Chapter 110: Dharma Sermon

Chapter 110

Dharma Sermon

When Mu Rongying saw Kang Wang leave so abruptly, she thought he must have finally decided to let her go. It was for the best, really. The relationship between them should never have begun in the first place. He had shown his sincerity by offering to take her back, promising to forever be her protector, and for that, she was already satisfied. Mu Rongying pretended to brush back her hair, discreetly wiping away her tears.

"I will take my leave and return to my quarters,"

She said, using the moment to excuse herself. Though it felt right for things to end this way, she couldn’t help but feel drained, as though her body had grown weary and longed to rest alone. The married couple nodded in acknowledgment, but deep down, they knew something was amiss. It was clear to them that the two hadn’t truly communicated. From an outsider’s perspective, both Kang Wang and Young Miss Mu clearly had feelings for each other. Given the complexity of their statuses and the unfinished situation, perhaps it was best to give them more time.

After learning the art of tea ceremony from Jiang Ru, Mu Rongying began practicing by brewing tea for everyone. Nie Shuang had already decided that her husband would participate in the tea ceremony she planned to hold on New Year’s Day. After that, Song Qilin would return to lead his troops, likely arriving at the border around the middle of the first month. Nie Shuang wanted her husband to leave a lasting impression at the ceremony, one that people would remember fondly for years to come. Though Kang Wang was undeniably graceful, Song Qilin’s handsome and heroic appearance embodied the spirit of a warrior. The contrast between the two dignified men would add depth and intrigue to the tea ceremony.

Nie Shuang arranged for someone to invite Venerable Lin Kong ahead of time and sent invitations to Kang Wang’s palace and the teachers at the academy. Most of the teachers and students hailed from Huangjing City, and during the New Year, they stayed in the city with their families, not going anywhere else. She also posted notices at all four city gates, announcing a dharma talk for auspicious blessings on New Year’s Day, along with the tea ceremony for those interested in observing.

At the Xiangyun Tea House, everything was meticulously prepared. The sliding doors were wide open, and braziers were placed in every corner of the hall. A raised platform at the front of the room was set for Venerable Lin Kong to deliver his sermon, while the opposite side was reserved for Kang Wang and General Song in their respective places.

The teachers and students from the academy were seated in neat rows along the walls of the room. Having arrived early, they quietly conversed with one another while waiting. Maidservants came around, serving Hong Bao tea to the guests. About one ke before the sermon was due to begin, General Song, Kang Wang, and Venerable Lin Kong arrived one after the other, each going to rest in the reception room before the event.

Nie Shuang personally oversaw both the internal and external arrangements. For the general public who came to listen to the sermon and watch the tea ceremony, long benches had been set up outside the tea house. Since this was a collaboration between Xiangyun Tea House and the academy, the local nobility could not claim any seats inside. Some had even sent their servants to secure spots early in the morning. Before the sermon had even begun, the benches outside were already full, forcing latecomers to stand, spilling out onto the streets. Maidservants carried trays of Hong Bao tea, distributing it among the crowd. Braziers were also placed outside to provide warmth.

Buddhism was widespread throughout Da Ye Region, but most common folk visited temples simply to light incense, offer alms, and fill oil lamps to bring good fortune. Few sought to truly study the core teachings of Dharma. Even at Tian Fo Si Temple, many of the caretakers focused on selling religious trinkets as a way to raise funds for the temple. Venerable Lin Kong had been the abbot of Tian Fo Si Temple for many years, mostly keeping to himself, studying scriptures, and rarely accepting invitations for rituals. Usually, when villagers needed a monk to perform blessings or exorcisms, they would invite another monk or a Daoist priest instead.

When Da Shi came to invite Venerable Lin Kong for a Dharma sermon, the monk thought he had misheard. In all his decades of ordination, there had been some scholars who came seeking his wisdom and engaged in discussions on Dharma, but never had there been an organized public sermon. He felt a deep sense of joy. Though he was in seclusion and didn’t know Da Shi or who the Lady Boss of the Xiangyun Tea House was, the prospect of spreading the principles of Dharma to the people—especially with Kang Wang and the scholars of Huangjing Academy in attendance—was enough for him to accept without hesitation.

When Venerable Lin Kong arrived at the tea house, he was immediately struck by the peaceful and simple atmosphere. The decor was clean and minimal, with only a few elegant paintings adorning the walls. Upon entering the reception room, he found two dignified men seated there, waiting. Wang Dongpo, who had gone to greet him, quickly introduced the Venerable to Kang Wang and General Song. The two men respectfully greeted the holy figure first.

