Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 182 A Buddhist Master—Jiang Jieyuan?!
The first snow fell softly, like shattered jade.

White Horse Temple, Debating Platform.

Eight novice monks carried the palanquin, their feet clad in straw sandals, and amidst the surging waves of snow, their steps appeared as if lotus blossoms were blooming.

The gilded palanquin made a soft, crisp sound as it rolled across the snow.

On the palanquin, a young monk lowered his eyelashes like an ancient Buddha, closed his eyes and twirled prayer beads. A dot of cinnabar on his forehead, reflected in the snow, looked as if fresh blood was about to drip.

He exuded an aura of quiet authority, like a closed-eyed Vajra, inspiring awe and reverence.

The noise in the room suddenly stopped, as if an invisible bell had been cast down on them.

The monk Shihuai sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his golden robe gleaming, remaining motionless in the north wind.

He remained unmoved by the noise from the outside world.

His fingers continued to slowly and deliberately pluck the Bodhi seeds, the sandalwood prayer beads clinking together.

Volumes of Buddhist scriptures, such as the Surangama Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, flowed like a waterfall, constantly revolving.

He was even familiar with the scriptures of the other schools of thought.

The profound meanings of Confucian classics like the Spring and Autumn Annals and the Daoist philosophy of leisurely wandering are clearly visible, appearing and disappearing alternately in the fine lines between his brows.

He was not only well-versed in Buddhist scriptures, but also well-versed in various schools of thought, and had a thorough understanding of their advantages and disadvantages!
Six years ago, he held a discourse at the Imperial College, where his eloquent words overwhelmed the Taoist scholars present, leaving them all speechless.

Three years ago, he once again ascended the high platform and refuted the peasant scholars of the Imperial Academy with the profound truths of Buddhism, causing them to bow down in reverence.

Two earth-shattering debates established his reputation as "the most extraordinary talent of Baima Temple," and at a young age, he became the youngest abbot and head disciple of Baima Temple, second only to the abbot and other senior elders.

Even his mentor, Abbot Huiri, once clapped his hands in praise: "This child is a rare talent in Buddhism, one in a hundred years! The rise of Buddhism in the Great Zhou Dynasty depends on him!"

But—that's not enough!
Today, he stands amidst the wind and snow, his gaze piercing, the flame in his heart still burning bright.

This time, his opponents are the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty!

Only by debating with the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy can one gain greater fame and become a Buddhist master.

Only then will there be a chance to be appointed by the Great Zhou Dynasty and promoted to the new abbot of the White Horse Temple, truly taking charge of this sacred Buddhist land and becoming a respected figure in the Great Zhou Buddhist community!
His ambition has only just begun!

who!
Even that can't stop him!

"clang--!"

The bronze chime rang out clearly, its sound shattering the sky!
The monk suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, like the wrath of a Vajra, yet also like the lowered brows of a Bodhisattva.

With a light touch of his toes, his cassock billowed like crimson clouds, and his figure soared upwards, seemingly treading on snow, before landing steadily on the nine-zhang-high altar!

They sat cross-legged, as if seated on a lotus throne.

"This humble monk is Shihuai, the abbot of Baima Temple—"

His voice boomed like a bell, each word like thunder, causing the snow on the eaves to fall in a flurry: "Today, I have set up an altar here to discuss the profound principles of Buddhism with the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy!"

"Scholars of the Imperial Academy—" His gaze swept across the entire hall like a piercing torch, "Does anyone dare to step onto the platform and discuss the Dao?!"

"Hahaha! What a mad monk!"

A long laugh suddenly broke out, and an old scholar with white hair stood up, his green robe billowing like the wings of a roc. He took a step into the air and gracefully ascended the platform!

Shihuai is the abbot of Baima Temple, a rising young and renowned monk!
The Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy would naturally accept the challenge. If they could defeat him in a debate, it would greatly enhance their own reputation!

"I am Xun You—"

His hair and beard flew wildly, and his eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Today, I will use the orthodox Confucian doctrine to test your Buddhist eloquence!"

Today's topic—

The monk Shihuai formed a mudra with his hands and spoke in a voice like a morning bell, explaining the Buddhist concept of reincarnation—the cause and effect of three lifetimes: present retribution, retribution in the next life, and retribution in the next.

The consciousness is immortal, yet it is subject to the flow of karma. Good and bad results both arise from this!

This is the ultimate truth of Heaven!

"absurd!"

