Chapter Five: The Grandmaster of the Heavenly Origin

Laughter and playful shouts rang out from the peach grove.

"Greenfeather, you really are clumsy."

"That's not true! I know how to do this. Back in the village, I could climb trees so tall in the blink of an eye. Why can't I get up today?"

"Back then? That must have been ages ago. Now you're living in the manor, eating well and living comfortably like a little lady. Forget tree climbing—you even complain when we hike up a hill!"

"Exactly, exactly! Greenfeather, I sentence you to run three laps around the garden every day!"

"Miss, please have mercy on your maid! I already run more than three laps following you around all day."

The three of them giggled, and Greenwillow pulled Greenfeather, who was still clinging stubbornly to the tree trunk, down to the ground. Just as they were about to head back, a young page came running through the gate. He stopped before them, bowed to Lin Qing, and said, "Miss, the blessing ceremony is about to begin. The old madam asks that you come at once."

"Mother is looking for me?" Lin Qing glanced longingly at the peach branches above her head. She had been hoping to cut a few, for although the manor had plenty, the ones from the temple felt more auspicious—perhaps they might even bring her a little luck in love? Well, never mind, she thought. After all, she was still young. There would be plenty of chances to pick them in the years to come. "The peach blossoms by the roadside will have to wait," she sighed dramatically.

She had only just finished her little song of self-congratulation when the page spoke up, "Miss, do you like these peach blossoms?"

"Yes," she replied with a vigorous nod.

Without another word, the page nimbly climbed up a tall peach tree, scanned the branches, carefully bit off a few sprigs, and slid back down in no time at all. In just a moment, three peach branches were laid before Lin Qing.

This boy was impressive. Lin Qing studied the page—about thirteen or fourteen, with delicate features, but most importantly, quick-witted and capable. He moved with agility and got things done neatly; perhaps he might become a useful ally in the future. Nodding with approval in her heart, she smiled and accepted the branches. "Thank you, big brother! What's your name?"

"I wouldn't dare, Miss. Just call me Egger," he replied, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Egger? Hee hee, Egger! I'll come find you to play later!" Lin Qing handed the peach branches to Greenwillow, waved at Egger, and ran off toward the garden gate, stifling her laughter. Behind her came Greenfeather's alarmed cry, "Miss, oh my little ancestor, slow down! Slow down!"

The old madam was just leading everyone out of the meditation hall when she spotted the little figure running toward them. She shook her head in exasperation. "That child, she never stops making trouble—never a moment's peace."

Granny Liu chimed in cheerfully, "Isn't it good for children to be lively? The more spirited they are, the brighter their future!"

The old madam let out a long sigh. "What need does a young lady have for ambition? To live a peaceful life is best. I only fear..." She trailed off.

Granny Liu, realizing she had misspoken, offered an awkward smile and fell silent. Madam Cai quickly interjected, "Mother, little sister is still so young. And just now you mentioned we'd take the children to see Master Tianyuan first—he's probably been waiting."

"Yes, yes, you go on ahead to the main hall."

Master Tianyuan's meditation room was simple. Inside stood a table and a couch; outside, an incense table holding a portrait of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, and a straw mat on the floor. The master himself sat cross-legged, eyes closed, upon the mat. A young monk led the group in, placed four more mats opposite the master, bowed deeply, and announced, "Abbot, the benefactors have arrived," before quietly leaving.

Master Tianyuan opened his eyes and greeted them with a single palm salute. "Amitabha. Old madam, please be seated. The young benefactors as well." The old madam and the three children bowed respectfully, then took their seats.

For some reason, in front of the old monk, Lin Qing felt a sense of tranquility envelop her, so she sat obediently beside her mother, motionless. Haige, as always, behaved well, while only Tide—being the youngest—fidgeted as soon as he sat down, his little head bobbing, big eyes darting curiously about.

Master Tianyuan regarded the three children with a gentle smile before finally speaking. "Old madam, your grandchildren are all fine children."

The old madam breathed a sigh of relief, a broad smile spreading over her face. "Thank you, Master, for your auspicious words. With your reassurance, I can rest easy."

Who would have thought this old monk was also a master of prophecy? One sentence and Mother was this delighted—he must be quite extraordinary. Lin Qing was musing idly when the old monk smiled at her. "This must be your esteemed young lady, I presume?"

"Yes," replied the old madam, glancing at Lin Qing's attire with a trace of embarrassed helplessness. "This child has been spoiled by me, always causing mischief. I fear she may offend you, Master."

"Though the young benefactor may be spirited, her heart remains true."

The old madam, heartened by his words, hurried to agree. "Exactly, exactly. Though she is a handful, her nature is good. The whole household, from top to bottom, has grown fond of her despite her pranks." She hesitated, then added, "Still, she does seem different from other children."

"The young benefactor is far more gifted than most—naturally she is unlike others. Old madam, you need not worry."

"Then, Master, could you perhaps tell me her future..."

"The sea is vast for fish to leap; the sky is high for birds to soar."

"This, this..." The old madam was about to inquire further when the young monk reentered. "Abbot, madam, the hour for the blessing ceremony has come."

Master Tianyuan rose, saluted the old madam once more. "Amitabha. All forms are but illusions; if all is illusion, why concern oneself with form? Old madam, this way please."

Lin Qing followed closely behind her mother, gazing at the master’s flowing robes. Her heart was filled with admiration: This monk truly seemed profound. That last phrase about illusions and forms seemed directed at her—was it a hint meant for her? Too bad she hadn't studied Buddhism in her previous life and couldn't quite grasp the meaning. Still, his words about the sea and the sky were spot on—wasn't it precisely freedom she longed for in this vast world? The master was indeed remarkable.

As she pondered, they had reached the main hall. The temple monks were already seated within, with straw mats arranged along both sides for the Lin family. As the abbot began to strike the wooden fish, everyone joined the monks in reciting the Amitabha Sutra. Lin Qing, filled with gratitude, reverence for the old monk, a trace of yearning for her past parents, and above all, love for her present family, silently prayed with all her heart, hoping heaven would hear her pleas and bless all those she cherished.

The blessing ceremony was long—an entire hour. The adults managed, but the children struggled. Not even halfway through, Lin Qing glanced sideways and saw Tide had fallen asleep on his mat, while Haige, trying to appear grown-up, rubbed his eyes and sat up straight, stubbornly fighting off sleep. Lin Qing couldn’t help but praise him inwardly: Well done, truly the future head of the Lin family.

Lin Qing herself meant to persevere, wishing the Bodhisattva would hear her prayers a little longer, but her body—this frail child’s body—simply couldn't endure. She didn't know how she returned to her room, nor when. That night she slept deeply and sweetly, missing supper entirely, and did not wake until dawn.