Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 683 The True Scriptures of Buddhism

The autumn weather is clear and sunny.

Outside the city, on vast farmlands, many people are still working diligently.

The fields that had just had a bumper harvest have now been plowed up again, fertilized, and are being prepared to plant some crops that can survive the winter.

Yuan Tao, accompanied by a few trusted confidants, changed into ordinary clothes and followed a farmer to learn farming techniques.

The materials Gongyang Ming had given him included assessments on agricultural matters, requiring him to be familiar with the cultivation of dozens of common crops, as well as practical skills assessments.

Because the information was incomplete, Yuan Tao could only consult a local farmer in charge of planting.

This farmer was sent from another region to guide agricultural work in Baize District, and he has been busy teaching people these days.

He thought that Yuan Tao and the others were former rich kids from the area who had been given new identities and had come to learn these things.

The farmer didn't hold anything back and patiently taught the group.

After listening to the farmer's very detailed instructions, Yuan Tao and the others' expressions changed constantly.

Yuan Tao once personally went to the fields in the State of Wei to encourage farming and sericulture, so he was not completely ignorant about agriculture.

However, he was unaware of many of the planting techniques the old farmer mentioned.

Yuan Tao couldn't help but say, "Is this kind of place really that complicated?"

Upon hearing this, the farmer chuckled and said, "It wasn't like that before. I didn't have so many tricks up my sleeve when I was farming; I was almost entirely at the mercy of the weather..."

“Ever since Mr. Lu saved us, he has taught us many skills, including these farming methods. Mr. Lu has compiled agricultural books, which are available for anyone to read in the school. There should be some here too, didn’t you know?”

The farmer added, "I came from Qingchuan District. This year, following Mr. Lu's method, the yield per mu (unit of land area) has increased significantly; some grains have even doubled in value..."

"Our district has had a bumper harvest of grain. The grain stored in the public granary is enough to feed the entire district for several years."

The farmer beamed and said slowly, "From now on, no one will have to worry about not having enough to eat. But we still need to keep farming this land, even in winter, and we'll plant even more in the future!"

One of Yuan Tao's confidants couldn't help but say, "There's enough to eat, why grow so much grain? Aren't we afraid it will rot in the granary? Isn't that a waste of effort?"

The farmer glanced at the speaker and couldn't help but say, "You young man, you really have no sense of awareness!"

“Mr. Lu said that the people here can have enough to eat, but there are still many people in the world who don’t have enough to eat… If we plant more grain now, we can share it with others in the future, which is also doing good deeds…”

The farmer looked at the sky and said, "This year, it got cold earlier than last year. This winter won't be easy to get through, but luckily we have Mr. Lu's protection here!"

"But in the north and the south, even in a place like the Great Wei Kingdom, I'm afraid many people will freeze and starve to death this year. It's truly a tragedy!"

The farmer rubbed his eyes as he thought of his children who had died young many years ago.

"Sigh, even if I explain all this to young people like you, you won't understand in a short time. Judging from your appearance, you must have come from wealthy families; you have no idea about the hardships of ordinary people..."

"But the world is different here now. You should try your best to reform yourselves, learn some skills in a down-to-earth manner, and become people of high moral character in the future!"

Yuan Tao and the others: ...

Yuan Tao was filled with complex emotions. Even an old farmer was worried about the people of Wei, while he, a prince of the great Wei, had not considered such a thing.

Is the weather really colder than usual this year? Yuan Tao didn't feel that way at all.

"call……"

Yuan Tao took a deep breath and pulled himself together. "Old man, please teach us how to grow peas."

The farmer said, "Peas are easy to grow, but there are many varieties, and even I, an old man, can't remember them all. There are drought-resistant ones, cold-resistant ones, and even varieties that can be used as medicinal herbs..."

"This fall and winter, we're going to plant two kinds of peas. The designated fields are over there. Let's go, let's go over there!"

In this way, Yuan Tao and his companions learned a lot of new agricultural knowledge from the old farmer.

Yuan Tao even went to the fields to help with planting, proving himself to be just as capable as others in farm work.

A flock of large birds spread their wings and flew in the sky.

On the backs of several large birds, a person stood on each one.

When Fengxuan saw the city so close at hand and the busy people inside and outside the city, she couldn't help but show a strange expression.

"This place is quite different from other cities in the Northern Region. It seems we've arrived in his territory..."

