Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Before the beginning of the New Year, the campaign in Qin County came to an end. The Han forces were no match, surrendering the city. The nobles of the Xiongnu, led by Liu Yi, were all escorted to the capital, presenting captives at the gates.
Unlike the leaders of the Duan tribe and other Xianbei tribes, the Xiongnu had declared themselves emperors, and the dynasty had lasted for over ten years. Now, surrendering didn’t mean they could all be executed.
The emperor issued an edict, demoting Liu Yi to a commoner, and confining him to Luoyang. The Xiongnu’s six noble families who were involved in the rebellion were executed, and their clans were purged. Various tribes were relocated and incorporated into the census.
This set of measures was previously used by Emperor Zhao Xuan of the Zhao Dynasty in Bing County. However, back then, the Xiongnu’s five tribes were still formidable. Now, after more than ten years of warfare that depleted their elite forces, including countless losses among the Wuhuan, Qiang, and Di, executing the remaining nobles, deposing the imperial family, and scattering the lower-ranking herding and farming population, changing their surnames to Han and incorporating them into civilian households. This was an act of extermination, something even Emperor Guangwu of the Han and Wei Wu Emperor Cao Cao had not accomplished. The Northern Xiongnu submitted for three hundred years, and now, they disappeared without a trace.
“Who would have thought that there would be a day when the Xiongnu would be exterminated? Your Majesty’s brilliant strategy is truly admirable,” Wang Long sighed softly as he sat beside Yiyan.
In the past, when the Northern Xiongnu was powerful, Emperor Guangwu of the Han had to ally with the Southern Xiongnu to confront them. Even Wei Wu Emperor Cao Cao only divided them into five parts and eradicated the main tents. Now, the current emperor did not even leave a trace of the name “Han.” After a hundred years, there would probably only be Great Zhao, without any nomadic tribes.
The Jie people were just a branch of the Xiongnu in the past, and now even the vast Xiongnu was gone. Wang Long’s sigh might not be without a touch of personal feelings.
Yiyan’s eyebrows remained unchanged. “When the Xiongnu existed, we were nothing more than tending horses and farming. Without Your Majesty, how could we have today?”
Both Yiyan and Wang Long came from humble backgrounds, able to be commanded by minor leaders in the tribe. Not to mention the migration and dispersal of the tribes, what did it matter? Inter-tribal marriages and changes in customs, what difference did it make? As long as they could live and work in peace, it was much better than being cattle and horses in the past.
Wang Long slapped his thigh. “Exactly! Your Majesty is our benefactor. Even if we give our lives and souls, it’s not excessive!”
As he spoke, his eyes slyly circled around Yiyan, and he cleared his throat. “Speaking of which, a few members of the Dragon Cavalry were sent to the army a few days ago. It’s said that there’s a young man surnamed Xu among them, who has caught the emperor’s attention. General, how do you think we should deal with this person?”
The relationship between the Commander-in-Chief and the emperor was ambiguous, and the high-ranking officials in the army were well aware of it. Others might mock Yiyan for seeking favor, but Wang Long, who came from the Liang family, knew that his general’s relationship with the emperor was extraordinary. Now, however, the general had only been away for a few months, and some audacious individuals wanted to climb into the dragon bed! If possible, Wang Long wished he could personally rush up and smash the heads of these people!
Concerning matters related to the emperor’s favorite, Wang Long dared not neglect. His visit to Yiyan’s residence today was to inform him of this matter. After all, the God’s Might Army was under their jurisdiction. Dealing with a few imprudent individuals should be a breeze.
However, Yiyan didn’t seem to care, calmly stating, “Since it’s sent by the Dragon Cavalry, handle it according to the usual procedures.”
Wang Long was a bit anxious, “General, that young man surnamed Xu doesn’t look bad!”
His general was over thirty years old, and what if the emperor wanted to try something new one day? After all, it was the emperor! What kind of person wouldn’t he choose?!
Yiyan, however, remained indifferent, saying, “Since it’s the Dragon Cavalry, follow the usual protocols.”
Wang Long was getting impatient, “General, that Xu guy doesn’t look bad at all!”
He was just trying to remind his general that they needed to be cautious. His general was already over thirty, and if the emperor took a fancy to him one day, it might not be a bad thing. But Yiyan didn’t seem to care at all.
Yiyan’s gray-blue eyes swept over, and he asked in return, “If the emperor values appearance, would he choose me?”
This made Wang Long choke. If it was based on looks, his general didn’t have much advantage. The court was full of elegant and handsome men, so why would the emperor choose his general?
After struggling for a while, Wang Long mumbled, “General, you are mighty and valiant…”
Yiyan chuckled lightly, drank a cup of wine, and said, “If the emperor has sent someone to the God’s Might Army, what is there to fear? Just handle it as usual, no need to make a fuss.”
