In this era, it’s not uncommon to encounter Hu monks. Buddhism was originally transmitted from the Western regions, and monks from various places such as India, Parthia, Kangju, and Gandhara traveled long distances to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Since Buddhism had not yet become very prominent, many of the disciples of these monks were also of non-Chinese origin, including Hu people. Therefore, the presence of a Hu monk was not particularly unusual.
However, what made the situation interesting was that this person was brought by the monks from the Huai’en Temple. Could it be that their visit today was related to this individual?
While briefly considering this in his mind, Liang Feng maintained a composed demeanor, offering the two visitors seats and serving tea. Only then did he inquire, “I did not expect to see Monk Nianfa here today. It has been a while since I last met with the abbot, and I should have visited him instead.”
Li Cheng, with his hands folded, responded, “Your Excellency, as you have recently arrived in Jinyang, I thought you might have many official matters to attend to. I hope my visit was not too presumptuous. However, today, there is indeed an important matter that requires your attention.”
He then slightly turned to introduce the other person, saying, “This is Venerable Zhufa Da, a direct disciple of Venerable Zhufa Hu. He has just arrived from Chang’an.”
Venerable Zhufa Hu?! Liang Feng, who claimed to be a follower of the Buddha, was well-versed in the state of Buddhism during this time. Venerable Zhufa Hu was indeed one of the most renowned monks of the Jin dynasty. He hailed from Yuezhi, a region known for its longstanding Buddhist tradition, and he was raised in Dunhuang. He studied under Indian masters, traveled extensively throughout the Western Regions, and was proficient in more than thirty languages. He later settled in Chang’an and played a significant role in translating Buddhist scriptures. In many ways, he was considered the most illustrious translator of Buddhist scriptures before Kumarajiva. The presence of his direct disciple in Jinyang was indeed intriguing.
Liang Feng displayed a hint of surprise on his face and inquired further, “I did not expect to have a disciple of Venerable Zhufa Hu visiting Jinyang. I apologize for any disrespect. However, I heard that Venerable Zhufa Hu has been transmitting the Dharma in Chang’an. May I ask why Venerable Zhufa Da has come to Jinyang?”
The Hu monk, with his palms together, chanted the Buddhist mantra and said, “The reason for my visit, Your Excellency, is precisely the matter you inquired about. Chang’an has been attacked multiple times by marauding soldiers in the past six months. Even the temple where we venerate our master has suffered from the ravages of war. Therefore, we seek to leave Chang’an and find another place.”
Despite being a Hu, the monk spoke in a fluent and pure Luoyang dialect, devoid of any traces of the local Guanzhong accent. However, the meaning behind his words was not as simple as it seemed. It was evident that this group of monks intended to relocate to Jinyang. Could it be because of his own reputation as a Buddhist follower?
As expected, the Hu monk paused for a moment. Seeing that Liang Feng had not responded yet, he continued, “Our master wishes to return to his hometown in Dunhuang and continue translating scriptures and propagating the Dharma there. However, I believe that leaving the Central Plains would ultimately lead to a loss of our foundation for transmitting the Dharma. This upheaval may take many years to settle. It might be better to find a new city and preserve the flickering flame of Buddhism. Your Excellency, would you be willing to accommodate us?”
Liang Feng pretended to contemplate for a moment before asking, “May I inquire how many people are traveling with Venerable Zhufa Hu?”
“Not more than a thousand,” replied Venerable Zhufa Da calmly.
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A thousand people! And they were all followers of Buddhism. This force was sufficient to influence the religious beliefs not only in Jinyang but throughout the entire province of Bing County, especially with the support of the current governor.
Liang Feng’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he sighed, “I did not expect there would be so many people. Jinyang has been under siege for nearly a year, and the Xiongnu are poised for an attack. It may not be suitable to settle here.”
Venerable Zhufa Da seemed to anticipate Liang Feng’s response and smiled gently, “Your Excellency may think that we would be a burden, but in a province where Hu and Han people coexist, Buddhism may have the power to unite them.”
Liang Feng’s gaze immediately sharpened. The intentions of this Hu monk were crystal clear; he was preparing to use Buddhism as a major force to influence the Xiongnu camp. Under Liu Yuan’s rule, there were countless Hu people, many of low status, who were originally servants and slaves of the Xiongnu. After Liu Yuan established his own state and launched the War of the Eight Princes, these individuals were thrust to the forefront as cannon fodder.
