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墨書 Inktalez
Yuan Tiangang, although a figure of the Earth Immortal level, could not simply enter the palace to meet the Sovereign at will. The Grand Astrologer had revealed through a Sage attendant that Yuan Tiangang would reappear in the world, yet the Sovereign was currently engaged in daily discussions with Qingxiazi and Li Chunfeng, enjoying the Paradise sauna personally designed by Princess Jinyang. He spent his days detoxifying, gradually dispelling accumulated toxins, and increasingly trusting Su and Li.
Qingxiazi was a master of inner alchemy, requiring no external aids, nor did he construct a Dan Ding or consume medicinal powders. He guided the Sovereign in daily breathing exercises, and indeed, Li Shimin's complexion began to glow, and his previously empty body slowly filled with vitality.
On this fine day, with his mood improved and his health recovering significantly, Li Shimin decided to leave the palace for a stroll. Qingxiazi and Li Chunfeng accompanied him. After practicing Taoism with Qingxiazi for some time, Li Shimin had become much more low-key. Traveling lightly, they headed towards Compassionate Grace Temple.
Compassionate Grace Temple was located on the eastern side of Vermilion Bird Street in Jinchangfang. The temple faced south towards Qujiang Pool (Yellow Canal) and featured over ten courtyards with nearly two thousand rooms. Its multi-storied halls and towering pavilions were impressive, while the Zen Room was deep and tranquil. Numerous statues adorned the temple, making it truly magnificent. Although still under construction, visitors came in droves to pay their respects and enjoy the site.
This place had originally been established as Pure Enlightenment Temple during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Daowu. Later, during Sui Wendi's reign, Wulou Temple was built on the site of Pure Enlightenment Temple. Earlier this year, Crown Prince Li Zhi ordered its reconstruction to commemorate Queen Shengwende and pray for her blessings in gratitude for her maternal love; hence it was named Compassionate Grace Temple.
Now, half a year later, the main construction was nearly complete. Three hundred monks were ordained, and fifty high monks were invited to reside there. A scripture translation hall was also built to accommodate Master Xuanzang for translating texts. Although the Sovereign was physically weak at that time, he still led the Crown Prince and many consorts to personally light incense at Anfu Gate for the ceremony, which attracted tens of thousands of attendees.
At that moment, although the Sovereign did not intend to stay long, he was moved by the people's fervent devotion to Buddhism. With his health improving, his first thought was of Compassionate Grace Temple.
Master Xuanzang quickly set aside his translation work and led all the monks out to welcome the Sovereign. Once inside the temple, the Sovereign ordered someone to bring a booklet—this was The Great Tang Tripitaka Sacred Teaching Preface personally written by him during his illness!
Upon seeing it, the master noted that the preface contained much praise for him: "Xuanzang Master is indeed a leader of Dharma; how could one compare him to mere pearls?"
Xuanzang could not help but feel touched and repeatedly thanked the Sovereign for his great kindness. This matter dated back to this summer when Xuanzang presented his translated work on The Yoga Sutra to the Sovereign and requested him to write a preface. At that time, since the Sovereign had fallen ill, Xuanzang had not held out much hope; he never expected that the Sovereign would remember this matter!
Seeing Xuanzang so delighted, Li Shimin took this opportunity to persuade him again to return to secular life as an official; this was not his first attempt at such persuasion.
"I see that your words are elegant and your character steadfast; you are not only worthy of being compared with Ancients but also stand far beyond them—capable of assisting in governance. Yet sitting in seclusion translating scriptures is a loss for our Tang people... Why not abandon your path and assist in worldly affairs to help me govern together?"
Xuanzang was an enlightened monk who understood worldly matters thoroughly; he simply smiled and replied: "Xuanzang has walked less on this path of robes but has embraced Buddhism deeply; I have yet to hear Confucian teachings. To return to secular life now would be akin to riding a boat downstream only to abandon it upon reaching land—this would yield no merit but merely serve as futility. I wish only to dedicate my life to practicing my path in gratitude for my country’s kindness; that would be my greatest fortune."
Upon hearing this response, the Sovereign frowned slightly; however, this was not Xuanzang's first refusal to return to secular life, so Li Shimin did not press further.