Xun You, an old Confucian scholar from the Imperial Academy, waved his sleeve and shouted like thunder, "The Confucianism believes that Heaven, Earth, and Man constitute the Great Way!"
Humans are born with the energy of heaven and earth; doing good deeds and accumulating virtue will bring blessings to their descendants!

Why bother with the pretense of an illusory cycle of reincarnation?

On the high altar, the Buddhist light and Confucianism collided, as if an invisible sharp edge was clashing!

The monk Shihuai closed his eyes slightly, his fingertips gently turning the Bodhi beads. "If there were no reincarnation, how could sentient beings be liberated? If there were no cause and effect, how could good and evil be clearly distinguished?"

Xun You sneered, "Confucianism teaches one to cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world. This life is already blessed, so why seek liberation?"

Good and evil are clearly judged by Heaven's will; why bother with the nonsense of reincarnation?

The doctrines of Confucianism and Buddhism are inherently very different, and they are at loggerheads, unwilling to give an inch!

"The Buddha said that all beings are equal?" Xun You's beard bristled with anger. "If there were no rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, then rites and music would collapse, and the world would be in chaos!"

"The Confucian ethical principles?" Shi Huai smiled and said, "You are all attached to names and forms, which are ultimately an illusion. If you do not cultivate yourself in this life, you will be reborn as pigs or dogs in the next life."

"Seeking an afterlife?" Xun You slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "We men of character should cultivate ourselves, manage our families, govern the country, and bring peace to the world!"

"To save this life?" Shi Huai's eyes were filled with compassion. "In the sea of ​​suffering of the mortal world, out of billions of beings, how many can be saved?"

"Cause and effect?" Xun You pointed his sword at the heavens. "My fate is in my own hands, not in the hands of heaven!"

"The Three Powers and Heavenly Principles?" Shi Huai clasped his hands together and lowered his head. "The flow of karma is the truth."

The atmosphere on the stage shifted dramatically, while the audience fell silent.

One is like a raging fire burning the sky, the other is like still waters flowing deep.

The righteous spirit of Confucianism soars to the heavens, while the wisdom of Buddhism dispels delusion.

This is no longer just a verbal exchange, but a fierce clash between two schools of thought from the Hundred Schools of Thought period!
Below the altar.

The spectators thronged the area, their expressions varied—

The wealthy and powerful waved their jade fans lightly, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning.

Several elderly men in brocade robes whispered among themselves, "This doctrine of the three cycles of reincarnation can indeed persuade people to do good."

The scholars in blue robes either wrote furiously or applauded enthusiastically.

A young man suddenly slammed his hand on the table: "Brilliant! My fate is in my own hands, not in the hands of Heaven! Master Xun's words truly demonstrate the spirit of Confucianism!"

The common people looked up at the altar with burning eyes.

Those who close their eyes in meditation tap their fingertips lightly to the beat.

Those who whispered among themselves argued until their faces turned red.

The innocent child tugged at his mother's sleeve, pressing her for an explanation.

The down-on-his-luck scholar, suddenly moved by something, burst into tears.

An old farmer murmured, "May the Bodhisattva protect us! We must understand the law of cause and effect."

Jiang Xingzhou sat on the viewing platform below the altar, his fingertips lightly tapping his teacup, his expression serene.

On stage, the chanting of Buddhist scriptures was deafening, and the debates between Confucian scholars were resounding. The audience below was mesmerized, as if listening to celestial music.

Only he, with the slight ripples of tea reflected in his eyes, seemed somewhat absent-minded, even bored!

He came from a different world, China, and had witnessed countless debates and discussions.

The era of the Hundred Schools of Thought has passed, and all the various philosophical schools and doctrines, ultimately returning to their origins, have vanished like smoke.

The wisdom of the ancients has long been dissected and deconstructed into fragments;
Countless profound teachings of ancient sages have been reduced to a few lines in textbooks.

"Jiang Jieyuan!"

Several scholars arrived late and, upon seeing Jiang Xingzhou, gathered around him. They were none other than Song Chuwang, the top scholar from Jingchu, and Qin Wen, the top scholar from Guanzhong.

Song Chuwang's eyes were gleaming as he watched the debate on the platform with great interest, still carrying the lingering echo of the discourse: "I rarely read Buddhist scriptures before!"
Today, after hearing the Buddhist teachings on cause and effect and reincarnation, I truly understand their profound meaning!

But I wonder, Brother Jiang, what insightful opinion do you have?

