Thousand Autumns Chapter 44: Were you very happy when you saw that I had come

Shen Qiao asked, Did they say their na?

The little priest said, Not yet. Hurry up and go take a look!

Growing up in the monastery, the boy had never seen such a big occasion. Even before Shen Qiao could reply, he was already shouting his way out to notify the abbot.

Shen Qiao walked up to the entrance. Just like the boy said, there were so carriages parked outside, and a group of people were unloading chests off them.

The crew was led by a man dressed like a servant. But, he was not an ordinary servant. Judging by his appearance and his clothes, he was at least a personal attendant who directly served a master.

Seeing that Shen Qiao had walked out, the man took a step forward. However, he didnt co close. May I ask if you are Shen Qiao?

I am, Shen Qiao said.

The other person said, I am here to deliver these gifts at the order of the Duke of Pengcheng District.

Even though Shen Qiao already knew the answer in his heart, he still asked, Who is this Duke of Pengcheng District? Im afraid I dont know him.

The other person seed rather displeased. Instead of answering Shen Qiaos question, he simply replied, The Duke of Pengcheng District said you had done him a favor in the past. A drop of water given in need shall be returned with a burst of spring. Therefore, he asked us to deliver these gifts. We hope you would kindly accept this small gratitude from us.

Without waiting for Shen Qiao to reply, he commanded the coachman and the rest of the servants with a clap of his hands, Open the chests.

Right at that ti, the abbot of the White Dragon Monastery rushed out after the two little priests to greet his guests. However, before he even had ti to say hi to Shen Qiao, he was already attracted by those chests being opened.

And they imdiately let out a gasp!

It wasnt because they were surprised. Rather, the voices were filled with disbelief.

It was because the chests were not filled with money or treasures or brocades. They were filled with nothing but donkey at burgers!

As soon as the chests were opened, the steaming, mouth-watering aroma of donkey at greeted them right in the face. The abbot and the two little Daoist priests couldnt help gulp hard.

With a disdainful look on his face, the servant sneered, The Duke of Pengcheng District asked to pass a few words for him. By the grace of you, he was able to eat a few of your burgers, and now he would like to pay you back tenfold. We dont know if these are enough. If not, well send over a few more boxes!

Shen Qiao showed no anger or fear. It was quite the contrary he even replied with a smile, Thats enough. I was just concerned about where to get my dinner since the kitchen was already closed. I have to thank your master very much for his tily help. At least I dont have to worry about my als for the next couple of days.

The servant probably didnt expect that Shen Qiao would react this way. After a mont of shock, the disdain on his face grew even stronger. He obviously thought that Shen Qiao had given in too easily. In his mind, this person must have offended his master in the past, hence the latter decided to pay him back by using such a thod.

With these thoughts in mind, he didnt take Shen Qiao seriously and only nodded, Then Ill return to report to my master.

He made a gesture, and the servants on either side imdiately dumped the donkey at burgers out of the chests.

The abbot and two little priests cried in great flurry, What are you doing?! The burgers are now dirty!

The servant laughed aloud. Master asked to give you these burgers, but he never said that boxes were included!

The donkey at burgers fell all over the floor. The juice inside them flew out, and the aroma quickly attracted many insects. They buzzed around the burgers. Even if the abbot and the little priests wanted to pick the burgers up, brush off the dust, and then eat them, they dared not do so now. They could only choke with silent fury as they stared at the burgers with regret written all over their faces.

The smile finally disappeared from Shen Qiaos face. His countenance slightly darkened.

When Chen Gong was still living in that broken temple, he didnt even have the money to buy burgers. A hot al was all it took to fill him with joy. But now, he could even do sothing like this just to vent his own anger. One couldnt help but wonder whether it was because that power and wealth really could becloud a persons heart, or whether it was the environnt that was capable of changing a persons mind and nature so easily.

Wait.

The servant slowly stopped and looked back, What else do you need, mister?

