Taiping Dao at the end of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 70: A scion of a powerful family also became a leader of the Way of Peace?
The Taiping Dao group rested for a day at Leize, paid homage to Fuxi, and buried the deceased of the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, receiving his last wishes and legacy. Afterwards, they continued southwest from Leize, walking for two or three days until they left Jiyin County and arrived at Jiyang County in Chenliu County.

The south side of a mountain and the north side of a river are considered auspicious, and Jiyang was originally located north of the Ji River. However, this tributary of the Yellow River is equally unruly and turbulent. Historically, the Ji River changed its course several times, eventually placing Jiyang south of the river. Now, the spring equinox has arrived, a time when the east wind should be nourishing the soil and the fine rain should be encouraging the seedlings. But from Dongpinglu to Jiyang, the sky is high and vast, a pale gray, and the rain is as light as squeezing out tears. On the ridges of the fields along the riverbank, where irrigation should be provided, the winter wheat is pale yellow, its tender leaves curled at the edges, and there is not enough morning dew.

"Early spring has brought little rain, and the soil is cracking. If this continues, the summer wheat harvest may be reduced or even lost!"

Although it was just the beginning of a dry spring, the people of Taiping Dao were already somewhat uneasy about the possibility of a drought this year. The Great Master, along with his disciples, stood for a long time by the Ji River, observing the fertile land along its banks, so neatly arranged that it almost completely filled the river's limited irrigation capacity. Along the irrigation canals, there were also guards from powerful clans, armed with swords and bows, watching over any commoners who dared to "steal" water from the river. At best, they would be scolded and beaten; at worst, they would be beheaded!

Clearly, the local powerful clans valued water resources highly and may have sensed something amiss. These clans could act quickly to seize all the precious water sources. Ordinary people were left helpless. Perhaps, for the scattered masses, the only thing they could do was pray. Pray that heaven would send rain, that this year would not be a severe drought, and that they would be spared a way to survive.

"The Yan River is diverted eastward to become the Ji River, which flows into the Yellow River and overflows to become the Ying River. The Ji River passes through nine prefectures, traveling 1,840 li, irrigating countless rivers along its course. However, this great river is connected to the Yellow River, and it is most prone to flooding and breaching its banks during heavy rains, even changing its course. At present, there is no such problem, but the water volume is insufficient. If a severe drought occurs, affecting both banks of the Yellow River, it will probably be more serious than a flood!"

The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, along with his disciples, surveyed the banks of the Ji River before setting off again, his mind heavy with worry. From Jiyang County, they turned south, leaving the Ji River behind, and headed towards Waihuang County to the south.

The name Waihuang County actually corresponds to Neihuang County in Jizhou, Hebei Province, across a large river. If one were to look north and south from the Taihang Mountains, the northwest of the Yellow River would be "Neihuang," and the southeast would be "Waihuang." Both of these locations were crucial for protecting the Yellow River.

Zhang Chengfu observed the situation along the way in Chenliu County, noting the abundance of powerful clans and aristocratic families. The estates and fields of these various clans were all larger than those in Jiyin County. When they reached a point not far from Waihuang County, Shi Qian, a local chieftain from the Taiping Dao, finally heard the news. He arrived hastily with several dozen guards and a carriage to meet them.

"Ah! Your esteemed teacher has come from afar, and I have been so negligent! These past few days, I have been praying for rain with the elders of Waihuang and have not been able to learn of your whereabouts in time. If I had known earlier, I would have personally come to the outskirts of the prefecture with people to welcome you!"

Chenliu Xiaofang Shi Qian was about thirty years old, in the prime of his middle age. He was slender and tall, with clear, bright eyes. When he came to greet us, he wore a plain cloth robe, a gray hemp sash around his waist, and a small, inconspicuous jade pendant. Although his attire was simple, it was certainly the dress of a high-ranking noble family. He bowed deeply, his hands clasped together at the same level, performing the standard and solemn disciple's salute to the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao.

"Disciple greets venerable teacher!"

“Zirang, my group came discreetly, not wanting to cause too much trouble, so I didn’t notify you in advance.”

Upon hearing this, the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao replied gently, nodding slightly to the respectful leader of Chenliu. Then, he turned to Zhang Chengfu and Gao Daonu, introducing them with a smile.

"This is Shi Zirang, the lord of the Neihuang area of ​​Chenliu County in Taiping Dao. Although Chenliu County is part of Yanzhou, this is the imperial court's division. According to the division based on Yu the Great's flood control, this area should belong to Yuzhou. Zirang comes from a branch of the Shi clan of Kaocheng. There is an upright elder in the clan, Shi Gongqian, also known as Master Shi. Master Shi and I are acquainted, and I know him well for his noble character. More than ten years ago, when he was the chancellor of Pingyuan, he encountered the second partisan purge. He was not afraid of the pressure from the court and remained upright and incorruptible. Even when faced with the urging and intimidation of eunuchs, Master Shi still clearly stated that 'there are no partisans in Pingyuan,' and refused to arrest anyone! I have witnessed this integrity with my own eyes, and it is still vivid in my mind today!"