Jiang Xingzhou sipped his tea and smiled calmly: "It has a touch of freshness!"

"Only one or two parts fresh?"

Brother Jiang, you don't seem very interested in this brilliant debate on Confucianism and Buddhism?

Qin Wen looked at his expression and couldn't help but ask in surprise.

"I've read a few Buddhist scriptures, so I know a little bit about them."

Jiang Xingzhou put down his teacup, his gaze sharp as he looked at the heated debate between Shi Huai and the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy on the high platform. He said softly, "The Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy, you are debating the scriptures in the wrong direction! Using Confucian classics to debate Buddhist classics is like trying to cut water with a dull knife—it's all in vain."

"oh?!"

Song Chuwang snapped his folding fan shut.

Qin Wen's pupils shrank drastically.

"Brother Jiang, what do you mean by that?"

Song Chuwang and Qin Wen looked at each other, completely taken aback.

They had only just begun to hear some Buddhist scriptures and were still chewing on the superficial aspects of Buddhist teachings, unable to fully grasp their profound meaning.

Jiang Xingzhou, however, had already discerned its weaknesses and seen through its fatal flaw in argumentation!

Buddhism speaks of 'emptiness,' while Confucianism discusses 'reality.'

Jiang Xingzhou said calmly, "One says all things are empty, the other talks about practical application to the world! They are not even on the same level, how can they possibly reach a conclusion?"
You're throwing a powerful punch at thin air; how can you possibly defeat thin air?!

He looked up at the high platform, a slight smile playing on his lips: "To break Buddhist doctrines, one must use 'nothingness' to break its 'emptiness'! Use emptiness against emptiness, plunging it into a dilemma, unable to prove itself!"

Before he finished speaking, Master Shihuai on the altar suddenly paused slightly, as if sensing something, and looked in this direction.

Half an hour.

On the high platform, the monk Shihuai, his robe fluttering slightly, looked at the defeated Confucian scholars, as if victory was assured, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Five scholars from the Imperial Academy have taken the stage in succession, but one after another they have retreated, their faces flushed or speechless. None of them have been able to defeat him in the debate on classics and doctrines!

This indirectly proves that they are about to lose.

After all, the Confucian scholars had already sent five different candidates who had passed the provincial and metropolitan examinations, but they could not shake his resolve in the slightest!

No matter the question, the monk can always provide his Buddhist explanation, proving its own completeness!
Even five people couldn't let it go, which was undoubtedly a very shameful thing for the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy.

Below the altar, the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy were sweating profusely, their blue robes soaked through. Some gripped the scriptures so tightly their knuckles turned white, while others stared down at their shoes, not daring to look up.

This monk Shihuai is so eloquent and persuasive!
They could not refute him in terms of scriptural doctrine!

"Who's next?"

The voice of the old scholar Xun You was particularly jarring in the deathly silence.

The Confucian scholars at the Imperial Academy hung their heads in dejection, and no one responded.

—Only the incense burner before the Buddha emitted wisps of smoke, seemingly mocking him.

The monk Shihuai smiled with his palms together, his gaze sweeping over the bowing Confucian scholars—awaiting the next challenger!
He single-handedly fought against the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy. Today his fame will surely spread throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty again next year!
"How embarrassing!"

"Five Jinshi graduates from the Imperial Academy took the stage, yet they couldn't out-argue a single monk!"

A long sigh, like a pebble dropped into a lake, stirred up murmurs throughout the room.

These words, spoken lightly, fell like a hammer blow, turning the faces of all the scholars in the room deathly pale.

Several young scholars covered their faces, shook their heads, beat their chests and stamped their feet, clutching the hem of their robes until their knuckles turned blue;
The older man closed his eyes and sighed deeply, his beard trembling slightly. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, unable to bear to look any longer.

"Next. Who will debate with this humble monk?!" On the high platform, the monk Shihuai clasped his hands together, his eyes compassionate yet concealing a sharp edge.

Amidst the swirling smoke from the incense burner, the gold threads on his robe reflected the sunlight, making him appear as if bathed in Buddha's light.

The old scholar Xun You was so angry that he trembled all over, and his knuckles turned white.

This "Confucian-Buddhist debate" at Baima Temple had restrictions on who could ascend the platform—only those who had passed the provincial examinations or the imperial examinations from the Imperial Academy were allowed to participate.

Meanwhile, the purple-robed scholars of the Hanlin Academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the red-robed grand scholars of the palace, and even the renowned Confucian scholars, could only watch from the sidelines and could not participate.

