Chapter 4: Returning to Secular Life

Yue Zhiwei said with a wry smile: "Alright, Shu Chu, I have come to appreciate your prowess. Shu Chu, if you want anyone else, just say it all at once." Shu Yi shook his head: "I only want these two from the department; I will find the others myself." Yan Zheng asked: "Do you have any targets? Can you reveal them so that we can be mentally prepared as well?"

Shu Yi said, "Alright, I want Sheng Rongguang." Yue Zhiwei's expression changed, and he quickly stood up and said, "No, he can't give you that. You can have anyone else but him." Shu Yi sighed, "Director Yue, do you dare to play tricks in front of the two ministers?" Yue Zhiwei said with a bitter face, "Minister, Sheng Rongguang is our treasure in the Fifth Bureau; I am used to him." He then glared at Ye Qinghan, saying, "It must be you who spoke too soon." Ye Qinghan looked innocent, focusing on his meal, but there was an unmistakable smile on his face.

Half an hour later, Jie Kong got into the car. Shu Yi said to Ye Qinghan: "Return to the department."

Yan Zheng cast a stern glance at Yue Zhiwei, then looked at Shu Yi. He felt amused; he knew Shu Yi very well, and it seemed that Yue Zhiwei had once again been outmaneuvered. Yan Zheng pretended to be serious and said, "Well, Minister Yu and I can vouch for you, right, Old Yu?" Yu Zhongguo also smiled and replied, "Yes, go ahead, is there a suitable candidate?"

Shu Yi said, "I know he is your treasure, but these two cases are quite complex. Having someone like Xiao Sheng as an assistant ensures our investigation is more secure. Director Yue, I really must have this person." After saying this, he glanced at Yan Zheng and Yu Zhongguo. At this moment, Yan Zheng also spoke seriously, "Zhiwei, just give Xiao Sheng to him. We promised to fully support him, and we cannot just stay at the verbal level."

Ye Qinghan asked again: "What is the *picture* book of the Liuli Qin?"

Yue Zhiwei remained silent, nodding slightly. He was at a loss for words, yet internally he felt some blame towards the two ministers for allowing Shu Yi to act recklessly. Shu Yi then said, "Oh, by the way, Director Yue, Shi Qing is a graduate student at the Huaxia Buddhist Academy, and he has six months left until graduation. Please help him with the process so that he can graduate early." Yue Zhiwei replied, "Hmm, I will have someone take care of this matter."

Shu Yi asked Ye Qinghan to close the door: "Let's have a brief meeting." Shu Yi introduced everyone to each other, then clearly and concisely explained both cases: "The department has decided to conduct an investigation into both cases together. Starting today, 'Guǐyù' is officially established. To the outside world, we are the Fifth Bureau, Ninth Division of the Ministry of National Security of Huaxia. Starting tomorrow, we will be engaged in intense work." Then he reiterated the explanation of both cases: "The department has decided to conduct an investigation into both cases together. Starting today, 'Guǐyù' is officially established. To the outside world, we are the Fifth Bureau, Ninth Division of the Ministry of National Security of Huaxia. Starting tomorrow, we will be engaged in intense work."

Yue Zhiwei is unwilling to stay even a minute longer at the Ninth Bureau; in front of Shu Yi, he can no longer distinguish who the leader is. He feels a bit disheartened, yet his curiosity about Shu Yi continues to grow.

He pointed to a handsome young man beside him and said, "I have brought Xiao Sheng to you. Also, their office is right next to yours. The rooms are tight, so for the time being, let's make do with the conference room. I have set up four desks for them; does that work for you?"

Shuyi said: "The celestial being in Buddhism known as 'Kinnara', one of the 'Eight Classes of Devas', uses a type of musical instrument. Kinnara, also known as 'Lettuce', means 'heavenly music'. In the 'Sutra of the Great Tree Kinnara King', it is recorded that the Great Tree Kinnara King and countless Kinnaras went to the Buddha at Fragrant Mountain, where they played the crystal lute before the Tathagata. The great Kasyapa and other Arhats were moved, exclaiming: 'This exquisite and harmonious sound stirs my heart, like the swirling wind blowing through the trees, I cannot contain myself. All phenomena lead to tranquility, as hetushu.com is, from the highest to the lowest, empty, tranquil, extinguished, free from afflictions, the purest and highest now manifests.' All phenomena lead to tranquility, as hetushu.com is, from the highest to the lowest, empty, tranquil, extinguished, free from afflictions, the purest and highest now manifests.'"

