Chapter 27 Give Others a Chance... (1/2)

Putuo Mountain was situated among the islands of Zhou Mountains. Putuo Mountain, together with Wutai Mountain, E'Mei Mountain, and Jiuhua Mountain were the four famous Buddhist Mountains, also where people gather to practice Avalokiteśvara's philosophy. Putuo Mountain had also been mentioned in some well-known sayings regarding famous mountains.

At the foot of Putuo Mountain facing the east where the land met the sea was where people came to watch the sunrise. There was a house neither big nor small, constructed by using green bricks and surrounded by a yard filled with plants and flowers. Within the house was a Buddha hall and in there was seated an old man in Buddhist robe. He looked to be over 60 years old and was meditating.

There were two men standing outside the Buddha Hall. One of the was Yang Deng, who had a fight with Qin Sheng. He had just recovered recently, although still looking weak. There was a middle-aged man by his side who had a cheerful countenance, who was playing with a string of Buddhist beads.

There were no strangers in the house and there was only one way leading up to it. With one man guarding the gate, there was no possibility of trespassers. Apart from the servants, the place was only occupied by the old man and two other stewards. However, there were often visitors who came by. The old man often went to the temple to meet the teachers there to discuss the Buddhist teachings. Besides reciting the Buddhist Sutra everyday, he either slept or wandered around the island whenever he liked. He was most excited to speak with tourist because that was the time he met some interesting people.

By the time the old man exited from the Buddhist hall, Yang Deng and the middle-aged man quickly went up to him and greeted him, ”Third Master,” with respect.

”Little stool, have you recovered from your injury?” Third Master asked. He had shaved his head and grown a long beard and he hunched a little. Fortunately, his legs were still strong. All who saw him would make the comment that he had a Buddha's face. After all, he had devoted himself in the Buddhist teachings for over many years and his countenance was that of a kind soul. However, his mannerism exuberated an imposing aura.

Feeling a little guilty, Yang Deng answered saying, ”Third Master, I have embarrassed you because of my lack of capabilities. I will have no complains if you decide to punish me.”

”Han Guoping is dead. This matter has come to a close. It's not a bad thing to experience failure. There is bound to be people better than us. We all grow from our experiences and no one could be at the top all the time. A person who rises to the top very quickly will fall down harder,” the old man said with a kind smile. The children living around there who saw him often always called him Grandfather Wu. It seemed as if nobody knew his real identity. In fact, he was a highly influential figure throughout the entire Yangtze River Delta.

He was none other than Third Master Wu, who had cornered Han Guoping and whom Jiang Xianbang feared and respected at the same time. His life was so dramatic that it could be written into a book.

Despite the fact that this old man had left the political arena for many years, his successors whom he nurtured had all become powerful people in society.

”Third Master, I have found out information about the young man according to your instructions. He seemed to not have any relationship with Jiang Xianbang. I am sure they are not relatives,” the middle-aged man beside him said, looking perplexed.

Third Master raised his eyebrows and snorted. ”No relationship? If they are not related, why would the cunning Jiang Xianbang be willing to part with his treasures and offered his antiques to me?”

”I have failed,” the middle-aged man hung his head and trembled as he continued, ”Qin Sheng was from Xi'an. He orphaned at a young age and lived with his grandfather. Eventually, he came to Shanghai to study in Fudan University. It was during those days he started to have contact with Jiang Xianbang. However, he vanished for two years after graduating from university before reappearing again recently. As with regards to his relationship with Han Guoping, we can't find anything. The only thing we found was that he was instructed by Han Guoping to protect his daughter.”

”Is there any news about his grandfather?” Third Master Wu asked with interest.

The middle-aged man shook his head and said, ”Nothing much, just that he passed away two years ago.”

Third Master Wu went into deep thought. Then he felt it was a little funny and thought that this young man was rather interesting.

”Third Master, what shall we do about this matter?” the middle-aged man asked.

Third Master Wu continued walking toward the beach where it was very windy. He had not gotten used to the strong evening wind. Shaking his head, he said, ”I am letting the matter rest. After all, I have accepted those expensive gifts from Jiang Xianbang, and I should at least give him face. Moreover, there wasn't really any hard feelings between Han Guoping and me. It was only because he was too arrogant and bruised my pride. He was not my match at all. It is my usual practice to add icing on the cake, either good or bad, depending on the person's relationship with me.”

”I know what to do now,” replied the middle-aged man who smiled and nodded.

”Don't do anything to that lass and that lad, although we can't do much about how the others are going to plot against them. It's none of our business. However, as for Han Guoping's inheritance, whoever is interested can take it, just don't let any outsider benefit from it,” Third Master Wu continued.

Third Master Wu was a little tired after talking so much. ”I am no longer as fit as before; let's go back now. The wind is getting stronger,” he sighed.

At the master's instruction, Yang Deng and the middle-aged man turned around to walk back...

While Third Master Wu was talking about Qin Sheng, at Sheshan Golf Resort in Shanghai, Zhou Wenwu and Zhao Dongsheng were also talking about Qin Sheng, but in an irritated manner.