Di Ming

Chapter 300 My Wife Smells Good
The emperor, a devout follower of Esoteric Buddhism, was delighted with Zhu Yin's suggestion. He immediately issued an edict:

"Issued decree! Two Dharma Kings of Tantric Buddhism in Beijing, four Living Buddhas, twelve Rinpoches (Gurus), and forty-nine Khenpos (Scripture Masters) shall be selected as the sangha to accompany the Imperial Envoy on his mission to Japan to spread the teachings and universally benefit the Dharma."

"A copy of the Tripitaka will also be bestowed upon the King of Japan."

Immediately someone went out to deliver the imperial edict.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but smile.

How many lamas are there in Beijing today? Actually, there are many.

The four major Lama temples in Beijing that received imperial recognition—Da Ci'en Temple (Yellow Hat sect), Da Nengren Temple (Flower sect), Da Longshan Temple (White sect), and Da Huguo Temple (Yellow Hat sect)—together house over a thousand Lamas.

Including some small monasteries and lamas from other places temporarily staying in Beijing, there are at least two thousand.

In Beijing alone, there are four top-level lamas at the Dharma King level, including reincarnations of the Great Compassionate Dharma King and the Great Wisdom Dharma King.

According to Zhu Yin, the capital city during the Wanli era was already imbued with a strong Tantric Buddhist atmosphere, with an increasing number of lamas and the four major Lama temples in the capital being extremely prosperous. Although it could not compare to the former Yuan capital, it was not far behind.

In comparison, the popularity and influence of Han Buddhism in Beijing are not as great as those of Tibetan Buddhism, proving that foreign monks are indeed more effective at chanting scriptures.

In fact, the influence of Esoteric Buddhism was already quite significant in late Ming society. This explains why there are so many depictions of "foreign monks" and "foreign monks" in late Ming novels and dramas.

If it weren't for Wei Zhongxian's severe crackdown on Esoteric Buddhism and the great turmoil at the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Central Plains might have become a breeding ground for Esoteric Buddhist practices. Ordinary people believed in even the White Lotus Sect, Christianity, and the Pearl Sect, so naturally they would also believe in Esoteric Buddhism, which had stronger logic and was more deceptive.

With so many lamas in Beijing, selecting a group of eminent Tantric monks to go to Japan would be no problem at all.

Moreover, Esoteric Buddhism has a natural advantage in Japan. This is because the origin of Japanese Buddhism is actually Esoteric Buddhism, a branch of Tangmi (Tang Dynasty Esoteric Buddhism). Therefore, Japanese Buddhism and Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism are related.

Since Japanese Buddhism has declined and weakened under the blows of Oda Nobunaga and others, let the Esoteric Buddhism from western China take its place and flourish again.

Zhu Yin was very pleased. Five days earlier, he had already fulfilled his promise to sponsor Master Zhenming Wang Changyue of Baiyun Temple in Xishan, who led more than a hundred disciples to Japan on a smuggling merchant ship.

Wang Changyue would arrive in Japan more than a month earlier than him. He would be sailing directly from Tianjin to Japan. As for the maritime ban, how could it possibly stop the smuggling merchant ships of the powerful and wealthy? It only restricted the imperial court itself and ordinary people without connections.

Now that there are dozens more high-ranking monks in Tantric Buddhism, Japan is truly blessed.

Since Japan can now accept Christianity and many daimyo are Christians, why can't it accept Taoism and Tantric Buddhism?
The more the better, right? Just believing in Shintoism and Bushido is definitely not enough; it will lead to malnutrition.

"Your Majesty is truly wise," Zhu Yin said with some sincerity.

Although Emperor Bai Jin was despicable, his promise to send lamas to Japan to preach and to give opium pipes to Japanese nobles was commendable.

Emperor Wanli, however, did not forget an important matter, saying, "Last time you quelled the Ningxia rebellion, and this time you have traveled across the ocean. I appreciate your hard work, so I will bestow upon your newlywed wife the title of Shuren."

No sooner had the emperor finished speaking than Gao Cai presented him with an imperial edict, made of five-colored silk, with a rhinoceros horn shaft and peony patterns.

"Just a lady?" Zhu Yin scoffed inwardly.

For a woman to be granted the title of "Lady of Imperial Decree," the official usually had to apply for it on behalf of their mother or wife before the emperor would bestow the title. Only meritorious officials or trusted ministers would receive such titles proactively from the emperor, without requiring an application from the official.

Given Zhu Yin's merits, rank, and achievements, he didn't need to apply for it himself. Zhu Yin was already married, and according to custom, the emperor should have proactively bestowed the title of Lady of the Imperial Decree upon Ning Caiwei.

Zhu Yin's highest official rank was Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, a first-rank official. Ning Caiwei was actually the wife of a Palace Guardian, and theoretically, she should have been granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady.

