Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 261 Dao Ancestor? Can he withstand elite troops?

Zhang Tianshi smiled.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, he slowly began to speak.

"That would be disrespecting the Dao Ancestor."

We're not made of clay; we can't just believe whatever they say.

Upon hearing what the Celestial Master said, the worries among the crowd immediately lessened.

Although they came here to see Zhang Tianshi and heard that the master was going to give up 60% of the land belonging to the various Taoist temples, many of them were extremely reluctant, saddened, and heartbroken.

In their opinion, it would be best if the court didn't leave them any land at all, and even better if the court could give them some more land.

But since Zhang Tianshi had spoken and made the decision, they had no choice but to accept it.

And only a maximum of 60% can be accepted.

This is their land. They give 40% to the imperial court and 60%. If even this is not enough for the imperial court, then they can only do as the real person said and properly demonstrate their power to the imperial court!

Ask the court to show some respect and not go too far.

Don't assume they're easy to mess with!

Even clay figures have a touch of earthiness, let alone them.

If we don't demonstrate any strength to the imperial court, the court won't be able to tell who's really in charge in Jiangxi!

After exchanging a few words with the heads of the various Taoist temples, Zhang Tianshi got up to take his leave.

After seeing Zhang Tianshi off, the group also left the room.

Then they would gather in twos and threes, go to various places, and talk with a few familiar friends, coming up with some countermeasures...

Upon returning to his room and dismissing the people around him, Zhang Tianshi's otherworldly and ethereal aura vanished instantly.

He couldn't help but rub his face vigorously with his hands.

He looked distressed, and his face also appeared somewhat tired and uncertain.

This incident was truly unexpected.

This was something he had never imagined before.

He originally thought he didn't care at all about the imperial court's announcement to conduct a land survey in Jiangxi.

They felt that the imperial court's desire to conduct a land survey had nothing to do with them.

They just want to live their detached lives.

Who would have thought that the imperial court would directly target Longhu Mountain?

It is truly outrageous to do such a thing to them!
The fact that Zhu Chongba, a beggar and cowherd, became emperor is legendary enough, and he must have had a Taoist ancestor protecting him.

That's why he has achieved what he has today.

Now that he's become emperor, he's suddenly turned his back on them and wants to come and take stock of their land.

Such behavior is truly excessive!
Isn't he afraid that the Dao Ancestor will punish him and cause him to suffer calamity?
Thinking that he would be going to see Wu Yin tomorrow to discuss this matter.

He also seemed to be feeling heavy-hearted.

He knew that the other party had ill intentions.

Tomorrow's meeting will definitely not be pleasant.

This person has already made such a grand display; it turns out he is a member of the Buddhist sect.

It would be strange if they readily agreed.

I'm afraid that even if he concedes 60% of the land, the other side might not agree.

But here, he had no choice but to fight and go.

We must fight against Wu Yin and defy the imperial court!
Farmland is very important, not only to ordinary Taoist temples, but also to Longhu Mountain.

It can be up to 60%, absolutely no more.

He knew perfectly well that this 60% was already the limit that most Taoist temples could accept.

If even more were to be given up, things would be fine for Longhu Mountain, but the numerous Taoist temples below would not be able to withstand it.

If they cannot weather this crisis and handle this matter properly, Longhu Mountain will lose more than just land.

It is an immense prestige and the aspiration of the people.

When that time comes, the prestige of Longhu Mountain will inevitably suffer a major blow!

Locally, the impact will also be severe.

This is the foundation of their Longhu Mountain, something even more important than farmland.

This is something he absolutely does not want to see.

That's the real crux of the matter.

He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes after a long while.

Clearly, she already had a plan in mind...

While he was doing this, Longhu Mountain was also bustling with activity.

Many people are busy preparing for the Celestial Master's departure tomorrow.

Celestial Masters are not ordinary people; they are beings akin to the souls of the people.

The Celestial Master's travels were naturally different from those of ordinary people, with many customs and corresponding ceremonies.

It was used to demonstrate the majesty and holiness of the Celestial Master, for people to admire.

This trip by the Celestial Master concerns the core interests of the Taoist sect, so naturally, it requires even more meticulous preparation.

Every aspect of the ceremonial procession must be prepared, and there can be no mistakes whatsoever.

Bring out the most solemn items and properly display the majesty of the Celestial Master!

This was a silent deterrent, and also an important way for them to intimidate the other party and put pressure on the imperial court when the Celestial Master went out to negotiate with Wu Yin.

Not only was Longhu Mountain busy, but many people were also going down the mountain to various places to spread the news that the Celestial Master was about to leave Longhu Mountain and come down the mountain.

This allowed many believers to go and witness the glory of the Celestial Master.