Because that monk Shihuai was merely the abbot of Baima Temple and the head disciple of Abbot Huiri.

In the system of monks appointed by the imperial court, they were equivalent to the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) of the Imperial Academy.

Only the senior monks of Baima Temple, such as the "Senior Elder" and "Abbot," who were conferred titles by the imperial court, were equivalent to the Hanlin Academicians.

These scholars from the Imperial Academy were no match for the monk Shihuai!

If a Hanlin scholar or a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion were to engage in a philosophical discussion with this abbot, wouldn't it make the world laugh at the fact that there are no Confucian scholars left?

That would be even more embarrassing!

The old scholar Xun You from the Imperial Academy was embarrassed, but his eyes were filled with hope as he searched the crowd for someone who could fight against the monk Shihuai.

suddenly,

His gaze fell upon the seven or eight newly appointed top scholars present.

—Jiang Xingzhou from Jiangnan Circuit, Song Chuwang from Jingchu Circuit, Qin Wen from Guanzhong Circuit, Liu Chun from Bashu Circuit, and other top scholars in the provincial examinations.

These top scholars from various provinces of the Great Zhou Dynasty are almost certain to pass the imperial examination in the spring of the following year—they are all hot contenders for the top spot in the spring examination.

He was very likely to become the top scholar in the imperial examination and be promoted to Hanlin Academician.

This means that their true abilities far surpassed those of ordinary candidates and those who passed the imperial examinations, making them the closest to becoming Hanlin scholars.

Jiangnan Dao Jieyuan Jiang Xingzhou wore his hair tied up with a jade hairpin; Jingchu Dao Song Chuwang's Xiang embroidered robe stood out against the snow; Guanzhong Qin Wen's bronze sword at his waist and Bashu Liu Chun's sandalwood prayer beads on his wrist complemented each other.

Among the tens of thousands of people below the altar, these top scholars stood out like cranes among chickens, in their prime, full of vigor and high spirits!
The old scholar Xun You's gaze was like a flickering candle in the wind, trembling as he looked at them.

"These young scholars... perhaps..."

A glimmer of light appeared in the old scholar's withered eyes.

Their literary works, written in the imperial examinations, had reached the pinnacle of scholarly achievement. Their knowledge of classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections rivaled that of the imperial library.
Perhaps they really can.
Defeat this monk Shihuai from White Horse Temple?!
The old scholar Xun You's expression darkened slightly, but he ultimately humbled himself, bowed to the assembled scholars, and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice:

"I am ashamed... For you newly appointed scholars, the honor and disgrace of the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy today rest entirely on your shoulders."

We humbly request that a wise and capable person step forward and debate with that enlightened monk.

Song Chuwang, the top scholar from Jingchu, gave a wry smile and shook his head, saying, "Although I have read the books of sages and virtuous men, I have never read Buddhist scriptures and do not understand their profound meaning! If I were to rashly ascend the platform, I am afraid I would only become a laughingstock."

Xun You's gaze shifted and landed on Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar from Jiangnan Province, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes: "Jiang, I've heard that your writing is exquisite, and your understanding of the classics and your answers to policy questions are all top-notch. Perhaps..."

Jiang Xingzhou smiled and shook his head, saying, "I have only read a few Buddhist scriptures in my spare time."

Having only a rudimentary understanding of Buddhism, how dare I ascend the platform to make a fool of myself?

"Brother Jiang, you are too modest!"

The other top scholars standing nearby advised, "It's better for you to know a little than for us to know nothing at all!"
We haven't even touched upon Buddhist scriptures; only Brother Jiang is capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility!

On the altar, the monk Shihuai stood as still as a pine tree, his gaze indifferent.

Seeing the old scholar Xun You searching everywhere for help.

A faint, cold smile played on his lips, as if he were observing the situation with indifference, yet also as if victory was assured, showing no sign of urgency.

The jeweled carriage curtains swayed slightly as Nangong Wan'er, the head of the imperial ladies-in-waiting, leaned against the soft quilt, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows on her porcelain-like face.

The Imperial Guards, clad in iron armor, stood guard all around.

—But it couldn't hide the faint fragrance wafting inside the car.

Her face was as beautiful as an angel's, her red lips slightly pursed, and she closed her eyes, pondering every word spoken on the altar.
With a light touch of her fingertips on the gilded carriage wall, every witty remark from the debate just now echoed clearly in her mind.