As Venerable Lin Kong sipped the fragrant deep-red Hong Bao tea, he engaged in quiet conversation with the two men. Despite their high ranks and noble status, they were humble and straightforward, their eyes clear and they looked like honest people. Da Shi had already informed the Venerable that after the sermon, there would be a dharma talks between Kang Wang and the academy’s teachers, marking the first time that Buddhist philosophy would be discussed in this manner, beyond simple faith and devotion. Though unfamiliar with philosophical debate, the Venerable was eager to learn.

When it was time for the sermon, the three took their places in the main hall. Venerable Lin Kong, dressed in a simple, bark-colored robe, wore a prayer bead necklace but did not don the full ceremonial attire of his rank. Yet, he carried an aura of quiet dignity. The topic of the sermon was the essence of Dharma and the importance of simplicity. Throughout his lecture, the room was completely silent, save for the occasional soft crackle of burning coals in the braziers. The atmosphere was scholarly and profound.

After the sermon, the teachers and students from the academy took turns asking thought-provoking questions. The Venerable, well-versed in Buddhism, answered without hesitation. The discussion was intellectually stimulating, marking the first time Venerable Lin Kong had the opportunity to fully utilize his knowledge of the scriptures. As he clarified the doubts of the laypeople, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment, as if he had found kindred spirits who shared his intellectual pursuit.

At that moment, a melodious voice rang out, revealing an elegant young woman—Nie Shuang herself.

"Next, we will begin the tea ceremony. Mo Cha Fen is ground tea powder brewed with hot water, a different preparation from the loose-leaf teas we are accustomed to. Preparing Mo Cha Fen is an art that requires focus and practice to bring out the original fragrance and taste of the tea leaves. Brewing Mo Cha Fen involves a sensory experience that engages all five senses—sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch. These are merely conduits for a deeper, more profound understanding. I invite everyone to witness the tea ceremony, and I hope it brings you a sense of tranquility and delight."

After that, two maids brought in the tea brewing set and placed it carefully on the table. Following them was another woman, just as beautiful as the first. Mu Rongying, dressed in a simple white and blue robe without any patterns, wore no makeup or accessories. Her long hair, loosely tied with fine silk of the same color—all these simplicities enhanced her natural beauty even more. All eyes in the room turned to her as she began arranging the equipment in its proper place. The water in the kettle, placed on a small stove, was gently boiling, releasing a soft mist into the air, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Nie Shuang sat beside Song Qilin, who was seated just below Kang Wang, her eyes filled with admiration as she watched her adopted sister.

Mu Rongying’s slender hands moved gracefully. After preparing the equipment, she skillfully used a bamboo ladle to pour hot water into the teacups as per the ceremony’s steps. Her face reflected deep concentration, not distracted in the slightest despite the many eyes watching her. Her calm and graceful demeanor brought a sense of peace and relaxation to the room. She opened the tea container, carefully spooned some Mo Cha Fen into a porcelain cup, added hot water, and gently stirred it with a bamboo whisk. The brewed Mo Cha Fen had a beautiful green hue and emitted a fragrant aroma. She then gracefully placed the cup in front of Venerable Lin Kong.

Venerable Lin Kong did not immediately receive the cup to drink the tea. Instead, he observed the cup for a moment, deeply moved by Nie Shuang’s earlier words about experiencing the five senses through the tea ceremony and using it as a path to a deeper understanding. Did she mean enlightenment? After some contemplation, he finally reached out to pick up the cup. He slowly examined the cup in his hands, turning it as though admiring the intricate designs for the first time. Then, at last, he brought the cup to his lips.

The moment the tea’s warmth touched his tongue, it stimulated his physical senses—the fragrant aroma filled his mouth, the slight bitterness touched his taste buds, and the warm liquid flowed smoothly down his throat, spreading to his belly. His ears caught the faint crackle of burning wood and the distant call of birds. Were these sounds and sensations all part of a deeper awareness? In an instant, Venerable Lin Kong’s mind grew remarkably calm.It was as though everyone in the room could feel the waves of tranquility emanating from Venerable Lin Kong. On this New Year’s Day, with the crisp, cold air outside, it seemed as if the tea ceremony had brought forth a miracle...