Chapter 408 Daolu Division

Fan Jijiu was very surprised by Xin Zhen's arrival.

Of course it was not just because of the great Zen Master Fahua, but because of Xin Zhen himself.

After being informed, the great Zen Master Fahua brought Xin Zhen and Feng Sanniang in. When Fan Jijiu saw Xin Zhen for the first time, he immediately asked someone to invite his wife.

When Mrs. Fan saw Xin Zhen, she asked about his family and academic situation very enthusiastically. When she heard that he was from the Jiangnan Xin family, she looked at Xin Zhen with kindness in her eyes.

When Fan Jijiu heard that Xin Zhen was a juren who was going to Beijing to take the imperial examination, he immediately ordered his wife to prepare a sumptuous banquet to entertain Xin Zhen well.

Upon hearing that Xin Zhen was here to treat her daughter, she quickly invited Xin Zhen to go straight into Fan Shiyi Niang's boudoir without any taboo at all.

Xin Zhen knew what Fan Jijiu and his wife meant, but he could only pretend not to know.

It’s not that the eldest daughter of the Fan family is not good-looking. In fact, she is very pretty. Even when she was sick and looked very haggard, she still looked very pretty and lovely. Her words and manner are gentle and soft. She is indeed a good girl who is suitable for family life.

However, Xin Zhen was determined to cultivate Taoism, so he would never get involved with mortal women. This would be irresponsible to others. You know, if he really entered Taoism and went into the mountains to practice for decades, wouldn't the good girls be left alone in their boudoirs for decades?

Xin Zhen would not do such things.

Therefore, Xin Zhen pretended to be stupid and created an opportunity for Feng Sanniang to get along with Fan Shiyi Niang. He also took care of Fan Shiyi Niang's body and then said goodbye and left.

But how could Fan Jijiu and his wife be willing to give up such a good match?

As for why they were so persistent, one reason was that Xin Zhen was indeed very outstanding. He had already become a juren when he was less than 20 years old, and he would immediately go to Beijing to take the imperial examination. His future was truly promising.

Xin Zhen was also an outstanding talent, tall and slender, with handsome features and a radiant complexion. At first glance, he was a young man with both literary and martial talents. Who wouldn't want to marry their daughter to such an outstanding young man?
Not to mention that the Xin family is a big family in Jiangnan, and Xin's father is even more wealthy. Such a person is rare in the world, so there is no reason to let him go if you meet him!

However, Mr. and Mrs. Fan had their own concerns. Their daughter had been haunted by a fox spirit in the past. Although they had managed to keep it a secret, the servants in the household and the great Zen Master Fahua all knew about it, and there was a chance that the secret would be leaked.

Although this vixen was a female fox, it was still a devastating blow to the reputation of the lady.

First of all, no one would think that the fox was a female, and everyone would think that Fan Jijiu was hiding the truth.

Secondly, if she is really a female vixen, then isn't your daughter in love with someone else? There is something wrong with her sexual orientation. Who with a clean family background would be willing to marry such a girl?
While Xin Zhen and Feng Sanniang were treating Fan Shiyi Niang, Fan Jijiu quietly invited the great Zen Master Fahua to come outside.

The great Zen Master Fahua was such a shrewd person that he knew what Fan Jijiu and his wife were thinking as soon as he entered the door and saw the series of actions of the couple. Now Fan Jijiu was looking for him privately again, so he knew what it meant.

Without waiting for Fan Jijiu to speak, Master Fahua said, "Fan Jijiu, don't think about it. I can tell from the first sight that this young man is a man with lofty ambitions. He has the qualifications to be so proud. I'm telling you, do you know that the tiger spirit in Sanlipu was driven away by this young man?"

Fan Jijiu was greatly surprised when he heard this. How could the people in Xuzhou not know about the big monster in Sanlipu? Many extraordinary people had gone there to kill the monster before, but they all disappeared in silence later. The place basically became a forbidden area for humans. The people in Xuzhou all avoided that place, and only some outsiders who didn't know how powerful it was would go there.

