Although entrusted with a task, Liang Rong did not immediately leave Jinyang. This was because, in mid-July, there was the annual Ullambana Festival.
Nowadays, Huai’en Temple holds three major ceremonies each year, namely the Buddha’s Birthday ceremony in April, the Ullambana Festival in July, and the sacrificial ceremony on the Winter Solstice. While the ceremonies in April and during the Winter Solstice are more elaborate, the Ullambana Festival surpasses them in popularity.
After all, on this day, coinciding with the Taoist Zhongyuan Festival, the emphasis is on rescuing sentient beings from the six realms of suffering and expressing gratitude for the kindness of parents. It is considered a day for offering sacrifices to ghosts. In the hearts of the people, matters related to ghosts are of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. Moreover, many still remember the scene when Buddhist monks entered the temple with light carriages in the past. This single fact adds a unique brilliance to the Ullambana Festival.
For the delicate sentiments of the common people, Huai’en Temple would not miss the opportunity. After all, the purpose of the Ullambana Festival is to make offerings to the Buddha and monks and propagate Buddhism. Therefore, the larger the ceremony, the more advantageous it is for them.
However, this year, with the emperor’s demise, all banquets were halted. The Ullambana Festival had to adapt by reducing its scale and became a ceremony for chanting scriptures and transcending the deceased emperor.
On the appointed day in mid-July, the procession left the provincial governor’s mansion and headed towards Huai’en Temple.
During the national mourning period, everything was kept simple. The procession, whether in terms of ceremonial guards or the chariot, was not overly elaborate. It was Liang Rong’s first time participating in such a ceremony, and amid his anxiety, he also found it quite fascinating. However, after gazing out of the carriage window for a while, he couldn’t help but ask, “Father, do the common people know that you are in the carriage?”
As they traveled, quite a few people were kneeling and bowing along the road, devoutly paying respects to the procession. They clearly did not display the ceremonial guards of a provincial governor or even a duke, so why were people waiting by the roadside so early?
“Today is the Ullambana Festival; there will naturally be people waiting outside,” Liang Feng smiled, not finding it strange.
Liang Rong gained some understanding, “Is it to respectfully welcome you, Father?”
“It is to respectfully welcome the person who granted them a chance at life,” Liang Feng replied.
It had been five years since he first appeared in Jinyang. However, the memory engraved in the hearts of the people would not fade with time.
This year was not as peaceful as previous years, with unrest and conflicts in various provinces. However, regardless of the chaos elsewhere, the flames of war had not reached Jinyang. Moreover, with the hasty relocation of the Xiongnu, leaving Pingyang, the people of Bing County experienced an unprecedented period of stability. As the autumn harvest approached, this year promised to be bountiful, and how could these people forget the benefactor who brought them a sense of security?
The carriage did not stop because of the people on both sides of the road but continued into the courtyard of Huai’en Temple. Once it came to a halt, bamboo curtains were lifted, and a figure appeared beside the carriage. According to protocol, it should have been an attendant offering assistance, but when Liang Rong saw the person before him, he was stunned once again.
It was Yiyan!
As the General who had brought glory to the Wei, bestowed with the title of Marquis Bai, and also serving as the Right General under Liang Feng, he was already one of the prominent figures in Bing County’s military. Why would he be performing the duties of a servant?
Ignoring Liang Rong’s bewildered expression, Yiyan directly supported his arm, saying, “Lord Rong, be careful stepping down.”
His tone was calm, and the support was quite steady. After descending from the carriage somewhat dizzy, Liang Rong hadn’t fully recovered when Yiyan took a step forward, whispering, “Lord, Master.”
A flawless and fair hand was placed on his, and before the fingertips could make contact, it was firmly grasped.
Witnessing this scene, Liang Rong felt goosebumps on his back. He suddenly understood the purpose behind Yiyan’s actions. This wasn’t about willingly becoming a servant; it was clearly an opportunity to get closer to Father!
Father had mentioned not to regard General Yi as a mere favorite and emphasized not to be biased, and to look beyond the surface. However, observing Father being led intimately by that person, Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable all over.
Fortunately, the two only touched briefly when getting off the carriage, and after standing firm, they naturally separated. Liang Rong quickly stepped forward, taking the initiative to hold Father’s hand, saying, “Father.”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, noting that the little guy hadn’t been this affectionate outside for quite a while. However, today was not a formal occasion, so he held that small hand and led the way towards the temple.
Behind them, Yiyan glanced at the petite figure, saying nothing, and followed suit.