The Buddhist sayings of relief, the Confucian scholars' arguments, and even the sigh of "shame" from the audience below the stage, all transformed into invisible words, lined up one by one in her heart.

She had to report all of this to His Majesty after returning to the palace.

His Majesty will surely ask: Why did the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy fail? He might even ask her to explain her own insights.

The silver bells at the four corners of the carriage suddenly started moving without any wind.

Her beautiful eyes snapped open, a cold glint flashing in them as she looked at the commotion of the crowd a hundred feet away!

"Jiang Jieyuan, go!"

The crowd also became noisy, filled with anticipation for this top scholar from Jiangnan.

"Very well, I shall comply!"

Jiang Xingzhou took a deep breath, and after much persuasion from the scholars, he finally nodded in agreement.

He lightly touched the ground with his toes, and with his clothes fluttering, he landed gracefully on the nine-zhang-high platform for discussing scriptures.

"Jiangnan Daojie Jiang Xingzhou, please enlighten me, Master Shihuai!"

He bowed respectfully, his voice clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant.

Shi Huai's gaze sharpened slightly as she looked him up and down, then said calmly, "Are you a Confucian scholar from the Imperial Academy?"

Jiang Xingzhou smiled slightly, his expression composed: "I am well-versed in the various schools of thought, and I have also dabbled in the three religions and nine schools of thought...!"
I have studied the writings of Confucius,
If you say I am a Confucian scholar, then there is nothing wrong with that.

However, he was fortunate enough to pass the provincial examination in Jiangnan this year and went to the capital for the final examination, but has not yet formally entered the Imperial Academy to study.

According to custom, he could directly enroll in the Imperial Academy. However, he had just arrived in the capital and had not yet reported for duty.

"Oh?"

Shi Huai frowned, his tone growing colder, "You claim to be well-versed in all schools of thought? You've studied all the various religions and social classes?"

What a loud tone!
Our Buddhist sect is one of the three major religions; do you dare to presume to claim knowledge of our Buddhist sect?

Jiang Xingzhou remained unhurried and smiling: "I do know a little about Buddhism, but I wouldn't dare say I'm an expert!"
Having perused several Buddhist scriptures, I know more than most Buddhist monks!

"Humph!"

A cold glint flashed in the monk's eyes. He snorted and his wide sleeves fluttered even without wind: "What a fine 'know a little bit'!"

What an arrogant Confucian scholar!
"This humble monk will see today just how much of the true essence of Buddhism this self-proclaimed scholar from Jiangnan, who boasts of being well-versed in all schools of thought, can truly comprehend!"

He snapped his prayer beads together and said in a deep voice, "Jiang Jieyuan, what are we competing against each other on?"

If I were to defeat you using Confucianism and Taoism...
I'm afraid you're not convinced!

Jiang Xingzhou stood with his hands behind his back, speaking casually, "In that case, I'll compete with you in reciting Buddhist verses!"
"I'll defeat you using your Buddhist methods!"

"Compared to Buddhist verses?!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Huai's expression changed drastically, his prayer beads tightened suddenly, and he was so angry that he almost exploded.

The so-called Buddhist verses are Buddhist sayings, which represent the profound realm of "using poetry to illuminate Zen."

It is not only necessary to thoroughly understand and comprehend the vast Buddhist scriptures.

Furthermore, one must thoroughly understand and digest the essence of the text, comprehending its profound meaning, before condensing it into a few words that can reveal the secrets of the universe.

Thus, he wrote a Buddhist verse!
A superior Buddhist verse often contains countless hidden meanings, and only those with great wisdom can understand its true meaning.

Just like the Confucian literary works of "poetry, classics, and policy essays," every word and phrase in them has its source and allusion!
This is not as simple as memorizing some classic texts and taking out words from them to use!
A Buddhist verse is often filled with various Buddhist "allusions, metaphors, enlightenments, and profound truths." Those who are not familiar with this path will find it confusing and incomprehensible.

Those who dare to compare themselves to Buddhist verses are often revered figures in Buddhism!
Only truly accomplished monks who have entered the inner sanctum of Buddhism and Taoism dare to compare Buddhist verses and compete to see who is superior!

—This kid actually dares to discuss Buddhist doctrines with him using Buddhist verses?!

Damn!

Relief sent a jolt through him, and his gaze swept across Jiang Xingzhou's calm face with lightning speed.

Previously, those Confucian scholars from the Imperial Academy merely recited and manipulated sacred texts, engaging in Confucian and Buddhist discussions.

