UCTOOT CH2

Shi Shu ran out the door with his head down. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the small path between the fields and grassy ridges was still unclear, winding like a sheep’s intestine into the distance.

Zhoujia Village, with its gray-tiled white walls, was scattered among paddy fields, streams, and pine trees.

Holding a whip in his left hand and cradling a milk-white lamb in his arms, Shi Shu wobbled as he ran across the plank bridge beside a thatched hut, herding the sheep onto the lush green grass.

“Eat, eat! If the grass grows too old, it’ll prick your mouths. Hurry up and eat before Li Si drives his cattle over and scares you all away.”

“Unlucky! What bad luck to end up in this era. When will these days ever end? I really want to go home!”

The lambs scattered like cotton candy among the grass. With a basket full of pigweed on his back, Shi Shu still found farm work novel, like participating in one of those reality shows on Hunan TV.

But after just a few hours, drowsiness crept in. Lying among the tree branches, he unintentionally dozed off.

Raindrops fell on his forehead, icy cold.

Startled awake, Shi Shu’s first reaction was: “My sheep! My sheep…”

He jumped down from the tree and scanned the entire hilltop. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… Some lambs shook the rain off their backs and buried their heads in the grass, but the others, for some reason, had wandered off, climbing over the hilltop and crossing the ridge.

“Who told you to run so far? Come back! Xiaoxi, Xiaomei, Xiaolan, Xiaofei, Xiaonuan… Come back!” Shi Shu sprinted madly toward the hilltop.

The few lambs, always the “black sheep” of the flock, were lively and clever. Da Huang followed closely behind Shi Shu, galloping on all fours. Just as they were about to catch up with the lambs, they encountered a steep downhill path.

The smartest one, “Xiaoxi,” darted into the bamboo forest in a panic. As Shi Shu ran down the hill, he saw a neat procession appear parallel to the mountain ridges.

—In this vast mountain forest, its grandeur and precision were striking.

“Wow, whose family is having a funeral and burying someone today?”

With trumpets blaring, guards carrying banners and striking gongs led the way. Male servants held trays of daily necessities, such as copper basins, cushions, pastries, and candles. Maidservants stood on either side, holding parasols, while eunuchs in blue walked in a peculiar gait.

The noble air of a high-ranking family emanated from the banners carried by military officers, enveloping the entire mountain range. The officers’ expressions were solemn, and the attendants kept their heads lowered, walking with light, measured steps, clearly having undergone rigorous training.

Like ghosts, the procession moved swiftly through the forest. When this group, detached from the common people, spotted Shi Shu, their faces were filled with astonishment and surprise.

“Something’s not right,” Shi Shu muttered.

Having grown up familiar with ceremonial rituals, Shi Shu felt an intense sense of foreboding. Beside him, Da Huang suddenly leaped forward and barked furiously at the procession, as if its territory had been invaded.

“Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!”

“Woof! Woof! Woof!”

The barking nearly scared Shi Shu’s soul out of his body.

“Why are you still barking? Do you want to die? Laifu, come back!”

Shi Shu called out sharply.

But it was too late. The sedan chair, carried by sixteen men, shook from the disturbance. The well-fed horses became frightened, pacing back and forth. The once orderly formation fell into chaos, accompanied by the sound of reins being pulled. Eunuchs, maidservants, attendants, military officers, literati, ceremonial officials, and monks were all in disarray. All eyes turned toward Shi Shu in the bamboo forest.

Shi Shu stood there, holding a bamboo whip in one hand. His pale ankles peeked out from under his coarse linen clothes, thin and delicate. His clear, handsome almond-shaped eyes widened, making him look utterly out of place.

“Let me explain—” Shi Shu began, but before he could finish…

“An assassin!”

“…”

It was over. The classic life-or-death scenario from historical dramas was unfolding!

“How dare you! What audacious commoner dares to disrupt the procession of His Highness the Crown Prince? Are you blind? The vanguard soldiers are already clearing the way. How could you come running down from the hill?”

“Crown Prince? Was His Highness startled?”

Amid the chaos, the dog continued his relentless barking: “Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!”

“…”

Shi Shu hugged Da Huang, patted its head, and grabbed its muzzle. “Quiet!”

He added, “Gentlemen, this has nothing to do with me. I’m just passing by. We’ll meet again… never…”

“Hey?!” A cold spear pressed against his neck. The spear’s shaft was black and glossy. A rough, powerful hand spun it deftly, knocking Shi Shu to the ground.

Shi Shu lost his balance, his hands sinking into a muddy pit. He landed flat on his rear, stars dancing before his eyes, and a sharp pain shot through his tailbone.

“Why did you resort to violence so suddenly?” Shi Shu flared up instantly. “Do you have any sense of reason or law at all?”

“You provoked the law itself!”

A deafening thunderclap exploded by his ear. The military officer strode back to the sixteen-carrier sedan chair, knelt down, and reported, “Your Highness, the assassin who startled the procession has been captured. He disguised himself as a shepherd to attempt an attack. What are your orders for his punishment?”

