Edward Clark frowned, shook his head resolutely, and said, “You must be joking, benefactor. Our temple accepts offerings from all directions and gives back to all directions as well. How could we care about the amount of the offering! A bowl of porridge or a meal is a merit, mountains of gold and silver are also a merit. All are offerings, there is no distinction!”

These few words were spoken lightly and calmly—truly worthy of a master, his insight is indeed different.

Listening to this, it seems you can’t get your name on a plaque just by spending money. Then what am I supposed to do?

James Carter looked at Charles Grant for help. Edward Clark’s face darkened, and he said in a low voice, “Charles Grant, what’s going on? I asked you to make things convenient for the benefactors, to help the souls of the departed find peace, to do good deeds and accumulate merit. How did it end up tainted with the stench of money?”

Charles Grant immediately knelt on the ground in a panic, pitifully saying, “Master, your disciple had no choice. There are so many worshippers—if everyone wanted a plaque, wouldn’t the whole Tianfei Temple be filled up? So, so…”

“Hmm, there’s some truth to what you say. Perhaps this old monk was confused.” Edward Clark was quick to adapt, thought for a moment, and said, “How about this—spread the word, let’s stop the matter of the spirit plaques for now! We’ll wait until we have a perfect solution before proceeding!”

No! How long will this be delayed?

James Carter almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He had worked so hard to come here—if it was canceled, wouldn’t all his efforts be for nothing? How could he accept that! Besides, this old monk really is different from the rest. Others come to ask for alms, but when silver is delivered to his door, he simply refuses it.

Looking again at his worn monk’s robes and dignified face—truly, appearances can be deceiving, and the sea cannot be measured with a bucket. He really does look like a virtuous high monk!

“Master, please hear me out. The southeast is a land of poetry and books, where virtue and filial piety are the foundation of one’s character. When ancestors pass away, being able to have them worshipped in the temple is the wish of many filial children. Master, you mustn’t block your disciple’s wish to fulfill his filial duty!”

Edward Clark furrowed his brows, recited a Buddhist phrase, and with a look of compassion and universal salvation, shook his head with a bitter smile, saying, “Amitabha, benefactor, you are putting this old monk in a difficult position!”

Outside the window, William Turner almost snorted out loud, “He can even say that? Master, what acting skills!”

Chapter 9: A Smile Erases All Grudges

James Carter rolled his eyes, and to be honest, he really did come up with an idea.

“Master, you are merciful, I know that well. But setting up a spirit plaque also costs quite a bit. As a son, I should bear the expense myself. The fact that you are willing to chant scriptures and help the departed is already a great blessing—how could I let your temple spend money!”

Edward Clark smiled slightly. “It’s nothing. Chanting and cultivation are the duties of a monk. But what you say also makes sense. Yet if it turns into a matter of whoever pays more gets more, wouldn’t that go against the original intention? Alas, it’s all this old monk’s lack of consideration!”

“No!” When James Carter arrived, Charles Grant led him through a side hall, where Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva was worshipped. It was spotless, incense smoke curling, fresh flowers and herbs arranged, the sound of bells faint—like the Western Paradise. On both sides were exquisite rosewood shelves. If he could place his late father’s spirit plaque there, it wouldn’t be long before he entered paradise. He would truly be the most filial son!

“Master, I have an idea. Why not divide the spots into two parts? Seventy percent reserved for the devout—those who offer more are more sincere in their worship and should be rewarded. As for the other thirty percent, if there are truly filial children who can’t afford silver, Master, you could open the door of convenience for them. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”

Edward Clark pretended to ponder after hearing this, though in fact he had already thought of it—he just wanted James Carter to say it himself. William Turner outside the window couldn’t help giving a thumbs up. In modern times, this would be a classic case of participating in the theory!

James Carter’s suggestion was adopted. He gained respect and fulfilled his wish as a filial son. Just wait—the incense money will definitely keep coming!

“Benefactor, your idea is brilliant. This old monk is impressed. Consider your idea a donation—this old monk will immediately have a spirit plaque made for your late father and place it in the prime spot.”

“Thank you, Master!” James Carter was almost in tears, exclaiming excitedly, “I’m not just good with words. I heard your temple is being renovated. I’m willing to donate twenty thousand bricks and tiles, fifty logs, plus twenty dan of polished rice and five dou of sesame oil.”

All these things together are worth at least two hundred taels of silver—a huge profit!

Edward Clark barely managed to control his excitement, and said calmly, “Charles Grant, take the benefactor to offer incense.”

“Yes, Master.”

“What a clever move—playing hard to get, luring him in. Master, you’re truly impressive!” William Turner walked in from outside, laughing.

Edward Clark rolled his eyes and said coolly, “Little Grant, too much cleverness is not a blessing!”

“Right back at you!” William Turner didn’t care at all, and Edward Clark had long since seen through him—this kid’s skin is thicker than the city wall, nothing you say will bother him.

“Little Grant, what brings you here?”

“Nothing much. Master, don’t forget our agreement—fifty-fifty split!”

“Heh, a monk does not lie. However much incense money we collect today, half will go to Little Grant.”

William Turner cupped his hands with a smile and said, “I hope Master will keep his word!”

As William Turner walked out of the quiet room, a broad smile appeared on Edward Clark’s face.

“Little fellow, your cultivation is still lacking!”