The Divine Worship to the Eight passed quickly and unnoticed for Wei Huan. He was completely immersed in his thoughts, not noticing the time.
After completing all the formalities, Huan received the long-awaited permission from the Emperor to begin peace negotiations. The only obligation was to talk through all the details and not make independent decisions on important issues. Wei Huan did not argue about this, because his primary task was to get in touch with the Supreme General of the Southern Army. That is why all the man's thoughts were focused on the letter.
Yu Bing Han willingly agreed to help him make a draft of the letter.
After the Divine Worship, they immediately headed to Huan's private chambers to discuss the details.
Knowing the general's character, Bing Han did not distract him from his thoughts. He slowly followed his friend, but at some point, he could not stand it and said:
– You don't look like yourself, Huan, not at all. Where have you been during the daytime?
Surprised by the Counselor's words, Huan stopped, turning to face him.
– What do you mean?
– You have often been lost in thought before, but today you nearly radiate irritation. – Bing Han thoughtfully touched his chin with long fingers. – It's unlikely that this has anything to do with the letter. Nether you are nervous about military matters. Then what is bothering you?
The strategist's soft voice involuntarily relaxed Wei Huan, causing him to smile and slightly shake his head.
– Don't worry, A-Yu. Everything is fine. I went into town, so I'm a little stressed.
– In town? – the young man arched his eyebrows in surprise. – For what?
– To check something, – Huan answered evasively. – Let's go, I don't want to waste time.
The man nodded to the side and continued on his way. The memories of the horrors that were happening in the streets were still fresh in his memory, but Wei Huan hardly suppressed all the storms of emotions he was experiencing. He needed to be calm and steady for the negotiations. He didn't want to involuntarily pour his feelings out on paper. That's why he didn't explain to Bing Han the true reason for his depressed mood. He had to focus on the rational side of the issue.
Yu Bing Han also realized that it was better to postpone the conversation and no longer tried to stir up the man's soul. He silently continued to follow the general.
After some time, the men reached their chambers. Wei Huan opened the door and went in. He stopped at the threshold, his dark eyes glancing over the familiar surroundings. The emperor wanted to give him a more presentable room, but Huan rejected the monarch's favor, explaining that he would still spend most of his time outside the palace and did not need unnecessary luxury. That is why in the general's chambers there were only the most necessary things: a desk, a bed, a rack for uniforms, several incense burners, as well as minor decorative items such as vases, wall scrolls, books, and writing instruments. A small tea table with treats complemented the interior of the room but was never used by Huan.
This view was usually serene, but for some reason a premonition made the man freeze, gloomily peering into the emptiness of the room.
– A-Wei? – Bing Han's incomprehensible voice came from behind. – What's wrong?
– I cannot say for sure. – Huan answered, continuing to shield the counselor with himself, just in case. – Don't come in yet.
Wei Huan heard a quiet "okay" and confidently stepped forward.
His palm naturally moved towards the sword as his keen eyes took in every detail in the room. It remained unchanged because it was almost impossible to hide in such a spacious place.
And yet... something was wrong.
Having reached the center, the man suddenly froze. It was indeed difficult to hide in the room, but not impossible, and Wei Huan knew exactly which place was the worst visible from the front door.
It took a split second to draw the weapon from its sheath, quickly turning around and taking a targeted blow. The sound of clashing steel spread throughout the room, cutting into the consciousness with a deafening ringing.
Wei Huan clenched his teeth, looking furiously into the intrigued eyes opposite. The attacker looked calm and content, not exuding hostility or anger. It was inexplicable and strange, but the subsequent words he uttered only raised even more questions.
– Excellent reflexes. You were even able to withstand my blow. Good. I wasn't mistaken about you.
The attack became stronger, but Huan responded with the same powerful pressure and, with a deafening roar, managed to throw the girl away from him. She jumped back, lowering her sword and smiling contentedly. Her scarlet eyes sparkled with excitement and even some regret due to the need to stop the fight.
Wei Huan understood from the stranger's posture that she was no longer going to attack, but he did not even think about lowering his sword. Pointing the tip straight at the girl's throat, Huan strained through his teeth:
– Who are you?
– A-Wei, wait! – Yu Bing Han's exclamation interrupted the dialogue that had not begun.
