The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 123 : The Grand Preceptor's Help

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and said, "The years have really flown by since the last time we saw each other. Congratulations to the Great Master on achieving what you desired."

Hui Jue's breath hitched as he raised his head to look at the person before him. A young lady in flaming red clothes, even more magnificent in some way that he could not describe, than she had been three years prior. But there was a coldness in her eyes, and under her gentle smile, there seemed to be a hint of mockery.

He brought his palms together, bent his head and humbly intoned, "Amitabha."

"Is the Great Master worshipping Buddha, or me?" Jiang Ruan casually reached out a hand to grasp the qian tong on the table and give it a light shake. The bamboo sticks inside the container clattered together, emitting a distressing sound. Each clack was like a heavy knock to Hui Jue's heart.

The Grand Preceptor, who for the past three years had appeared like a saint with no desires and no emotions, once again found his forehead beaded with sweat. He looked at Jiang Ruan and said, very slowly, "Benefactor is the one chosen by the Buddha and this monk obeys the will of the Buddha."

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Great Master is surely an eminent monk."

Hui Jue remained silent. Three years ago, a messenger had handed him a letter which he said was from Jiang Ruan. The letter detailed with great clarity all the events, both major and minor, which would take place. Being a cautious person, Hui Jue had initially not believed any of this. Then, to his amazement, with each day that passed, he found that the events detailed in the letter were actually occurring. Thereafter, Hui Jue believed all the events which had been recorded in the letter.

Although he was hiding among the people, the renown of this eminent monk eventually reached the palace, and he was invited to enter by the Emperor. Relying on that thin piece of paper together with his glib tongue, throughout this three year period, everyone in the Great Jin became aware of a saint called Hui Jue, whose prophecies never failed. Thus, step by step, Hui Jue finally achieved the position of Grand Preceptor.

Hui Jue raised his head to look at Jiang Ruan. Three years ago, Jiang Ruan had told him that she wanted to give him unlimited glory and status, to make him someone with an elevated position, respected and loved by many. Thinking about it now, this had come true in an unexpected fashion. Hui Jue viewed Jiang Ruan with a certain dread, for how was it possible that an ordinary person could actually prophesize? However, Jiang Ruan was indeed such a mysterious person. Hui Jue knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch on this earth; Jiang Ruan would not have helped him for no purpose, and a day of reckoning would inevitably arrive when he would have to repay her. Now, Jiang Ruan had returned, and it was time for her to claim what was due.

Jiang Ruan smiled and said, indifferently, "Now that Great Master has reached the coveted position of Grand Preceptor, it must be that the little young master's health has also taken a turn for the better."

Hui Jue was surprised. His son was the light of his life. Currently, they called each other Master and Disciple, and the Emperor trusted him unreservedly. Thus, it was highly convenient for him to access the imperial doctor as well as the many precious and rare medicinal ingredients in the palace. Consequently, his son's condition had gradually improved, and his body was not as weak as it had been before. The hand holding the prayer beads trembled as he said, "What is benefactor's request?"

"Great Master, I don't believe in Buddha, so there's no need to quote the scriptures to me." Jiang Ruan's voice was light, but Hui Jue felt the weight of her words. With this pressure, she indicated that she wanted him to state his position clearly. Gritting his teeth, Hui Jue said, "This humble person is willing to do his utmost to serve Junzhu."