Shen Qiao said, Finish these burgers before you leave.

The servant couldnt help laughing, Mister, you must be kidding. They are gifts for you from my master. How can we eat them? Take your ti and enjoy!

He turned around. However, he wasnt able to walk far before his triumphant smile turned into horror.

He felt pain in his wrist, a pain so sharp that he could barely stand.

And before he knew it, Shen Qiao who was originally more than ten steps away from him was already standing in front of his eyes.

Face distorted by pain, he groaned, Let..go Let go!

Shen Qiaos voice dropped, Heaven bestowed grains upon us, and we shall treasure them with the utmost respect. There are many who are still starving outside the city. Therefore, please finish these burgers before you go.

Startled, horrified, and flad with anger, the servant shouted, Who do you think you are?! Do you even know who we are?! The Duke of Pengcheng District is the Emperors favorite

Shen Qiaos face looked cold and indifferent, I dont know a Duke of Pengcheng District. If you dont want to eat these, none of you shall leave today.

It seed that so of them simply refused to take in his words. Right after Shen Qiao finished, a coachman turned around and broke into a run imdiately. However, before he was three steps out, his body suddenly fell forward and he was unable to move anymore.

Shen Qiao asked, Will you eat it?

The servant shouted, Shen Qiao! If you dare humiliate , my master will definitely get revenge against you a hundred fold! Dont you ever regret it later!

Will you eat it?

I dare you AHH!!!!

He scread in anguish. The fierce appearance on his face instantly turned into one of extre pain, for Shen Qiao had grabbed him by the wrist. No one could tell what Shen Qiao did exactly. There wasnt any fracture or injury on the other persons wrist, but the servant appeared to be in so much pain that he could barely stand it. It gave everyone else a chill by looking at him.

Will you eat it?

His tone was just as calm and gentle, but his eyes slowly turned from the servant to the rest of the crowd.

Those whom he glanced over all bowed their heads and dared not look directly at him.

At this point, the attendant did not dare to act arrogantly anymore. The tone of his voice changed drastically as he trembled, Just to let mister know, our master only asked us to send over these burgers. He didnt tell us to dump the burgers out. It was , it was all my idea. Please forgive , mister. You are the bigger person. Im sure your mind is too broad to haggle over these kinds of things with us!

Shen Qiao said, If you really want to let it go, then you should finish these burgers. Otherwise, if I am to ask your master about it, your master will inevitably take his anger out on you. You need to think carefully about it.

The waiter wanted to cry, but no tears ca out. So he had no choice but to get on the ground, pick up the burgers, and start eating.

Those burgers on the ground were already cold. The servant could even taste the sand and stones mixed within as he ate them. Ever since started serving Chen Gong, he had been eating even better than the general well-off families. When did he ever have to eat food like this that even the dogs in the mansion would not eat? He almost cried when he bit down. But since Shen Qiao was still watching him from the side, he had no choice but to swallow each mouthful with the expression as if he was eating shit.

Seeing that the other people who ca together with him were all staring at him, he couldnt help but roar, What are you waiting for?! Co and help eat these!

Despite the fact that they were reluctant in every possible way, because that servant was very much favored by their master, they had to follow after him and crouch down to eat the burgers.

The Duke of Pengcheng District had always been the center of conversation ever since the day he beca the Emperors new favorite even the abbot of this monastery had heard about him. Seeing how Shen Qiao showed no trace of politeness towards these people, he was so astonished that he even forgot to close his mouth.

The young priest pulled the abbot by the corner of his robe a few tis and whispered, Master, if that Duke of sothing District cos back for revenge, will we be inflicted?

The abbot turned to him and groaned in a low voice, Shut up! Do you not see how skilled he is in martial arts?!

Shen Qiao heard him, but he pretended he did not. Those people, after eating a dozen or so burgers each, all stated with mournful faces that they really couldnt eat anymore. They pleaded with Shen Qiao to let them go.