This is one function of honorary titles for officials. Although honorary titles have no real power, they can determine etiquette, clothing, salary, and even imperial edicts. Otherwise, wouldn't honorary titles be meaningless?
However, Emperor Wanli bestowed upon Ning Caiwei the title of Lady of the Third Rank!

Is that right? Yes, it is. After all, Zhu Yin's actual official position was Vice Minister of War, a third-rank official. It seems correct that Ning Caiwei was granted a third-rank imperial title.

But it's unfair to start from the low and not the high.

The emperor's reluctance to bestow the title of First-Rank Lady upon Ning Caiwei was clearly a deliberate attempt to suppress Zhu Yin's influence. After all, Zhu Yin was not yet sixteen; if his wife were a First-Rank Lady, how could he expect to rise in rank later?
There's nowhere left to rise!

Zhu Yin was naturally unhappy, but on the surface he showed a look of surprise and bowed again, saying:

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! My wife is merely the daughter of a merchant, yet she has received such an imperial decree from Your Majesty. I am filled with trepidation and humility..."

Then he stood up and accepted the imperial edict bestowing the title upon Ning Caiwei.

He thought to himself, "I've accomplished so much, and I'm about to risk my life to go to Japan, and all you're giving my wife is a title of 'Lady of the House'? You're so stingy!"

"Would she even care about a virtuous woman? I'll make her my empress someday!"

If the emperor knew about Zhu Yin's grievances, he would probably immediately issue an edict to kill his entire family.

Emperor Wanli said, "Minister Zhu, I will not keep you any longer. You will be leaving the capital tomorrow, so take your leave now."

"Yes!" Zhu Yin knelt down again. "Your subject Zhu Yin takes his leave. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Emperor Wanli waved lazily, "Have a safe journey and take care of yourself."

Zhu Yin kowtowed again and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I take my leave now!"

After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yin breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the warm autumn sun in the afternoon.

We finally got through it.

Even though he was a time traveler, possessing the pride and confidence bestowed upon him by the old man of history, and filled with contempt for Wanli, he still felt as if he were walking on thin ice when facing a feudal emperor who held the power of life and death.

The power of the emperor is terrifying, and even time travelers cannot help but feel fear.

He looked at the jade opium pipe bestowed upon him by the emperor in his hand and couldn't help but smile slightly.

Damn it, I was actually forced to smoke opium with the emperor today. This boomerang really hit the bullseye!

Fortunately, although he took a few puffs along with the others, he knew the harmful effects of opium and didn't inhale it at all. He just let the smoke pass through his mouth and then quickly exhaled.

It won't be addictive.

This stuff is absolutely forbidden. Look at that money-grubbing emperor; he's become an addict.

Several eunuchs followed behind Zhu Yin, carrying opium and other opium pipes, as they left the palace together.

...

After Zhu Yin left the palace, Lan Cha and the other guards took the things from the eunuchs, who then returned to the palace.

Zhu Yin then led his men back to his residence.

As I passed by Dahuguo Temple, I saw the temple's chief lama respectfully seeing off the eunuch who had come to deliver an imperial edict. The high monks all looked somewhat bitter.

If these masters knew that the person who sent them to Japan was Zhu Yin, they would probably curse him.

Seeing this, Zhu Yin simply smiled and let it go. These lamas might thank him in the future after they go to Japan.

These past few days, he has made many preparations. Daoist Zhenming has already set off, Ning Caiwei will soon set sail to lead troops to attack Japan, and Ning Qingchen's medical school has finished enrolling students and begun teaching.

Nurhaci in Liaodong must have received the news by now and was preparing to accompany the envoy…

The Tiger Tooth organization also sprang into action.

When Zhu Yin returned to his residence, he saw Ning Caiwei practicing the "Xinyou Knife Technique" in the courtyard, with Ding Hongying accompanying her in practice.

Ning Qingchen sat in the pavilion nearby, watching with a smile. Xiao Hei squatted beside her, its eyes following its mistress's movements as she swung her knife and leaped, watching intently. At tense moments, its ears would suddenly perk up.

Ning Caiwei places great importance on self-defense and has diligently practiced martial arts over the years. She has already achieved a certain level of proficiency in horsemanship, archery, swordsmanship, and hand-to-hand combat.

Ning Caiwei was far more agile and powerful than girls her age. Several strong men were no match for her; she was essentially a weaker version of Ding Hongying, a true and valiant female knight-errant.

At this moment, she was seen wielding a knife in both hands, striking with lightning speed and ruthlessness, and she and Ding Hongying were evenly matched for a time.

In the courtyard, two women, one in red and one in white, were dressed in a close-fitting outfit. They moved with the grace of a startled swan and the agility of a flying rabbit. Their shouts and commands were incessant, and the sounds of clashing weapons rang out intermittently.

