Chapter Fifty-One: The Gathering (Part Two)

The "Master" stood there, listening to the crowd as they spoke one after another. When the voices gradually quieted, the "Master" continued, "Everyone, rest assured. I shall remain here for several more days. If any of you suffer from illness or pain, you may come here or seek me on the street." Before the "Master" could finish, the onlookers burst into cheers, applauding and praising this wise decision.

The "Master" had to signal for silence again, and the crowd quickly complied. "Do not thank only me," he said. "If it were not for the Daoist of Great Peace, I would not be here. If gratitude is due, let us thank the Daoist of Great Peace together. Now, those who truly need a talisman, please come forward to receive one. But if you only wish to have one as a safeguard, I hope you will refrain, for before I give a talisman, I must first take your pulse. If anyone is found feigning illness, a punishment of eighty strokes would not be undeserved." At these words, the crowd laughed heartily.

Zhang Xuan watched the "Master" before him and couldn't help but admire the Daoist of Great Peace. This was a clever approach—using talismans and healing as a way to operate widely in society. At first glance, it truly seemed to be about curing illness and saving lives, and the authorities would have no reason to suppress such efforts. In these times, a healthy person was a considerable asset, especially a robust adult male. Moreover, to heal and save lives was to accumulate virtue. In the process of treating the sick, the concept of a world of Great Peace could be further propagated. In such turbulent times, this ideal was bound to attract many followers, expand the ranks, build power, and widen influence.

There may have been some with such foresight, realizing that this trend would eventually evolve into a calamity. Yet, before anything actually happened, before any final judgment could be made, the authorities would not bother to intervene in such a thankless matter. Or perhaps those with foresight were themselves fueling the flames.

"Xuan, why not feign illness and get a talisman? This is your best chance to approach the Master—don’t let it slip by," Yang Zaixing said to Zhang Xuan.

"I have no interest. I’m only here to watch the excitement. As the Master said, the talismans should go to those in need. As for me, I’m strong and healthy and have no desire to risk eighty strokes for a token."

"That’s true. If you pretended to be ill and the Master took your pulse and exposed you, you’d have no face left here. But, Xuan, with all the odd ideas swirling in your head, what do you think of this ‘world of Great Peace’ the Master spoke of?" Clearly, Yang Zaixing had been drawn in by the idea himself, the first step toward being captivated. Yu Wen Chengdu also looked at Zhang Xuan, eager for his take on the world of Great Peace.

"A world of Great Peace? It’s the life everyone yearns for, but whether it can be realized… It is exceedingly difficult."

"So you’re saying it might be possible?"

"Who can say? It’s hard, but it is a worthy pursuit: that the old are cared for, the young educated, the poor supported, the afflicted aided, and the widowed, orphaned, solitary, and sick all provided for. Such words were spoken long ago, but have you ever heard of a place where such a life exists? Still, brother, you could make it your life’s goal. Who knows—perhaps you will achieve it. But enough of this, shall we head back?" With that, Zhang Xuan leapt down from the wall.

Yang Zaixing muttered to himself about making such a peaceful life his own aspiration. He lingered on the wall for a while, then greeted Yu Wen Chengdu, and together they jumped down to follow Zhang Xuan home.

Yet after the three of them left, two others appeared, watching their departing figures. Had Zhang Xuan and his companions been present, they would have recognized these two as the elder Tong and his senior brother Li, whom they had not seen all afternoon.

Li Yan turned to Tong Yuan and asked, "How did those three end up here? Did you tell them about this place?"

Tong Yuan shook his head, indicating he had no idea why Zhang Xuan and the others had come. Given that Zhang Xuan and Yang Zaixing had only just arrived and were unfamiliar with the area, how could they have found this small temple on the outskirts? Perhaps they were out for an evening walk, saw the crowd, and joined out of curiosity.

"Perhaps they were bored and followed the crowd, drawn by the commotion. Senior brother, who do you think this ‘Daoist of Great Peace’ is, and do you believe his vision can be realized?" Tong Yuan asked Li Yan.

Li Yan shook his head. "I saw this man in the temple a few days ago. He has been treating the sick in town, asking for nothing in return. He seems genuinely compassionate, working tirelessly for his dream of a world of Great Peace. But how much of this is true and how much is mere performance, I cannot say. As for the ‘Daoist of Great Peace,’ perhaps he is a disciple of Nanhua. I am not certain. I know that Nanhua possesses the ‘Arts of Great Peace’ and the ‘Pure Ordinances of Great Peace.’ Perhaps he passed one of these texts to someone, who then adopted this title. I’ll seek out Nanhua in due course, though he is a contemporary of our own master, and even finding him is uncertain. As for the world of Great Peace, you ask me, but whom can I ask? It is an ideal society—one that cannot be realized, even in dreams."

"I have no idea what Nanhua and the others are always plotting in such secrecy. Best not to dwell on it if it’s beyond our understanding. As Xuan said, if the sky is falling, let the tallest among us hold it up. If it’s misfortune, we cannot escape it; if it’s fortune, we need not worry. It’s best to remain an onlooker, to simply watch the play unfold."

Li Yan recalled the first time he had met Zhang Xuan and considered his behavior today. "Junior brother, I don’t think Zhang Xuan is content to remain a mere bystander. One day, he may astonish you. Of course, I’m only speaking offhand, and you should take it as such."

"Senior brother, when did you start reading faces? When did you observe Xuan’s fortune? Is your reading accurate? Perhaps you could read mine as well—predict my future performance?" Tong Yuan teased.

"I’m only making an offhand remark—take it as you will. I am not one of those mysterious Daoists. I do not read faces; it’s just a feeling. The excitement is over, and it’s getting late. It’s our first day back—let’s return early and spend these days with Fei’er and the others." With that, Li Yan turned and walked toward the Yan family home.