Chapter Twenty: The Jade Buddha

  "What's the plan?"

  Ren Zhongjie drank a cup of wine and slowly said, "This is just a legend. I don't dare to confirm whether he is true or credible."

  "Hu Zhongren said: 'Don't beat around the bush, tell me quickly.'"

  Ren Zhongjie said: "In the seventh volume of 'Xie Du', there is an article called 'Ji Nu': It says that Jing Sheng, who was born in Qingjing, returned home after sailing overseas. On the way, he met a person with 'green eyes and curly whiskers, black body like a ghost'. He took pity on this person's drifting and homelessness, and brought him back home as a servant. This person had no hobbies or abilities, but there was one thing he wanted to do: after dinner, go to the pond to wash up, then find a corner to crouch in, without speaking or laughing."

  If it goes on like this, then the preciousness of meeting a mermaid will not be seen. Coincidentally, in Jing Sheng Temple, he met a beautiful woman by chance, and she was born with "slender willow waist, playing shadow flowing light, bright as a cloud spitting out the moon". Jing Sheng fell in love at first sight, and then went to propose, but unfortunately, the girl's mother said: "The girl's name is Wan Zhu, and she must get 10,000 shining pearls before she can agree." Jing Sheng thought that even if he sold all his family's property, it would be hard to prepare. So "during the day, he wrote empty words, at night, he felt melancholic dreams, suddenly a month passed, and he fell ill in bed". Many doctors were invited to diagnose him, but they all said: "Miscellaneous diseases can be cured, but lovesickness is not curable."

  At this time, the merman entered and asked about his illness. Jing Sheng, who was waiting for his death, spoke with a "good" tone. "One day I will be gone before dawn, where are you going to return?" The words were sincere and heartfelt, and we were moved when we heard them, let alone the merman? Indeed, after listening, the merman burst into loud sobs, tears streaming down his face, and when he looked down, a piece of crystal light flashed, but every grain was a wish-fulfilling pearl. Jing Sheng suddenly jumped up, and his illness was cured without medicine. The merman was very surprised, and Jing Sheng said: "I was ill and dying because I lacked your tears!" He then explained the whole story. The merman was also delighted, picked up the pearls to count them, but naturally they were not enough. He turned around and sighed: "The master is also poor and humble, getting treasures suddenly makes him happy, why not wait a little longer and cry for you with all his heart?"

  Jing Sheng asked him to cry again. The merman said, "My laughter and tears are all born from the heart, unlike those on the worldly path who mechanically shed tears and move with a false face towards people."

  To seek the pearl, Jing Sheng and the merman went to the sea together. The place with vast misty waves and a bright moon shining on the blue sea was the merman's hometown. With the sea in front of him and the wind by his side, he gazed at the moon and thought of his homeland, raised his cup and got drunk, and the merman sighed: "Everything looks desolate, where is my old home?" He stroked his chest and let out a sob, tears falling down. Sheng took a jade plate to hold them and said "It's enough", the merman said "Worry comes from within, it can't be cut off".

  Ren Zhongjie stopped talking, and Hu Zhongren said: "Is it that Madame Jiuxiao's illness requires a Night Pearl?"

  "Absolutely not, absolutely not."

  Hu Zhongren angrily said: "Since it's not about using bright pearls for treatment, what's the point of telling this story?" He unwittingly showed a displeased expression.

  Ren Zhongjie said, "Younger brother, don't be anxious, listen to me continue speaking. But then this mermaid's tears flowed endlessly, her emotions stirred within, and she cried until she was exhausted and died. Jing Sheng felt grateful for her help and couldn't help but mournfully cry over her corpse. It's also strange to say that at that time the mermaid suddenly transformed into a gust of clear wind and dispersed, leaving behind four identical jade Buddha statues in front of Jing Sheng. Later, a high-ranking monk told Jing Sheng that this mermaid was extremely sentimental and emotional, so the jade Buddha she transformed into had a special power: one piece could guide you to your desired space on a full moon night; two pieces could emit divine power and dispel demonic obstacles. Three pieces combined could form a storm tunnel, guiding several people with fate to travel through different dimensions. However, this is just a legend, and it's likely that such an extraordinary jade Buddha doesn't exist in the world."

  "It's really strange, maybe the one on Madam Jiuxiao's body is the legendary Biyu Buddha. " Hu Zhongren muttered to himself. "If it's true, then I can go ask Yueshan for the other one, he gave one of the Biyu Buddhas to his fiancée as a token." As he thought about this, his tightly furrowed brow relaxed, and even a hint of a smile appeared between his eyebrows. Ha ha, Madam Jiuxiao is saved!

