BMN : Chapter 51

It has been over three years since Jin Yi took over as the general at Longshuo Pass. The apprentice at the Fang Medical Clinic graduated more than a year ago, so Fu Ming no longer needs to sit in consultation regularly and has more time to travel around Liangzhou. One day, he rode his camel to a remote area of the Gobi Desert, more than a hundred miles downstream from Xianquan. There, he found a cliff eroded by the wind, stretching like a city wall across the barren, expansive land. But it was more than just a cliff; someone had carved caves into the rock, and over time, more and more grottoes appeared. Eminent monks had meditated there, and countless devout men and women had sculpted Buddha statues and painted murals, making sincere wishes.

As Fu Ming wandered through the grottoes open to the faithful, the dim lighting revealed compassionate Buddhas, smiling Bodhisattvas, and beautifully blooming lotus flowers, making this desolate land seem sacred and warm.

He recalled a poem he had read:

“The Tathagata is but an illusion; how can he save all beings?”

Today, he understood that Buddha resides in people’s hearts. The Tathagata may be an illusion, but the good thoughts, expectations, wisdom, and compassion in human hearts are the essence of Buddha. The statues and murals are manifestations of this Buddha-nature, which is why the compassionate eyes of the Buddha and the smile of the Bodhisattva move people so deeply.

Fu Ming inquired about the cost and labor required to carve a grotto and sculpt a Medicine Buddha.

After returning to Xianquan Town, Fu Ming took a short rest before heading to Longshuo Pass to find Jin Yi. He shared his experiences and ideas and then joked, “Although I’ve saved a bit over the years, it’s still not enough, so I came to see if I could ‘pick your pocket,’ Changji.”

Jin Yi handed him his money box without hesitation and said, “All the cash I have is here. If it’s not enough, I can have more sent from home.”

Fu Ming opened the box, seeing gold, silver, and banknotes, and couldn’t help but laugh, “Did you think I was planning to dig a gold and silver cave? There’s no need for so much.”

Jin Yi replied, “Whatever’s left, you can keep. I don’t need to spend money here. The court provides timely military pay, and I don’t need to dip into my own funds to reward the soldiers. I have no use for it now. Take it if you want, or keep it for me if you don’t.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll take the money and run?”

Jin Yi laughed, “You can take the money, but you can’t run.”

Fu Ming smiled at this and, without hesitation, accepted the money. He said, “It will take some time to carve the grotto, sculpt the statue, and paint the murals. Once it’s done, I’ll invite you to visit.”

After more than a year, by that autumn, the grotto was complete. The Buddha statue was sculpted, and the mural paint had dried over the summer. Fu Ming invited his benefactor, Jin Yi, to come and see it.

Fu Ming personally carried a lamp and led Jin Yi up the stone steps along the cliff to the cave entrance. The sunlight couldn’t reach deep into the grotto, but in the lamplight, Jin Yi saw a Medicine Buddha that looked somewhat similar to Fu Ming’s adoptive father, Doctor Fang.

Jin Yi was not surprised. Doctor Fang was well-respected among the people for saving lives, and he had a great debt of gratitude from Fu Ming. It was only natural for Fu Ming to use him as a model for the statue.

Looking at the murals on the cave walls, Fu Ming said, “I first sketched the designs and then worked with a few hired artisans to paint them. I originally wanted to do it all myself, but painting the entire cave was too much work for one person, so I had to enlist help. Changji, what do you think?”

Jin Yi replied, “How could a hundred billion lotus flowers not reflect the image of a Buddha? Was this your intention when you painted the walls?”

Fu Ming nodded, “I made this wish, so I painted it on the wall.”

Jin Yi smiled back, “That’s wonderful.”

In an inconspicuous corner of the mural, there were figures of the cave’s patrons—one in armor and sword, the other holding a book and carrying a box—representing Jin Yi and Fu Ming.

At this moment, they both knelt in the dim light, grateful for the past and hopeful for the future.

After fulfilling this wish for the Buddha cave, Fu Ming handed the medical clinic over to the fully trained local apprentice and became a full-time military doctor at the Longshuo Pass garrison.

