Chapter 45: Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother

As the leader of a major sect, one enjoys boundless glory, but must also concern oneself with the appointment of subordinates. For Chen Jinnan at this moment, however, one matter was causing him considerable headache.

The position of Incense Master of the Green Wood Hall was one of high rank and power within the Heaven and Earth Society. Under its banner, Li Shili and Guan Shiji were evenly matched in strength, and both had a chance to become Incense Master.

The trouble was, should one be appointed, the other faction would naturally be displeased. Though all addressed each other as brothers in daily life, when such a good opportunity arose, none would willingly yield. If this matter were mishandled, it might well stir up major trouble within the Green Wood Hall.

Chen Jinnan had ventured personally to the heart of the capital, not only because he had learned of the Green Wood Hall’s plot to assassinate Oboi, but also to properly arrange the position of Incense Master.

Li Shili, Guan Shiji, and their group had sworn before the memorial tablets of the previous Incense Masters that whoever killed Oboi would become the next Incense Master. If one truly succeeded, even if the other was unwilling, lacking a legitimate reason, they would not dare act out.

Yet unexpectedly, an outsider had appeared halfway, wielded the Soul-Stealing Dart, and seized the opportunity! This left Chen Jinnan more troubled than ever, which was why he had summoned Ma Jun for a conversation.

The Heaven and Earth Society had already thoroughly investigated Ma Jun’s background. After a while of conversation, Chen Jinnan had formed his calculations.

He pondered for a moment, then said, “Brother Ma, I see you are fated to be among the brothers of Green Wood Hall. Since you have decided to join our society, why not enter Green Wood Hall? It will be convenient for future matters!”

“I shall follow the Chief’s instructions in all things!” At this moment, it was time to show loyalty; Ma Jun did not hesitate in the slightest, solemnly and respectfully replying.

“Good,” Chen Jinnan nodded, noting that Ma Jun seemed quite admiring of him. Indeed, reputation had its benefits; without it, how could one command the masses and control such a vast Heaven and Earth Society?

“Brother Ma, we all strive for the restoration of the Ming,” Chen Jinnan continued. “You have now earned merit in killing Oboi. Though you were not yet formally one of us, everyone admires your deed. I see you are still young and your future is limitless. Would you be willing to take me as your master?”

Ma Jun was surprised. Wei Xiaobao, at the time, was only about sixteen, and was supported merely to hold the Incense Master’s title, which allowed Chen Jinnan to promote him. But Ma Jun himself was already a grown man, not so easy to command. He had not expected that this Chief was so bold!

Thinking this inwardly, outwardly Ma Jun first showed a look of wild joy, then hesitated and said, “My previous master only taught me external skills for killing enemies. To become your disciple, learn some internal cultivation, and contribute to the cause of the Han people, I am naturally more than willing! However, if I become your disciple and join Green Wood Hall, it might arouse suspicion among the brothers, which would not be good!”

“You have thought this through; truly you are a talent worth cultivating!” Chen Jinnan grew increasingly satisfied with Ma Jun, smiling and nodding. “Rest assured, your master has his own plans!”

Ma Jun hesitated no longer, understanding that Chen Jinnan intended to support him as Incense Master. He immediately took up a cup of tea, performed a respectful salute, and offered it, “Master, please drink tea!”

Chen Jinnan drank the tea, smiled, and said, “My surname is Chen, and my name is Chen Jinnan. These three words are used only in the martial world. Since you have become my disciple today, you must know your master’s real name. My true name is Chen Yonghua—‘Yong’ for forever, ‘Hua’ for China.”

Ma Jun nodded, “I will remember it well!”

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Jinnan’s smile faded. “We are now master and disciple, but I must speak frankly. The Heaven and Earth Society is dedicated to overthrowing the Manchu and restoring the Ming; its rules are strict, with thirty-six articles of oath and ten prohibitions and punishments. Your character is beyond reproach, but human hearts can change. If, in the future, you do anything to wrong the Han people, I will surely take your life!”

