Chapter Ninety-Two: Haichan Temple

In truth, Master Cheng cared deeply for Zhang Qinglin. Over the years, while Cheng Che helped Zhang Qinglin search for clues, Master Cheng privately sought out many people for information. Partly, it was because of Zhang Qinglin’s tragic fate, but also because of how closely he and Cheng Che had grown. Under Zhang Qinglin’s influence, Cheng Che’s once arrogant nature had begun to change—a development that brought Master Cheng much joy and comfort.

Not only did Master Cheng tell Zhang Qinglin where Wu Mingshi could be found, he also invited him alone into the study for a private conversation. Even Cheng Che was surprised; it was rare for the old man to treat anyone so kindly.

As Zhang Qinglin left the study, he heard a commotion in the living room below—Aunt Yi’s voice echoing through the house. It turned out that Master Cheng’s young wife, Ji Xiu’en, had returned with her brother Ji Xiaolan. Upon seeing Cheng Che, she gave him a cold reception, and soon an argument erupted.

When Zhang Qinglin and Master Cheng descended the stairs, they saw Cheng Che gripping Ji Xiaolan by the collar, glaring at him, fist raised in anger. Ji Xiu’en stood nearby, hurling sharp, bitter insults at Cheng Che. When she saw Master Cheng come down, she immediately ran over with feigned grievance, begging him to set things right.

Master Cheng, anger boiling, bellowed, “Enough!”

Ji Xiu’en, undeterred, added in her mocking tone, “Every time you come back to this house, chaos and foul air follow. Look at the company you keep—you’ve even upset the master of the house!”

Chi Tan stood awkwardly by the side, eyes wide at her words, which were clearly aimed at him.

“What are you talking about? If it weren’t for you, my mother would never have left,” Cheng Che retorted furiously, shoving Ji Xiaolan aside and storming toward Ji Xiu’en.

Ji Xiu’en quickly hid behind Master Cheng, who shot her a sidelong glare before turning to Cheng Che. “That’s enough!” he commanded.

Cheng Che glared back, then turned and ran out of the house. Chi Tan and Zhang Qinglin were left standing awkwardly. Zhang Qinglin, polite as always, turned to Master Cheng and said, “Uncle Cheng, don’t be upset. I’ll go check on him.”

Outside the Cheng family villa, they found Cheng Che standing alone. Zhang Qinglin and his companions caught up to him, hailed a cab, dropped Cheng Che off at his rented apartment in the Eastern District, and then returned to the courtyard house.

At the gate, Zhang Qinglin saw Wu Cheng’an waiting. Together, they entered the courtyard, where Jiang Xinyue was sitting outside, waiting for them. Uncle Jiang had not yet returned.

The next morning, Cheng Che drove his Jaguar to the courtyard house. As he saw Wu Cheng’an coming out with his backpack, Zhang Qinglin and Jiang Xinyue were chatting at the kitchen door.

“Why are you here so early? Aren’t you going to work?” Zhang Qinglin asked.

“Work? I didn’t want to go anyway. I’ll take a couple of days off and go with you to Tianhe. I’ve brought the car, so you won’t have to trouble anyone else,” Cheng Che replied.

“You took the car out from the company? Does Uncle Cheng know?”

Jiang Xinyue, drying her hands, walked over. “What’s wrong? Did you argue with your father again? Can’t you reign in that temper of yours?”

“Ah, don’t mention the old man. He’s happier when he doesn’t see me. Are you all packed? Let’s set out early and be back early. After breakfast, we’ll leave. Is he coming along too?” Cheng Che asked, lifting a bowl of porridge at the stone table and looking at Wu Cheng’an as he approached.

“Mm.”

After Zhang Qinglin and his companions set out, their group of three became four on the road to Tianhe County. At first, Jiang Xinyue had wanted to come along—her school term hadn’t started, so she was free for a few more days. But Zhang Qinglin was worried about possible dangers, and with Uncle Jiang coming home drunk in the middle of the night, someone needed to look after him, so she stayed behind.

Jiang Xinyue remained at home, but Chi Tan suddenly appeared. He claimed Cheng Che hadn’t returned his ancient jade, and seeing Wu Cheng’an was joining, took the opportunity to sneak into the car trunk.

Zhang Qinglin was so exasperated he almost made Chi Tan get out on the highway, but they’d already entered Hebei province—letting him out here would leave him stranded. In the end, they had no choice but to bring him along.

Cheng Che sped along the highway in the Jaguar, and upon reaching Tianhe County, they discovered it was actually Yanshan Dongli, nestled at the foot of the ancient Great Wall. The natural environment here was exceptional, with distinct seasons, scenic attractions, and abundant resources. It was also a place where many ethnic groups lived together.

The scenery along the way was unique and refreshing, lifting their spirits. Yet, Zhang Qinglin could not forget their true purpose. Master Cheng had only said Wu Mingshi was praying in Tianhe, somewhere near a temple, but hadn’t specified which one.

Wu Cheng’an found out there were more than a dozen temples in Tianhe County. They first circled Guangming Temple, the closest one, but found nothing.

They also visited the famous Tianxia Temple and Turtle Divination Temple, but no one had seen the man they sought. Zhang Qinglin left the temple and headed down the mountain.

As he gazed around, he noticed a flash of dazzling light on a lush green mountain in the distance. Puzzled, he asked Cheng Che what that place was.

Cheng Che had no idea, but stopped a passerby heading up the mountain and asked. The man glanced at the spot Zhang Qinglin indicated and said, “That’s Haichan Temple, famed as the Eastern Capital’s sacred site. There, four natural spirit beasts are said to reside: the Azure Dragon at the seashore, Tiger Roar, the White Tiger and Peacock in the deep mountains, Vermilion Bird and Divine Turtle at the welcoming gate, and the Black Tortoise at the sea explorer’s end. This is truly a Buddhist holy land blessed by Heaven.”

Descending the mountain, Zhang Qinglin and his party made straight for Haichan Temple. Such a sacred place, serene and restorative, seemed a likely haven for Wu Mingshi.

They parked at the mountain’s base and entered Haichan Temple, blending with the crowd of worshippers. Their first stop was the Hall of Heavenly Kings, where Maitreya Buddha, also known as the Laughing Monk, was enshrined.

Legend has it he lived during the Five Dynasties, spoke unpredictably, slept wherever he pleased, and always carried a cloth sack on a wooden staff. He would beg for alms and put whatever he received into the sack, which never seemed to fill. When asked about Buddhist teachings, he would set down his sack; if pressed further, he would pick it up and walk away. If someone still didn’t understand, he would laugh heartily.

Thus, many temples bear a couplet: “A big belly can contain all the world’s troubles; a constant smile laughs at all laughable people.” In Buddhism, kindness is paramount, and the couplets in every hall now avoid sarcasm or discord.

Zhang Qinglin and his companions visited every main hall, but saw no sign of Wu Mingshi.

Master Cheng had said Wu Mingshi had changed his name, so the only way to find him was by recognizing his appearance. Most importantly, he had a tattoo on his earlobe.