By the sedan chair, the sudden scene had left everyone stunned, their murmurs filling the air.

After a brief commotion, the group reorganized. Several middle-aged attendants, their expressions grave, approached the sedan and spoke, “The citizens of Changle County have rebelled, large tracts of Huainan Road have fallen, and the Cult of Fire has erected lewd temples to spread falsehoods and shake the people’s faith. Their influence is widespread across the realm, so this person might very well be an accomplice of those unruly commoners with intentions to assassinate Your Highness. Shall we imprison him first to extract information about any co-conspirators?”

Another attendant said, “He seems more like an ordinary shepherd who accidentally ran into the procession.”

“An ordinary shepherd? Hmph, then he can only blame his bad luck.”

From inside the sedan came a voice.

The moment this feeble and breathless voice sounded, everyone stopped talking, bowed their heads, and respectfully listened. A eunuch quickly lifted a corner of the silk curtain.

“Your Highness.”

A pair of narrow, delicate eyes—betraying excessive indulgence—were the first to emerge into the sunlight. Half of the person inside leaned out: a tall, thin face, a figure like a crane, draped in a pale green robe that covered a slender neck. The refined elegance of the attire was far from ordinary.

This was Chu Wei, heir of King Liang of the Great Jing Dynasty. He glanced lazily at Shi Shu, his gaze indifferent, as if looking at an ant.

“I carry the Emperor’s decree to visit Jianan Temple for blessings. To obstruct an imperial mission is a crime punishable by death. These insignificant rebels from Huainan Road are not worth fretting over. Execute him on the spot. No need for further discussion.”

Shi Shu: “?”

“???”

“………………”

What the hell?

“What do you mean?” Shi Shu tried to clarify.

“You’re going to kill me?”

Before Shi Shu could fully grasp the situation, a soldier’s iron grip clamped onto his shoulder. “Ignorant and uncouth villager! If His Highness decrees your death by midnight, who could spare you until dawn? Accept your bad luck. Next time, steer clear of noble carriages as far as possible!”

“Damn it! Are you seriously going to kill me?” Shi Shu finally understood. After three months of hard work just to survive, he was now about to be dragged off for execution.

“Let me go! Let me go!” Shi Shu struggled to pry off the iron grip on his wrist, but his arm only flailed weakly as he was dragged toward the base of a large pagoda tree.

“This is absurd! I didn’t do it on purpose! Besides, why does accidentally running into a procession mean I have to die? Just because you’re a prince? Because the decree comes from the emperor?”

The commotion had already drawn the attention of the entire procession. Soldiers whispered among themselves.

When Shi Shu caught sight of the pitch-black, gleaming blade, his confusion and disconnection from ancient society turned into genuine anger. He exploded: “Damn it! This feudal society is the worst!”

Despair and shock filled his mind. Unable to hold back, Shi Shu shouted, “Go ahead and kill me if you dare! I don’t even want to live anymore!”

“……”

The noise and clamor spread, reaching the back of the crowd.

Not far away, among the group following the sixteen-carrier sedan, a slight stir arose. Someone quickly walked forward, raising a hand to signal a halt.

“Wait a moment. The abbot of Xiangnan Temple wishes to speak with His Highness.”

The executioner paused. “Xiangnan Temple?”

“How convenient; they happened to cross paths here.” The eunuch clasped his hands behind his back and said, “Since we’re headed to Jianan Temple for blessings, it’s only natural for monks from Xiangnan Temple to accompany us. It seems this shepherd boy’s luck isn’t entirely bad. With those benevolent monks vouching for him, he might survive.”

Shi Shu looked up and indeed saw several bald monks in pale blue robes gathered near the sedan, discussing in low voices. They wore prayer beads around their necks, held Buddhist beads in their hands, and walked barefoot in white socks, their slender and serene figures exuding the aura of otherworldly sages.

“A bunch of monks can make the prince listen to them?”

“Tch,” the eunuch sneered, “judging by your provincial accent, no wonder you don’t understand. Have you ever heard of the ten-thousand-foot red dust of the Eastern Capital? Xiangnan Temple possesses the divine eye, capable of seeing through all beings and objects. Among the 480 temples of the Southern Dynasty, Xiangnan Temple ranks second, with no rival daring to claim first. Wealthy merchants, scholars, officials, even the imperial family and the emperor himself often interact with the monks there! The city’s people flock to the temple to pray, burn incense, and consult fortune-tellers. There’s even a dedicated Xiangnan Temple market. Not only are their gods effective, but their influence is unparalleled. Who would dare to defy these living Buddhas? Even the prince has his moments of seeking divine aid; how could there be no room for negotiation?”

“Moreover, these monks are all carefully selected, enlightened masters with hearts like clear mirrors, detached from worldly concerns, and pure in temperament. They’re no ordinary monks!”

