by Shi Nai-An
They waved their hands, and said, "Do not talk so loudly."
"I am a traveling priest, and only demand a meal from you so what harm is there in that?"
An old priest replied, "For three days we have had no food so how can we give you some?"
"I am from Wu Tai Shan, and even if you have only stale congee I beg you to let me have half a bowl of it."
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The old priest replied, "As you come from a place where there is a living Buddha we certainly ought to give you some food, but as a matter of fact we have not got even a grain of rice in this temple, and most of the priests have already left. For three days we have not had a bite of food."
"Nonsense! I don't believe that," said Lu Ta.
The old priest continued, "This temple was certainly not a small one, and we collected subscriptions over a large area. But some time ago a traveling priest came here with a Taoist and they seized all the property for themselves. They did everything that is bad, and that was why almost all the priests left. We are so old that we could not go with them, and we live here in a state of starvation."
"Nonsense! If these two men did such things why did you not complain to the officials?"
`Master, you do not understand. The yamen is a long way off, but even if the official came here he would not put matters right, because these two men are exceedingly fierce, and would kill somebody or set the place on fire. They live in the abbot's quarters at the back of this building."
"What are the names of those two men?" asked Lu Ta.
"The priest is called Ts’ui; his priestly name is Tao-cheng, and his nickname is 'Iron Buddha.' The Taoist priest is called Chiu Hsiao-i, and his nickname is 'Flying Ogre.' But they are just robbers, and not like priests. Outwardly they look like priests, but their innermost thoughts are vile."
While Lu Ta was listening to this he became aware of a fragrant smell, and turning round he saw a cooking pot with a cover of matting through which steam was issuing. He lifted the cover, and saw that the pot was full of maize and water. He said, "You old priests said that you had had no food for three days, and yet here is a pot full of maize congee. Why did you lie to me?"
When they saw that he had found the congee they removed the bowls, saucers, chopsticks, and ladles so that he should not eat any. But he was so hungry that he decided to take drastic steps. Taking a broken table near the stove he wiped off the dust with a whisp of grass; then taking the pot
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with both hands he emptied the contents on the table. Upon seeing this all the priests came forward with bowls to help themselves, but Lu Ta pushed them away. He took the congee with both hands, and ate it.
The old priests said, "For three days we have had no food, and we obtained this maize outside by begging, but now you eat it."
Lu Ta had taken about seven mouthfuls, and so he desisted taking any more. Just then he heard someone outside singing a ribald song, so he washed his hands, picked up his priest staff, and burried off to see who was singing. Looking through a partitioned wall, which had been partly broken down, he saw a Taoist who was wearing a black turban, a shirt, a sash of many colors round his waist, hempen shoes, and was carrying a load suspended from a pole over his shoulder. In one bamboo basket was a fish with its tail showing over the side, and above it was a lotus leaf, with some meat on the top. In the other basket he carried a bottle of wine also covered by a lotus leaf. He was singing:
"You there, I here: each leads a single life,
"You have no husband, I have no wife:
"I have no wife: how lonely I must be,
"You have no husband: don't you pity me."
All the old priests had followed Lu Ta, and they now pointed to the Taoist and whispered, "That is the priest called Flying Ogre."
Lu Ta took his staff, following the Taoist who entered the abbot's living quarters without knowing he was being followed. Inside, Lu Ta saw an ash tree in the courtyard with a table under it, on which were plates of vegetables, three wine cups, and three pairs of chopsticks. At the table sat a fat priest, whose eyebrows looked as though they had been brushed and waxed stiff. He was very muscular and his face sallow. His clothing was not fastened, and disclosed his belly. At his side sat a young woman. The Taoist put down the baskets and took a seat. Lu Ta walked to the table, and the priest, being startled at seeing him, rose, and said, "I request you, my brother, to sit down and have a cup of wine with us."
"Why have you two destroyed this temple?" asked Lu Ta.
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"Brother, please be seated and listen to me."
Lu Ta stared at him and said, "Say on, say on!”
The priest continued, "Previously this temple had much land and many priests. Those old priests who are now in the veranda used to drink wine, and use the temple money for women. The abbot issued an order prohibiting these practices, and as the priests disobeyed the order, he resigned. They ruined the temple then, and sold the land so that many of the priests left. The Taoist and I have recently arrived, and we intend to repair the temple."
"Who is this woman, and why is she drinking wine here?"
"Brother, allow me to tell you that she is the daughter of Wang Yu-chin, who lives in a village nearby. Her father was a donor of our temple, but now he is ruined, and the family is in extreme poverty. Her husband was inflicted with a disease, and as there was no other person at home she came here to borrow rice. I knew her and therefore gave her a drink of wine. There was no other intention. You, brother, must not listen to all those 'old animals' have to say.
Lu Ta believed what be heard; so replied, "How that old priest has deceived me"' So saying, he picked tip his staff and returned to the kitchen. The old priests had eaten all the maize congee, but were still there. He pointed at them and said: "It was you who previously destroyed this temple, and you have told me a lot of lies."
