The Red Mansion

Chapter 164 Xing Xiuyan's Parents Died

Xuanmu Mountain in Suzhou, though not a famous or towering peak, is secluded and elegant. Its shape resembles a coiled dragon, with lush forests and different scenery in each season.

Near the foot of the mountain, there is a small hermitage called Baiyun Hermitage. With its green tiles and white walls, it is nestled among the pines and cypresses, and from a distance, it looks like a floating cloud, hence the name.

Baiyun Temple was only built a few years ago. It is not an ordinary Buddhist sanctuary. Instead, it is a secret cave that Yao Jisheng, the leader of the Luo Sect, secretly built for himself in Suzhou.

There were no devout nuns in the temple. Although there were a few nuns who had shaved their heads, they were all followers of the Luo religion. They chanted scriptures and worshipped Buddha on a daily basis to deceive others, but in reality, they secretly communicated with the Luo religion.

On this day, the autumn colors of Xuanmu Mountain were in full bloom. The maple leaves were dyed red, the pines and cypresses were verdant, and the mountain paths were covered with fallen leaves. Occasionally, wild chrysanthemums dotted the landscape, emitting a faint fragrance. Occasionally, a few crows would fly past the evening clouds.

As the sun set and dusk settled, lanterns were lit inside Baiyun Temple.

Inside the temple, the candlelight flickered, casting the golden Buddha statues on and off, while wisps of smoke rose from the incense burners, carrying the subtle fragrance of sandalwood.

Several nuns stood under the eaves in front of the hall. Although they were dressed in black robes, they did not have the solemnity of a Buddhist temple. Instead, their eyes and brows concealed a sharp edge, and they kept looking out of the courtyard gate, as if they were waiting for some important person.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from the foot of the mountain, growing louder as it approached. The birds roosting in the woods were startled and scattered in a flurry.

Before long, a group of people hurried up the mountain, led by Yao Jisheng, the leader of the Luo Sect. He was still wearing a blue cloth robe, with no vermilion mark between his eyebrows, dressed like an ordinary pilgrim.

As the group approached the temple, a nun came out to greet them, bowing and saying, "Welcome, Master! Please come in."

Yao Jisheng nodded slightly, said nothing more, and walked straight into the temple, where a group of followers followed in single file.

The temple gates were immediately closed, and the mountains returned to silence, with only the autumn wind rustling through the treetops.

Inside the nunnery, Yao Jisheng sat at the head of the meditation room, with his trusted confidants standing on either side. A middle-aged nun served him tea, which he took a small sip of before setting down the teacup. He then said to the nun in a deep voice, "This turn of events is truly unexpected. Now that I am hiding here, it is imperative to keep it strictly confidential."

The middle-aged nun hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Master, as long as you are here, Baiyun Nunnery will remain closed. The nunnery has ample food and provisions, enough to last for several months."

Yao Jisheng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said slowly, "Even so, we must not be careless."

……

……

into the night.

The night mist was like gauze. In a meditation room inside Baiyun Temple, a green lamp flickered, casting the shadows of branches across the window lattice as if they were ghostly claws.

Yao Jisheng sat alone in his meditation room, holding a half-finished cup of tea, but had no heart to drink it. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes flickered uncertainly. Sometimes he looked out the window at the deep night, and sometimes he lowered his head and pondered.

He was preoccupied with the million gold and silver, as well as the safety of Murong Zheng, the protector of the Human Sect, and Han Tianhong, the Scripture Protector. He feared that something might happen to the two of them, because if that happened, the Luo Sect would be in real trouble.

He was restless, so he got up and paced back and forth. The blue bricks under his feet reflected the lonely lamp, casting a shadow that was sometimes long and sometimes short, just like his chaotic thoughts at that moment.

Just as they were getting anxious, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door, followed by two knocks. A trusted disciple named Peng Qi entered and whispered, "Master, Venerable Han has arrived!"

Yao Jisheng hurriedly asked, "Has Protector Murong arrived?"

Peng Qi said with a bitter face, "Protector Murong has not arrived, and Venerable Han looks terrible. I'm afraid... something has happened."

