RR Chapter 338

Thank you to Beverly for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

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“Jinyang is going to pray for rain again.” Liang Feng put down the document in his hand, rubbed his forehead, and asked, “Have you witnessed rain prayers in Si County?”

“Magistrate Ge prayed twice, and countless common folks followed suit,” Yi Yan hesitated for a moment, “There are also rumors that our lord’s extensive construction projects have prolonged the drought. Fortunately, it hasn’t spread widely.”

Liang Feng paused at the words, shaking his head helplessly. In ancient times, this was the downside. All natural phenomena—changes in the sky, droughts, earthquakes, plagues, and insect infestations—were attributed to the reversal of yin and yang, the connection between heaven and man. “Shanggan Tianhe” could explain everything. Not to mention severe droughts, even controllable pests like locust plagues were not dared to be artificially dealt with for a long time. They could only rely on the emperor’s decree to self-blame and perform rituals for mountains and rivers.

Therefore, all his relief measures seemed to be “going against the tide” in the eyes of many. When a severe drought occurred, the emperor performing rituals and the common people praying for rain were the right things to do. Besides regular rain prayers, the most they would do was review wrongful convictions, reduce taxes, and stop labor-intensive projects. For someone like Liang Feng, who continued to build roads and canals during a severe drought, it was unheard of.

In the political achievements of local officials, the direct connection between rain prayers and efficacy was emphasized. The era where “praying for rain was immediately answered,” “praying for rain brought abundant rain,” and “wholeheartedly praying for rain” could be included in one’s resume. Who dared to act so recklessly?

Fortunately, Liang Feng’s fame spread throughout the three provinces, and there were just too many refugees. Apart from using labor in place of relief, he barely managed to suppress the rumors.

“The severe drought will inevitably lead to public grievances; we still need to carefully appease…” Liang Feng sighed. This matter was really difficult to handle. Actually, the best way was to shift the blame for the natural disaster onto Sima Rui of Yang County. But doing so would only make Sima Rui put on an act with the young emperor, portraying himself as a virtuous minister. In this way, Liang Feng wouldn’t know when he could seize the throne.

Without a target to shift blame to, he would inevitably bear some criticism himself.

“Our lord dug canals, built dams, dug wells, and cultivated fields; Bing, Si, and Ji three provinces have not suffered from famine, and tens of thousands of refugees have been supported. The people know gratitude and understand who saved them. Such rumors won’t work.” Yiyan said sincerely.

He spoke the truth. How many people could save so many lives in several provinces during a severe drought? Not to mention major issues, just looking at the minor details. The Lord has reduced water usage by who knows how much this year. He even hesitates to waste the water from the melting ice basin in the summer, taking the lead in simplifying banquets and using the saved grain to aid the disaster-stricken. The Provincial Governor’s Mansion may not save much, but the impact on society is considerable. Just in Jinyang, the high gates have provided who knows how much porridge and water this year alone.

These practical efforts were much more tangible than the elusive rain prayers.

In the gray-blue eyes of the person in front of him, a gleam of light seemed to flicker. Liang Feng’s lips curled into a smile, leaning against the human flesh pillow, “Well, let’s hold a Buddhist ceremony at Huai’en Temple in a few days when the mural is completed. You should come with me.”

Yiyan gently brushed Liang Feng’s temples with his hand, “I will accompany our lord by his side, as it should be.”

Having been away for such a long time, how could he not miss this person? However, he couldn’t intervene in political matters, let alone disturb them. If it weren’t for the lord constantly inviting him into the mansion, he might have developed lovesickness. But the lord always remembered him, and he could support him. What more could he ask for?

※

In the side hall of Huai’en Temple, curtains hung everywhere. The completed murals had to be covered to prevent damage. Only in front of one wall, someone stood on a wooden frame, delicately depicting with a soft brush.

Perhaps enchanted by it, he stood still on the frame, not even noticing the deepening dusk outside. It wasn’t until the last ray of sunlight disappeared that he put down the fine brush in his hand.