In Jin Yi’s last few months of service, Xixia, which had been quiet for many years, launched an all-out comeback. However, Jin Yi had always maintained strict military discipline and was well-prepared. The soldiers were eager to fight, and this time, Xixia was defeated more quickly and thoroughly, eventually surrendering and becoming a vassal.

Having achieved another great victory while defending Longshuo Pass, Jin Yi returned to the capital with Fu Ming in glory.

This time, their old friend, Jiang Yisun, was appointed to succeed them. Jiang Yisun brought supplies from the court, distributed rewards to the entire army, and celebrated with a grand feast to honor the men who had defended the country.

After the feast, four people sat around a square table in the main command tent, sipping wine and chatting late into the night.

Surprisingly, Jiang Yisun was the first to shed tears. He looked at the now-secularized Yan Le beside him, then at Fu Ming, who was slowly chewing the lamb roasted by Jin Yi, and finally at Jin Yi, whose smile couldn’t hide his joy as he watched Fu Ming eat. Jiang Yisun choked up, “After all these twists and turns, we’ve finally reunited.”

Yan Le, who had initially wanted to tease Jiang Yisun for shedding tears despite being a man, ended up softening his tone. He raised his cup and said, “Let the joys and sorrows of the past vanish like smoke and clouds. From now on, let’s live well.”

The four clinked their cups together and drank to the future.

It was a deep night, and they had a long journey ahead.

After returning to the capital, the court bestowed honors and rewards. However, Jin Yi declined the hereditary title granted by the emperor, saying that while titles could be passed down, merit could not. His descendants should not rest on their laurels but work to strengthen the nation and family.

At the same time, he requested an imperial marriage. He explained that Doctor Ye Xin, who had served as a military doctor at Longshuo Pass for many years and had saved countless lives, had also saved his own life. Jin Yi confessed that he had long admired Ye Xin. The emperor, delighted, not only granted the marriage but also bestowed generous rewards on the military doctor.

Fu Ming, who had returned to the Jin residence with Jin Yi, spent many days with Zhao Yan, Ren Lan, and several other friends before the wedding. However, Jin Yi insisted on giving Fu Ming a proper and willing wedding. So, Fu Ming moved out of the Jin residence and prepared for the wedding at a private residence provided by Tao Yang.

At the Jin residence, Xin Yue oversaw the wedding preparations, often helped by Zhou Chengyan. The young Zhao Yan had grown into a young man capable of managing many tasks, while Ren Lan mainly assisted Fu Ming. The now-married Lü Fei, Wan Lan, and others returned to help their master sew clothes and embroider quilts, their bond unchanged.

On the wedding day, the capital was even more lively than in the past.

When the wedding procession arrived, Jin Yi dismounted and met the resplendent Fu Ming at the mansion’s entrance. He reached out his hand, and Fu Ming placed his hand in Jin Yi’s, allowing himself to be led onto the horse. They rode together to the Marquess of Sui’s residence.

People lined the streets to watch the festivities, discussing the wedding and comparing it to the one years ago.

“Look at this spectacle, even grander than before!”

“Now the young master is a lord; his status is different. He’s been ennobled and is in the emperor’s favor. Naturally, the spectacle is even grander!”

“I think it’s not just the status difference. I heard the Marquess of Jin requested this marriage from the emperor himself. Look, they’re riding together. The former Mr. Fu didn’t receive this kind of treatment. It’s different when someone is cherished in the heart.”

………

Amidst the sounds of the wind and the rhythmic clatter of horse hooves, Fu Ming could only hear the thunderous heartbeat of Jin Yi’s chest behind him and his hearty laughter.

Jin Yi held his beloved close, his only wish being to quickly bring him home and never let go. He paid no heed to the murmurs of those around them.

As they rode together, the sound of the horse’s hooves echoed steadily, and the breeze was gentle and joyful. It was a journey filled with contentment and happiness.

When Jin Yi was married at the Jin residence years ago, the Third Prince attended. Now, for Jin Yi’s second wedding, the emperor himself made an appearance.

