Ding Hexagram (Lower Middle Section)

Chapter 50 Ding Hexagram - Lower Middle Hexagram - The Auspicious Time for Opening and Observing Has Arrived

Songming Daoist had a broad face and thin bones, with a full forehead. Although it was a sign of good fortune, his thinness made him look somewhat sharp-mouthed and monkey-like, adding a touch of meanness.

He looked to be around thirty years old, with graying temples.

Since the Zhengyi sect is also known as the Fire Dwelling Taoist, they have no dietary restrictions as long as they are not performing rituals, and they can also get married. Therefore, they do not have the strict rules of other sects.

Although Rong Yan is a modern person, he has never disrespected the ancestral master in his heart. All he does is for the sake of the Taoist temple and for the people in the temple to live a better life.

Would a worshipper rather enter a dilapidated Taoist temple or a Taoist temple with flourishing incense offerings?

Humans are driven by basic instincts, such as the need for food and sex.

Rong Yan's actions were simply for survival, for a better life, and that's not unreasonable.

It can only be said that those who walk different paths cannot make plans together.

Rong Yan smiled and stepped forward.

"I believe the Taoist priest Chongming is here today to offer his congratulations. As for the matter of the wine, may I ask whether I have violated the rules of the monastery or harmed the people?"

Although Chongming Daoist was thin, he had a large frame, and Rong Yan standing in front of him made him appear even taller.

Others couldn't talk about what happened in the underworld, but since he was free to do so, he immediately stood behind Rong Yan.

Ji Kong: "Uncle-Master, the original intention of selling wine was also for the benefit of all living beings. Without money, the Taoist temple would not even have the money to repair, let alone build a new temple or renovate the dining hall. We are not like Lingyun Temple, which has many pilgrims."

"You can't survive without pilgrims? Your actions are utterly devoid of any semblance of Taoist integrity and backbone. What difference is there between you and ordinary merchants? Ji Gui, you are the last disciple of the Taoist Master of Gouxiang. Although you may not be a true female Taoist, you should at least understand basic principles. You are prominently listed in this year's selection of Taoist officials. Is this how you participate in the selection? Do you think you can abuse your power for personal gain just by passing the exam?"

Rong Yan lowered his eyelashes slightly, his expression showing no embarrassment despite being scolded, but rather one of calm and composure. "Uncle-Master, just because you abstain from meat and alcohol doesn't mean you truly regard money as dirt. Do you know that a single piece of blessed incense wood at Lingyun Temple costs two taels of silver? The incense money from worshippers alone is enough for our Hebai Temple to live on for a year. Are you a well-fed man who doesn't know the hunger of an starving man, or have you become detached from worldly affairs because you don't care about anything?"

A man of Chongming Daoren's stature would never have worried about daily necessities. Even if he did, that was a matter for his subordinates; he was already too busy managing the affairs of the Daoist office.

One could not find a single official in hundreds of main roads, which shows how scarce such officials were.

Moreover, he is now a big shot in Bianliang and even in the palace, so he has never paid attention to the business of Lingyun Temple.

I came here today not because of the Taoist congratulations, but because I am a candidate for Taoist official recommended by Consort Rong, and I came to take a look.

Chongming Daoist pursed his lips, the corners of his mouth curving downwards, revealing his displeasure.

"Are the younger generation speaking so rudely now?"

Ji Xin peeked out from behind Ji Kong and said in a childish voice, "Isn't it because Uncle-Master was rude to us first? He made unwarranted assumptions about us. When we had nothing to eat, you never came to help us. Now that we're earning our own living, how is that cheating and swindling?"

Chongming Daoist suddenly fell silent, and after a long while, he looked up at Rong Yan and said, "Indeed, I was rude first, and I must apologize to you for that. As for you..."

He paused for a moment, then said earnestly, "Becoming a Taoist priest is not as easy as you think. Have you considered that if you fail the exam as the abbot, the reputation of Hebai Temple will be further damaged, and you will lose more worshippers? I advise you to find a respectable reason to give up the exam while there is still time."

"Uncle-Master, you are mistaken. If I take the exam, it will not be for the sake of the Taoist temple. If I do not take the exam, it will not be of my own volition. Taking the exam or not taking the exam is my freedom. Uncle-Master's words are contradictory at every turn. Wouldn't abandoning the exam have the slightest impact on Hebai Temple? It is better not to pass than to abandon the exam, isn't it?"

What Chongming Daoist didn't know was that Rong Yan never intended to study hard for the exam; he was just going through the motions.

But can Rong Yan say that?

Of course not.

Therefore, Chongming Daoist was deeply moved by her words, which seemed to contain profound truths despite their seemingly simple nature.

He was twice the age of Rong Yan, and since Rong Yan was a woman, he hadn't taken her seriously. However, he was surprised that someone her age could speak such profound truths.

"Since this is your karma, I will not get involved. Too much talk leads to mistakes, but my heart is not bad, and you should understand that." After saying this, he looked around and found that everyone was watching them. He could only cup his hands in congratulations and then walk back the way he came.

After walking quite a distance, he turned back and announced loudly, "Today is a joyous occasion for Tianbao Mountain, so I will present you with a congratulatory gift. I am about to step down as the Daoist official in Bianliang, and Dibao Mountain has four candidates taking the exam this year. If you pass, then there will be a real competition between Tianbao Mountain and Dibao Mountain."

Rong Yan: ...

No, what kind of contest is this?

Does he think that telling her this "insider" information is giving her a gift?

Can't you be more practical and send some money?!

Watching him turn and wave goodbye, Rong Yan was truly speechless.

"Young Madam, the auspicious time has arrived; it's time to go up the mountain."

Because of this remark, everyone wanted to join in the fun and go up the mountain.

As they climbed the steps, the group of people who came to see Hebai Temple were all amazed by the scenery on the mountain.

The restored Hebai Temple is not particularly magnificent, but the gray-brown gate, nestled quietly among the pine and cypress trees, has a unique and tranquil beauty.

The plaque was still covered with red cloth, with red silk ribbons hanging down to the waist at both ends.

Li Fuquan gestured for Rong Yan to start pulling the curtain, but she shook her head, leaving Li Fuquan momentarily stunned.

"Everyone come over here, I will pull down with you all."

Ji Kong refused, saying, "I am not the abbot, it is not permissible."

Li Fuquan dared not overstep his bounds any further, saying, "I am merely a junior officer; I cannot overstep my authority."

"No, the successful opening of Hebai Temple today is thanks to everyone's hard work. Come on, let's all unveil it together!"

At Rong Yan's urging, everyone came over. Li Fuquan's eyes were full of tears. He quietly turned his back, wiped away his tears, and walked to the other end of the red silk plaque with a smile. Rong Yan smiled and nodded to them.

The crowd pulled down the red silk, revealing a mahogany and gold plaque. The three characters "Hebai Temple" were very grand, written with gold powder outlines and gold sand, and were carved with the skill of a master. The plaque had a vermilion background, making it very eye-catching.

Hebai Temple has finally reopened!