The Three Teachings Converge into One: The Path of the Mortal and the Saintly is the Same

Poetry:

In green robes, he ascended the throne to assist in governance, and the three religions were integrated to stabilize the nine provinces.

The imperial steps prosper, and the path of learning continues the grand plan.

In the eleventh year of the Jinghe era, the first snowfall cleared in Luoyang. The glazed tiles of the Taiji Hall gleamed with snow, and beneath the imperial steps, civil and military officials stood in neat rows, their hats and belts in uniform, while armored soldiers held halberds in formation. Dragon banners fluttered in the dawn light, creating a solemn and dignified scene. After several months of rectification by Su Qingxuan, the factional strife in the court had subsided somewhat, and the administration had become more transparent. Emperor Jinghe's power base was increasingly solid. However, the threats from the northern barbarian tribes, the hidden rebellions of the King of Heluo, and the instability of the dynasty's foundation still weighed heavily on the emperor's mind.

At the beginning of the court assembly, Emperor Jinghe did not discuss border affairs or attend to state matters. Instead, he raised his hand and ordered an eunuch to read the imperial edict aloud. The resounding sound echoed throughout the Taiji Hall:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Su Qingxuan, the Imperial Censor, is a man of outstanding talent from humble origins, well-versed in the three teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism). He governs the south of the Yangtze River, bringing peace to the people; he oversees the Censorate, maintaining order in the court; he possesses a magnanimous heart to save the world and extraordinary talent to govern the world. He is now promoted to Grand Chancellor and concurrently Chancellor of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, becoming the chief minister, overseeing all government affairs, both domestic and foreign, and concurrently managing the affairs of the Three Teachings Propagation Academy. He is granted the Nine Bestowments and ceremonial regalia, and is permitted to receive audiences without being called by name, enter the court without hastening, and wear a sword and shoes in the palace. This is the imperial decree."

His words caused an uproar throughout the court.

Su Qingxuan was only sixteen or seventeen years old. As a poor scholar, he rose from a seventh-rank county magistrate to the position of chief minister in just two years, taking charge of the government and the affairs of the three religions. This was an unprecedented honor in the thousand years since the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty!

Among the officials, the loyal and upright veteran minister Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and nodded, knowing full well that this was a fortunate event for the country.

Zhang Congyao, the leader of the Xiang faction, had triangular eyes that were as sinister as knives, and his white beard trembled wildly. He gripped the court tablet tightly with his fingertips. As the prime minister, his position was below that of the chief minister and the prime minister. This imperial edict from the emperor was not only a disguised way of reducing his power, but also made Su Qingxuan subtly suppress him.

The emperor's brother-in-law, Liu Chengye, stared in disbelief, his large body trembling, and he nearly lost his composure and fell to the ground.

King Xiao Jingyu of Heluo tightened his grip on the ring, his eyes swirling with dark clouds, concealing a murderous intent—Su Qingxuan was second only to the emperor, and the original structure of the court had been completely shattered. Su Qingxuan held immense power and was an unyielding and stubborn man, which meant that his path to usurping power and seizing the country was blocked. If this boy was not eliminated, he would surely become a great threat!

Su Qingxuan remained calm as he slowly stepped forward. His blue court robes brushed against the white jade steps, his aura of the three religions subtly concealed, showing neither arrogance nor fear. He bowed three times, his voice as clear as metal and stone.

"Your subject, Su Qingxuan, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. I am originally a Confucian scholar from Jiangnan, and Your Majesty has shown me great favor. I cherish the original aspirations of the three teachings and take it upon myself to save the world. Now that I have been entrusted with the important position of prime minister, how dare I not exert all my strength and loyalty to rectify the court, bring peace to the people, harmonize the three teachings, and consolidate the foundation of the nation? Even if I die nine times, I will not regret it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the bronze holy seal in his arms warmed slightly, and a wisp of gentle light quietly emanated from his robes, enveloping the imperial steps. The remaining tense and resentful atmosphere and turbid thoughts in the court vanished upon contact with it, and all the officials felt their minds clear. Even the violent aura of Zhang Congyao and Liu Chengye was suppressed by three points.

