Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 695 Conversion to Orthodoxy

The young man was caught off guard by what Lu Zheng said, after all, he hadn't expected Lu Zheng to be so open about certain things.

He paused for a moment, then exclaimed, "A clear conscience? Just because the ruler is not good enough, you don't offer advice and be loyal? Isn't that treason?"

Just then, a tall figure rushed over in a flurry of activity.

"What kind of bastard dares to bark incessantly in the sacred land of Garan!"

The newcomer shouted and rushed straight at the young man.

Upon seeing this, the man and his attendants' expressions changed.

The servants, who should have been protecting their master, dared not step forward in the face of the menacing newcomers.

"King, lord..."

The young man's expression changed, and his aura instantly weakened.

Prince Huaiyang Yuanzhong strode closer and kicked the man hard.

The man was kicked in the abdomen and fell backward to the ground, his face contorted in pain, too afraid to move.

He dared to be so unfriendly and aggressive in front of Lu Zheng because he knew that Lu Zheng wouldn't lay a hand on him over a few words of debate, especially since this was the State of Wei.

But this Prince Huaiyang was different; he was beheaded directly, and probably no one would say anything.

Yuan Zhong's eyes sharpened, and he said in a deep voice, "Who do you think you are, to speak ill of others? They petitioned for reforms in Anguo and saved countless lives in the Northern Regions..."

"In the north of my Great Wei, there is a heavy snowfall. They have come all the way here to rescue countless disaster victims. The supplies I use for relief include millions of bushels of grain, all of which came from them..."

"What have you done now, you dog? Do you even have the right to talk about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism? What, you're tired of the courtesan you just bought, so you've come all this way to worship Buddha?"

"Get the hell out of Garan! If I ever see you again in Luoyang or Pingcheng, even if it's your father in front of me, I'll twist your head off!"

Yuan Zhong's face was ruthless, and he kicked the man several more times, causing the man to groan in pain.

"Get out! Get out of here!"

The man dared not continue to face the wrath of the Prince of Huaiyang. His servants helped him up tremblingly and staggered down the mountain, not daring to linger for even a moment longer.

Yuan Zhong glared at him coldly, then spat out, "Disgraceful thing!"

Soon, Yuan Zhong composed himself and twirled the prayer beads, saying, "Amitabha, I didn't expect flies to sneak into this sacred Buddhist site. Please don't let this spoil your mood, everyone. Let's continue, let's continue..."

The crowd in the square immediately abandoned their interest in watching the show. In front of Yuan Zhong, they couldn't discuss what had just happened, and instead began debating Buddhist scriptures again.

Yuan Chongjian saw the square gradually becoming lively again, and only then did he show a satisfied smile.

He winked at Lu Zheng and the others.

Then the group left the square and went to a quiet place.

Yuan Zhong was accompanied by Hu Qing and a group of her confidants.

"I just arrived and I've already encountered this kind of thing..."

Yuan Zhong said indignantly, "Young friend Lu, don't take it to heart. To be honest, that playboy isn't usually this bold. I'll have someone investigate and see who's behind this. This matter probably isn't just targeting you."

Qingwan, standing to the side, glanced at her and asked, "Is this something you two have to do?"

Yuan Zhong said quietly, "That's not necessarily true. The situation in Great Wei is very chaotic right now. Even I can't figure out what's going on. Who knows who's behind this and what tricks they're playing..."

Yuan Zhong looked at Lu Zheng again, his eyes slightly complicated, and said, "I heard what you said from a distance. There are some things you shouldn't have said. Even if you really thought that way, it gave people a handle to attack you."

Lu Zheng smiled faintly and said, "Aren't some people just trying to make me admit to those things? I might as well use them to spread the word..."

Yuan Zhong couldn't help but whisper, "You're not planning to go back to Anguo in the future?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Why do you say that? Just because I said I was disloyal to the emperor? Do you think I will be punished for my words when I return to Anguo?"

"What kind of crime should the officials in the court be, who keep talking about loyalty to the emperor and love for the country, but do rebellious things and lead the dynasty down the road?"

Lu Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "I have never said that I would be loyal to any monarch. I am doing my best to serve the people of the world."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhong was filled with emotion and said in a low voice, "I think if you don't become a saint in the future, it's probably because the heavens are blind."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "If Your Highness does more good deeds in the future, you will surely be able to achieve enlightenment."

"Oh, thank you for your kind words!"

Yuan Zhong smiled broadly and said, "Unfortunately, this king is not very talented. I'm afraid even if I see the Buddha's true scriptures, I won't be able to comprehend anything..."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Mahayana Buddhism does not value innate talent for cultivation, but focuses on doing good deeds, accumulating virtue, and helping people in the world. Having a kind heart is enough."