A slender body slipped through the doorway, and soon the counselor found himself next to the general, grabbing his hand and whispering confusedly:
– A-Wei... put the sword away. This is... – he coughed, glancing at the girl standing nearby. – I'm more than sure...
– A-Yu, calm down. Take a deep breath and stay behind me. I'll deal with the intruder.
– No! – the young man shook his head sharply. – Look at her sword!
Wei Huan glanced gloomily at the worried face of his subordinate and then turned his gaze to the lowered sword in the woman's hands. It had an unusual "curved" shape, like lightning piercing the ground. The sharp ends diverged in different directions, ready to tear off the skin of any enemy.
The leather-wrapped handle was worn in some places due to frequent use, and the steel metal was etched with the symbol of the Eight and the character "Six".
Such marks could only be used by true followers and priests of the Deities. But the design of a silk ribbon enveloping the flames of heavenly fire was a forbidden symbol for everyone except the Gods themselves.
Wei Huan's heart sank in his chest as he realized what was happening. His confusion made the woman smile, and she calmly said:
– Weren't you the ones who cried out to Us so desperately? I have come to answer your prayers.
The warrior's words confirmed Huan's guess: one of the Eight stood before him in the flesh. Her scarlet robes were similar to the Imperial Military Uniform but were purely a personal attribute.
Black patterns were visible on the sleeves, hem, and collar. A wide ribbon tightly encircled the woman's waist, and her straight black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, tightly tied with a thick scarlet thread.
Slanted eyes carefully watched the people standing in front of her, allowing them to come to their senses, but the woman's impatience could be seen in her leisurely tapping of her fingers on the handle.
Yu Bing Han was the first to come to his senses. He let go of Wei Huan's hand and wanted to fall to his knees to show his respect, but an unexpected grip from the general stopped him.
The man did not allow his friend to stand on his knees in front of the warrior, but at the same time, he did not show complete disrespect. Putting his weapon in its sheath, he bowed slightly. The goddess noticed this strange behavior but did not say anything, so Bing Han, albeit with surprise, followed Huan's example.
– I'll assume that you came to me for a reason, – said the general after bowing. His voice sounded surprisingly collected and even, despite the identity of the one to whom he addressed the words. – The Emperor is a much more significant person than me in all aspects.
– I came to talk to you two, – The woman answered in the same calm manner as if the recent fierce battle scene was just a mere flight of fancy. – My name is Yan Yue and I, as you have already understood, am one of the Eight. For a long time, We were watching the world and We realized that maintaining balance was becoming increasingly difficult. This is why the Eight decided to find two more suitable people to strengthen War and Peace. Centuries passed before We were satisfied with all the qualities the candidates sought. Ultimately, the choice fell on you.
Wei Huan froze, analyzing what was said, but Yu Bing Han suddenly perked up. All his recent shock and confusion instantly disappeared after someone else's words, replaced by amazing straightforwardness and joy, as if the Goddess standing in front of him was a completely natural phenomenon and, in principle, could not offer anything other than becoming one of the Gods.
– Misstress Yan, are you saying that Wei Huan and I will join the Divine?
– You cannot yet ascend, because your verification is still ongoing. – Yan Yue looked carefully at Bing Han before paying attention to the silent Huan. – I do not doubt that with my arrival I puzzled and raised questions. So let me take your consciousness to Heaven where you will find the answers.
The gaze of clear scarlet eyes was directed specifically at Wei Huan as if the woman was waiting for his decision.
The general remained extremely cool and thoughtful. The current situation resembled a stupid and inappropriate joke. Say, the goddess appeared in his chambers to inform him of the desire of the Gods to make him one of them.
This was ridiculous, for until recently he had worshiped the Eight, but creeping doubts and the grief of innocent people weakened his faith. As soon as he abandoned such blind trust in heavenly powers, fate made another unexpected move, driving the man into unforeseen circumstances.
Was it possible to just take it all as truth?
Doubts and hovering questions did not allow the man to succumb so easily to the words of others, but he did not see any other explanation other than accepting the truth. First of all, he needed to get proper explanations and only then draw any conclusions, because if everything said turned out to be true, his desire to change the destinies of people would become more than just a cry in the Dark. Since Heaven allowed him to correct his own errors, he was not going to neglect such a chance.
– Fine, – after a prolonged silence, Huan said. – I agree.
