At the break of dawn, the gates of Jinyang city slowly opened. A group of soldiers in bright armor surrounded carts carrying officials, heading out of the city. Beneath the makeshift sheds erected outside the city walls, a dense crowd had gathered. These were the refugees who had rushed to Jinyang yesterday, eagerly waiting to enter the city.
Several high tables were set up simultaneously, and officials dressed in blue robes, holding pens, sat awkwardly on tall stools. They meticulously examined and registered the refugees’ original household registrations. After confirming the identities, wooden tokens were issued as proof for settling in the city.
Such methodical handling, who has ever seen it before? With refugees surrounding the city, it posed a dangerous situation capable of shaking the stability of the provincial administration. In better cases, relief efforts would involve opening granaries, but in worse scenarios, troops might be dispatched to drive them away, keeping them far from the city walls.
However, Jinyang was entirely different. This large city was actively accommodating and settling the refugees, providing them with new identities and allowing them to establish homes within the city. This notion alone was enough to calm down those aimless villagers like headless flies. They slept in these makeshift shelters, walked in these queues, obediently received wooden tokens from the officials, and were then escorted into the city.
This city was blessed by heaven, and guarded by devout Buddhists. Once inside the city, the authorities would allocate land and provide medical care to prevent diseases. The heavily armed soldiers would help defend against enemies. This allowed them to settle within the walls of this colossal city. How many years had it been since such a situation occurred in Bing County? Finally, an official who treated them as human beings, a guardian caring for them like parents!
For these refugees, still trying to distance themselves from their previous banditry and seeking a peaceful life, this was the best destination. In just a few days, hundreds had gathered outside the city, with even more preparing to journey to Jinyang, bringing their families along. Fortunately, the officials conducting the registration were experienced bureaucrats from Shangdang, with ample knowledge in handling refugees. Otherwise, even the most seasoned provincial officials might find themselves helpless against such an influx of people.
After entering the city, a bustling scene unfolded. The long-lost street cleaners, donning official headwear and coarse robes, appeared on the streets once again. They cleared away thorns, weeds, and the skeletons of the deceased strewn across the streets. After cleaning an area, lime water was sprinkled to disinfect and prevent disease. The corpses and debris were uniformly carried outside the city, burned, and buried to avoid any potential outbreaks.
Medical professionals were busy in the neighborhoods where the refugees were settled, isolating patients and administering medicines for treatment. The city’s hospitals were also operational, offering free clinics every ten days, specifically for the impoverished.
Due to the stability within the city, shops began to open gradually in the western market. Some merchants planned to take advantage of the situation and make a trip to Shangdang, bringing back goods. Once the trade routes were established, Jinyang would no longer be stagnant.
At the southern city gate, people were entering and leaving, but this time they carried farming tools, accompanied by farmers driving oxen. Alongside them, a group of soldiers escorted these people outside the city to cultivate. The land had already been designated at the junction of Jinyang and Yangyi, ready for cultivation. Even in times of war, this area was unlikely to encounter bandits. Moreover, with mutual vigilance, in case of an enemy attack, they could quickly retreat into the city. If all went as planned, cultivating the fields would significantly alleviate the food shortage next year.
For now, soldiers were needed for protection. Once the farmers became proficient, equipped with bows and knives, they could become a new garrison with the ability to defend the land.
Everything unfolded in an orderly manner, revitalizing this city that had been silent for a year. However, such positive changes made many people anxious.
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“Why does Liang Zixi bring so many officials?!” Seeing the city become organized within a few days, Zhang Sima also felt a bit uneasy.
Two days earlier, he had moved out of the governor’s mansion and settled in the official residence near the armory. Originally a residence for high-ranking officials, it was not much worse than the governor’s mansion. However, being driven out of the governor’s mansion like this, Zhang Sima couldn’t help but feel a burning anger. He originally intended to use his connections to sow discord within the governor’s mansion, making the officials there pay attention. Unexpectedly, the other party ignored him and took over various matters in the city.