“It’s done…”

Finally, it was done. It took nearly a year, with the help of twenty painters besides his disciples. Even so, this hall consumed a whole year of his time. Now, with the achievement finally realized, even his back seemed slightly stooped.

“Master Wei!” Xun Zhi hurried forward, supporting the swaying figure. Carefully assisting Wei Xie, they descended from the wooden frame.

The sky had darkened, and to avoid smoke and fire, no candles were lit inside the hall. Naturally, they couldn’t see the painting in front of them. But everything was imprinted in their minds, and Wei Xie gazed at the main mural made with his heart and soul, sighing deeply, “In this lifetime, I’m afraid I won’t be able to paint such a picture again.”

Murals were different from scrolls; the scenes were expansive, the characters complex, and the time and effort expended were difficult to measure. At his current age, this was likely the last time he would create such a large mural. Not to mention the significance of this particular painting, which was extraordinary.

Seeing his mentor lost in thought, Xun Zhi didn’t dare to disturb him and silently stood by, supporting him. When the hall was completely dim, Wei Xie spoke, “Is Lord Liang coming to Huai’en Temple tomorrow?”

“Exactly!” Xun Zhi whispered, “I believe Mentor’s painting will surely be praised by Lord Liang.”

However, Wei Xie shook his head, “I only hope it can aid Lord Liang in praying for rain.”

Even though he hadn’t left Huai’en Temple for a year, Wei Xie knew about the severe drought in the northern regions. How many times had he seen rain in such a long period? If Jinyang was in this state, let alone other places. Since he was proficient in painting Buddha images, Wei Xie naturally practiced Buddhism. This mural was undoubtedly a manifestation of his hopes.

“Lord Liang is sincere, and with Master’s dedication, it will surely be answered,” Xun Zhi replied firmly. He had also invested a lot of effort into this painting. It was not only his mentor’s masterpiece but also the beginning of his further improvement in skills. Therefore, he believed that this painstaking effort would not be in vain.

Wei Xie nodded, then cast a lingering glance at the mural. Assisted by his disciple, he slowly walked out of the hall.

Outside the hall, monks who knew about the visit were waiting and hurriedly approached.

Before they could speak, Wei Xie smiled wearily, “I’ve fulfilled Lord Liang’s entrusted task; the mural is completed. It can be unveiled tomorrow.”

“Master Wei, you’ve worked hard. The meditation room is ready; please go and rest.” The monk didn’t show any intention of entering the hall for inspection, merely advising. This attitude truly left a favorable impression. Wei Xie didn’t refuse and followed him to the backyard to rest.

The next day, before dawn, Wei Xie woke up. After bathing and changing clothes under the servants’ care, he put on attire suitable for receiving guests and headed to the main hall. The hall’s doors were tightly closed, and outside, numerous prayer flags and incense cases were arranged, indicating elaborate preparations. This was completely different from his first encounter with Lord Liang, making him unavoidably nervous.

Without waiting for too long, the central gate of Huai’en Temple swung wide open, and a magnificent procession, with towering ceremonial umbrellas resembling floating colored clouds, advanced toward the side hall. This was the grand escort only a lord could have, and its imposing presence made people breathless.

However, Wei Xie widened his eyes, gazing in astonishment at the person approaching with measured steps. His complexion had improved somewhat, but a faint trace of compassion lingered between his brows. It seemed that this prolonged drought, like all worldly matters, weighed heavily on his heart. Yet, the black coronet he wore for the ritual exuded an innate majesty, inspiring awe.

This scene resembled something he would depict, leaping out from the painted walls and appearing right before his eyes.

“Lord Wei, you’ve dedicated a year to this painting, and I have been anticipating it for a long time. May I have a look?” When he reached Wei Xie, who was still in a daze, Liang Feng smiled.

“Lord Liang, please.” Wei Xie could barely utter more words, bowing respectfully.