Yan Yue nodded at Wei Huan's words and, having attached her sword to her belt, walked closer to the men. Without explaining anything, she raised her palms and touched the foreheads of the people standing opposite her with the tips of her index fingers. Not even a moment passed before both of their minds plunged into darkness.
***
The surrounding silence of the space caused discomfort to the people standing on the large stone platform. The bare walls pressed, heating their nerves to the limit. There were no windows or doors in the room, nor the slightest crack through which air or light could leak, but somehow Wei Huan could see the entire room.
The man did not know how much time had passed since he opened his eyes and found himself standing in the center of this small space. The only joy was the presence of Yu Bing Han nearby. The young man had also come to his senses and was looking around with interest. There was nothing to see, however, since the place resembled a tightly closed dungeon and only the patterns on the platform underfoot looked quite remarkable in comparison with everything else.
The thought of being deceived and lured into a trap was the first thing Huan had, when he came to his senses, but the realization of one thing put everything in its place: his body, like Bing Han's, was translucent. Yan Yue's words about the transfer of consciousness surfaced in his memory, somewhat clarifying the situation and confirming the veracity of what was happening. The men did not feel any discomfort, but the anticipation and desire to clarify many points caused natural impatience.
Fortunately, Yan Yue did not make them wait long and soon appeared. Her body did not change, which hinted at the difference between her and the mortals who, by her will, ended up in the abode of the Gods.
– Two more of Us will speak to you, – said the woman, standing to the side of Wei Huan. – They agreed to test you.
The general did not answer, only slightly turned his head to the side when he heard footsteps coming from behind. Ones were heavy, and confident, filled with a burning rage and an unshakable desire to crush everything in their path. The others were barely audible, but Huan was able to catch a lightness in them, mixed with a certain uncertainty, as if the person periodically stopped, afraid to take a new step.
– Well-well, so these are our new Gods, aren't they? – a hoarse, low voice, filled with mockery, instantly filled the entire room like a clap of thunder.
Its owner stepped forward, eyeing the men appraisingly and showing a wide grin. Huan answered him with a calm look but unmistakably understood that the one who had appeared was one of the Gods of War.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp eyes and stunning energy. The man was wearing simple clothes, similar in color to Yan Yue's uniform, but different in appearance. The open-skin cape demonstrated the power of his sculpted muscles, strong chest, and torso. Simple trousers and boots were somewhat reminiscent of barbarian robes, and scarlet hair, the color of dried blood, seemed like a burning flame. The mere sight of this man could make weak spirits run in fear, but a saber thrown over his shoulder could deal with those who were a little bolder.
– Lao No, please show some respect...
-What did you mumble there? Once again and louder!
– S-sorry!
The owner of a much quieter voice shuddered from a sharp roar, barely restraining himself from the desire to fall unconscious. The young man, a head shorter than the warrior and several times smaller than him, resembled a fragile ear of wheat, ready to break from just a breath of wind. His amazingly beautiful shoulder-length snow-white hai of shimmering blue was pinned up with a patterned hairpin.
Fluffy eyelashes framed large, heavenly-colored eyes. Now they showed such undisguised fear that Huan involuntarily compared it to a newborn deer.
The neat features of the face fascinated me. The snow-white skin beckoned, and the scarlet lips and a small pattern of the same color on the forehead involuntarily caught the eye, standing out especially strongly against the background of pastel colors. The God of Harmony's robe also contrasted with the bright colors of the Gods of War.
Unlike the flashy scarlet, his hanfu was completely white, and only the golden patterns, coupled with small blue stones sewn on, somewhat "revitalized" the image.
The difference between the Gods was obvious, making it clear that an unchanging balance was strictly observed within the walls of the Heavenly Palace.
While Wei Huan looked at those who appeared in front of him, Yu Bing Han tactfully reminded the main thing, breaking the silence:
– Can mere mortals find out why the choice of the respected Gods fell on them?
Huan also wanted to know the answer to this question, so he looked expectantly at the Gods, but instead of proud warriors, the God of Harmony took the floor. Taking a small step forward, the young man smiled modestly and, clasping his fingers together, tried his best to calm down.
– Sorry that everything happened so unexpectedly... – he began with a noticeable trembling in his voice. – Let me introduce myself first. I am Shu Shen. The Eighth God is responsible for Harmony. Standing next to me is the God of War No Hong Wu. He ranks Fourth in our hierarchy.