Last year, when the troops from You County attacked Bing County, the situation was tense. Liang Feng did not personally attend the Ullambana Festival but instead sent people to deliver offerings. This year, he finally had the opportunity to be present, and the monks at Huai’en Temple dared not be negligent. Several monks promptly came out to greet them as they approached the main hall.
Currently, Huai’en Temple had more than just Venerable Zhufa; numerous monks proficient in Buddhist teachings had come to Bing County and found residence in Huai’en Temple. Despite their prestigious reputations, none could surpass the abbot. The old monk still had the appearance of an aged person, standing at the forefront, folding his hands together in greeting.
After exchanging pleasantries, Liang Feng said, “The abbot dedicates his heart entirely to transcending the late Emperor, truly accumulating immeasurable merits.”
Whether or not the transcending ritual is carried out is not the main point. What’s important is that Huai’en Temple, under the pretext of helping the late Emperor accumulate merits, has expanded its almsgiving program. Almost all the poor in Jinyang have benefited. This move alone impressed Liang Feng.
The old monk remained composed and calmly said, “Assisting and guiding others is our duty. Lord of Shangdang, you’re overpraising.”
Liang Feng smiled. The old monk was indeed astute, not seeking credit but quietly arranging things properly. With a gesture, Liang Feng said, “Please, Master.”
They strolled into the hall, with Liang Rong following his father, curiously observing the scene inside. He had been to Huai’en Temple before but had never witnessed the arrangement of a Buddhist ritual. Compared to ordinary days, the temple seemed to exude a more solemn atmosphere. Prayer flags fluttered, incense enveloped the air, and even the chanting of the monks carried a majestic and awe-inspiring solemnity.
Carefully sitting next to his father, Liang Rong, now absorbed in the surroundings, forgot about his earlier conflict and stared intently at the monks performing the rituals. Unlike the Nuo rituals during the winter solstice, where it was lively, here, amid the constant ringing of bells and the chanting of sutras, a strange tranquility emerged within the apparent solemnity, captivating those present.
Is this the Buddha his father believes in?
Liang Rong felt a swelling pride in his small chest. His father bore the title of a Buddhist disciple. Were the merits and worship of these beings also a part of his father’s accomplishments?
The pleasant but lingering sensation continued for quite some time. It persisted until the ceremony concluded and they settled into the meditation hall. However, even then, Liang Rong’s inner turmoil could not settle.
While he failed to find tranquility, Liang Feng calmly spoke, “Regarding the matter of the decree we discussed some days ago, Master, do you find it feasible or not?”
Huh? What decree? Liang Rong raised his head in confusion, only to see the old monk nod slightly, “Buddhism can benefit people, but not everyone will become a monk. The decree to distinguish between monks and laypeople has its uses. However, there is more than just Huai’en Temple in the world.”
Liang Feng chuckled, “One day, all temples in the world may follow the admission decree, selecting talents for ordination. However, someone needs to decide which scriptures and practices the monks should study. Huai’en Temple is the largest in Jinyang, with many eminent monks, making it the prime choice.”
After a moment of contemplation, the old monk said, “So, it’s like setting up an examination system? As long as they are proficient in scriptures, they can become monks?”
“Moreover, they must undergo the monastic precepts, renounce the secular world, and sever worldly ties,” Liang Feng replied.
These three words, seemingly simple, carried significant weight. The old monk fell into silence once again. After a while, he asked, “What if someone naturally possesses the Buddha-nature but is not proficient in scriptures?”
“If one can discern filial piety, they can recognize Buddha-nature as well. Showing compassion beyond the law is not impossible,” Liang Feng responded before the old monk could answer. He continued, “Besides, if someone truly seeks the title of a monk, there are ways to obtain it.”
The old monk nodded without inquiring about those ways, “I understand. However, this matter should be discussed with other Zen masters.”
“Master, please,” Liang Feng said with a smile, pouring himself tea regardless of the old monk’s reaction.
Once the old monk slowly left the meditation hall, Liang Rong whispered, “Father, what is the ‘admission decree’?”
The earlier conversation between the two was intricate and confusing, and he hadn’t grasped its essence. However, not understanding didn’t mean he couldn’t sense the underlying conflict, especially after being immersed in Buddhist teachings. Encountering such a dispute right after this enlightening experience left him feeling somewhat disoriented.
Putting down his teacup, Liang Feng chuckled softly, “The so-called ‘admission decree’ is an official document issued by the court, recording information about monks and nuns, such as their origin, secular names, age, and precept masters. It’s similar to the household registration yellow register.”
