“Attend a banquet?” The look in Liang Feng’s eyes shifted, meeting the equally knowing gaze of Cui Ji. Without hesitation, he nodded and said, “If the Grand Commandant invites, I shall certainly comply. May I inquire about the location of the banquet?”
“It will be held in Xianming Garden,” the young eunuch replied softly.
Xianming Garden, once an imperial palace in the Eastern Han Dynasty, was located not far from the Jianchun Gate. After being transformed into a leisure garden, it had changed hands between several influential figures, and now it was under the control of Prince Donghai Sima Yue. Visiting this palace garden was something many people coveted.
However, Liang Feng didn’t feel particularly honored by the invitation. After thanking the young eunuch, he turned and boarded his ox cart.
Cui Ji urged his horse to follow and whispered through the carriage window, “Lord, this might be a scheme of the Prince of Donghai. Nonetheless, we have to comply.”
Liang Feng naturally understood the situation. It was akin to training an animal: first, use punishments, and then rewards for desired actions. Gradually, they would lower their standards and become obedient lackeys.
Being subjected to such training was far from pleasant. However, could they refuse at this point?
Liang Feng replied calmly, “I understand.”
Since they had reached this point, there was little choice. Fortunately, Sima Yue was fond of the “elegant and accomplished” demeanor. Under his rule, they might still maintain some dignity and not have to prostrate themselves completely, submitting to every command.
Cui Ji sighed, “It’s a shame we presented the thunder cannon too early…”
It was their trump card, initially kept for a later time. But now, they had presented it prematurely. When it came time for the garden banquet, things might get even more challenging.
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Liang Feng, however, didn’t seem too concerned. He said, “Offering it to the court is better than giving it to the Prince of Donghai.”
Indeed, the thunder cannon was a valuable weapon. Yet, the precision required in the creation and operation of these counterweight-style cannon carts was high. Under Liang Feng’s command, the personnel of the artillery battalion were top-notch. All the gunners had a basic understanding of mathematics, and the gunnery officers were skilled in surveying and well-versed in both the arts and sciences. Such individuals were hard to come by. Could Sima Yue possibly match this level of proficiency with his men? Without these experts, the thunder cannon was no different from manpower-driven artillery, and it would be more expensive. Sima Yue probably wouldn’t pay it much mind.
As long as the real weapon of gunpowder hadn’t been leaked, everything else was of lesser importance.
Cui Ji also understood the situation. However, judging from the atmosphere in the court, the garden banquet the next day might not be a pleasant one.
After glancing at the weary expressions of those in the cart, Cui Ji decided not to say more and waited quietly beside the cart as they headed toward the official residence.
The following day, the ox cart left Luoyang through Jianchun Gate, traveling several miles until it reached Xianming Garden. Located in the mountains, the path was paved with green stone, and bamboo groves provided shade. Even on hot summer days, it felt as if the sweltering heat was kept at bay by the surrounding forests. It was no wonder that this had been the imperial palace of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Seemingly untouched by the recent turmoil in the city, the mountainous forest was filled with murmuring springs, extensive pavilions, and many birds and animals, wandering freely among exotic flowers and rare trees. It felt like an imperial garden, much like the famous Jingu Yuan created by the wealthy Shi Chong.
Driving all the way, Liang Feng’s complexion appeared somewhat pale. Today, he was dressed in a dark single-layer robe, which emphasized his tired and frail appearance. However, his slender figure walking through the serene forest path, with the breeze rustling his sleeves and his feet treading softly, gave him a touch of ethereal charm.
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Therefore, when he crossed the stone path and arrived at a terrace filled with distinguished guests, the conversations on the platform came to a brief pause. Liang Feng bowed before the man seated at the main seat and respectfully said, “Official Liang pays his respects to General.”
In his heart, Sima Yue silently praised Liang Feng’s attire, which seemed even more splendid than the previous day’s court appearance. Immediately, Sima Yue smiled and said, “Prefect Liang, your timing is perfect. Today, I have invited a distinguished guest.”
Who could be addressed as “distinguished” in front of the paramount Sima Yue? Liang Feng’s gaze swept across the room and fell upon a man dressed in Daoist robes with a starry headdress. He had graying hair and a youthful appearance, exuding an otherworldly aura. This person occupied a seat of great honor, but his demeanor remained tranquil, like someone untouched by worldly affairs.