Wang Long had only seen this once. In his early years in the palace, he witnessed all kinds of intrigues. However, he had long passed the age of worrying about gains and losses. Now that his general was favored by the emperor, no clownish antics would bother him.
Seeing Yiyan laugh so casually, Wang Long bit his teeth, “What about the child? General, don’t you plan to adopt one? I’ve inquired in the army for a long time, and there are quite a few intelligent children who have lost their parents and are in distress. If you adopt one, he can also inherit the family business…”
Before he finished speaking, Yiyan waved his hand, “No need.”
“What about the family line? If the general lives for a hundred years, you can’t be without someone to offer incense, right?” Wang Long was also a Buddhist, and he attached great importance to the matter of family continuation. Now that General Yi was in such a high position, enjoying all the emperor’s favor, what if one day the emperor passed away? How would the general handle it? If he didn’t want to marry, fine, but adopting someone—wouldn’t the emperor agree?
“My spirit tablet will have its own place,” Yiyan’s expression was complex and hard to describe.
Others might not understand, but he was clear. His spirit tablet would eventually be enshrined in the imperial ancestral temple. Perhaps, he could even be buried in the same tomb as his lord.
However, what he had earnestly anticipated in the past now felt like it couldn’t come soon enough. If it could prolong his lord’s life, what harm would a few years for him be?
Seeing the expression on the other party’s face, Wang Long also found it hard to say anything. Finally, he sighed, “Let’s donate a grotto at Longmen and accumulate some merit.”
No longer dwelling on these disheartening words, Wang Long raised his cup and continued to toast.
The next day, Wang Long didn’t neglect the matter. He sent someone to the temple to discuss the construction of the grotto. Currently, just south of Luoyang City, beside the Yi River, a massive grotto is under construction. The former Yique was one of the key passes guarding Luoyang, where countless battles had unfolded. Now, the emperor changed Yique to “Longmen” and, following the tradition of Jinyang, allowed noble families to build grottoes here.
Originally, carving grottoes into the mountain was for the monks’ cultivation. But now, it served various purposes such as accumulating merit, offering to the Buddha, and even expiating sins. As a result, beside the barracks of the Yique garrison, there were the constant sounds of chiseling, supporting numerous craftsmen and monks.
Two monks walked leisurely along the Yi River. From afar, the green mountains were layered with dense caves, reflecting the majestic and solemn Longmen Pass.
“Senior brother, the temple has built thirty-six caves this year, only two less than the Longxiang Temple. I’m afraid that next year, we won’t keep our position as the leading temple.” One monk frowned and sighed softly.
The other monk shook his head, “Nianhui, you’re misunderstanding. The most important thing now is the ‘Ten Precepts.'”
Hearing this, Nianhui’s brows furrowed even more, “The ‘Ten Precepts’ may sound easy, but not everyone can abide by them. If one is truly found out…”
“Then we’ll tear down the temple walls!” The other monk answered decisively.
Not long ago, the court issued the “Five Precepts” of Buddhism. No killing, no stealing, no adultery, no false speech, and no drinking. All monks nationwide had to abide by these precepts. They couldn’t eat meat, or marry, and obtaining a vegetarian certification wasn’t easy, leading many novices to secretly return to secular life. But for the remaining monks, they accepted and, according to their respective sects, added more precepts. Some revered the “Seven Precepts,” some devised the “Two Hundred Precepts for Bhikkhus,” and there were various tricks to demonstrate piety.
As the abbot of Baoguang Temple, Nianfa didn’t play many tricks. Instead, he established the “Ten Precepts” to further restrain speech and sever desires. Focus on studying Buddhist teachings. As a direct disciple of the abbot of Huai’en Temple in Jinyang, Nianfa was clear about the current emperor’s preferences. Excessive verbosity and unrestricted behavior would only make him disgusted. It was better to be simple, practical, and devout in self-discipline. The “Ten Precepts” seemed simple, but truly adhering to them required Buddhist principles in one’s heart. If he could win the emperor’s approval, what worries would Baoguang Temple have about incense offerings?
Hearing his senior brother’s words, Nianhui nodded, “With strict discipline, we might gain the emperor’s appreciation, and who knows, we might even get to practice at Baima Temple…”
Baima Temple was the foremost temple in Luoyang and the hub for translating Buddhist scriptures in the entire empire. Even disciples from Huai’en Temple couldn’t directly manage this grand temple. However, when Zufa Hu passed away, few of his disciples, especially those from Huai’en Temple, could enter Baima Temple. On the contrary, Zufa Da, who had made achievements in Jinyang, took charge of Longxiang Temple, becoming their formidable rival.
Born from Huai’en Temple, the two temples naturally had a competitive spirit. However, Zufa Da was of Hu ethnicity, and many Hu people visited Longxiang Temple, making it prosperous.
