Chapter 4

Again it is told how Lady Bai had used her magic to escape at that time, and turned back home; the day had already grown dark. Hanwen saw her and exclaimed in surprise: "My worthy wife, how is it that you have returned on foot?" Lady Bai did not mention this matter at all, but smiled and replied: "I felt dizzy in the sedan chair midway, so I gave up the carriage and walked back; I even felt my mind and eyes opened." Hanwen said: "So that is it. Quickly go into the chamber and rest." Lady Bai walked slowly to her chamber, and secretly told Xiaoqing about it; Xiaoqing could not help laughing. Time passed swiftly; suddenly the late winter scenery of the twelfth month was over, and it was again the season of new spring. One day, because Xu Yuanwai had invited him to drink spring wine, Hanwen was to go to the feast; Lady Bai urged him to return early, and Hanwen agreed. Thereupon he went out and arrived at the Xu household. The Yuanwai invited him in; the wine feast was already prepared. The two sat down and drank slowly, chatting idly for a while. The Yuanwai called out: "Worthy brother, there is a Jinshan Temple here, a famous scenic spot, and recently it has been renovated to be very splendid. There is an elder abbot in the temple, whose monastic name is Chanshi Fahai; his dharma power is high and strong, and he can know past and future events. Today happens to be a day of leisure for us, and it is also the fine season of mild spring; how about we go together to tour the place?" Hanwen said happily: "Excellent! First, to view the scenery; second, to visit the monk and discuss Zen. We can go together right away." Seeing Hanwen's enthusiasm, the Yuanwai immediately ordered the feast to be cleared. The two straightened and brushed their clothes, and hand in hand went out. Along the way they beheld the brilliant spring light, a myriad of purples and thousands of reds; chatting and laughing, they soon arrived at Jinshan Temple. They entered the mountain gate and raised their eyes to look; indeed it was an unparalleled precious temple, the foremost famous mountain. How could one see that? There is a eulogy as proof: 　　"Palaces and halls deep and secluded; towers and terraces lofty and towering; myriad doors delicate and exquisite; a thousand gates crystalline and bright. The dharma-realm is upright and grand, reflecting the rippling lake light; the Brahma palaces are splendid, embracing the ethereal brightness of clouds and vapors. Rows of peaks serve as barriers; facing myriad streams, they stretch across. The precious bowl emits floral fragrance, presenting a day's auspicious colors; the Bodhi path winds back, ferrying sentient beings to Penglai and Yingzhou. Fish and birds take refuge at the dharma seat; bells and chimes resound through the mulberry courtyards. The tide's sound carries the sutras, vibrating together with them; the mountain's color joins with the trees, both equally green. It spits out the clear and overcast of the four seasons; the peak smoke is like brocade and embroidery; it boasts the grand scenes of the seven marshes; the river's air is calm and level. Embroidered views and orchid boats, at times ride the waves and race their oars; famous sages and fine guests, often cast themselves to the ground with like feelings. Truly it is an unmatched fairy scenery; indeed it is the foremost jade capital." The two could not finish viewing it all, and had more than enough to enjoy. They turned through the winding corridors and entered the Great Hero Hall to pay respects to the Three Jewels and the honored Buddha Tathagata. Inside, Chanshi Fahai was sitting in meditation on the cloud bed, in deep samadhi; he already knew that the two had come together, so he stepped out of the great hall, made a salutation, and said: "You two benefactors, please come inside for tea." The two hurriedly returned the salute and gave thanks, and together entered the abbot's quarters. After exchanging courtesies and sitting down, when tea was finished, Fahai spoke: "This old monk, this morning in meditation, already knew that you two laymen would honor our humble temple; may I ask your surnames and relationships?" The Yuanwai said: "This disciple's surname is Xu, given name Qian, a native of this place. This younger brother has the surname Xu, given name Xian, from Zhejiang. We have long heard of your monastery's quiet elegance and your reverence's dharma, so we have come together to pay our respects and receive instruction." Fahai said: "I have long admired you! I have long admired you! May I ask Layman Xu, is your honored wife surnamed Bai and named Zhenniang?" Hanwen was startled and said: "That is exactly my humble wife's name. How does the Master know?" Fahai laughed and said: "Layman, this old monk can know past and future events; moreover, your honored face now shows demonic aura—how difficult is that to perceive? This demon is no small matter. She was originally a white snake spirit cultivating in Qingfeng Cave on Mount Qingcheng in Sichuan; she longed for the mortal world and came down to Hangzhou, taking shelter in the garden of the Prince Chou's mansion. Additionally, her maid Xiaoqing is also a snake monster. These two—mistress and maid—have deluded you, layman, for several years of affection; this is also due to past fate. They stole treasury silver and precious vessels, causing you to suffer twice. Layman, do you remember on the Dragon Boat Festival, when you forced her to drink realgar wine, she revealed her true form and frightened you into illness? Later she used her magic to cover it up, and still continued as your wife. Now, layman, you must not return; your life can be preserved. If you do not listen to this old monk's words, you will surely lose your life!" After hearing this, Hanwen was terrified to the bone. He thought to himself: The master's words are all gold and jade, every phrase true and real; if I do not take refuge, I will surely be killed by the two demons. Thereupon he prostrated himself with all five limbs, and called out: "Master, this disciple has been deluded by demons and cannot escape. I beg the Master to have pity and save this humble life." Fahai helped him up and said: "Layman, please rise. This old monk, as one who has left home, takes compassion as his root. Since you have awakened and wish for this old monk to save you, that is not difficult. For now, you may stay temporarily in our temple. I expect that the two demons would never dare to come to Jinshan to seek you. After they have gone, and when the time is right, you may descend the mountain." Hanwen said: "This disciple has been entangled by demons; I wish to take the Master as my teacher and shave my head to become a monk here." Fahai laughed and said: "Layman, your worldly ties are not yet severed. We will meet again later. There is no need to shave; just stay temporarily in the temple." Hanwen accepted the order. The Yuanwai, standing by, heard all these words from the master, and carefully recalled the previous events, secretly alarmed. Then seeing Hanwen in such a state, he was even more astonished. He quickly took leave of the master and Hanwen, and went down the mountain alone to return home. Hanwen stayed in the temple; we need not speak of that further. But because of this stay, it would cause: a mere strip of land to become a vast flood. To know what happened afterward, listen to the next chapter's explanation.