A fleeting dream, a lifetime in the Buddhist temple.
Appearance reflects the mind; illusions arise from the mind.
After Jiang Wujiang woke up, his gaze immediately fell on the Buddha Slave.
As if sensing something, the Buddha slave opened his eyes and looked at Jiang Wujiang, giving him a simple smile.
tear.
It slipped gently from the corner of my eye.
Jiang Wujiang clasped his hands together and calmly chanted a Buddhist prayer to the servant. "Amitabha!"
The Buddhist servant closed his eyes slightly and responded softly, "Amitabha!"
Abbot Lingneng waved his hand, and the monks responded in hushed tones, filing out one after another. Beneath their dark robes, a sense of Zen subtly emanated from their every step. Among them, Fo Nu was the most upright.
Jiang Wujiang watched Fo Nu depart into the distance, as if bidding farewell to the first half of his life.
Ling Neng sighed, "What did Your Majesty see?"
"Buddha's slave!"
Jiang Wujiang lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought.
I saw another Buddhist slave.
That world was intensely beautiful, like a painting.
The Buddhist servant in the painting shines like the sun and moon, as brilliant as a magnificent chapter, completely different from the Buddhist servant in front of us who lives a simple life and is described as pure and refined.
But she knew in her heart that it was Buddha's slave, the Buddha's slave she had been longing for, appearing before her in a different guise.
That Buddhist servant was the crown prince of the Buddhist Kingdom, and she was the most beautiful queen consort by his side.
Buddha was infatuated with her, adored her, and praised her as if she were the most beautiful person in the world.
She admired and worshipped Buddha, just as he was the most dazzling king in the world.
The two loved each other dearly, and their lives were filled with splendor and beauty, more magnificent than ever before.
She bore children for Buddha, and the two watched their children grow up together.
She and her husband arranged for their son to marry the most beautiful woman and for their daughter to marry the most handsome man.
I personally arranged the most magnificent wedding ceremony for them and selected the most exquisite wedding attire.
Watching them have children, she herself went from being a beautiful young woman to an old woman with white hair.
On his deathbed, Buddha kissed her wrinkled forehead and said, "In this life, we have enjoyed the most exquisite joy. In the next life, I want to cultivate Buddhism. What is your wish?"
She watched as the Buddha slave showed no joy or sorrow, only immense happiness and satisfaction, seemingly without any regrets.
In her life, she won the heart of the man most admired by women all over the world, gained unparalleled wealth and power, and even had more children than others. She lived a peaceful and prosperous life without any troubles.
She really has no regrets.
Looking at the Buddha's eyes, she felt a pang of reluctance, but she vaguely understood that she shouldn't have hindered the Buddha's path of cultivation. She lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Originally, you shouldn't have any wishes, but since you asked, you suddenly remembered that you have one more."
"What is your wish?"
Looking at the love in Buddha's eyes, she whispered, "You were my king for one lifetime, and in the next, I wish to be your king."
I'll protect you for life!
The Buddha's eyes were gentle. "Very well! As you wish!"
Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.
Wealth crumbled, splendor crumbled, and splendor turned into billowing smoke.
In the blink of an eye.
She was Jiang Wujiang, the daughter of Crown Prince Jiang Wandai. The Buddhist slave remained a Buddhist slave, having transformed from the Crown Prince of the Buddhist Kingdom into an abandoned infant left at the gates of Baoguang Temple.
When I woke up, it was like a dream, and I couldn't tell which was real and which was an illusion.
What kind of ending will this cycle of cause and effect lead to?
After hearing what Jiang Wujiang said, Abbot Lingneng was overjoyed and had no more worries in his heart.
More than ten years ago, he shaved his head in the mortal world, and he was very envious and puzzled by the enlightenment he had gained in the mortal world.
Enlightenment does not necessarily require becoming a monk; one can also be enlightened by clearly engaging in worldly affairs, which is why he admires it.
The incomprehension stems from not understanding what tears in the mortal world have seen that evoke such mixed feelings of sorrow and joy.
This was a mystery that had troubled him for many years. Today, with Jiang Wujiang, the mystery was finally solved. What the mortal world saw was probably his past and present life!
Abbot Lingneng clasped his hands together, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and said in a low voice, "This old monk has no regrets. Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting my request."
The words had barely left his lips when, though his face held a smile, his life force vanished in an instant.
As he said, he was holding on by his last breath just to fulfill his wish. Once the wish was fulfilled, there was no longer any reason to keep going.
Jiang Wujiang glanced silently at Abbot Lingneng, bowed, and turned to walk out of the main hall.
A disciple bowed to Jiang Wujiang and then entered as usual to serve his master. He noticed the weariness on his master's face and, after a moment's probing, let out a sorrowful cry. "Master has passed away!"
The compassionate tolling of the bells echoed quietly above Baoguang Temple.
Jiang Wujiang stood on the rooftop. Her once black hair had been shaved off, and the wind blew coolly on her bald head, but her heart was at peace.
a long time.
