Chapter 324: Expedition
Yan Shixu noticed her subtle movements, lowered his head, and his eyes fell on the brocade bag in her hand, and the bag of medicinal herbs caught his attention.
"What is this...?" She not only asked for a talisman, but also asked for medicine?
Wen Li'er was also a little confused: "It was given by the abbot of Huguo Temple."
She raised her face and looked at him eagerly, with a strange light flashing in her eyes.
"I went to ask for a peace amulet, and the master seemed to have predicted my arrival, even calculating the exact time! These are the four amulets he gave to me personally! And these medicinal herbs..."
She raised the hand holding the sachet higher so that he could see it more clearly.
A hint of obvious surprise flashed across Yan Shixu's eyes. "You mean, the abbot of Huguo Temple, Master Xuwu, met you in person?"
Wen Li'er nodded: "Yes. Your Majesty, is there anything wrong with this?"
Yan Shixu seemed to be lost in thought.
"This 'Master Xuwu', who entered the Buddhist monastic life at the age of over sixty, possessed a profound affinity with Buddhism and an exceptional understanding of Zen. He was accepted as a closed disciple by the previous abbot, 'Master Liaokong,' as an exception. In just five years, his attainments in Buddhist scholarship far surpassed those of Master Liaokong's other disciples. After Master Liaokong's passing, he succeeded him as abbot. However, he presided over Huguo Temple for twenty years, living a secluded life, never meeting privately with any pilgrims, be they royals, nobles, or commoners. Therefore, his willingness to make an exception to meet with you tonight strikes me as... unusual."
Is it really like this?
After hearing what he said, Wen Li'er became even more confused.
The master never saw guests, so why did he see her tonight? He even offered her amulets and medicinal herbs.
She gathered herself and continued, "The Master also told me to convey this verse to Your Majesty: 'The body is like a bodhi tree, the heart is like a bright mirror. The smoke of war illuminates the heart and the lotus breaks through the barriers and blooms. A single thought of compassion dispels all karma. The returning sails will save the sea of suffering, and the bright moon will shine upon you as you return."
She repeated the abbot's advice clearly and solemnly, enunciating each word, and tilted her head upwards to see the expression on his face.
Yan Shixu listened quietly to the four maxims, with light and shadow flickering in his deep eyes, like a huge rock thrown into a quiet deep pool, stirring up layers of ripples.
He unconsciously tightened his arms around her, resting his chin lightly on the top of her head, and fell into a long silence.
The wind blew by, leaving only the light sound of horse hooves stepping on the bluestone.
Wen Li'er could feel the steady and powerful heartbeat beneath his chest, as well as the heavy thoughts in his mind.
She didn't urge him, but just snuggled quietly in his arms, waiting for his interpretation.
Finally, when the sound of horse hooves once again stepped into the solemn palace gate, and when Yan Shixu held her hand and stepped onto the jade steps of the Purple Palace step by step, his voice slowly sounded, with a hint of insight into the world and a heavy sense of responsibility.
"'The body is like a bodhi tree, the mind is like a clear mirror'... This is the Buddhist ideal of spiritual cultivation, an aspiration and a warning. To be like a bodhi tree means to remain calm in the face of danger, to be resilient and unyielding, like an ancient tree rooted in the earth, unshaken by the wind and rain."
"My heart is like a mirror. I must maintain clarity and insight amidst the complexities of war and the treacherous hearts of men, and not be deceived by appearances. Only then can I see the truth and distinguish between loyalty and treachery."
Yan Shixu paused, as if he was chewing on a deeper meaning.
"'The smoke of war illuminates the heart and the lotus blossoms through obstacles'... The smoke of war, these 'obstacles', are the dilemmas, the numerous obstacles on the battlefield. 'The lotus blossoms through obstacles', the light of Buddhist wisdom, are also the opportunity to break free."
"The abbot is trying to enlighten me. Perhaps the solution to this dilemma lies not in brute force. The lotus blossoms from the mud, pure and untainted, breaking through the barriers. Perhaps... this means that only by using extraordinary means, transforming hostility into peace, can we finally see the light."
Wen Li'er's heart tightened when she heard this, and she couldn't help but ask, "What about 'A single thought of compassion erases all karma'?"
"On the battlefield, with swords clashing, mercy...wouldn't that just tie one's own hands?"
Yan Shixu gently stroked her hair, his eyes sharp as a sword, yet with a hint of compassion.
"Compassion is not a woman's kindness, but a concern for all living beings. One can be decisive in killing an enemy, but one must maintain a compassionate heart towards oneself and the people."
"The abbot's words may have two profound meanings. First, he advises me not to kill indiscriminately, not to be deceived and commit endless sins of killing, which only increases my karma. The disaster at Zhennan Pass has complex roots. If we blindly fight violence with violence, we will be stuck in a quagmire from which it will be difficult to extricate ourselves."
"Second..."
He cast his gaze into the distance, his voice deeper, "This 'compassion' may point to a crucial person or matter. A single act of kindness may avert a deadlock, becoming the turning point that eliminates karma and quells conflict."
