Chapter Sixty-Eight: Who Is the Benefactor That Aids in Crossing Tribulation

Songshan Temple.

Beneath a five-hundred-year-old apricot tree, a stone table stood with a chessboard, an incense burner, and two cups of clear tea. Two men sat on the ground opposite each other.

“I’ve lost again.”

The man in a plain blue robe, whose demeanor was exceptionally refined, looked regretfully at the chessboard, withdrawing his hand. He gazed at the young monk across from him, whose features were elegant and serene, and sighed, “Master Jinghui’s skill at chess is remarkable. I am far from your equal.”

Had any outsiders witnessed this scene, they would surely have been astonished: the powerful Prime Minister of a nation treating a monk young enough to be his son as an equal, and with such respect.

Yet, should anyone recognize this young monk, they would find it unsurprising. This was Master Jinghui, born under the radiance of Buddha’s light, believed to be a holy incarnation. He entered the monastery at three, was precocious and learned, versed in all schools of thought. Though only twenty-two years old, he had traveled throughout the Great Qing, preaching and debating, with countless followers. He was granted the title of Jinghui Zen Master by the emperor and served as the nation’s protector.

Jinghui’s brows were fine, his hands slender and pale as he picked up the black chess pieces, dropping them into the bowl. Hearing the words, he looked at Song Zhi Yuan and smiled gently. “It is but a pastime for amusement. The Prime Minister worries for the country and its people; I pale in comparison.”

Song Zhi Yuan was speechless. This was typical of him—always able to turn your words back upon you with a single phrase.

He took a sip of tea and looked at Jinghui. “Master, you once prophesied that my family would face disaster—our house ruined, our line ended. Did you mean my mother’s grave illness? Now she is lucid and her health improves. Has the calamity you foretold been overcome?”

Jinghui smiled softly. “Prime Minister, do not worry. Your household’s misfortune will be resolved by a benefactor. The benefactor has arrived. Maintain your original intent, and all will be well.”

---

“Who is this benefactor?”

Jinghui only smiled, gathering the chess pieces into the bowl. He glanced at the sky. “Prime Minister, darkness will soon fall. The mountain paths are treacherous at night; you should descend.”

Song Zhi Yuan: “…”

Only this young monk dared to send him away so bluntly.

He knew the conversation would go no further, so he rose and bowed respectfully to Jinghui.

Jinghui stood, palms pressed together, bowing slightly in return.

“Master, I take my leave,” said Song Zhi Yuan, stepping back and turning away.

“Prime Minister, remain true to your heart, and you will see things through,” Jinghui’s voice followed him. “Your sincerity and filial piety will ensure all goes well.”

Song Zhi Yuan’s heart stirred. He turned slightly, only to see Jinghui walking toward his small cottage in the forest, quickly vanishing from sight.

With lingering doubts, Song Zhi Yuan boarded his carriage and returned home. As the city gates were about to close, his carriage entered the city and soon reached his residence.

---

Lady Song came forward to help him remove his outer garments, smiling as she recounted Lin Qing’s origins and her arrival at the estate.

Song Zhi Yuan paused in the act of unbuttoning his collar. “What did you say? The female physician has already entered the household?”

Such coincidence—could it be that the benefactor Master Jinghui spoke of was this physician, Lin Qing?

Lady Song, puzzled by his surprise, nodded. “Yes, she visited Mother today, and Mother agreed to let her attend her. She is likely administering acupuncture to Mother now.”

Song Zhi Yuan stopped. “I’ll go pay my respects to Mother.”

He needed to see for himself whether this was truly the benefactor of the Song family.

Lady Song was startled, watching as he donned his robe once more and left the main house without a backward glance.

She frowned, feeling an inexplicable discomfort in her heart.