Yan Zheng smiled and said, "Xiao Shu, today this welcome banquet is specially prepared for you, so please drink a little, just to show your appreciation." Shu Yi waved his hand and replied, "Minister Yan, please don't blame me for not giving everyone face; I really cannot drink alcohol. Just a drop will cause my skin to break out in allergies. You all enjoy yourselves; I will substitute tea for wine. Thank you all." Yu Zhongguo said, "Then forget it, Minister Yan, don't make it difficult for Xiao Shu."

Shu Yi said, "Let's do it this way for now, since we won't be in the office for long. By the way, we might be out running around these days, so I should inform the leadership first." Yue Zhiwei replied with a wry smile, "You don't need to ask me for leave; Minister Yu has already instructed that your actions are classified and not subject to any restrictions." Shu Yi continued, "There is one more thing I need to consult with the leadership about: could I get some allowance in advance?"

Shu Yi said: "I know you are a favored aide of Director Yue, but the work of the Ninth Bureau is of the utmost secrecy. Not even Director Yue can disclose a single word about the Ninth Bureau when he inquires about you." Sheng Rongguang replied: "Understood." Shu Yi smiled with satisfaction: "Alright, Tian Han, you go find Director Yue to finalize our credentials and sidearms. Then you and Xiao Sheng can go back to greet your families. Tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, we will meet at the department and then head to Yundu Province."

Before long, Ye Qinghan brought the identification and sidearms for the four individuals. He handed one of the guns to Shi Qing, asking, "Do you know how to use it?" Shi Qing replied, "I don't need it." Shu Yi said, "Just take it; you will find it useful." Shi Qing no longer hesitated and accepted it.

Not long after returning to the office, Yue Zhiwei brought a young man over. When he saw the monk dressed in robes, he was taken aback and asked, "Shu Chu, who is this?" Shu Yi replied, "A new member of the Ninth Division, Master Jie Kong. Yue Ju, I will need your assistance in processing his paperwork later." Yue Zhiwei said, "But he is a monk." Shu Yi responded, "He has already disrobed; he has a name, Shi Qing."

Ye Qinghan asked in confusion, "Shu Chu, why did you choose such a young monk?" Shu Yi replied indifferently, "Young? Not really. He is a high monk from the Jin Guang Temple on Mount Puluo. He was an abandoned infant, raised in the temple. By the age of thirteen, he had already mastered Buddhist teachings, and by seventeen, he was giving sermons. Now at twenty-two, he is set to become the abbot of the temple." Ye Qinghan was taken aback; a high monk at twenty-two was something he could hardly imagine.

The three of them left the school and sat down in the pavilion by the lake. Shu Yi asked, "Jie Kong, you will graduate in half a year, right?" The young monk Jie Kong nodded, "Yes." Shu Yi smiled and said, "Would you be willing to graduate early?" Jie Kong asked in confusion, "Why?" Shu Yi did not answer directly, gazing at the ripples on the lake: "The wind is picking up!" Jie Kong asked, "Has Mr. Shu encountered some trouble?"

He turned his head to Shi Qing and said, "Later, I will accompany you to buy a few outfits and also get a mobile phone." Shi Qing nodded and replied, "Okay"

Shuyi bought Shiqing five or six sets of clothes and also selected two hats. The hats must be worn until hair grows on his head to cover the scar. Shiqing looked very spirited and handsome in the suit, but wearing a hat felt somewhat out of place; however, there was no other choice. Seeing Shiqing's discomfort, Shuyi asked, "You won't blame me, will you?" Shiqing shook his head, saying, "Entering the world is also for cultivation." Shuyi nodded and said, "We have known each other for eight years, and I never really thought we would work together in this way."

Shu Yi said softly, "Big trouble, have you heard of strings made from tendons?" Jie Kong's eyes lit up, "Are you referring to the Liuli Qinqin?" Shu Yi nodded, "The strings can kill." Jie Kong clasped his hands together, "Amitabha!" Shu Yi continued, "So I need your help, but you might not have the chance to take over as the abbot of Baoguang Temple anymore." Jie Kong replied calmly, "Cultivation is in the heart, sir, I am willing to help you."

