The First Lackey Under The Empress

The capital city at dusk.

The fiery clouds on the horizon met the azure sky, creating an ink-like painting.

Zhao Du'an, riding a fine horse, scrutinized the white-robed monk in the center of the road ahead.

The monk appeared to be in his thirties, with gentle and handsome features. His expression was calm, and beneath his slightly sparse eyebrows, his eyes were as clear as a baby's.

Zhao Du'an had never met the monk Bianji, but he had seen his portrait.

Coupled with the instinctive warning a martial artist felt towards powerful cultivators, he had already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth.

The next second, the white-robed monk put his hands together, confirming his guess:

"Amitabha, this humble monk is Bianji. May I ask if the one before me is Supervisor Zhao of Baima Prison?"

...

...

A short while later.

Inside an elegant pavilion by the street.

The waiter carefully served vegetarian tea and pastries, saying, "Please enjoy."

He slowly retreated.

"Does the waiter at this shop recognize the Dharma Master?"

Zhao Du'an lowered his eyes, examining the brown tea in front of him. He saw ripples and his own reflection in the tea.

Just now, Bianji had invited him to sit down, citing their meeting as fate. He chose this nearby shop, where the shopkeeper greeted them solemnly and personally.

Bianji sat across from him, his white monastic robes spotless, a smile on his face:

"This place can barely be considered a property of Shenlong Temple."

Zhao Du'an exclaimed:

"I have long heard that Shenlong Temple is a large and wealthy institution, making a lot of money every day. Not only in the capital, but even in the prefectural cities, there are shops. Seeing it today, the rumors are indeed true."

Bianji simply smiled and said:

"A trivial matter, not worth mentioning. How can it compare to what Supervisor Zhao does?

That day, at the Zhaiyuan Dharma Assembly, this humble monk learned that Supervisor Zhao had been wronged. I originally wanted to mediate in person, but unfortunately, Supervisor Zhao left one step ahead... Only today can I express my apologies..."

Zhao Du'an smiled inscrutably:

"Dharma Master, your words flatter me. I am merely a sixth-rank official.

In terms of cultivation, I am far from the Dharma Master's level. How dare I ask the Dharma Master to apologize in person... Moreover, this matter was Li Yinglong's doing. How could I blame your temple?"

Well... Although it is unknown whether Li Yinglong bribed some monks or whether some individuals took the initiative to curry favor... In any case, Shenlong Temple bears some responsibility for the Zhaiyuan incident.

But as the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. This renowned Buddhist master from Dayu came to see him in person, putting on a show.

Regardless of whether it was sincere or false, at least the attitude was there.

"However, I have one question. Dharma Master, you didn't come here specifically to find me just to say this, right?" Zhao Du'an asked jokingly.

Bianji smiled warmly, a perfect image of a warm man:

"Oh? Why can't it just be to get acquainted?"

Zhao Du'an sighed:

"Although I have gained some fame recently, I am still worlds apart from the Dharma Master. Especially with my reputation... Heh, I believe the monks of your temple are more disgusted than curious."

The monks of Shenlong Temple have long been disgusted with the Envoys of the Imperial Prison.

Ma Yan's never being invited is a clear example.

With Shenlong Temple's revered status, even the Empress must give them full respect. There is no reason to value him, a mere lackey, so highly.

Bianji slowly spun a string of jade prayer beads, but did not respond directly.

His eyes, which seemed to be able to see through people's hearts, scrutinized him:

"Does Supervisor Zhao harbor some resistance towards my Buddhist teachings?"

You see people so accurately... Zhao Du'an clicked his tongue:

"Resistance is not the right word. At most, I don't quite agree with it."

"Oh?" Bianji showed a curious expression. "I would like to hear the details."

Zhao Du'an hesitated. He couldn't quite figure out the other party's intentions, so it was difficult to give the most appropriate response strategy.

But then he thought that in the eyes of such a high-level cultivator, he probably couldn't hide much... Since he couldn't see through him, he might as well take the initiative to test him.