Suddenly, Fengxuan felt something and looked down at the farmland below.

Yuan Tao also noticed that the giant spirit bird flying in the sky was somewhat unusual, and seemed to look familiar.

Yuan Tao narrowed his eyes and immediately saw Feng Xuan.

"what?"

Fengxuan saw Yuan Tao and quickly recognized him.

Several years ago at Yunmeng Sect, she had a lot of dealings with geniuses from all over the country.

This prince of Wei has not changed much, so it's hard not to remember him.

Seeing a prince turning over the ground, Feng Xuan looked very strange.

With a light step, she floated down.

"Isn't this His Highness Yuan Tao? Why is he personally working in the fields? He's truly diligent in his duties and close to the people. But speaking of which, why are you farming here? When did this land become part of your Wei Kingdom?"

Feng Xuan smiled, revealing a hint of curiosity.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao's expression hardened. "So it's Princess Fengxuan. This isn't part of our Great Wei territory; I'm here to study. Just a reminder, the laws here are strict. Tell your people and birds to behave themselves, or they might ruin the newly planted crops..."

Feng Xuan's expression shifted, realizing that the person who had come with her was about to land on a bird in the nearby farmland, so she quickly sent a telepathic warning.

The people and birds then changed direction and landed in a suitable place.

Feng Xuan turned to Yuan Tao and said with a smile, "This place must be the sanctuary that Lu Zheng wanted to build, right?"

Yuan Tao said, "Your information network is quite impressive. This is the place he is guarding, and not only here, but further south, you will see even more of his vision."

Even Gongyang Ming came here, and Feng Xuan came from the Northern Demon Kingdom, so Yuan Tao wasn't surprised at all.

Feng Xuan blinked. For Yuan Tao to say such things, this place must be truly unusual.

Fengxuan couldn't help but ask, "Where is he?"

Yuan Tao said calmly, "I don't know. He should still be in this area. Go ask around at those construction sites outside the city. I have other things to do and don't have time to catch up with you..."

A hint of surprise flashed in Feng Xuan's eyes; she felt that Yuan Tao was somewhat different from before.

Seeing that Yuan Tao was still busy with farm work and didn't seem to want to talk to her, Feng Xuan left with her entourage.

After making some inquiries, Fengxuan finally met Lu Zheng at a newly built farm.

At this time, Lu was teaching people how to raise livestock such as chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep on the farm, and he spoke eloquently about it.

Fengxuan couldn't help but rub her cheeks. A prince of a great nation was digging and planting crops, while a renowned scholar was teaching people how to raise chickens and ducks...

She even began to wonder if she had entered a dream world.

When Lu Zheng had some free time, Feng Xuan went up to greet him.

"Young Master Lu, it's been years since we last met, and you've truly impressed me! I never imagined that someone as arrogant as Yuan Tao would be content to work for you... Tsk tsk, I simply can't believe it, how did you manage to do that?"

Lu Zheng smiled upon hearing this and said, "Nothing is absolute, and people can change. Besides, Brother Yuan is a studious and knowledge-seeking person, so it's normal for him to be here."

Feng Xuan then said, "He said that this place has become very different now, and there are quite a few rules?"

Lu Zheng nodded, "Miss Fengxuan is welcome to look around. Things haven't completely settled down here yet, so the rules are a bit strict. As guests from afar, we hope you will abide by the law..."

Lu Zheng handed a booklet to Feng Xuan and briefly explained the local situation.

After chatting for a while, Fengxuan and her group went to visit other areas out of curiosity.

Seeing is believing; I have to see for myself to know what this place is really like.

……

Time flies, and as late autumn draws to a close, a light snow has already fallen in the Baize region.

Yuan Tao, engrossed in his studies in his room, noticed the change in the weather outside. He closed his book and went outside to take a look.

Fine snowflakes drifted down, melting instantly upon landing.

A gentle breeze carries a slight chill.

Most pedestrians on the street were already wrapped in thick clothing.

Yuan Tao looked at the hazy white sky, his thoughts in turmoil.

After a moment, he went to find Lu Zheng.

"Brother Lu, I plan to return to the State of Wei."

Lu Zheng, who was dealing with something, calmly nodded upon hearing this, "Okay."

