Chapter 324 The Great Buddha and the Celestial Pivot

Ouyang Rong got up early in the morning and made an excuse to send away the white-haired maid who was preparing to help him get dressed.

"What happened last night...?"

Outside the window, winter plum blossoms were in full bloom. Inside the quiet room, Ouyang Rong put on his coat, got up, muttered to himself, and walked to the table to sit down.

He closed his eyes and sank into the Pagoda of Merit.

"Strange, a considerable amount of merit suddenly increased in the middle of the night..."

Step inside the tower.

Ouyang Rong stroked his chin, looking at the merit number above the small wooden fish, which was more than five hundred more than before he went to bed last night.

He couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

In the past, Ouyang Rong had long been used to the occasional clear sound of a wooden fish drum. Sometimes, he couldn't fall asleep without hearing it rhythmically.

But last night, in the middle of the night, he was sleeping soundly when suddenly a series of rapid, crisp wooden fish sounds rang out.

Ouyang Rong groggily opened his eyes, paused for a moment, then turned over and went back to sleep.

I only realized this morning that this matter was rather strange.

"Is it already 1,589 merit points? It increased by more than 500 last night."

Ouyang Rong lazily rested his chin on the back of his hand, his tone somewhat confused:

“That’s a bit strange. I was sleeping soundly, so how did I accumulate merit? I don’t think I’ve done anything noteworthy lately… Could it have been unintentional?”

After he got up, his muddled thoughts cleared a bit, and he muttered to himself:

"They also said that the people of Longcheng erected a monument and statue for me again."

Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

If I can't figure it out, I'll stop worrying about it.

He didn't care who he had redeemed or influenced, as long as he had done a good deed.

The person who did a good deed every day smiled sheepishly.

"Very good, a day in the life of a virtuous person begins with the joy of receiving five hundred merits."

Ouyang Rong was in a good mood. He called Ye Weilai over, and after washing up and having a meal, he led Dongmei out, accompanied by two servants.

Go to the main hall of Jiangzhou for duty.

The New Year holiday is over, and the decorations that were full of the festive atmosphere on the streets he rode on his Dongmei bicycle have all been taken down by each household.

The bustling streets of Xunyang City have returned to their normal, vibrant atmosphere.

In the second year of Tianyou, a new year began with a fresh start, but the affairs of the Jiangzhou government were exceptionally busy at the beginning of the year.

Many prefectures and counties needed Chief Secretary Ouyang Rong to initiate their annual plans.

For example, at the Jiangzhou official school, the scholars and students had gradually arrived from all over the country, and a sacrificial ceremony was required before the start of the semester.

That is, to go to the Temple of the Sage and Teacher and offer food and drink to the Sage and Teacher.

For example, according to the local boatmen's customs in Jiangzhou, a sacrificial ceremony is held at the Xunyang ferry crossing at the beginning of the year.

They worship a sage from ancient times who drowned himself, hoping to bless the boats on the Xunyang River with favorable weather and abundant harvests.

This is an official and legitimate worship ceremony recognized by the Great Zhou Dynasty, and is not considered a heretical or licentious worship ceremony.

It even required the local governor and chief secretary to personally take the lead and preside over the process.

This is called adapting to local conditions and staying close to the people.

Such matters are numerous.

While many officials who came to report to the Jiangzhou government were still indulging in the lazy habits of the holiday and finding it difficult to break free,

Ouyang Rong had already sorted out his thoughts and threw himself into his official duties in the prefecture with great energy.

In the morning, after finalizing the procedures for the sacrificial rites at Jiangzhou Official School and Xunyang Ferry,

At noon, Ouyang Rong ate lunch brought by his attendant in the main hall, then rested for a while at his workstation.

I was suddenly awakened by a series of footsteps outside the main hall.

"Your Excellency, the boat of the Venerable Master Dahui has arrived at Xunyang Ferry."

Ouyang Rong suddenly woke up, and his knees, which were sitting cross-legged, made a "thud" as he struck the object of his crime.

He was a little confused: "Who is the Venerable Master Dahui? What kind of person is he?"

Yan Liulang, who led the way in to deliver the message, scratched his head:

"Oh, I forgot, that's what it said on the ship's flag. It should be Master Shandao."