This is both to welcome the Celestial Master and to pray for good fortune and to ward off disasters.

Taoism wields unparalleled influence in Jiangxi.

Not to mention Longhu Mountain.

The Celestial Master, who has long been rumored to be a god-like figure, is actually going down the mountain. This is truly an extraordinary matter.

This is an event you absolutely cannot miss!
As a result, countless people rushed to the scene, arriving a day in advance with their families, young and old.

They gathered on both sides of the road the angel was about to pass.

We are just waiting for the Celestial Master to pass by tomorrow so that we can see his true face.

And through this they will gain good fortune.

Those who arrived early stayed overnight by the roadside, afraid of missing out on a good spot.

There were also many ordinary people who moved overnight, and their numbers grew as they gathered.

This gives a glimpse into the influence of Longhu Mountain in this area.

Upon receiving the report, Wu Yin came to see the place in person, a faint smile on his face.

To be honest, even he was a little surprised.

But I was only slightly surprised.

Longhu Mountain was unwilling to accept defeat and was determined to put up a stubborn resistance. This was putting pressure on themselves and trying to force the imperial court to comply.

Unfortunately, they made the wrong decision.

Zhang Yuchu has already created such a spectacle before he has even made a move.

He became even more interested in meeting tomorrow.

Things are getting more and more interesting.

Let's see what this person says and does tomorrow!
In the end, who will prevail?
……

The next day, Longhu Mountain became lively early in the morning.

Before dawn, a large crowd had already gathered, and all sorts of ceremonial regalia had been prepared.

Dressed in his finest attire, Zhang Tianshi was escorted onto his divine carriage. After a series of elaborate ceremonies, the large procession finally set off. They descended Longhu Mountain, heading towards Wu Yin's location…

The sedan chair, adorned with vermilion lacquer and gold leaf, covered with a blue silk curtain embroidered with gold, and decorated with silver cranes and Bagua symbols on its roof, was carried by sixty-four men. Zhang Tianshi, dressed in his finest attire, sat cross-legged, exuding an otherworldly aura.

In front of it, on a dark yellow background, are embroidered dragon and tiger patterns in gold thread, symbolizing the Taoist foundation of the Celestial Master's Mansion "Longhu Mountain" and its power to exorcise evil spirits.

Representing the Taoist cosmology, the seven stars symbolize celestial phenomena, and the eight trigrams symbolize directions, showcasing the profound and mysterious power of the Seven Stars Flag and the Eight Trigrams Flag.
The banners, including prayer flags with the inscription "The Way pervades Heaven and Earth" and prayer flags held aloft on vermilion poles, flutter in the wind.

This sword is modeled after the magic sword passed down by Zhang Daoling, the Celestial Master of the Han Dynasty. It symbolizes the authority to act on behalf of Heaven, to vanquish evil and purify the environment.

The "Yangping Zhidu Gong Seal" was bestowed by the imperial court. The talisman was personally written by the Celestial Master and symbolized the privilege of communicating with the gods. It was placed on a vermilion lacquered tray and held by a Taoist priest.

The canopy, banners, and jeweled canopy inscribed with the Tao Te Ching served as protective barriers on both sides.

Then a Taoist priest carrying a bronze incense burner walked ahead, the smoke curling and purifying the path.

The high-ranking Taoist officials of the Celestial Master's Mansion, who were called "Tidian" or "Tiju," wore crimson Taoist robes and carried a wooden tablet as they accompanied the emperor.

The scripture masters and musicians, holding flutes, sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument), and cloud gongs, played Taoist music such as "Bu Xu" and "Cheng Qing Yun".

Dozens of officers and strongmen, appointed by the local garrison, were armored and carried swords and halberds, clearing the way and protecting the safety.

Numerous local government officials dispatched bailiffs wielding water and fire sticks to maintain order and clear out idlers.

Then many Taoist priests, holding talismans and purification bottles, dipped willow branches in water and sprinkled it on the people on both sides.

Before the Celestial Master's procession, young Taoist disciples continuously scattered flower petals...

The entire procession stretched for several miles.

People along the way knelt down and respectfully welcomed him.

Those who are ill, or those who wish to pray for blessings, kneel devoutly on the ground, waiting for the Taoist priest to bestow sweet rain upon them.

The whole scene was extremely grand.

The majesty of the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain is fully displayed.

The entire scene was grand and solemn, with some officials even kneeling in welcome...

Zhang Tianshi, who had initially felt some apprehension and thought things might be difficult, now had all his worries dispelled.

They have rediscovered the composure and confidence that belong to the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Such is the will of the people, and the will of the people is the source of the majesty of the Celestial Master's Mansion.