Many people who had been living in Bing County for thirty, fifty, or even a hundred years had already been assimilated into the Han culture. They were likely questioning why they had to fight for the Xiongnu’s interests. This sentiment was not uncommon.
If they used Buddhism, with Venerable Zhufa Da personally engaging with these tribes of Hu people, there was a possibility they would return to the Jin state. With these lower-class individuals fleeing, the foundation of the Xiongnu-Han state would be shaken, making it nearly impossible for them to conquer Bing County.
This was a way to pull the rug out from under them. Unlike other Jin state officials who held prejudiced and oppressive attitudes toward the Hu people, Liang Feng did not discriminate against them. If he followed the path of Liang Xi, removing the chieftains of these people and integrating them into the local populace while forcibly imposing Han customs on them, they might assimilate over a period of ten or twenty years, becoming indistinguishable from the Han people.
Liang Feng had tried this approach on the Jie people like Yiyan, and it had worked well. Applying this cultural advantage to other ethnic groups might not be any less effective.
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However, Liang Feng’s expression darkened as he said, “What if, in doing so, we encounter a situation similar to the case of Zuo Rong in Xu County?”
People who were familiar with the Han language and involved in propagating Buddhism would also have knowledge of past history. Zuo Rong was a notable case.
Zuo Rong was a figure from the late Han and Three Kingdoms period, known for his generosity and devotion to Buddhism. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he led hundreds of local people to seek refuge with Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu County. Tao Qian appreciated Zuo Rong’s talents and had a favorable view of Buddhism, so he entrusted him with the responsibility of managing taxes and transportation in the cities of Guangling, Xiapi, and Pengcheng. To everyone’s surprise, Zuo Rong established Buddhist temples and pagodas in Xiapi, organized grand Buddhist festivals, adorned Buddha statues with gold, had a thousand people recite scriptures, and hosted banquets that stretched for miles. Furthermore, to attract more Buddhist followers, he exempted them from corvee labor and taxes, leading to a significant flourishing of Buddhism in Xiapi and even Xu County.
However, this man was also an extremely brutal criminal. Despite being despised in Xu County and fleeing in haste, he went on to kill the Governors of Guangling who had sheltered him, seizing their territories and continuing his extravagance in the name of Buddhism. He was eventually defeated by the Inspector of Yang County, and killed by local mountain dwellers.
Such an extremely contradictory figure left a significant mark on history. It can be said that the later treatment of Buddhism was influenced by him. Was he a Buddhist? No one would deny it. However, being a believer does not necessarily make one a good person. The same phenomenon was even more prominently displayed by Zhang Jiao, the founder of the Taiping Dao. If one’s ambitions are too great, religion not only fails to act as a restraint, but it can also catalyze individuals into becoming tyrants and seizing greater benefits by manipulating their followers.
This remark seemed somewhat heartless, yet Zhufa Da remained unruffled and said, “We, as monks, have come to visit you, honorable sir, precisely because of your Buddhist name. The ‘Diamond Sutra’ is profound and wonderful, and it should be widely disseminated. Without your esteemed reputation, it’s likely that we, the monks, would be unable to bring these various tribal people under the banner of Buddhism.”
This was an indirect acknowledgment of Liang Feng’s status as a Buddhist disciple. Having the support of Huai’en Temple was not enough; now, could it be that Zhufa Hu’s disciple was also leaning towards his side? However, this divine identity could also serve as a source of momentum for these Buddhists. The more powerful Liang Feng’s influence became, the more beneficial it would be for the development of their religion.
Just like vines that cling to a mighty tree, they could unknowingly take root, seize nourishment, and grow stronger.
This was a good approach if you were a true believer or an ambitious individual in this era. However, Liang Feng was neither of these.
His finger lightly tapped the table twice, and Liang Feng finally spoke, “Buddhism is noble, but in my view, monks should not become involved in worldly affairs. Only through ordination and entering monastic life can one truly approach the Buddhist teachings. Genuine monks should not be granted ordination easily. They need to be well-versed in the scriptures and have to pass multiple examinations to become monks. If one lacks the determination to renounce worldly possessions, how can they achieve the fruit of Buddhist enlightenment?”