At that time, Central Land Buddhism had already gained considerable popularity. After Xuanzang returned to his homeland, the number of followers increased dramatically, as numerous as the stars in the sky and the ants on the ground. If he could control these believers, how could he worry about instability among the people?
Unfortunately, Xuanzang did not want Buddhists to become tools for social public opinion, so he repeatedly rejected Li Shimin's offers, who mistakenly believed that Xuanzang still harbored discontent.
In the past, when Xuanzang submitted a request to travel west for scriptures, Li Shimin had refused him, forcing Xuanzang to set off on his own. It took him eighteen years to return in glory.
Upon his return, Li Shimin was in Luoyang and hurriedly came to meet Xuanzang. During their first meeting, he entertained thoughts of having Xuanzang return to secular life, but Xuanzang cleverly declined by citing his need to translate scriptures.
To explore Buddhism, Xuanzang traveled alone for fifty thousand miles to reach India’s Nalanda Monastery and obtain the true scriptures, studying both Mahayana and Hinayana teachings over seventeen years.
In the fifteenth year of the Zhenguan Era, Xuanzang arrived in Central India. King Jiri treated him with great hospitality and decided to appoint Xuanzang as the main speaker for a debate held in Qu Nu City. Eighteen kings from five regions of India and over three thousand monks from both Mahayana and Hinayana traditions participated in the conference.
During this time, Xuanzang spoke freely and faced challenges from others, yet no one could question him. His reputation soared throughout India; he was revered as "Mahayana Heaven" by Mahayana followers and "Liberation Heaven" by Hinayana practitioners. King Jiri also invited Master Xuanzang to participate in the Unrestricted Conference held every five years, lasting seventy-five days, which further solidified his fame upon his return.
Master Xuanzang brought back one hundred fifty Buddhist relics, seven statues of Buddha, and six hundred fifty-seven texts. He returned to Chang'an while the Sovereign was leading a campaign in Liaodong and had stationed himself in Luoyang. Upon learning of the master's return, he ordered a meeting in Luoyang. The master had no choice but to comply and hurriedly set off for Luoyang Palace, where he was received in the Yulun Hall.
At that moment, everyone in Luoyang celebrated joyfully; the entire city ceased its business to witness the master's esteemed presence.
After being away for eighteen years, it was natural for the master to feel homesick. Seeing that Shaolin Temple in the southeast of his hometown was serene and peaceful, he expressed his desire to the Sovereign to go translate scriptures at Songshan Shaolin Temple. However, the Sovereign refused him just as he had initially denied his westward journey. The master had no choice but to return to Chang'an.
If it were an ordinary person, they would undoubtedly feel discontented. However, having seen through worldly matters, the master remained pure at heart and untroubled by such setbacks. Instead, it was Li Shimin who speculated that Master Xuanzang held a grudge for this reason and thus refused to return to secular life.
The master's demeanor radiated from within and influenced those around him. Li Shimin soon let go of his concerns and accompanied by the master visited Compassionate Grace Temple along with Qingxiazi and Li Chunfeng. The tranquility and freshness of the temple uplifted their spirits; occasionally heard chanting cleansed their minds as if they could truly cast aside all worldly ties and disturbances.
As they strolled leisurely into a side hall, the Sovereign glanced quickly and noticed a Daoist sitting cross-legged on a mat, staring blankly at a Buddha statue. Curiosity piqued, he approached for a closer look. Seeing that the Daoist was lost in thought amused Li Shimin, prompting him to ask:
"You there, why are you dawdling in a Buddhist hall? Do you intend to abandon your Daoist path for Buddhism?"
The Taoist was not surprised and said to Li Shimin, "I am a disciple of the Three Pure Ones, how could I enter Buddhism? I have come here today merely to pay my respects to your esteemed presence."
Li Shimin was taken aback. Although the Imperial Guards were everywhere, they were all in disguise. This time, Li Shimin had come in plain clothes for a private visit, yet this Taoist did not even turn around and already knew his identity as the Sage!
The Taoist did not dare to act mysterious in front of the Sovereign. He turned and bowed, saying, "I am Yuan Tiangang, Your Majesty!"
Li Shimin looked closely and indeed recognized Yuan Tiangang. He was overjoyed and said, "It is a blessing for our Tang Dynasty that the Celestial Master has returned to the mortal realm. I have some urgent matters that require your guidance; is this not fate?"