Sima Yue noticed Liang Feng’s gaze and introduced with a smile, “This is Master Zhang, the direct disciple of Immortal Zuo. Zhang Daochang, what are your thoughts on Prefect Liang?”
It was well known that Liang Zixi was a devout Buddhist. However, Sima Yue not only invited a Daoist but also asked for his offhand appraisal. This was a slight breach of etiquette when dealing with someone holding the position of Prefect.
The elderly Daoist, stroking his beard, smiled and commented, “Prefect Liang possesses an outstanding character and a clear understanding. Regrettably, he has strayed from the path and harmed his internal organs. If he were to diligently cultivate the art of breathing, supplemented by elixirs, there might be hope for his recovery.”
The comment could be interpreted as both praise and criticism, and it was evident to those who heard it. Liang Feng responded with a faint smile, “Life and death are preordained, and I have limited abilities. I do not wish to go against the natural order.”
The response, seemingly a refusal but also an expression of his true intentions, was neither evasive nor direct. Even when viewed from a Daoist perspective, it carried profound meaning.
Upon hearing these words, Sima Yue was briefly taken aback, then shook his head and sighed, “What a profound perspective on life and death. Lord Liang, please be seated.”
Liang Feng once again paid his respects and removed his shoes before taking his seat.
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After settling in, Sima Yue shifted his gaze away from Liang Feng and respectfully inquired of the Daoist, “I have heard that Daoist Zhang possesses marvelous methods for nourishing the body. I am quite curious and would like to hear more.”
The elderly Daoist’s smile faded, and he spoke solemnly, “The country and the body are akin to each other. The body and the Dao are synonymous. When a person can preserve the Dao within their body, keeping their essence and energy from being overexerted and their five spirits from suffering, they can lead a long life. Thus, one must cherish and nurture it. Emotions such as joy and anger erode the soul, sudden shocks injure the spirit. The only way to transcend these is to abandon superficial knowledge and return to the true essence. This is known as ‘sitting in forgetfulness.’ However, General, in a corrupt world, it’s challenging to maintain a pure body. It might be better to use supplements and elixirs to draw out the inner essence, gather essence from the mysterious feminine, and preserve life while nurturing vitality…”
And so, the old Daoist spoke openly about the arts of the bedroom and alchemy. Not to mention Sima Yue, even the accompanying guests were all listening intently. As for Liang Feng, who was seated in the guest seat, he seemed to have been completely forgotten by the rest of the company. His expression remained unchanged, sitting straight and solitary on the divan.
Perhaps being highly regarded by the Grand Commandant had brought out his competitive spirit, but the old Daoist continued for a quarter of an hour before sighing, “…This is just scratching the surface. If one wishes to cultivate the Dao, it takes years and years.”
At this moment, Sima Yue had no doubts left. He eagerly said, “The Immortal’s words are wise! I’ve also heard that the Immortal possesses the ability to divine through the use of hexagrams. May I request a demonstration?”
Regardless of whether it’s Buddhism or Daoism, they both had their own bag of tricks. The Buddhists liked to perform acts that hurt their own bodies, while the Daoists excelled in tricks. Like when Zhuge Liang used to fish for golden carp in front of Cao Cao, the more extraordinary, the better.
The old Daoist smiled faintly and said, “Since it’s hexagrams, why not perform a divination to uncover the hidden? I request the Grand Commandant to provide a topic.”
Uncovering the hidden was an ancient form of divination. Objects were placed under overturned containers and people had to guess which object was hidden. Divination was conducted based on the time or the shape of the object, allowing predictions to be made. It also involved the principles of the Book of Changes, so it was a common practice among literati.
Unexpectedly, the old Daoist responded this way, which left Sima Yue briefly puzzled. He then gave quiet instructions to his servants to prepare. In no time, three objects were placed in front of the Daoist.
However, the Daoist didn’t immediately begin the divination. Instead, he turned to Liang Feng and asked, “I wonder if County Lord Liang is familiar with the Book of Changes?”
Was he inviting Liang Feng to participate? It seemed like he wanted to belittle Liang Feng’s Buddhism while elevating his own Daoism. Otherwise, there was no need to switch to divination.