Yao Jisheng's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Let Venerable Han in!"

Soon, Venerable Han Tianhong, the protector of scriptures, rushed in. His hair was disheveled and beads of sweat were still on his forehead. As soon as he saw Yao Jisheng, he knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said urgently, "Master, something terrible has happened!"

Upon seeing his description, Yao Jisheng felt a chill in his heart. When he heard the words "something terrible has happened," his heart pounded even harder, but he forced himself to remain calm and said, "Please get up and tell me what has happened."

Han Tianhong stood up, catching his breath, and said in a deep voice, "Not long after the Master left, a large contingent of soldiers launched a surprise attack on Zhengyuan Escort Agency, surrounding it completely. I led my brothers in a desperate breakout, and fortunately, Tan Fengchi and his men covered our retreat, allowing us to escape. Because I remembered the Master's orders to protect Protector Murong and the goods, I immediately began to investigate secretly after the breakout. Who knew..."

At this point, his throat tightened.

Yao Jisheng unconsciously clenched his fist and pressed for an answer: "How is it?"

Han Tianhong gritted his teeth and said, "Puji Temple was also besieged by government troops, and Protector Murong... has probably fallen into enemy hands. As for that batch of valuables, I'm afraid they have all been confiscated!"

Upon hearing this, Yao Jisheng was struck dumb. His body swayed violently, his face turned deathly pale, and his lips trembled. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out a few words through clenched teeth: "Fine... fine, what a ruthless extermination!"

He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if someone had ripped a piece of his flesh out. That million taels of gold and silver, though not the entirety of the Luo Cult's wealth, was the result of his years of painstaking effort. To lose it all in one fell swoop was heart-wrenching. Murong Zheng, as a protector of the Human Sect, was not only a pillar of the cult but also his confidant. He knew that Murong Zheng had fled to the White Cloud Nunnery on Xuanmu Mountain. If he fell into the hands of the government troops, he would likely confess!

Seeing this, Han Tianhong quickly said, "Take care, Master! As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn!"

Yao Jisheng took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood in his heart, his eyes flashing with cold light: "What a dog emperor, what a dog imperial envoy, how dare you bully me like this!"

He paced back and forth in the meditation room for a few steps, then said to Han Tianhong in a deep voice, "Now that things have come to this, I'm afraid Baiyun Nunnery is no longer safe. If Protector Murong really falls into the hands of the soldiers, under severe torture, it's hard to guarantee that he won't reveal this place."

Han Tianhong frowned, and after a moment's thought, said, "In that case, it would be the best course of action for you to flee to Xishan Island in Dongting immediately."

To the west of Suzhou lies Taihu Lake, a vast expanse of 36,000 hectares dotted with 51 islands, some as large as a roc spreading its wings, others as small as a snail floating on the water, scattered in a staggered pattern, each displaying its own unique beauty. The largest of these islands is Dongting Xishan Island, spanning 80 square li, a majestic pillar rising from the clear waters of Taihu Lake, and also the largest freshwater lake island in China.

Yao Jisheng also had a secret stronghold on Xishan Island in Dongting Lake, which was a fishing village. The more than one hundred fishermen in the village were actually elite members of the Luo Sect whom he had secretly trained.

Yao Jisheng had a well-thought-out plan: first, he would flee to Baiyun Temple on Xuanmu Mountain; if Baiyun Temple was also unsafe, he would go to Xishan Island in Dongting Lake; if even Xishan Island in Dongting Lake was not safe, he could take advantage of the vast expanse of Taihu Lake and escape by boat to another place. This was a cunning plan with three burrows, truly meticulous.

Thinking of this, Yao Jisheng nodded slightly: "Let's not delay, let's set off now."

Before he could finish speaking, a series of hurried footsteps were heard, and a trusted disciple stumbled in, his face full of panic, and said, "Master, something terrible has happened! The lookouts down the mountain saw a lot of soldiers riding by!"

Upon hearing this, both Yao Jisheng and Han Tianhong were shocked.