The tightly closed doors of the hall swung wide open, allowing the light to flood in. The weather today was not particularly clear, with thick clouds covering the sun, casting a somewhat dim atmosphere inside the hall. This newly constructed main hall was dedicated to the Medicine Buddha. The golden Buddha image sat in the center. However, everyone’s attention was drawn to the mural covering the walls.

In the center of their vision stood the Medicine Buddha, elevated on a lotus pedestal. Dressed in blue robes with bare feet, and dark hair gathered in a topknot. Unlike other Buddha images with crossed legs, he stood on a lotus pedestal. Instead of holding a fruit branch and an alms bowl, the Buddha held a medicinal vessel resembling a pagoda in one hand and gestured with the other.

The face, flawless like white jade, with slender slightly lowered eyes, seemed to conceal a touch of compassion. Just looking at it brought a sense of tranquility.

In stark contrast to this serene image, the surroundings depicted a different scene. Twelve fierce Yakshas loomed beside him. Some had disheveled hair and furious expressions, some were attacking snakes or eagles, and some brandished swords dripping with blood. All these demonic creatures were vivid and lifelike. Only one remained still.

It didn’t exactly resemble a Yaksha. Unlike the other Yakshas, its facial features were sharp, yet it bore a subtle smile. Its eyes, although different in color, were calm and gentle. Though there seemed to be faint traces of blood on its body, its hands were clean, resting on the clouds. It knelt before the Medicine Buddha, gazing upward.

As if tamed by deities, embracing the righteous path, transforming into a humble Vajra.

Four dragons winding through the corners of the mural occupied the gaps, setting off the dynamic and static, profound and endless.

Liang Feng was more accustomed to modern painting techniques. He found ancient paintings, which emphasized artistic conception and divine forms, especially in figure painting, somewhat veiled. However, this painting far exceeded his expectations, even shaking him.

Worthy of the title “Painting Sage.”

Liang Feng sighed lightly, “Master’s strokes are truly exquisite.”

However, Wei Xie did not express gratitude; instead, he bowed, “This painting lacks a few strokes. Please allow me to complete it, Lord Liang!”

Even Liang Feng was surprised, not to mention those accompanying him. This was quite unconventional. However, an artist always had the license to be unique. Liang Feng nodded, and Wei Xie immediately walked to the painting, climbed the wooden ladder, and took the ink brush handed by Xun Zhi. Ignoring the central figure, he focused on the dragon heads at the corners, each receiving a small touch.

Adding the finishing touch to the dragon in the painting!

Liang Feng was momentarily startled, suddenly remembering this phrase. Was it an established tradition or Wei Xie’s invention? He couldn’t be sure, but with just a few ink dots, all four dragons came to life! The night Yakshas, the eagle-snake entwined in clouds, and even the golden light behind the Medicine Buddha—all seemed to shimmer.

A thunderous roar echoed inside and outside the hall, akin to thunder. Such a miracle—how often had anyone witnessed it? After the initial astonishment, the thunderous applause continued. Yet, the thunderous sound persisted, emanating from above the towering temple.

Thunder?

Liang Feng abruptly turned around, swiftly walking to the outside of the hall. The overcast sky now had dark clouds gathering. A strong wind whistled, carrying a scent of earth.

Was it going to rain?!

Not only Liang Feng but also the soldiers around him and the officials were all catching up. Someone shouted first, “Blessings from the Buddha!”

The monks in Huai’en Temple began chanting Buddhist scriptures, and the servants knelt down, tears streaming. Indeed, this must be a miracle summoned by the Buddha. Were those four dragons also manipulated and summoned by the Medicine Buddha to convey this divine rain?

Amidst the deafening cheers, Liang Feng turned back and looked into the hall. A pair of gray-blue eyes also glanced over, filled with joy and admiration, just like the figure kneeling in front of the Buddha.

Everything settled back to its origin. Liang Feng deeply breathed in the moist rain air, closing his eyes.