Hearing his name, the man snorted but did not say anything, allowing Shu Shen to speak further.
– You are already familiar with the Sixth Goddess of War, Yan Yue. The rest... – the young man hesitated, searching for words. – They couldn't be present today, but all the Gods unanimously decided to accept two more into the ranks to strengthen the Balance. The events taking place in the world force us to make a decision faster, without postponing it any longer.
– Is it about the expansion of the Emperor? – Wei Huan suddenly said, looking intently at Shu Shen.
The God of Harmony flinched but restrained himself and did not step back. He felt No Hong Wu's cold gaze on him, not allowing him to hide behind someone else's back.
– Yes. Time passes, people change, and maintaining control over the balance becomes harder. We, The Eight, did this for many centuries, but the cycle remained incomplete.
– Aren't you almighty? – Huan tried to speak calmly, without betraying his emotions, but subtle notes of irony could not go unnoticed.
Yu Bing Han looked at his friend but did not stop him, only smiled slightly, covering his lips with his palm. Next to her, Yan Yue also closed her eyes, for some reason rejoicing at such a reaction from an ordinary person.
– Actually... we... – Shu Shen's gaze darted around. – We were once human as well...
– What? – The revelation of the God of Harmony finally made Wei Huan frown. – So you are ordinary people?
– He said we "WERE" people! – barked No Hong Wu, narrowing his eyes. – We have long ago become the Immortals. Our cultivation has reached unprecedented heights, allowing us to rise above the rest.
– In other words, you have developed abilities incomparable to those of humans, – Bing Han tilted his head to the side, thoughtfully running his fingertip along his lower lip. – And that's why you decided to become Gods?
– We didn't just "decide" to become Gods, – Yan Yue intervened in the dialogue. – It was a necessity. People needed faith and balance that could support them but also control them. Our ascension gave the desired results, allowing us to maintain the harmony of Peace and War for centuries.
Wei Huan clenched his fists to stop himself in time from unnecessary words. Because the woman was telling the truth. Until the moment when the Emperor began to go to war against neighboring states, people lived serenely according to the rules of the Eight Gods. Sometimes there were misfortunes, sorrows, and losses, but they were invariably made up for by happy events. The common people cried out to the Gods, and they rightly bestowed their mercy on them.
– Why did you allow what is happening now? – Huan glanced at the faces of the Gods. – The war has been burning for many years, and people were suffering, starving, and dying in agony. They appeal to the Gods every day, but the Gods stay deaf to their pleas! Where is your omnipotence?
The roar of a saber suddenly stabbing into the floor shook the room. Shu Shen gasped and squatted down, covering his ears with his hands. Yan Yue looked at the angry God with displeasure.
– How impudent! – No Hong Wu clenched his teeth fiercely. – Don't you dare doubt our abilities, boy. You have not yet become one of us to speak in such a manner.
– Since I'm here, it means I can soon become one, – Wei Huan answered without hesitation. – And I have the right to get answers.
The spoken words created a tense silence, in which the intermittent, deep breathing of No Hong Wu and the confused sighs of Shu Shen, who was trying to find words, were heard.
Fortunately, Yan Yue came to the aid of the confused God.
– We were forbidden to interfere. – The woman crossed her arms over her chest. – Goddess of Harmony Zhu Zhong Chi wanted to check something. She is the First among Us, so we have to obey. And even now we have no right to stop the growing war. – Yue looked at Wei Huan, and he noticed the sparkling shine in her scarlet eyes. – But you can. This is your final test.
It didn't take long for the general to understand her hint. He nodded slightly, because even without the "divine task" he was determined to negotiate with the southern state. It was also not difficult for Yu Bing Han to guess the meaning behind the goddess' words, but he was concerned about something else.
– Why would you choose me and A-Wei?
This time it was Shu Shen who answered. He finally straightened up and stopped shaking, so he readily caught Yan Yue's gaze and took the floor.
– Each of the Gods must stand out to take its place. Whether it's a good deed… or a morally low one. It doesn't matter. The main thing is to be better than others. Much better. I would even say "irreplaceable", – the young man glanced at Huan, but immediately looked away. – From an early age, both of you stood out for your abilities: strength, ability to improve, intelligence, leadership qualities... But most important is that you fully fit the main rule of the Eight, – he quickly ran the tip of his tongue over his dry lips. – Maintaining balance. You equally support the unchangeable rule we have established, thereby maintaining harmony between Peace and War. Plus, your connection is incredibly complementary, which is a rare occurrence.
