Chapter 9: A Smile Erases Grudges

After pretending to ponder for a moment, he had actually thought of it long ago; he merely wanted Xu Tiancai to articulate it. Tang Yi couldn't help but give a thumbs up from outside the window; in later generations, this would be a typical example of participatory theory

To be honest, relying on such means to make money is not above board. Once it is exposed, Tang Yi's reputation will be ruined. Not to mention holding an official position, even the imperial examination would pose problems. Therefore, Tang Yi only wants to obtain the first dou of gold and does not wish to treat it as a long-term cash cow

From Tang Yi's calmness, there is a unique sense of detachment, as if he has seen through everything. It feels genuinely uncomfortable, yet there is nothing that can be done about it

It is truly a slight smile: "It is nothing significant; reciting scriptures and cultivating oneself is the duty of a monk. However, there is some reason in what the benefactor says, but if it turns into a matter of price, would it not contradict the original intention? Alas, it is all the fault of this old monk for not considering it carefully"

What a clever tactic of feigning capture to lure the prey, inviting you into the trap, truly impressive, Master!" Tang Yi walked in from outside with a smile.

It is still quite fair, Tang Yi said with a smile

Tang Yi nodded and smiled, saying: "Master, I am but a poor child, and my father is not skilled in management, which is why he resorted to such a desperate measure. I hope you can forgive any offense caused. When my mother, Tang Yi, achieves great success, she will certainly not forget your kindness, Master"

Master, your skills are impressive. I admit my defeat. If you have any further remarks, please bring them forth!

Tang Yi smiled and clasped his hands, saying: "I hope the master will keep his word!"

Xu Tiancai's eyes twinkled as he indeed came up with an idea

Rest assured, little Tan, the old monk will keep his mouth sealed like a bottle

Tang Yi gracefully clasped his hands together and said, "Thank you, Master. By the way, your esteemed temple will surely need these incense and decorative items in the future. I have entrusted this matter to the Zhu couple; they are honest and kind-hearted, and they are just earning a little hard-earned money. This can be seen as providing a means for the poor to support their families."

Master, the offerings have been quite good, haven't they? Tang Yi asked with a smile

No! When Xucheng led him over from the side hall, the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was enshrined there, the place was spotless, with incense smoke swirling around, and fresh flowers and herbs arranged beautifully. The sound of bells was faint, resembling the Pure Land. On both sides, there were exquisite redwood stands; if he could place his father's spirit tablet on one of them, it wouldn't be long before he could enter the Pure Land, and he would undoubtedly be the most filial son!

What a huge favor this is, Tang Yi almost spat blood. He and his father, what do they need bricks, tiles, and wood for? Moreover, making such a big fuss, moving things from the temple, aren't they afraid of others gossiping behind their backs? Tang Yi dares to say, if the good men and women of faith find out, just the spittle alone could drown a person!

Indeed, the youth possess true courage. When I, the old monk, spoke with the young Tan Yue, I proposed using the Zhongyuan Festival as an experiment, with the offerings being split equally.

I have become wealthy, I have truly become wealthy

Well, please lead the way!

As the sun set behind the western mountains and the last worshipper departed, Scholar Tang shook his stiff body. He hurriedly walked back, as Tang Yi's favorite place to visit these days was the "Tongfan Historical Monument," where he often sat for several hours at a time

Tang Yi stared at Liao Zhen, his mind racing. As the saying goes, those who have renounced the world do not love wealth; the more, the better. However, Liao Zhen was certainly not an exception to this rule. So why did he refuse

What? Not good

Thank you, Master! Xu Tiancai was almost in tears, excitedly saying: "I, as a disciple, am not one to rely solely on words. I have heard that your esteemed temple is undergoing renovations, and I am willing to donate 20,000 bricks, 50 pieces of timber, along with 20 stones of japonica rice and 5 dou of sesame oil"

Tang Yi did not respond, only saying: "Just wait and see!"

Master, the disciple has an idea. It might be beneficial to divide the positions into two parts, allocating 70% to the devout believers. The more they offer, the more sincere their devotion to the Buddha, and they should be rewarded accordingly. As for the remaining 30%, if there are truly filial children who cannot provide money, Master might consider opening the door of convenience, which would be a win-win situation.

Yes, Master

With great effort to control his excited emotions, he said calmly: "Xu Chen, take the benefactor to Xiangxiang."

That is good. Today, the total amount of offerings is four hundred thirty-one taels and seven qian. Among them, one donor contributed fifty taels, two donors contributed thirty taels each, and several others contributed varying amounts of five taels and ten taels. Additionally, there are more contributions in the form of copper coins and small silver. The detailed accounts are all here for your review, esteemed donor.

He closed his eyes in contemplation, and in fact, he was thinking the same thing. If the matter were to spread, his reputation would also be ruined

Indeed, what profound insights do you have, Master

Indeed, Tang Yi is here again, staring blankly at the mottled text

A few items combined are worth at least two hundred taels of silver, which is simply a great profit

As Tang Yi walked out of the quiet room, a broad smile appeared on Liao Zhen's face

Oh? Indeed, I must express my gratitude to the young monk.

Sitting in front of the table, he took the account book from Xu Chen's hands and smiled, saying: "Little Tan Yue, this is the account book. There are still some scattered coins that have not been counted, so let's calculate it based on fifty taels. What do you think?"

Mutual understanding! One old and one young, one monk and one layman, a smile dissolves all enmity

It's nothing, Master, but please do not forget our agreement, a fifty-fifty split!