Now, the governor’s mansion was in turmoil. Although it was the governor’s mansion, in the current chaos of Bing County, many cities had lost control, and for the time being, only Jinyang remained under control. If the situation in the city became chaotic, they would be completely away from the center of power. Officials could maintain their noble status without bothering with mundane affairs, but clerks had to handle practical matters. Moreover, these officials in the governor’s mansion were extraordinary individuals. Various clerks could ascend to become county magistrates, and positions like the Deputy Marshal were high-ranking, indicating future appointments as governors or governors-general. Who would be willing to ruin their future career because of a momentary dispute, being squeezed out by those newcomers?
Therefore, after a brief period of chaos, everyone began to showcase their abilities and express loyalty to the newly appointed governor. They hoped to secure their current positions and, perhaps, ascend even further to the coveted seats of officials. The envisioned situation of a leaderless group did not materialize. On the contrary, the vacant positions of Deputy Marshal and Deputy Director became enticing bait, attracting people to step forward one after another.
This situation was certainly not what Zhang Sima, the one who had been ousted, wanted to see.
“Sima, don’t worry. Currently, as long as we firmly hold onto the granaries, everything will be fine,” an official beside him advised in a low voice. “Anyway, the newly appointed commander won’t stay for long, and when the time comes, someone will deal with Liang Zixi!”
This was a blunt truth. If military supplies and equipment were confiscated again, Zhang Sima would be at a loss. However, to his surprise, Governor Liang had no intention of taking military provisions. He only meticulously examined the wealth in the storerooms and borrowed supplies from Shangdang. There was even a hint of a peaceful atmosphere.
This must be a deception tactic! Zhang Sima gritted his teeth and said, “How about the news from General Linghu Sheng?”
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After taking over the governor’s mansion, Liang Zixi invited Linghu Sheng to visit. This implied significance, and Zhang Sima feared that Linghu Sheng might betray them. Therefore, he had people keeping a close eye on him.
“I’ve been observing General Linghu, and there haven’t been any unusual movements…” the subordinate cautiously reported. “Moreover, after that day, Governor Liang has not recruited any other generals. It seems that General Linghu might have said something during the banquet.”
This was also a possibility. After all, the commander had not taken office yet, and who would align themselves with the governor so quickly? Zhang Sima finally breathed a sigh of relief, once again instructing, “Send someone to Luoyang to investigate; we must get the information back quickly!”
Now, only the newly appointed commander could give them, his subordinates, a breather!
※
Despite the bustling activity in the city, Liang Feng was not in the governor’s mansion at the moment. Instead, he sat quietly in a meditation room.
Facing him, an old monk held a black stone, carefully studying the chessboard in front of them. The black and white pieces were interwoven, creating a chaotic pattern. Without careful examination, it would be hard to determine who was winning or losing. It was just a game, who would play until it became so chaotic? However, Liang Feng remained composed, glancing at the board for a while before placing a piece.
This move immediately threw several white pieces into disarray. Should they be saved or not? Liang Feng raised his wrist, navigated through the tangled formation, placed a piece, and captured another area of black stones.
The old monk let out a long sigh, “Lord, your Go strategy is truly beyond this old monk’s expectations.”
Indeed, playing so aggressively and ruthlessly, disregarding conventions, might not earn high marks in terms of chess etiquette nowadays. People might criticize it as too reckless. However, in this bold game, victory was achieved.
Advertisement
Liang Feng smiled, “When I play Go, it’s only to strive for the lead. If I can’t win, what’s the point of playing?”
Go emphasizes calmness and composure, and it’s not an actual battle between two armies. Judging by current Go standards, this style might not be considered high-level, and people might even criticize it as overly rough. However, in this audacious game, victory was still achieved.
The old monk nodded, “Contesting life and death is worth striving for the lead.”
It was unclear whether he was referring to the game or something beyond it. Liang Feng tossed the pieces back into the basket, relaxed his posture, and leaned against the table, saying, “During these days, it seems the incense in the temple has become more prosperous.”