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The topic unexpectedly took a different turn, appearing casually mentioned but causing a slight twitch in Zhufa Da’s eyebrows. This implied that the Inspector of Bing County was prepared to supervise Buddhist monasteries and monks. The growth of Buddhism was due to the simplicity of its teachings, which allowed many people to seek refuge from the torment of military service and taxes. But if obtaining monk status also required examination by the court and being registered in an official registry, and renouncing worldly possessions was a mandatory condition, then could monks no longer participate in the government, possess land, or accumulate wealth?
Zhufa Da was an ambitious man. Unlike his teacher and senior monks, who were focused solely on scripture translation and propagation, he desired strong support from the upper echelons of society for Buddhism, similar to how Daoism had become widespread due to imperial patronage. However, achieving such a goal alone was impossible. Thus, he needed to find a reliable supporter, someone enthusiastic about Buddhism and capable of making a difference.
In theory, he could have chosen Liu Yuan. The Xiongnu were primarily of non-Chinese origin and were generally fond of Buddhism. With the support of the ruler of the Han Dynasty, they might have been able to promote Buddhism. However, could the Han Dynasty truly regain control of the realm? Even though they were both of non-Chinese origin, Zhufa Da didn’t believe so. The Central Plains, this vast empire, would ultimately return to the hands of the native population. Just like the Western Qin, just like the Han, and just like the present-day Jin Dynasty, the tradition would continue. Therefore, temporarily aligning with a foreign ruler might result in the disappearance of Buddhism after a brief period of a dynasty’s decline.
This new Inspector of Bing County was not just a local talent; he had made up his mind when he witnessed the bustling scenes of the masses in the empty streets. This Liang Zixi was the individual who could serve and undoubtedly promote Buddhism.
However, he had displayed all of his cards, yet the other party remained uninterested. Instead, Liang Feng drew clear boundaries and posed a simple question: join or not?
In just a short time, Zhufa Da came to a conclusion. “What the honorable sir says is indeed true. The Great Jin is not a Buddhist nation, and Bing County cannot accommodate a Buddhist state.”
The three words “not a Buddhist nation” held profound implications. Buddhism was not an aggressive religion, but any nation that wholly embraced Buddhism from top to bottom would ultimately fall under the iron hooves of invaders. The once-mighty Kui’an Empire had met this fate. The legal tradition of the Great Jin was Confucianism, and the geographical nature of Bing County did not allow Liang Feng to put down his weapons. Conquests, taxation, labor force – all these things meant that the “Buddhist state” model could not exist. He let the monks live an ascetic life to encourage the people to live in the world. Only by controlling the conditions of entry and exit could this goal be achieved.
This was a method of pulling the rug from beneath their feet, but it also served as a means of controlling the congregation, preventing it from growing too large. This method signified restrictions, but at the same time, it represented the government’s recognition. And this was what Zhufa Da needed. He never expected immediate results.
Unexpectedly, this Hu monk hit the nail on the head with a single sentence. Liang Feng’s face revealed a hint of a smile. “Master, your insight is admirable. If what you say is true, I will certainly welcome those who have attained enlightenment to offer blessings to the people of Jinyang.”
This was the second condition. First, they needed to accomplish the integration of various tribal groups into the local society, and then they could discuss further steps. Zhufa Da clearly understood Liang Feng’s intentions and joined his hands in a gesture of respect. “Your kindness, honorable sir, is much appreciated, and I will do my utmost to help.”
Speaking with intelligent individuals had its advantages. They had covered everything necessary, and Zhufa Da didn’t linger. He rose to take his leave. Nianfa also stood up but hadn’t taken a step when Liang Feng said, “Master Nianfa, please stay. I have something I’d like to discuss with the abbot.”
This was a conversation that Zhufa Da was not privy to. He obediently left the study, while Nianfa bowed and asked, “May I inquire what you wish to discuss, Your Excellency?”
Liang Feng smiled faintly and said, “I just wanted to ask the abbot where Zhufa Hu would reside if he were to come to Jinyang.”
Nianfa also displayed a slight smile, “Our teacher had given instructions in this regard; he would reside in Huai’en Temple.”