Tang Yi tapped his fingers on the table and suddenly smiled slightly at the figure: "Master, as far as I know, many people have donated grain, oil, bricks, tiles, wood, and sand, which when converted into silver, would amount to two or three hundred taels, right"

Amitabha, a monk does not speak falsehoods

Likewise! Tang Yi is completely unconcerned, and Liao Zhen has long seen through it. This kid has a thicker skin than a city wall and will not care about anything said.

The method of the benefactor is truly ingenious, and I, the old monk, am in admiration. If your approach is considered an act of charity, I shall immediately have someone create a spirit tablet for your esteemed father and place it in the foremost position

Wait, he just said that the cooperation ends here...! ... Understood!

Tang Yi instantly calmed down, took a sip of tea, and remarked with a smile: "Master, you are quite skilled. You intend to leave me out and handle it yourself, right? After all, the merit box is not worth much, and incense and decorative items are easier to manage. You can just counterfeit them; why do you need to let me take half of the silver?"

Suddenly, he laughed and said: "I, the old monk, believe that the young benefactor's method is not good. Our cooperation ends here! I have already had someone pack up the items you brought. Young benefactor, please take them back!"

"How is that possible? Could it be that a true master would lie?" Tang Xiucai asked in confusion

While speaking, Xu Chen rushed over, panting, and said to Tang Yi: "Master is looking for you"

She rolled her eyes and said lightly, "Xiao Tan Yue, wisdom does not lead to longevity!"

Scholar Tang patted his backside, pulled Tang Yi to sit on the stone steps, and excitedly waved his hands and feet, saying: "Yi'er, I have calculated it, the incense money is at least 200 taels of silver. If we split it in half, we will have 100 taels, 100 taels!" Scholar Tang was at a loss for words.

Since the morning, Scholar Tang has been sitting in the corner of the side hall, his gaze hardly leaving the several merit boxes, one of which, leaning against the prayer mat, was filled twice! Even though they are all copper coins, it is still not a small amount; when converted to silver, it amounts to at least twenty to thirty taels.

Tang Yi glanced at the account book and suddenly smiled, saying, "Master, your skills are profound; you would not stoop to manipulating the accounts. I trust you!" The implication was that other matters were less certain

Feeling truly astonished, he suddenly chuckled and said: "Little Tanyue, the benevolence of the benefactors is priceless. It would be inappropriate for me to convert it into silver. If you need it, feel free to take half away!"

Tang Yi quickly walked into the quiet room. In an adjacent room, several young monks were sweating profusely as they counted money. In front of them, the coins were almost piled up like a small mountain. The young monks had never seen so much money before, their eyes wide open in fear of losing even a single coin to a cat.

In Liao Zhen's true impression, Tang Yi is nothing but extremely shrewd, madly obsessive, and even somewhat ungrateful. If it were anyone else, who would think of using a lawsuit against the monk's authority to threaten oneself? Although Tang Yi's method proved effective, bringing joy to all, Liao Zhen felt quite uncomfortable about it; otherwise, he would not have schemed against Tang Yi in such a way

Is there something wrong with my ears? I have inexplicably received an additional 300 taels of incense money, along with so much rice, flour, and tiles. How could anything be wrong?

Master, in your kindness, the disciple is well aware that offering spirit tablets also requires a considerable amount of wealth. As a son, it is only right that I bear this responsibility myself. The fact that the Master can assist in chanting sutras for the deceased is already a tremendous grace; how could I allow your esteemed temple to incur expenses!

Little one, your skills are still lacking!

"Little Master, you have truly impressed this old monk. You have invited the Zhu family to discuss matters; if suitable, this old monk will continue to employ them." As he spoke, he genuinely took out one hundred and fifty taels of silver, thought for a moment, and added a fifty-tael gold ingot, totaling two hundred taels, which he handed to Tang Yi. Then he sighed deeply, his voice tinged with sorrow: "Little Master, this old monk has wasted decades, achieving nothing. When I came from the Puji Temple, I vowed to expand the mountain gate and promote the Buddhist teachings; this is the last thing this old monk can do in his lifetime. There are some hasty actions, and I hope Little Master can understand."

Tang Yi smiled dismissively and said, "There will be such a day, whether it is now or not." Tang Yi continued, "Today is the fifteenth of July, the Ghost Festival. Throughout the year, the only days that can rival today in terms of offerings are probably just a few during the Spring Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. Moreover, Father, do you really think that just having an idea is enough to exchange for a money tree?"

Having had his thoughts exposed, his true complexion flushed red, and he simply chose to remain silent. The room fell silent all at once, as Tang Yi sipped his tea, and suddenly, almost casually, he remarked: "Master, it really doesn't have to be so complicated! I can just take it for the day of the Zhongyuan Festival."

Little Tan Yue, what is your business?

Hehe, a monk does not speak falsehoods. Today, whatever amount of offerings was received, half of it will belong to the little donor.

Do not rush. Master, you must promise me one thing, no matter when it is, you must not speak of it!

I will not fall for the game of teasing and withholding that others play

If there are this many every day in the future, we won't have to do anything at all.

Yier! A great joyous occasion!

Tang Yi suddenly stood up, "Master, you are not joking, are you?"

Dear benefactor, in previous years during the Ghost Festival, there were also around one hundred and ten taels of silver for incense money. This year, the old monk has worked hard to manage and has increased the amount, which is quite normal. Therefore, this silver is not solely the merit of the little donor. Let us round it off and set aside three hundred taels for distribution; what do you think

Xu Tiancai's suggestions were adopted, which not only earned him respect but also fulfilled the wishes of a filial son. Just wait and see, the offerings will definitely not be lacking