The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 226 Chengxin Temple

With only two days left before the departure, Li Yi felt a little lighter on his shoulders.

All the tedious military affairs had already been arranged, including personnel deployment, food and supplies transportation, and ordnance inspection. Everything was running smoothly and orderly, presenting a sense of calm before a major battle, so he no longer needed to keep an eye on things and worry about them all the time.

After attending the grand court assembly that morning, which decided many matters, Li Yi returned to the Palace Guard Office and handled some routine official business.

It was nothing more than reviewing the documents submitted by the authorities, verifying the roll call results of various departments, and approving some scattered military affairs reports.

Time flies, and soon it was lunchtime.

After a quick lunch, Li Yi did not rush to leave the capital. He strolled back to his official residence and rested on the couch for a while.

The spring sun shone brightly outside the window, its warm rays filtering through the carved window lattice and casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor. Tiny dust motes danced silently in the beams of light, and a sense of tranquil peace permeated the entire official residence.

While Li Yi closed his eyes to rest, he was also waiting for the emperor's summons. According to custom, after civil and military officials were given important assignments, the emperor would often summon them to the inner palace for a personal briefing.

This was both a demonstration of the emperor's favor and a way to strengthen the bond between the emperor and his subjects. He, a trusted general who had just been appointed "Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard's Cavalry and Infantry," was naturally no exception.

Sure enough, after Li Yi rested for about half an hour, a respectful announcement came from the clerk outside the door—the emperor's attendant had arrived.

Li Yi's spirits lifted, and he immediately stood up, deftly straightening his clothes and robes.

Without further delay, he first took the leather bag he had prepared in advance, which contained the drawings and documents to be presented to the emperor.

He then instructed the officials to take Zuo Congtan to the palace gate between the inner and outer courts to wait.

After making the arrangements, Li Yi went ahead and followed the eunuch to the inner palace where the emperor was.

When Li Yi arrived at the Zichen Palace, several people were already standing under the corridor in front of the palace.

Li Yi's gaze swept across the familiar faces: Xiang Xun, the Envoy of the Southern Court of Xuanhui and the Governor of Tokyo; Wang Pu, the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council and the Deputy Governor of Tokyo; Han Tong, who had just been appointed as the Commander of the Imperial Guards Cavalry and Infantry of the Northern Frontier of Yedu; and Zhang Mei, the Privy Council's Chief of Staff and the Judge of the Three Departments, who was temporarily serving as the Inspector of the Imperial Palace.

They gathered before the emperor, their expressions solemn, clearly awaiting his final instructions.

Strangely, Li Yi did not see Chai Gui, who was the son of Chai Shouli and the younger brother of Emperor Shizong Chai Rong. However, according to the law of kinship, Chai Rong was adopted by Emperor Taizu Guo Wei, so the two were now considered cousins.

Li Yi wasn't familiar with Chai Gui, but he had met him once or twice and had some impression of him. Since the other party had been temporarily appointed as an inspector in and around the capital, he should be summoned by the emperor for an audience.

I don't know why it didn't appear here...

The others were curious when they saw Li Yi carrying a leather bag, but they couldn't ask because of official business.

Li Yi exchanged a few pleasantries with the others, and as was customary, handed the leather pouch over to the attendant on duty outside the palace for safekeeping.

The group was then led inside by the eunuchs.

The air inside the hall was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense, and the only sound in the stillness was the soft crackling of the candlelight.

Compared to the grand and solemn Chongyuan Hall, the main hall of the outer court, the Zichen Hall, as the emperor's private hall for reviewing memorials and summoning close officials, appears more restrained in scale and structure.

The overall layout has softened considerably, losing some of the cold, imposing aura that symbolizes imperial power and gaining more of a pragmatic and human touch.

A few rays of spring sunlight pierced through the exquisitely carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the gold-brick floor and barely dispelling the deep, secluded atmosphere of the palace.

The emperor sat upright on the large imperial couch, not wearing the elaborate and heavy court robes, but only a well-fitting black casual robe, which made him appear more neat, capable and dignified.

