Chapter 560: Winds and Clouds Gradually Rise, Chang Geng Holds the Small Chess

The old monk sat across from him with a bewildered expression. He had no idea what Chang Geng was thinking.

In the main hall, the lamps were lit, and the golden bodies of the deities seemed to glow. The air was filled with the fragrance of incense.

Chang Geng slowly raised his head and smiled at the old monk. "I've always heard that Abbot Pu Xiang was a renowned and virtuous monk. Today, meeting you is indeed a blessing."

The old monk's forehead broke out in a sweat.

Chang Geng continued, "I once heard a monk say, 'In the mortal realm, those who seek blessings are many, but those who cultivate the Dharma are few. People believe in deities as if they are real, yet they only cling to their appearances. The Buddhist Dharma says that the four elements are empty and the five aggregates are non-existent. From where can blessings be found? And if there is no arising, from where can karma come?' I thought it was a very profound statement. Could it be that all the incense and donations are just a comfort to the mind?"

The old monk's heart pounded like a drum. He carefully replied, "Benefactor, what does the Dharma of the four elements and five aggregates refer to?"

Chang Geng chuckled softly and then asked, "Abbot, do you know about 'Liang Yao'?"

The old monk finally understood that this person had come with ill intentions. He looked at Chang Geng cautiously and said, "I have heard a little."

Chang Geng nodded. "The Grand Master has been studying medicine and has compiled a volume called 'Liang Yao'. It has the effect of nourishing the body and prolonging life, and it can cure all kinds of difficult illnesses, especially those caused by deficiency."

The old monk was stunned. "Is there really such a miraculous medicine?"

Chang Geng looked at him and slowly said, "It is indeed miraculous. It seems that many dignitaries in the capital have requested it from the Grand Master. However, the Grand Master is a man of integrity and cares only about the common people. He has been busy recently preparing the medicine and has not had time to distribute it to those wealthy and powerful families who have sent people to ask for it. Is that so?"

The old monk was in a cold sweat. He couldn't deny it, nor could he admit it.

Chang Geng changed the topic. "Abbot, I came here tonight to request a favor. If you can agree, I will naturally express my gratitude. If not, I will not make things difficult for you."

The old monk quickly clasped his hands together. "Please speak, Benefactor."

Chang Geng smiled. "I wonder if Abbot Pu Xiang would be willing to give me the list of names of those who have requested 'Liang Yao' from the Grand Master?"

The old monk's pupils contracted. He finally understood Chang Geng's intention.

Chang Geng's smile was as gentle as ever, but his voice was like the chill of winter. "Abbot, you are a monk. It is best not to get involved in the affairs of the secular world. Just treat it as if you have cultivated a good karma for your next life. What do you think?"

The old monk's heart was in turmoil. He knew that he was just a chess piece on the Grand Master's board. However, he also knew that if he didn't give Chang Geng the list, he would definitely face trouble.

Chang Geng looked at him calmly. "Abbot, you have been cultivating here for many years. You must have accumulated a lot of wealth, right? It seems that the incense offerings alone are enough to live a comfortable life."

The old monk was silent.

Chang Geng continued, "I heard that the Grand Master has also been secretly trading with the Japanese pirates. This 'Liang Yao' is not as miraculous as he says. It is just a drug that can only temporarily alleviate the symptoms. The real purpose of the Grand Master is to use this drug to control those powerful families."

The old monk was shocked. He didn't expect Chang Geng to know so much.

Chang Geng stood up and walked to the window. He looked at the bright moonlight and said, "Abbot, I will give you three days to consider. Three days later, if I don't get the list, then I will have to take action."

After saying that, Chang Geng turned around and left the main hall without looking back.

The old monk sat there in a daze for a long time. He knew that he was facing a difficult choice.

The next day, news spread like wildfire throughout the capital that His Highness Prince Bei Yan had personally visited Jing Ci Temple.

However, no one knew what Chang Geng had discussed with the old monk.

In the study, Chang Geng held the small chess piece in his hand. His eyes were deep and unfathomable.

Gu Yun sat opposite him, quietly drinking tea.

Chang Geng put the chess piece down and said, "Zi Xi, the situation is getting more and more complicated."

Gu Yun put down his teacup and looked at Chang Geng. "What are your plans?"

Chang Geng's fingers gently stroked the chess piece. "The Grand Master is playing a big game of chess. He wants to control the entire court. But he has underestimated me."

Gu Yun's eyes flickered. "You want to use the 'Liang Yao' to break his game?"

Chang Geng nodded. "Yes. If I can expose the true nature of 'Liang Yao', then the Grand Master's plan will fail."

Gu Yun frowned slightly. "But the Grand Master is very cunning. It won't be easy to find evidence."

Chang Geng smiled. "I have already found a breakthrough. The old monk in Jing Ci Temple is the key."

Gu Yun was surprised. "You have convinced him?"

Chang Geng shook his head. "Not yet. But I have given him three days to consider. I believe he will make the right choice."

Gu Yun was still worried. "Even if you get the list, you still need to prove that 'Liang Yao' is a drug."

Chang Geng's eyes were full of confidence. "I have already sent people to investigate. I believe that soon, there will be results."

Gu Yun looked at Chang Geng's resolute face and a hint of worry appeared in his eyes. "Chang Geng, this is a dangerous game. You must be careful."

Chang Geng reached out and held Gu Yun's hand. "Don't worry, Zi Xi. I will be careful. For you, for Da Liang, I will not let anything happen to me."

Gu Yun's heart trembled. He looked at Chang Geng's sincere eyes and a warm feeling spread throughout his body.

In the days that followed, Chang Geng was busy dealing with the affairs of the court and also secretly investigating the matter of "Liang Yao".

Three days later, the old monk of Jing Ci Temple finally sent someone to deliver the list to Chang Geng.

Chang Geng looked at the list and a cold light flashed in his eyes. On the list were the names of almost all the powerful and influential families in the capital.

Chang Geng knew that the storm was about to begin.