Seeing that Lu Zheng had no reaction, Yuan Tao explained, "It's not that I don't want to stay here, but I feel that the weather is unusual this year, and I'm worried that there might be a major snow disaster in some parts of Wei..." "I plan to go back and make some preparations to prevent a major disaster. I heard that Brother Lu has prepared a lot of food and clothing stored here, and I'm afraid I will have to buy some from Brother Lu later."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but put down his work and look at Yuan Tao, saying, "Your Wei Kingdom is vast and rich in resources, do you really care about the little bit of supplies I have here?"

Yuan Tao couldn't help but say, "Alas, you can't say that. If there really is a major disaster, I'm afraid some people will try to inflate prices and profit from the national crisis..."

Such things happen all over the world, and even if the imperial court and government have issued explicit prohibitions, it is difficult to curb the greed of some people.

Even though the Wei Kingdom had abundant resources, it was not an easy task to squeeze out a small portion for those who truly needed it.

"In that case, rather than letting those people benefit, we should talk business with Brother Lu. Given Brother Lu's character, he would never do such a thing."

Yuan Tao paused for a moment, then said, "As for suppressing Buddhism, this is no small matter, nor can it be accomplished in a day. I think I will come here again after this year to discuss it with Brother Lu."

Seeing Yuan Tao's sincere expression, Lu Zheng said, "Brother Yuan is able to prioritize matters; he will surely become a wise ruler in the future."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao sighed, "Alas, the situation in Great Wei is complicated. As a prince, I am constrained even when I want to do something. I am not as capable as Brother Lu, who has truly saved the people of this region..."

He spent his time in Baize District and witnessed firsthand the amazing changes that were taking place there day by day.

Yuan Tao truly admired Lu Zheng's abilities.

He felt that even the most benevolent ruler in the world could not achieve what Lu Zheng did—to connect with ordinary people, win the hearts of all ethnic groups, and create a prosperous era for the region.

What's even more remarkable is that he didn't see Lu Zheng harbor any ambitions of becoming a monarch.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "They are just ordinary people in one region; there is still too much suffering in this world."

Lu Zheng paused, then continued, "I heard that the Buddhist community in Wei is going to hold a grand assembly of unobstructed views?"

Yuan Tao nodded and said, "It is indeed true, and the time is set for December of this year. Brother Lu, are you curious about this matter?"

The Unobstructed Assembly is considered the most solemn assembly in Buddhism.

Yuan Tao had some reservations about Buddhism, but he also visited it a few times and experienced its profound cultural heritage.

This intensified Yuan Tao's desire to suppress Buddhism.

Yuan Tao said quietly, "This year, a fragment of a scripture suddenly appeared. I reckon even some old fogies from the Buddhist forces will have to show their faces and discuss the scriptures..."

"Is it……"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "Brother Yuan, if you want to go back, there's no need to rush. Let me give you something."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao asked curiously, "What?"

Lu Zheng said, "I'll go prepare and then come find you."

Yuan Tao nodded. "Okay."

Lu Zheng walked away and found Gongyang Ming, who was enjoying the snow and had a rare moment of leisure.

Lu Zheng took out a piece of paper. "Mr. Gongyang is highly skilled. I would like to trouble you to make a trip and call them over as soon as possible."

Gongyang Ming took the paper and saw that it was a list, which was basically composed of the heads of various regions.

Gongyang Ming couldn't help but ask, "Has something happened?"

Lu Zhengdao: "It's just a small meeting to adjust the personnel arrangements."

Seeing that Lu Zheng's expression was calm and composed, Gongyang Ming didn't think much of it and disappeared in an instant.

As a great Confucian scholar, Gongyang Ming did not spend much time traveling between various places, as he was traveling at full speed.

Those on the list learned of the news and rushed to the main city of Baize.

Even Feng Xuan, who had learned a great deal, came along with Qing Wan, all smiles.

Upon seeing Lu Zheng, Qing Wan pulled out a stack of intelligence reports. "Recently, some more people have arrived. I've already screened out some of them. Some of them seem to be spies, so I've kept them on guard..."

Qingwan didn't expose the spies because she was worried that the other side would send even more capable spies next time, making them even harder to guard against.

As long as those people don't cause trouble, it's best to pretend we don't know anything.

……

Before long, Su Mei, Ku Xin, Hu Qing, Wu Qiu, and others also arrived one after another.

Everyone was curious about what Lu Zheng had gathered them here to discuss.