"It is said that Master Shandao widely spread the Lotus School of Buddhism and enjoyed a great reputation among the people of Luoyang. Before leaving the capital, His Majesty specially bestowed upon him the title 'Dahui' and appointed him as a high-ranking monk who protects the country."

Beside Yan Liulang, a middle-aged man well-versed in Buddhism couldn't help but interject:

"The title of this 'National Protector Monk' is so prestigious that it's only a handful of monks in the entire Buddhist community. He is truly a remarkable person."

The officials looked solemn and respectful.

"Da Hui?"

Ouyang Rong's eye twitched involuntarily.

Good heavens, Master Shandao has returned from a long trip, not only has his demeanor changed, but his name has also been gilded. He almost doesn't recognize him anymore.

Could it be that a pitiful, thick barrier has already formed between me and Master Shandao?

Ouyang Rong thought to himself.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go to Xunyang Ferry to welcome Master Shandao... no, Master Dahui."

The governor of Jiangzhou nodded and calmly stood up.

Among the officials in the corridor, a minor clerk asked:

"My lord, it seems there are officials from the Ministry of Rites accompanying the ship. They are all distinguished guests from the capital. Shouldn't we inform the governor?"

Ouyang Rong rubbed his numb, red right cheek, calmly walked past Yan Liulang and other officials, and headed outside.

Everyone heard the tall, slender figure of this young official casually utter a single sentence:

"Lord Wang must have gone long ago. He never misses these kinds of events, so why would we need to notify him?"

He pursed his lips: "He won't go if we need to notify him, but he will go if we don't need to notify him."

Yan Liulang and the others were stunned, then nodded in realization and quickly followed.

When they arrived at Xunyang Ferry, everyone was astonished to find that what the Chief Secretary had said was indeed true.

Wang Chejia, the governor of Jiangzhou, who was usually nowhere to be seen during the day, had arrived ahead of schedule and was now quietly moored under a row of tall locust trees outside the dock.

Peeking out, Wang Lengran had already met the "Great Monk Dahui" and the officials from the Ministry of Rites, and was walking out of the dock exchanging pleasantries with them.

Ouyang Rong spotted the shiny bald head at the front of the line from afar.

This shiny little bald head stood obediently next to a kind and venerable old monk at the very front.

Upon seeing these two familiar figures, Ouyang Rong smiled.

After taking a quick look, it was clear that Master Shandao and his monks did not have a grand or imposing presence; they were rather low-key.

Of course, aside from the purple-gold kasaya worn by Master Shandao that almost blinded everyone in the sun.

He truly deserves to be called a virtuous monk who protects the nation.

Someone muttered to themselves.

However, after pondering it for a while, he felt that the title "Greatly Wise Monk" was a bit strange, especially the two characters "Greatly Wise".

Wait a minute, isn't Da Hui the same as Da Congming, the great monk of great wisdom?

A short while later, at the entrance of the neighborhood outside Xunyang Ferry, Ouyang Rong and Wang Lengran received Master Shandao and his party.

Wang Lengran, all smiles and overflowing with enthusiasm, intended to host a banquet at Xunyang Tower to warmly entertain this highly influential abbot of Donglin Temple, a favorite of His Majesty in the Buddhist community.

However, Master Shandao declined the banquet invitation with a kind and gentle expression, citing the fatigue of the journey and the fact that monks should not be extravagant.

Immediately afterwards, the "Great Master Dahui" led his disciples, including Xiufa, to Lin'an Temple in Chaisangfang for temporary lodging.

Wang Lengran didn't want to force the issue.

However, in the afternoon, the governor of Jiangzhou, accompanied by his trusted officials, hurriedly went to Lin'an Temple to burn incense and worship Buddha. He also invited Master Shandao to have a philosophical discussion on Zen. After making a fuss for quite a while, he finally left...

Ouyang Rong didn't join the commotion in the afternoon. He only exchanged a few pleasantries with Master Shandao and Xiufa before turning around to receive the officials from the Ministry of Rites.

After learning about the situation, Ouyang Rong returned to the main hall of Jiangzhou to work.

As evening approached and the bell rang signaling the end of his shift, he immediately got up and returned to his residence in Huaiye Lane.

At the gate of the mansion, he took a hot towel and wiped his face. He then turned and ordered his attendant to take a message to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion to find his junior sister.

Night was falling.