  Ren Zhongjie saw him laughing brightly and guessed: "Could it be that you possess this extraordinary treasure?" Hu Zhongren was richer than a king, his cousin Yang Liuqing had opened a gold, silver and jewelry store, the boss behind it was Hu Zhongren.

  "The emerald jade Buddha was on Qingqing's body, I saw it with my own eyes, and because it was the same as Yueshan's jade Buddha, I suspected that she was Yueshan's fiancée." Hu Zhongren recalled how shocked he was when he saw the emerald jade Buddha, and hurriedly told his suspicions about Liu Qingqing.

  Ren Zhongjie nodded in agreement, "It seems that I am certain that the Ninth Lady really has a case of dementia. Because only those who possess this Jade Buddha are most likely to contract this disease, because this Jade Buddha has spirituality, it will prompt people to produce delusional thoughts." He also said, "In that case, we just need to find Yue Qianshan and get the Biyu Buddha to cure the Ninth Lady's illness."

  Hu Zhongren nodded in agreement. "The Green Jade Buddha was a token of affection given by Yue Qianshan to his fiancée, I will set out immediately to find Yue Qianshan and borrow the Green Jade Buddha from his fiancée, hoping it can cure Liu Qingqing's illness."

  Ren Zhongjie advised: "The northern mountain is high and the water is long, your own affairs are so busy, why not send someone to invite Yue Qianshan, explain the situation, and help you bring back the Biyu Buddha."

  Hu Zhongren sighed: "Brother, can I still do other things? Only now did I understand what Yue Qianshan said - one inch of ash for every thought, and the ashes reignite with true heart. Better to die without love than be unfeeling, for loving and knowing each other is like gold and stone." Looking at the Phoenix Pavilion in front of him, Hu Zhongren suddenly returned to the days when he was in love with Xiulian. This Phoenix Pavilion was built by him for his beloved Xiulian back then, but now it's empty and left with only regret. Although Liu Qingqing and Xiulian have vastly different personalities, they both ignited passion in his heart, especially Liu Qingqing who rekindled the emotions he had suppressed for many years, making him want to go all out for her.

  "Brother, let me tell you, when you truly love her, no matter if you were previously acquainted or complete strangers, once you've made up your mind that this is the person you love now, life without her would be completely meaningless. When such feelings arise, nothing in life can be more fascinating or more depressing."

  Hu Zhongren's eyes were filled with emotions, yes, although the ending of his love for Xiulian was painful, but because he had loved, he didn't regret it. Nowadays, as for Liu Qingqing, he truly liked her more and more as they spent time together, having long walked out from their initial dislike of each other at first glance. He even felt that Liu Qingqing could pull him out of his nostalgia for Xiulian.

  Ren Zhongjie also moved with genuine emotion: "Sorry, Zhongren. In the past, Xiulian hurt you so badly, but you still treat her like this. As your older brother, I have to apologize to you for that. What's rare is that your passion hasn't faded away. To be honest, these few years, I've been really worried about you. Seeing how you didn't care about the several wives who succeeded Xiulian, letting Yang Liuqing do as she pleased... I was really anxious, afraid that you had already become numb to love. Now, seeing you filled with longing again, my heart is relieved. How about this? I'll go to Sai Bei in your place to find Yue Qianshan, and you stay home to take care of Jiu Furen?"

  Hu Zhongren looked at Ren Zhongjie with gratitude: "Big brother, such deep feelings, I have no way to repay."

  "Stop talking about this. As your own brother, I should help you out. Besides, it's always been our Ren family that has wronged you. Even if I were to die for you, it would be hard to repay the deep kindness."

  Hu Zhongren said, "Since big brother says so, I won't be polite either. I'm indeed worried about Liu Qingqing's situation. If I can get big brother's help, I'd be extremely grateful. Just as big brother said, there's no one I trust more than big brother." After thinking for a moment, he said, "You and I will go upstairs together to see the Biyu Buddha. I think the Biyu Buddha on Liu Qingqing's body should be one of them, you come identify it. Moreover, you don't need to go to Sai Bei for now, just going to Kyoto is enough. Because Yue Qianshan said in his letter a few days ago that he will arrive in Kyoto soon to welcome his own fiancée."

  Ren Zhongjie nodded. The two of them arrived at the Feng Qi Building. Yingying saw that they were two young masters and hastily reported, saying that Hu Shao and Ren Shao had come. Xiaolian hurriedly came out to greet them, and Hu Zhongren asked: "How is Madame Ji now?"

