From a refugee to a martial artist

Chapter 295 The Person Is Gone

Meng Yuan smiled and returned the greeting, then looked at the monk in front of him.

The monk Juesheng was dressed in a light white robe with wide sleeves, and had a gentle smile on his face. He was incredibly elegant.

Bathed in the morning glow, with his hands clasped together, he was clearly a devout Buddhist, yet with his red lips, white teeth, and handsome face, he resembled a refined young gentleman.

Meng Yuan considered Jie Kaiping's words, but after looking at it this way, he did not notice anything unusual about Monk Juesheng.

Then Meng Yuan compared the monks he knew with Juesheng. Jie Kaiping was already considered to be of decent appearance, but compared to the monk Juesheng in front of him, he was still inferior.

Of course, not to mention the obese Dugu Kang.

"With such good looks, it's a pity you're a monk!" Lin Yan was a kind-hearted man, and seeing Juesheng's friendly gesture, he also showed concern for him. "If you weren't a monk, countless women would be smitten with you. Of course, even if you were a monk, you'd still have fellow monks to rely on..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Yan's sleeve was tugged by Zhou Ying.

"Amitabha." Monk Juesheng was a man of great wisdom and knew that Lin Yan was not one to speak kindly, but he was not angry. He just smiled gently and said, "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows. Benefactor Lin, there is no need to say more about worldly prejudices."

“My senior brother is still hungover, Master Juesheng, you needn’t worry about him,” Meng Yuan said with a smile.

Monk Juesheng kept his hands clasped together. He nodded and smiled slightly at Meng Yuan and asked, "I heard that you personally experienced the upheaval in Songhe Prefecture and risked your life to protect the Ying family. I admire you greatly."

Meng Yuan smiled but didn't say anything.

“Recently, many distinguished guests have gathered on Wulou Mountain. My humble abode is a bit remote, but it is free from worldly noise. Would you four please move over so that I may serve you tea?” Monk Juesheng bowed very humbly.

Since they had already gone this far, Meng Yuan and Lin Yan naturally couldn't refuse. After all, they would be staying at Lanruo Temple for quite some time, and it wouldn't be appropriate to turn down their kindness.

"I've got nothing better to do!" Lin Yan immediately agreed.

After exchanging a few polite words, Monk Juesheng led the way, with Meng Yuan and his fellow disciple Lin Yan, along with Zhou Ying and Fan Ye, following behind, as they bypassed the Chanding Temple and headed towards the back mountain.

It was already the first month of the lunar calendar, and the wind was strong on the mountaintop, turning everything into a vast expanse of gray, except for the evergreen pines and cypresses.

There was a small, dilapidated Zen temple with only one meditation room. The courtyard was fenced off with withered branches, which was no more than waist-high.

There were no doors or gates to block the way, so we stepped right inside.

The meditation room was too small to accommodate everyone. Juesheng immediately brought out a table and chairs, and everyone sat down in the courtyard.

After lighting the stove, Juesheng took out a teapot and brought over a large jar, saying with a smile, "Last time, the snow covered Wulou Mountain, and this humble monk collected some winter snow, which is just right for brewing tea."

He was fair-skinned, like a woman, and immediately took some snow water to boil.

After the hot tea was served, everyone took a sip and found that it was light yet sweet, truly leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Juesheng first talked for a long time about the origin of the tea, and then gave tea leaves to everyone one by one.

Lin Yan and the other two accepted the tea, with Lin Yan asking for the most. Meng Yuan was equally generous, intending to give the tea to Jie Kaiping, who was destitute.

After finishing their casual conversation, Monk Juesheng asked Meng Yuan about the details of his time in Songhe Prefecture.

Meng Yuan kept urging the Heart-Burning Technique, but he couldn't see anything unusual about Monk Juesheng, so he didn't hide anything and just said what he knew.

Monk Juesheng had obviously heard the details of the Songhe Prefecture Incident many times, and now, hearing Meng Yuan's words, he took them very seriously.

"Life is less than a hundred years, yet worries are as long as a thousand. Your family, benefactors, have the well-being of all living beings in their hearts, yet they cannot defy fate." Monk Juesheng sighed deeply, his words seemingly genuine.

Upon hearing this, Meng Yuan replied, "I have only been a disciple of the Ying family for a short time and am unaware of past events."

At this point, Meng Yuan looked closely at Monk Juesheng and asked, "May I ask why the two Masters Ying passed away?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ying and Fan Ye became uncomfortable again.