Shu Shen nervously rubbed his fingertips. As he finished the explanation he took a step back, getting closer to No Hong Wu. Wei Huan looked at Yan Yue, she gave clear answers, speaking exclusively to the point. This military manner impressed the general.
– So, by putting an end to the war, we will become The Gods?
– Yes. You both received my blessing, but this gives you only part of the divine powers and the ability to spiritually arrive in the monastery. As soon as the war is over, a Divine Council will take place. After that, the Eight will become the Ten.
– This is so wonderful... – Shu Shen smiled happily. – We will have the Ninth God of War and the Tenth God of Harmony. I can share my knowledge!
– Begging the respected Gods to forgive me, – Yu Bing Han, who had been silent for some time, stepped forward. – But I want to clarify one thing. Is the Hierarchy of Gods also built on the principle of balance?
– No. The Guardians of the World take their places by their strength, the balance is maintained by the fact that it equally includes the Gods of Harmony and the Gods of War. – Shu Shen blushed awkwardly. – I'm the weakest, so I only take eighth place... but now I'll have little brothers!
– That's how... – Bing Han's lips curved into a soft smile. – I'm very happy too.
Yan Yue looked from the happy Shu Shen to Bing Han, but then slightly shook her head and clarified:
– Do you have any questions?
-Can I see Goddess Zhu Zhong Chi? I want to know whether I am obliged to obey her or whether I am free to act according to my principles.
The straightforward words spoken by Wei Huan caused almost the same emotions in all three Gods. Hong Wu's surprise, however, quickly turned to anger, so Shu Shen hurried to ask the general a question before the God of War began to boil again:
– Why do you need this, Master Wei?
– I don't intend to look at people's troubles and do nothing. – If I have to close my eyes at the whim of others, then I do not need divine powers.
– A-Wei! – Bing Han opened his eyes, clutching his fingers into the fabric of the genera's hanfu.
Wei Huan paid no attention to his friend, waiting for an answer from the Gods. His pose exuded determination and inflexibility, and the look of his dark eyes made it clear that this man would not go back on his words. He was ready to defend his principles and unbendingly, going against everyone, to carry out his plans.
Seeing this, No Hong Wu sharply picked up the saber, pointing it at Huan, but addressing Yan Yue.
– Take your blessing away. This boy is going to be a pain in the ass. Will bring us plenty of trouble.
– Hong Wu, don't! Hong Wu! – Shu Shen timidly but hurriedly touched the man's hand. – Put down your weapon, your energy can again...
Unlike the shaking Shen, the warrior remained calm, because the aggressive behavior of the fourth God did not touch her in any way. She didn't even pay attention to it. Still keeping her arms crossed, Yue slowly tapped her fingers on her forearm. Her closed eyes and calm appearance did not give away the emotions she was experiencing at the moment.
– I have already given them both my blessing and I will not take it back, The Eight have decided that they were worthy to take their places. You too.
The guttural roar that came from Hong Wu was filled with dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction, but he could not object to Yan Yue's words.
Glancing sideways at Shen standing next to him, the man threw the saber over his shoulder, not bothering to shake the hands of the other off his shoulder.
As the tension in the room eased, the woman responded to Wei Huan.
– You will have the opportunity to talk with her before the Council takes its place. The final decision in accepting divine powers rests with you.
Satisfied with this knowledge, the general asked his last question:
– How much time do we have?
– A year will be enough for you.
– You've gone completely soft, Yue! – said Hong Wu. – Don't give them more than six months! This is quite enough to shed blood and crush any enemy army.
– Give us a month. – Bing Han's sudden playful voice enveloped the people who heard him in a sweet whisper. – This is quite enough.
This time, Wei Huan couldn't help but intervene, stopping his self-confident friend from further nonsense. He affectionately touched someone else's shoulder.
– A-Yu, this is not enough.
– Do you doubt my abilities?
– Not at all. But we have already decided to negotiate peace. A month is not enough for something like this.
– The future God of War wants to resolve the matter through peaceful negotiations. – Hong Wu grunted displeasedly, looking away. – You're upsetting me, boy.