Shi Qing also revealed a smile: "In fact, the form is not important; what matters is that different paths lead to the same destination." Shu Yi gently replied, "Yes, it seems I have been too attached to appearances."

Upon arriving at the Buddhist Academy, Shu Yi led Ye Qinghan directly to the student dormitory, stopping in front of a room door. He knocked on the door, and a young monk, around twenty years old, opened it. Upon seeing Shu Yi, the young monk displayed a look of joy: "Mr. Shu, what brings you here?" Shu Yi smiled and replied: "I came specifically to find you. Come, let's go outside and chat"

Shu Yi said, "Jie Kong, there is one thing I must clarify with you. If you truly wish to help me, you must return to secular life and join the Ministry of State Security." Jie Kong smiled and replied, "Since cultivation is in the heart, does it matter whether one is secular or not? The heart is the Buddha's heart; transcending the world is the Buddha's heart, and entering the world is also the Buddha's heart." Shu Yi continued, "In that case, let us go. Someone will assist you with the other formalities." Jie Kong nodded, saying, "Alright! I will go ask for leave; we must not let them think I have gone missing. Let us meet at the academy gate in half an hour." The heart is the Buddha's heart; transcending the world is the Buddha's heart, and entering the world is also the Buddha's heart. Shu Yi said, "In that case, let us go. Someone will assist you with the other formalities." Jie Kong nodded, saying, "Alright! I will go ask for leave; we must not let them think I have gone missing. Let us meet at the academy gate in half an hour."

Yan Zheng said, "Alright then, Xiao Shu, we will not interfere with you." Shu Yi smiled and replied, "Mm." He then turned to Yue Zhiwei and said, "Director Yue, I remember you mentioned this morning that I could select people from the Fifth Bureau; is that still valid?" Yue Zhiwei responded, "Of course, the Fifth Bureau and the Ninth Division, it wouldn't make sense not to select people from the Fifth Bureau." Shu Yi remarked, "Both ministers, you have heard this." Seeing the slightly smug smile on Shu Yi's face, Yue Zhiwei felt an inexplicable tension rise within him; this kid wouldn't be trying to set a trap for him, would he? The inexplicable tension rose within him; this kid wouldn't be trying to set a trap for him, would he?

Shu Yi looked at Sheng Rongguang and said, "Xiao Sheng, if you have any thoughts, feel free to express them." Sheng Rongguang shook his head and replied, "No, I will comply with the organization's arrangements." Shu Yi nodded and said, "Alright, since you are willing to join the Ninth Division, I must inform you of the rules: speak first and act later. From now on, you will have only one leader, and that is me; you will only be accountable to me." Sheng Rongguang looked towards Ye Qinghan, who nodded in response, and Sheng Rongguang said, "Understood." Ye Qinghan nodded again, and Sheng Rongguang reiterated, "Understood."

Shu Yi said: "It is temporarily confidential"

Jie Kong finished speaking and then left

Yue Zhiwei took out a bank card from his pocket: "There are three hundred thousand in here, the password is six ones. You can change it yourself. If Minister Yu says it's not enough, you can apply to him again." Shu Yi took it and said, "Thank you."

After lunch, Shu Yi and Ye Qinghan got into the car only after seeing off Yan Zheng, Yu Zhongguo, and Yue Zhiwei. Ye Qinghan asked, "Director Shu, aren't we going back to the office?" Shu Yi replied, "No, we are going to the Buddhist Academy." Ye Qinghan, puzzled, asked, "What are we going to the Buddhist Academy for?" Shu Yi smiled and said, "You will know when the time comes."

Ye Qinghan said, "Although I do not fully understand, I feel that the music of the Jin Naluo is highly regarded." Shu Yi nodded and replied, "Indeed, however, the Liuli Qin is only mentioned in Buddhist texts. It is said that its strings are made from tendons, and the case of Peng Gang and the disappearance of the five investigators is actually related to strings made from tendons." Ye Qinghan then understood why Jiekong agreed to Shu Yi's invitation after hearing the Liuli Qin, and even consented to renounce his monastic vows.