Buddha stood beside her, without saying a word, but sorrow spread through her.
The two stood quietly without saying a word.
Buddha raised an eyebrow and said softly, "You were waiting for me?"
Jiang Wujiang smiled, his eyes less filled with infatuation and more with a sense of cause and effect, of destiny. "There are some things I want to ask you, but after I ask, I'm afraid I'll have to come back for more."
“Ask away!” Buddha’s servant laughed. “Master has passed away, and there’s no one left to preach to you. Neither my senior brother nor I can preach to you.”
My heart ached a little, but in the blink of an eye, the cool breeze dispelled it.
In this life, she is his queen, and only his queen.
"Do you want to become a Buddha?" Jiang Wujiang asked.
Buddha lowered his head and thought seriously for a moment, then smiled and said, "I don't want to!"
"oh?"
"I wish for all things in the world to attain Buddhahood."
Jiang Wujiang stared at the Buddha Slave with unreadable eyes. After a long while, the love in her heart faded, leaving only a sense of desolation and tranquility. She bowed respectfully and solemnly to the Buddha Slave, as if worshipping a real Buddha.
May the Dharma Master's wish be fulfilled.
"Amitabha!" the Buddhist servant returned the greeting.
Jiang Wujiang is gone.
He walked towards his crown throne, the dragon robe and shackles.
Buddha left.
He walked towards the Master's body and merged with the many fellow disciples chanting scriptures, becoming one of them.
The road down the mountain is still the same one.
I was so happy when I came, and I am still so happy in my heart.
However, the joy is ultimately different.
Back to the palace.
They arrived at the harem.
For the first time, Jiang Wujiang summoned all his servants to a joyous gathering.
Looking at the emperor's bald head, the many courtiers had many guesses in their minds: Was His Majesty going to shave his head and become a monk?
Jiang Wujiang laughed and said, "That's right. I want to become a nun and don't want to delay your lives. Those who are willing to stay can shave their heads and chant sutras with me. Those who are not willing to become nuns, here are gold, silver and pearls as compensation for your many years in the palace."
The audience looked at each other, bewildered and uncertain.
I have many questions in my mind, the biggest one being: is this true?
Jiang Wujiang smiled and said, "Monks are compassionate, so there's no need to worry that I will bring up old grievances later. Here is an imperial decree that allows you to leave the palace and return home. Those who leave the palace will be given titles and rewards according to their original ranks. I can bestow the titles of County Minister and Minister of the Palace. The first one to go will be bestowed the title of Imperial Minister. If he has someone he likes in the future, he can ask for my decree to grant him marriage."
These words shocked everyone present.
Mingfeng's eyes were filled with sorrow, and his gaze fell on Jiang Wujiang. Had His Majesty been bewitched to this extent?
He closed his eyes, avoiding all questioning gazes, and slumped onto the throne.
Everyone in this harem can leave, but he alone cannot. He is the Phoenix Prince, whom His Majesty has married through proper channels. If she wants to become a nun, he will become a nun too. If she wants to shave her head, he will shave his head too. She cultivates her Buddhist practice, while he only cultivates his romantic relationship.
At worst, I'll just have to wait it out!
Ruolan's eyes swept over Jiang Wujiang's bald head, then she picked up a glass of wine, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp, exclaiming loudly, "Good wine!"
He drank one glass after another, as if this were his last feast.
The noble Qin Yi's gaze swept over the despairing Ming Feng and the arrogant Ruo Lan, then he closed his eyes and gestured to himself, admiring his own stunning good looks.
Of the three people who entered the palace together, he was the most handsome and believed he would be the first to receive the emperor's favor. However, he was not. The emperor's favor towards him remained as thin as water. After more than ten years of waiting, his appearance had faded.
Do I really have to shave my head and become a monk?
He couldn't bear to part with it!
He couldn't bear to part with the splendor and boundless wealth, nor with the newly made brocade robes, pearls, and gold hairpins. No matter how vulgar this world was, it still had its endearing aspects. He couldn't stay with the ancient Buddha and the green lamp; what he loved was this mundane mortal world.
If you want him to shave his head, he might as well be dead!
He stood up, stepped out of the crowd, and knelt down. "I am willing to leave the palace!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.
Countless eyes darted back and forth between him and the emperor, wondering whether Qin Yi would die or the emperor would keep his promise.
Jiang Wujiang's face remained impassive. "Why?"
“Servants are laymen, unworthy to cultivate Buddhism.”
Dead silence!
A deathly silence that chills the soul.
a long time.
Jiang Wujiang laughed. "You are indeed following your heart. It is I who have misled you! Guards, bestow upon him the title of Emperor Junyi, a salary of one hundred shi (a unit of grain), and the fief of Shang County."
Qin Yi's eyes widened in surprise. He had been prepared to die, but suddenly the emperor had bewildered him. He was no different from a true royal minister, a minister with a real title, receiving not only a salary but also a fiefdom. Even if he never remarried, he would be set for life.
