Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 137 Reaching the Top Step by Step

"Why do you say that, Liu Lang? Is there some misunderstanding?"

Gao Chengxin sensed a hidden meaning in Zhang Dai's words and quickly asked another question.

“The other day I went to Nanshi and happened to meet the monks of Changshou Temple in Jiashanfang who came to visit Wang Yuanbao…”

Zhang Dai did not hide anything. Changshou Temple had been operating in Luoyang for more than 30 years. Although its political and religious status was not very high, it had a great influence among the people. Even his stepmother, Zheng, had sent at least several thousand strings of cash to the temple. One can imagine how rich the temple's reserves were.

Now that Gao Chengxin has his lifeline in the temple, he's likely to make a fortune from this.

“That thieving merchant Wang Yuanbao is incredibly greedy. Even such huge profits from flying money can't satisfy him; he even wants to covet the pawnshop of Changshou Temple! So, Liu Lang has come here to inquire about this matter on his behalf?”

Gao Chengxin sneered after hearing this, while Zhang Dai did not explain that he was the one who was truly interested, but simply smiled and remained silent.

“After Liulang returns, you can sue him. Don’t even think about the pawnshop of Changshou Temple. This property already has a new owner.”

Gao Chengxin said this first, and then said to Zhang Dai, "If anyone else had asked, I wouldn't have told them anything, and I would have just let those ignorant people throw money and silk into this bottomless pit. But since it's Liu Lang who's here, of course I have to tell you the truth!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai realized there was indeed more to the story, so he also perked up his ears to listen attentively.

"The princes of the current emperor are growing up, and many of them received titles last year. They will also be leaving the palace one after another in the future. The emperor loves his sons dearly and is worried that the princes will be troubled by the trivial family affairs after entering the world. Therefore, he wants to place the princes in residences next to the palace. Although the emperor is currently staying in the eastern capital, the residences of the princes in Chang'an are already under construction."

These matters were not confidential, though some people might not have noticed them. Gao Chengxin spoke of them without any reservations: "After the princes left the palace, although each had a fiefdom, official salary, and granted land, the Emperor was still worried that their expenses might be insufficient. Therefore, he wanted to set up a new treasury in the inner treasury to supplement the princes' household expenses..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai understood that they were looking for feed for the soon-to-open Li family's breeding farm! This so-called new warehouse should be the future Weicheng warehouse, specifically used for the daily expenses of the Sixteen Princes' Residence and the Hundred Grandsons' Courtyard.

This explains the situation: Emperor Xuanzong wanted to keep his sons under house arrest, but he couldn't be too harsh on their treatment and expenses. Now, after the Fengshan ceremony, a major disaster struck, and both the imperial treasuries and the treasuries were empty. He had no choice but to rack his brains to find other sources of funding to replenish the feed reserves of this breeding farm!
“I am not an arrogant person who disrespects monks and Buddhas, but since I have been entrusted with this task, I must rise to the challenge and do my best to complete it. Besides, the monks of Changshou Temple have indeed gone too far. Since they have been ordained and worship Buddha, they should concentrate on practicing the Dharma. As a result, they have failed to carry out the fundamental Buddhist work and instead have been squandering money and wealth!”

Gao Chengxin sighed again at this point, saying, "Do I not know that such actions are detrimental to one's virtue? But I am still in the mortal world and cannot avoid being forced into this situation. Right now, the various officials are still arguing over matters, and as long as the new treasury is not returned, I'm afraid this matter will not be resolved for another day."

"Sixteenth Brother wants to compete for the new position of Kuku?"

Where there are people, there is a world of intrigue, and eunuchs are no exception. Although Gao Lishi is deeply favored by the emperor, there are still powerful eunuchs in the inner palace who can rival him. Judging from what Gao Chengxin said, it seems that everyone is very concerned about this Weicheng Treasury official.

