The Buddha Behind the Mask

[Main story complete]

A stubborn, long-suffering fake monk (heir) X a honey-tongued, two-faced fake sage (Junior Tutor)

Word has it that the eldest son of the prominent Shen family of Changyang in Northern Qi is learned and talented, and carries himself with the bearing of a great gentleman. Elders from all the noble clans often hold him up as an example to teach their younger generations.

But Xiao Zhen knows that this much-envied young master is a pushover in private. Not in the sense of lacking backbone, but literally: the young master can't stand exerting himself and complains of being tired after walking a few steps.

Whenever Xiao Zhen finally gets to see him, he spends most of the time curled up on a chaise longue. He looks sickly and listless, but every word he says is a gem, and he always says exactly what others don't want to hear.

People say that a honeyed tongue can conceal a snake's heart, but the young master doesn't even bother pretending around him. Xiao Zhen can't tell whether he thinks too little of him or too highly of him.

Xiao Zhen (Yunhuai) X Shen Yun (Junrong)

"In this vast city of Changyang, everyone is on edge, and each person's schemes are more elaborate than the last. But here, far from court, I know little about you, and you know just as little about me. We both wear masks in this place of quiet cultivation. Only then is it fair, don't you think?"

"I wouldn't say that."

"What?"

Shen Yun didn't catch the rest of what the other man said. The bell had rung without warning, as if telling him it was time to descend the mountain.

"I wouldn't say it's fair."

In the end, Shen Yun didn't hear those words. Perhaps the other man had reached the point of speaking, then lost the courage to continue. He could only say them slowly, one word at a time, to Shen Yun's retreating back.

Xiao Zhen turned and entered the Buddhist hall. After kneeling in prayer, he remained there for a long time, as if in repentance.

1. An alternate world.

2. Slightly connected to A Gift of Bells, but not much. This is a story set in Northern Qi during the same period.

3. Transportation Bureau, meet Big-Eyes: Pudding Rabbit Teeth

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