Green Mountain

Morning, the crowing of a rooster is heard.

Chen Ji on the bed gently sits up, but still, he wakes Xiao Man.

Hugging the Little Black Cat, Xiao Man raises her right hand to rub her eyes: "Young master, you’re awake? I’ll go boil some water for you."

Chen Ji sighs: "Xiao Man, can’t you sleep in the side room? Our things are still empty there, and the furniture inside looks brand new."

Xiao Man doesn’t reply: "What does young master want for breakfast?"

Chen Ji laughs: "You’ve reached the realm of no ego."

Xiao Man is puzzled: "What kind of riddle is the young master telling?"

Chen Ji explains with a smile: "There was a Zen monk named Zhao Zhou, who was famous for his learning. A monk wishing to debate scripture with him asked, ’What is the Way?’ Zhao Zhou said, ’Go, have some tea.’ The monk asked again, ’What is no ego?’ Zhao Zhou said, ’Go, have some tea.’ The monk asked yet again, ’What is the meaning of the Patriarch coming from the West?’ Zhao Zhou said, ’Go, have some tea.’

Xiao Man didn’t understand: "Isn’t this answering without addressing the question?"

Chen Ji asked again: "Xiao Man, can you go sleep in the east wing, there’s no need to guard me every night, I won’t run away."

Xiao Man retorted: "Young master, shall I make white congee and pair it with a salted duck egg?"