Though Our Paths Differ, We Can Still Conspire

In an inn room, Xu Xu was venting to Meng Zimo.

"Don't let that little monk's polished appearance fool you. He puts on airs in everything he does, always wearing that face of someone who saves all living beings. But he's rotten to the core."

Meng Zimo picked up the cold tea on the table and poured some for Xu Xu. "Brother Xu, have some tea. Drink up and cool down."

Xu Xu gulped down a cup of tea, then remembered something else and said, "They say monks aren't allowed to break their vows. And he calls himself a master? What kind of master breaks his vows every day? Why do those young ladies like asking him about Buddhist teachings so much? If they go to a fake monk like him, they won't even know they've been swindled. They'd be better off coming to me. I'll take care of everything."

Meng Zimo shook his head with a smile. "Brother Xu, if you made that mouth of yours a little more refined, I guarantee someone would come knocking."

Xu Xu glanced at Meng Zimo. "Then I'll take your advice. If it doesn't work..."

Meng Zimo shrugged.

That afternoon, Meng Zimo went looking for the monk Fazhao in the reception room about something. Before he could knock, he heard the two of them talking inside.

Miss Chen was asking Fazhao for guidance about a fortune stick concerning her marriage.

"Master, when will my destined match arrive?"

Fazhao placed the fortune poem in front of Miss Chen and said, "These lines point to the marriage you will have in the future. A union between two people who love one another is the happiest and most fulfilling, so you can rest easy."

Miss Chen looked conflicted. "Master, to be honest, I only caught a brief glimpse of you and the Daoist priest acting so heroically that day, but that one look filled me with admiration."

At this point, Miss Chen paused, and a suspicious blush appeared on her face.

"Daoist Xu cares deeply for the people and is honest and straightforward. I... I've admired him for a long time, too. Master, I wonder..."

Miss Chen gazed at Fazhao hopefully.

Fazhao smiled faintly. "Daoist Xu Xu is warmhearted and meticulous in his dealings, and very gentle with women. He really would suit you, Miss Chen."

As soon as he said that, the light in Miss Chen's eyes dimmed a little.

He was gentle with all women.

"I once traveled with Daoist Xu. We met a woman traveling with her only child. Since she was a widow traveling with a child, Daoist Xu was very concerned for them."

"And what happened after that?" Miss Chen couldn't help asking.

Fazhao smiled. "Amitabha. That woman later came to ask for a fortune, too. And after that, she got married in the local area."

The light in Miss Chen's eyes faded completely. "I see. Thank you, Master, for helping me understand."

Fazhao stood up and bowed to Miss Chen.

Meng Zimo, who had heard the whole thing from outside, twitched the corners of his mouth.

After Miss Chen left, Meng Zimo went in and stared at Fazhao in astonishment.

Fazhao asked, "Is something the matter?"

Meng Zimo waved a hand. "So this is why Brother Xu hasn't found a match all this time. You've been turning them all away."

Fazhao fell silent.

After a while, Fazhao said, "Monks aren't allowed to marry."

Meng Zimo nodded. "And so?"

Fazhao said softly, "If I can't have it, why should he?"

Meng Zimo couldn't help giving Fazhao a thumbs-up.

Theme: Make a fortune