Chapter 988: The Imperial Master (Second update, please subscribe)
The early morning sun was generously shining on the Brazilian plateau. Among the dense woods, a black BMW was driving along a quiet road. The sunlight shone through the branches and leaves of the trees on both sides of the road, sprinkling on the ground in a mottled manner.
Li Nanqi, who was sitting in the car, had his eyes closed, seemingly thinking about something.
"Sir, we will arrive at the Da Chongjiao Temple soon."
Li Nanqi responded lightly to the secretary's reminder, but did not say anything.
After the car drove for a while, he opened his eyes when he heard the sound of chanting faintly in the air. The Da Chongjiao Temple on the distant mountain came into his sight.
In the bright sunshine, hundreds of lamas held prayer beads in their hands and chanted in the temple. The solemn chanting sound echoed in the valley.
Da Chongjiao Temple is located on a mountain 70 kilometers southeast of Zhongdu. The golden roof of the temple built on the mountain shines dazzlingly in the sun. This grand temple was built by Emperor Zhu himself. It was built entirely in accordance with the ancient Chinese method. The huge wood used in the main hall was produced locally. The hall is decorated with colorful paintings, carved beams and painted buildings, golden couches, jade statues, embroidered carpets, banners, and pearls. The furnishings are luxurious.
As soon as he entered the temple, Li Nanqi breathed in the air filled with wisps of sandalwood, and his expression immediately became quite solemn. Anyone would feel insignificant when standing in the main hall of such a grand and magnificent temple.
"Sir, the Dharma King invites you."
The monk's respectful announcement interrupted Li Nanqi's thoughts. So he quickly put away his thoughts, straightened his clothes, and followed the monk's guidance into the living room. He saw the Dharma King Dazhi, wearing a golden cassock, sitting cross-legged in the hall, looking solemn and mysterious under the sunlight.
"Meet the King of France."
"Master Li, thank you for your courtesy. Please take a seat." The Great Wisdom Dharma King said slowly.
The gentleman in front of you is the Junior Minister of the Imperial Shanshiyuan. The Shanshiyuan is an institution established by the empire to manage the country's important education. It is specifically responsible for the appointment and dismissal of abbots of famous mountains and temples and church priests across the country. Of course, it is also in charge of the reincarnation of various Dharma Kings.
Even if he was the Dharma King, he would still be very respectful to such a current administrator. After a few simple polite words, the Dharma King asked.
"I wonder why you came to the temple?"
As a wise Dharma King, he naturally knew what "one does not visit the temple without a request" meant. In fact, as early as ten years ago, when Mr. Song came to the burned-down Da Chongjiao Temple in Minzhou to find him, he was deeply touched by this sentence.
Just as the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty conferred the title of "Dazhi Dharma King" on his ancestor, the Ming Empire extended an invitation to him to Yingtian. For Dazhi Dharma King, who had been silent for hundreds of years and whose influence was fading, he gladly accepted the opportunity.
In fact, he had no reason to refuse - at that time, Gansu was occupied by Shi Dakai's Heavenly Kingdom soldiers, who believed in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and there was no place for him to stay in the local area.
So the Great Dharma King came to the Ming Dynasty from afar with thousands of books and hundreds of monks, and thus took root in the Ming Dynasty. At the beginning of the construction of Zhongdu, the court did not forget them and built the Da Chongjiao Temple in Zhongdu.
The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty highly respected him, and even re-conferred on him the title of "Great Wisdom Dharma King" and also conferred on him the title of "Grand Master of Pure Enlightenment and Tzu Chi".
Of course?
He also paid a small price, such as the succession of the Dharma King to the central government of the empire, and the Chinese language missionary work. But in return, he received the full support of the empire.
"In fact, I came here this time on the orders of the Emperor."
"Ah, why didn't you tell me earlier, sir?"
The King of Dharma, realizing that he had been rude, quickly stood up and said respectfully:
"I don't know what your majesty's will is."
"Oh, Your Majesty is too polite. Please take a seat."
After he sat down again, Li Nanqi continued.
"Your Majesty said that this is not an order. In recent years, the disciples of the Dharma King have promoted Buddhism in the African colonies and built no less than 200 temples. The achievements of millions of believers are obvious to all. Your Majesty is very pleased."
The news brought by Li Nanqi made the Dharma King look delighted. This was a compliment from His Majesty! Although His Majesty seemed to be impartial to all religions, he was actually extremely partial to them. For example, the cause of promoting Buddhism in Africa was carried out with the full support of His Majesty.
From a small sect that was almost in decline and had only tens of thousands of followers to one million followers now, all this is due to the support of Your Majesty.
"Sir, if it weren't for Your Majesty, our sect wouldn't be as prosperous as it is today. Our sect wouldn't be as prosperous as it is today. It's all Your Majesty's work. How dare we take credit for what we have done?"
"Your Majesty is very polite."
The French king's politeness made Li Nanqi nod and smile.
"Because Buddhism has flourished in African colonies in recent years, Your Majesty hopes that the Dharma King can personally go to Africa at an appropriate time..."
"Ah! Go, go to Africa!"
The King of France looked at the young minister in surprise. What does your Majesty mean?
"Your Majesty, please don't be in a hurry to sit down and slowly understand the cause of the matter."
Li Nanqi said politely.
"Your Majesty believes that the promotion of Buddhism in the colonies is now in its infancy and should be stepped up. If several Dharma Kings can go to the local areas to preach and promote Buddhism, it will surely make Buddhism popular in the African continent."
Li Shaoqing's words made the King of France raise his eyebrows and asked tentatively.
"From what you said, the other Dharma Kings are also going there?"
There is not only one Dharma King Dazhi in the Ming Dynasty, but also several other Dharma Kings such as Dharma King Daying. Their disciples are also preaching in the colonies. When he heard that other Dharma Kings were also going there, he immediately became a little restless.
"Yes, I will go to visit the Dharma King Da Ying next."
As soon as Li Nanqi finished speaking, the Dharma King, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly laughed and said:
"Promoting Buddhism is the will of the Buddha, and it is also the responsibility of monks like me. Please tell His Majesty that after I make some preparations, I will go to the Kenyan colony to preach."
"Well, that's great. When the Dharma King is ready, you can send someone to report to the courtyard. Then the Imperial Navy will send an airship to take the Dharma King and the monks to Kenya."
The Empire is never stingy when it comes to its own people. Since they are allowed to go to the colonies, they will definitely do all the logistical support.
"Amitabha, please tell His Majesty that we will not let His Majesty down."
The Dharma King clasped his hands together and said.
After the main business was finished, the next thing was simple. After the two discussed Buddhism for a while, Li Nanqi, the Shaoqing of Shanshiyuan, stood up to say goodbye. The Dharma King warmly sent him to the door, and then stood on the steps in front of the door, watching the gentleman leave with a solemn appearance...
(End of this chapter)
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