Emperor Jinghe's face relaxed as he personally descended from the dragon throne, helped Su Qingxuan up, and, holding his hand, declared loudly, "I entrust the empire to my beloved minister. From this day forward, all matters of state, large and small, shall be decided by my minister. I will merely remain in the center, refusing to interfere!"

The emperor personally held the hands of the prime minister, a ceremony rarely seen throughout history. All civil and military officials knelt and shouted "Long live the emperor!" Although the leaders of the three factions were unwilling, they could only follow the crowd and kowtow, not daring to show the slightest dissent.

After the court session, Su Qingxuan entered the Secretariat to assume his duties. The once dilapidated Secretariat was instantly transformed into the core of the nation's governance, with memorials from governors and viceroys across the country, military reports from the northern frontier, petitions from the three religions, and files on people's livelihoods piling up like mountains. Chi Ying, as always, stood guard outside the Secretariat, his red robes reflecting the snow, never leaving his side; Zhou Laogen managed the affairs of his personal attendants with meticulous order; the officials of the Secretariat, upon first meeting the young prime minister, were all filled with doubt, but seeing him sitting upright at his desk, reviewing memorials with ease, and making decisions on matters of state with divine precision, and in just two days clearing up the files that had piled up for months, they were all completely convinced of his abilities.

Su Qingxuan acted swiftly and decisively. On the third day after his promotion to Grand Secretary, he issued three decrees, based on the three major teachings of Taoism, Buddhism, and Taoism, to reform the national administration and reshape the world:

First, it is to rectify the principles of Confucianism and to clarify the rites and laws;

Secondly, it is to streamline administration and bring peace to the people by eliminating unnecessary tasks and simplifying governance.

Thirdly, Buddhism is used to leniency in punishment and to educate and reform criminals;

He further issued an edict to the whole country, abolishing the sectarianism of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in the name of the imperial court, prohibiting the three religions from attacking each other, establishing "the three religions share the same origin and all laws return to the heart" as the national ideology, and setting up the Three Religions Propagation Hall to integrate the classics of the three religions and educate students throughout the country.

The decree caused an uproar throughout the land, and turmoil broke out both inside and outside the imperial court.

The first issue to be raised was the debate on Confucian rites and laws.

Since its founding, the Great Xia Dynasty has revered Confucianism, adhering to ancient rites and maintaining old systems. Court etiquette is elaborate and strict, yet largely a facade. Rebellious factions have used this guise to form cliques, pursue personal gain, and suppress dissent. Su Qingxuan ordered Wen Yanbo to lead the revision of the "Great Xia Court Etiquette Code," simplifying it and adopting the core Confucian principles of "benevolence, propriety, respect, and sincerity." The code abolished flattery and the practice of forming cliques and paying homage to superiors. It explicitly ordered all officials: in court, they should only discuss state affairs; at private banquets, forming cliques is forbidden; those who violate etiquette or show disrespect will be fined; and those who form cliques for personal gain will be dismissed.

Liu Zhijun, the nephew of Liu Chengye and commander of the Imperial Guards, openly whispered among himself during a court assembly, criticizing Su Qingxuan for "rising from humble origins to the position of Grand Secretary and disrupting ancestral rules." Su Qingxuan caught them in the act. According to the old system, a member of the imperial family would at most be reprimanded for such behavior. However, Su Qingxuan followed the new regulations and immediately ordered Liu Zhijun to be dismissed from his post as commander of the Imperial Guards, fined three years' salary, and exiled to a border camp.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Chengye stormed into the Secretariat and threw a tantrum, slamming his fist on the table and roaring, "Su Qingxuan! How dare you, with your arrogance, insult a member of the imperial family! Our Great Xia governs with Confucian principles; this is a grave disrespect to imperial authority!"