This single sentence revealed a wealth of information. The status of the elderly abbot and the position of Zhufa Hu– if such a prominent figure were to come to Jinyang, the pressure on Huai’en Temple would likely be significant. Especially given that Huai’en Temple practiced the Mahayana tradition and Zhufa Hu was the most prolific translator of Mahayana Buddhist texts. In such a situation, how would they handle the hierarchy and relationships?
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Who would have expected that the old abbot wasn’t just acting as an intermediary for the Hu monks but also allowing them to stay in Huai’en Temple? Wasn’t he worried about territorial disputes?
Nianfa’s response was a direct reflection of the abbot’s attitude – he wasn’t afraid. In fact, it could be said that the old abbot was seeking a more advantageous position within this larger picture. A plan to assimilate and incorporate the one thousand followers, even bringing Zhufa Hu into the Huai’en Temple system.
This answer revealed that the two groups of monks were not entirely unified. This was precisely what Liang Feng needed. If they were united, he’d have to worry about the religious influence becoming too dominant. However, if there was competition and maneuvering between the two sides, as the intermediary and the acknowledged “Buddhist,” Liang Feng’s control could increase, achieving a true balance.
It explained why the old abbot put so much effort into ensuring the Hu monks received a warm welcome in Jinyang. It also clarified why, on his first day as the new governor, Nianfa arranged for Zhufa Da to meet him. It was as though Huai’en Temple was increasing its investment and demonstrating its loyalty. If Liang Feng didn’t inquire, they would likely have made their intentions known, seeking to put his mind at ease.
Liang Feng wasn’t really afraid of ambitious individuals, as long as those ambitions manifested in a rational way, he could always find a way to manage them. And the monks he was dealing with all had highly discerning minds.
With a faint smile, Liang Feng nodded, “Then, I’ll have to trouble the abbot. When I have some free time, I’ll come again to listen to the teachings.”
Nianfa expressed his gratitude again and retreated with great respect.
Beside him, Duan Qin sighed, “My lord, are you really going to embrace Buddhism?”
This was indeed a significant change in his stance. Once the banner of Buddhism was truly raised, it would no longer be just a matter of using the Buddhist name as a cover.
“Whether it’s Buddhism, Daoism, or Confucianism, as long as these three are used in the appropriate places, it will suffice.” Liang Feng had also come to a clear understanding. In this world, still in an uncivilized stage, even well-read Confucian scholars could only view the world through the Confucian worldview. How different were the ideas of unity between heaven and humanity, the Buddha, and Laozi? If Confucian scholars had such a perspective, it was even more so for the illiterate common people.
In this world, it wasn’t a place for scientific truths. Instead, religion was the eternal theme. Therefore, controlling religion was better than allowing it to grow wildly. By integrating religion into the process of educating and enlightening the people, it could still bring stability.
This is like the religious affairs departments in later generations. On the surface, all religions are equal and free, but in reality, they are under government control. In ancient times, it wasn’t much different. China’s situation is unique, and any transcendental religion couldn’t compare to Confucianism’s adaptability to society. Discussions about worldviews and methodologies ultimately come down to who has the stronger fist, more methods, or who can adapt to societal development.
Even though such statements made Duan Qin shiver, it was hard to deny that this kind of clear-headedness and sharp analysis was better than blind trust.
“If that Hu monk can really influence the various non-Han tribes under the Xiongnu, it would indeed be a good thing,” Duan Qin finally whispered.
Indeed, it was. Disrupting the enemy’s forces and expanding one’s own power was always a reason to celebrate. After a day of official duties, Liang Feng, looking fatigued, rubbed his temples and said, “I can only hope that this Zhufa Da has the abilities of Su Qin and Zhang Yi.”
Seeing Liang Feng looking pale, Duan Qin couldn’t help but feel concerned. “My lord, you’ve been through a lot on this journey. It has taken a toll on you. Perhaps you should rest as soon as possible. Would you like me to call for Jiang Ji’en?”
However, Liang Feng fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. “No need for Ji’en. Let’s call… Boyuan instead.”
Calling Yiyan inside almost certainly meant there was official business to discuss. But how could Duan Qin stop Liang Feng from working for a while? He sighed softly and quietly withdrew from the room.