Upon seeing Ye Xin entering hand-in-hand with Jin Yi, the emperor smiled knowingly and said to the groom, “I understand. There could be no other who would have made Jin Aiqing request an imperial marriage decree.”

With that, the ceremony began.

First, they bowed to the heavens and earth!

Second, they bowed to their parents!

Finally, they bowed to each other as husband and husband!

As they bowed to each other, promising to entrust their lives to one another, they rose, their faces full of smiles as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

After the wedding ceremony, Fu Ming, accompanied by attendants, was led to their new home, which was set up in Fang Manting. The garden, as beautiful and tranquil as ever, had not changed since the day he left.

The night was still young when Jin Yi returned to the room.

Fu Ming greeted him with a smile, “I thought it would be a while before you could get away!”

Jin Yi shook his head and replied, “I didn’t want you to wait too long.” He smiled, “Cheng Yan, Yan’er, and my brother-in-law are all outside keeping people at bay for me.”

Fu Ming chuckled and asked, “How are you feeling? Do you need some hangover soup?”

“No need. I didn’t drink much. Besides, I can’t get drunk before we have the most important cup of the night.”

“Your glib tongue has gotten quite skilled, unlike back in the day when you couldn’t say such things.”

Jin Yi shook his head, smiling. “Back then, I thought there was no need to say such things. Now, I say them sincerely because I know it will make you happy.”

Fu Ming lowered his head, smiling as he poured the wine. “Alright, I hear you. No need to keep repeating it. Now, for that most important cup…”

Jin Yi handed a cup to Fu Ming, took the other himself, and they drank, arm-in-arm. Afterward, they lay together on the bed.

Holding Fu Ming close, Jin Yi asked, “Do you know why my courtesy name is ‘Changji’?”

Fu Ming thought for a moment and replied, “I can guess a bit, but I’d like to hear your explanation.”

Jin Yi explained, “My given name, ‘Yi,’ and courtesy name, ‘Changji,’ both mean ‘to rely on’ or ‘to borrow.’ My elders chose these names for me to remind me to always be grateful. For a general, the greatest taboo is to become arrogant and forget that achievements cannot be made alone, forgetting the cost paid by many lives.”

Fu Ming nodded. “So, your elders wanted you to remember the gratitude owed to your comrades who fought alongside you, the gratitude owed to the court and the people, and to avoid causing trouble due to arrogance. That’s why they named you ‘Yi’ and gave you the courtesy name ‘Changji,’ right?”

“Exactly,” Jin Yi said, gently stroking Fu Ming’s long hair and whispering in his ear, “In the past, I kept their teachings in mind but didn’t fully understand them. It was because of you that I truly grasped the meaning of ‘Yi’ and ‘Changji.’ Ye Xin, I’m incredibly grateful that you’re still by my side today. It’s the thing I’m most thankful for.”

Fu Ming looked up and kissed Jin Yi’s chin gently, smiling. “The feeling is mutual.”

The red candles illuminated the long night. Flowers and people slept together, and they woke up together.

There were no elders in the Jin residence to serve tea to. Fu Ming didn’t have to rise early, and it was only after lunch that he opened the door to visitors.

The first to arrive was Ren Lan.

Upon seeing him, she called out, “Brother Ming,” and added, “Finally, our family is still a family.” There were tears in her eyes, but she smiled.

Fu Ming nodded, spoke a few words, and then invited her to the garden. He personally brewed tea, and they sat chatting under the shade of the flowers.

“Brother Ming, by rights, I shouldn’t bring this up now, but I’ve been holding onto this for a long time. Seeing you so happy now, I believe you won’t mind anymore. So, I’d like to tell you.” 

“Go ahead, speak freely.”

Ren Lan spoke softly, “The young woman from the Zhou family got married two years ago. I met her once at a banquet, and she told me many things. Her husband’s family treats her well, despite knowing she was once promised to another. Her husband respects her, and last year, she gave birth to a son, the first grandson of the family. She said she should be content with her life now, but she feels guilty about the past. Sometimes, she has nightmares where you come to claim your husband or even your life. She said that even if everything goes well for her in the future, she will always be reminded of her mistakes and feel guilty. She hopes that if Heaven deems it fit to punish her, the consequences will fall solely on her and not affect her parents, husband, or child… I have hesitated several times, unsure whether to tell her that you are still alive and are now married into the Jin family.”