Yao Jisheng glanced at Han Tianhong subconsciously, suspecting that Han Tianhong had betrayed him and attracted the soldiers, but he also felt that this was unlikely, since Han Tianhong was a loyal and tough guy.

Han Tianhong hurriedly stepped forward and whispered, "Master, the way down the mountain is probably blocked, making it difficult to break through and escape to Xishan Island in Dongting."

Yao Jisheng still didn't believe it, and said in a trembling voice, "Come with me and see for yourself."

Immediately, Yao Jisheng and Han Tianhong hurried out of Baiyun Temple and hid behind an ancient pine tree to look down. By the moonlight, they saw that the foot of the mountain was full of government soldiers.

Seeing this, Yao Jisheng's eyes lit up, and a plan came to mind. He tugged at Han Tianhong's sleeve and whispered, "Venerable Han, I'll take a few trusted disciples and hide in the mountains. You lead the sect members to lure the government troops away!"

Upon hearing this, Han Tianhong understood perfectly. He thought to himself that this sect leader, who usually spoke of benevolence and morality, was now about to abandon his followers and flee when disaster struck. However, out of loyalty and in accordance with the sect's rules, he did not disobey and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate obeys and will protect you with his life."

Yao Jisheng was secretly pleased to see him agree, but he put on a sorrowful expression and said, "This time we will have to rely on Venerable Han." After saying that, he dared not look down at the situation below the mountain and hurriedly turned back to the temple.

At this moment, Baiyun Temple was in complete chaos.

Yao Jisheng summoned four trusted disciples, including Peng Qi.

Yao Jisheng, along with four trusted disciples, crouched low and made their way to the back door. There was a narrow path outside the back door, hidden in the bushes. Yao Jisheng and his group of five crossed the path and fled towards the mountainside.

Seeing Yao Jisheng escape, Han Tianhong sighed deeply. He straightened his clothes and addressed his confidants loudly, "Brothers, my sect has suffered such a calamity today. I, Han, am willing to live and die with you all!" His confidants echoed in unison, their voices resounding through the mountains and forests.

Han Tianhong gripped his bow and arrow tightly, the arrowhead gleaming coldly in the moonlight. He deliberately ordered torches to be lit, shouted loudly, and led dozens of his followers to charge towards the government troops below the mountain.

……

……

Today is September 17th.

A jade disc hangs in the mid-sky, the moonlight over Xuanmu Mountain is clear and bright, the pines and cypresses on the mountain cast dappled shadows, and the autumn wind rustles the branches and leaves, as if playing a prelude to the battle tonight.

To avoid missing the opportunity, Jiang Nian, along with He Yun and Situ Jing, led two personal guards, more than twenty elite cavalrymen from Jiangning, and more than one hundred cavalrymen from Suzhou. Their hooves thundered as they rushed straight to Xuanmu Mountain, arriving only a moment later than Han Tianhong.

Upon reaching the foot of Xuanmu Mountain, Jiang Nian led his soldiers up the mountain path at breakneck speed, trampling the fallen leaves and startling countless birds. The outline of Baiyun Temple gradually became clear, its green tiles and white walls appearing particularly desolate under the moonlight.

As they were marching, they suddenly saw Han Tianhong leading dozens of followers, shouting loudly as they charged towards them, with torches lit.

At Jiang Nian's command, crossbows fired in unison, arrows flying like locusts. Under the moonlight, only a few cold stars could be seen, and the sound of arrows piercing the air was incessant. The followers fell one after another.

Han Tianhong hurriedly led the remaining followers into the dense forest.

Jiang Nian frowned, immediately realizing that this group of cult members was likely trying to lure away the government troops. After a moment's thought, he turned to Situ Jing and said, "Commander Situ, take a team of men and pursue them into the dense forest. Be sure to be careful of ambushes. This imperial envoy is going straight for Baiyun Temple!"

Situ Jing accepted the order and led a group of soldiers into the forest.

Shouts of battle erupted from the woods.

Jiang Nian and He Yun led another team of soldiers to continue their march toward Baiyun Temple.