However, there were still at least a few dozens of burgers on the ground. Shen Qiao shook his head, Even if I let you take the burgers back, theres no doubt that youll just throw them out on the way. Dont even think about leaving today before finishing them.

The servant trembled with fear, But mister, my master is still waiting for to report to him!

Shen Qiao said, Im sure hell send more people over if he doesnt see you. Wont you have more people helping you with the burgers by then?

The servant dared not speak anymore and focused back on eating.

From evening all the way till nightfall, more than a dozen or so people gobbled up and wolfed the food. It was not until their bellies were round and their faces ashen did Shen Qiao finally make them stop.

It was almost like a great amnesty to them. At this point, they could hardly keep their backs straight, so they had to help support each other as they respectfully ca to Shen Qiao to apologize.

Shen Qiao said, Go back and tell your master that Im only stopping by this place temporarily. In fact, Im leaving tomorrow, so theres no need to even think about harassing the abbot because of .

The servant forced out a smile, Mister Shen must be joking. How could we dare!

Despite what he said, he was actually planning on doing so if Shen Qiao hadnt pointed it out.

Shen Qiao didnt say anything else and let them leave.

After making sure that those devils had left, the abbot finally ca up and sighed, Mister, you have caused great trouble to our monastery. Weve always been secluded and withdrawn, and we have never stirred up disturbances. Today, trouble has fallen to us from the sky, but just what have we done to deserve this?

Shen Qiao said apologetically, Theres no need to worry. This shouldnt have had anything to do with you in the first place. Ill visit that person myself and clear things up with him tomorrow. They wont co to you anymore.

The abbot was still a little unhappy, It better be like that!

Shen Qiao took out a few copper coins from his sleeve and handed it to him, Ive inconvenienced you. I dont have much on , but please accept my token of goodwill and let know if this is enough.

Only then did the abbots face clear up a little. He looked at the two disciples who were staring at him, then coughed lightly, gathering up his sleeves. Once the copper coins were enclosed in his hand, he said, This is enough, though barely. Its late, and the wind is quite harsh. Co back in and rest.

Shen Qiao smiled and went in together with them.

The two small priests originally thought that thered be donkey at burgers to eat. However, after all the misfortune happened out of the blue, instead of burgers, they got only a show to watch. While the abbot fretted over the possibility of offending soone, the small priests on the other hand were extrely excited, especially the young priest who had previously lazily received Shen Qiao. His attitude had also changed drastically, and his gaze now practically radiated light.

Mister Shen, do you know who those guys represent? Theyre under the Duke of Pengcheng District, the new favorite minister of the Emperor! I heard that for him, the Emperor was even willing to be the

The unfinished words vanished under the pain of being hit in the back of the head by the abbot.

Thats not sothing children your age should say! the abbot scolded.

The little priest cradled the back of his head, feeling wronged, But you were the one who told us!

The abbot rolled his eyes at him, Shouldnt you go cook already? Your master is about to starve!

The little priest said, Didnt you say one shouldnt eat after noon?

The abbot said, If we live a peaceful and secluded life as usual, then of course two als a day is enough. But today, after being pulled into such a ss for no reason, the anger I experienced was so great that it even made hungry. Even if you dont eat, shouldnt you at least consider your master?!

The little priest muttered to himself, Ive only ever heard of anger making one full, not making one hungry.

The abbot made a gesture of hitting him, and the little priest quickly dodged his way out as soon as he saw it. Ill go cook!

What an ungrateful disciple! Clearly in a bad mood, the abbot said as he rubbed the other little priests head, Chuyi does nothing but fool around all day. If he could only be as well-behaved as you, Shiwu.

Shiwu smiled shyly and lifted his head to ask Shen Qiao, Mister Shen, our monastery has few ingredients, so I can only cook sothing simple. Please bear with us. Would you like to eat noodles or rice?