In this era, it’s not uncommon to encounter Hu monks. Buddhism was originally transmitted from the Western regions, and monks from various places such as India, Parthia, Kangju, and Gandhara traveled long distances to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Since Buddhism had not yet become very prominent, many of the disciples of these monks were also of non-Chinese origin, including Hu people. Therefore, the presence of a Hu monk was not particularly unusual.
However, what made the situation interesting was that this person was brought by the monks from the Huai’en Temple. Could it be that their visit today was related to this individual?
While briefly considering this in his mind, Liang Feng maintained a composed demeanor, offering the two visitors seats and serving tea. Only then did he inquire, “I did not expect to see Monk Nianfa here today. It has been a while since I last met with the abbot, and I should have visited him instead.”
Li Cheng, with his hands folded, responded, “Your Excellency, as you have recently arrived in Jinyang, I thought you might have many official matters to attend to. I hope my visit was not too presumptuous. However, today, there is indeed an important matter that requires your attention.”
He then slightly turned to introduce the other person, saying, “This is Venerable Zhufa Da, a direct disciple of Venerable Zhufa Hu. He has just arrived from Chang’an.”
Venerable Zhufa Hu?! Liang Feng, who claimed to be a follower of the Buddha, was well-versed in the state of Buddhism during this time. Venerable Zhufa Hu was indeed one of the most renowned monks of the Jin dynasty. He hailed from Yuezhi, a region known for its longstanding Buddhist tradition, and he was raised in Dunhuang. He studied under Indian masters, traveled extensively throughout the Western Regions, and was proficient in more than thirty languages. He later settled in Chang’an and played a significant role in translating Buddhist scriptures. In many ways, he was considered the most illustrious translator of Buddhist scriptures before Kumarajiva. The presence of his direct disciple in Jinyang was indeed intriguing.
Liang Feng displayed a hint of surprise on his face and inquired further, “I did not expect to have a disciple of Venerable Zhufa Hu visiting Jinyang. I apologize for any disrespect. However, I heard that Venerable Zhufa Hu has been transmitting the Dharma in Chang’an. May I ask why Venerable Zhufa Da has come to Jinyang?”
The Hu monk, with his palms together, chanted the Buddhist mantra and said, “The reason for my visit, Your Excellency, is precisely the matter you inquired about. Chang’an has been attacked multiple times by marauding soldiers in the past six months. Even the temple where we venerate our master has suffered from the ravages of war. Therefore, we seek to leave Chang’an and find another place.”
Despite being a Hu, the monk spoke in a fluent and pure Luoyang dialect, devoid of any traces of the local Guanzhong accent. However, the meaning behind his words was not as simple as it seemed. It was evident that this group of monks intended to relocate to Jinyang. Could it be because of his own reputation as a Buddhist follower?
As expected, the Hu monk paused for a moment. Seeing that Liang Feng had not responded yet, he continued, “Our master wishes to return to his hometown in Dunhuang and continue translating scriptures and propagating the Dharma there. However, I believe that leaving the Central Plains would ultimately lead to a loss of our foundation for transmitting the Dharma. This upheaval may take many years to settle. It might be better to find a new city and preserve the flickering flame of Buddhism. Your Excellency, would you be willing to accommodate us?”
Liang Feng pretended to contemplate for a moment before asking, “May I inquire how many people are traveling with Venerable Zhufa Hu?”
“Not more than a thousand,” replied Venerable Zhufa Da calmly.
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A thousand people! And they were all followers of Buddhism. This force was sufficient to influence the religious beliefs not only in Jinyang but throughout the entire province of Bing County, especially with the support of the current governor.
Liang Feng’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he sighed, “I did not expect there would be so many people. Jinyang has been under siege for nearly a year, and the Xiongnu are poised for an attack. It may not be suitable to settle here.”
Venerable Zhufa Da seemed to anticipate Liang Feng’s response and smiled gently, “Your Excellency may think that we would be a burden, but in a province where Hu and Han people coexist, Buddhism may have the power to unite them.”
Liang Feng’s gaze immediately sharpened. The intentions of this Hu monk were crystal clear; he was preparing to use Buddhism as a major force to influence the Xiongnu camp. Under Liu Yuan’s rule, there were countless Hu people, many of low status, who were originally servants and slaves of the Xiongnu. After Liu Yuan established his own state and launched the War of the Eight Princes, these individuals were thrust to the forefront as cannon fodder.