  "Madam is already awake and reading in the study. Hu Zhongren nodded slightly and said to Ren Zhongjie, 'Brother Ren, please.'"

  Standing at the door of the study, Hu Zhongren coughed heavily to announce his arrival. As expected, Liu Qingqing heard the sound and shifted her gaze from the book to him. She looked surprised: "Handsome guy, you're here! You're really top-notch!" Liu Qingqing thought to herself, where did this ancient beauty come from? He's so charming, let me get a closer look. She quickly walked over to Hu Zhongren and touched his face, "So smooth, so delicate!" Then she pinched his chest and buttocks hard, "Such a firm chest, such a solid butt, it's got some bounce to it!"

  Hu Zhongren felt his blood rushing up, and his pants immediately pitched a small tent. He thought to himself, "This girl is really naughty, we're doing this in public!" He lowered his face, saying: "You're being too flirtatious, what kind of behavior is this!" His eyes signaled to Liu Qingqing: "My dear lady, please let go, there are other people behind us."

  Liu Qingqing cupped her hands around Hu Zhongren's face and said loudly, "What are you shy about? Why don't we just make love?" Hu Zhongren was helpless, so he covered her mouth with his hand and pressed her onto the chair. Liu Qingqing laughed loudly and said, "So you like SM, I can cooperate."

  Hú Zhōngrén listlessly pursed his lips.

  She's doing things according to her own fantasy and doesn't know it's you. The implication is that you shouldn't be too self-righteous, one sentence was like a bucket of ice water, poured down on his head, Hu Zhongren's enthusiasm and passion disappeared instantly. Melancholy and coldness returned to his face. Fortunately! Almost forgot the purpose of coming, had to admit, this Liu Qingqing really has the ability to tempt people. Even Ren Zhongjie didn't dare to look at her straight, afraid that he couldn't resist the temptation.

  Hu Zhongren took a step forward, standing behind Liu Qingqing with the back of the chair in between, and stretched out his hand to pull out the emerald Buddha from around Liu Qingqing's neck to show Ren Zhongjie.

  Ren Zhongjie stood at the door, a few steps away, and saw that the Maitreya Buddha made of jade was smiling at him as if asking him something. He felt as if the Maitreya was looking at him. So he said: "Indeed, just like my father said, it's vivid and lifelike, captivating one's heart. I'll remember this." Liu Qingqing held onto Hu Zhongren's hand and replied: "Of course it's real, this jade Buddha is a transformed dragon person, it's an object of utmost sentiment and nature, not just any ordinary jade Buddha can compare to it, in this world there are only four of them, they're rare treasures."

  Hu Zhongren was overjoyed: He gently stroked the hair on Liu Qing's forehead with his hand, "Do you know the origin of this jade Buddha? You said where did you get this jade Buddha from?"

  "This jade Buddha was given to my mom by her lover, who is also my dad. Of course, my grandma said it was passed down from her grandma's grandma, but I have no way of verifying who's telling the truth. As for how I know the origin of this jade..."

  Hu Zhongren patted him on the back and urged: "Come on, say it quickly!"

  Liu Qingqing picked up the book on the table "Ah, it's right here." Hu Zhongren took a closer look and almost choked with laughter. It turned out she was reading "Harmonics". Even Ren Zhongjie couldn't help but laugh at Liu Qingqing's words.

  "In that case, my virtuous younger brother, I will set off immediately to the capital city to find Yue Qianshan." Ren Zhongjie said with a hint of a smile on his face.

  Liu Qingqing said: "This brother, actually, you look great when you smile! I really like you!" She wanted to get up and approach him, but Hu Zhongren quickly pressed down on her shoulder, "Stop it, don't be rude, he's the big brother, how dare you flirt with him!"

  Ren Zhongjie couldn't help but show a hint of panic, "I'm leaving, Zhongren, you don't have to see me off." He bowed his head in farewell and quickly left the study. It's rare to see a woman drive a man away in such a manner, we know that Liu Qingqing, this modern-day femme fatale, is truly intimidating in their ancient times.

  Hu Zhongren was also worried that Liu Qingqing would chase after him down the stairs, so he loudly called out: "Xiaolian, please see Ren off for me, I won't be sending him off myself. Be careful on your way!" Liu Qingqing slightly stood up, kicked the chair aside and said: "Everyone's gone, let's make love?" This was too direct, it was truly dizzying!