Daqin Zhentiansi

“My son…” the old mother’s eyes reddened, “We’ve only had a few days of peace, and this courtyard has only just warmed up. In the East China Sea, war is merciless, and the pirates are ruthless…”

She didn't finish her sentence; tears were already welling up in her eyes.

After a moment of silence, Liu tightened her grip on her son's hand before speaking in a low voice, her tone hoarse and puzzled: "Princess Yu Ruo was in charge of rebuilding the imperial city. She was considerate of the poverty of us low-ranking officials and went to great lengths to allocate these hundred or so small courtyards."

"It allows people like us, who never dared to dream of such a thing, to have a place under the eaves of the imperial city where we can shelter from the wind and rain and settle our wives and children."

"Life... we've just started to feel a little stable, and you... why do you have to push yourself into the limelight?"

Her gaze swept over her daughter's unfinished calligraphy practice, then over her husband's faded official robes drying in the corner, finally settling on the sky outside the courtyard wall that belonged to the imperial city.

Stability is hard-won.

Looking at the worry and reluctance in his wife's eyes, the tears welling up in his mother's eyes, and the silent face of his father, Wang Ping straightened his back a little.

He walked to the window, stood beside his daughter, and pointed to the distant, brightly lit, majestic outline of the imperial city. His voice was soft, but it carried an unprecedented firmness:

"Father, Mother, Hui Niang, it is because of this little courtyard, because of this place where I have settled down in the capital, that I am even more determined to go to the East Sea!"

He looked at his astonished family and continued, “We used to live in a cramped and dark rented house in the outer city. My parents were often sick, and my mother worked hard day and night. The children didn’t even have a place to play. Every time I came home from work, I felt depressed.”

"Back then, the imperial city was like a heavenly palace to us lowly officials! We never dared to dream of living in the inner three cities!"

"It is His Majesty's wisdom, Princess Yu Ruo's intelligence and benevolence, and Marquis Qingyang..." When he spoke of Zhang Yuan, a hint of fervor flashed in his eyes, "It was they who, at the risk of offending noble families, promoted the reconstruction, demolished those grand mansions of powerful clans, and built these thousands of courtyards, so that even lowly officials and people from humble backgrounds like us can stand tall in the capital!"

His voice gradually rose, filled with an irrepressible pride: "This courtyard is not just bricks and tiles; it gave me the confidence to settle down and make a living!"

"It tells me that the Great Qin Dynasty will not forget to give ordinary people who work hard a way to survive!"

"Now that Zhenhai Guard has just been established, it is a time when people are needed. I, Wang Ping, am just a lowly clerk. I am not skilled in martial arts and cannot go into battle, but managing money and grain, handling documents, and running errands are my duties."

"I feel at ease guarding this small courtyard, but behind this peace of mind are countless soldiers fighting bloody battles on the border and the sea, and the court supporting us under immense pressure! I cannot just be complacent with this little bit of peace of mind."

He looked into his son's innocent eyes, then into his daughter's tender face: "The children are growing up in this small courtyard in the capital; they will surely have a bright future."

"I went to the East Sea, risking my life, both to repay the kindness of this capital city and to fight for a future for my children! If they can establish themselves in the Zhenhai Army, perhaps in the future, they will be able to stand in a higher place than we are and look down upon this capital city and the Great Qin!"

Old Wang Laoshuan's cloudy gaze lingered on Wang Ping's impassioned face for a long time. He started fiddling with the walnuts in his hand again, finally letting out a long sigh. Then he nodded heavily, his voice steady and powerful: "Go, Ping'er! Well said! This imperial city wasn't built in a day, nor was this magnificent Qin Dynasty achieved overnight!"

"It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of countless ordinary people like you and me that this has been built step by step! Your parents are still in good health, and Hui Niang is a good homemaker. You can go out and do your best without any worries! This light at home will stay on for you!"

Liu wiped her eyes, her eyes red, and walked to Wang Ping's side. Without saying a word, she silently folded a thick cotton robe that had been starched and washed clean and stuffed it into his arms.

A thousand words are left unsaid.

Wang Ping's decisions and entrustments in this small courtyard are like a pebble thrown into a still lake.

