Journey to the West: Beginning with the Apprenticeship of Bodhi Patriarch

Chapter 379 The True Man Descends the Mountain, Chongyang Studies Confucianism

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuan, accompanied by Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, summoned the white deer outside the mansion.

With a light leap, the white deer arrived before the immortal, prostrated itself on the ground, and invited the immortal to sit down.

Jiang Yuan walked up to the white deer, gently stroked its head, and said, "You white deer, have you slacked off in your cultivation in recent years?"

The white deer spoke in human language, replying, "Master, I have been cultivating in the mountains without ever slacking off."

Jiang Yuan smiled and nodded, saying, "I see a glint in your eyes, so I know your cultivation has not gone wrong. I am going down the mountain to find Zhengwei, and you may come with me."

Bai Lu said, "It is my honor to be ridden by you, sir."

Jiang Yuan then mounted the deer and rode on it.

Sun Wukong stepped forward and led the deer for the immortal.

Pigsy said, "Brother, loosen your grip a little and let this old pig lead the deer for the master."

Sun Wukong kicked Zhu Bajie and said, "You idiot, what nonsense are you talking about? If I asked you to lead a deer, I wouldn't know where you would lead it. I'm afraid I'll be the one clearing the way ahead, and you'll lead your eldest brother to Beijuluzhou."

Pigsy was somewhat indignant and said, "Brother, but I am not the same as before. How could you say such things to me? It was wrong of you, it was wrong of you."

Sun Wukong was about to say something.

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Wukong, teach Bajie to lead the deer, then I will see him cultivate."

Sun Wukong was about to say that he was afraid Zhu Bajie would miss the time and wander around recklessly, but seeing the real man smiling, he didn't say anything more and let Zhu Bajie lead the deer.

Sun Wukong grabbed Zhu Bajie's fan-shaped ear and said, "Fool, take good care of the deer and don't delay."

Pigsy grinned and said, "Brother Monkey, don't worry. You lead the way, and I'll lead the deer from behind. This trip will be smooth sailing, and we'll be safe and sound."

Sun Wukong nodded, drew his golden cudgel, and prepared to clear the way.

The group had not left when they suddenly heard a sound coming from inside the mansion.

"Master, brother, Pigsy, where are you all going?"

Jiang Yuan looked back and saw the Bull Demon King walking out.

The immortal smiled and said, "King Ox, we are about to descend the mountain. Would you like to come with us?"

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King glared and said, "Since you are going out, why didn't you call me Old Bull? I am your protector. Please wait here for a while, I will go and fetch your weapons."

Say it.

The Bull Demon King hurriedly went to the mansion to retrieve his weapons.

Before long, the Bull Demon King retrieved his weapon and joined the immortals.

The group then descended the mountain and headed south towards Jambudvipa (the southern continent).

Pigsy, holding the white deer, kept his mind focused and dared not slacken. He looked at the Bull Demon King beside him, who was holding the Black Dragon Spear and ready for battle. He laughed and said, "Master, we are going to find Zhengwei, but going to the Southern Continent does not require so many people, much less such a high level of preparedness. I don't know why we are doing this."

Jiang Yuan said, "Bajie, when we arrive, you will be of use, so there is no need to worry."

Pigsy laughed and said, "If that's the case, then I will wait and help you, sir."

Jiang Yuan nodded with a smile.

The group hurried on their way to Jambudvipa (the southern continent), their purpose being both to find the true master and to inspect the main road westward.

Since Mara left, there have been few demons on the westward journey, but there are still some places where demons have been hiding for a long time.

The true man's purpose on this trip was to subdue them one by one.

……

Time flies, and before we knew it, two or three years had passed.

Jingzhou in the human world.

Wang Chongyang wandered around and around, still walking in the same place. He wanted to meet a great Confucian scholar and learn Confucianism from him, but no matter where he went, he never saw a great Confucian scholar.

He occasionally encountered some people who claimed to have studied Confucianism, but upon learning that he was an unknown junior visiting, they all refused to see him. Some even insulted him, saying that he came from a humble background and was not worthy of their presence.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang was not angry, but rather left happily to search elsewhere.

Besides seeking Confucianism, he also encountered many temples, but he had to pay money to enter them, and the scripture pavilions had no Buddhist features whatsoever, which greatly disappointed him.

Wang Chongyang also understood why Master Zhikong said that "it is very difficult to learn the three schools of Buddhism." In the world today, most temples have only the appearance of Buddha, but no Buddha heart. It is very difficult for him to learn them, not to mention Confucianism.

Wang Chongyang wandered aimlessly through the city streets, unsure of where to go. Holding a map in his hand, he said, "Where should I go next? I've been to all the nearby cities, but I've found nothing."

Wang Chongyang walked to a tavern and ordered some coarse grains to be brought out.