Half an hour later, Xie Lingjiang's carriage arrived at the entrance of the mansion in Huaiye Lane.

The door opened, and Zhen Shuyuan, who usually worshipped Buddhism, walked out gracefully, leading Ye Weilai out as if nothing was amiss.

This noblewoman and the Xie family's daughter seemed to have arranged to worship Buddha together. After leaving the house, they rode in the same carriage to Lin'an Temple.

Two women entered the temple to burn incense...

It was late at night.

Just as Zhen Shuyuan and Xie Lingjiang were arm in arm, visiting the main Buddha hall accompanied by most of the monks of Lin'an Temple.

Ouyang Rong, who arrived discreetly in their carriage, was standing in a desolate side hall at the back, dressed in casual clothes.

After waiting for a while, I finally had a secret meeting with Master Shandao and the young novice monk with beautiful hair.

The master and apprentice entered the room, and Ouyang Rong looked them up and down.

After his grand trip to the capital, the white-bearded old monk had lost some weight, while the bald young novice monk had become a bit chubby. It seems the vegetarian meals at the Luoyang palace were quite good.

He couldn't help but glance at the "wise and virtuous monk" who wore a purple and gold kasaya and had an otherworldly air about him.

Some sighs.

It's no wonder that the master became a high-ranking monk; look at what a high-ranking monk's self-cultivation is like.

"The county magistrate!" Xiufa exclaimed happily.

Master Shandao tapped his shiny head with his finger:

“Foolish disciple, why are you still calling me magistrate? You are now the chief administrator of a prefecture, you can’t just call me by my old official title.”

Ouyang Rong waved his hand dismissively and said:

"It's just a title, no need to be formal. By the way, I haven't congratulated you yet, Master. This trip to Luoyang has been a complete success, bringing you both fame and fortune."

He smiled.

Master Shandao immediately shook his head and said sincerely:

"Your Excellency is too kind. If it weren't for your brilliant and meticulous planning, I would probably still be in the remote Dragon City, eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures."

The old monk was deeply moved.

The hair couldn't help but interject:

“Master, didn’t we interpret dreams and draw lots for female benefactors every day in Dragon City? It’s pretty much the same in Luoyang, just a bit busier… Ouch! Master, stop hitting me, it hurts…”

Master Shandao's face hardened: "Foolish disciple, stop talking nonsense."

Looking at the little novice monk who was covering his forehead with his hands in a wronged manner, Ouyang Rong couldn't help but chuckle.

After a short while, his expression returned to normal, and he said earnestly:

"This is a result of the master's profound knowledge and deep understanding of Buddhism. Otherwise, an ordinary monk would not have been able to seize the opportunity that was presented to him. The master is being modest."

“Your Excellency is too modest.” Master Shandao sighed and exclaimed, “I didn’t know until I went there that Luoyang is so prosperous. It is truly a sight to behold.”

Xiufa touched her bald head and echoed:

"Yes, Luoyang is nice, but it's too nice, it's captivating."

“If we stay any longer, my master and I will grow hair. My master says that this is called ‘trouble hair.’ He also says that if we stay any longer, we will forget about our own temple in Longcheng and on Dagushan Mountain.”

Before Master Shandao's expression changed slightly and he turned to raise his hand, Xiufa glared, made an excuse, covered her forehead, and ran away in a flash.

Master Shandao withdrew his gaze from outside the door and sighed:

"Alas, my disciple is always talking nonsense. When I get back, I will punish him by making him eat a vegetarian meal and reflect on his actions. Please don't take what I just said seriously, Your Excellency."

“Hmm.” Ouyang Rong chuckled.

The two chatted for a few more minutes in the main hall.

Master Shandao approached and glanced at Ouyang Rong a few more times:

"Hmm, has Your Excellency had any romantic encounters these past two days?"

Ouyang Rong replied calmly, "I don't know. Why ask?"

Master Shandao shook his head: "Your Excellency's forehead is fair with a pinkish tinge, and there is a hint of romance surrounding you. You must have had some romantic luck a few days ago, and you were quite fortunate in love."

"However, this romantic opportunity seems difficult to overcome, and one may continue to worry about Your Excellency..."

A certain not-so-bright high monk spoke about this in great detail.

“…” Ouyang Rong.

