"look familiar.....?"
Upon hearing Jian Shuo's words, the young Taoist priest standing nearby was momentarily stunned.
Then, realizing Jian Shuo's identity, the young Taoist priest chuckled and said:
“Replying to Attendant Jian, this was painted by an artist we hired, based on our lord’s likeness!”
"What did you say...? This is a portrait based on His Majesty's appearance?"
Upon hearing what the young Taoist said, Jian Shuo focused his gaze.
"Hmm, not bad, he really does resemble His Majesty somewhat!"
Jian Shuo nodded. After taking a closer look, he realized that the man in the painting really did have some of the emperor's charm, just like what the emperor would look like when he grew up.
The young Taoist priest beside him laughed and said, "Our master is the divine child, the future Taiyi, so it is natural that Taiyi's appearance is the same!"
"Hmm, that makes sense...!"
After hearing the Taoist boy's explanation, Jian Shuo nodded with a smile.
Whether it was Jian Shuo or ordinary people, in their eyes, Taiyi was the heavens, and the emperor was naturally the son of the heavens.
Therefore, it is understandable that the Taiping Sect used the image of the emperor as a model to depict the portrait of Taiyi.
Jian Shuo then looked around and found that there were also some murals painted on both sides of the Taiyi portrait, while most of the rest were blank frames.
"What are those murals? Why are they all empty?"
Pointing to the picture frames, Jian Shuo asked curiously.
The young Taoist explained, "Oh, those were reserved for the future divine consort and the celestial gods and guardians under our lord. It's just that those celestial gods and guardians have not yet returned to their positions, so they were not depicted!"
"The Divine Consort and the Heavenly Guardian...?"
Jian Shuo was slightly stunned, but quickly came to his senses.
Those blank picture frames must have been prepared by the emperor for his future important ministers and generals, so that they could enjoy the incense offerings of their descendants for eternity in another way.
"How wonderful it would be if there were a place for me here in the future!"
Watching the people coming and going offering incense and praying for the portraits, Jian Shuo couldn't help but feel a longing in his heart.
The prospect of enjoying the blessings of future generations, in whatever form, was incredibly tempting for these eunuchs.
"Attendant Jian, the virtuous teacher is preaching over there. Would you like to go over?"
As he spoke, the young Taoist stretched out his hand and pointed to the left side of the main hall.
Jian Shuo looked in the direction the boy was pointing and saw Zhang Jiao sitting cross-legged on a futon. Opposite him were Zhang Liang, Zhang Bao, and some disciples of the Taiping Sect, including Lan Zhi, as well as some other believers around them.
Everyone looked at Zhang Jiao with solemn expressions, listening to his teachings.
"Go over there and see what your mentors have to say!"
As they spoke, Jian Shuo tiptoed toward that direction, and the others followed closely behind, without making a sound.
Zhang Jiao remained oblivious to the approach of Jian Shuo and the others, continuing to focus intently on preaching and answering questions for the people before him.
Upon arriving at Jian Shuo's side, Zhang Jiao said:
"The so-called self-reliance means that all things in heaven and earth are a gift from the Supreme One, but in order to prevent people from being lazy and unambitious, they are hidden in the world."
As servants of our Lord, we should follow Him, teach the world, and obtain what God has given us through trials!
For example, the land that nurtures all things can only be sustainably obtained by people through cultivation, sowing, and care. Only in this way, with dedication and effort, can people continuously obtain the food, fruits, vegetables, and other necessities for their survival!
If one is lazy and only takes without giving, one's demise is not far off!
"What the teacher says makes sense!"
After hearing Zhang Jiao's words, the listeners nodded in deep understanding.
Seeing this, Zhang Jiao looked at the crowd and asked with a smile, "Do you have any further questions?"
Upon hearing Zhang Jiao's question, Lanzhi couldn't help but think of her own experiences, and then asked:
"May I ask my wise teacher, what is the meaning of 'good and evil are rewarded accordingly'?"
Zhang Jiao looked at Lan Zhi and smiled, then said:
"The world is inherently a chaotic mortal realm, formed by the intertwining of purity and turbidity."
Life is a series of trials and tribulations, and doing good is the best way to pass those trials.
That is why we must guide people toward goodness, so that more people may be able to bask in the light of our Lord.
We should greatly encourage those who do good deeds and take them as role models. When they have completed their trials, they will naturally ascend to the celestial realm and live a carefree life!
For those who commit evil, if they cannot repent, we must end their trials early and let Taiyi personally instruct them!
As Zhang Jiao finished speaking, among the disciples, Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao, who were at the forefront, nodded in agreement.
In their understanding, Zhang Jiao's words can be simply summarized as: good deeds should be encouraged and praised, bad deeds should be corrected if possible, and those who cannot be corrected should be sent to Taiyi for correction.
"Excellent! What a wonderful principle of karmic retribution! Your words, teacher, are truly wise!"
Upon hearing Zhang Jiao's words, Jian Shuo, who was standing to the side, immediately brightened up and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Upon hearing this voice, Zhang Jiao and his men couldn't help but turn their heads to look.
Upon discovering Jian Shuo and the Imperial Guards soldiers, Zhang Jiao quickly stood up, walked briskly to Jian Shuo, and bowed respectfully.
"May I ask who you are?"
Looking at Jian Shuo's attire, which was different from that of ordinary eunuchs, Zhang Jiao spoke with great respect.
Jian Shuo glanced at Zhang Jiao, then said loudly:
"By imperial decree, summon Zhang Jiao of the Taiping Rebellion to the palace for an audience!"
"Zhang Jiao, at the head of the table, obeys the imperial edict!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiao quickly and respectfully agreed.
Zhang Liang, Zhang Bao, and their disciples, who were standing nearby, couldn't help but show joy on their faces.
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