Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 14 : Praying Mantis

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Shen Zechuan followed the man inside and kneeled outside the hanging screen.

Emperor Xiande leaned back partially against the head of the bed, while the Empress Dowager sat by the side of the bed. With both hands holding the bowl of medicinal decoction, Pan Rugui retreated a little to reveal Shen Zechuan’s figure. 

Emperor Xiande made an effort to gather himself and said, “The patrol squad of the Eight Great Training Divisions said that they saw your errand-runner appear at the side of the pond. I’m asking you, what is he doing there?” 

Shen Zechuan said, “To reply His Majesty, Uncle Ge was waiting for Fu-gonggong from the palace.” 

“On whose orders?”

Shen Zechuan paused, then kowtowed. He said, “It was this sinful subject’s.”   

Emperor Xiande let out a few coughs and said, “You are being imprisoned in Zhao Zui Temple. Every month, the palace will allocate and deliver food and clothing to you. How would you come to have connections with Xiaofuzi?”

“His Majesty showed concern and allowed this sinful subject to self-reflect at Zhao Zui Temple. Not only did His Majesty bestow kindness upon me, but even grant me food. This sinful subject recently came down with a cold. Coupled with my old ailment, it became increasingly harder for me to get up every day.” Shen Zechuan looked sorrowful at this point.

“Although the palace deliver my meals, they don’t send medicine. Uncle Ge has been on duty in Zhao Zui Temple for a long time. Taking pity on this sinful subject, he asked Fu-gonggong, who left the palace to procure goods, for some medicine from the palace on behalf of this sinful subject. And that’s how this sinful subject came to entrust Uncle Ge again this time to beseech Fu-gonggong to buy some blessing oil lamps for me.”

“You have no family.” The Empress Dowager asked. “Why do you need oil lamps to pray for blessings?” 

“This sinful subject is aware of my heinous sins, so I’ve been praying by the lamp in the temple day and night for His Majesty and Her Majesty. At the same time, I’ve also been chanting sutras all day for the loyal martyrs who lost their lives at the battle of Zhongbo’s Chashi.” Shen Zechuan said devoutly. He continued, “Having planted some vegetables on the temple’s grounds, this sinful subject entrusted Uncle Ge to sell them for some money at the morning market. The illness of this sinful subject is already in such a state. Instead of using the money to buy medicine, I might as well get some blessing oil lamps.”

The Empress Dowager gave a long sigh. “Although you are guilty of sin, it is not unpardonable.”

Emperor Xiande wearily closed his eyes and said, “Xiaofuzi is now dead. Do you know anyone who has a dispute with him?”

Shen Zechuan shook his head and said softly, “Although this sinful subject might be bold enough to beseech Fu-gonggong to buy lamps, I have never seen Fu-gonggong before or exchange letters with him.”  

“What about you?” Emperor Xiande motioned to Ji Gang. “Tell me. Has he mentioned anything to you?”

Ji Gang did not dare to look at the Emperor directly in the face. Like any other ordinary errand-runner, he answered with fright and fear. “To reply Your Majesty, whenever Fu-gonggong left the palace, it was all for purchasing purposes. With such a busy schedule, he would usually send those serving him to meet this humble one.”

On hearing this, Emperor Xiande cast a self-mocking glance at Pan Rugui, who stood as still as a wooden statue.

Ji Gang went on to say, “But there was a time when this humble servant greeted Fu-gonggong before his sedan and heard him mention something to his attendants about His Highness flying into a rage out of humiliation and wanting to create trouble for him. At that time, this humble servant was anxious to give Fu-gonggong the money to buy the oil lamps, and so I moved closer to him. But Fu-gonggong was busy that day too, so he told this humble one to come to Xiyuan today to wait for him. That was how the military gentlemen came to see this humble servant pacing up and down by the pond.”