The abbot paled in fright, You wretched child! I just praised you and youre already causing mischief! That flour was supposed to be saved for New Years!

Right after he finished speaking, the abbot imdiately realized he had said too much. He hastily turned his head to glance at Shen Qiao, and then shafully closed his mouth.

Shiwu laughed, Mister Shen is our guest. Master always teaches us that we must know our manners. Ill go help senior brother!

Before the abbot could reply, he too had run off.

Wretched kid! The abbot was unable to stop himself from muttering, thinking how unfortunate he was today. Not only was he not able to have any donkey at burgers, but they were even going to rob him of the little amount of flour he had saved.

As if he could read the other persons mind, Shen Qiao took out a few more coins from his sleeve and handed them to the abbot with a smile, Im so sorry for letting you spend so much on !

No no, thats not what I ant! The abbot wasnt thick-skinned enough to take the money after all, so he pushed it back, which brought him closer to Shen Qiao. Only then did he realize that there was sothing strange with Shen Qiaos eyes, So your eyes?

Its from an old illness. They work a little better during the day, but I cant see very well at night.

I see. What a pity!

He didnt probe further on the subject, By the way, how did mister offend the Duke of Pengcheng District?

Shen Qiao briefly explained how he and Chen Gong had t each other in the rock bottom of their life and decided to travel together. When the abbot heard that Chen Gong brought Mu Tipo back and recomnded Shen Qiao to him in order to free himself, he couldnt hold himself any longer and cursed out, Biting the hand that fed him! What a shaless bastard!

He thought about the scene he had witnessed just now and sighed, Mister Shen, you should make sure youre well-prepared yourself if youre going to look for soone. You can totally tell that servant is a vile character. I wouldnt be surprised if he exaggerates everything in front of Chen Gong and makes Chen Gong resent you even more.

Shen Qiao said, Thank you very much for the warning, abbot. There is sothing Id like to ask you about. Have you seen a group of people traveling by recently? Within the group are two seniors, and the rest of the people are either young n or won, all very attractive. They may or may not have been wearing Daoist robes, but they should be carrying swords.

Although he had already offhandedly asked the little priest earlier, he still remained unconvinced and wanted to confirm it again.

The abbot thought for a mont, then shook his head, Not that I rember. There are quite a number of Buddhist temples and monks in Ye City, but Daoism isnt popular here. As for Daoist priests, well, there arent many other monasteries besides the White Dragon Monastery. If they wanted to seek shelter at a monastery, theyd probably co to this one. If they didnt co here, then they definitely wouldnt have gone to the other monasteries either; they wouldve probably changed into ordinary clothes and stayed at a hotel instead. Anyway, Mister Shen, if you want to look for soone, this is not the right way to do it. If the other person intends to hide from you, its very easy for you to miss them. Besides, are you certain that they are indeed traveling north around this ti?

Shen Qiao replied with a bitter smile, Youre right. Im just giving it a try.

As they were talking, they heard the little priest calling from the kitchen, Master! Mister Shen! Dinner is ready!

The abbot subconsciously walked a little faster. Suddenly, he rembered that Shen Qiao was still next to him, so he quickly ca to a halt and smiled awkwardly, Co. Lets go eat!

The dinner couldnt have been simpler noodles freshly made from flour and water, both were readily available. Not even a drop of oil could be found, not to ntion at slices. Plain noodles sprinkled with chopped vegetables, with so self-made pickled radish on the side a al enough to make the abbots the two little priests eyes twinkle.

The abbot swallowed hard and said to his young disciple, Serve our guest first.

Yes, master. The young disciple was too honest that he simply piled Shen Qiaos bowl with noodles and vegetables and radish to the point that it couldnt hold anymore. The re sight of this pained the abbot so much that he couldnt help but repeat, Thats enough! Thats enough! The guest wont be able to finish it if you keep on piling more!

Shen Qiao smiled in agreent, Hes right. Just a little for is enough. Dont give too much!

