"Buddhism has existed until the 21st century. Existence is reasonable, which means it has its merits." Xiao Ran does not believe in Buddhism, but knows that this is very important.
"Xuanzang and his disciples founded the Yogacara school, which holds a crucial position in the development of Chinese Buddhism. Its rigorous and complex theoretical system has had a cross-influence on many fields, including philosophy and psychology, elevating Chinese Buddhism to a higher level of scholarship."
"As an integral part of Chinese culture, Buddhism has left a profound imprint on architecture, painting, sculpture, literature, and many other fields. For example, numerous Buddhist temples, with their unique architectural styles, are artistic treasures, and Buddhist artworks such as the Dunhuang murals are world-renowned. These enrich the diversity of Chinese culture."
"Buddhist teachings of compassion, kindness, and tolerance can help guide social trends and promote social harmony and stability. For example, the idea of encouraging people to refrain from evil and embrace good can, to a certain extent, assist in the development of social moral norms and curb negative behavior."
"Using Buddhism as a bridge, China has carried out extensive cultural exchange activities with neighboring countries, as well as countries where Buddhism flourishes, such as India. This has not only promoted mutual understanding between countries, but has also, to a certain extent, enhanced the country's cultural influence and strengthened friendly international relations."
"More than a thousand years later, Buddhism is one of the three major religions!"
"So that's it!" Princess Yuzhang nodded. She had never thought about this before.
As soon as I entered Chang'an City, I found that something was different.
Zhuque Street in Chang'an City was crowded with people and extremely noisy.
The news spread like wildfire - Master Xuanzang had returned, bringing with him unprecedented glory and treasures, attracting people from all over the city to witness this historic moment.
At the city gate, the imperial guards were lined up in neat rows, their armor shining brightly. The black-armored soldiers holding automatic rifles led the way majestically.
They traveled all the way to India, and although they were exhausted, they could not hide their heroic spirit. The neighing of the war horses under their crotch announced their extraordinary achievements.
Li Shimin put on his dragon robe and returned to the Taiji Hall, which he had not visited for a long time.
In the Taiji Hall, Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, and all the civil and military officials in the court stood solemnly.
Upon hearing that Xuanzang had entered the palace, Li Shimin could not hide his excitement.
Xuanzang, wearing a brand new cassock and holding a staff, walked into the hall, performed a grand ceremony, and presented some samples of scriptures and a list of exotic treasures.
Xiao Ran is a prince now, so he can also take a look at the Taiji Hall.
I want to see what Master Xuanzang looks like.
Xuanzang's skin color is bronze after being exposed to the sun and wind, revealing his determination.
His forehead was broad and smooth, as if containing endless wisdom; his eyebrows were like distant ink, neither thick nor thin, with just the right curvature; his eyes were like clear pools, his pupils were dark and deep, and when they occasionally flashed, they were filled with the light of compassion that understood the world.
The bridge of his nose is tall and straight, like a steep mountain range, supporting the three-dimensional sense of the whole face; his lips are slightly chapped, the lip color is dark, and the corners of his mouth are slightly drooping, which makes him look solemn, but when he looks at people, he reveals a gentle smile.
Li Shimin looked at Xuanzang with a burning gaze and said in a clear voice, "Master, you went alone and braved dangers and hardships. I was always thinking of you. I never thought that you would return today. Not only did you bring back the lost scriptures and strengthen the Buddhist affinity of the Tang Dynasty, but you also spread the prestige of the Tang Dynasty in India, forcing other countries to pay tribute. Your achievements are truly unparalleled! The hardships you endured along the way must be far beyond the imagination of ordinary people."
Xuanzang lowered his eyes and humbly replied, "Your Majesty, thank you for your kind words. I have only been adhering to my original aspiration to seek the Dharma. Fortunately, with your Majesty's prestige and the escort of your generals, I was able to travel safely. In the Buddhist land of India, Buddhism flourishes. I fear that the scriptures will be lost and the teachings unclear, thus failing the expectations of the Buddhist community of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, I have worked tirelessly to collect them."
Li Chengqian stepped out, bowed, and said, "Master, this move is of extraordinary significance for both culture and diplomacy. The influx of so many scriptures will surely enlighten the people and enrich scholarship. We will also receive tribute from India. Seeing this, the neighboring states will undoubtedly be filled with awe and respect for the Tang Dynasty."
This matter will bring many benefits to the Tang Dynasty.
The more he looked at Xuanzang, the more he looked like an enlightened monk, and the image of Tang Monk emerged in Xiao Ran's mind.
Compared to the weak Tang Monk, Xuanzang is obviously a warrior monk with extremely strong fighting power.
Without knowing some martial arts, how could he have traveled alone for so many years and come back safe and sound after such a long journey?
Xiao Ran didn't listen to the subsequent arrangements. He was not interested in these things.
Walking out of the Taiji Hall, Xiao Ran saw a young and handsome monk outside. He asked curiously, "Master, are you from Tianzhu or the Tang Dynasty?"
"Donor, I am from the Tang Dynasty, my name is Bian Ji!"
Xiao Ran had a feeling it would be that person, but he didn't expect it to be Monk Bian Ji.
“I see…I see…”
Xiao Ran smiled and nodded, then turned and left.
Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang saw Xiao Ran coming over.
"Brother, who is that young master? Do you know him?" Princess Yuzhang pointed.
"I don't know him, I'm just asking. He's Monk Bianji."
"Monk Bian Ji!" Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang looked at him curiously.
It is obvious that Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang both knew about the unofficial history of Monk Bian Ji.
"If Seventeen knew those things, he would probably be angry!" Princess Yuzhang looked at Bian Ji again.
"Official history isn't necessarily true, but unofficial history is truly unofficial!" Xiao Ran said, "Those things aren't true, they're fake."
According to historical records, as Xuanzang's disciple, Monk Bian Ji was responsible for the important task of helping Xuanzang translate Buddhist scriptures. His actions were monitored by the government and he was busy with work, so it was difficult for him to have the opportunity to have an affair with Princess Gaoyang.
As the daughter of Li Shimin, Princess Gaoyang's behavior was subject to many restrictions, and it was almost impossible for her to fall in love and have an affair with a monk like Monk Bian Ji.
Fang Xuanling's tombstone records things like Princess Gaoyang helping Fang Xuanling deliver letters. If the Fengyue case existed, these contents would not have been engraved on the tombstone because it would be a shame for the Fang family and the royal family.
If it is true, then the royal family and Fang Xuanling's family would deliberately erase the existence of Princess Gaoyang and it would be impossible for her to be engraved on the tombstone.
There is no mention of the rumor about Monk Bian Ji and Princess Gaoyang in the Old Book of Tang, the official history of the Tang Dynasty, or the Taiping Yulan, an official collection of essays compiled during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song.
This incident first appeared in the New Book of Tang compiled by Ouyang Xiu during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song Dynasty, and was later adopted in the Zizhi Tongjian compiled by Sima Guang.
However, both Ouyang Xiu and Sima Guang had anti-Buddhist stances, and their records of the incident may have been influenced by subjective factors.
So this matter is most likely a deliberate smear and rumor.
If it weren't for this incident, Princess Gaoyang and Fang Yiai would have been very unknown, and Monk Bian Ji would have been even less well-known.
Because of this scandal, Princess Gaoyang became as famous as Li Lizhi, the eldest daughter.
What a pity it is black and red!
It is true that good news never travels far, but bad news travels a thousand miles. Even after more than a thousand years, it is still mentioned by many people.
I feel sorry for these three people for three seconds!
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