Many people who had been living in Bing County for thirty, fifty, or even a hundred years had already been assimilated into the Han culture. They were likely questioning why they had to fight for the Xiongnu’s interests. This sentiment was not uncommon.
If they used Buddhism, with Venerable Zhufa Da personally engaging with these tribes of Hu people, there was a possibility they would return to the Jin state. With these lower-class individuals fleeing, the foundation of the Xiongnu-Han state would be shaken, making it nearly impossible for them to conquer Bing County.
This was a way to pull the rug out from under them. Unlike other Jin state officials who held prejudiced and oppressive attitudes toward the Hu people, Liang Feng did not discriminate against them. If he followed the path of Liang Xi, removing the chieftains of these people and integrating them into the local populace while forcibly imposing Han customs on them, they might assimilate over a period of ten or twenty years, becoming indistinguishable from the Han people.
Liang Feng had tried this approach on the Jie people like Yiyan, and it had worked well. Applying this cultural advantage to other ethnic groups might not be any less effective.
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However, Liang Feng’s expression darkened as he said, “What if, in doing so, we encounter a situation similar to the case of Zuo Rong in Xu County?”
People who were familiar with the Han language and involved in propagating Buddhism would also have knowledge of past history. Zuo Rong was a notable case.
Zuo Rong was a figure from the late Han and Three Kingdoms period, known for his generosity and devotion to Buddhism. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he led hundreds of local people to seek refuge with Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu County. Tao Qian appreciated Zuo Rong’s talents and had a favorable view of Buddhism, so he entrusted him with the responsibility of managing taxes and transportation in the cities of Guangling, Xiapi, and Pengcheng. To everyone’s surprise, Zuo Rong established Buddhist temples and pagodas in Xiapi, organized grand Buddhist festivals, adorned Buddha statues with gold, had a thousand people recite scriptures, and hosted banquets that stretched for miles. Furthermore, to attract more Buddhist followers, he exempted them from corvee labor and taxes, leading to a significant flourishing of Buddhism in Xiapi and even Xu County.
However, this man was also an extremely brutal criminal. Despite being despised in Xu County and fleeing in haste, he went on to kill the Governors of Guangling who had sheltered him, seizing their territories and continuing his extravagance in the name of Buddhism. He was eventually defeated by the Inspector of Yang County, and killed by local mountain dwellers.
Such an extremely contradictory figure left a significant mark on history. It can be said that the later treatment of Buddhism was influenced by him. Was he a Buddhist? No one would deny it. However, being a believer does not necessarily make one a good person. The same phenomenon was even more prominently displayed by Zhang Jiao, the founder of the Taiping Dao. If one’s ambitions are too great, religion not only fails to act as a restraint, but it can also catalyze individuals into becoming tyrants and seizing greater benefits by manipulating their followers.
This remark seemed somewhat heartless, yet Zhufa Da remained unruffled and said, “We, as monks, have come to visit you, honorable sir, precisely because of your Buddhist name. The ‘Diamond Sutra’ is profound and wonderful, and it should be widely disseminated. Without your esteemed reputation, it’s likely that we, the monks, would be unable to bring these various tribal people under the banner of Buddhism.”
This was an indirect acknowledgment of Liang Feng’s status as a Buddhist disciple. Having the support of Huai’en Temple was not enough; now, could it be that Zhufa Hu’s disciple was also leaning towards his side? However, this divine identity could also serve as a source of momentum for these Buddhists. The more powerful Liang Feng’s influence became, the more beneficial it would be for the development of their religion.
Just like vines that cling to a mighty tree, they could unknowingly take root, seize nourishment, and grow stronger.
This was a good approach if you were a true believer or an ambitious individual in this era. However, Liang Feng was neither of these.
His finger lightly tapped the table twice, and Liang Feng finally spoke, “Buddhism is noble, but in my view, monks should not become involved in worldly affairs. Only through ordination and entering monastic life can one truly approach the Buddhist teachings. Genuine monks should not be granted ordination easily. They need to be well-versed in the scriptures and have to pass multiple examinations to become monks. If one lacks the determination to renounce worldly possessions, how can they achieve the fruit of Buddhist enlightenment?”