Lin Yan patted Zhou Ying and Fan Ye, indicating that everything was alright.

“It is understandable that you are unaware, benefactor. The only people in the world who can discuss this matter are those outside the borders and—” Monk Juesheng pointed to the surroundings, “this land beyond the world.”

"Please enlighten me, Master." Meng Yuan was genuinely curious.

Ever since entering the Prince's mansion and becoming the Third Miss's personal servant, and even after hearing Master Nie call himself a lackey of the Ying family, Meng Yuan has been filled with curiosity about the two Lord Yings.

Despite repeated inquiries, those who knew, like Chen Shouzhou, remained silent; and Master Nie, a former member of the Ying family, had already perished outside Songhe Prefecture. As for Lin Yan and the others, they were too young when the two Ying gentlemen died to know much about the matter.

Meng Yuan only knows the general outline at present, and Ying Mei in the red cloak has also come looking for him, saying that she wants to avenge the two Ying Gongs. This makes Meng Yuan even more eager to find out the whole story as soon as possible.

Lin Yan and the other two also had bright eyes, clearly wanting to hear the whole story.

"This is a long story." Monk Juesheng looked up at the sky for a while before saying, "You all know the teachings of Master Ying. However, he practiced what he preached. He gathered many refugees and disaster victims, and even distributed all the land in his house. He also built schools and clinics to teach martial arts."

Meng Yuan knew about these things. Although he hadn't witnessed them in person, given the state of the world, it was truly remarkable that Old Ying Gong had done such a thing.

"Because of this, Master Ying's reputation grew even more, and countless people came to listen to his lectures and teachings, to the point that he was called the leader of Confucianism. Of course, his reputation was not only great in Confucianism, but also in Buddhism and Taoism!" Juesheng smiled slightly and said, "Although there are petty scheming among Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, those who lead the way all have the well-being of all people in their hearts, and therefore they also have great admiration for Master Ying!"

"Let me tell you something we don't know." Lin Yan chuckled. "I also know that the former crown prince went to listen to Old Master Ying's lectures and talked for a long time. Afterwards, the former crown prince's attempt to marry Old Master Ying's eldest daughter failed, and he left dejectedly. But not long after, the former crown prince invited Old Master Ying's family to the capital, married Ying's eldest daughter, and then began to implement reforms."

“What Benefactor Lin says is correct.” Monk Juesheng nodded, then looked up at the sky and thought for a while before saying, “In the past, the land around Wulou Mountain, and even most of the land in Ping’an Prefecture, belonged to Lanruo Temple. It was thanks to the mediation of Old Master Ying that Lanruo Temple was able to divide up 70% of the land.”

"Actually, it's not just that." Monk Juesheng's face was slightly flushed as he said, "The three major Daoist sects have also returned many properties, many Confucian scholars have reduced their rent, and countless people have benefited."

“When a person dies, their rule ends. I wonder how much of the land that was distributed has been recovered?” Zhou Ying suddenly asked.

"Amitabha Buddha." Juesheng was unable to answer.

"Go on!" Lin Yan urged.

“The people benefit, but naturally some will suffer.” Monk Juesheng put his palms together and closed his eyes, saying, “I don’t know the details of what happened later. It just so happens that the former crown prince’s reforms became increasingly difficult, and then the late emperor fell seriously ill. His brother gathered military men and experts from all walks of life to falsely accuse the former crown prince of treason.”

At this point, Monk Juesheng opened his eyes and said, "The former crown prince died on the spot. The two Lord Ying also died and their souls vanished, and many former members of the Ying family followed suit."

"Did neither of you resist?" Fan Ye suddenly asked.

"Leaving aside Master Ying," Monk Juesheng continued, as if he had witnessed it firsthand. "Outsiders say that Master Ying is at the fourth level of the Confucian realm, while others say he is at the third level. In fact, Master Ying is at the fourth level of the Confucian realm."

"You seem to know quite a lot," Lin Yan said with a smile.

"Does the Master have any dealings with the Ying family?" Meng Yuan suddenly realized. "Amitabha," Jue Sheng replied, but said no more.

Seeing this, Meng Yuan and his companions realized that Monk Juesheng had probably witnessed the brilliance of the two Ying Gongs or heard about them from the elders of Lanruo Temple.

"Go on!" Zhou Ying urged, "Is Old Master Ying truly willing to die?"