Speaking of which, Huai’en Temple is also a special case. During the year-long siege of Jinyang, many small temples and Daoist shrines collapsed, but this particular temple remained intact and even gained more monks. Liang Feng’s repeatedly rumored “miracles” brought some glory to Huai’en Temple. Additionally, the benevolence shown during the distribution of porridge also resulted in many suffering civilians becoming novices in the temple.
Originally with a foundation, over the past year, Huai’en Temple has acquired quite a bit of additional land inside and outside the temple, ensuring its survival. With Liang Feng’s arrival in the city, not only the common people but also the aristocrats who offer alms and make wishes have increased. It is uncertain whether they genuinely seek peace or simply want to please the new governor.
The old monk lowered his eyelids as if in meditation, “This year was supposed to prepare for a Dharma assembly, but unfortunately, the timing was missed, inevitably causing anxiety among the believers. In a few days, the temple will open its porridge distribution again to pray for blessings and dispel disasters for the people of Jinyang.”
“Indeed, offering porridge is commendable. However, Huai’en Temple already has a considerable number of monks. When Venerable Zhufa Hu arrives, it might get crowded. It’s essential for the abbot to be aware of this,” Liang Feng remarked casually.
The underlying message was clear – Huai’en Temple was large enough, and there should be no attempts to encroach on the city’s land or harbor ideas of exploiting the influx of refugees!
The old monk made a soft hum, “Governor, you worry too much. The resources in Huai’en Temple are currently limited. We must wait for Venerable Zhufa to arrive before making any plans.”
This was undoubtedly a negotiation. Once Venerable Zhufa, a powerful figure, arrived, was Liang Feng supposed to idly watch him overshadow the local powers in Jinyang? Huai’en Temple still needed the support of the government.
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Speaking of which, my understanding of Mahayana Buddhism is still limited. Self-liberation alone might not be enough to pacify these troubled times. I wonder if there is a method of liberating others, such as precepts on killing, which inevitably instills fear in people’s hearts.”
“If I were to take the lives of those evil beings, I would fall into Naluka. If I refrain from doing so, allowing their uninterrupted karma to accumulate, it would lead to immense suffering. I would rather kill those destined for Naluka, preventing them from enduring boundless suffering. Such is the Bodhisattva’s compassionate contemplation,” the old monk said, clasping his hands together and chanting a Buddhist mantra. “May the Buddha’s compassion be just as expressed.”
This is also one of the precepts of Mahayana Bodhisattvas. Indeed, taking life hinders spiritual cultivation, but if the one being killed is an evil thief and killing them saves more innocent people, it is not a sin but rather a meritorious act.
This was precisely the theoretical framework Liang Feng desired! Buddhism lacked aggressiveness; if a highly enlightened monk like Zhufa Hu arrived in Jinyang and spread viewpoints such as feeding oneself to tigers, would this battle still be worth fighting? It was essential to instill the idea of defending against strong enemies and safeguarding one’s homeland in every person’s mind, uniting them into a formidable force. Huai’en Temple needed to choose its stance and provide him with public opinion support.
Advertisement
The old monk seemed to understand this thoroughly.
Liang Feng sighed deeply, “If that’s the case, my heart is at ease. How much karma will be created in the process of pacifying the chaos in Bing County…”
The old monk offered reassurance, “Just like Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Tathagata with twelve divine generals below the altar. Without the Vajra’s demon-slaying, where would the realm of light and the immaculate Dharma body be?”
Liang Feng, now believed to be the incarnation of Medicine Master Buddha, clearly understood the underlying meaning of those words.
“It seems you have a profound insight,” Liang Feng said with a smile as if he had let go of the worries in his heart. “Shall we play another game of Go?”
Without reading scriptures or preaching, the two engaged in another game of Go, continuing their intense battle.
