On a cold winter day, charcoal stoves were commonly placed in the night chambers, even in the strategist’s office. However, in this bedroom, there was no heating device, making it as cold as an icehouse. Most people would have curled up, freezing in such conditions, but the person on the bed was sleeping profusely, drenched in sweat. Even the blanket covering them had slipped down halfway.
The person wore no inner garments, and on the exposed shoulders and back, there were scars, some deep, some shallow, from knives and arrows. Although these scars looked fierce, they didn’t mar the firm and tight texture of the skin, giving off an imposing presence. Like predatory beasts, strong and vigorous, they evoked admiration.
At the moment, the broad shoulders were tightly tense, as if engaged in some kind of struggle.
The low, shallow breaths became increasingly rapid, accompanied by faint gasps. Whether from the cold or some other shock, at the pinnacle moment, the closed eyelids suddenly trembled, revealing open eyes. In those gray-blue eyes, misty and seemingly lost, there was also a burning heat, as if trying to pierce through barriers and firmly fixate on a beloved illusion.
Soon, those eyes closed again. After three or five breaths, when they opened again, the blue gaze was only filled with the usual calm and coolness.
Yiyan threw off the bedding and sat up on the bed. The sweat on his back had been dried by the cold wind, causing a slight stinging sensation. However, the sticky feeling in his pants wouldn’t simply disappear. Although this should be embarrassing, there was no expression on his face. He just removed the soiled trousers, stood up, and walked to the nearby basin, where he splashed some cool water and wiped himself clean.
In a short while, those untidy marks vanished. Yiyan picked out a new set of clothes and slowly put them on.
This wasn’t the first time he had dreamt of these embarrassing scenes. However, the initial shame and fear had long disappeared, leaving only a sense of solace. Day by day, in relentless torment, it supported him as he staggered forward. Perhaps because he was staying in the same mansion again, the dreams came more frequently and were even more indulgent, but Yiyan had never been overwhelmed by the dreams. He knew clearly that what he wanted went beyond those dream images.
With no maidservant to attend to him in the room, after tidying up, Yiyan skipped his meal and walked out of the room.
These days, the Tiger and Wolf Camp had already started training, and every day he would go outside the city to the camp. However, no matter how tired he was, Yiyan would return to the city on time, resting in the Governor’s Mansion. But today, he wasn’t heading outside the city.
Passing through several corridors, Yiyan arrived at the main courtyard. Many people had already gathered there. Today was the winter solstice, and according to tradition, the Nuo ceremony should be held, followed by a feast to entertain the officials. As one of the most important festivals at the end of the year, how could the Governor’s Mansion miss such a good opportunity to stabilize the people’s hearts?
Yiyan also stood in line. He was no longer the chief military officer; in front of him were people like Linghu Sheng. However, the veterans showed enough goodwill toward Yiyan, the lord’s confidant. After greeting each other one by one, the queue quieted down. After a short while, the main hall doors opened, and a few people escorted a man with a tall and elegant figure, wearing a black crown and vermilion robe, into the courtyard.
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The man’s complexion still appeared somewhat pale, even though he was dressed in winter clothing, giving off an air of elegance like a wild crane among pines. His slender figure did not make him seem frail; instead, it exuded a commanding presence. As he stood in front of the hall, officials and military officers alike bowed in respect.
“On this winter solstice, there’s no need for excessive courtesy,” a clear and resonant voice echoed in the courtyard. When everyone straightened up, the man walked towards Fang Xiang, who wore a fierce mask on his head, and solemnly declared, “Today, on the winter solstice, there is no need for many formalities. You, leading the grand Nuo ceremony, dispel the multitude of evil spirits!”
The Nuo ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion was much grander than that at the county office. With the lord’s command, Fang Xiang led his attendants, shouting loudly. The solemn Nuo dance, filled with dignity and fierceness, surged like flames along with the sound of drums and music.
Everyone wore masks, animal skins, and carried spears, creating a scene reminiscent of demons dancing wildly. However, the man stood among the ghosts and monsters, unmoving. The torchlight reflected on his jade-like cheeks, giving them a faint glow.
Yiyan did not shift his gaze; he continued to stare at the scene before him. It wasn’t until Fang Xiang, holding a torch, rushed out of the Governor’s Mansion towards the main road in Jinyang City.