As he spoke, the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao smiled and gave Zhang Chengfu a deep look. Zhang Chengfu's brow twitched, and a flicker of emotion crossed his usually composed face; he instantly understood. His teacher's few words, spoken in a style reminiscent of the aristocratic class, clearly revealed this young man from Chenliu's aristocratic background, his lineage from the Shi family of Kaocheng and the Shi Bi clan. He naturally understood what could and could not be said.

However, the leader of the Taiping Dao in Chenliu County is actually from a member of the aristocratic clan? No wonder this young leader wasn't invited to the meeting of the chieftains of Qing and Yan provinces. And the teacher also mentioned that Chenliu belongs to Yuzhou. The implication here is that the Yellow Turban chieftains of Yuzhou likely have intricate connections with the aristocratic clans and members of the aristocratic clans!

"Heaven is dead, and the world has lost its virtue. The second purge of the partisans was even more severe, and Shi Gong was framed and imprisoned by Hou Lan, a member of the eunuch clan. Later, he was able to escape and had some time to study the classics at home. Zirang, I wonder how Shi Gong is doing these days?"

"My dear teacher, my father's health has deteriorated considerably, and he is currently recuperating at his estate in Kaocheng. Earlier this year, the court reinstated him, appointing him as the Chancellor of Pengcheng Kingdom in Xuzhou. However, although he is eager to accomplish great things, his health prevents him from taking up his post."

"Oh! It seems that Master Shi's old ailment has flared up again. Hmm, I still have some time on this trip, so I can go to Kaocheng to check on his condition and prescribe some medicine for him."

"Ah! My esteemed teacher is willing to visit my patriarch's illness? That's wonderful! Please, please get into my carriage!"

Upon hearing the promise from the Great Teacher, Chief Shi Qian could not hide his excitement and gratitude. He respectfully helped Zhang Jiao into the carriage, then climbed in himself to speak intimately. Space was limited in the carriage, and Zhang Chengfu, after a quick glance, could only lead his horse behind. He listened as Chief Shi Qian spoke with his teacher, addressing him as "disciple" repeatedly, far more attentive than he himself and the Daoist servant.

"Zirang, how is the situation in Chenliu County lately?"

“Teacher, we are a group of upright and virtuous families in the prefecture, and the officials have no way to help us! Prefect Wen is from a prominent family in Xuzhou. He is outstanding in literature and honest in his conduct. He is an upright official like us, recommending families of filial and incorruptible officials, and has even appointed a number of outstanding talents. He is quite friendly with us!”

"Oh? Is Prefect Wen from the Wen clan of Nanyang or the Wen clan of Pengcheng?"

"Teacher, it is the Wen family of Pengcheng. The Wen family of Nanyang has lost its literary lineage, and the clan no longer values ​​literature much; they can't produce a prefect with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain measure). They probably follow the path of martial prowess, and among the younger members of the clan, there is a young man named Wen Ping (Wen Zhongye), who has already gained a reputation for bravery at a young age."

"The Wen family of Pengcheng. Hmm? That refers to Sima Qian's appointment as the Chancellor of Pengcheng?"

"Ah! I dare not lie to my teacher. My uncle's position as Chancellor of Pengcheng was indeed related to the recommendation of Prefect Wen!" Zhang Chengfu listened intently and heard another familiar name of a general. As for these powerful families recommending and supporting each other, practically occupying all official positions, it was already a common reality in the Han Dynasty. Emperor Ling's sale of official positions, in effect, left a narrow path for the middle and lower-class powerful families to advance, which is difficult to evaluate.

"Teacher, we've arrived at Waihuang City! Look, this rain-praying altar is the grand ceremony initiated by my Taiping Dao, with the participation of many local gentry and elders, to pray for spring rain!"

The group walked for several miles until they reached the outskirts of Waihuang City, where they indeed saw an earthen altar erected for sacrifice. At that moment, local gentry elders and respected elders were taking turns leading the group in praying for rain.

"River God of the Ji River, nourish my fields; Heavenly God of the Supreme Heaven, moisten my seedlings. This year has been a long drought, the grass and trees are scorching, and all living beings are in despair. I pray for your sweet rain to fall and save all without bias!"

Zhang Chengfu stared wide-eyed at the rain-praying ceremony. In the center, surrounded by the crowd from Waihuang, stood a two-zhang-high earthen altar, clearly defined by a large circle of straw and hemp ropes. On the altar were clay sculptures of the River God and the Heavenly God, all facing east, with poplar branches inserted behind their backs. Before the altar were seven exquisite porcelain bowls, arranged in the shape of the Seven Stars, filled with river water, and a sprig of cypress incense, its smoke curling in the spring breeze. The altar's design was clearly similar to that of the Way of Peace, but it also incorporated elements of Confucian sacrificial practices. For example, on the altar, a slaughtered sacrificial animal was offered as a reward to the River God and the Heavenly God.