While they were still trying to be polite to each other, they once more heard soone knocking on the gate of the monastery outside. On a quiet night like this, the sound appeared to be extrely clear and loud, making ones heart flutter.

The two little priests looked at each other in blank dismay, Its late already. Why is there still a guest?

Dont tell that those guys earlier have returned to cause us more trouble!

Master, should we pretend that we didnt hear it?

The abbot also felt a bit nervous, How about we wait for a second? He might just stop after a while.

His older disciple asked doubtfully, That cant be. If theyve co back for revenge, even if they havent burst the door open already, they would have knocked it down at least. How can they keep knocking like this? It cant be-it cant be a ghost, right?

The abbot scolded, Stop saying nonsense! Ive told you not to listen to those people under the bridge telling absurd ghost stories. Ill go take a look and see who is disturbing people from their peaceful night!

Shen Qiao said, Let go. You three can eat first. Theres no need to worry.

The abbot got up imdiately after him, But your eyes

Shen Qiao pressed him back down, Its fine. Im used to it now, and I can tell. I just need to borrow a lantern.

The younger disciple brought a lantern right away. The abbot took the opportunity and sat back down, thinking to himself that even the noodles were getting cold while still keeping up the superficial courtesy, Be careful. Make sure to call out to us if sothings not right!

Shen Qiao replied, I will. You dont have to wait for .

He walked out holding the lantern in his hand. The White Dragon Monastery was quite big. One could still tell its magnificent scale in the past. It was just that ti had already claid its glory, leaving it in a pile of ruins. There were only three people guarding such a large monastery. One couldnt help but sigh as they walked between the empty buildings at night.

Shen Qiao too thought it was Chen Gong sending more people for revenge. However, after he opened the gate, he sensed neither clamour nor noise from the darkness outside. There was only one person standing there with hands clasped behind him, their figure and manner appeared to be quite familiar.

Shen Qiao didnt even need to raise the lantern up to recognize who that person was. Surprised inside, he blurted out almost subconsciously, Sect Master Yan?

Why? Are you not happy to see ?

Under the moonlight, Shen Qiao, holding a lantern in his hand, gave a sincere and welcoming smile, Of course I am! Hurry and co in. Have you had dinner already?

Yan Wushi wasnt going to answer such a boring question, but when he opened his mouth, he sohow heard himself replying, Not yet.

Shen Qiao smiled, Then youre just in ti. The abbot has boiled so noodles! Please co in.

He was able to make out most of the place during the day, but his eyes didnt work as well at night. Even with the lantern in his hand, he still couldnt see the road. On top of that, since he wasnt very familiar with the paths here, when he led Yan Wushi into the monastery, he accidentally stumbled himself and nearly fell down.

If the others knew that a martial arts expert who was capable of defeating Duan Wenyang and killing Huo Xijing had tripped himself over so stone stairs, they would probably laugh their heads off.

Luckily, an arm reached out from the side and wrapped around his waist just in ti to stop him.

You seem to be in a bit of haste. Thats unusual. Yan Wushi said.

Shen Qiao stifled a laugh, and without further comnt, he said, The noodles are getting cold. Since youve yet to eat, lets walk faster.

Who would have thought that after he brought Yan Wushi back to the kitchen, the abbot had just slurped the last piece of noodle into his own mouth while rubbing his round belly. He regretfully said, Mister Shen, you ca too late. The noodles are already gone.

Shen Qiao introduced Yan Wushi to them, This is Mister Yan. Hes my friend.

The little priest got up and said, Mister Shen, I left a bowl for you. You can share it with Mister Yan.

Youre too ddleso! The abbot scowled with a roll of his eyes.

Originally, he was about to complain that they had only saved one bowl. Why had another one co along? But after seeing Yan Wushi standing behind Shen Qiao, he unconsciously swallowed the sentence back. He could hardly keep his dignity as the abbot in front of Yan Wushi and even started fidgeting. In the end, he had no choice but to drop a Take your ti as he hurriedly got up and left.