“As for ‘The returning sails save the sea of suffering, the bright moon will shine upon you as you return’…” Yan Shixu’s voice finally took on a subtle warmth and conviction.
"'Sea of Bitterness' is the war-torn Zhennan Pass. 'Returning Sail' is the boat of triumph. The abbot is telling me, and you, that I am going here not only to quell the rebellion, but also to save the people from danger, like crossing a boat across the sea. And 'The Bright Moon Shines on Your Return'..."
He lowered his head and looked deeply into Wen Li'er's watery eyes.
"The bright moon, shining brightly, is not only a guide on the way home, but also a symbol of reunion."
"Li'er, you are the bright moon in my heart. No matter how difficult the road ahead, I will defeat the enemy, purify the heavens, and return to you and the children on this ship of victory. This 'bright moon' is my promise to you and the blessing bestowed upon me by the abbot."
Wen Li'er was filled with mixed emotions.
The profound meaning, danger, expectations and promises contained in the verses slowly unfolded before her like a magnificent and perilous painting.
"I understand..."
She nodded vigorously, suppressed her surging emotions, and carefully took out a amulet from it.
"Your Majesty, please...lower your head." She carefully untied the red string tied to the talisman.
Yan Shixu followed his words and bowed slightly.
With a heart full of piety and prayers, Wen Li'er personally placed the bright yellow talisman paper soaked in Buddha's light around his neck gently and carefully.
The talisman paper clung to his skin, and the Sanskrit characters painted in cinnabar seemed to carry a strange, reassuring warmth.
"May the Buddha protect your Majesty, keeping your body unbroken like a bodhi tree and your heart pure and clear as a mirror; may the flames of war reveal your loyalty and courage, and your wisdom like a lotus that breaks through the barriers of delusion; may your Majesty return home soon to help you cross the sea of suffering..."
Every time she touched the amulet around his neck, she would whisper a prayer with an extremely pious look on her face.
"Your Highness and I, the children, are here in this palace, burning incense and praying every day, waiting for your Majesty's triumphant return and a reunion with our family."
Yan Shixu felt the touch of the talisman paper on his neck and listened to her affectionate prayers. His heart was moved and all his words turned into a hug that almost melted her into his bones and blood.
Wen Li'er put the remaining three amulets and the bag of medicinal herbs back into the brocade bag, tied it up carefully and handed it to him.
"Your Majesty, please keep it safe."
My sister-in-law and Aunt Nangong are both well versed in pharmacology. They will know the purpose of it at a glance and it will definitely come in handy... in a critical moment.
Yan Shixu nodded.
In front of the Purple Palace.
The rising sun casts golden light on the vast white marble square.
At this time, the elite imperial guards had already lined up, their armor sharp and their swords and spears reflecting an icy light, exuding a murderous aura.
The accompanying ministers also looked solemn and were ready to go.
On the high steps, the Empress Dowager was carefully supported by the palace servants, her old eyes filled with unremitting worries.
Wen Li'er changed out of her dusty clothes and put on her makeup again.
She held Xiaoxiao's hand, and stood beside the Empress Dowager with Tiantian and Miaomiao in their wet nurse's arms.
I tried hard to keep a calm smile on my face, just to let him leave in peace.
Xiaoxiao snuggled tightly against his mother's legs, his little face tense, his big eyes filled with reluctance to see his father go to the battlefield, as well as instinctive curiosity and a hint of fear about the strict military formation.
Miaomiao was babbling in her wet nurse's arms, waving her little hands, and she didn't know what separation was.
Tiantian was as quiet as ever, but her big eyes were staring at her father without blinking, and her small brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was trying to understand everything in front of her.
Yan Shixu was wearing a light black armor, which perfectly integrated the majesty of an emperor and the murderous aura of a commander.
He first walked steadily to the front of the high steps, bowed deeply to the Grand Empress Dowager, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Grandmother, take care of yourself. Your grandson is gone!"
The Empress Dowager nodded with tears in her eyes, unable to speak, and just waved her hands vigorously.
Yan Shixu's gaze finally fell on Wen Li'er and the children.
He strode over, stopped in front of Xiaoxiao, squatted down, and rubbed his son's head hard with his broad and warm palms.
"Xiaoxiao, you are the older brother. When the emperor is away, you must be sensible and take good care of the mother and protect your younger brothers and sisters. Can you do it?"
"Yes! I've remembered it! Don't worry, father!" Xiaoxiao's face was serious and he tried hard to look reliable.
Yan Shixu looked at Wen Li'er deeply, and all his words were melted into his eyes that were like a sea of stars.
Then he stood up resolutely, strode down the white marble steps, and jumped onto his horse nimbly.
"Set off--!"
The black armor and flags, illuminated by the golden light of the rising sun, merged into an invincible momentum and headed towards the smoke-filled Zhennan Pass.
Wen Li'er held Xiaoxiao's hand tightly, her eyes closely following the most dazzling black figure on the horse's back.
Watching his tall figure at the front of the team, getting smaller and smaller, and more and more blurred...
Finally, it completely disappeared from sight, leaving only the dust raised by the horse's hooves slowly dissipating in the morning light.
…
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