The executioner nodded solemnly. “I see.”

After a moment, a decision seemed to be reached. Amid the chaotic crowd, a voice rang out.

“Please spare this man for now.”

“I have come on His Highness’s orders to question this layman.”

The clear, resonant voice carried a magnetic quality, belonging unmistakably to a mature man.

“A monk who doesn’t shave his head? How peculiar.”

Hearing this, Shi Shu, disheveled, turned to look.

A young monk in a sea-green robe appeared, walking unhurriedly through the crowd. With a single hand holding prayer beads, he moved gracefully, parting the onlookers like flowers brushing past a stream. As he approached, his towering and imposing figure became evident, contrasting sharply with the understated elegance of his robe, like an icy blade plunging into a stone pool—its hidden brilliance suddenly revealed.

The young monk hadn’t taken full vows. His long, dark hair cascaded like a waterfall. The polished, dark brown prayer beads on his wrist emphasized the coldness of his large, sinewy hands.

About twenty-something years old, he stood with unparalleled composure in his plain monk’s robe.

“Master, please.” The eunuch stepped aside.

The newcomer stopped a few paces from Shi Shu, his gaze sweeping over him from head to toe, his eyes casting a faint, diffused light. His straight nose gave him an air of nobility.

Shi Shu’s first thought: Handsome guy, incredibly striking.

Second thought: Thick brows overshadowing his eyes—dangerous.

Third thought: Dude, what’s with that look? Do I look like a dog to you?

Sensing a potential shift in the situation, Shi Shu stiffened his face and said, “I’m not an assassin. I was just chasing a lamb and happened to pass through here.”

The young monk followed his gaze. “Does the lamb have a name?”

“Pleasant Lamb. Why?”

The monk fell silent for a moment, his dark eyes scanning Shi Shu as if searching for something. Then, after a brief pause, he said, “Learn new ideas.”

Shi Shu: “?”

“Learn new ideas,” the monk repeated.

Shi Shu: “………………………?”

Just as Shi Shu thought he’d misheard, the monk turned as if to leave. Shi Shu shouted, “…Strive to be a new youth!?”

These few words seemed to awaken a deep-seated call within Shi Shu’s heart. The pent-up frustration finally found release, and his eyes grew hot with emotion. “Strive to be a new youth. Learn new ideas and strive to be a new youth. Young people’s study… I’m sorry, I’ll never skip it again!”

“Bro, are you a college student too? Heaven has eyes—finally someone like me! I’ve suffered so much…!”

“……”

The soldiers were baffled, their voices too loud to ignore. Even the monks nearby turned their heads.

What was this? A spell?

In this remote mountain wilderness, amidst the heir’s grand procession, such incongruous and puzzling words sparked widespread confusion.

The monk’s lashes were dark and delicate, his face calm and emotionless. He merely nodded slightly. “May I ask your name?”

“Me? I’m Shi Shu. And you?”

“Xie Wuchi. Let’s talk later.”

With that, the monk turned, his steps steady but brisk, and returned to the group of monks near the heir’s sedan. A middle-aged monk saw Xie Wuchi raise his palm downward, nod, and approach the sedan.

“You’re lucky, boy!”

Before long, an attendant approached quickly. “His Highness has decreed that today’s journey to the temple to pray for blessings is an act of virtue. Though this shepherd accidentally collided with the procession, his offense does not warrant death. Out of compassion from the Bodhisattva, he is spared. This may be a test of mercy bestowed by the Bodhisattva. You are released.”

“……”

Shi Shu, his fair face stained with dirt, climbed to his feet, his back chilled. The cold sweat of anger earlier had soaked his clothes, which now clung uncomfortably to his body.

“‘Released,’ huh,” Shi Shu muttered. “So I’m supposed to thank you?”

Grumbling internally, he rubbed his sore backside and stood aside. The procession moved on, leaving the little lamb nibbling bamboo shoots by the roots, no longer running away.

The young monk who had given his name walked alongside an elderly monk, their steps measured.

Seeing him, Shi Shu called out, “Hey! Xie… Xie something, Xie Wuchi! Wait up!”

“Xie—Wu—Chi!”

“May I speak with him for a moment?” Xie Wuchi, expressionless, bowed to the elderly monk.

The light rain had turned the road muddy. Xie Wuchi wore black boots and clean white socks, yet his steps left no trace of dirt. Holding an unopened oil-paper umbrella, he stepped under a tall, straight bamboo tree.

The umbrella’s ribs unfolded, the fine rain gathering into silken threads that painted the umbrella’s surface with vibrant patterns, leaving a patch of dry ground beneath.

Shi Shu’s throat tightened as he asked, “Chinese people don’t deceive Chinese people—are you a time traveler?”

“Yes.” Xie Wuchi’s gaze swept over Shi Shu’s fair face like a tongue of wildfire, fleeting yet piercing, before reverting to the monk’s usual calm.

“You are too.”