The tavern servant brought over some coarse bread and tea, and asked, "Sir, is there anything else you need?"

Wang Chongyang shook his head and said, "This is enough."

Upon hearing this, the tavern servant looked disdainful, turned and left, muttering "poor slob."

Wang Chongyang ignored him and continued to eat his coarse flatbread.

This tavern was packed with distinguished guests, most of whom ordered fine wines and dishes. Even those who were penniless would order fine wines and dishes to fill their stomachs, fearing that others would look down on them. However, people like Wang Chongyang were very rare.

There was a table of old men enjoying fine wine and food amidst the praise of their disciples and grand-disciples. Suddenly, they saw Wang Chongyang eating coarse flatbread at the table, seemingly oblivious to everyone else.

The old man found it very amusing.

One of the disciples followed the old man's gaze and saw Wang Chongyang. He immediately said, "Teacher, do you find that poor scholar interesting? If so, I will go and call him here to meet you."

The old man shook his head and said, "No need. You all eat here, I will go and see him."

The disciple wanted to say something more.

The old man glared at the disciple, startling him so much that he dared not say another word.

The old man walked up to Wang Chongyang and asked, "Young friend, you come to this tavern alone and do not fit in. Everyone else is enjoying fine wine and food, but you only order these coarse grains. Aren't you afraid that others will look down on you?"

Wang Chongyang put down the coarse bread, looked up and said, "I'm just trying to fill my stomach, why should I care about what others think?"

Upon hearing this, the old man paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, saying, "You are quite interesting. Your words and actions have a Taoist flair."

Wang Chongyang asked, "How do you know?"

The old man said, "But there are many Taoists like you who do not care about what others think and are carefree and unrestrained."

Wang Chongyang shook his head and said, "I dare not claim to be a Taoist. I am not. If you have nothing else, please leave. I need to have a meal. After I finish eating, I will be on my way."

The old man laughed and said, "I see that you seem to have some knowledge, but you shouldn't be using such things. How about I treat you to a table of fine wine and food?"

Wang Chongyang said, "No need, but there's no difference between fine wine and good food and coarse grains and tea. Thank you for your kindness, sir." The old man asked, "Why do you say that? Fine wine and good food are delicious, while coarse grains with tea are hard to swallow. How can you say there's no difference?"

Wang Chongyang said, "These things are all for sustenance and to keep this body alive, so whether they are good or bad is not something to worry about."

Upon hearing this, the old man's eyes lit up, and he said, "I have never heard what you say before, but there is some truth to it. Could you explain in detail?"

Wang Chongyang said, "There is no need to elaborate on this; I have already said everything."

The old man said, "From what you have said, young friend, it is clear that you are a learned person. I wonder if you would do me the honor of coming to my residence so that we can have a proper talk."

Wang Chongyang shook his head and said, "There are still important matters to attend to."

The old man asked, "What urgent matter is it that requires such urgency?"

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment, then replied, "I have been traveling around to learn the doctrines of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. I have found a place where I can learn them all. I will rest here, but I still have to continue my journey."

The old man smiled and said, "You want to study the doctrines of the three schools? You have great ambitions. If you speak of other things, I cannot help you. But if you speak of Confucianism, I have a family heirloom, the Analects, which you can read with me."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang paused for a moment, then asked, "Sir, you are so generous and insightful. May I ask your name?"

The old man said, “My surname is Liu. If you don’t mind, you can call me Mr. Liu. I am a scholar who has thoroughly studied Confucianism and can teach you a lot.”

Wang Chongyang rose and bowed, saying, "If you are willing to teach me, I am willing to learn. But apart from a little silver, I have nothing else to repay you, and I feel uneasy about it."

The old man shook his head and said, "You don't need to repay me, but it's enough that you can have a good chat with me."

Wang Chongyang asked, "Why is the old gentleman so insistent on having a long talk with me?"

The old man said, "But I rarely see anyone with true knowledge. Now that I have met you, I am delighted and have decided to talk to you."

Wang Chongyang asked again, "Even if you were willing to talk, you shouldn't have taught me your family's teachings. I am flattered by this."

Mr. Liu laughed and said, "The world is in great chaos now, and we don't know when it will end. There is no telling when my family's teachings will be lost. Now that I'm passing them on to you, they won't be lost. Besides, I have never liked to keep secrets. Even my grand-disciples, if they want to learn, I will teach them to them without hiding anything from them."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang repeatedly thanked Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu then instructed Wang Chongyang to follow him, and together with his disciples and grand-disciples, they prepared to return to the mansion.

The disciples were somewhat disdainful of Wang Chongyang's shabby clothes, but seeing that their master was willing, they didn't say anything more.

Wang Chongyang ignored his disciples and grand-disciples, seemingly indifferent to them.