Upon hearing this, Gao Chengxin shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Sixth Brother really thinks too highly of me. There are dozens of people in the inner court wearing purple robes, and only two or three hold the position of Treasury Director. How could someone like me, a descendant, possibly have a chance to rise to prominence?"

Although the eunuchs were deeply favored by the emperor, with dozens of them holding the rank of third grade, their authority was far less extensive than that of the outer court, and was limited to matters concerning the emperor and his concubines within the palace grounds.

Because the Treasury was in charge of all the expenses of the inner court, it naturally became the core power of the inner court. Now that there was an additional position of Treasury Keeper to supply the daily expenses of the princes and grandsons, it was naturally coveted by many.

Gao Chengxin had already reached the fifth rank in his twenties, which shows that he was deeply trusted by his adoptive father, Gao Lishi. However, he was still not qualified to seek the position of Weicheng Treasury Commissioner, and it was even uncertain whether Gao Lishi could secure it for him.

Upon hearing Gao Chengxin's words, Zhang Dai realized that the competition among the eunuchs was quite fierce, and those who couldn't keep up would naturally be eliminated.

Changshou Temple's core business is pawnbroking, and judging from Gao Chengxin's stance, they are determined to acquire it in order to increase their own bargaining power.

However, Zhang Dai's goal wasn't just that; what he wanted was the shell of Changshou Temple, which had considerable influence among the people. Moreover, he was going to run a new business, so he wasn't too concerned about how much of the old stuff could be preserved.

Therefore, he also needs to figure out how far Gao Chengxin intends to exploit Changshou Temple. If things drag on for too long, he might as well switch to another target.

Then he sighed again, "Changshou Temple is a famous temple in the capital, and it is truly a pity that it has fallen to this state. I still have many relatives who worship Buddha and make offerings here, but I never expected that it would only fuel the monks' greed and give them no sincerity in serving Buddha! I would like to ask you, Brother Sixteen, is there any chance for this temple to continue to exist?" "I am only being pressured by my duties and seeking money, not destroying the temple or destroying Buddhism. If I really ruin this famous temple in the capital, I will be criticized. So for now, I am only using this matter to exert pressure and dare not use excessive force."

Gao Chengxin was also having a headache. He was under considerable pressure himself as he maintained pressure on Changshou Temple, as well as from the constraints from his competitors and the inquiries from the powerful families in the capital who supported Changshou Temple.

He has managed to control the temple by seizing upon its fundamental error of the monks not studying Buddhist scriptures. However, if the temple is destroyed and people die, he will inevitably face attacks from his followers.

The current stalemate is that the monks of Changshou Temple are still unwilling to hand over the pawnshop of Changshou Temple. They are searching the whole city for a buyer and even hope to cash it out to atone for their sins. They probably still fantasize about keeping some assets to wait for the storm to pass and make a comeback.

Zhang Dai had assumed that Gao Chengxin had Changshou Temple completely under his control, its fate hanging in the balance, but it seemed that Gao Chengxin was still in a difficult position. This guy's methods were a bit lacking.

He didn't fully understand the inside story of this matter, nor the people and things that Gao Chengxin needed to consider, but it was somewhat ridiculous that Gao Chengxin was holding a trump card but didn't know how to play it.

"Although I am not an expert in Buddhism, I know that the various schools of Buddhism each have their own origins and lineages, and that the Zen masters of each school all take it as their responsibility to propagate the Buddha's teachings. The Buddhist teachings of Changshou Temple have not been well understood in the past. Rather than continuing this old practice and trying to make amends, it would be better to start anew! I hereby issue this notice to the elders of all schools in the capital. Anyone who is courageous and willing to take on the task of reforming this Buddhist temple is welcome to apply!"

Although Zhang Dai was unfamiliar with Buddhism, he knew that Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty was divided into many schools, such as the Faxiang School founded by the monk Xuanzang, and the monk Yi Xing, a friend of his grandfather, who was a leader of the Esoteric School.