After the Nuo ceremony concluded, a banquet was supposed to follow. However, instead of participating, the lord boarded a carriage and headed towards the west of the city. In Huai’en Temple, a grand Buddhist ceremony was also taking place. It was the first time the temple had organized a seven-day ritual during the winter solstice. The purpose was to deliver the souls and console the ancestors.
This deviated somewhat from the rituals of Buddhism, but such a ceremony undoubtedly brought comfort to the Buddhists in Jinyang. Fang Xiang intended to ward off evil and prevent plagues, but to deliver deceased loved ones, Buddhist and Taoist rituals were necessary.
With the Governor personally attending, this ceremony gained a special significance. Inside the temple, all the high-ranking monks came out to welcome him.
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“Presiding monk, Zen Master.” Liang Feng took a step forward, bowing respectfully to the two leading monks.
The aged presiding monk and Zen Master Zhu Fa reciprocated the gesture with respect. Zhu Fa had arrived in Bing County not long ago and settled in Huai’en Temple. Now, with similar positions, the two appeared surprisingly harmonious, much to the astonishment of onlookers.
“The ceremony is about to begin; please enter the hall, Governor.” The old monk maintained a calm demeanor, inviting the Governor as if he were a devout believer rather than the ruler of Bing County.
Liang Feng smiled, leading his trusted aides as he entered the temple. Due to the arrival of Zhu Fa and others, the number of monks in the temple had increased several times. Although the temple had not expanded, accommodation became an issue. However, having a large crowd also had its advantages. For example, this ceremony was several times more magnificent than the previous Nuo Festival, earning considerable popularity from the Jinyang citizens who enjoyed driving away evil spirits during the winter solstice.
“Today, the scriptures to be recited are translated by Zen Master Zhu Fa.” After settling on the cushion, the presiding monk, with a calm expression, offered a polite greeting to the old monk beside him, “Zen Master, please lead the chanting.”
Leading the altar for the ceremony was a supreme honor. The gray-haired monk returned the bow, unfolded the scripture scroll, and began reciting. The Sanskrit chants filled the grand hall, and Liang Feng closed his eyes, sweeping his gaze between the two monks for a moment before sinking into meditation.
During these days, there were indeed some conflicts between the two groups of monks. However, Zhu Fa, unlike his disciples, cared little about secular matters, focusing solely on translating scriptures and propagating the Dharma. With the flourishing Buddhism in Jinyang, devout believers, and the full support of the Governor, he was deeply moved.
The abbot of Huai’en Temple quickly seized on this and used it to his advantage, establishing a structure where one monk handled external matters, while the other focused on internal affairs. It turned out to be a subtle balance.
Today’s ceremony was a demonstration of this balance. Seeing it, Liang Feng naturally nodded in approval.
After the chanting, there were teachings and various Buddhist rituals. The ceremony would last for seven days, but Liang Feng didn’t have the time to stay in the temple for so long. The Governor’s Mansion had to host a banquet for various officials, and he couldn’t even have his meals at the temple.
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The abbot didn’t mind Liang Feng’s hasty departure and personally saw him off. However, before leaving, he added a remark, “The poor monk has contemplated for a long time. The matter of changing surnames should be widely promoted. Zen Master Zhu Fa is also searching for scriptures and should be able to find the words of the Buddha.”
Liang Feng’s eyes lit up, “Abbot, your actions will have a lasting impact.”
After the spread of Buddhism to the East, monks often adopted their master’s surname. Monks from India were surnamed Zhu, those from Parthia were surnamed An, and those from Gandhara were surnamed Zhi. Even if some people were fond of Buddhism, they only changed their surnames to “Seng” (monk) or “Fo” (Buddha), without adopting a unified surname. As a result, disciples under Zhu Fa became a distinct faction. In the long run, wouldn’t this lead to internal conflicts?
Therefore, when Liang Feng proposed the suggestion of unifying the surnames of monks, the old abbot understood it immediately. Disciples of Shakyamuni should naturally bear the surname “Shi”! His insight also stirred Zhu Fa, who was well-versed in the scriptures. He recalled a scripture that mentioned the four surnames in India and how, upon entering monastic life, individuals would abandon their family names.
With a sincere heart and support from both the source of devotion and the government, how could they not readily agree?