So he raised his hand, picked up the three overturned teacups on the table one by one, lined them up, and tapped them one by one with chopsticks, saying:

"Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism..."

Bianji was intrigued:

"Using three bowls to represent the three schools of cultivation? Does Supervisor Zhao also have insights into this?"

He smelled a familiar scent. Buddhist teachings liked to play with Zen riddles and verbal sparring.

It was both a game of wisdom and because many insights were difficult to convey through written words.

Words are an incomplete carrier of thought.

Many meanings, from the moment they become words, lose their original meaning.

Zhao Du'an's actions, inexplicably, had a bit of the style of a monk playing dumb riddles.

Heh... I knew it. This way of speaking is most appealing to you bald heads... Zhao Du'an tried a small test, and it was effective.

He picked up the teapot again, poured roughly the same amount of water into the three bowls, and said:

"This is the Sage, the Buddha, the Heavenly Dao."

Bianji looked at him in surprise, seeming a little more serious:

"Using the water in the bowl to represent the original nature of a calm heart?"

Zhao Du'an did not answer, but tapped the edge of the teacups in turn with his chopsticks. In the clanging sound, the water rippled, and he said:

"This is human desire, all phenomena, a disturbed heart."

These days, through conversations with Lao Wang, he gradually understood that the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist schools in this world, apart from having more transcendent power, were not much different in their ideological tenets from those in his previous life.

Therefore, it gave him room to argue...

Hmph, no matter what this monk's intentions are, he can't lose his momentum.

Especially referring to Lao Wang's experience, Zhao Du'an was wondering if he could trick the other party once and get some benefits from Shenlong Temple...

Lao Wang was too unreliable, he took advantage of him last time.

But Shenlong Temple is so rich, and this Bianji is also a famous figure, unlike Lao Wang, an obscure freelance official, he should be more concerned about his reputation...

He shouldn't run away casually... right?

Copying the "Tao Te Ching" can be exchanged for benefits from the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Can copying the "Diamond Sutra" also get some good things from Shenlong Temple?

At this moment, the monk Bianji did not know that the pretty boy sitting opposite him was already preparing to trick him... He said with interest:

"Supervisor Zhao's words seem to say that the three schools of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are all the same."

Zhao Du'an shook his head and said:

"If you stand outside the door and look, you feel that the three schools of learning are similar. But if you walk in, I feel that they are very different."

He pointed to the first bowl:

"Confucianism, there is no mysterious and powerful cultivation. They are all studies of governing the world and cultivating oneself, preserving righteousness, rectifying the heart, and being sincere in intention. On a small scale, it is to allow oneself to survive better in the world. On a large scale, it is to extend oneself to others. Cultivating one person is cultivating tens of thousands of people.

It also seeks to have a sage in everyone's heart.

It is nothing more than sweeping away the dust and polishing the original heart. Although it does not have the power of a martial artist or the trickery of a mage, it is beneficial to the world. If there are disadvantages, there are naturally many, but aside from those pedantic scholars, it is always good learning."

He pointed to the third bowl again:

"Taoism, to be able to gather into a sect, was simple at first. It was nothing more than to 'seek longevity'. Everyone wants to live, so they come to learn self-cultivation. The so-called primordial qi, primordial essence, primordial spirit... are all the same thing in the final analysis.

Flowing is qi, gathering is essence, and when used wonderfully, it is spirit. Pursuing longevity is the goal for those who seek longevity...

Of course, if you really delve into it, you may not care about longevity or not. Seeking the Tao itself is a happy thing. Hearing the Tao in the morning, one can die in the evening. This is no longer caring about the original purpose, which was born out of desire.

But even if you can't reach that level, simply practicing magic power and seeking a long life, although it can't compare to Confucianism's chest for the people of the world, at least it doesn't completely sever human relations. It's just a personal pursuit, and it can't be said to be bad."

After a pause, Zhao Du'an finally pointed to the bowl in the middle and said quietly:

"As for Buddhism..."

Bianji looked at him, amiable and gentle:

"Buddhism saves oneself and others. Could it be that it is not as good as Taoism?"