Liang Feng furrowed his brows slightly, scanned the area below the platform, and replied, “Since the Daoist has invited me, I will give it a try.”
The old Daoist hadn’t expected Liang Feng to agree. He was about to say something when Liang Feng raised his hand and pointed at the three overturned bronze containers, saying, “Resting in the trees, born in the water, adorned with fine clothes.”
In just three sentences, the Daoist’s expression immediately changed, and he silently looked at the audience below. He closed his eyes.
Seeing that the Daoist had stopped guessing, Sima Yue was greatly surprised. He glanced at the young man sitting beside him and ordered, “Open them up.”
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A maid stepped forward and lifted the lids of the three bronze containers. Inside, there was a cicada, a lotus seed, and a hook that had been placed on a plate. They were identical to Liang Feng’s words!
Now, even the people around them were amazed. Sima Yue couldn’t help but ask, “Lord Liang, are you well-versed in the Book of Changes?”
Liang Feng sneered inwardly. His method of observation was no different from the old Daoist’s; he just noticed the secret signals below. The three items, one from a tree, one from the pool, and one that Sima Yue personally ordered as a decoration, were undoubtedly precautions taken by the Daoist. With these hints, even if someone gave vague answers, they would still be close to the mark.
However, he kept a straight face and said, “It was a stroke of luck.”
Was there really such a thing as luck? At this moment, Sima Yue remembered the events surrounding Liang Feng, from the falling star to the solar eclipse. It seemed that there had been quite a few extraordinary occurrences centered around him. Even the initial dream of the Buddha’s arrival had not been a falsehood. He didn’t believe in Buddhism, but supernatural events couldn’t be easily dismissed.
In the end, Sima Yue smiled and said, “Truly worthy of someone who studies Buddhist teachings.”
Liang Feng was not pleased to hear that. He had come to seek an official position, not to perform in front of people. Why did Sima Yue bring him here? Was it to show him the mysteries of Daoism or to test his tolerance and attitude toward his own beliefs by belittling his religion?
Suppressing his frustration, Liang Feng nodded calmly and said, “Grand Commandant, your praise is excessive.”
Unexpectedly, their earlier trick didn’t work, and the Daoist, with his slender eyebrows, cleared his throat and said, “It’s nearing noon, and this Daoist has a Nine-Revolutions Elixir here. Would the Grand Commandant be willing to try it?”
This immediately caught Sima Yue’s attention. When the Daoist didn’t respond earlier, it indicated that he had also guessed the three items correctly. Even if Liang Feng had been faster, he couldn’t negate this supernatural ability. Now, seeing that there was an elixir, Sima Yue eagerly replied, “I hope that the Daoist will bestow the elixir!”
The old Daoist gracefully waved his wide sleeves, and a jade bottle appeared in his hand. Without delay, Sima Yue eagerly took it and poured out a round, glossy, reddish pill. Even from a distance, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Swallowing his saliva, Sima Yue asked, “How should this pill be taken?”
The old Daoist explained, “It’s similar to the Cold Food Powder. Take it with pure wine and then engage in meditation.”
Sima Yue was quite familiar with this process. He quickly ordered some wine to be brought and, without testing the pill, consumed it. As the pill entered his stomach, a rush of heat surged. Sima Yue felt his mind clear, his spirit rejuvenated, and a faint blush appeared on his face. This medicine seemed even richer and smoother than Cold Food Powder and lacked the usual bitterness. It was like an elixir!
The old Daoist adjusted his robe, stood up, and said, “Please, General, engage in meditation as well.”
This meant that Sima Yue should move around to help the pill take effect. Sima Yue also stood up, and the surging warmth in his chest made him want to let out a triumphant cry. With a hearty laugh, he suggested, “There’s a Taiqing Lake three miles away. How about having a meal on the lake?”
As he spoke, he didn’t pay much attention to the other guests but, along with the old Daoist, descended from the platform. If the host was about to meditate, how could others remain still? Everyone got up and followed Sima Yue as he made his way to the lakeside.
In a place where no one noticed, Liang Feng’s face turned deathly pale. After taking two deep and forceful breaths, he slowly got up, put on his shoes, and followed behind the group.