"Not so." Monk Juesheng smiled at Zhou Ying and said gently, "You all came here for the matter of Qingguangzi, so you naturally know that it is not easy for the fourth-grade Buddhists to enter the third-grade Buddhists. In fact, Old Master Ying was also preparing for the third-grade Buddhists. After his death, some people did not want the Confucian school to produce another third-grade Buddhist.

“Yes, both Buddhism and Taoism have the third rank, and martial arts can produce one every few hundred years. But since the Confucian sage carved his sword to pacify the world, the Confucian school has not seen anyone above the third rank for a long time.” Lin Yan entered the profession early and was very emotional. “I heard that the Confucian school is also incomplete, and there is no way to go any higher.”

“It’s not that it doesn’t exist, but it’s too difficult.” Monk Juesheng was also very knowledgeable. He smiled and said, “The fourth level of Confucianism is establishing one’s mind. In short, it is to understand one’s own principles from the words of the sages, rather than relying on the teachings of the sages in everything. Only then can one truly obtain the righteous spirit. After reaching the fourth level, one should seek one’s own ‘Dao’.”

Monk Juesheng poured everyone more hot tea and then said, "If you want to go further, you have to take action."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yuan and the other three looked at Monk Juesheng, waiting for him to continue.

"It is said that the three grades of Confucianism are elementary education, which can borrow the laws of nature and speak the laws of nature, and persuade people with reason and virtue. However, some have gone astray, like Qing Guangzi who became the Holy King of Light."

Monk Juesheng didn't keep people in suspense. "In Buddhism, entering the third rank from the fourth rank is about making a grand vow and fulfilling that vow. Actually, Confucianism is pretty much the same."

He pointed to Meng Yuan and Lin Yan, and continued, "To advance from the fourth rank to the third rank in Confucianism, one must perform deeds that benefit the common people, then write books and establish doctrines, possessing knowledge that commands the respect of the world. Only then can one be learned and recognized by the world, and thus succeed. Of course, this is very difficult, even more difficult than advancing from the fourth rank to the third rank in Buddhism. One must have meritorious achievements and be respected by the world, and Old Master Ying has all of these qualities."

“Establishing virtue, establishing merit, and establishing words are the three immortalities. Old Master Ying has already established words, but alas, his merits have not yet been achieved,” Zhou Ying murmured.

"It is destiny." Monk Juesheng nodded. The man, who was originally fair-skinned and had red lips, looked somewhat desolate at this moment.

There was a hint of confusion in his eyes, but then his resolve returned: "Though our predecessors are dead, they have paved the way. Scholars and people of insight throughout the world will never forget Old Master Ying."

"I heard that after Old Master Ying passed away, a high-ranking monk from the Buddhist Kingdom came from the west. I wonder who it was?" Meng Yuan had asked Lin Yan and others about it, but Lin Yan didn't know either.

“Three fellow practitioners at the fourth level have arrived.” Monk Juesheng was quite knowledgeable about these matters. “I heard that the Buddha of Freedom once descended in a Dharma form, but I don’t know if it’s true or not.”

The Western legend had been circulating that he had been meditating in seclusion, but unexpectedly, the death of Old Master Ying had also disturbed him.

"Let's not dwell on the past." Monk Juesheng composed himself, smiled at Meng Yuan, and asked, "I heard from Senior Brother Jueming that you all visited Yunshan Temple. I wonder if you found anything?"

Meng Yuan didn't hide anything and said directly, "When I was in Songhe Prefecture, I went to Chongxu Temple. I heard that the abbot, Daoist Xuanjizi, was at Yunshan Temple, so I went to look for him and found him."

"Master Xuanji is a highly respected Taoist master, and I admire him greatly!" Juesheng showed no sign of anything amiss, and instead began to chat casually, "This time, with guests from the West, discussions on Taoism are naturally indispensable. Many elites from Buddhist temples in Ping'an Prefecture have come, and fellow practitioners from Yunshan Temple will also be present."

After chatting for a while, Meng Yuan asked about Qing Guangzi.

“Over the years, the three religions have each absorbed the essence of the other two, so the fundamental knowledge of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism is not inferior.” Monk Juesheng was indeed insightful. “But since it is a subject of study, one must learn and ask questions at the same time. Some people may learn incorrectly or ask incorrect questions, and in the end, they will simply submit different answers.”

The monk Juesheng was very open-minded and said with a smile, "From ancient times to the present, there have been countless righteous people in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as many evil people. It's like in ancient times when a hundred flowers bloomed, but now only Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism are thriving, while the others that are out of step with the times have long been buried in the dust. In my opinion, perhaps in the future Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism will also decline, or even be lost, and then new paths of cultivation will emerge."