Fu Ming remained silent for a moment before sighing and saying, “Next time you see her, tell her the truth.”

Ren Lan smiled, “By saying that, I can see you’ve truly let go of the past. I’m glad, not out of pity for Wan Qing, but because it shows you’re really doing well and have no more resentment. Once I tell Wan Qing, she might feel relieved and no longer be tormented by nightmares. But I think, even if she knows the truth, she might not be able to let go of everything as you have. Once a white robe is stained, no matter how much you wash it, it can never be as pure as it was. That’s why people say there’s nothing more important than a clear conscience.”

Fu Ming smiled, “You’re right, the most important thing is to have a clear conscience.”

The year after their wedding, Jin Yi requested another assignment from the court. With the country having emphasized civil over military matters for years, military preparedness was lax, and discipline was in disarray. The court needed someone of Jin Yi’s stature to restore order and set an example. The Emperor, agreeing with Jin Yi’s suggestion, appointed him to a new post, this time in the prosperous coastal region in the east.

Unlike the previous assignment, the Emperor allowed Jin Yi to bring his family along. Fu Ming, now serving as a military physician, would accompany him, and their son, Zhao Yan, would also join them to gain experience.

Before leaving the capital, Fu Ming entrusted the Jin residence to Xin Yue and Ren Lan. Over the past year, Fu Ming had often asked Xin Yue if she still wanted to stay at the Jin residence. Though she was older, her appearance and character were excellent, and with the backing of the Jin family, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find a good match. Fu Ming didn’t want her to waste her life in the back courtyard of the mansion. However, she politely declined, insisting, “Wherever Miss is, there is where Xin Yue belongs. With Miss’s tablet here and the Old Lady’s, I wouldn’t feel at ease leaving without tending to them.” Fu Ming, knowing her quiet and steadfast nature, did not press further. He instructed the household staff to treat her with the utmost respect, as they would a master. Xin Yue, a longstanding figure in the household, managed the affairs with fairness and kindness, earning the respect of all. Although her life lacked excitement, she lived comfortably, especially with Ren Lan, who often visited to keep her company. Feeling reassured, Fu Ming left the residence in her capable hands.

For the next ten years, Fu Ming traveled with Jin Yi across the country’s east, south, west, and north, exploring lakes and making their home wherever they went. They would stay in a place for one or two years, sometimes longer, soaking in the local customs before moving on to the next destination.

During these years of travel, Fu Ming completed a collection he had been planning and preparing for a long time. The ten-volume set covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of nobles and the wealthy to the everyday experiences of common folk, encompassing everything from major cities and landmarks to simple meals and drinks. Though not written in flowery prose, the collection offered a vivid portrayal of life’s fleeting moments, encouraging readers to cherish their time and appreciate the mundane beauty of life.

When the collection was finally published, Fu Ming felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment. It was a personal commitment he had kept for many years, working diligently to ensure that the stories and experiences were captured and shared.

He received the first set of books in spring, as apricot blossoms gently fell around him. To avoid getting the books wet, he walked leisurely under an umbrella along the long street. At the end of the street, Jin Yi waited for him with a few jugs of wine.

Fu Ming quickened his pace, and Jin Yi stepped under the umbrella with him, taking the books from his hands. “Let’s go home and celebrate,” Jin Yi said.

Fu Ming smiled, “Yes, let’s go home.”

They walked together under the umbrella.

The fine rain soaked the flowing light, as spring flourished in the world.

R : Fiuh.. finally ! Fu Ming was soo nice hmph ! 

I hope y’all liked it ! 

This novel is finished, I picked up  CFJWF , farm and slow life ♥

Thank you again for your support, your comments, it’s always nice reading you ! ʚ♡⃛ɞ(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)