"Aunt Wei, this knife cut my neck, but the strike was too straight, not biased enough. Don't worry about hurting me..."

"This stab is aimed at my lower abdomen. I need to use a quick, sudden thrust. Your thrust wasn't powerful enough, so it was a bit slow. Don't worry about hurting me, you definitely won't hurt me..." Despite Ning Caiwei's aggressive attack and the storm-like swordplay that suggested she was quite skilled, demonstrating her mastery of Qi Jiguang's "Xin You Sword Technique," she couldn't hurt Ding Hongying no matter what she did.

Ding Hongying simply held her knife calmly and casually, effortlessly deflecting Ning Caiwei's attacks with a few strokes. Then, with a seemingly casual backhand slash, she forced Ning Caiwei to retreat.

The two men's swordsmanship was clearly not on the same level.

If Galo was Ning Caiwei's archery and horsemanship teacher, then Ding Hongying was Ning Caiwei's swordsmanship teacher.

Ding Hongying is a person with a talent for swordsmanship. At the age of nineteen, she is fully developed, strong, and has a beautiful physique. She is already capable of defeating more than ten people and can be considered a master swordsman of the present day.

With a sword in hand, and if she were wearing armor, she could easily defeat a troop of armored soldiers!

She could single-handedly charge at dozens of ordinary men wielding knives who were not wearing armor!
In terms of skills, she was no less capable than Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who could defeat a hundred men; the only disadvantage was the inherent weakness of women in terms of strength.

Originally, she was to marry Cao Wenzhao in October, and Zhu Yin had already prepared the dowry. However, Cao Wenzhao's grandfather recently passed away, and although he was not required to return home for mourning, he had to observe a year of mourning and was not allowed to marry during that year.

So she could only wait until next year. Of course, Zhu Yin would definitely marry her off in a grand ceremony, no less than that of a daughter's wedding, with a dowry befitting a wealthy heiress.

Zhu Yin arrived at the pavilion and sat down next to Ning Qingchen, watching the battle with a smile.

He saw that Caiwei's hair ribbon had come undone, her long black hair cascading down her back, and she was already panting heavily.

There was no way she could defeat Ding Hongying. It would take three Ning Caiweis working together to have any chance of defeating one Ding Hongying.

But actually she's already quite good, and deserves the title of "heroine".

"Little Tiger," Ning Qingchen said, holding Zhu Yin's hand, "whose swordsmanship is better, yours or Hongying's?"

Zhu Yin was speechless. "Immortal Physician Ning, you really think too highly of me. How can my swordsmanship compare to that of Heroine Hongying?"

Because he is a man and a former special agent, his fighting skills are definitely much stronger than Ning Caiwei's, but he is certainly no match for Hongying in terms of weaponry.

In other words, mounted archery is better than red-tasseled archery.

As soon as Zhu Yin spoke, Ning Qingchen suddenly sniffed, sniffing at Zhu Yin like a puppy, then sniffing near his mouth, and couldn't help but furrow her brows, saying in a cute, childlike voice:

"Little tiger, what's that smell in your breath? Why does it taste bitter?"

Zhu Yin was a little embarrassed, rolled his eyes and said, "Do you have a dog's nose? You can smell this?"

He lowered his voice again and said, "It smells like opium..."

"What?!" The little girl exclaimed in astonishment. "You, you smoke opium? You're asking for it, little tiger..."

"Shh—" Zhu Yin pressed his hand to her mouth, "It was when we were in the palace, Emperor Bai Jin made me whip him, I didn't want to either. This boomerang shot..."

Ning Qingchen didn't laugh, but instead kept a stern face. "Opium is highly addictive, little tiger. Don't test your willpower against drugs..."

Zhu Yin touched her hair bun. "Don't worry. I didn't actually inhale it; I just held it in my mouth and spat it out. How could I not know my limits?"

Ning Qingchen breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. I'll rinse my mouth later to get rid of the smoke's effects on my respiratory tract."

Just as the two were talking, Ning Caiwei said, "I'm not practicing with the sword anymore."

With a swift "clang," she sheathed her sword, deftly retied her hair, and styled it into a high ponytail. Then, she walked over with a radiant smile, revealing sparkling white teeth and shallow dimples, her beauty dazzling in the autumn light.

She is truly a sunny and beautiful girl, every inch of her skin radiating youthful beauty and vitality.

Ning Caiwei sat down, her head covered in sweat, radiating heat as if she had just stepped out of a steamer.

She wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief, then took off her shoes and socks, revealing a pair of snow-white feet.

"Ugh, it stinks!" Ning Qingchen pinched her nose and tilted her head. "It smells like sweat..."

Ning Caiwei stared with her star-like eyes, her face full of innocent reproach as she said:
"What nonsense are you talking about? I just worked up a sweat, but I don't have sweaty feet, and I'm not dirty. Where do I smell bad? Why are you saying my mouth is black?"