Chai Rong slightly raised his hand, his voice steady and clear, breaking the silence in the hall: "Someone, bring a seat."

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" The group bowed in unison.

The eunuchs had already prepared brocade stools and placed them quietly beneath the emperor's couch. The men sat down in turn, moving slowly and trying not to make a sound.

Inside the hall, the only sounds were the soft rustling of clothes and deliberately suppressed breathing.

The group lowered their eyes, held their breath, and awaited the imperial edict.

The emperor did not say much, only offering gentle instructions and encouragement. He then gave a few more detailed instructions and, after explaining all the matters, ordered his close attendants to reward the officials in the palace with gold, silk, and other valuables as a sign of encouragement.

Li Yi had expected the emperor to give him some further instructions, but it seemed that wasn't the case. However, he then thought that the necessary instructions had already been conveyed through Wei Renpu, and there was no need for the emperor to repeat them personally.

Afterwards, everyone bowed deeply to express their gratitude for the emperor's favor, and the emperor said no more. Several officials, observing the situation, then bowed and took their leave in turn.

Li Yi stayed until the very end, bowing deeply to the throne: "Your Majesty, I have something of humble importance to offer before you. I humbly request that Your Majesty remain a moment longer so that I may present it to you!"

Chai Rong was about to get up and leave the imperial bed, but upon hearing this, he paused and his gaze immediately returned to Li Yi.

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes bright, showing some interest: "Oh? Tell me, my dear minister?"

Li Yi immediately apologized and requested permission from the emperor to have the leather bag brought in, so that an eunuch could respectfully present it to the emperor.

"I present three items to you... First, the method of 'brewing and distillation,' which, through repeated distillation in exquisite equipment, yields a strong liquor as clear as water, flammable upon contact with fire, which I tentatively call 'alcohol.' This substance is extremely useful in the army; it is far superior to any wound medicine for healing and preservation, and can also be used to start fires and, after blending, consumed in small quantities to ward off the cold."

"Secondly, there is the technique of 'calcining limestone,' which involves carefully selecting limestone, clay, and other materials and calcining them into powder. When it comes into contact with water, it solidifies and becomes as hard as a rock. Its strength and durability are excellent, far surpassing ordinary mortar. When used to build city walls, fortresses, roads, and bridges, it can make them as solid as a rock, dry quickly, and not be afraid of wind and rain erosion."

"Thirdly, the 'urban construction' standards, including how to plan convenient water and land transportation, how to utilize the terrain to create a layout that combines scenery and function, how to use cement to quickly construct large and sturdy facilities, how to ensure sewage and fire prevention measures for neighborhood markets, and many other complicated precautions, have all been compiled into a book."

"..."

As Chai Rong flipped through the illustrated booklet, he listened to Li Yi's explanation and nodded slightly, clearly understanding the value of the three items.

The alcohol used to treat and save lives on the battlefield had already been put to use in the campaign to conquer Shu last year.

Although Li Yi carried dozens of jars in his personal capacity for disinfection and wound treatment, the effects were undeniable. The chances of the soldiers' wounds becoming infected and festering were greatly reduced, and it was especially effective for those with minor injuries—after washing and bandaging, it was able to save many men who would otherwise have died.

This tangible effect, along with Li Yi's battle reports and the praise from the accompanying physicians, reached the emperor's ears through the Privy Council.

However, Li Yi attributed the source of the alcohol to the Li Family Wine Shop, claiming it was a unique technique of the Li family, a renowned winemaking family in Sichuan.

Therefore, during the first southern expedition last year, the imperial court also purchased a batch of wine from Li's wine shop.

As for the wonders of cement and the changes in Longjin Street, these had already been reported to the emperor in detail by Wang Pu.

Moreover, the emperor recently held a banquet and archery event at the Imperial Garden, and when his imperial carriage passed by the Longjin Bridge area, he also witnessed the brand-new streets.

"The alcohol, cement, and construction plans you have presented are all practical and useful methods that benefit the nation and the people. They are truly invaluable and wonderful ideas!"