An old priest replied, "Brother, you must not listen to their talk, as they keep a woman inside there. They saw you had your sword and the heavy priest staff, and as they were not armed, did not care to fight with you. If you do not believe me, then go back, and see how they treat you the second time. Brother, think a little. They have both wine and meat, whereas we cannot get even congee, and we were afraid that you would eat the little we had."
"What you say seems reasonable," said Lu Ta. He took his staff and returned to the abbot's quarters, but found the door closed. He was angry, and kicked open the door. He hurried inside, and saw that "Iron Buddha" was now armed with a sword, and was advancing towards the ash tree, with the intention of fighting Lu Ta, who gave a loud whoop, and whirling aloft his priest staff, engaged "Iron Buddha" in conflict. They fought fifteen” bouts," but the "Iron Buddha"
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could not overcome Lu Ta, and then the former took up a defensive attitude, parrying the blows and thrust slowly retreating. The Taoist saw that "Iron Buddha" was getting the worst of the fight, picked up a sword, and came behind Lu Ta, with the intention of stabbing him. Lu Ta heard footsteps but dared not turn round. He also saw the shadow of a man, and suspected treachery. He called out "Chao" (I will hit you), and upon hearing this Night Ogre jumped out of the way of Lu Ta's staff. Lu Ta turned partly round so that he was facing them both in the form of a triangle. The two men combined to fight with Lu Ta for ten bouts. He was hungry, and was also tired through walking so far, and knew that he could not defeat these two men with their spare energy. So he retreated, trailing his staff on the ground. The two men pursued him as far as the temple gate, where they again fought. Lu Ta withdrew to a stone bridge where the two men gave up the pursuit and sat down on the parapet. Lu Ta went some distance, and then remembered be had left his bundle in the temple. Moreover, he bad no money, and wondered what he must do. He could not go back, as he knew if he faced the two men, it would mean disaster. He walked a little further but was in doubt whether to go on or not. After going a few li he saw a forest of pine trees which had a forbidding aspect.
In th
e shadow of the trees he saw a man looking round stealthily, and upon seeing Lu Ta he uttered an exclamation, spat, and slipped back into the forest. Lu Ta thought the man was a robber, who perhaps thought it would be useless to hold up a priest. But Lu Ta decided to vent his rage on that man and take away the man's clothes which he could perhaps pawn for wine and food. He called, "You, footpad, come out at once."
The man in the forest laughed when he heard this, and replied, "I have bad luck, and you come here to pick a quarrel with me!" He then took his sword, and coming into the open, called out, "You bald-headed donkey! You are evidently seeking for an opportunity to die."
"You will soon know me," called Lu Ta, who advanced, flourishing his staff, while the other man also came forward, holding his sword. When they were near each other the man said, "Your voice is familiar to me. What is your name?"
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"When I have given you a good beating, I will tell you my name, but not now," said Lu Ta.
The man was angry, and advancing fought Lu Ta, but after a little contact he began to appreciate the skill of his opponent, whom he had regarded at first as only a stupid priest. So after a few more bouts of fighting, he said, "Let us rest. I have something to say to you. They both sprang apart at the same time, and the man said, "What is your name?. Your voice seems familiar."
Lu Ta told his name, and upon hearing it the man threw down his sword, and kneeling, saluted with folded hands; asking, "Do you not recognize Shih Chin.
Lu Ta laughed and replied, "Can you really be Mr. Shih?" He then knelt down and saluted. This done, they both went into the forest and sat down, telling their experiences since they last met. Shih Chin had some cold meat and cakes, which he offered to Lu Ta who was hungry. He said, "As your bundle is in the temple I will go there with you and take it. If they decline to give it to us we will kill them." Lu Ta agreed to this, and when they had finished their food, set off for the temple. On their arrival they found the Flying Ogre and Iron Buddha sitting on the parapet of the bridge ' Lu Ta called, "Come here, you two men! This time I shall kill you."
Iron Buddha laughed, "I have just defeated you -- why do you come here again?"
Lu Ta whirled his priest's staff in the air and Iron Buddha seized his sword, and went to meet him. Lu Ta felt braver because Shih Chin was now with him, and moreover was no longer hungry. He fought for nine bouts until Iron Buddha became weak and thought of retreating. Seeing this Flying Ogre went to his assistance, but Shih Chin ran from the shade of a tree, and attacked him. There were now four men fighting, two on each side. After a short time Lu Ta became aware that he was getting the better of his opponents, and shouted "Strike," and made a final effort, striking Iron Buddha with his staff, knocking him off the bridge into the water below. When Flying Ogre saw this he retreated: but Shih Chin running after him struck him a blow in the back. Flying Ogre fell down and Shih Chin placing his foot on the body stabbed him repeatedly. Lu Ta went under the bridge
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and killed Iron Buddha. We cannot but pity these two ruffians, who were sent to their last sleep in this way, and whose deeds passed like a bad dream.