Su Qingxuan raised his eyes, his gaze sharp and stern, his voice steady and firm: "Does the Imperial Uncle know that Confucian etiquette is not based on rank or social status, but on reverence for Heaven and ancestors, diligence in governance, and love for the people? Liu Zhijun, as the commander of the Imperial Guards, has acted improperly in court, presumptuously discussing state affairs—this is disrespectful; relying on his relatives, he disregards the law—this is irreverent. Confucian scholars govern the country without regard to kinship, and the law does not favor the powerful. If the Imperial Uncle continues to obstruct this for personal gain, he will be violating the great principles of Confucianism and deceiving the Emperor! Moreover…"

Su Qingxuan paused, a cold glint in his eyes, and continued, "Does the Imperial Uncle not know about some of the things Commander Liu has done?" Su Qingxuan deliberately lowered his voice, "How much benefit has he secretly received from the King of Heluo, and what is the King of Heluo's motive... you know nothing at all, Imperial Uncle?"

These words left Liu Chengye sweating profusely, speechless, his face turning a deep purplish-red. Su Qingxuan softened his tone, "However... considering his inexperience, I will only give him a minor punishment, a three-year exile to the frontier, hoping he will recognize his mistakes, repent, and serve the court by guarding the frontier. As for the Imperial Uncle, you... know your place."

Su Qingxuan's words were a mix of rebuttal and warning. Liu Chengye already had something to hide, and Su Qingxuan had him firmly in control. Even though he knew Su Qingxuan was using this opportunity to eliminate his supporters, he could only swallow his anger and leave trembling with fear.

Zhang Congyao secretly instigated more than ten senior Confucian officials to kneel at Chengtian Gate and remonstrate with their lives on the grounds that "Su Qingxuan abolished ancient rites and changed ancestral systems," declaring that "if the Confucian school does not survive, we would rather die than eat Zhou grain."

Su Qingxuan personally went to Chengtian Gate, stood before the assembled senior officials, bowed respectfully, and, holding a copy of the Analects, asked in a clear voice: "Esteemed gentlemen, Confucius said, 'In matters of propriety, it is better to be frugal than extravagant; in matters of mourning, it is better to be sorrowful than merely superficial.' The essence of propriety lies in the heart, not in outward appearance. The old rites are now cumbersome, wasting public funds and disrupting the government. Those with malicious intentions use them to form cliques and pursue personal gain, while officials become lazy and negligent in their duties. This is the superficial aspect of propriety, not its essence. I am reforming and clarifying the rites and laws, restoring the core of Confucian benevolence and propriety, bringing peace to the people and rectifying the government. Is this not upholding the way of the sages?"

He further stated: "Confucius said, 'A scholar cannot but be resolute and persevering, for his burden is heavy and his journey is long.' You old gentlemen, clinging to outdated rituals while avoiding the real hardships of the people, holding onto empty words while forgetting to help the world—is this the true nature of a Confucian scholar?"

The veteran officials exchanged bewildered glances. Wen Yanbo, who had been observing from the sidelines, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and sighed, "What the Grand Secretary Su said is the true essence of Confucianism! We, who are clinging to the old ways, are ashamed!" He immediately rose and followed Su Qingxuan back to the court to help him implement the new rites. In less than ten days, the court's etiquette was renewed, officials upheld the rules and worked diligently, the practice of forming cliques was curbed, and the core principles of Confucian benevolence and propriety were restored to the world.

Su Qingxuan's second implementation of the Daoist policy of purifying the mind and reducing redundancy directly targeted the weaknesses of the three factions.

For nearly a century, the Great Xia Dynasty had seen its court leaders install their cronies, resulting in a proliferation of redundant officials throughout the country. In the capital region alone, there were over three thousand redundant officials, accounting for 70% of the total number of officials. Half of the national treasury's annual revenue was consumed by salaries, and the people suffered immensely from heavy taxes. Su Qingxuan, following the Daoist principles of "quietude, non-action, and simplified administration," issued the "Decree to Eliminate Redundant Officials": all officials in the empire who were deemed to have no duties, no achievements to report, or who were merely installed as redundant officials were to be dismissed; government agencies were to be streamlined, overlapping offices merged, and redundant personnel eliminated; dismissed officials who were poor were to be given three months' salary as resettlement, while corrupt officials were to be investigated and permanently barred from employment.

As soon as the decree was issued, the more than two thousand redundant officials placed by Zhang Congyao and Liu Chengye were the first to be affected. These people lost their official positions and cut off their source of income, so they secretly instigated thousands of people to gather and besiege the Secretariat and the Censorate, holding up banners that read "Su Qingxuan is disrupting the government and harming officials," crying and shouting, and even threatening to set fire to the government offices.