Soon, the story of "Wang Ping, a minor official of the Ministry of Rites, joining the Zhenhai Guard of the East China Sea to repay the kindness of the imperial city" spread like wildfire.

This ordinary yet passionate choice strikes at the softest and most tender part of the human heart.

It is no longer a feast for the powerful and wealthy, but the deepest recognition and feedback of every ordinary person who struggles to survive and yearns to make a difference to this "new Qin Dynasty"!

Almost simultaneously, this burning passion of ordinary people to serve their country was ignited and burst forth in an unexpected way.

Dozens of talented young people, mainly students of the Imperial Academy, young officials of the Ministry of Rites, and passionate students of the Imperial Academy, jointly submitted a memorial!

Their words were earnest and full of classical allusions, yet they had only one simple and resounding request:

"Please grant me permission to proceed eastward! I do not seek high office or generous salary, but wish to use my knowledge and literary skills to assist the Zhenhai Navy, educate the coastal areas, comfort the soldiers and civilians, and contribute my modest efforts to the new land of the East China Sea of ​​the Great Qin!"

Between the lines, what resonates is the spirit of Wang Ping's words: "This imperial city was not built in a day, nor was the Qin Dynasty built in a day; it requires the dedication of countless people!"

They were not content to merely engage in idle talk and study in the bustling imperial city; they wanted to dedicate their youth to the broader frontier regions where they were needed more.

For a time, the wave of "abandoning the pen for the sword and going to the East China Sea" overshadowed the competition among the sons of nobles for military positions in Zhenhaiwei.

This torrent of petitions, originating from the grassroots and flowing from the heart, demonstrates the unprecedented cohesion and vitality of the Qin Dynasty.

However, before this passionate petition from the East China Sea could reach the emperor's desk, a summons order bearing the bright red seal of the Ministry of Rites and personally signed by Minister Wang Anzhi had already been delivered to these dozens of young elites.

The conscription order was not directed at the turbulent East China Sea, but rather—

"Ji Yuntang, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, has been summoned by imperial decree to Liangzhou. In order to demonstrate the might and cultural influence of our Great Qin Dynasty, you are hereby summoned to accompany him."

"You are hereby ordered to quickly pack your belongings, study the essentials of Buddhist scriptures, and in three days, you will depart for Liang with the Vice Envoy, Marquis Zhang Yuan of Qingyang!"

Liangzhou!

That legendary, mysterious Buddhist kingdom, bathed in divine light, that was said to rival the Qin Dynasty!

Looking at the completely unexpected order in their hands, the young officials, students, and scholars exchanged bewildered glances, and then a more intense and complex flame ignited in their eyes.

The flames of war in the East China Sea are certainly alluring, but Liangzhou... that's a contest on a completely different level!

Representing the forefront of Qin Dynasty's cultural heritage!

Can one travel with the Marquis of Qingyang?
Could one work with Grand Secretary Ji?

Can one discuss the Dao with that Buddha-land?
The transfer order did not cool their enthusiasm; instead, it ignited their passion on a completely new battlefield!

A literary and philosophical debate entitled "On Buddhism" has already ignited the fuse.

At the heart of the storm was none other than the Marquis of Qingyang, the deputy envoy appointed by imperial decree, whose prestige had reached its zenith.

Zhang Yuan!

Imperial City Academy.

Guangji Hall.

As the first rays of dawn break through the city walls, the morning bells echo through the majestic imperial city.

Guangji Hall, one of the core halls of Huangcheng Academy, covers an area of ​​thousands of acres.

At this moment, the solemnity and reverence reached their peak.

The palace gates were wide open, and the armored soldiers inside and outside stood solemnly like a forest, their aura condensed and refined.

The interior space is extremely spacious, with a dome high enough to accommodate the golden body of the Buddha statue, and excellent lighting.

Morning light streamed in through the huge carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the polished black jade floor.

A complex atmosphere filled the air: the scent of ink from ancient books, the sandalwood unique to Buddhist temples, the fragrance of orchids and osmanthus on the robes of Confucian scholars, and the faint scent of leather and blood emanating from martial artists.

Hundreds of people sat in the room, yet they were almost completely silent, as if even their breathing had been suppressed to the lowest possible level.