While seemingly quoting classical texts, it is actually just words from books, devoid of any original thought.

The scholar in front of us spoke Buddhist verses as soon as he opened his mouth—he was definitely a top-level master who was well-versed in Buddhism and kept his skills hidden!
"Good! Good! Good!"

Relieved, he said three times in a row, his monk's robe billowing as he secretly channeled Buddhist power, and then laughed wildly in anger: "Since Jiang Jieyuan claims to be well-versed in Buddhist principles, how dare he compare himself to a Buddhist verse!"
"This humble monk will today share Buddhist verses with fellow practitioners!"

He was the greatest genius in the Buddhist community of the Great Zhou Dynasty for a century, the youngest abbot's disciple and the head abbot of the White Horse Temple.

This Jiangnan Dao Jieyuan Jiang Xingzhou actually dared to compare Buddhist teachings to him?
He simply couldn't believe that he, a Buddhist prodigy who had diligently cultivated Zen for thirty years and was well-versed in all the other disciples, was inferior to a mere youth.
An uproar immediately erupted from the crowd below!
"Buddhist verses? What are those?"

A young Confucian scholar asked a question, looking bewildered.

"fool!"

Another elderly scholar with white hair was so excited that his beard trembled. “Buddhist verses are the profound essence of Buddhist poetry!”

Just like the poems, classics, strategies, and essays of my Confucian school, one cannot write masterpieces without thoroughly mastering them!
This isn't about reciting classical texts!
Instead, one should integrate and synthesize the knowledge to write a new and insightful Buddhist saying!

"Doesn't this mean we have to write Buddhist verses on the spot and compare our Buddhist knowledge?"

Everyone looked at each other.

"Exactly!"

The old scholar's voice trembled, "Jiang Jieyuan actually wants to compare the level of enlightenment in Buddhism with that of the abbot of White Horse Temple, the eminent monk Shihuai? This..."

"Isn't he just humiliating himself? We Confucian scholars don't usually read Buddhist scriptures, so who can be proficient in Buddhist doctrines?"

Someone exclaimed in surprise, "However, it would be fine if Jiang Jieyuan lost, but if he wins..."
What face does Master Shihuai have left?

The old scholar Xun You's cloudy eyes flashed with disbelief as he stared intently at the figure on the altar.

"Compare Buddhist verses?"

His chapped lips trembled as he squeezed out these words, his heart churning with turmoil—this young scholar from Jiangnan, who had not yet reached adulthood, dared to challenge Buddhist scriptures with Buddhist verses in a sacred Buddhist site, instead of using Confucian classics to break Buddhist scriptures.
"Wait a minute! I've suddenly remembered something!"

Suddenly, someone in the crowd slammed their hand on the table and stood up, their voice trembling with excitement: "Do you all still remember Jiang Jieyuan's famous poem 'Night Mooring at Maple Bridge'?"

He took a deep breath and recited aloud:

"[The moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky; river maples and fishing lights reflect my sorrowful sleep.]"

Outside Suzhou city, at Hanshan Temple, the midnight bell tolls, reaching the traveler's boat!

After he finished reciting, all around fell silent.

"This"

A scholar in a blue robe murmured, "Hanshan Temple is an ancient temple with a history of thousands of years. Countless literati have written poems about it and erected inscriptions in the temple! But none of them have ever surpassed the artistic conception of this poem!"

"Exactly!"

The man who spoke earlier exclaimed excitedly, "This poem seems to describe the scenery of Hanshan Temple, but it actually contains a Buddhist artistic conception!"
[The midnight bell tolls to the passenger ship]—This bell's sound, deafening and resonant, is filled with Zen-like wisdom!

As soon as this statement came out, the whole audience was in an uproar.

"Exactly!"

The old scholar Xun You suddenly looked up, his cloudy eyes instantly clearing: "No wonder... no wonder he dared to compare himself to Buddhist verses! It turns out that he was already well-versed in Buddhist scriptures back then."

The people below the altar exchanged bewildered glances, and when they looked at Jiang Xingzhou again, their eyes held a hint of surprise and doubt.

Could this top scholar from Jiangnan really be a match for the eminent monks of the White Horse Temple?
Upon hearing this, the monk Shihuai paused abruptly in his prayer beads, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "What a wonderful 'Mooring at Maple Bridge at Night'!"
It seems Jiang Jieyuan is also a master of Buddhism; this humble monk will certainly be cautious today!

(End of this chapter)