Zhou Laogen glared angrily and tried to lead his men to disperse the crowd. Chi Ying also stepped forward with his spear, but was stopped by Su Qingxuan.

"Taoism emphasizes tranquility and using gentleness to overcome strength; we must not provoke violence." Su Qingxuan slowly walked out of the Secretariat and stood before the troublemaking officials. Dressed in a simple blue robe, his righteous aura subtly concealed, he spoke in a clear voice, "You are all officials of the Great Xia Dynasty, receiving the emperor's salary and thus obligated to serve him. The national treasury is empty, and the people bear heavy taxes, all because there are too many officials who hold positions without performing their duties. My decision to dismiss redundant officials is to purify the court and reduce the burden on the people, not to harm you."

He ordered his subordinates to publicly read out the accounts of the redundant officials' salaries: "Three thousand redundant officials in the capital region consume hundreds of thousands of taels of silver annually, equivalent to the annual tax revenue of a single county in Jiangnan! By dismissing these redundant officials, half of the money and grain saved will be used to fund the military in the northern frontier, and the other half will be used to reduce taxes for the people. You all should ask yourselves honestly: is it right to occupy official positions and harm the people, or to return home and live a peaceful life?"

He further ordered his subordinates to distribute resettlement funds to the impoverished officials who had been dismissed, and to publicly announce the list of dismissals. Those who had demonstrated merit and accomplished practical results were to be retained without any repercussions. The troublesome officials, unaware of the truth, saw Su Qingxuan's impartiality and proper handling of the situation, and realizing he was acting under orders, scattered like birds and beasts. Within a month, tens of thousands of redundant officials were dismissed, over a thousand government offices were streamlined, the national treasury was full, and taxes were reduced by 30%. The entire court and the public praised him.

Seeing that the policy of reducing redundancy had cut off his faction's supporters, Zhang Congyao was so angry that he fell ill and was bedridden, but he was helpless. Liu Chengye could only watch helplessly as the power of the maternal relatives was diminished, and he could only swallow his anger. Xiao Jing, the Prince of Heluo, gritted his teeth in secret, knowing that Su Qingxuan's popularity was growing, and he was accelerating his pace of colluding with the Di barbarians to launch a military campaign.

Su Qingxuan's three Buddhist policies of compassion and leniency in sentencing cleansed up the world's legal disputes and demonstrated his compassion.

The old laws of the Great Xia Dynasty were originally quite fair, but in recent years, due to the control of the government by three factions, harsh punishments and severe laws have been imposed, with collective punishment, corporal punishment, and cruel torture rampant. Cruel officials are running rampant, wrongful convictions are numerous, and the people are suffering unspeakably. Su Qingxuan, based on the Buddhist principle of "compassion and universal salvation," issued the "Edict of Lenient Punishment and Education": abolishing corporal punishments such as tattooing, nose cutting, foot cutting, and castration, and abolishing the extermination of entire families and collective punishment; those who commit minor crimes shall be sentenced to hard labor to atone for their sins, and those who commit extremely minor crimes shall be pardoned if they sincerely repent; those who commit serious crimes shall be tried three times and reviewed five times to prevent wrongful convictions; and repentance halls shall be set up in prisons throughout the country, so that prisoners can recite scriptures for self-reflection and be educated to do good.

Zhao Wei, a cruel official in Luoyang, was originally a confidant of Zhang Congyao. He made money by using torture to extract confessions and creating false prisons. Upon hearing about the policy of lenient punishment, he immediately wrote a memorial to oppose it, saying that "without strict laws, there is no way to govern the people." Zhang Congyao even instructed him to secretly increase the punishment of criminals and provoke the new policy.

Su Qingxuan personally went to the Dali Temple prison to investigate and found that Zhao Wei had tortured more than ten farmers who had committed minor offenses by refusing to pay taxes, forced them to confess, and convicted them of bandits, sentencing them to death. He was immediately enraged. He advised Zhao Wei with the words of Buddhist compassion: "All beings are equal, and prisoners are also ordinary people. Torturing confessions and creating wrongful convictions is creating karmic debts of killing. The Buddha said that cause and effect are infallible. Such actions go against the way of Heaven and will surely lead to disastrous consequences."