Yuan Zhong blinked, then asked in surprise, "Young friend, you also understand Mahayana Buddhist practice?"

He figured he had only just come into contact with Mahayana Buddhism, and his conversion to Mahayana Buddhism was just to promote his good nephew; he never thought it would lead to anything for him.

Lu Zhengdao: "I understand a little. Once Mahayana Buddhism is established in Wei, Your Highness will understand."

Yuan Zhong's eyes flickered. "Really? Some Buddhist monks from various sects have said that doing good deeds and accumulating merit can improve one's Buddhist cultivation, but I've studied it myself, and it hasn't had any effect..."

Qingwan, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but say, "Perhaps your method is wrong, and the Buddhist teachings you practice are not orthodox enough. Things will be different in the future."

Yuan Zhong clicked his tongue, looking doubtful, and said, "Really? But I have indeed met many eminent Buddhist monks before, and each of them had a different method of cultivation. Sigh, maybe I was practicing too many different things back then..."

"On another note, how do you know about these things?"

Yuan Zhong looked at Qing Wan and felt that this girl was somewhat different from before, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was different.

Yuan Zhong felt inexplicably pressured when facing Shang Qingwan.

Qingwan chuckled and said, "Do you believe what Buddha told me?"

Yuan Zhong was taken aback upon hearing this, "On Mount Garan, there are some things you shouldn't joke about..."

Yuan Zhong suddenly realized that no one would make such a joke at him.

He couldn't help but look at Gongyang Ming beside him, "Great Confucian scholar Gongyang, in the days I haven't been to Garan Temple, could something have happened here? Is what she said true?"

Gongyang Ming said, "I can't explain it clearly."

It's hard to explain... Yuan Zhong's eyes flickered, indicating that something was really going on!

At this moment, Gongyang Ming said to Lu Zhengdao, "Ku Xin has brought some monks outside our residence. Should we go back and take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "Then let's go back first."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhong said, "Ku Xin? That one from the Four Noble Truths School? I know him. Let's go, I'll go with you. In case they're here to cause you trouble, I can step in..."

Yuan Zhong had no idea that the relationship between Ku Xin and Lu Zheng and the others was closer than Yuan Zhong's relationship with both sides.

So, the group went to Lu Zheng and the others' residence.

When Yuan Zhong saw a group of eminent monks standing outside the courtyard, his eyes flashed with a strange light.

He knew that Kuxin came from Yunling Temple and practiced the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, but the eminent monks who came with Kuxin were not only monks from Yunling Temple.

Even representatives of eminent monks from other temples practicing the Four Noble Truths came, including some he didn't recognize. However, judging from their attire, Yuan Zhong could tell they were all from the same sect.

Both sides stepped forward to greet each other.

Afterwards, everyone went into the courtyard and stood in their respective places.

After carefully observing the positions, it became clear that Yuan Zhong's group was not with Lu Zheng, and even Hu Qing was still by Yuan Zhong's side.

After thinking hard for a moment, he said, "I have something important to say."

Lu Zheng replied, "Speak freely, there are no outsiders here."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhong felt a bit strange and didn't quite understand the situation.

Ku Xin then said, "Our major temples are all willing to convert to Mahayana Buddhism and abide by the Buddhist precepts..."

He painstakingly persuaded these eminent monks of the Four Noble Truths School to convert to Mahayana Buddhism.

Yuan Chong was somewhat confused. Why were these monks from the Four Noble Truths School seeking to convert to Mahayana Buddhism approaching Lu Zheng and his group? Was this the right thing to do?

Qingwan looked at the monks and asked, "Can you really abide by the new precepts?"

One of the monks said, “We practice the Four Noble Truths, and in some ways, we are already capable of enduring hardship. The new Buddhist precepts are nothing to us… However, according to the prince, we still have to give up a lot of benefits. In exchange, we want to see the true scriptures…”

"It's just that His Highness doesn't fully trust us, saying that Benefactor Lu has a way to discern sincerity, so he sent us here..."

“We have also heard of Benefactor Lu’s activities in the Northern Region. We believe that Benefactor Lu has some special methods, and we also trust Benefactor Lu’s character and would not make false accusations.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng suddenly realized that Yuan Tao was unable to make a judgment in the face of so many monks and wanted him to give him some guidance.

He earnestly began, "I've heard that you intend to create a peaceful world in the Northern Region, but you're still lacking many talented individuals. Our temples can also send some disciples to the Northern Region..."

Qingwan narrowed her eyes, thinking to herself that Kuxin was quite capable, managing to persuade many Buddhist monks to agree to various conditions and convert to the orthodox Buddhist order so quickly.

Lu Zheng slowly said, "Since you all trust me, please recite that true scripture for me."