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AD
The topic unexpectedly took a different turn, appearing casually mentioned but causing a slight twitch in Zhufa Da’s eyebrows. This implied that the Inspector of Bing County was prepared to supervise Buddhist monasteries and monks. The growth of Buddhism was due to the simplicity of its teachings, which allowed many people to seek refuge from the torment of military service and taxes. But if obtaining monk status also required examination by the court and being registered in an official registry, and renouncing worldly possessions was a mandatory condition, then could monks no longer participate in the government, possess land, or accumulate wealth?
Zhufa Da was an ambitious man. Unlike his teacher and senior monks, who were focused solely on scripture translation and propagation, he desired strong support from the upper echelons of society for Buddhism, similar to how Daoism had become widespread due to imperial patronage. However, achieving such a goal alone was impossible. Thus, he needed to find a reliable supporter, someone enthusiastic about Buddhism and capable of making a difference.
In theory, he could have chosen Liu Yuan. The Xiongnu were primarily of non-Chinese origin and were generally fond of Buddhism. With the support of the ruler of the Han Dynasty, they might have been able to promote Buddhism. However, could the Han Dynasty truly regain control of the realm? Even though they were both of non-Chinese origin, Zhufa Da didn’t believe so. The Central Plains, this vast empire, would ultimately return to the hands of the native population. Just like the Western Qin, just like the Han, and just like the present-day Jin Dynasty, the tradition would continue. Therefore, temporarily aligning with a foreign ruler might result in the disappearance of Buddhism after a brief period of a dynasty’s decline.
This new Inspector of Bing County was not just a local talent; he had made up his mind when he witnessed the bustling scenes of the masses in the empty streets. This Liang Zixi was the individual who could serve and undoubtedly promote Buddhism.
However, he had displayed all of his cards, yet the other party remained uninterested. Instead, Liang Feng drew clear boundaries and posed a simple question: join or not?
In just a short time, Zhufa Da came to a conclusion. “What the honorable sir says is indeed true. The Great Jin is not a Buddhist nation, and Bing County cannot accommodate a Buddhist state.”
The three words “not a Buddhist nation” held profound implications. Buddhism was not an aggressive religion, but any nation that wholly embraced Buddhism from top to bottom would ultimately fall under the iron hooves of invaders. The once-mighty Kui’an Empire had met this fate. The legal tradition of the Great Jin was Confucianism, and the geographical nature of Bing County did not allow Liang Feng to put down his weapons. Conquests, taxation, labor force – all these things meant that the “Buddhist state” model could not exist. He let the monks live an ascetic life to encourage the people to live in the world. Only by controlling the conditions of entry and exit could this goal be achieved.
This was a method of pulling the rug from beneath their feet, but it also served as a means of controlling the congregation, preventing it from growing too large. This method signified restrictions, but at the same time, it represented the government’s recognition. And this was what Zhufa Da needed. He never expected immediate results.
Unexpectedly, this Hu monk hit the nail on the head with a single sentence. Liang Feng’s face revealed a hint of a smile. “Master, your insight is admirable. If what you say is true, I will certainly welcome those who have attained enlightenment to offer blessings to the people of Jinyang.”
This was the second condition. First, they needed to accomplish the integration of various tribal groups into the local society, and then they could discuss further steps. Zhufa Da clearly understood Liang Feng’s intentions and joined his hands in a gesture of respect. “Your kindness, honorable sir, is much appreciated, and I will do my utmost to help.”
Speaking with intelligent individuals had its advantages. They had covered everything necessary, and Zhufa Da didn’t linger. He rose to take his leave. Nianfa also stood up but hadn’t taken a step when Liang Feng said, “Master Nianfa, please stay. I have something I’d like to discuss with the abbot.”
This was a conversation that Zhufa Da was not privy to. He obediently left the study, while Nianfa bowed and asked, “May I inquire what you wish to discuss, Your Excellency?”
Liang Feng smiled faintly and said, “I just wanted to ask the abbot where Zhufa Hu would reside if he were to come to Jinyang.”
Nianfa also displayed a slight smile, “Our teacher had given instructions in this regard; he would reside in Huai’en Temple.”
