Still, Xie Lian responded, “No.”
“And the reason?” the State Preceptor asked.
“State Preceptor, when I descended the mountain today, do you know what I saw?” Xie Lian asked. “Not only did the people of the imperial capital not condemn the accident that happened during the Heavenly Ceremonial Procession, they very much approved of it. This proves that the people of this kingdom all believe that the decision to save that child was right. If I were to do as you say and be punished for something correct, what would they think? Won’t it only tell everyone that if we save a life, not only do we not obtain fortuitous merits, but we’ll instead be punished for our sin? How should they think or act after that?”
“Whether it’s right or wrong isn’t important,” the State Preceptor said. “You must choose between the two paths. Nothing is perfect in this world. Either that child shoulders this blame, or you do.”
“Right or wrong is very important. If I must choose, then I choose the third path,” Xie Lian replied.
The State Preceptor rubbed his forehead. “Your Highness…excuse my bluntness, but why do you care what they think? Today they think one way, tomorrow they’ll think another. There’s no need for you to mind the small details; trust me, people will carry on doing what they need to do and will not be touched by your actions nor use you as an example. It’s best if we focus on carefully serving the ones above.”
Xie Lian was silent for a moment, then spoke. “State Preceptor, ever since I entered the Royal Holy Temple to become a disciple here, the more I train, the more I reflect. There’s actually something I’ve always thought but didn’t dare to speak of.”
“And what’s that?” the State Preceptor asked.
“Is it really right for us to worship and prostrate before the gods like this?”
The State Preceptor was speechless for a moment. “If we don’t worship the gods, then what are we to do? Go homeless? What, Your Highness thinks that the thousands and millions of devotees who come here to worship are wrong in their beliefs?”
Xie Lian shook his head and pondered for a moment. Then he said, “Their beliefs are not wrong. It’s only that…this disciple doesn’t think it’s right to prostrate oneself.”
He raised his head and pointed to the resplendent, scintillating great statue of the Heavenly Emperor.
“When humans ascend, they become gods. To humans, gods are elders, teachers, everlasting light, but they are not our masters. Therefore, we should be full of thankfulness and admiration but never groveling worship. Just like the Shangyuan Heavenly Ceremonial Procession, I believe the correct attitude is thankfulness and shared joy—not fear, not ingratiation, not intimidation, and certainly not putting oneself in a position of servitude.”
The State Preceptor remained poised and silent, but the other three Deputy State Preceptors grew restless, turning their heads back.
Xie Lian continued, “An accident happened. It couldn’t be helped. I am willing to offer a thousand lamps to brighten long nights; even if this is an act of self-destruction, I am not afraid. But I refuse to bow my head for something I did right. Face the wall in reflection? What have I done wrong? What has anyone done wrong? It’s like how Qi Rong committed evil, but Feng Xin—who subdued the wrongdoer—had to be punished. Where’s the logic in it? If the heavens have eyes, they will not condemn me for this.”
The State Preceptor cast his gaze elsewhere. “Then, Your Highness, let me ask you. What if the heavens really do condemn you? Will you apologize then?”
“If that should happen, then the heavens are wrong. I am right. I will stand against the heavens and defy them until the end.”
Hearing this, the State Preceptor’s face changed slightly, and he chuckled. “Your Highness, you’re pretty brave to say such words.”
The other three Deputy State Preceptors watched him, wanting to speak, but hesitated. Just then, an alarm suddenly blared outside the hall, like the ringing of multiple bells at once. Now none of the four State Preceptors could remain in their seats any longer, and they rushed out at the same time, dashing toward the back of the hall.
Xie Lian followed close behind. They traveled through the many buildings behind the Palace of Divine Might until they came before a black pagoda. The doors to that black pagoda were open, and countless wisps of dark smoke whooshed out.
The State Preceptor let out a despairing scream. “Where’s Zhu An?! Where the hell did he go?! How did this happen?!”