Lu Ta and Shih Chin went into the temple and got Lu Ta's bundle. They found the old priests had all strangled themselves in order to avoid what they thought would be certain death. When the woman saw Lu Ta and Shih Chin, she, too, was afraid and committed suicide by jumping down the well. They went through the now vacant rooms, and found some bundles of clothing lying on a bed which they opened and found silver inside. In the kitchen they found fish, meat, and wine, which gave them a good meal. Before their departure they set fire to the temple. It happened a strong wind was blowing, so that very soon the whole place was in flames. They walked all night, and at dawn saw a large market town in the distance. Just before reaching it, they stopped at an inn, ordering the waiter to buy meat and rice, and have it cooked for them. Over their wine they discussed their future plans, and Shih Chin said he was going to Shao Hwa Shan to join the bandits there. They left the inn, and after traveling about seven li, they came to a place where three roads met, and Lu Ta decided they must separate, as he was going on to the Eastern Capital.
Lu Ta arrived at the Eastern Capital in nine days. The streets were very crowded and noisy. Upon reaching the center of the town he politely asked a passer-by where the Ta Hsiang Kwo Temple was, and was directed. Upon entering the temple he went towards the small room where guests are received. A servant reported his arrival, and without delay the priest came out to welcome the guest, but when he saw the fierce appearance of Lu Ta with his priest staff and sword he was almost afraid of him. He asked where he had come from, and Lu Ta replied that he had come from Wu Tai Shan, and had a letter for the abbot. He took the letter from his bundle, and followed the priest when the latter reminded him that as he was going to see the abbot he should not carry a sword, but should carry a mat, and some sticks of incense, and should kotow when he met the abbot. So Lu Ta put aside his sword, and after some time got the other things in proper order. The priest also told him how to wear his priest gown, and
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how to spread the mat. Just then the abbot appeared on the scene, and the priest introduced Lu Ta to him.
Abbot Ching said, "I have not heard from Wu Tai Shan for a long time."
The priest reminded Lu Ta that he should salute the abbot at once, but the latter did not know where to put down the incense sticks he was holding, and this made the priest laugh. He took the incense from Lu Ta, and placed it in an incense urn. Lu Ta then saluted three times, but the priest told him that he should first have presented the letter. The letter as opened by the abbot who read how Lu Ta had been expelled from Wu Tai Shan, and why he was recommended for employment, and that it was hoped that eventually he would become a reformed character. After reading the letter the abbot stated that Lu Ta could rest in the priests' quarters.
The Abbot Ching summoned to his living quarters all the staff of the monastery, and addressed them, "I want you all to know that abbot Chih Chen of Wu Tai Shan is not a good judge of what is good or bad. He has sent us a priest who was previously a military officer and entered our calling because he had killed a man. He made disgraceful rows in the monastery so they have sent him here. But if he stays here he may break our rules so what shall we do?"
The temple manager spoke, "I have a proposal to make. Just outside of the Sour Dates Gate (Suan Tsao Men) there is our branch temple with a vegetable garden attached. Near the temple is a barracks for soldiers, and every day the soldiers come with hooligans to steal our vegetables. They also bring horses and sheep to feed there. The priest who resides there cannot stop these depredations, so how would it be if we sent this man to live there? He would perhaps control the position."
The abbot accepted the suggestion and sent an attendant to bring Lu Ta to see him. Upon the latter's arrival the abbot addressed him, "As you have been recommended by abbot Chen, I will enter your name on our register. Just outside the Sour Dates Gate we have a branch temple with a vegetable garden, and I want you to take charge of that. Every day you must see that the gardeners send ten loads of vegetables to this temple, and you can have whatever is left over."
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"Abbot Chen told me that I could do some business here, but instead of being a temple manager or superintendent you tell me to manage a vegetable garden," said Lu Ta.
"Brother, you do not understand," said the priest who leads in worship, "you will be entered on our roll, but as you have had no experience, how can you manage a temple? The management of this vegetable garden, however, is quite an important job."
"I will not do such work, and must have a position as temple manager."
"You just listen to what I have to say," said the guest's host. "There must be a chief of the staff who manages our affairs. For instance, I attend to the guests who come here, but more important work is done by the Wei Na (who attends to the priests' discipline); the Shih Che (abbot's companion); the Shu Chi (
recorder): the Shou Tso (who conducts the prayers), and all their work is difficult. Then there are the business manager, and his assistant who look after the temple property. As you have just arrived here, how could you occupy a leading position. Then there is the priest who looks after the storeroom where the holy scriptures are kept, he is called the storekeeper; the priest who keeps the temples clean is called the hallkeeper; the priest who looks after the upper chamber is called the chamberlain; there are also the subscriptions collector; and the bathhouse keeper. These all manage affairs of the second class. Then there are the pagoda keeper; chief cook; chief tea maker; chief of the lavatories; and chief of the vegetable garden, all managing affairs of the lower class. If you attend to a vegetable garden well for say one year you will be promoted to look after the pagoda, and if you do that work well you will become the bathhouse keeper, and eventually become the superintendent of the temple."
"As there is a prospect of promotion I will go there tomorrow," said Lu Ta.
This being decided Abbot Ching invited him to rest in his private room for the night. The next day the abbot signed a notice to this effect, and sent a man to post it at the branch temple. Lu Ta then took leave of the abbot, and proceeded to his new duties with two priests who acted as guides.