No one understood better than Liang Feng the importance of monks changing their surnames. It was an excellent method to control the Sangha, gradually eliminating the barriers brought by family names and lineages. Using the customs of Jinyang, they could then regulate the entire Buddhist community. This grand institution would slowly come under the control of the government, easing most of the hidden concerns.
Descending the long steps of Huai’en Temple, Liang Feng stood in front of his carriage, breathed a sigh of relief, and then entered the carriage. He didn’t even spare a moment to glance at the people following behind.
As the day approached dusk, the main hall of the Governor’s Mansion hosted a banquet. Officials and military officers from Jinyang flowed in, taking their seats. Everyone raised their cups in unison to celebrate the arrival of winter.
Elegant music accompanied pleasant conversations, and dances enhanced the festive atmosphere. Poetic works for the banquet were composed with excellent verses. The attendees were numerous, not only consisting of local officials but also high-ranking families from Jinyang. All were tightly gathered around that person, akin to a water-powered pestle set in motion by a river, steadily pounding and consolidating life into this scorched land once ravaged by war, rejuvenating it with vitality.
However, as he observed the person seated at the head, Yiyan’s eyebrows furrowed tightly. It was because the person at the seat, despite the gentle smile, revealed an imperceptible weariness. This day had been excessively long, intolerably so. Ignoring the colleagues urging him to drink by his side, Yiyan consumed cup after cup of the thick wine that wouldn’t intoxicate him, never pausing.
The banquet lasted for a good two hours before finally concluding. The next three days were designated as holidays, with government officials sealing their offices and soldiers laying down their weapons. The most challenging time of winter had passed, and everyone cherished these days of leisure.
However, some remained unable to relax.
After the officials took their leave, Zhang Bin approached, whispering a few words in a low voice. Liang Feng paused for a moment, without lingering, and headed towards the study with his entourage.
Watching the disappearing figure, Yiyan stood still, suppressing the hidden pain in his heart. In the face of the larger situation, all personal sentiments seemed insignificant. How could he burden someone with his own whims?
Turning calmly, Yiyan took strides towards his residence, just like any other day.
On a cold winter day, charcoal stoves were commonly placed in the night chambers, even in the strategist’s office. However, in this bedroom, there was no heating device, making it as cold as an icehouse. Most people would have curled up, freezing in such conditions, but the person on the bed was sleeping profusely, drenched in sweat. Even the blanket covering them had slipped down halfway.
The person wore no inner garments, and on the exposed shoulders and back, there were scars, some deep, some shallow, from knives and arrows. Although these scars looked fierce, they didn’t mar the firm and tight texture of the skin, giving off an imposing presence. Like predatory beasts, strong and vigorous, they evoked admiration.
At the moment, the broad shoulders were tightly tense, as if engaged in some kind of struggle.
The low, shallow breaths became increasingly rapid, accompanied by faint gasps. Whether from the cold or some other shock, at the pinnacle moment, the closed eyelids suddenly trembled, revealing open eyes. In those gray-blue eyes, misty and seemingly lost, there was also a burning heat, as if trying to pierce through barriers and firmly fixate on a beloved illusion.
Soon, those eyes closed again. After three or five breaths, when they opened again, the blue gaze was only filled with the usual calm and coolness.
Yiyan threw off the bedding and sat up on the bed. The sweat on his back had been dried by the cold wind, causing a slight stinging sensation. However, the sticky feeling in his pants wouldn’t simply disappear. Although this should be embarrassing, there was no expression on his face. He just removed the soiled trousers, stood up, and walked to the nearby basin, where he splashed some cool water and wiped himself clean.
In a short while, those untidy marks vanished. Yiyan picked out a new set of clothes and slowly put them on.
This wasn’t the first time he had dreamt of these embarrassing scenes. However, the initial shame and fear had long disappeared, leaving only a sense of solace. Day by day, in relentless torment, it supported him as he staggered forward. Perhaps because he was staying in the same mansion again, the dreams came more frequently and were even more indulgent, but Yiyan had never been overwhelmed by the dreams. He knew clearly that what he wanted went beyond those dream images.
With no maidservant to attend to him in the room, after tidying up, Yiyan skipped his meal and walked out of the room.