Zhao Wei, defiant and unruly, retorted sharply: "I only know how to establish authority through punishment, I know nothing of compassion or Buddhist nature!"

Su Qingxuan said no more, ordering the Censorate to thoroughly investigate Zhao Wei's crimes of corruption and wrongful executions. The investigation revealed that over the past ten years, he had fabricated over a hundred wrongful convictions, unjustly killing more than thirty innocent people and embezzling tens of thousands of taels of silver. According to the new laws, Zhao Wei's crimes were heinous, and he was sentenced to beheading, his property confiscated, and compensation provided to the families of the unjustly killed. On the day of his execution, the people of Luoyang gathered to watch, applauding and cheering. Cruel officials throughout the land trembled at the sight of his crimes and dared not act recklessly again.

Su Qingxuan personally went to the Luoyang prison to preach the principles of goodness from the three religions to the prisoners, and ordered those who repented to atone for their crimes by repairing river embankments and cultivating wasteland. In just two months, the number of lawsuits in the country was reduced by half, the violent atmosphere in the prisons disappeared, and the spirit of education flourished. The people all said, "Chief Minister Su governs the country with benevolence, and there are no injustices in the world."

While implementing the three decrees, Su Qingxuan's most crucial action was to abolish the sectarianism among the three religions and establish their common origin as the foundation of the nation.

After that earth-shattering upheaval in ancient times, the three religions declined. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism attacked each other. Confucianism denounced Buddhism and Taoism as heresy, Taoism denounced Confucianism and Buddhism as worldly dust, and Buddhism denounced Confucianism and Taoism as obsession. Sectarianism took root, the academic atmosphere of the world was divided, the light of the true Dharma was dimmed, and the signs of the end times became increasingly apparent.

Su Qingxuan built the Sanjiao Hongwen Hall in the south of Luoyang, recruiting Confucian scholars, Daoist masters, and Buddhist monks to join the hall. He integrated the classics of the three religions and compiled the *Sanjiao Tongyuan Lu* (Record of the Common Origin of the Three Religions), explicitly stating:

Confucianism teaches to preserve one's heart and govern the world with benevolence and propriety; Taoism teaches to refine one's heart and align oneself with Heaven through tranquility; Buddhism teaches to enlighten one's heart and guide people with compassion. The three teachings are of one mind, all methods originate from the same source, there is no distinction of superiority or inferiority, and no sectarianism.

On the day of the opening, prominent figures from the three religions gathered, but also sparked numerous controversies.

Liu Jinxian, a senior Confucian scholar and proponent of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, knelt before the Hongwen Academy, banging his head on the ground: "Confucianism is the orthodox school, Buddhism and Taoism are heresies. The Grand Secretary's attempt to integrate the three teachings is to disrupt the academic atmosphere of the world and destroy the foundation of Confucianism!"

Master Qingyun, a Taoist priest, flicked his whisk and said coldly, "Taoists cultivate longevity, Confucianists value worldly affairs, and Buddhists preach emptiness. Those who follow different paths should not associate with each other; why force a fusion?"

Abbot Huinian of the Buddhist sect clasped his hands together, but sighed softly: "The three religions follow different paths. Forcing them to unite may cause them to lose their true nature."

Su Qingxuan stood atop the high platform of the Hongwen Hall, the bronze sacred seal resting on his desk, and began his lecture in a clear voice that carried for miles:

"Distinguished sirs, there is only one Way in the world. Confucian scholars govern the world to bring peace to all; Taoists cultivate themselves to bring harmony to the world; Buddhists guide people's hearts to bring good to all beings."

"Years ago in Jiangnan, I saw farmers tilling the fields, fulfilling the Confucian duty; fishermen going with the current, following the Tao; children turning to goodness, showing the Buddhist compassion—the three teachings have always existed in the world, never separated!"

He used his own spiritual practice to prove it: "I began studying Confucian classics at three, and at eight I established a heart to help the world; at ten I met a Taoist master and learned harmony among all things; at twelve I realized the nature of Buddha and understood the importance of non-attachment. Confucianism is the foundation of one's character; without Confucianism, the world would be in chaos; Taoism is the wings for a long journey; without Taoism, the heart would be restless; Buddhism is the shore for returning to one's heart; without Buddhism, one would be lost in delusion. Only when the three teachings are integrated can the complete Great Way be achieved; to separate them into different schools is to cling to attachments!"