Upon hearing the emperor's praise, Li Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am humbled and dare not claim credit for this achievement. The method of alcohol distillation and purification was given to the Li family, merchants from Sichuan, who, grateful for Your Majesty's grant of a monopoly and tax reduction, voluntarily entrusted me to present it as a way to serve the country."

"As for the secrets of cement calcination and the detailed plans and outlines for urban construction, although I have been running around and supervising them, such extraordinary skills are not something that a crude military man like me could create."

"The greatest credit should go to Daoist Master Zuo Congtan. While cultivating in seclusion in the deep mountains, he accidentally glimpsed the secrets of calcining ores, and he also possessed knowledge of mountains, rivers, geography, and the art of feng shui. I merely had Daoist Master Zuo's assistance in practicing, verifying, and recording these findings!"

“Zuo Congtan?” Chai Rong looked up at Li Yi, a sudden realization appearing on his face. “That’s right, I remember now! Last year when you returned to the capital victorious from Longyou, a censor heard rumors and impeached you for ‘abducting a Taoist priest and his daughter and forcibly taking the daughter as a concubine’… Is this the person you’re referring to?”

"It is indeed this person!" Li Yi readily admitted, then clarified, "I hope Your Majesty will understand that I did not commit any abduction. Master Zuo is a reclusive master who understands righteousness and voluntarily took his daughter to follow the royal army back to the capital. His daughter and I were also bound by mutual affection and love, which is by no means as disgraceful as the censor claims..."

"Alright, alright!" Chai Rong waved his hand with a smile, interrupting his explanation, his words full of nonchalance, "I was just mentioning it casually, I didn't mean to blame you, why are you so nervous?"

Even if this matter were true, Chai Rong wouldn't bother to investigate it unless it caused any trouble or controversy.

What does it matter in this world if a woman from the mountains who neither disturbs the people nor harms them is taken into the household?
Otherwise, if we really take it to a higher level, there are very few warriors without blemishes... brutality, bloodthirstiness, greed, lust, they will always be tainted by at least one of these.

"Your Majesty is wise and compassionate; I am deeply grateful!"

Li Yi bowed respectfully, glanced at the emperor's expression, and suggested, "Your Majesty knows that you have always valued talent. You have already arranged for Daoist Master Zuo to wait outside the palace gates. Would Your Majesty like to summon him for an audience?"

"Oh?" Chai Rong was indeed intrigued and immediately gave orders to the eunuchs.

Before long, the eunuch led Zuo Congqin into the hall. Today, he had specially changed into a brand-new dark blue Taoist robe. Although it was not luxurious, it was meticulously starched and ironed, making him look even more elegant and otherworldly.

Zuo Congtan walked steadily to a few steps in front of the emperor and calmly bowed deeply: "Zuo Congtan, a man from the mountains, pays his respects to the Holy Emperor." His voice was clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant.

Chai Rong's gaze fell on Zuo Congtan's face. Although his face was thin, his eyes were clear and bright. He had a neatly combed five-strand beard on his chin. He looked to be over forty, but his complexion was ruddy. He was full of energy and his whole body was shrouded in a pure aura that was completely different from ordinary people.

This refined, composed, and dignified demeanor truly impressed Chai Rong, who inwardly praised him as "no ordinary person."

"No need for such formalities, Daoist Master." Chai Rong raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone gentle. "According to Minister Li, the development of cement and the construction of Longjin Market were all thanks to your guidance, Daoist Master? This is a great virtue that benefits the country and the people, bringing blessings to all living beings. It is truly a pity that you, Daoist Master, possess such wisdom and learning, and remain hidden in the mountains!"

Zuo Congtan replied, “Your Majesty, General Li is too kind and has praised me too much. I am a hermit from the mountains, a free spirit, merely observing the stars and the nature of things occasionally. When I discussed the Dao with General Li, I had some thoughts and casually mentioned some of my rudimentary ideas. How dare I claim any merit from my humble words?”

Seeing that Zuo Congtan's speech and behavior were becoming increasingly extraordinary, Chai Rong immediately decided to recruit him.