Grand Secretary Ji Yuntang sat upright in the central seat, his face lean and his eyes deep and unfathomable, his wide Confucian robe exuding the air of a scholar-official.

To his left is Zhang Hengqu, a grand master of Confucianism and Taoism and the headmaster of the Imperial City Academy, with white hair and beard and a ruddy complexion.

He wore a simple linen robe, yet his eyes were as clear as a child's. His body exuded a Taoist aura that, though not deliberately displayed, brought peace to the minds of those who approached him.

The right side has an empty seat, which was reserved for the deputy envoy, Marquis of Qingyang, Zhang Yuan.

Dozens of Confucian and Taoist masters of the Great Qin Dynasty took their seats according to their rank. Each of them had a dignified demeanor. There were elderly men with white hair and beards, as well as calm and reserved middle-aged men, and several young talents who were just beginning to show their potential.

Following them were hundreds of Confucian scholars selected from the Imperial Academy and other regions, holding scriptures in their hands, their expressions focused and tinged with excitement.

They represent the cultural heritage and core of the Qin Dynasty's discourse power.

The right side area is divided into two distinct columns.

One row consisted of dozens of eminent monks "invited" from Liangyuan.

They were mostly key figures in the Buddhist community in Liangyuan, dressed in luxurious robes and holding gleaming golden ritual implements such as staffs, tin staffs, and golden bowls. Their expressions carried a sense of vigilance, arrogance, and a hint of humiliation that was not easily discernible.

The leading monks, including Huayan Abbot, Juezang, the head of the Vajra Monastery, and Jingci, the abbot of Miaoyin Temple, were all eminent monks in Liangyuan.

The other row consisted of a few monks dressed in simple gray or brown robes, with peaceful expressions.

They are representatives of Mahayana Buddhist practitioners who flowed into Yongtianzhou from Qingtianzhou or even earlier, such as Master Jingtan, the ascetic monk Huixin, and the wise Venerable Faming.

Although there is no external aura bestowed upon him, the inner peace and tranquility he exudes is impossible to ignore.

Behind and to the sides, nearly a hundred fierce-looking military generals and martial arts masters stood on the sides and behind.

Leading figures include General Zhenyuan, Marquis Yuanming Wei Bao, Commander of the Flying Bear Army Yan Bei, Earl of Qingshan, and Huang Ling, Commander of the Imperial Guard Divine Arrow Battalion.

There are also several martial arts masters, such as Iron Palm Master Tie Kuangtu and Mad Saber Xiao Zhan.

Some of them had sharp blades hanging from their waists, while others had large, muscular fists. Although most of them were not well-versed in Buddhist or Confucian scriptures, they all looked solemn and scanned the entire scene with piercing eyes.

Ji Yuntang coughed lightly, the sound like the clinking of metal and jade, clearly reaching everyone's ears and instantly attracting all attention.

"Fellow practitioners, eminent monks, and generals," Ji Yuntang's voice was steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority, "This grand gathering at Guangji Hall is not for idle talk or metaphysical discussions, but rather, by His Majesty's decree, to set the tone for the negotiations between our Great Qin and Liangzhou, and to demonstrate the might and grandeur of our Great Qin!"

His gaze swept over the monks of Liangzhou, and he paused slightly: "The Buddhist community is vast and saves all sentient beings. The prosperity of the Buddhist community in Liangzhou has its own reasons."

"However, the world has its own way, and the fate of nations is orderly. Now that Liangyuan has been established, how should the dispute over its ownership be resolved? And how should Buddhism coexist with our Great Qin as it spreads eastward?"

"What we are discussing today is to get to the root of the problem and clarify the great truth! Please feel free to speak your mind and express your opinions frankly."

After Ji Yuntang finished speaking, he looked at Zhang Hengqu and said, "Thank you for your help, Headmaster."

Zhang Hengqu nodded slightly, his voice calm yet flowing like a stream through the heart: "Good. Buddhism is enlightenment; Confucianism is benevolence. Both seek to 'reach the highest good.' However, the paths differ."