She was naturally unhappy to be called "stinky" by her younger sister in front of the little tiger. Even though she knew her sister was talking nonsense, she still felt a little embarrassed.

She didn't want to stay cool anymore, so she reluctantly put on her shoes and socks.

Ning Qingchen laughed and said, "Alright, alright, you smell nice, your sweat smells nice, your feet smell nice, okay? Hehe."

"Oh, I'm actually doing this for your own good, so you won't take off your shoes and go barefoot all the time, which would damage the noble image of a top scholar's wife. I'm also concerned about you, because you're prone to getting sick if you go barefoot after sweating. Taking off your shoes may feel nice for a moment, but cold comes from your feet."

She enjoyed deliberately embarrassing her older sister in front of the little tiger, watching her sister get a little angry.

I don't know when this mentality appeared, it's really toxic.

Ning Caiwei was a little indignant. "I'm all sweaty, what's wrong with taking off my shoes to cool off in my own home? Is that a problem? If you think I smell bad, then get lost!"

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "Immortal Physician Ning is used to talking nonsense and spouting lies. Don't take her seriously. I can smell how fragrant my wife is."

He genuinely thought his wife smelled sweet, even though it was actually the smell of sweat.

Ning Caiwei chuckled, her mood instantly improving.

Upon hearing this, Hongying, who was following behind, paused in her tracks and looked up at the white clouds in the sky.

Uncle Tiger, your niece is right here, and you're already flirting with Aunt Wei? Am I a fake? Aunt Wei is sweating so much, I don't believe she can smell that good.

Ning Qingchen stuck out her tongue and made a face as if she was about to vomit.

This little girl is really no good.

Ning Caiwei, too lazy to pay attention to the two beautiful women beside her, one tall and one short, stood up, took Zhu Yin's hand, and walked towards the archery range nearby. She smiled sweetly as she said:
"Finally out of the palace. I was worried before, serving the emperor is like walking on thin ice. What did the emperor say?"

Zhu Yin held Ning Caiwei's soft, calloused hand and smiled:
"The emperor only asked a few questions, sent me opium and a pipe, hoping I would support the third prince. He also bestowed upon you the title of a third-rank noblewoman, a *shuren*..."

Ning Caiwei was listening with a smile, but when she heard the words "Shuren" (淑人), her smile faded.

“Who cares about a third-rank imperial consort?” Ning Caiwei sneered. “You’ve worked hard and made great contributions these past few years, and I’ve given you plenty of money, but you’re so stingy? You’re really mean and ungrateful.”

"Forget it," Zhu Yin chuckled softly. "Even if she were a first-rank lady, we wouldn't care. Having a title of 'Shuren' (a title for a virtuous and refined lady) would at least allow you to avoid bowing to officials, and it would be more convenient in business."

Ning Caiwei pointed to the target in front of her, "How many times should I shoot?"

Zhu Yin took off his clothes, "Go ahead and shoot!"

"Someone, bring me and my wife's bow and arrows!"

A moment later, someone brought out the two men's bows from the nearby bow room. Zhu Yin was using a medium-sized bow with an octave of eight dou (a unit of weight), while Ning Caiwei was using a light bow with a octave of five dou (another unit of weight).

The two stood side by side, and Zhu Yin gestured for them to go first, saying, "My lady, please shoot first."

Ning Caiwei did not back down either, skillfully drawing her bow and nocking an arrow, the bowstring drawn as full as a moon.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!" Ning Caiwei fired three arrows in quick succession, all of which hit the bullseye thirty paces away!

Her movements were graceful and fluid, reminiscent of Qin Liangyu.

Today, Ning Caiwei has not only achieved some success in calligraphy and mastered the basics of playing the zither, but she is also skilled in archery and horsemanship, and possesses considerable martial arts abilities. She can be described as a woman of both literary and martial talents.

She can be both sweet and sassy, ​​cute and cool.

"Husband, how did I shoot those three arrows?" Ning Caiwei turned her beautiful face to the side, her hair flowing as she smiled.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but clap his hands and say, "I was a little worried at first, but after seeing your archery skills today, I'm no longer worried about you leading the troops to conquer the Japanese. Even Hua Mulan and Li Xiuning are no better than this."

Indeed, the one who led the Jinghai Navy to attack the Japanese was none other than Ning Caiwei, who was already a female general.

She will take the place of Zhu Yin and lead the Eight Banners overseas to attack Japan in the name of the Jiedushi's wife!
P.S.: Please don't criticize Qingchen; she lacks parental love. In the next chapter, Little Tiger will no longer be in China. The story will then focus on Japan. Please vote with monthly tickets! We're relying on the monthly ticket rankings now, *crying* T﹏T. Thank you, goodnight!

(End of this chapter)