Meng Yuan agreed with what the monk Juesheng said, and said with a smile, "It's just that people's hearts have changed."

“What you say is true, benefactor.” Monk Juesheng smiled and bowed to Meng Yuan with his palms together.

As noon approached, Lin Yan subtly suggested that Jue Sheng invite guests to lunch. Meng Yuan, not wanting to test anything, got up to take his leave.

"Commander, you've embarrassed yourself from the capital to Lanruo Temple! He's a monk, and you keep bringing up wine and meat. At most, he'll offer you a vegetarian meal. Would he take you to drink wine and eat meat?" Zhou Ying complained to Lin Yan after returning to the Chanding Temple.

"What if?" Lin Yan made a lot of sense. "How did I find my wife? It was this 'what if' that made it happen!"

Zhou Ying shook her head vigorously, and Fan Ye couldn't help but click his tongue twice.

As Meng Yuan and his three companions were chatting idly, Wang Buyi arrived.

"Commander Meng, the Grand Commander summons you," Wang Buyi said.

"What do you want with my little brother?" Lin Yan asked, getting excited. "Tired of looking at bald guys? Want to satisfy your craving for my junior brother?"

Wang Buyi's expression remained unchanged, but he ignored Lin Yan.

Zhou Ying and Fan Ye were used to it, just as Lin Yan's scheming against Wang Er was a common occurrence.

Meng Yuan followed Wang Buyi to a Zen temple within the Zen Meditation Monastery. Upon entering the meditation room, they met Wang Er.

"I heard that Juesheng invited you to have tea. What did the Flower Monk say?" Wang Er sat cross-legged on the futon, holding a scroll of Buddhist scripture in his hand, carefully reading it.

In front of her was a low table with vegetarian food on it, consisting of green vegetables and tofu, still steaming hot.

"Come and sit down. Are you hungry? The vegetarian food at Lanruo Temple is famous. Try it," Wang Er said with a smile.

Meng Yuan was obedient and sat down immediately, but he didn't eat. Instead, he talked about what he had talked about after meeting with Juesheng.

There was nothing to hide, except for the matter of Old Ying Gong.

"He specifically sought out you and Lin Yan to ask, because your master was an old member of the Ying family," Wang Er smiled.

"Master, this monk Juesheng seems to know quite a bit about the Ying family's affairs. Did he know the two Lord Yings?" Meng Yuan inquired.

"More than that." Wang Er put down his book, raised his eyebrows to look at Meng Yuan, and said with a smile, "Old Master Ying has one son and two daughters. His eldest daughter is named Zhishi. She married the former crown prince, but the two have no children. In addition, she has a very good relationship with Juesheng and they have been corresponding with each other."

The Third Miss has gained a brother-in-law? Meng Yuan was speechless for a moment, and felt a little sorry for the former Crown Prince.

“This eldest daughter is no less beautiful than your third young lady, and even more charming.” Wang Er winked at Meng Yuan. “Juesheng once attended a lecture by Master Ying and fell in love with her at first sight. It’s just that they were destined to be apart.”

“Juesheng, a monk, actually…” Meng Yuan rubbed his temples.

"He wasn't a monk back then," Wang Er chuckled, lowering his voice. "He was a proper scholar. He only became a monk at Lanruo Temple after hearing that Lady Ying was engaged to the former crown prince. But even after becoming a monk, I heard he still kept in touch with Lady Ying, and she always replied. They were very much in love!"

So he's a romantic at heart! Meng Yuan didn't know what to say, and only asked, "Really?"

"Thoughts are pure." Wang Er's expression changed. He glanced at Meng Yuan before saying, "They were merely discussing the Dao, and are friends between monks and laypeople. They did not overstep any boundaries. Besides, Lady Ying is learned and talented, and she has many correspondence with people, all of whom are discussing scholarship. The former Crown Prince knew about this and said that Lady Ying was extraordinary. He was even worried that the deep palace might hinder Lady Ying's studies."

That means the Third Miss doesn't have multiple brother-in-laws! Meng Yuan had nothing to say, he could only say, "The former Crown Prince is quite enlightened."

"Yes, but he's gone now." Wang Er sighed, then looked at Meng Yuan after a long while and said, "Don't concern yourself with Juesheng's affairs, and don't associate too much with Lin Yan, lest you be corrupted. News has come that the Western Arhat Wusheng will arrive in half a month. Go back and go into seclusion, lest you embarrass us!"

(End of this chapter)