As soon as Hu Qing saw Lu Zheng, she couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Are you expanding again? I don't have much to do on my end, do you have any plans for me?"

Lu Zheng replied, "Yes."

Hu Qing blinked. "Really? Is it dangerous?"

Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "It's hard to say."

Hearing Lu Zheng's uncertain statement, Hu Qing felt a chill run down her spine; it seemed things were quite dangerous!

The others also became curious upon hearing this.

However, Lu Zheng didn't explain further and waited for the rest of the people to arrive.

Once everyone was present, Lu Zheng called over Yuan Tao, Xiao Yan, and the others who were already there.

Then, Lu Zheng led a group of people to a small hill in the former Bai Ze Palace.

The hill is filled with spiritual energy, and there is a palace in the middle of the mountain, surrounded by Buddhist atmosphere and shining with golden light.

In the past, there were Buddhists among the Bai Ze royal family, so they built a Buddhist temple on the mountain.

Xiao Yan was also a Buddhist believer, and after marrying into the temple, she made it even more magnificent.

However, ever since Lu Zheng took over the Baize region, the worship in this Buddhist temple has been prohibited, and other temples of all sizes in various places have also been demolished.

Seeing that Lu Zheng was leading them up the mountain to the Buddhist temple, everyone was still a little puzzled.

Only Qingwan seemed to have thought of something; her eyes brightened, and she revealed an expression of watching a show.

Once outside the hall, Lu Zheng stopped and looked up at the magnificent hall.

"I've heard that the State of Wei has countless temples, and many more magnificent than this one, housing countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, yet no one has ever seen the true Buddha..."

Lu Zheng looked at Yuan Tao beside him, "Brother Yuan, you must know the most about this matter. Is that really the case?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao said in a low voice, "Some Buddhist sects have claimed to have witnessed the Buddha's manifestation of his will, but when asked to verify it further, they were unable or unwilling to prove it..."

Yuan Tao strongly suspected that the monks were deliberately lying, saying this only to promote themselves and the Buddhism they practiced, without any intention of ever having seen the real Buddha.

However, some monks are highly accomplished in their practice, and when others lie, outsiders cannot detect it or find evidence to prove that what they are saying is false.

Gongyang Ming, who was standing to the side, said leisurely, "Buddhism and Taoism have experienced several great ups and downs. Some people speculate that the true meaning of the Buddha is no longer manifest in the world."

Gongyang Ming paused for a moment, then said, "However, Confucianism and Taoism have flourished and never declined, and the thoughts of ancient sages still remain in the world today."

Someone asked in surprise, "Really? Did Master Gongyang see him?"

Gongyang Ming smiled and said, "It's right here in the Jixia Academy."

Hearing Gongyang Ming say this, no one had any doubts.

The Jixia Academy can be considered a sacred site of Confucianism.

There are also many original classics or artifacts used by Confucian sages there.

It is not surprising that the Jixia Academy still retains the true thoughts of the ancient sages.

Hu Qing looked at Lu Zheng and whispered, "What are we doing here? Could it be that there's some hidden Buddhist meaning here?"

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "I have annotated a sutra, a true Buddhist sutra."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed instantly.

Hu Qing's beautiful eyes widened, and she exclaimed loudly, "Composing scriptures! You, a Confucian and Taoist cultivator, can actually compile Buddhist scriptures? And you call them genuine scriptures? You must be joking!"

Except for a very few people who showed no reaction, everyone else had an expression of disbelief.

Upon hearing this, Gongyang Ming frowned, his expression filled with surprise and uncertainty.

Lu Zheng then said calmly, "It is annotating the classics, not writing them."

Everyone quickly realized what was going on, but they thought that even annotating scriptures was not so easy.

Besides, you're a Confucian and Taoist scholar, why would you annotate Buddhist scriptures?

What will those Buddhist monks think if you do this?

They all knew that Lu Zheng was incredibly busy every day, yet he still had time to annotate Buddhist scriptures?

Hu Qing was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered the incomplete scripture from before, and her gaze toward Lu Zheng became even more shocked.

Are those profound and mysterious scriptures something that ordinary people are qualified to interpret?

Yuan Tao, puzzled, couldn't help but ask, "Brother Lu, which Buddhist scripture are you annotating?"

Lu Zheng replied, "The Heart Sutra. Avalokiteshvara..." (End of Chapter)