Chief Shi Qian alighted from the carriage and helped the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao down as well. He pointed to the altar outside the city and said respectfully.

"Since you're here, teacher, why don't we offer you the position of chief priest?"

"Oh? Praying for rain? Hmm, Zirang, Heaven and Earth cannot be deceived. Every action we take is in accordance with the will of Heaven. This is the spring festival you initiated, so naturally you should lead its completion. Chengfu, Daonu, you two go and be Zirang's assistants!"

"promise!"

Zhang Chengfu responded and took out his black dog mask to assist in the sacrifice for Chief Shi Qian. Chief Shi Qian, however, only showed respect to the Great Teacher. He merely inquired about the backgrounds of these two "young commoner disciples," and upon learning they were not from the gentry, he paid them no further attention. In this era, the distinction between gentry and commoners was an insurmountable chasm that most people could never cross in their entire lives!
"Heaven and Earth, Gods and Gods, the Five Sacred Mountains and the Four Great Rivers, the Wind God and the Rain God, humbly listen to my words! This year, spring has come late and rain has been scarce; fields are cracked, seedlings are withered, the people have nowhere to rely on, and livestock have nowhere to depend on."

Outside the outer city of Waihuang, Chief Shi Qian, along with a group of elders from various clans, recited several prayers at the altar, clearly a combination of Confucianism and Taoism. This is also a characteristic of the "Modern Text School of Confucianism," using rituals and ceremonies to communicate with spirits and deities.

"I, Shi Qian, though unworthy, have diligently followed the rites of the former kings, repairing the altar and purifying the soil, offering sacrifices and libations; I have also performed the ritual of spreading the Taiping Fu water, burning talismans and invoking edicts to communicate with Heaven and summon divine grace. I pray that Heaven will bestow its benevolent blessings, quench the thirst of the people, revive the crops, and enable the people to have food and all things to thrive!"

"If there is any negligence, Heaven will surely observe it; if there is sincerity, the gods will surely bless it. I dare to offer my heartfelt prayers to the boundless, wishing that clouds rise from the eastern mountains and rain fall in all directions. I humbly submit this, and humbly beseech the bright spirits to witness and respond!"

The prayer was quite well-written, and the elders of the various noble families nodded in praise. Chief Shi Qian finished reading it with some self-satisfaction, then offered sacrifices to the gods of heaven and earth, and bowed to the elders around him. For someone of his background, born into a commoner family, it would have been difficult to rise to prominence and govern a region without joining the Way of Peace.

Although powerful clans existed in the Eastern Han Dynasty, resources were still primarily concentrated on their direct descendants. Yuan Shao, born out of wedlock, would not have received the Yuan family's resources and become a prominent young figure in the clan had he not been adopted by his uncle Yuan Cheng, thus becoming a member of the direct line. In that era, how could one achieve fame without the support of their family? The praise and acclaim of renowned figures, the widespread praise from aristocratic families, all stemmed from the mutual support among powerful clans.

"Teacher, please! Everything in the manor is ready. Please follow me inside!"

After the spring sacrifice, Chief Shi Qian led the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao to the Shi family's estate outside the city. This estate certainly couldn't compare to the Duan family's, or even the Zhao family's, wealthy merchants in Handan, but it still exuded the grandeur and refinement of a noble family. Over a hundred disciples were settled in the estate. Only Zhang Chengfu and Gao Daonu, two disciples, followed Zhang Jiao into the main hall, a place specifically for receiving guests. Then, a faint aroma of tea wafted through the air, placed alongside a dried fruit—a rare sight at this time.

“Teacher! I know you love tea, so I specially sent someone to fetch this ‘Yellow Bud’! This tea comes from the mountains of Qian County (Huoshan) in Lujiang Prefecture. The buds and leaves are slightly yellow, and the taste is quite excellent. It’s very refreshing when used as a medicinal drink! Please have some tea, Teacher!”

Commander Shi Qian, showing the respect due to a disciple, offered a medicinal tea with added herbs. This was a custom at the time, where tea was often used as medicine. The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao took a sip, raised an eyebrow, and said with some surprise.

"Hmm, this Huangya tea is indeed excellent! Its refreshing aroma is invigorating and its aftertaste lingers. Is it tea from Qian County, Lujiang Prefecture? How did Zirang know about it, and how did he obtain it?"

"Haha! Teacher, the reason why this tea is known to the gentry of Chenliu is actually thanks to a famous scholar in the county who not only travels all over the world but is also renowned throughout the land!"

"Oh? Who is it?"

"The head of the Cai family in Yu County, Chenliu, is Cai Bojie, the esteemed Lord Cai!"

"Hmm? Cai Bojie, Cai Yong?"

Upon hearing of Cai Yong's great reputation, Zhang Chengfu raised an eyebrow, seemingly lost in thought.

(End of this chapter)