His mind immediately went to the matter of his engagement to Wanwan, and the strange blessing he had recently redeemed.

Could it be related to one of the two?

With a suspicion in mind, he looked up and glanced at the composed, white-bearded old monk:

"The master can also read faces? How come I didn't know that before?"

Master Shandao certainly wouldn't say that he only discovered this after arriving in Beijing. It turns out that the powerful and wealthy people in Luoyang really liked this kind of thing, and his peers were making a fortune using it. This was a new business he expanded after arriving in Beijing.

Master Shandao looked lonely, his tone unfathomable:

"I actually know a lot, Your Excellency will find out in the future."

"All right."

After a short while, the two stopped chatting and Ouyang Rong brought up the serious matter:

"Master, is the arrival of the Ministry of Rites officials related to the matter of creating Buddha statues?"

Master Shandao nodded:

"That's right, His Majesty's decree will arrive in the next two days, only slightly later than mine."

Ouyang Rong stared at him intently and asked:

"Xunyang City is indeed a good place, but why was it chosen specifically for this location during the internal affairs period?"

Master Shandao remained calm and said, "This is the location I suggested."

"Does the master know how much trouble and expense this matter will cause to the people?"

“I know. Moreover, I also know that four Buddha statues will be built throughout the world, each located in a strategic location along one of the ten major north-south routes, and Jiangzhou is one of them.”

Ouyang Rong frowned: "Then why is the master still..."

Master Shandao shook his head:

"The idea of ​​building four large Buddha statues came from the fortune tellers; I merely recommended a location."

“I think it’s better to leave it to Your Excellency than to waste resources and manpower elsewhere. I know Your Excellency’s abilities well and I’m sure you have a comprehensive plan that will not harm the people.”

Ouyang Rong fell silent.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "Besides that, Master, you have no selfish motives whatsoever?"

Master Shandao, feeling a little guilty, coughed and said:

"Besides promoting Donglin Buddhism, there was also a bit of personal motive involved..."

"Although both are famous temples in Jiangnan, in the past, those famous temples on Mount Lu have taken advantage of their location and have always looked down on Donglin Temple in Longcheng. This old monk has some desire to return to his hometown in wealth and honor, and I hope that Your Excellency will not take offense."

Ouyang Rong did not answer, neither confirming nor denying.

Master Shandao looked at him and suddenly said:

"By the way, Your Majesty not only wants to build four great Buddhas in all four corners of the world, but also wants to build a world-renowned Tian Shu in Luoyang."

"This is the main event. The four Buddha statues are merely an embellishment. It seems that this matter was orchestrated by the Wei family and the fortune tellers of Shangyang Palace. His Majesty is very interested and is about to issue an edict."

Ouyang Rong was taken aback: "Tian Shu?"

Master Shandao sighed and nodded:

"That's right, a celestial pivot built by gathering copper from all over the world and using the full strength of the nation, with inscriptions on its pillars recording the achievements of the Zhou dynasty, stands in the capital to suppress the prosperity of the Great Zhou and prolong its golden age."

Ouyang Rong raised an eyebrow: "You're even gathering all the copper in the world?"

Master Shandao thought for a moment: "That's what those fortune tellers seem to say, and it sounds like it would cost quite a bit."

Ouyang Rong frowned in confusion, his expression shifting slightly.

Master Shandao said warmly:

"However, Your Excellency, rest assured. I have learned from His Majesty that the state where the Buddha statue is being built should not need to contribute funds or copper to the Heavenly Pivot, which will make things much easier for them."

Ouyang Rong said coldly, "This world is not just about Jiangzhou. It is true that Jiangzhou is rich, but what about the other states?"

Master Shandao was a little confused: "If each state in the world contributes a little, it should be easy to gather enough, right?"

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips; some things weren't that simple.

He had no idea how that scholar, as the steward and cook of the country, calculated the accounts and prepared the meals.

However, Ouyang Rong was promoted from county magistrate to chief administrator of Jiangzhou, and served as the "steward" of a prefecture for two months. He knew how difficult it was to "keep accounts".

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; pulling one hair can affect the whole body.

"Ah... Amitabha."

Master Shandao chanted a Buddhist prayer, and like Ouyang Rong, he lowered his eyes and remained silent.

The main hall fell silent for a moment.

(End of this chapter)