After speaking, the bronze sacred seal shone brightly, the righteous spirit of Confucianism, the purity of Taoism, and the compassion of Buddhism merging into a seven-colored radiance that enveloped the Hongwen Hall. Liu Jinxian suddenly felt the fusion of Confucian benevolence and Buddhist compassion, and with a sudden enlightenment, he bowed respectfully, saying, "This old man was deluded; thank you for the Prime Minister's enlightenment!"

Master Qingyun and Abbot Huinian exchanged a smile, then clasped their hands in a gesture of respect: "The three religions share a common origin, just as the Grand Secretary said!"

From then on, with the vigorous promotion of renowned scholars, Taoist priests, and monks from all sides, the sectarianism among the three religions gradually faded: students no longer only studied Confucian classics, but also practiced Taoist and Buddhist doctrines, and the academic atmosphere was renewed. In Jiangnan, the Central Plains, and the northern frontier, branch schools for the propagation of the three religions were established one after another, and disciples of the three religions learned from each other and stopped attacking each other. The literary atmosphere flourished throughout the land, and the people were won over.

Under the sunlight, a dark cloud was gathering.

That night, Su Qingxuan sat alone in his study in the Secretariat, the bronze sacred seal resting on his desk. Suddenly, he felt a strong resonance emanating from the ancient spiritual wood of Jiangnan, within which, amidst its shimmering light, the signs of budding seeds appeared. As he concentrated on comprehending this, a figure in gray robes quietly appeared outside the window—it was the gray-robed guardian of the Dao.

"The new policies of the Grand Secretary have brought together the three religions, unifying the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. The ancient Dao seed is about to awaken." The gray-robed Daoist lightly waved his whisk, his voice gentle yet carrying a hidden warning.

"However, the awakening of the Dao Seed will inevitably attract the covetousness of all realms. King Xiao Jing of Heluo is secretly colluding with the Northern Barbarians, and there are also shadowy figures from the Demon Realm who want to take advantage of the awakening of the Dao Seed to overthrow the Great Xia Dynasty;

The Northern Barbarian King, also practicing ancient barbarian arts, desires to seize the Holy Seal, sever the Dao Seed, and unify the world. Your path of mortals and saints sharing the same goal, the cause of unifying the three religions, is facing an impending calamity; you must proceed with extreme caution.

Su Qingxuan bowed and said, "Thank you for your warning, Daoist. My original intention remains unchanged. Even if there are countless calamities, I will still use the three religions to help the world and protect all living beings."

The gray-robed Taoist nodded, and with a flick of his finger, a wisp of Taoist energy flowed into the bronze sacred seal: "The sacred seal is the seal that unites the three ancient religions, and the spiritual wood is the carrier of the Buddhist seed. The fusion of the two can protect your foundation of Tao. However, tribulations of love, power, and demons... all kinds of tribulations will come one after another. You must guard your true heart, not be blinded by worldly emotions, and not be bound by the desire for power." After speaking, he transformed into a wisp of breeze and disappeared.

Su Qingxuan understood: the tribulation of love involved Lin Wanqing's feelings, Chi Ying's affection, Ling Yue's heart, and Ling Xi's intentions; the tribulation of power involved the rebellious ministers of the three factions, the treacherous plots of the vassal kings, and the entanglements of imperial power; the tribulation of demons involved the evil arts of the Di barbarians, the remnants of the demon realm, and the struggle between the seeds of the Dao. With all these tribulations intertwined, mortals and saints walked the same path, and the road ahead was extremely perilous.

Just as she was pondering, Chi Ying pushed open the door and entered, holding a blue brocade cloak that she had sewn herself. Her eyes were filled with fervent affection: "Brother Qingxuan, it's cold outside and the night is chilly. Put this cloak on. I discovered today that the King of Heluo's confidant was having a secret meeting with Di Man spies at an inn in the south of the city. I've memorized their contact code and can capture them at any time."