Author’s note:
The scripture the old monk quoted is from the “Bodhisattva Precepts,” translated by Master Xuanzang. Well, let’s consider it as another translation that hasn’t been widely circulated. >_<
At the break of dawn, the gates of Jinyang city slowly opened. A group of soldiers in bright armor surrounded carts carrying officials, heading out of the city. Beneath the makeshift sheds erected outside the city walls, a dense crowd had gathered. These were the refugees who had rushed to Jinyang yesterday, eagerly waiting to enter the city.
Several high tables were set up simultaneously, and officials dressed in blue robes, holding pens, sat awkwardly on tall stools. They meticulously examined and registered the refugees’ original household registrations. After confirming the identities, wooden tokens were issued as proof for settling in the city.
Such methodical handling, who has ever seen it before? With refugees surrounding the city, it posed a dangerous situation capable of shaking the stability of the provincial administration. In better cases, relief efforts would involve opening granaries, but in worse scenarios, troops might be dispatched to drive them away, keeping them far from the city walls.
However, Jinyang was entirely different. This large city was actively accommodating and settling the refugees, providing them with new identities and allowing them to establish homes within the city. This notion alone was enough to calm down those aimless villagers like headless flies. They slept in these makeshift shelters, walked in these queues, obediently received wooden tokens from the officials, and were then escorted into the city.
This city was blessed by heaven, and guarded by devout Buddhists. Once inside the city, the authorities would allocate land and provide medical care to prevent diseases. The heavily armed soldiers would help defend against enemies. This allowed them to settle within the walls of this colossal city. How many years had it been since such a situation occurred in Bing County? Finally, an official who treated them as human beings, a guardian caring for them like parents!
For these refugees, still trying to distance themselves from their previous banditry and seeking a peaceful life, this was the best destination. In just a few days, hundreds had gathered outside the city, with even more preparing to journey to Jinyang, bringing their families along. Fortunately, the officials conducting the registration were experienced bureaucrats from Shangdang, with ample knowledge in handling refugees. Otherwise, even the most seasoned provincial officials might find themselves helpless against such an influx of people.
After entering the city, a bustling scene unfolded. The long-lost street cleaners, donning official headwear and coarse robes, appeared on the streets once again. They cleared away thorns, weeds, and the skeletons of the deceased strewn across the streets. After cleaning an area, lime water was sprinkled to disinfect and prevent disease. The corpses and debris were uniformly carried outside the city, burned, and buried to avoid any potential outbreaks.
Medical professionals were busy in the neighborhoods where the refugees were settled, isolating patients and administering medicines for treatment. The city’s hospitals were also operational, offering free clinics every ten days, specifically for the impoverished.
Due to the stability within the city, shops began to open gradually in the western market. Some merchants planned to take advantage of the situation and make a trip to Shangdang, bringing back goods. Once the trade routes were established, Jinyang would no longer be stagnant.
At the southern city gate, people were entering and leaving, but this time they carried farming tools, accompanied by farmers driving oxen. Alongside them, a group of soldiers escorted these people outside the city to cultivate. The land had already been designated at the junction of Jinyang and Yangyi, ready for cultivation. Even in times of war, this area was unlikely to encounter bandits. Moreover, with mutual vigilance, in case of an enemy attack, they could quickly retreat into the city. If all went as planned, cultivating the fields would significantly alleviate the food shortage next year.
For now, soldiers were needed for protection. Once the farmers became proficient, equipped with bows and knives, they could become a new garrison with the ability to defend the land.
Everything unfolded in an orderly manner, revitalizing this city that had been silent for a year. However, such positive changes made many people anxious.
Advertisement
“Why does Liang Zixi bring so many officials?!” Seeing the city become organized within a few days, Zhang Sima also felt a bit uneasy.
Two days earlier, he had moved out of the governor’s mansion and settled in the official residence near the armory. Originally a residence for high-ranking officials, it was not much worse than the governor’s mansion. However, being driven out of the governor’s mansion like this, Zhang Sima couldn’t help but feel a burning anger. He originally intended to use his connections to sow discord within the governor’s mansion, making the officials there pay attention. Unexpectedly, the other party ignored him and took over various matters in the city.