These days, the Tiger and Wolf Camp had already started training, and every day he would go outside the city to the camp. However, no matter how tired he was, Yiyan would return to the city on time, resting in the Governor’s Mansion. But today, he wasn’t heading outside the city.
Passing through several corridors, Yiyan arrived at the main courtyard. Many people had already gathered there. Today was the winter solstice, and according to tradition, the Nuo ceremony should be held, followed by a feast to entertain the officials. As one of the most important festivals at the end of the year, how could the Governor’s Mansion miss such a good opportunity to stabilize the people’s hearts?
Yiyan also stood in line. He was no longer the chief military officer; in front of him were people like Linghu Sheng. However, the veterans showed enough goodwill toward Yiyan, the lord’s confidant. After greeting each other one by one, the queue quieted down. After a short while, the main hall doors opened, and a few people escorted a man with a tall and elegant figure, wearing a black crown and vermilion robe, into the courtyard.
Advertisement
The man’s complexion still appeared somewhat pale, even though he was dressed in winter clothing, giving off an air of elegance like a wild crane among pines. His slender figure did not make him seem frail; instead, it exuded a commanding presence. As he stood in front of the hall, officials and military officers alike bowed in respect.
“On this winter solstice, there’s no need for excessive courtesy,” a clear and resonant voice echoed in the courtyard. When everyone straightened up, the man walked towards Fang Xiang, who wore a fierce mask on his head, and solemnly declared, “Today, on the winter solstice, there is no need for many formalities. You, leading the grand Nuo ceremony, dispel the multitude of evil spirits!”
The Nuo ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion was much grander than that at the county office. With the lord’s command, Fang Xiang led his attendants, shouting loudly. The solemn Nuo dance, filled with dignity and fierceness, surged like flames along with the sound of drums and music.
Everyone wore masks, animal skins, and carried spears, creating a scene reminiscent of demons dancing wildly. However, the man stood among the ghosts and monsters, unmoving. The torchlight reflected on his jade-like cheeks, giving them a faint glow.
Yiyan did not shift his gaze; he continued to stare at the scene before him. It wasn’t until Fang Xiang, holding a torch, rushed out of the Governor’s Mansion towards the main road in Jinyang City.
After the Nuo ceremony concluded, a banquet was supposed to follow. However, instead of participating, the lord boarded a carriage and headed towards the west of the city. In Huai’en Temple, a grand Buddhist ceremony was also taking place. It was the first time the temple had organized a seven-day ritual during the winter solstice. The purpose was to deliver the souls and console the ancestors.
This deviated somewhat from the rituals of Buddhism, but such a ceremony undoubtedly brought comfort to the Buddhists in Jinyang. Fang Xiang intended to ward off evil and prevent plagues, but to deliver deceased loved ones, Buddhist and Taoist rituals were necessary.
With the Governor personally attending, this ceremony gained a special significance. Inside the temple, all the high-ranking monks came out to welcome him.
Advertisement
“Presiding monk, Zen Master.” Liang Feng took a step forward, bowing respectfully to the two leading monks.
The aged presiding monk and Zen Master Zhu Fa reciprocated the gesture with respect. Zhu Fa had arrived in Bing County not long ago and settled in Huai’en Temple. Now, with similar positions, the two appeared surprisingly harmonious, much to the astonishment of onlookers.
“The ceremony is about to begin; please enter the hall, Governor.” The old monk maintained a calm demeanor, inviting the Governor as if he were a devout believer rather than the ruler of Bing County.
Liang Feng smiled, leading his trusted aides as he entered the temple. Due to the arrival of Zhu Fa and others, the number of monks in the temple had increased several times. Although the temple had not expanded, accommodation became an issue. However, having a large crowd also had its advantages. For example, this ceremony was several times more magnificent than the previous Nuo Festival, earning considerable popularity from the Jinyang citizens who enjoyed driving away evil spirits during the winter solstice.
“Today, the scriptures to be recited are translated by Zen Master Zhu Fa.” After settling on the cushion, the presiding monk, with a calm expression, offered a polite greeting to the old monk beside him, “Zen Master, please lead the chanting.”
Leading the altar for the ceremony was a supreme honor. The gray-haired monk returned the bow, unfolded the scripture scroll, and began reciting. The Sanskrit chants filled the grand hall, and Liang Feng closed his eyes, sweeping his gaze between the two monks for a moment before sinking into meditation.
