Liu Yingying complained, coming from Hua Country as an atheist, she couldn't understand why Buddhism held such a high position in Siam, and even throughout Southeast Asia.
Su Jie just chuckled lightly, not saying much more.
After a good while, following Baiya's humble and persuasive entreaty, the Monk King finally walked slowly toward Su Jie with a few senior monks.
"Are you the Monk King Pamom?"
Su Jie stroked his chin, examining the elderly man leading the group.
He wore a yellow robe, his right shoulder exposed, his head topped with finely speckled gray hair, his face gentle.
"To meet the Monk King and behave with such posture?"
The Monk King Pamom had not yet spoken when the other senior monks scolded Su Jie.
Because Su Jie was sitting casually higher up on the steps, looking down at the Monk King and his entourage, this displeased the respected monks in Siam. Even the king had to kneel and bow to them, yet Su Jie, a follower of another religion, was so disrespectful.
"Hmph, what's all the fuss about? This is just our attitude, we don't believe in Buddha."
Liu Yingying rolled her eyes, speaking discontentedly, having been around Su Jie for so long, she wasn't about to be intimidated by a few monks.
"You dare, this woman..."
The Monk King suddenly spoke up, stopping his subordinates, then with his hands pressed together and a compassionate expression, he said: "Amitabha Buddha, I have met Mr. Su. Your Excellency, I come here to ask a favor. Considering that saving one life is greater than building a seven-tiered pagoda, could you perhaps relieve Pupeng from his webs of karma? I am willing to guide him in shaving his head and becoming a monk, to atone in a Buddhist temple for the rest of his life. Such would also make a good story. Mr. Su, what do you think?"
Su Jie smiled and said, "Yingying, listen to this, the Monk King really has a way with words. The other monks' practice of Buddhism isn't thorough enough! They should learn more from their Monk King."
The other senior monks glared at Su Jie, and if it weren't for the presence of the Monk King, they would not have restrained themselves.
"Amitabha Buddha, may I know your decision, Mr. Su?"
The Monk King Pamom's eyelids drooped, waiting for a definitive answer from Su Jie.
Su Jie flatly refused, making Baiya, who was watching from the side, tense up.
The corners of Pamom's eyes twitched, and he said, "Mr. Su, the Buddha once said, 'Lay down the butcher's knife, and you will attain Buddhahood on the spot.' Pupeng was a Buddhist in his younger days, he revered and followed the Buddha. The crimes he has committed now, which deprived him of his kingship, are indeed his due. But he still has a Buddha-seeking heart; why not give him a chance to make amends for his past mistakes?
Moreover, Mr. Su, all the Buddhists around the world are watching this. If you persist alone in your course, killing a former Buddhist king, it would be a major event, upsetting Buddhists everywhere.
Conversely, if you, Mr. Su, could perform this act of kindness, it would be observed globally. I would also be willing to help you, receive precepts, chant scriptures, helping you gain the support of the world."
At this, Su Jie instantly understood his real intention. So that was it!
"You mean to say, I am destined with Buddhism, urging me to become a monk, to be your lay disciple?"
Su Jie looked playful, seeing through the other's plan.
Once Su Jie agreed, it would clearly show everyone that in Siam, Buddhism still held the spiritual leadership, retained its supreme status, even someone as ruthless as Su Jie, who had conquered Siam, would have to bow and revere Buddha, and Buddhism's position would never be shaken again.
"Mr. Su, that is exactly right."
Pamom nodded, his face full of compassion, as if he was generously giving Su Jie a rare opportunity.
"Haha, a good move, you bald monk, your calculation is quite audible, but unfortunately, you've found the wrong person."
Su Jie raised an eyebrow, everyone present, except Liu Yingying, changed their expressions.
"Such arrogant words, lacking dignity and order, no different from beasts."
"Truly crude and disrespectful, how could someone who does not respect or revere the Buddha help manage the millions of Siamese people?"
"Apologize to the Monk King now, do you know what you are saying?"
The monks were furious, hurling insults at Su Jie.