He turned to the Buddhist monks and said: "The Buddhist teachings say that all sentient beings suffer and seek liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Those who follow the Hinayana path emphasize personal cultivation, seeking Nirvana and liberation of themselves. It is like a lone boat sailing against the current, breaking through the waves. Their efforts are pure and their aspirations are commendable."

“Those who practice Mahayana Buddhism,” he said, looking at the Venerable Master Jingtan and the others with a hint of approval, “have generated the great Bodhicitta, vowing to liberate all sentient beings, just like a great ship carrying countless beings to the other shore.”

"This kind of benevolence aligns perfectly with the Confucian principle of 'respecting the elderly as one would one's own parents, and caring for the young as one would one's own children'!"

“And the way of the Confucian scholar,” Zhang Hengqu withdrew his gaze, his voice growing solemn, “lies in manifesting one’s bright virtue, in renewing the people, and in abiding in perfect goodness. It is to establish oneself on this shore while cultivating the other shore, to live in the world while transcending it.”

"Cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world—every step is a practice, and every place is a place of enlightenment. Do not shy away from the mundane world; in daily life and ethics, comprehend the Way of Heaven, practice benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, treat all things with a benevolent heart, govern the world with good governance, so that people may find their place and the world may achieve great harmony."

"In short, Hinayana Buddhism is about saving oneself, Mahayana Buddhism is about saving others, and Confucianism is about establishing oneself and others, and building a perfectly good order in the world."

“The three are different in their approach but have the same goal: transcendence and perfection. However, Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism and Taoism are particularly close in their point of ‘entering the world to help the masses,’ like the stars and the moon shining together, different paths leading to the same destination.”

Zhang Hengqu's words caused a stir among the audience.

Among the seated Confucian and Taoist masters, Zhou Tingyu, the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy, stroked his beard and nodded in agreement.

Some people lowered their heads in deep thought, as if pondering its subtleties.

Some people stared intently at the monks of Liangzhou, ready to ask questions at any moment.

Among the monks from Qingtianzhou, Master Jingtan clasped his hands together and chanted the Buddha's name: "Amitabha! Abbot Zhang's wisdom is like a torch, and his words have revealed the true essence of Mahayana Buddhism. The Buddha's teachings are in the world, and enlightenment is inseparable from the world."

"Mahayana is not about leaving the world, but about entering the world without being tainted by it."

The ascetic monk Huixin beside him had clear eyes and nodded slightly.

The monks from Liangyuan had varying reactions.

Huayan, the senior monk, had a flicker in his eyes, as if he was carefully considering his words.

He is a student of the Avatamsaka Sutra, which emphasizes the infinite and multifaceted Dharma realms. At this moment, he needs to consider how to respond.

Abbot Jue Zang of the Vajra Monastery, who mainly cultivated the Dharma-protecting supernatural powers and spoke of subduing demons and protecting the righteous path, looked indignant and sneered: "The Buddha's teachings are supreme, how can they be equated with worldly ethics? Only by liberating oneself can one universally save others! Without self-cultivation, how can one save others?"

Abbot Jingci of Miaoyin Temple attempted to reconcile the situation, saying, "What you all say makes sense. The Hinayana and Mahayana are different teachings of the Buddha, like fingers pointing at the moon, both pointing to the bright moon of liberation."

"As for whether to engage in worldly affairs or leave the world, it depends on the practitioner's aptitude and circumstances."

He skillfully attempted to de-emphasize the core of the conflict.

For a time, discussions arose in Guangji Hall, with various voices rising up.

Most of the military generals and martial artists listened with furrowed brows, finding it mysterious and profound.

General Wei Bao, the commander of Zhenyuan, couldn't help but whisper, "These roundabout ways are not as satisfying as a real fight."

Yan Bei, the commander of the Flying Bear Army, remained calm and gestured for him to be quiet.

Huang Ling, the commander of the Divine Arrow Battalion, seemed to be deep in thought: "Shanzhang said that Confucianism and Taoism can establish the best order in the world...that is indeed true."

Iron Palm Master Tie Kuangtu and Mad Saber Xiao Zhan focused their attention more on the monks who appeared to have profound cultivation, seemingly assessing their strength.

Amidst the uproar and discussion, Zhang Yuan remained seated and unmoved. (End of Chapter)