heart, he silently recited a few words as a lesson.
Don’t meddle in others’ affairs, focus on cultivation!