"Master Dao's sincerity greatly pleases me! However, failing to reward merit is not the act of a wise ruler." He pondered for a moment and said, "The Astronomical Bureau is in charge of celestial phenomena, calendar systems, divination, and even the study of mountains and rivers. This is precisely where you can display your great talents, Master Dao. I wonder if you would be willing to serve as an official in the Astronomical Bureau?"

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless, and this humble Taoist is filled with trepidation!" Zuo Congtan bowed deeply, his tone respectful yet firm. "This humble Taoist observes the stars to observe the changing seasons and refines elixirs to seek the true nature of herbs and trees. If I were to use magic to seek a purple ribbon, how would I be any different from those who seek fame and fortune? Just as flowers, fruits, grasses, and trees wither and turn to mud, forcibly keeping a jade bottle would only damage their true nature. I hope Your Majesty will understand this humble Taoist's aspirations and rescind your decree."

Upon hearing this, Chai Rong was not angry. He said gently, "Since the Daoist Master is unwilling to be entangled in worldly affairs, is there anything else you wish for? As long as I can do it, I will certainly grant it."

Zuo Congtan shook his head slightly and said, "I am a Taoist practitioner. Gold, silver, wealth, and grand mansions are not what I desire, nor do I have any extravagant desires. I only wish for a simple meal and a gourd of water, to study the scriptures and comprehend the Tao. That is enough for me."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment. The wealth and status that others would kill for seemed worthless to Zuo Congqin.

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Chai Rong's eyes. He felt that Zuo Congtan was indeed a true hermit, so indifferent to fame and fortune, and unmoved by worldly affairs.

Just as Chai Rong was pondering how to persuade him to stay or bestow another reward, Li Yi, who had been waiting quietly to the side, saw that one insisted on receiving a reward while the other refused, creating a tense atmosphere in the room.

Fearing that he might embarrass the emperor, he immediately stepped forward to help Zuo Congtan out of the predicament, saying, "Master Zuo cultivates a pure and inactive heart, and does not covet worldly fame and fortune. I dare to suggest that there is another compromise."

Seeing that the emperor gestured for him to continue, Li Yi said loudly, "Why not Your Majesty grant me the favor and order the officials to select a quiet and blessed place outside the capital city of Tokyo to build a Taoist temple for the Taoist priest?"

"In this way, the Taoist priest will have a quiet place to study diligently, while His Majesty's intention to reward him for his merits will not be disappointed, and His Majesty's good deeds of respecting the virtuous and honoring the Taoist will also be demonstrated."

"Excellent!" Chai Rong thought the suggestion was good and readily agreed. "Minister Li's consideration is indeed thorough... I will order people to select a beautiful and auspicious site on the banks of the Cai River to build a Qing Temple for the Taoist priest. It need not be luxurious, but rather elegant and quiet. All the necessary expenses will be covered by the Imperial Treasury!"

Li Yi quickly gestured to Zuo Congqin with his eyes to agree. Zuo Congqin felt helpless, but he also knew that refusing again would be going against the emperor's will and would make him seem too ungrateful.

He had no choice but to prostrate himself deeply on the ground and loudly proclaim, "This humble Taoist priest thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"

Chai Rong then beamed with joy, clearly very satisfied with Li Yi's suggestion and his final arrangement.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the two respectful figures below the steps, and said, "I hereby bestow upon the Daoist the title 'Chengxin Chushi' (Master of Clear Mind), and the Daoist temple there shall be named 'Chengxin Guan' (Clarity of Mind Temple), and after its completion, it shall receive imperial incense offerings. May the Daoist find clarity of mind and tranquility here, and attain the Great Dao soon!"

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless, and I am deeply grateful. I only wish to do my best in the future to pray for Your Majesty and the country and to ward off disasters."

Zuo Congqin bowed again. Although he still felt that this "royal bestowal" was too ostentatious and contrary to his desire for peace and quiet, he could not disobey the imperial decree and could only accept it for the time being.

Li Yi breathed a sigh of relief. He was so focused on giving credit to Zuo Congtan that he forgot about the Taoist priest's "bad temper," which led him to repeatedly refuse the emperor's rewards.

Fortunately, I was resourceful and came up with a passable solution, which finally managed to smooth things over.

(End of this chapter)