“Attend a banquet?” The look in Liang Feng’s eyes shifted, meeting the equally knowing gaze of Cui Ji. Without hesitation, he nodded and said, “If the Grand Commandant invites, I shall certainly comply. May I inquire about the location of the banquet?”
“It will be held in Xianming Garden,” the young eunuch replied softly.
Xianming Garden, once an imperial palace in the Eastern Han Dynasty, was located not far from the Jianchun Gate. After being transformed into a leisure garden, it had changed hands between several influential figures, and now it was under the control of Prince Donghai Sima Yue. Visiting this palace garden was something many people coveted.
However, Liang Feng didn’t feel particularly honored by the invitation. After thanking the young eunuch, he turned and boarded his ox cart.
Cui Ji urged his horse to follow and whispered through the carriage window, “Lord, this might be a scheme of the Prince of Donghai. Nonetheless, we have to comply.”
Liang Feng naturally understood the situation. It was akin to training an animal: first, use punishments, and then rewards for desired actions. Gradually, they would lower their standards and become obedient lackeys.
Being subjected to such training was far from pleasant. However, could they refuse at this point?
Liang Feng replied calmly, “I understand.”
Since they had reached this point, there was little choice. Fortunately, Sima Yue was fond of the “elegant and accomplished” demeanor. Under his rule, they might still maintain some dignity and not have to prostrate themselves completely, submitting to every command.
Cui Ji sighed, “It’s a shame we presented the thunder cannon too early…”
It was their trump card, initially kept for a later time. But now, they had presented it prematurely. When it came time for the garden banquet, things might get even more challenging.
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Liang Feng, however, didn’t seem too concerned. He said, “Offering it to the court is better than giving it to the Prince of Donghai.”
Indeed, the thunder cannon was a valuable weapon. Yet, the precision required in the creation and operation of these counterweight-style cannon carts was high. Under Liang Feng’s command, the personnel of the artillery battalion were top-notch. All the gunners had a basic understanding of mathematics, and the gunnery officers were skilled in surveying and well-versed in both the arts and sciences. Such individuals were hard to come by. Could Sima Yue possibly match this level of proficiency with his men? Without these experts, the thunder cannon was no different from manpower-driven artillery, and it would be more expensive. Sima Yue probably wouldn’t pay it much mind.
As long as the real weapon of gunpowder hadn’t been leaked, everything else was of lesser importance.
Cui Ji also understood the situation. However, judging from the atmosphere in the court, the garden banquet the next day might not be a pleasant one.
After glancing at the weary expressions of those in the cart, Cui Ji decided not to say more and waited quietly beside the cart as they headed toward the official residence.
The following day, the ox cart left Luoyang through Jianchun Gate, traveling several miles until it reached Xianming Garden. Located in the mountains, the path was paved with green stone, and bamboo groves provided shade. Even on hot summer days, it felt as if the sweltering heat was kept at bay by the surrounding forests. It was no wonder that this had been the imperial palace of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Seemingly untouched by the recent turmoil in the city, the mountainous forest was filled with murmuring springs, extensive pavilions, and many birds and animals, wandering freely among exotic flowers and rare trees. It felt like an imperial garden, much like the famous Jingu Yuan created by the wealthy Shi Chong.
Driving all the way, Liang Feng’s complexion appeared somewhat pale. Today, he was dressed in a dark single-layer robe, which emphasized his tired and frail appearance. However, his slender figure walking through the serene forest path, with the breeze rustling his sleeves and his feet treading softly, gave him a touch of ethereal charm.
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Therefore, when he crossed the stone path and arrived at a terrace filled with distinguished guests, the conversations on the platform came to a brief pause. Liang Feng bowed before the man seated at the main seat and respectfully said, “Official Liang pays his respects to General.”
In his heart, Sima Yue silently praised Liang Feng’s attire, which seemed even more splendid than the previous day’s court appearance. Immediately, Sima Yue smiled and said, “Prefect Liang, your timing is perfect. Today, I have invited a distinguished guest.”
Who could be addressed as “distinguished” in front of the paramount Sima Yue? Liang Feng’s gaze swept across the room and fell upon a man dressed in Daoist robes with a starry headdress. He had graying hair and a youthful appearance, exuding an otherworldly aura. This person occupied a seat of great honor, but his demeanor remained tranquil, like someone untouched by worldly affairs.
