Buddhism was inherited from India, but the monks in the Central Plains did not live the kind of begging life popular among Indian monks.
Most people in the Great Zhou Dynasty were devout Buddhists. Since the previous dynasty, the imperial court had vigorously supported Buddhist temples, granted the construction of temples, supported monks, and granted land and privileges, which was very common.
Over the years, the temples of the Zhou Dynasty were very wealthy.
Almost every large temple has a group of tenant farmers who cultivate the land for the temple. In addition to renting out land, courtyards, Buddhist instruments and scriptures, the temple also lends money to others and collects interest.
Thus, there was a situation where the Buddha competed with the people and the imperial court for profit. It is no wonder that the saying "Buddha holds seven out of ten worldly wealth" was popular among the people.
Dongsheng was originally trained to be the master's personal servant. People like him are very smart and eloquent.
As he spoke, the inexplicable nervousness he had felt in front of Xiao Jingxi faded considerably, and his speech became more fluent. "...I think it would be better for the Yanbei Palace to reorganize the army before the imperial court officially issues the disarmament order, and let some of the soldiers 'retire and return to the countryside.' After all, we have so many temples in Yanbei, so we don't have to worry about not being able to support these capable and brave soldiers."
Xiao Jingxi looked at him with some amusement and said, "Aren't you afraid of punishment from the Buddha?"
Dongsheng heard this and said seriously, "We are all followers of the Buddha. He will not show favoritism!"
Xiao Jingxi couldn't help but chuckle.
Dongsheng looked at him, his eyes showing some nervousness: "Second Master Xiao, do you think this is feasible?"
Xiao Jingxi lowered his eyes slightly, and tapped lightly on the chessboard in front of him with his slender white fingers. Dongsheng's heart also fluctuated.
Xiao Jingxi suddenly smiled faintly: "Although it's a bit unrealistic... but with careful planning, it's not completely impossible."
Dongsheng's eyes lit up.
"Did you come up with this on your own?" Xiao Jingxi asked casually.
Dongsheng glanced at Xiao Jingxi, lowered his head and said, "Yes, I did."
He couldn't possibly involve his cousin.
Xiao Jingxi tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over him with a playful expression. His gentle smile was like the warm winter sun, yet it seemed to carry some inscrutable meaning. He said slowly, "If that's the case, then I'm afraid you won't be able to return to serve your master in the future."
Dongsheng's face paled at first when he heard this. He glanced at Xiao Jingxi and asked uncertainly, "What does Second Young Master Xiao mean?"
Xiao Jingxi smiled and said calmly, "Since you have the courage to offer me advice, you will naturally be by my side from now on. Isn't this the reason why loyal ministers don't serve two masters?"
Dongsheng was silent for a moment, then he resolutely lowered his head, knelt on one knee in front of Xiao Jingxi and said respectfully: "Dongsheng, I meet the master."
He had originally made up his mind to die. Now this outcome was the best it could be. At least his master would no longer be implicated by him, and his life was not lost. However, thinking of his master Li You, whom he had served for so many years, he still felt a little sad.
Xiao Jingxi was surprised by his decisiveness for a moment, then smiled slightly. He said softly, "Go back and say goodbye to your master. Come and congratulate me tomorrow."
Dongsheng replied yes obediently and retreated respectfully.
There was a thunderstorm outside the window, and the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass.
Dongsheng walked into the rain without hesitation. He seemed unaware of the raindrops hitting his head and face. His not-so-strong back was firm and resolute, and he soon disappeared from sight.
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