He reached out with his left hand and, with a snapping sound, broke off a piece of the table. Rubbing it between his hands, wood shavings fell like rain.

A blend of sweetness and bitterness, expertly handled—Ma Jun silently approved, secretly coveting his master’s skill. Outwardly, he solemnly swore, “Master, rest assured. In this world, I, Ma Jun of the Soul-Stealing Dart, will never betray my master, the Heaven and Earth Society, or the Han people for as long as I live!”

The order of the oath was important, and Ma Jun’s reply clearly pleased Chen Jinnan.

“Now you are my fourth disciple—perhaps my last. With the heavy affairs of the Heaven and Earth Society, I have no time to take more. Your three senior brothers, two died fighting the barbarians, one fell in the campaign to recover Taiwan led by Lord Guoxing. All sacrificed themselves for the country. Your master holds a high place and reputation in the martial world. Though you have earned merit in killing Oboi, do not become arrogant; you must strive harder in the future!”

“Yes!”

With the prelude complete, it was time for formalities. Chen Jinnan stood, “Little Jun, come with me. I will announce some matters soon; you must speak little and observe much.”

Ma Jun opened the door first, lifted the curtain, and stepped outside, following Chen Jinnan to the main hall.

Inside, about twenty people had been seated; upon seeing the Chief enter, they immediately stood at attention.

Chen Jinnan nodded, walked to the second chair at the head, and sat down. He first called over Mao Shiba and Qian Moduo, exchanged some courtesies, and then announced to everyone that Ma Jun and two others would be admitted to the society.

The crowd offered congratulations, and Chen Jinnan pointed to Ma Jun, “Brothers, today three are joining our society, and I am also taking a new disciple—Little Jun!”

“Congratulations, Chief!”

“Congratulations, Brother Ma!”

Their expressions varied—some joyful, some amazed, others incredulous. Nevertheless, all stepped forward to offer their congratulations.

Ma Jun smiled and returned each salute.

Li Shili stepped forward to introduce the others to Ma Jun, “This is Incense Master Cai Dezhong of the Lotus Hall—Brother Cai! And this is Incense Master Fang Dahong of the Flood Hall—Brother Fang.”

After the introductions, Chen Jinnan spoke, “Brother Li, please arrange the incense ceremony. Today we open the incense hall and let Little Jun, Moduo, and Brother Mao join together!”

Soon, everyone moved to another room to hold the induction ceremony. After a complex series of rituals, they all recited together, “Heaven and earth endure, restore the Ming, destroy the barbarians. We shall live and die together, following the story of Peach Garden, sworn as brothers, surnamed Hong, named Jinlan, united as one family. We worship Heaven as father, Earth as mother.”

With the oath complete, the induction was successful. Joy abounded, and everyone again congratulated Ma Jun and the others.

Returning to the main hall, Chen Jinnan’s expression became serious. “Our society has ten halls; the Incense Masters of the other nine are all gathered here. Only the Incense Master of Green Wood Hall, Brother Yin, was killed by that villain Oboi two years ago, and the position remains vacant.”

He glanced at the members of Green Wood Hall, “I recall that brothers of Green Wood Hall once swore before the memorial tablets of Elder Wan Yunlong and Incense Master Yin: whoever killed Oboi and avenged Incense Master Yin, everyone would honor him as Incense Master. Is this true?”

Upon hearing this, the men of Green Wood Hall felt their hearts skip a beat. The nine other Incense Masters, summoned to oversee the proceedings, showed no change in expression—they were clearly prepared.

Ma Jun sat in a corner, pretending to listen intently, while pondering, “When will Master teach me internal cultivation? With internal energy, I’ll look even more impressive in a tailcoat!”

He also thought of his adopted son, “I wonder how my boy is doing—has he found me a few beautiful daughters-in-law yet? Will I be a grandfather in a few years?”