Now, the governor’s mansion was in turmoil. Although it was the governor’s mansion, in the current chaos of Bing County, many cities had lost control, and for the time being, only Jinyang remained under control. If the situation in the city became chaotic, they would be completely away from the center of power. Officials could maintain their noble status without bothering with mundane affairs, but clerks had to handle practical matters. Moreover, these officials in the governor’s mansion were extraordinary individuals. Various clerks could ascend to become county magistrates, and positions like the Deputy Marshal were high-ranking, indicating future appointments as governors or governors-general. Who would be willing to ruin their future career because of a momentary dispute, being squeezed out by those newcomers?
Therefore, after a brief period of chaos, everyone began to showcase their abilities and express loyalty to the newly appointed governor. They hoped to secure their current positions and, perhaps, ascend even further to the coveted seats of officials. The envisioned situation of a leaderless group did not materialize. On the contrary, the vacant positions of Deputy Marshal and Deputy Director became enticing bait, attracting people to step forward one after another.
This situation was certainly not what Zhang Sima, the one who had been ousted, wanted to see.
“Sima, don’t worry. Currently, as long as we firmly hold onto the granaries, everything will be fine,” an official beside him advised in a low voice. “Anyway, the newly appointed commander won’t stay for long, and when the time comes, someone will deal with Liang Zixi!”
This was a blunt truth. If military supplies and equipment were confiscated again, Zhang Sima would be at a loss. However, to his surprise, Governor Liang had no intention of taking military provisions. He only meticulously examined the wealth in the storerooms and borrowed supplies from Shangdang. There was even a hint of a peaceful atmosphere.
This must be a deception tactic! Zhang Sima gritted his teeth and said, “How about the news from General Linghu Sheng?”
Advertisement
After taking over the governor’s mansion, Liang Zixi invited Linghu Sheng to visit. This implied significance, and Zhang Sima feared that Linghu Sheng might betray them. Therefore, he had people keeping a close eye on him.
“I’ve been observing General Linghu, and there haven’t been any unusual movements…” the subordinate cautiously reported. “Moreover, after that day, Governor Liang has not recruited any other generals. It seems that General Linghu might have said something during the banquet.”
This was also a possibility. After all, the commander had not taken office yet, and who would align themselves with the governor so quickly? Zhang Sima finally breathed a sigh of relief, once again instructing, “Send someone to Luoyang to investigate; we must get the information back quickly!”
Now, only the newly appointed commander could give them, his subordinates, a breather!
※
Despite the bustling activity in the city, Liang Feng was not in the governor’s mansion at the moment. Instead, he sat quietly in a meditation room.
Facing him, an old monk held a black stone, carefully studying the chessboard in front of them. The black and white pieces were interwoven, creating a chaotic pattern. Without careful examination, it would be hard to determine who was winning or losing. It was just a game, who would play until it became so chaotic? However, Liang Feng remained composed, glancing at the board for a while before placing a piece.
This move immediately threw several white pieces into disarray. Should they be saved or not? Liang Feng raised his wrist, navigated through the tangled formation, placed a piece, and captured another area of black stones.
The old monk let out a long sigh, “Lord, your Go strategy is truly beyond this old monk’s expectations.”
Indeed, playing so aggressively and ruthlessly, disregarding conventions, might not earn high marks in terms of chess etiquette nowadays. People might criticize it as too reckless. However, in this bold game, victory was achieved.
Advertisement
Liang Feng smiled, “When I play Go, it’s only to strive for the lead. If I can’t win, what’s the point of playing?”
Go emphasizes calmness and composure, and it’s not an actual battle between two armies. Judging by current Go standards, this style might not be considered high-level, and people might even criticize it as overly rough. However, in this audacious game, victory was still achieved.
The old monk nodded, “Contesting life and death is worth striving for the lead.”
It was unclear whether he was referring to the game or something beyond it. Liang Feng tossed the pieces back into the basket, relaxed his posture, and leaned against the table, saying, “During these days, it seems the incense in the temple has become more prosperous.”