Su Qingxuan took the cloak and said gently, "With you here, I feel at ease. Let's keep this to ourselves for now; I have my own plans."

Chi Ying nodded emphatically, while the woman in red stood by her side, never leaving her side.

Meanwhile, at the Lin residence in Pingjiang Prefecture, Lin Wanqing was engrossed in organizing Confucian classics when she suddenly felt a pang of fear. Her hand gripping the pen tightened instantly. She looked up at the distant horizon and murmured to herself: May you turn misfortune into good fortune and overcome adversity!

In the Jingxin Nunnery next to the Taiji Hall, Princess Zhaoyang, Xiao Lingyue, was chanting sutras while counting prayer beads. Suddenly, her Buddhist heart stirred, sensing the unusual movement of the Holy Seal and the Dao Seed. She softly chanted the Buddhist mantra: "Namo Amitabha Buddha, may the Buddha's compassion protect the Chief Minister's path to safety." She stood up, looking towards the direction of the Secretariat. Her moon-white Zen robe fluttered in the wind, and the deep emotions in her Buddhist heart grew even more profound.

In the Prince Jing's mansion, Princess Lingxi, Xiao Lingxi, sat by the window, holding a bunch of winter plum blossoms, her little face full of longing: "Brother Qingxuan is the most extraordinary man in the world. He has implemented new policies, and the world is at peace. I want to give him the plum blossoms myself." Her wet nurse sighed softly beside her, knowing the princess's innocent infatuation, but powerless to dissuade her.

Inside the secret chamber of the Heluo King's mansion, Xiao Jing sat facing a shadowy figure from the Demon Realm, with barbarian spies standing beside him. The Heluo King's eyes burned with a sinister glint: "Su Qingxuan has integrated the three religions and wielded immense power. Public support is too strong; we must act quickly. At the Winter Solstice sacrifice, the Emperor and Su Qingxuan will surely go to the Southern Suburbs Altar of Heaven. We will secretly mobilize troops, seize the opportunity to launch a coup, kill the Emperor, behead Su Qingxuan, seize the Holy Seal, and slay the Dao Seed. The Great Xia Empire will then be mine!"

Di Man's spy grinned maliciously: "Your Majesty is wise! The Great Khan has already led 100,000 iron cavalry to Yanmen Pass, waiting only for the coup at the Temple of Heaven to launch a southward offensive, launching a coordinated attack from within and without to crush Great Xia!"

The shadowy figure from the Demon Realm spoke in a sinister voice: "The awakening of the three Daoist seeds is the perfect opportunity for our Demon Realm to seize the Dao. Su Qingxuan will surely die, and the Holy Seal will belong to my master!"

A shocking conspiracy targeting Su Qingxuan and aiming to overthrow the Great Xia Dynasty is brewing in the shadows. Su Qingxuan has already set up the Three Teachings Purification and Evil Transformation Formation through the investigation and aura sensing of the gray-robed Taoist and the red-tasseled Taoist. He is just waiting for the winter solstice sacrifice to lure the snake out of its hole and wipe out the rebels in one fell swoop.

As the winter solstice approached in the eleventh year of Jinghe, auspicious snow fell in abundance, and the day of the Heavenly Sacrifice at the Temple of Heaven drew near. In Luoyang, the capital, undercurrents surged. Beneath the prosperous surface of the newly established policies lay a terrifying calamity of swords and shadows. Su Qingxuan, dressed in a blue robe, stood atop the Central Secretariat, gazing upon the joyous people of the realm, the flourishing of the three religions, the spiritual trees of Jiangnan echoing the sacred seal of the capital, and the budding seeds of Daoism flickering with faint light. A surge of heroic spirit welled up within him.

With a Confucian heart dedicated to saving the world, a Taoist heart to cultivating truth, and a Buddhist heart to enlighten one's nature, the three teachings converge into one, and the mortal and the holy share the same path. Even if countless calamities lie ahead, he will shoulder them all, protect all living beings, uphold the Great Way, and never waver in his original aspiration.

It is:

The three religions merged to create a prosperous era; one shouldered the responsibility of guiding the people.

The calamities of life will eventually come, but my heart for saving the world will remain unchanged.