This single sentence revealed a wealth of information. The status of the elderly abbot and the position of Zhufa Hu– if such a prominent figure were to come to Jinyang, the pressure on Huai’en Temple would likely be significant. Especially given that Huai’en Temple practiced the Mahayana tradition and Zhufa Hu was the most prolific translator of Mahayana Buddhist texts. In such a situation, how would they handle the hierarchy and relationships?
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Who would have expected that the old abbot wasn’t just acting as an intermediary for the Hu monks but also allowing them to stay in Huai’en Temple? Wasn’t he worried about territorial disputes?
Nianfa’s response was a direct reflection of the abbot’s attitude – he wasn’t afraid. In fact, it could be said that the old abbot was seeking a more advantageous position within this larger picture. A plan to assimilate and incorporate the one thousand followers, even bringing Zhufa Hu into the Huai’en Temple system.
This answer revealed that the two groups of monks were not entirely unified. This was precisely what Liang Feng needed. If they were united, he’d have to worry about the religious influence becoming too dominant. However, if there was competition and maneuvering between the two sides, as the intermediary and the acknowledged “Buddhist,” Liang Feng’s control could increase, achieving a true balance.
It explained why the old abbot put so much effort into ensuring the Hu monks received a warm welcome in Jinyang. It also clarified why, on his first day as the new governor, Nianfa arranged for Zhufa Da to meet him. It was as though Huai’en Temple was increasing its investment and demonstrating its loyalty. If Liang Feng didn’t inquire, they would likely have made their intentions known, seeking to put his mind at ease.
Liang Feng wasn’t really afraid of ambitious individuals, as long as those ambitions manifested in a rational way, he could always find a way to manage them. And the monks he was dealing with all had highly discerning minds.
With a faint smile, Liang Feng nodded, “Then, I’ll have to trouble the abbot. When I have some free time, I’ll come again to listen to the teachings.”
Nianfa expressed his gratitude again and retreated with great respect.
Beside him, Duan Qin sighed, “My lord, are you really going to embrace Buddhism?”
This was indeed a significant change in his stance. Once the banner of Buddhism was truly raised, it would no longer be just a matter of using the Buddhist name as a cover.
“Whether it’s Buddhism, Daoism, or Confucianism, as long as these three are used in the appropriate places, it will suffice.” Liang Feng had also come to a clear understanding. In this world, still in an uncivilized stage, even well-read Confucian scholars could only view the world through the Confucian worldview. How different were the ideas of unity between heaven and humanity, the Buddha, and Laozi? If Confucian scholars had such a perspective, it was even more so for the illiterate common people.
In this world, it wasn’t a place for scientific truths. Instead, religion was the eternal theme. Therefore, controlling religion was better than allowing it to grow wildly. By integrating religion into the process of educating and enlightening the people, it could still bring stability.
This is like the religious affairs departments in later generations. On the surface, all religions are equal and free, but in reality, they are under government control. In ancient times, it wasn’t much different. China’s situation is unique, and any transcendental religion couldn’t compare to Confucianism’s adaptability to society. Discussions about worldviews and methodologies ultimately come down to who has the stronger fist, more methods, or who can adapt to societal development.
Even though such statements made Duan Qin shiver, it was hard to deny that this kind of clear-headedness and sharp analysis was better than blind trust.
“If that Hu monk can really influence the various non-Han tribes under the Xiongnu, it would indeed be a good thing,” Duan Qin finally whispered.
Indeed, it was. Disrupting the enemy’s forces and expanding one’s own power was always a reason to celebrate. After a day of official duties, Liang Feng, looking fatigued, rubbed his temples and said, “I can only hope that this Zhufa Da has the abilities of Su Qin and Zhang Yi.”
Seeing Liang Feng looking pale, Duan Qin couldn’t help but feel concerned. “My lord, you’ve been through a lot on this journey. It has taken a toll on you. Perhaps you should rest as soon as possible. Would you like me to call for Jiang Ji’en?”
However, Liang Feng fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. “No need for Ji’en. Let’s call… Boyuan instead.”
Calling Yiyan inside almost certainly meant there was official business to discuss. But how could Duan Qin stop Liang Feng from working for a while? He sighed softly and quietly withdrew from the room.