During these days, there were indeed some conflicts between the two groups of monks. However, Zhu Fa, unlike his disciples, cared little about secular matters, focusing solely on translating scriptures and propagating the Dharma. With the flourishing Buddhism in Jinyang, devout believers, and the full support of the Governor, he was deeply moved.
The abbot of Huai’en Temple quickly seized on this and used it to his advantage, establishing a structure where one monk handled external matters, while the other focused on internal affairs. It turned out to be a subtle balance.
Today’s ceremony was a demonstration of this balance. Seeing it, Liang Feng naturally nodded in approval.
After the chanting, there were teachings and various Buddhist rituals. The ceremony would last for seven days, but Liang Feng didn’t have the time to stay in the temple for so long. The Governor’s Mansion had to host a banquet for various officials, and he couldn’t even have his meals at the temple.
Advertisement
The abbot didn’t mind Liang Feng’s hasty departure and personally saw him off. However, before leaving, he added a remark, “The poor monk has contemplated for a long time. The matter of changing surnames should be widely promoted. Zen Master Zhu Fa is also searching for scriptures and should be able to find the words of the Buddha.”
Liang Feng’s eyes lit up, “Abbot, your actions will have a lasting impact.”
After the spread of Buddhism to the East, monks often adopted their master’s surname. Monks from India were surnamed Zhu, those from Parthia were surnamed An, and those from Gandhara were surnamed Zhi. Even if some people were fond of Buddhism, they only changed their surnames to “Seng” (monk) or “Fo” (Buddha), without adopting a unified surname. As a result, disciples under Zhu Fa became a distinct faction. In the long run, wouldn’t this lead to internal conflicts?
Therefore, when Liang Feng proposed the suggestion of unifying the surnames of monks, the old abbot understood it immediately. Disciples of Shakyamuni should naturally bear the surname “Shi”! His insight also stirred Zhu Fa, who was well-versed in the scriptures. He recalled a scripture that mentioned the four surnames in India and how, upon entering monastic life, individuals would abandon their family names.
With a sincere heart and support from both the source of devotion and the government, how could they not readily agree?
No one understood better than Liang Feng the importance of monks changing their surnames. It was an excellent method to control the Sangha, gradually eliminating the barriers brought by family names and lineages. Using the customs of Jinyang, they could then regulate the entire Buddhist community. This grand institution would slowly come under the control of the government, easing most of the hidden concerns.
Descending the long steps of Huai’en Temple, Liang Feng stood in front of his carriage, breathed a sigh of relief, and then entered the carriage. He didn’t even spare a moment to glance at the people following behind.
As the day approached dusk, the main hall of the Governor’s Mansion hosted a banquet. Officials and military officers from Jinyang flowed in, taking their seats. Everyone raised their cups in unison to celebrate the arrival of winter.
Elegant music accompanied pleasant conversations, and dances enhanced the festive atmosphere. Poetic works for the banquet were composed with excellent verses. The attendees were numerous, not only consisting of local officials but also high-ranking families from Jinyang. All were tightly gathered around that person, akin to a water-powered pestle set in motion by a river, steadily pounding and consolidating life into this scorched land once ravaged by war, rejuvenating it with vitality.
However, as he observed the person seated at the head, Yiyan’s eyebrows furrowed tightly. It was because the person at the seat, despite the gentle smile, revealed an imperceptible weariness. This day had been excessively long, intolerably so. Ignoring the colleagues urging him to drink by his side, Yiyan consumed cup after cup of the thick wine that wouldn’t intoxicate him, never pausing.
The banquet lasted for a good two hours before finally concluding. The next three days were designated as holidays, with government officials sealing their offices and soldiers laying down their weapons. The most challenging time of winter had passed, and everyone cherished these days of leisure.
However, some remained unable to relax.
After the officials took their leave, Zhang Bin approached, whispering a few words in a low voice. Liang Feng paused for a moment, without lingering, and headed towards the study with his entourage.
Watching the disappearing figure, Yiyan stood still, suppressing the hidden pain in his heart. In the face of the larger situation, all personal sentiments seemed insignificant. How could he burden someone with his own whims?
Turning calmly, Yiyan took strides towards his residence, just like any other day.