Zhao Du'an carefully observed the other party's expression, carefully adjusting his words:

It's not exactly that they are "inferior," but rather that they are too heartless. Buddhism emphasizes compassion, but to me, it seems too indifferent.

The reason for the gathering in Buddhism is the belief that life in this world is too bitter, that the human world is a sea of suffering. Therefore, they ask people to sever the seven emotions and six desires, because the source of pain is the connection with others. Once severed, there is naturally no more suffering.

So, parents are cut off, and one does not marry. Thus, wife and children can also be cut off. What remains are one's own desires, which must also be cut off. Becoming a monk, shaving the head, cutting off the three thousand strands of worldly cares—this saying is clear and understandable. What is shaved is not hair, but the cutting off of worries...

After entering the monastery, one must also abide by the rules and precepts, abstaining from greed, anger, and delusion… This is also cutting off human desires… Ultimately, one cultivates oneself into a detached being, the most ruthless of all, a mere kasaya.

As for saving all living beings, it is nothing more than pulling them into Buddhism, allowing them to escape the 'sea of suffering' and become Buddhas together. They also promise reincarnation, that if one cultivates into a Buddha, one enters the Buddha-realm, and if one fails, one can still reincarnate… It's all too convenient.

After saying these words,

Bianji's face did not show anger, only some surprise.

Although he had heard of this person's many abilities before, they were nothing more than in political scheming, statecraft, and military strategy.

At most, add that his talent for cultivation was excellent.

Bianji came today without much of a specific reason.

It was more like a whim, his Buddhist heart faintly telling him that this rising "Lord Zhao" was extraordinary.

So he simply came to meet him.

He had not expected that this martial man would have such insights into the cultivation methods of the three schools.

"Lord Zhao's meaning, this monk roughly understands."

Bianji's demeanor was gentle, and his posture was upright.

Unconsciously, he elevated the person before him from an official to a "fated person" with whom one could discuss the Dao, patiently explaining:

"It's just that you have quite a deep misunderstanding of my Buddhist school.

Those rules and precepts are merely for ordinary disciples who find it difficult to guard the water in their hearts, often clinging to various phenomena, causing their original minds to be covered in dust. Therefore, precepts are used to forcibly help them eliminate these attachments.

If Lord Zhao compares the original mind to a bowl of water, then this monk compares it to a bright mirror. If the bright mirror is covered in dust, it must be diligently wiped clean from time to time. If disciples enter the door and can adhere to their original minds, then the rules and precepts need not be strictly adhered to…

Thus, this is the method of cultivation. As for profound techniques and spells, they naturally arise after gaining wisdom, and there is no need to deliberately pursue them."

After a pause, Bianji sighed with emotion:

"However, although Lord Zhao has misunderstandings, these Buddhist principles and reflections already show wisdom. I don't know why you are still obsessed with fame and fortune. If you could cultivate in peace, you might achieve great things in the future. Wouldn't that be better than being a powerful official in the secular world?"

His words were filled with a sense of regret.

Zhao Du'an shook his head and said:

"What Master says sounds good, but what I have seen is not like that."

"Oh? I would like to hear the details."

"Master says that ordinary people use precepts, and if they cultivate to a high level, they no longer need these. Presumably, at a high level, one can control one's heart at will, and all things in the world are reflected in the bright mirror of the heart, no longer clinging to various phenomena, but understanding the original mind?"

"That is natural."

Good… That's what I was waiting for you to say… Zhao Du'an suddenly smiled strangely, staring at the white-robed monk:

"Then I am a little curious, Master, have you reached a high level?"

Bianji was stunned for a moment.

Zhao Du'an did not wait for him to speak and continued:

"I have heard that Master is a trusted person beside Abbot Xuanyin, and in his early years, he became famous throughout the world with a single phrase, 'When spring comes, the grass turns green.' As for cultivation strength, he has long reached the 'worldly' realm.

One step further, and you would be in the ranks of people like His Majesty, Master Xuanyin, Zhang Tianshi, and Wu Xiankui… In that case, Master, your cultivation is certainly high."