After walking for a long time, the group returned to the mansion.

Mr. Liu greeted Wang Chongyang as he entered the main hall, served him tea, and treated him with courtesy.

Wang Chongyang accepted the greeting without hesitation.

Mr. Liu looked at Wang Chongyang and saw that he was unmoved by the wealth and splendor in his mansion, and sighed deeply.

Wang Chongyang asked, "Why did Mr. Liu sigh?"

Mr. Liu said, "Seeing you today is like seeing a banished immortal; it fills me with awe."

Wang Chongyang asked, "I am but a mortal, how can I be said to resemble a banished immortal?"

Mr. Liu said, “All things in the mortal world seem to be beneath your notice. Isn’t this the mark of a banished immortal? If you were just putting on an act, I could see through it. But I can see that you are not putting on an act. You are genuinely indifferent to all things in the mortal world.”

Wang Chongyang said, "It's not that I don't care about the things in the mortal world."

Mr. Liu laughed and said, "But what in this mortal world can move you? My mansion has three or four parts of wealth, but in your eyes it is nothing. So what in this mortal world can move you?"

Wang Chongyang said, "There is a vast amount of knowledge in the mortal world, but knowledge moves my mind. How can I bear what Mr. Liu said, that I am unmoved by anything?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Liu sighed again. He had a premonition that this person would be extraordinary in the future. He said, "Young friend, you have only just arrived here. Why don't you rest in my residence for a day or two, and then you can learn other things later."

Wang Chongyang accepted the offer with pleasure.

Mr. Liu then sent a servant to escort Wang Chongyang to his room to rest.

He had just sent someone to escort Wang Chongyang to his room to rest when his disciples and followers arrived.

Someone asked, "Master, why treat this person with such courtesy? But he is just a poor commoner and doesn't deserve such treatment."

Mr. Liu said, "Knowledge is not divided by wealth or poverty, but it is extraordinary and cannot be said in this way."

The man didn't believe it and said, "Judging from his appearance, I can tell that he is not from a wealthy family and has no good background. How can he stand out from the crowd? Even if he is extraordinary, his background is enough to show his future achievements."

Mr. Liu shook his head and said, "You have misjudged him. This person is destined for greatness."

The man scoffed and said, "He can't be the emperor, but historically few commoners have become successful. He's not even from a poor family, so how can you say he's not destined for greatness?"

Mr. Liu shook his head, refusing to argue. He felt that his disciple was somewhat confused, still placing so much importance on lineage. He recalled the An Lushan Rebellion of yesteryear, when people were eager to belittle lineage in case the rebels attacked.

……

Time flies, and another month has passed in the blink of an eye.

During this month, Wang Chongyang stayed at his residence and had many conversations with Mr. Liu. These conversations focused on Confucianism, but even more so on Taoism.

Wang Chongyang taught Mr. Liu a great deal about Taoist doctrines.

Mr. Liu taught Wang Chongyang the Analects and the Confucian doctrines.

Since January, Mr. Liu has been saying that Wang Chongyang learned very quickly, which surprised even Mr. Liu. He never expected that Wang Chongyang had such high comprehension and could remember everything he saw, which was truly remarkable.

One day, Mr. Liu and Wang Chongyang were discussing matters in the main hall.

Mr. Liu asked, "Young friend Wang, you have been studying the Analects for a long time and you can recite it very easily, but can you understand its meaning?"

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "If one reads books without understanding their meaning, how can it be considered reading?"

Mr. Liu smiled and said, "Since you understand the meaning behind it, could you explain it to me and let me hear your insights?"

Wang Chongyang said, “If Mr. Liu does not mind, I will certainly give a lecture. I have seen that the Analects contains more than 10,000 words, but its essential meaning lies only in six places.”

Mr. Liu asked, "Can you tell me about your relationship with me?"

Wang Chongyang said: "First is benevolence, which is the foundation of virtue. Second is propriety, which is the principle of governance. Third is the doctrine of the mean, which is the ultimate of the Way. Fourth is education, which is the method of cultivating talent. Fifth is governing the country, which is based on virtue. Sixth is conducting oneself in the world, which values ​​harmony. These six should be the essential meanings of the Analects."

Mr. Liu remained silent for a long time after hearing this, without replying.

Seeing that he remained silent, Wang Chongyang did not disturb him and drank his tea nearby.

Mr. Liu suddenly sighed and said, “Young friend Wang, you are indeed extremely intelligent. However, when I read the Analects in the past, it was under my father’s guidance that I learned it completely over many years. You have gained such an understanding of the Analects in just one month. You are extremely intelligent. If this were a prosperous era, you would surely become a high-ranking official.”

Wang Chongyang rose, bowed, and said, "I dare not accept what you say, sir."

(End of this chapter)