The explanation was clear, but Liang Rong found himself at a loss for words. Wasn’t his father a devout follower of Buddhism? Why impose such strict supervision on monks? But soon, Liang Rong understood. Monks were exempt from taxes and services. If everyone rushed to become a monk, how would the court sustain itself?
However, if entering monastic life is subjected to examinations similar to the imperial examinations, with candidates required to pass to assume positions, the number of monks is bound to decrease significantly, making it easier for the court to control. Despite his father’s proclaimed commitment to Buddhism while engaging with the secular world, the use of such means seemed truly…
His mind was in a muddle, and Liang Rong didn’t know what to say. Liang Feng suddenly spoke, “After hearing so much, do you know what concerns the abbot?”
“It’s… the monks!” Liang Rong hesitated for a moment before answering, “He wants more monks. However, the ‘admission decree’ under the control of the court will inevitably limit the number of monks, and the conditions are stringent. Therefore, he wants to find a clever way to compromise. Oh, no, for the abbot, there is certainly no better alternative to the ‘admission decree’!”
“Why did he agree, then?” Liang Feng asked in return.
“Because… because Father agreed to let him set the questions!” After practicing the imperial examinations in Bing County for several years, Liang Rong quickly guessed the answer. What his father mentioned about the Huai’en Temple being the largest in Bing County clearly pointed to this matter. This should be about the transmission of Dharma in the Buddhist tradition. Only by earning legitimate prestige can one be remembered for generations!
Conflicts over the transmission of tradition in Confucianism had persisted for countless generations, and Liang Rong couldn’t be unaware of the importance of this matter. Moreover, his father mentioned that there was a method similar to being selected as a filial and incorrupt candidate. It was precisely because of this that he convinced the old monk.
“What about the method I mentioned earlier to obtain the ‘admission decree’?” Liang Feng asked again.
This time, Liang Rong truly couldn’t figure it out. It could be earned through examinations, good behavior, and was it also hereditary? Now that monks were allowed to marry, there seemed to be more who adhered to the precepts. Besides these methods, what else could there be?
Seeing that Liang Rong couldn’t answer, Liang Feng directly provided the solution, “It means one can purchase it with money.”
What?! Liang Rong was shocked and nearly jumped up. Buying and selling the ‘admission decree’? How could that be possible?! However, after the initial shock, he thought of another type of person. If someone lacked a distinguished family background, lacked official achievements, and had only wealth, like some commoners or even merchants, buying an ‘admission decree’ might be a good option. It could avoid taxes, exempt from service, and in critical moments, wouldn’t it be a life-saving talisman?
However, this… Isn’t this blasphemy against Buddhism? Liang Rong stammered.
If Zhang Bin or Duan Qin had said something like this, he might not have been so surprised. But the one saying these words is his father, who is known as the Medicine Buddha and actively promotes Buddhism!
“Buddha should be revered and the Dharma should be followed. But monks are also human beings,” Liang Feng answered calmly. “Rong’er, you must firmly remember. As long as it’s a human, there will be desires. Sage monks may transcend them, but most are just ordinary people with a layer of outer clothing. Whenever there’s an advantage, people will compete for it. Whether it’s monks, Taoists, or Confucian scholars, it doesn’t matter much. Therefore, you can respect gods and believe in Buddha, but you must not be deceived or manipulated by those who use the names of gods and ghosts to harm people and the country.”
Liang Rong sat stiffly there, unable to utter a word. He originally thought that his father had not let him delve into Buddhist teachings because he was young and needed to establish a solid foundation in Confucianism. Little did he know it was not the case at all! What he wanted to learn was not just a simple school or sect but the true path of the holy king!
To govern the world and benefit the people.
This grand vow was awe-inspiring. However, in Liang Rong’s heart, an uncontrollable emotion arose. His father had always been like this, step by step, through hardships. Such benevolence and great aspirations were not comparable to those who sought fame and fortune. It was precisely because of this that Bing County could be stable, and Si County and Ji County could be brought under control. If his father truly reached that high position one day, what would he look like…
His small fists clenched tightly. Liang Rong nodded, “What you said, Father, I’ll remember.”
Liang Feng looked at his son’s excited expression and sighed inwardly. In an era where even going out to play required divination, he couldn’t possibly instill atheism in Liang Rong. Having a religious belief wasn’t a big deal. Still, being controlled or even enslaved by religion was another matter.
Any religion, fundamentally, was dangerous and easily threatened secular rule. That’s why he brought Liang Rong here, to let him see what was truly hidden beneath the surface. With this kind of shocking education, there was a possibility of reshaping his worldview.
Perhaps these protective measures would eventually loosen. But he hoped it wouldn’t happen in this generation after his own.