Some people asked suspiciously, "You are a Confucian and Taoist scholar, how can you discern our true intentions by listening to Buddhist scriptures?"

When a group of monks chant scriptures, an expert can tell the difference between good and bad, and whether someone is just pretending.

However, these eminent monks of the Four Noble Truths School were somewhat skeptical of Lu Zheng's methods. After all, Lu Zheng did not practice Buddhism, and he wanted to listen to their chanting to discern something. It seemed to them that Lu Zheng was looking down on their level.

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "How will you know if you don't try? Read it however you like!"

Ku Xin then winked at his senior fellow disciple.

Before long, someone started chanting scriptures.

Seeing that someone had taken the lead, the other high monks also began chanting the scriptures.

In an instant, the entire courtyard was filled with a dazzling Buddhist light, a mysterious aura permeated the area, and some strange phenomena were revealed.

Some eminent monks revealed golden images behind them, while others had lotus flowers blooming around them...

Fortunately, the courtyard was concealed by a protective array, so people outside couldn't see what was happening; otherwise, the impact of these high monks chanting sutras would have been even greater.

Hearing so many eminent monks chanting sutras, Yuan Chong was nourished by the profound Buddhist energy. He felt as if he were bathed in a spring breeze, floating on air, and could hardly contain himself.

In the arena, Lu Zheng and the other three did not feel much and were not affected by the chanting at all.

As a great Confucian scholar, Gongyang Ming possessed great composure, which enabled him to handle the situation calmly and composedly.

Lu Zheng and the other two were in a special situation; even without the protection of the Buddha's mark, they were able to resist such profound Buddhist sounds.

In particular, Qingyi's completely incomprehensible expression puzzled the high monks who were still chanting sutras, as if their chanting was being ignored.

Qingwan watched the Buddhist monks with curiosity, listening to them chanting sutras, and a strange feeling welled up in her heart.

In the past, she wouldn't have been able to tell the difference in how these people chanted scriptures, but now, it was quite obvious.

It has a real feel to it, where you can tell right from wrong at a glance.

After a moment, Lu Zheng raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

"I understand your thoughts. You may all return now and await further instructions."

The group of high-ranking monks found it strange, because they hadn't discovered that Lu Zheng had used any special methods. It seemed like he was really just relying on hearsay? It didn't seem very reliable.

Upon seeing this, Ku Xin quickly expressed his gratitude and then asked the eminent monks to return and await further instructions.

Some people had doubts, but seeing that Lu Zheng was unwilling to say more, they could only take their leave.

After a moment, Yuan Zhong finally snapped out of his daze from the mysterious Buddhist chants.

He exclaimed in surprise, "Hey, they're all gone! You guys really figured something out?"

Qingwan smiled and said, "Your Highness has listened to so many scriptures before, surely you can tell the difference between good and bad?"

Yuan Zhongdao said, "Uh, those high monks just now were quite accomplished, and there was even a Bodhisattva among them. With my meager Buddhist cultivation, it wouldn't be difficult for them to fool me."

Yuan Chong paused, then said, "I've heard that your Confucian righteous spirit is extraordinary. You must be able to discern something with it, right? But just now, it seems you didn't use your righteous spirit..."

At this moment, Ku Xin quietly returned to the courtyard alone.

He approached Lu Zheng and whispered, "You didn't say it explicitly just now, could it be that among those monks there is...?"

Lu Zheng said, "There's more than one, and some of them don't practice the Four Noble Truths."

Qingwan, standing beside her, nodded emphatically and added, "There's something sinister about it. Hmph, trying to fool us? No matter how high your cultivation level is, it won't work!"

Upon hearing this, Ku Xin was startled. If both of them said so, this matter was of utmost importance.

It's a good thing I didn't point it out earlier, otherwise things would have gotten out of hand and it wouldn't have been easy to handle.

Ku Xin couldn't help but say, "Fortunately, His Highness sent me with men to find you, otherwise, if those with ulterior motives really did come... what would we do then? We'd have to take action against them..."

Lu Zheng said calmly, "No rush. Let's stall for time, and they'll eventually reveal their true colors."

With a solemn expression, Ku Xin said, "Alright, I'll go back and tell His Highness."

As for who exactly was at fault, even the most diligent efforts couldn't find out.

After all, he would still have to interact with those monks later, and if he knew the truth about some of them, he probably wouldn't be able to treat them with the same attitude as before.

Some things are better left unsaid.

Yuan Zhong looked at him strangely, "How did you figure that out?"

Lu Zheng turned to look at Yuan Zhong and smiled, "Because that true scripture was passed down from me."

Yuan Zhong was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise, "What!" (End of this chapter)