With the support of the Taoist ancestor above and the common people below, let alone a mere Wu Yin, even if Zhu Yuanzhang himself came, he would have to give way and give way!

I dare not really do anything.

Longhu Mountain is only fourteen or fifteen miles away from where Wu Yin is located.

However, Zhang Tianshi did not go directly to see Wu Yin. Instead, he rode in his ceremonial carriage and traveled a distance of thirty or forty miles, making a one-and-a-half-circle journey.

When they met Wu Yin, it was already past noon.

Wu Yin, along with some of the people who had come with him to survey the sky, greeted them at their temporary residence.

Seeing Zhang Tianshi arrive with such a large entourage, and some officials who were surveying the land following Wu Yin, their expressions were complicated, and a sense of fear rose in their hearts.

Wu Yin, however, remained calm and composed, showing no sign of panic, and waited patiently.

Longhu Mountain is indeed very powerful, but... can it withstand the imperial army's elite troops?

After performing all the proper courtesies and putting on airs, Zhang Tianshi slowly rose and dismounted amidst celestial music and the prostrations of the many people.

People were scattering flowers and holy water to clear the way ahead.

A delicate fragrance wafted along the way...

Zhang Tianshi arrived before Wu Yin, who remained calm and waited.

When we met, I greeted him politely but not arrogantly.

Such behavior made many people's eyelids twitch.

He wished he could kill Wu Yin on the spot.

How dare they be so disrespectful to the Celestial Master, refusing to kneel in welcome?

However, looking at the armored and armed soldiers beside Wu Yin, they ultimately chose not to stoop to the level of these barbarians.

The Dao Ancestor will punish him, and he will be plagued by misfortune from now on!

Zhang Tianshi waved to stop the crowd from following, and he, Wu Yin, and a small number of high-ranking members of Longhu Mountain entered the courtyard together...

……

"These people don't need to go in."

Before entering the reception room, Wu Yin glanced at the four high-ranking Taoists who were to enter with Zhang Yuchu and spoke in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, the men's faces turned angry.

Zhang Yuchu turned around and shook his head slightly at them, so they had no choice but to swallow their anger and step aside, no longer following.

Besides Wu Yin, there were two other court officials accompanying him as they entered.

Wu Yin is different from Zhang Yuchu. Zhang Tianshi is a core figure of Longhu Mountain, the kind whose word carries immense weight.

He was acting on behalf of the emperor.

It is not appropriate for the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain to visit alone; he needs someone to accompany him.

After the group entered the room, someone brought them tea and closed the door.

For a moment, no one spoke, and the room fell into an extreme silence.

After a while, Wu Yin picked up the fragrant tea in front of him and slowly sipped it.

He wasn't in a hurry at all.

At this moment, the person who should be anxious is Zhang Yuchu.

They couldn't hold back any longer and ran down from Longhu Mountain to see him on their own initiative. Now that they've met, they're still putting on airs and playing these tricks. How can he fall for that?

After a while, Zhang Tianshi finally couldn't stand it anymore and spoke first.

"Governor Wu has landed a good job."

Wu Yin smiled and put down his teacup: "It's just that His Majesty has favored me too much and given me the task."

"This is not an exaggeration. To be entrusted with such an important task by His Majesty is a testament to Governor Wu's talent."

The land survey is something that must be done, and it is worth doing.

"His Majesty's heart is entirely devoted to the Ming Dynasty and its people; though I am on Mount Longhu, I have heard of it."

"It's good that you've heard about this, but I wonder what your opinion is on it?"

What are the next steps for Longhu Mountain?

Wu Yin looked at Zhang Tianshi with a smile and asked in a calm and unhurried tone.

However, every word he uttered was sharp and incisive.

Be direct and straightforward, leaving him no room for maneuver.

Zhang Yuchu raised his eyebrows slightly.

After reading it, he seemed to have adjusted his mindset and spoke again.

"On the Longhu Mountain side, we naturally follow the laws of the imperial court and support the land survey."

To be honest, ever since I learned that the imperial court was going to survey the land, I have discussed this matter with many people below me on several occasions.

Appeal to their emotions and reason with them, explaining the benefits of the imperial court's land survey.

Therefore, they ultimately decided to agree to contribute 60% of their land to support the imperial court's major policies.

"Zhang Tianshi's actions are indeed admirable."

But...did the Taoist priest say something wrong?
The imperial court has its own laws and regulations, and His Majesty has personally given instructions.

Apart from the land bestowed by His Majesty, all other fields shall be surveyed and measured.

Wu Yin was aggressive and refused to give an inch.

This made Zhang Yuchu's expression turn ugly.

After a moment of silence, he spoke: "Only 60%, no more!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yin smiled...

(End of this chapter)