Sima Yue noticed Liang Feng’s gaze and introduced with a smile, “This is Master Zhang, the direct disciple of Immortal Zuo. Zhang Daochang, what are your thoughts on Prefect Liang?”
It was well known that Liang Zixi was a devout Buddhist. However, Sima Yue not only invited a Daoist but also asked for his offhand appraisal. This was a slight breach of etiquette when dealing with someone holding the position of Prefect.
The elderly Daoist, stroking his beard, smiled and commented, “Prefect Liang possesses an outstanding character and a clear understanding. Regrettably, he has strayed from the path and harmed his internal organs. If he were to diligently cultivate the art of breathing, supplemented by elixirs, there might be hope for his recovery.”
The comment could be interpreted as both praise and criticism, and it was evident to those who heard it. Liang Feng responded with a faint smile, “Life and death are preordained, and I have limited abilities. I do not wish to go against the natural order.”
The response, seemingly a refusal but also an expression of his true intentions, was neither evasive nor direct. Even when viewed from a Daoist perspective, it carried profound meaning.
Upon hearing these words, Sima Yue was briefly taken aback, then shook his head and sighed, “What a profound perspective on life and death. Lord Liang, please be seated.”
Liang Feng once again paid his respects and removed his shoes before taking his seat.
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After settling in, Sima Yue shifted his gaze away from Liang Feng and respectfully inquired of the Daoist, “I have heard that Daoist Zhang possesses marvelous methods for nourishing the body. I am quite curious and would like to hear more.”
The elderly Daoist’s smile faded, and he spoke solemnly, “The country and the body are akin to each other. The body and the Dao are synonymous. When a person can preserve the Dao within their body, keeping their essence and energy from being overexerted and their five spirits from suffering, they can lead a long life. Thus, one must cherish and nurture it. Emotions such as joy and anger erode the soul, sudden shocks injure the spirit. The only way to transcend these is to abandon superficial knowledge and return to the true essence. This is known as ‘sitting in forgetfulness.’ However, General, in a corrupt world, it’s challenging to maintain a pure body. It might be better to use supplements and elixirs to draw out the inner essence, gather essence from the mysterious feminine, and preserve life while nurturing vitality…”
And so, the old Daoist spoke openly about the arts of the bedroom and alchemy. Not to mention Sima Yue, even the accompanying guests were all listening intently. As for Liang Feng, who was seated in the guest seat, he seemed to have been completely forgotten by the rest of the company. His expression remained unchanged, sitting straight and solitary on the divan.
Perhaps being highly regarded by the Grand Commandant had brought out his competitive spirit, but the old Daoist continued for a quarter of an hour before sighing, “…This is just scratching the surface. If one wishes to cultivate the Dao, it takes years and years.”
At this moment, Sima Yue had no doubts left. He eagerly said, “The Immortal’s words are wise! I’ve also heard that the Immortal possesses the ability to divine through the use of hexagrams. May I request a demonstration?”
Regardless of whether it’s Buddhism or Daoism, they both had their own bag of tricks. The Buddhists liked to perform acts that hurt their own bodies, while the Daoists excelled in tricks. Like when Zhuge Liang used to fish for golden carp in front of Cao Cao, the more extraordinary, the better.
The old Daoist smiled faintly and said, “Since it’s hexagrams, why not perform a divination to uncover the hidden? I request the Grand Commandant to provide a topic.”
Uncovering the hidden was an ancient form of divination. Objects were placed under overturned containers and people had to guess which object was hidden. Divination was conducted based on the time or the shape of the object, allowing predictions to be made. It also involved the principles of the Book of Changes, so it was a common practice among literati.
Unexpectedly, the old Daoist responded this way, which left Sima Yue briefly puzzled. He then gave quiet instructions to his servants to prepare. In no time, three objects were placed in front of the Daoist.
However, the Daoist didn’t immediately begin the divination. Instead, he turned to Liang Feng and asked, “I wonder if County Lord Liang is familiar with the Book of Changes?”
Was he inviting Liang Feng to participate? It seemed like he wanted to belittle Liang Feng’s Buddhism while elevating his own Daoism. Otherwise, there was no need to switch to divination.