Speaking of which, Huai’en Temple is also a special case. During the year-long siege of Jinyang, many small temples and Daoist shrines collapsed, but this particular temple remained intact and even gained more monks. Liang Feng’s repeatedly rumored “miracles” brought some glory to Huai’en Temple. Additionally, the benevolence shown during the distribution of porridge also resulted in many suffering civilians becoming novices in the temple.
Originally with a foundation, over the past year, Huai’en Temple has acquired quite a bit of additional land inside and outside the temple, ensuring its survival. With Liang Feng’s arrival in the city, not only the common people but also the aristocrats who offer alms and make wishes have increased. It is uncertain whether they genuinely seek peace or simply want to please the new governor.
The old monk lowered his eyelids as if in meditation, “This year was supposed to prepare for a Dharma assembly, but unfortunately, the timing was missed, inevitably causing anxiety among the believers. In a few days, the temple will open its porridge distribution again to pray for blessings and dispel disasters for the people of Jinyang.”
“Indeed, offering porridge is commendable. However, Huai’en Temple already has a considerable number of monks. When Venerable Zhufa Hu arrives, it might get crowded. It’s essential for the abbot to be aware of this,” Liang Feng remarked casually.
The underlying message was clear – Huai’en Temple was large enough, and there should be no attempts to encroach on the city’s land or harbor ideas of exploiting the influx of refugees!
The old monk made a soft hum, “Governor, you worry too much. The resources in Huai’en Temple are currently limited. We must wait for Venerable Zhufa to arrive before making any plans.”
This was undoubtedly a negotiation. Once Venerable Zhufa, a powerful figure, arrived, was Liang Feng supposed to idly watch him overshadow the local powers in Jinyang? Huai’en Temple still needed the support of the government.
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Speaking of which, my understanding of Mahayana Buddhism is still limited. Self-liberation alone might not be enough to pacify these troubled times. I wonder if there is a method of liberating others, such as precepts on killing, which inevitably instills fear in people’s hearts.”
“If I were to take the lives of those evil beings, I would fall into Naluka. If I refrain from doing so, allowing their uninterrupted karma to accumulate, it would lead to immense suffering. I would rather kill those destined for Naluka, preventing them from enduring boundless suffering. Such is the Bodhisattva’s compassionate contemplation,” the old monk said, clasping his hands together and chanting a Buddhist mantra. “May the Buddha’s compassion be just as expressed.”
This is also one of the precepts of Mahayana Bodhisattvas. Indeed, taking life hinders spiritual cultivation, but if the one being killed is an evil thief and killing them saves more innocent people, it is not a sin but rather a meritorious act.
This was precisely the theoretical framework Liang Feng desired! Buddhism lacked aggressiveness; if a highly enlightened monk like Zhufa Hu arrived in Jinyang and spread viewpoints such as feeding oneself to tigers, would this battle still be worth fighting? It was essential to instill the idea of defending against strong enemies and safeguarding one’s homeland in every person’s mind, uniting them into a formidable force. Huai’en Temple needed to choose its stance and provide him with public opinion support.
Advertisement
The old monk seemed to understand this thoroughly.
Liang Feng sighed deeply, “If that’s the case, my heart is at ease. How much karma will be created in the process of pacifying the chaos in Bing County…”
The old monk offered reassurance, “Just like Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Tathagata with twelve divine generals below the altar. Without the Vajra’s demon-slaying, where would the realm of light and the immaculate Dharma body be?”
Liang Feng, now believed to be the incarnation of Medicine Master Buddha, clearly understood the underlying meaning of those words.
“It seems you have a profound insight,” Liang Feng said with a smile as if he had let go of the worries in his heart. “Shall we play another game of Go?”
Without reading scriptures or preaching, the two engaged in another game of Go, continuing their intense battle.
Author’s note:
The scripture the old monk quoted is from the “Bodhisattva Precepts,” translated by Master Xuanzang. Well, let’s consider it as another translation that hasn’t been widely circulated. >_<