Wei Huan ignored those words and turned to Yan Yue.
– Give us six months. If I can't find a compromise at this time, then further attempts will be just a waste of time. And if war does break through again, I will do everything to win in my usual way. – The man took a respectful pose, bowing for the first time. – However, I want to ask the Gods for something.
But Hong Wu was about to say something, but Yan Yue took the floor in time.
– Speak.
– Protect the common people if things take a bad turn. Protect those whose lives should not end in the flames of war due to random injustice. People have suffered too much, give them peace.
Yan Yue silently looked at the bowed man for a while before saying:
– The lives of ordinary people are important to us, Wei Huan. Nobody wants to see the balance tilted, so we will watch the situation. That's all I can promise.
The general nodded understandingly, asking for nothing more. The smoldering remnants of his old faith invisibly warmed him from the inside, supporting hope in the ability of the Gods to protect the people.
Being in the Heavenly Halls may not have restored his uncompromising trust in the Eight, but now he at least understood some of the reasons and actions of the unattainable Gods. Many questions still needed answers, but now Wei Huan did not intend to thoroughly learn everything that interested him.
He will have the opportunity to find it out after the victory.
Yu Bing Han, playing with his hair, looked at the silent Wei Huan and, smiling slightly, turned to him:
– A-Wei, did you find out everything you wanted?
After Wei Huan's affirmative nod, Bing Han turned away from him to politely bow to the Gods.
– I ask the respected Gods to bring us back. We have a quest to do. – He closed his eyes, smiling tenderly at the corners of his lips. – I promised to help A-Wei achieve peace and I will do my best for this. We can't waste any more time.
Yan Yue stepped forward, eagerly approaching the men. Bing Han's golden eyes followed the girl's every move, but when she glanced at him, the counselor only smiled peacefully, becoming closer to Wei Huan. The general was lost in his thoughts, so he did not immediately hear Yue's voice.
– Don't disappoint Heaven, The Ninth God. – She said, raising her palms. – If you want to protect people, first prove that you are worthy of it.
The warrior's words deeply touched the heart and empathized with the grief of others. His dark eyes sparkled weakly, but Huan did not show his true emotions, visually remaining a collected and serious young man.
His inscrutable spirit, even after the dispersion of consciousness, continued to be felt in the small room for some time, giving the Gods remaining in it confidence in the correctness of the decision made. This man was born for the glory. He was destined to become a turning point in the balance distorted by other people's ambitions.
Yan Yue smiled at the corners of her lips at the thoughts flashing through her head and, without turning around to the other two Gods, said:
– Shu Shen, send your followers the knowledge that from now on there will be Ten of Us. This news should spread to every corner of the Empire.
Yue's words caused the God of Harmony to smile slightly and nod faintly, after which he immediately allowed his body to dissipate into the air in ornate clouds of smoke. No Hong Wu followed Shen with his gaze and only after he had completely disappeared the God of War closer to the woman, examining the place where their expected "guests" had previously stood.
-Are you so sure of them? They will become full-fledged Celestials only after the Council.
– Aren't you? You liked them, – the warrior glanced sideways at her friend. – Besides, you know that the Council is just a formality.
No Hong Wu snorted, but instead of the usual stern expression, a sly grin appeared on his face, confirming Yan Yue's words. The Great Goddess Zhu Zhong Chi was the one who had claimed the need to circle the cycle with two new Gods.
Her judgments and sound thoughts were always balanced and fair. Despite the many plans that the woman kept to herself, without sharing with anyone, no one ever doubted her. That is why, in the end, the Eight unanimously decided in favor of two unusual young people, seeing in them a chance to bring new opportunities to the world.
However, even the omnipotent Gods now could only wait, because further events were in the hands of the others. And the decisions made might result in unpredictable consequences.
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Yan Yue -严月; Yang: serious, strict; Yue: moon, moonlight (in the name – pure in heart, exalted)
No Hong Wu – 那红武; Hong: red (In the name: successful in his business); Wu: bold, courageous, indomitable
Shu Shen – 书深; Shu: intelligent, literate person; Shen: quiet, calm, deep (the character is part of the proverbial phrase "still water run deep").
Zhu Zhong Chi – 竺中持; Zhong: love for people, show leniency, harmonize, reliable support; Chi: strictly adhere to (prescriptions), manage