Baoguang Temple couldn’t enjoy this convenience, but concerning Buddhist teachings, there were few in Luoyang who could surpass them. Adding the “Ten Precepts” into the mix would likely elevate their status even further.
If placed ten years ago, just mentioning Baima Temple would have made Nianfa excited and emotional. However, now he remained composed and dignified, “But the ‘Ten Precepts’ alone aren’t enough. This year, we should send more people to study medicine, expand the Shanjitang, and offer more relief. Among the thirty-four temples in Luoyang, only the words ‘compassion’ can make the people convert.”
Nianhui recited a Buddhist mantra, “Senior brother is right. I was confused.”
Confused? In fact, Nianfa knew his own mind. Everyone claimed that the emperor revered Buddhism and was the reincarnation of Medicine Buddha, maintaining celibacy and adhering to strict rules. However, having been influenced by his master for so many years, Nianfa deeply understood the emperor’s control over Buddhism. The issuance of the vegetarian certification, the establishment of the “Five Precepts,” and the closure of dilapidated temples—all these were chains and fetters. Now, monks still wanted to occupy vast lands, enjoy luxurious fabrics, and have numerous beautiful consorts. It might not be so easy anymore.
Was he worried that someone would use the name of Buddhism to gain power? Or perhaps he didn’t want the common people to become monks to escape labor? Nianfa couldn’t fathom the emperor’s thoughts, but he knew that to establish themselves in Luoyang, relying solely on the favor of high-ranking officials and nobility wasn’t enough. The emperor’s approval was fundamental. So, catering to his preferences was the shortcut. Yet, if everyone took this path, what would become of the Buddhist monastic community? Nevertheless, amidst all the changes, it was still better than the Taoist path, right?
Hiding these thoughts, Nianfa maintained his dignified appearance and continued walking towards the distant grottoes.
The emperor’s reverence for Buddhism was undeniable, but in the years since the founding of the state, there were not many Buddhist temples in Luoyang. Instead, there were more Taoist temples. Though few could match the scale of the Huaiguang Temple, many Daoists were practicing. However, nowadays, Taoist priests drew fewer talismans, but there was an increase in alchemy and crafting.
Of course, this elixir wasn’t the golden elixir.
In his early years, the emperor almost lost his life consuming a random elixir and developed a strong aversion to elixirs. Even eminent alchemists like Ge Hong, who was also a prominent official, would be reprimanded by the emperor for presenting a Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir.
Nevertheless, alchemy continued to thrive.
The sky darkened, and the chill increased. An old Daoist from a Daoist temple suddenly stood up, “Is it going to rain? Hurry, prepare everything!”
Where did rain come from in winter? Perhaps it heralded winter snow? The young Daoist grumbled inwardly but quickly fetched paper, brush, and wooden swords, following his master to a side courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard stood an iron pillar, tall and strange in shape, with four wires connecting it to the ground. The old Daoist straightened his attire, sat in the corridor, and fixed his gaze on the iron pillar.
That was a lightning-attracting pillar!
Since the emperor arrived at the Luoyang Palace, numerous such pillars have been erected around the main hall. The Taiji Hall even boasts a dragon head that spews iron tongues. After seven or eight years, even during heavy rainstorms with lightning and thunder, not a single palace has been struck by lightning or caught fire.
Everyone claims it to be a method of warding off lightning. However, the old Daoist stubbornly believes that this method seems to attract lightning. Thus, he sought a piece of meteorite and buried it beneath the iron pillar for tempering. Every time there was heavy rain, he would come to perform some rituals, hoping to obtain a legendary sword.
Unfortunately, the pillars were erected too late, and until now, there has only been one heavy rain. Although the thunder was attracted, it was only a flash of lightning, rendering it practically useless. Nevertheless, this excitement was unbearable for the old Daoist, who hurriedly came every time it rained. Today was no exception.
The young disciple also composed himself and looked up at the sky. After a moment, a dazzling silver streak flashed across the night sky, followed by thunderous roars, and rolling dark clouds… It started snowing.
The master and disciple stared in astonishment at the falling snowflakes, with not a trace of thunder. The old Daoist snorted, turned around, and went back inside. However, the young disciple remained motionless, gazing at the sky in a daze.
Why is it always seeing lightning before hearing thunder? Could it be that lightning moves faster than thunder? What exactly is lightning? Is it similar to the sparks that appeared when he wiped his master’s precious glass cup with silk a few days ago?
Lost in these thoughts, the disciple was interrupted by a scolding voice from inside the house. He quickly ran back inside to help his master with the alchemy furnace. Although their school excelled in the Thunder Warding Art, mastering basic skills like refining sulfur essence and fire alkali was still essential. However, the disciple couldn’t help but feel that these tasks were somewhat different from what he had initially imagined…
In the vast city of Luoyang, the diverse practices of Buddhism and Daoism continued to thrive.
Author’s note:
Liang Shao: Loves science, not superstitious! (Hey)