He was overwhelmed with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, and there was also a faint trace of regret.
Your Majesty, very good!
Everything is fine except that I don't love him!
With Qin Yi leading the way, the other servants felt reassured and came out one by one to receive their rewards.
Jiang Wujiang showed unprecedented patience, personally confirming the titles and rewards bestowed upon each of them. Regardless of their origins or who they were working for, they had never received any favor from him despite serving in the palace for so many years. Now, they could all leave amicably and go their separate ways.
She disliked men, but of the dozen or so servants, only Mingfeng, Ruolan, and two very young servants remained. This reminded Jiang Wujiang of the year he got married, when he and Mingfeng were about the same age.
Why aren't you leaving?
The two attendants, seeing the emperor's face for the first time, trembled and could not speak.
Mingfeng said, "They were sent up from the Prince's Mansion. They have nowhere to go back. Even if they have the title of County Minister, their status will be quite awkward when they return to the Prince's Mansion."
"Oh!" Jiang Wujiang looked at Qin Yi, who was still in a daze, and said, "In that case, settle them in your Imperial Minister's residence. You have a bond with them since you entered the palace together, so please take care of them. When you reach the right age, choose a suitable family, and after you have reported to me, get married!"
Qin Yi's expression was complicated. He hadn't expected the emperor to bestow upon him an imperial mansion and to entrust him with such a task. He knelt on the ground and whispered, "Serve me... Your subject obeys the decree!"
From now on, he will no longer be the emperor's attendant, but an independent imperial minister.
This new identity left him feeling completely disoriented.
Jiang Wujiang looked at Ruolan beside him and asked, "Why don't you leave? Fengjun doesn't leave because he has nowhere else to go but to live and die with me. Why don't you leave?"
Ruolan looked up at her, her eyes, tinged with a drunken haze, appearing exceptionally alluring. "How can Your Majesty be so biased? We are both Your Majesty's servants, so why does Your Majesty favor Fengjun so much while treating this servant like trash? If Your Majesty doesn't even look, how will Your Majesty know that this servant cannot live or die with Your Majesty?"
Jiang Wujiang stared intently at him.
Ruolan felt like she was being burned by Jiang Wujiang's gaze, that he saw right through her.
Jiang Wujiang said slowly, "You speak with such sorrow, but your eyes tell me that you don't think that way."
Ruolan stopped drinking, her bright eyes radiating brilliance. "So His Majesty saw right through me all along."
He lowered his head and fiddled with his wine cup, then chuckled and sighed, “I’m not leaving because I know that His Majesty only wants to dismiss the six palaces, but doesn’t want to become a monk. I consider myself to have some intelligence and some courage, so I want to stay until the end to see if everything is as I think.”
Jiang Wujiang's expression remained calm. "Is what you expected?"
“I see. Your Majesty has keen insight, and your understanding is quite different from mine.”
"How are they different?"
Ruolan lowered her eyes, concealing the sorrow within. "His Majesty will not become a monk, but he also does not desire to serve in the palace. Serving in the palace is no different from becoming a monk."
Jiang Wujiang suddenly realized something. Looking at the empty hall, memories of the past slowly surfaced in her mind.
After a long while, he suddenly came to his senses and looked at Ruolan, who had lowered her eyes and looked sad. He said softly, "You say you are clever, but I don't think so. If you were really clever, you would know that I only want to keep Fengjun."
"I, your servant, have overestimated my abilities and wish to give it a try. Your Majesty, considering the affection you have for Feng Jun, should not show favoritism. I entered the palace with Feng Jun, and my affection for her is no less."
"My affection is limited, I'm afraid I can't share it with you."
Ruolan's face was deathly pale, and her eyes lost their luster. "Then I shall become a nun! I have no other wish but that Your Majesty would ordain me."
Jiang Wujiang's dark eyes showed neither joy nor sorrow. "Good!"
The knives and scissors were placed on an elegant plate.
One snip.
Ruolan's jet-black hair fell to the ground.
Tears fell.
Jiang Wujiang threw down the scissors and strode outside, ultimately unable to bring himself to do it; the entanglements of three thousand worldly affairs were ultimately difficult to sever.
Ruolan's eyes lit up with joy, a fervor born after great sorrow. He had finally gambled correctly, betting that the emperor was not entirely heartless towards him, and that the matter of his tonsure was a knot in the emperor's heart.
Mingfeng picked up the scissors from the ground and carefully cut off the rest of Ruolan's hair.
Is it worth it?
"worth!"
"I almost lost my life, and maybe I really would have become a monk."
“Let him become a monk then! Let him become a monk at Baoguang Temple. Even if he can’t see His Majesty, he can at least see the monk.” Ruolan smiled and pressed down on Mingfeng’s hand that was tying his hair up. She laughed and said, “Cut it all off, cut it all off. We’ll shave our heads together with His Majesty. Whoever’s hair grows back first will be the first to serve him in bed.”
Mingfeng: "..."
He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Alright!"
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