Zen Buddhism is also divided into Northern and Southern schools. During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, Shenxiu, the leader of the Northern Zen school, entered Luoyang, and Empress Wu Zetian even knelt down to welcome him. There is also the Pure Land school, which is known for its expedient teachings.

These Buddhist schools also competed fiercely with each other, and some even went so far as to exterminate their sects and teachings due to difficulties in the transmission of their lineage.

For example, the Faxiang School, founded by Tang Sanzang after his pilgrimage to the West, was destroyed after only a few generations because it had too many Buddhist scriptures to pass down and too advanced a theoretical system. The believers would just worship the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, but they didn't like to chant scriptures!
"How could I not have thought of that! If I had known this plan earlier, why would I have delayed it until now?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Chengxin slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his eyes shining as he stamped his foot and exclaimed, "No wonder, no wonder! I just told you the other day that if you have any questions, you can ask Liu Lang for advice. Liu Lang is not only brave and righteous, but also exceptionally wise!"

Previously, the monks of Changshou Temple acted as if they were dead pigs unafraid of boiling water, stubbornly dragging their feet on discussing the ownership of the pawnshop with him, leaving him in a limbo. The longer the matter dragged on, the more noise there was, and the greater the pressure became.

He had many concerns and felt a lot of pressure from all sides, but he never thought that he could find another way and bring in new helpers!

Although there are many famous temples in the capital, each has its own lineage and lineage. With the sudden appearance of a large temple like Changshou Temple that can compete with them, who wouldn't covet it? As long as these people join in, the pressure on Gao Chengxin will naturally be shared, or even disappear altogether!
"Sixth Brother has really done me a huge favor, truly... I haven't repaid his kindness before, and now I'm being helped again! I really don't know how to thank him enough..."

Gao Chengxin walked down from the table to pour wine for Zhang Dai, and drank several cups himself. Then he looked at Zhang Dai and sighed, "My father has many disciples. Although I am favored for my competence, I dare not slack off."

I've recently been entrusted with two very important tasks, and if I fail to handle them properly, I fear I'll be rendered useless from now on. I am truly grateful for Liu Lang's kindness on two separate occasions!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai couldn't help but sigh. In this world, anyone who wants to advance has to be ambitious. If you can't be ambitious, you won't even be valued even if you become someone's godson!

At this moment, Gao Chengxin lost his usual caution and composure, and his emotions became somewhat agitated. He put his arm around Zhang Dai and sat back down at the table, continuing to drink heavily. He excitedly said, "I was originally planning to stay in the capital to handle the affairs of the Eastern Capital. Father tested me on these two matters, and now both matters are expected to be handled properly. I hope that my wish can be fulfilled!"

"Why is Brother Sixteen so fond of the scenery and customs of Luoyang?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai was naturally surprised. Shouldn't these eunuchs be striving to serve the emperor? Why were they actively seeking out external affairs?
"Although Chang'an is large, it is also crowded, causing people to feel stifled and depressed, unable to express their ambitions!"

Gao Chengxin suddenly stood up and sighed deeply. Then, looking at Zhang Dai with envy, he said, "Sixth Brother, you are born into a prestigious family and are rich and noble. You are also respected for your noble character, your talent is brilliant, and your wisdom is outstanding. You are admired by all. I'm afraid you can't fathom the desires of someone like me who is destined to be a servant! The happiest moment in my life is when I can make decisions on my own two or three points!"

At this point, Gao Chengxin suddenly leaped onto the food table, spread his arms wide, and exclaimed loudly, "The inchworm bends to stretch! I have been reciting Liu Lang's 'Ode to the Inchworm' for a long time, and I deeply admire this matter and aspire to this ambition!"

Zhang Dai noticed that after a few drinks, this guy's demeanor had changed drastically, and upon hearing his innermost thoughts, he realized he was also a cunning fellow with hidden ambitions. "If I'd known you were so hot-blooded," Zhang Dai thought, "I'd have quoted another line for you: 'I want to be Zhao Gao!'"
(End of this chapter)