Bianji nodded. On this point, he was not overly modest:

"Although I am not as good as some Bodhisattvas, I can barely be considered high."

Zhao Du'an asked in return:

"If that is the case, why is Master still clinging to various phenomena?

That Vegetarian Garden Dharma Assembly, widely inviting celebrities from the capital, with Master personally lecturing on the Dharma, is it to help the powerful nobles of the capital escape the 'sea of suffering,' or to forge good relationships for the Shenlong Temple? To raise money for incense?

Of course, Master, you may not be here entirely for those fame and fortune, but you are still doing these things for the survival of the temple. May I ask, Master, why are you still clinging to the survival and prosperity of the temple? Is that not attachment?"

Bianji opened his mouth: "This monk is for…"

Zhao Du'an interrupted him and continued:

"Master just asked me why I am obsessed with fame and fortune and do not cultivate myself, saying that I could achieve great things. Isn't that strange? If Master's heart is empty and sees no phenomena, then why do you only see me pursuing fame when you look at me?

Advising me to cultivate in peace, and only seeing great achievements? Are not all these things 'phenomena'?"

He pointed to the three bowls of water on the table:

"Master looks at me as if looking at this bowl of water. Relying on external sayings to view me, if people say it is a bowl, you recognize it as a bowl, if people say it is water, you recognize it as water… Is this not clinging to external appearances?"

Zhao Du'an shook his head and sighed:

"A Buddhist master like you, with your mind full of external appearances, still needs to adhere to precepts, only eating this vegetarian meal, and still abstaining from meat… How can you talk about a mind like a clear mirror?

I am afraid that the clear mirror in Master's heart has long been covered in dust. If even a 'master' like Master is like this, how can you make me believe that cultivating to a high level in Buddhism can lead to a heart like still water?"

After a pause, he sighed deeply and shook his head, saying:

"The reason why I have some resistance to Buddhism, as Master says, is this. Today I have spoken too much, please do not be offended. Finally, I would like to offer Master a gatha as my answer."

He paused and slowly spoke the famous line from the highest Buddhist classic of his previous life, the Diamond Sutra:

"All phenomena are illusory; if you see all phenomena as non-phenomena, then you see the Tathagata."

Buzz—

At this moment, the tea set on the table suddenly trembled, and violent ripples spread in the three bowls of water, with water droplets splashing out.

Up and down the pavilion,

the guests dining here showed astonishment, looking at the clanging cups and plates, feeling the slightly trembling floor, their faces changed.

"Earthquake!"

Even the shopkeeper and waiters downstairs changed color.

Thinking that earthquakes rarely occur in the capital.

Even if there were, the Tianshi Mansion would give at least one day's warning in advance. Why did it happen silently?

Guests downstairs who were close to the door had already fled out the door, or crawled under the tables, their faces showing fear.

Caw caw caw—

On the roof,

a flock of black crows standing on the eaves flew up in terror, circling in the air, making unpleasant cries.

"No, only this building is shaking!"

Someone with sharp eyes saw that everything outside the building was calm and peaceful.

…

Upstairs, at the table.

The gentle and calm expression on Bianji's face was finally gone, his lips were tightly pursed, and he did not say a word.

All phenomena are illusory…

If you see all phenomena as non-phenomena, then you see the Tathagata…

Only he knew that this was not an earthquake, it was just…

His heart was moving.

When the mind of a strong person trembles, the place where they stand also sways with it.

Bianji closed his eyes and silently recited the Heart Sutra to stabilize his Buddhist heart with magic power, and the shaking building calmed down.

"This monk was slightly out of control, making Lord Zhao laugh."

Bianji put his hands together, opened his eyes, and regained clarity.

Damn… I thought you were going to collapse the building… Are worldly magicians so terrifying? Clearly, I didn't see any traces of magic…

Zhao Du'an took a deep breath, pretending to be calm.

He only heard the monk Bianji say calmly:

"This monk has been taught by Lord Zhao's views."

…

Typos will be corrected later.