Liang Feng furrowed his brows slightly, scanned the area below the platform, and replied, “Since the Daoist has invited me, I will give it a try.”
The old Daoist hadn’t expected Liang Feng to agree. He was about to say something when Liang Feng raised his hand and pointed at the three overturned bronze containers, saying, “Resting in the trees, born in the water, adorned with fine clothes.”
In just three sentences, the Daoist’s expression immediately changed, and he silently looked at the audience below. He closed his eyes.
Seeing that the Daoist had stopped guessing, Sima Yue was greatly surprised. He glanced at the young man sitting beside him and ordered, “Open them up.”
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A maid stepped forward and lifted the lids of the three bronze containers. Inside, there was a cicada, a lotus seed, and a hook that had been placed on a plate. They were identical to Liang Feng’s words!
Now, even the people around them were amazed. Sima Yue couldn’t help but ask, “Lord Liang, are you well-versed in the Book of Changes?”
Liang Feng sneered inwardly. His method of observation was no different from the old Daoist’s; he just noticed the secret signals below. The three items, one from a tree, one from the pool, and one that Sima Yue personally ordered as a decoration, were undoubtedly precautions taken by the Daoist. With these hints, even if someone gave vague answers, they would still be close to the mark.
However, he kept a straight face and said, “It was a stroke of luck.”
Was there really such a thing as luck? At this moment, Sima Yue remembered the events surrounding Liang Feng, from the falling star to the solar eclipse. It seemed that there had been quite a few extraordinary occurrences centered around him. Even the initial dream of the Buddha’s arrival had not been a falsehood. He didn’t believe in Buddhism, but supernatural events couldn’t be easily dismissed.
In the end, Sima Yue smiled and said, “Truly worthy of someone who studies Buddhist teachings.”
Liang Feng was not pleased to hear that. He had come to seek an official position, not to perform in front of people. Why did Sima Yue bring him here? Was it to show him the mysteries of Daoism or to test his tolerance and attitude toward his own beliefs by belittling his religion?
Suppressing his frustration, Liang Feng nodded calmly and said, “Grand Commandant, your praise is excessive.”
Unexpectedly, their earlier trick didn’t work, and the Daoist, with his slender eyebrows, cleared his throat and said, “It’s nearing noon, and this Daoist has a Nine-Revolutions Elixir here. Would the Grand Commandant be willing to try it?”
This immediately caught Sima Yue’s attention. When the Daoist didn’t respond earlier, it indicated that he had also guessed the three items correctly. Even if Liang Feng had been faster, he couldn’t negate this supernatural ability. Now, seeing that there was an elixir, Sima Yue eagerly replied, “I hope that the Daoist will bestow the elixir!”
The old Daoist gracefully waved his wide sleeves, and a jade bottle appeared in his hand. Without delay, Sima Yue eagerly took it and poured out a round, glossy, reddish pill. Even from a distance, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Swallowing his saliva, Sima Yue asked, “How should this pill be taken?”
The old Daoist explained, “It’s similar to the Cold Food Powder. Take it with pure wine and then engage in meditation.”
Sima Yue was quite familiar with this process. He quickly ordered some wine to be brought and, without testing the pill, consumed it. As the pill entered his stomach, a rush of heat surged. Sima Yue felt his mind clear, his spirit rejuvenated, and a faint blush appeared on his face. This medicine seemed even richer and smoother than Cold Food Powder and lacked the usual bitterness. It was like an elixir!
The old Daoist adjusted his robe, stood up, and said, “Please, General, engage in meditation as well.”
This meant that Sima Yue should move around to help the pill take effect. Sima Yue also stood up, and the surging warmth in his chest made him want to let out a triumphant cry. With a hearty laugh, he suggested, “There’s a Taiqing Lake three miles away. How about having a meal on the lake?”
As he spoke, he didn’t pay much attention to the other guests but, along with the old Daoist, descended from the platform. If the host was about to meditate, how could others remain still? Everyone got up and followed Sima Yue as he made his way to the lakeside.
In a place where no one noticed, Liang Feng’s face turned deathly pale. After taking two deep and forceful breaths, he slowly got up, put on his shoes, and followed behind the group.