Yuan Tiangang appeared calm and unhurried. In his delight, Li Shimin grasped Yuan Tiangang's wrist, and they conversed joyfully.
Although Xuanzang had left the world, he felt displeased upon encountering this situation. The Buddhist hall was supposed to be serene, yet it was being used by those with ulterior motives, which was quite unsatisfactory. However, Yuan Tiangang seemed unconcerned and even looked down upon Qingxiazi and Li Chunfeng.
At the same time, Li Mingda heard that the Sovereign's health had improved. After inquiring through his wife, he learned that Xu Zhen had played a role in this matter. He then went to Xu Manor to ask about it. Xu Zhen chuckled and did not dare to hide anything. Li Mingda felt delighted and saw that the Sovereign was going out to Compassionate Grace Temple. He took several Female Knights, disguised himself, and headed towards Compassionate Grace Temple.
These Female Knights were tall and curvaceous; although they wore veils, their figures were still evident. Coupled with Li Mingda's outstanding demeanor, they immediately attracted the attention of street folk who gazed at them with desire.
After walking for a while, some brazen individuals approached to block their path and tease them but were swiftly dealt with by the Female Knights without any fuss. Just as they were about to move forward, a series of gasps erupted from ahead, mixed with a terrifying beast roar. Merchants and passersby hurriedly fled in panic, their faces pale with fear.
Li Mingda frowned and quickened his pace. In Chang'an City, under the Emperor's feet, how could such commotion occur without anyone managing it?
Upon reaching an open street ahead, Li Mingda saw a group of Wuhou and bystanders armed with clubs and ropes surrounding a Spotted Leopard!
The leopard seemed wild and was crashing around; one Wuhou had been mauled on the back, bloodied and mangled—truly alarming.
Many Wuhou and bystanders could only surround the leopard in fear but were helpless against it. They dispatched people to disperse the crowd along the way and sent someone back to fetch iron hooks and swords in preparation to subdue the leopard.
This bustling Chang'an City was not a wild forest; it was clear from the half chain around the leopard's neck that it must have been privately kept by some noble family.
Ordinary nobles often keep a prized steed or a hawk, and raising birds, fish, or dogs is common. Those who can afford to keep a Leopard clearly possess considerable wealth, which is why the Wuhou and Bystander dare not act recklessly.
However, the Leopard has already injured over ten people. Before colleagues could fetch iron hooks and swords, the townsfolk had armed themselves with kitchen knives and axes, determined to kill this dangerous Leopard on the spot!
Both Wuhou and Bystander are perceptive individuals, fearing that if the Leopard dies in their neighborhood, they would be unable to explain themselves later. They could only try to calm the angry crowd but were met with fierce insults from the locals.
Seeing so many people and the ensuing chaos, the Leopard's wild instincts were triggered, and it suddenly went on a rampage, roaring angrily as it charged toward Li Mingda!
Li Mingda's expression turned cold, but she remained calm. The Female Knight beside her quietly drew her blade, forming a protective circle around Li Mingda. As the Leopard lunged at them, one Female Knight crouched down and swiftly moved forward, raising her weapon high. With a swift motion, she slashed open the Leopard's chest and abdomen, spilling its entrails onto the ground. The creature let out a few gasps before collapsing lifelessly.
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Wuhou and Bystander turned pale with shock. They noticed that Li Mingda's Female Knight was not stained with a single drop of blood and realized that Li Mingda was not an ordinary person. This realization made them feel a headache coming on.
One of the Wuhou whispered hurriedly to a colleague before rushing back to report the incident, while the others surrounded Li Mingda and her companions!
With the Leopard dead, its owner would surely come to cause trouble in town. They knew they couldn't explain themselves if that happened. Although Li Mingda appeared to be from an aristocratic family, since it was her people who killed the Leopard, it would be better to keep them around. Even if its owner came to complain, it would be like dogs fighting among themselves—none of their business as Wuhou.
"Being Wuhou is one thing; why is there such a huge gap..." Looking at the expressions of these Wuhou members, Li Mingda couldn't help but think of Xu Zhen. She had originally been on her way to Compassionate Grace Temple but now found herself wanting to stay and see who the owner of this Leopard was that they could act so arrogantly!
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