The young disciple brought over the bowl of noodles that Shen Qiao hadnt had a chance to eat earlier and glanced at Yan Wushi with so embarrassnt, Theres only one bowl left.

The noodles had already stuck together into a lump. Yan Wushi probably wouldnt eat this kind of food even if one begged him to do so.

Yet for the people in the White Dragon Monastery, it was a precious ration that they had been saving for several months. In fact, they had even planned to save it till the New Year, but because of Shen Qiaos arrival, it was brought out early.

Shen Qiao thanked the little priest. Then he said to Yan Wushi, Why dont we share it?

Yan Wushi replied, No thanks.

Shen Qiao smiled, The noodles are a bit cold, but their pickled radish is very good. You should try so.

Knowing that Yan Wushi always cared about things being clean, he cleaned the chopsticks first before moving the radish and vegetables those that hadnt touched the noodles from his own bowl into the one in front of Yan Wushi. He then poured so sauce over his own lump of dry noodles and started eating.

Yan Wushi stared at the half a bowl of vegetables and pickled radish in front of him and frowned. After a long ti, he finally picked up his chopsticks and forced himself to take a bite.

The taste wasnt as bad as he had imagined.

Has Sect Master Yan finished your business? Shen Qiao asked.

Not yet. That was all Yan Wushi said. He didnt ntion whether he had t the person or not, nor why it was not finished, but Shen Qiao didnt ask either.

Yan Wushi suddenly changed the topic, Were you very happy when you saw that I had co?

Slightly surprised, Shen Qiao nodded and smiled, Yes. I thought we wouldnt see each other for a long ti after we last parted. I didnt expect it to happen so soon. Isnt this sothing to be happy about?

I heard you said that I was your friend when you introduced to them. Yan Wushi said as he gently rubbed the edge of the soup bowl with his finger. He seed to be rather amused.

This type of soup bowl had very poor workmanship. Since it had been used for many years, there was a thick layer of gri accumulated on it which could no longer be washed off.

Yes. Its a lot easier to say you are my friend when traveling outside. This way, they wont question it either.

What do you think? Deep inside, do you really see as your friend? Yan Wushi asked, staring straight at him.

Shen Qiao said, Studying under the sa teacher makes people companions, while sharing the sa goal makes people friends. Even though we havent studied under the sa teacher, nor do we share similar goals, since you saved my life, and we have been involved with each other and traveled together for so long, I would say were friends at least.

Are you not afraid of others saying that you have given up on yourself and attached yourself to the Demonic Sovereign?

Shen Qiao laughed, As long as I know what Im doing, thats enough. Why should I care about what other people think? Ever since I left the mountain, I have been deeply moved by what I hear and see. They make understand that back then when I shut myself away from the rest of the world, I was practicing nothing but small virtues. As for Sect Master Yan, you assist the Emperor of Zhou if he could really unite the countries one day and bring peace back to the world, then people dont have to wander about or trade their children for food anymore; as long as they have the ability to work, they can get paid for their labor thats probably the True Virtue.

Yan Wushi sneered, You dont have to praise like that. Yuwen Yong and I are just using each other to get what we want. Everything I do is because I want to do it. Its never because I think about others.

Even if it is out of bad intentions, if it leads to good results, wouldnt you say it is still achieving Virtue?

Yan Wushi stared at him fixedly for a while. After a long ti, he finally said, So, were friends.

Shen Qiao nodded with a smile, If Sect Master Yan doesnt mind reaching out of my league.

A strange look flashed across Yan Wushis face. Before Shen Qiao could take a closer look at it, Yan Wushi had once again resud his lazy and nonchalant manner. This monastery is way too simple and crude. Is there even a room for to stay?

Shen Qiao smiled, Then Im afraid Ill have to ask you to stay in the sa room with for now.