Xia Shouyu immediately bowed and stepped inside. Immediately a cacophony of voices rang out, “my lord” to the left, “honored mistress” to the right, and shouts of reverence that shook the air. At times, old men wept with joy; at others, middle-aged folk pleaded in despair. Soon cries of reluctant farewell whose meanings were hard to grasp followed. Chaos reigned for a full fifteen minutes. There were chickens flying, and dogs scrambling; until all was silent again. 0

Xia Shouyu hurried out and respectfully reported, "Daoist Master, all matters in the temple have been settled. A drought of three months harmed the people during my breakthrough. I have left the resources bestowed by you with the temple, to send men to purchase rice and compensate the villagers."0

It was clear Xia Shouyu had sensed something of Li Ximing's stance. Her act served both as a test of his temperament and a final gesture of restitution toward her temple. Li Ximing saw...0