Even the young novice monks who had joined the monastery became fans of Guan Yu. Whenever William Turner told stories like the Oath of the Peach Garden, the Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu, Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals, or Riding Alone for a Thousand Miles, a large crowd would gather, listening with rapt attention. William Turner even felt he had the makings of a professional storyteller.

“There's no problem with telling stories, but…” William Turner deliberately drew out his words.

“But what? I'll agree to anything!” Charles Grant said, his small eyes sparkling.

“Didn't you see the things on the carriage? Hurry up and move them down,” William Turner said with a smile.

At this moment, Mr. Brooks had already removed the mats from the carriage.

Wow, there really was quite a lot of stuff.

Charles Grant widened his eyes. The first thing he saw was twenty identical merit boxes, all painted red. They weren't very big, so he could easily carry them down, and he agreed with a smile.

William Turner directed from the side: put one at the mountain gate, one by the incense burner, one at the temple entrance, one by the prayer mat…

In no time at all, everything was in place. All these spots were on the main paths where worshippers would pass by and could easily reach.

Next, they brought down specially made incense candles. Goodness, the largest were nearly three feet long and as thick as a finger, wrapped in colorful decorations—clearly high-end items. Without being told, Charles Grant knew these should be placed in the most prominent spot beside the incense burner.

The rest were various small ornaments, little Buddha statues, prayer beads, peace charms… all of which needed to be taken into the main hall for a bit of “nourishment”—well, actually, for consecration.

“Everything is ready; now we just have to see how it goes tomorrow!” William Turner said confidently. Human nature's weaknesses are always the same—he didn't believe he couldn't make some money!

William Turner didn't notice that all his actions were being watched by Edward Clark. The monk, hands behind his back, walked through the mountain gate, and at every turn, a large merit box appeared before him.

“Merit, merit—how interesting!” The monk broke into a delighted smile.

Cock-a-doodle-doo! The rooster crowed at dawn, the sky was just lightening, and dew hung on the wild grass.

People coming to burn incense arrived early at the Tianfei Palace. The young novice monks waited there, holding three-inch-tall clay Maitreya Buddha statues, with bulging chests and bellies, looking adorably silly and full of good fortune.

“Amitabha, benefactor, you are the first guest to come and burn incense today. This shows your sincere heart in worshipping Buddha. This is a small token from our temple. May the Buddha bless you and your family.”

As Charles Grant spoke, he respectfully handed over the Buddha statue.

A female worshipper, looking like a village woman, took it and was instantly stunned. She had never heard of a temple giving things away. After hesitating for a moment, she carefully accepted it, quickly thanked them, and entered the mountain gate.

Several more worshippers arrived afterward, and Charles Grant also gave them Buddha statues, silently chanting scriptures. If you listened closely, you'd find he was actually reciting: “Please don't throw a meat bun to a dog, please don't…”

The woman entered the main hall, made a round, burned incense for the Heavenly Consort and the Four Heavenly Kings, and was about to leave when she happened to spot the merit box beside the incense burner. Instinctively, she asked, “Master, what's this for?”

“Amitabha, madam, this is a merit box. The temple accepts donations from all. If you wish, you may offer some incense money, but it's not required. As long as you sincerely worship Buddha, your family will surely prosper and enjoy peace and longevity.”

So, it's about money, huh? No way I'm giving any!

She strode toward the exit, but overheard two worshippers behind her whispering, “You have to give a little something when you ask others for help, let alone the Buddha!”

“That's right, and they even gave us Buddha statues to bless our families. We can't let them lose out!” As they spoke, they both took out some copper coins—dozens, it seemed—and tossed them into the merit box.

The woman stopped in her tracks, her face flushing red. She had come to burn incense and pray for her son, who was almost twenty and still unmarried!

Taking something for free—how could the Buddha bless her? Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself, took out a piece of broken silver, and tossed it in.

Clang! It landed with a resounding ring!

At the entrance, Charles Grant nearly cried out, shouting inwardly: They gave money! They really gave money! The little benefactor's method worked!

Chapter 8: Divine Acting

“To contract something, you must first expand it; to weaken something, you must first strengthen it; to abolish something, you must first promote it; to take something, you must first give it. This method may be small, but it's not bad at all!” Edward Clark smiled slightly.

“Master, isn't it shameful for a monk to take Daoist teachings as his guiding principle?” William Turner said quietly from behind.

Edward Clark smiled faintly, unconcerned. “Little benefactor, you don't understand. Laozi traveled west through Hangu Pass and transformed barbarians into Buddhists. Later, Bodhidharma crossed the sea and came here. Every drink and every bite is the result of karma's cycle!”

“Heh, that's funny. As far as I know, the Scripture of Laozi Transforming Barbarians was made up by Buddhists when they first came to China to attract followers. It's probably a fake scripture. How can you believe it?”

This kid really knows a lot, Edward Clark smiled slightly. “Amitabha, whether you believe it or not, this old monk does. Can't have my disciples believing in a foreign faith, can I?”

William Turner blinked and suddenly laughed. “Master, I'm starting to respect you a little!”

By mid-morning, more and more worshippers filled the Tianfei Palace. Not only villagers from around Liuhe Fort, but even some wealthy people from Taicang Prefecture had come.

Since they came every year, it wasn't anything unusual—just a routine visit.