Upon arriving at the temple, they found the gates wide open, the interior pitch black. Jiang Nian ordered torches to be lit, and the group filed in. In the torchlight, the incense burner in the Buddha hall still retained warmth.

After a moment's hesitation, Jiang Nian led his troops to continue their pursuit into the mountains.

……

……

Yao Jisheng, along with four trusted disciples, fled hastily under the moonlight.

All five were panting heavily and drenched in sweat; Yao Jisheng had long lost his former imposing manner.

As they were running, they suddenly saw a corner of a temple peeking out from among the pine and cypress trees ahead. It was the famous Panxiang Temple in Xuanmu Mountain.

Peng Qi said to Yao Jisheng, "Master, let's quickly escape into Panxiang Temple to take refuge!"

Yao Jisheng waved his hands repeatedly: "No! This temple is quite large, and there are many people and eyes inside. If we go in, wouldn't we be walking into a trap?"

As they were talking, they suddenly heard the sounds of soldiers coming from the mountain path behind them.

Yao Jisheng was sweating profusely with anxiety. He led his disciples around to the side of Panxiang Temple. Under the moonlight, they saw a small bungalow standing beside the bamboo grove, with dim yellow light shining through the window and the door ajar.

A fierce glint flashed in Yao Jisheng's eyes: "Go there!"

The five men crept into the room and found it simply furnished, with a couple drinking and playing drinking games.

It was already night, but the couple who lived next to the temple in the mountains neither went to sleep nor did any work under the lamp. Instead, they sat facing each other drinking and playing drinking games.

When Yao Jisheng and his four companions entered, the couple were playing a drinking game. Startled by the sudden intrusion of five strange men, the husband quickly asked, "Who are you? Why are you here...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Yao Jisheng whispered to Peng Qi and his disciples, "Quickly finish them off!"

Upon hearing this, the four disciples immediately rushed forward.

The husband hurriedly raised his arm to defend himself, but was stabbed in the chest by a disciple, causing blood to gush out immediately.

Upon seeing this, the woman let out a heart-wrenching scream: "Murder—!"

The scream was particularly piercing in the still night.

Immediately afterwards, the woman was hacked to death.

Yao Jisheng hurriedly ordered his disciples to close the door tightly and blow out the lamp.

……

……

Coincidentally, the people killed by Yao Jisheng and his gang tonight were Xing Zhong and his wife, and Xing Zhong was the cousin of Madam Xing of Rongguo Mansion.

Despite being the eldest wife of the Rongguo Mansion, Madam Xing's cousin, Xing Zhong, came from a poor family and lived in a rented house in Xuanmu Mountain, Suzhou, which was a house rented from Panxiang Temple.

Xing Zhong and his wife have a daughter named Xing Xiuyan.

At Panxiang Temple, there was a nun who practiced Buddhism while still keeping her hair, whose Dharma name was Miaoyu.

Xing Xiuyan and Miaoyu have been neighbors for almost ten years. Their homes are separated by only one wall, and there is a door in the wall.

During the ten years, Xing Xiuyan often visited Panxiang Temple to keep Miaoyu company. Miaoyu also taught her to read and write. The two were not only friends in poverty, but also had a teacher-student relationship.

Xing Xiuyan would sometimes even stay overnight in Miaoyu's room.

That's how it will be tonight.

Xing Xiuyan was lucky; if she hadn't stayed in Miaoyu's room that night, she would have been killed along with her parents by Yao Jisheng and his men.

At this moment, the lamp was lit in Miaoyu's room. Miaoyu and Xing Xiuyan were not asleep and were sitting together under the lamp reading. Miaoyu was teaching Xing Xiuyan to read poetry.

Suddenly, the two heard a heart-wrenching scream coming from outside the window.

"Murder!"

The two were both taken aback at first, and Xing Xiuyan immediately realized what was happening and became nervous: "It sounds like my mother is calling."

Miaoyu said, "It sounds similar to me too."

Xing Xiuyan suddenly stood up: "Could something have happened at my home? I...I need to go back and check."

As he spoke, his voice trembled.

(End of this chapter)