Chapter 19: Hokusai

Regarding the relationship between Hokusai and Zhou Miaotong, opinions on the internet vary greatly. Some say they are sisters because their names are very similar, while others argue they are not siblings since Hokusai, even after gaining favor with Lord Xin, never once went to see Zhou Miaotong.

Some go even further, questioning how a woman from the brothel bureau could possibly go by her real name; surely she must have a stage name.

Thus, by this logic, Miaotong and Miaoxuan have no real connection.

Yet, for Wang Lu, an amateur film enthusiast, he firmly believes one thing: a good film never includes meaningless scenes.

If Hokusai and Miaotong were unrelated, why then, at the very end, does Hokusai inexplicably tell Shen Lian that her name is Miaoxuan?

With this understanding, Wang Lu made his preparations that very night. After readying all his disguise supplies and commoners’ clothes, he blended into the crowd visiting the temple to burn incense.

In the waning days of the dynasty, the incense offerings at temples were surprisingly thriving.

Pushed forward by the crowd, Wang Lu approached the temple, where monks had set up stalls selling candles and incense. He inquired about the prices.

“Buddha candles, twenty qian; Buddha incense, ten qian,” the monk said with a compassionate smile.

Wang Lu handed over ten qian, took an incense stick, and entered the temple.

The temple sat atop a small hill. At the entrance stood a massive cauldron into which people continuously tossed yellow paper offerings. Flames soared, casting a ruddy glow on the faces of those nearby.

Clutching his incense, Wang Lu lowered his head and weaved through the crowd. Holding incense, no one paid much attention to his slender figure adorned in the distinctive style of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

His mantis-like legs and wasp-like waist gave him a sharp, agile appearance.

But after deliberately altering his face and donning the commoner’s clothing, he was far less conspicuous.

Wang Lu’s methods were not standard Embroidered Uniform Guard protocol but were learned from some later-era television dramas.

For instance, in choosing his clothes, he borrowed from the legendary spy king who, on the most secretive front lines, would strip clothes from commoners to blend in seamlessly.

Thus, once dressed, ordinary people would notice nothing amiss.

Passing the main hall and Buddha chamber, he arrived at the back courtyard. The rear gate was closed, and beside it stood what might have been the Dharma Hall or something similar, from which the sound of chanting emanated.

Wang Lu glanced at the height of the surrounding walls and leapt lightly, climbing onto the wall’s top.

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The wooden door here was different from those of later times; opening it would cause a loud noise. Wang Lu’s utmost priority was to remain undiscovered before meeting Hokusai.

He had no room for carelessness. The capital was swarming with informants—from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Donglin faction, the Eastern Depot...

Since the great explosion at Wang Gong Factory, the capital was nearly in chaos!

Anyone with even a bit of ability was scheming.

Even Yin Cheng, a minor subordinate under Shen Lian, dared openly criticize Wei Zhongxian, revealing the depth of unrest among the people.

It should be noted that both Tian Ergeng, the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander, and Xu Xianchun, the chief of the Northern Pacification Office, were godsons of Wei Zhongxian. For a lowly figure like Yin Cheng to openly disparage Wei Zhongxian in public showed just how unsettled the capital was.

After scaling the wall, Wang Lu found himself in a different scene behind the hill—verdant and picturesque beyond words.

His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. The crisp sound of flowing water drew his attention.

With quick, light steps, he approached silently, the noises beneath his feet barely audible.

A waterfall cascaded down into a pool of uncertain depth. Beside the pool stood a large rock, atop which a pavilion had been constructed. Voices could be heard from within.

“Your brushwork has become even sharper, sir. Might this painting find a place in this humble monk’s collection?” Jinghai asked, gazing at the woman before him.

Hokusai, bearing a striking resemblance to Yang Mi, nodded slightly and replied, “To have caught your eye is already enough satisfaction for me. Thanks to your shelter these past days, I have evaded the eunuch faction and the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s pursuit. I am deeply grateful. Since you favor this painting, please keep it.”

Jinghai, abbot of Yong’an Temple, was overjoyed. Holding the painting with both hands, he admired it for a moment before saying, “The eunuch faction and the Embroidered Uniform Guard will not last forever. That you do not side with them is proof enough. Stay here as long as you like. When the eunuchs fall, you can step from the shadows into the light and show the world what a remarkable woman you truly are.”

Hokusai was about to modestly respond when out of the corner of her eye, a figure suddenly flashed through the lush greenery.

“Who’s there!” she exclaimed in alarm.

Her usually impassive face, so much like Zhou Miaotong’s, showed a flicker of fright. Her brows furrowed as she looked toward the end of the stone bridge.

Jinghai was startled by her outcry and quickly followed her gaze.

At the far end of the stone bridge stood Wang Lu, calmly watching the two of them. He slowly approached and said, “Ms. Hokusai, Master Jinghai, I’ve long admired your reputations.”

Jinghai swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain composed as he said with some authority, “Are you lost, sir? If you wish to enter the temple to pay respects, please use another entrance.”

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Wang Lu noticed Jinghai’s glance at the incense in his hand and shook his head.

“There is already a true Buddha here; why bother with the temple? Master Jinghai, your courage is admirable, sheltering Hokusai, a wanted fugitive pursued by Wei Qiansui. It seems you are eager to serve the Buddha in the Western Paradise. Take this incense and deliver it for me to Shakyamuni.”

Jinghai suddenly stood up. He had already heard the stranger correctly utter Hokusai’s name twice and had clung to hope that Wang Lu was deceiving him.

After all, although Hokusai was famous, most believed her to be a man.

Who would have thought that the artist behind such sharp, scathing paintings was actually a woman?

But now, it was clear that the man before him knew the truth.

The mention of Hokusai’s name twice stirred a tidal wave of turmoil within Jinghai. His mouth dried, and all his previous meditative efforts seemed to crumble to dust.

“Who exactly are you?!” Jinghai demanded, glaring fiercely.

Hokusai rose slowly. Now she looked more like a monk than Jinghai himself. Calmly, she watched Wang Lu approach and said, “Mantis legs, wasp waist—without the embroidered spring knives and flying fish uniform, you’re still clearly a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”

“The Embroidered Uniform Guard?! Sir, leave at once! I will block this madman!” Jinghai stepped forward aggressively to shield Hokusai.

Wang Lu smiled faintly. With only three people here, there was no need for alarm.

“Ms. Hokusai, you have keen eyes. Since you know who I am, don’t be foolish. Cooperate with me and you may yet find a way out alive.”

He had already crossed three-quarters of the stone bridge.

Jinghai swept his monk’s robe and stepped forward with imposing force, standing before Hokusai.

“Ms. Hokusai, you are a national treasure. Even if I must die, I will protect you. You are only one man. If you are sensible, let us negotiate. I will offer you a sum of silver, and you can pretend you never saw us. What say you?”

“Heh, very well,” Wang Lu replied with a smile.