Fan Jijiu was surprised and asked, "Could it be that this Master Xin is actually an extraordinary person?"

The great Zen Master Fahua nodded and said, "He is a rare and extraordinary person in the world. Even I have received some favors from him."

Fan Jijiu was shocked, but after thinking for a moment, he said, "I still want to give it a try. Master, if you are willing to help me, whether it succeeds or not, I will donate a Mahavira Hall to the Stone Buddha Temple."

The eyes of the great Zen Master Fahua suddenly brightened. He had known Fan Jijiu for many years and naturally knew that Fan Jijiu was a descendant of the aristocratic Fan family of Luyang. His family was wealthy and he naturally had the ability to do this. However, he still hesitated for a moment and said, "This is extremely difficult."

Fan Jijiu said decisively: "Also, add a golden body to the Buddha."

The great Zen Master Fahua quickly said, "That's not what I meant. I meant that this matter is really difficult."

Fan Jijiu looked at Master Fahua with a half-smile. Master Fahua smiled bitterly and said, "This boy has helped me a lot, but there is a condition, that is, to ask for a book on cultivation from me. This boy is very devoted to cultivation, and I am afraid he is not very interested in marriage."

Fan Jijiu waved his hand and said, "That doesn't make sense. There is nothing wrong with practicing Taoism, but marriage is an important matter that needs to be explained.

Great Zen Master, go and talk to him. If he marries my daughter, I, Fan, will guarantee that he will pass the imperial examination this year. In addition, if he wants to practice Taoism, Fan also has connections at Mount Laoshan."

Seeing that Master Fahua was stunned, Fan Jijiu said, "Master, you saw that my daughter was entangled by a fox demon this time. Since one guest does not bother two hosts, I will ask for your help. Besides, Laoshan is far away. If we go to Laoshan to ask for help, it will take a long time. Master, you are also a famous master in Xuzhou. I still trust you."

This was meant to explain to the great Zen Master Fahua that what he said about the connection with Laoshan Taoism was not false.

Upon hearing this, the great Zen Master Fahua was determined. Fan Jijiu had really invested a lot of money. He guaranteed that he would pass the exam this year and could introduce him to the connections of Laoshan Taoism... Whether Xin Zhen wanted to pursue a career in politics or practice Taoism, everything had basically been arranged. In addition, with the great reputation of the Fan family of Luyang, Xin Zhen would probably refuse no matter what, right?
When Master Fahua thought about this, if he was not so proud of his status, he would have patted his chest and promised. He nodded slowly and said, "I will try my best..."

Fan Jijiu stared at the great Zen Master Fahua, who immediately changed his words: "...I will definitely go all out!"

Fan Jijiu showed a very kind smile and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Master."

The great Zen Master Fahua turned and walked towards Fan Shiyi Niang's boudoir. When he was far away from Fan Jijiu, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

We can't afford to offend Fan Jijiu.

The Fan family of Luyang is a first-rate behemoth. Not to mention their strength in the court, even in Xuzhou City, the head of the government is a member of the Fan family. With one order, the Stone Buddha Temple will change hands in an instant.

I heard that this imperial examination was presided over by Fan Qi, the head of the Fan family, who is currently the Vice Minister of Personnel in the imperial court.

As for the aristocratic family like the Fan family of Luyang, it also has many connections with various major sects of Taoism, which is also known to the world. Master Fahua is not worried that Fan Jijiu is lying about this matter.

Moreover, what Fan Jijiu said was assistance, but if Xin Zhen disagrees, it might become a threat.

If you are willing to marry my daughter Fan, then naturally you will be the one I, Fan, support. Whether it's imperial examinations or practicing Taoism, they are all smooth roads. But if you are not willing to marry me, it may become an obstacle. I, Fan, can let you see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day, and I can naturally make you fail in the imperial examinations. The same is true for practicing Taoism. I, Fan, can let you enter Laoshan, but I can also make you unable to seek Taoism. What to choose is entirely up to you.

The great Zen Master Fahua made a secret decision in his heart. Whether this matter would succeed or not was another matter, but he had to demonstrate his efforts in front of Master Fan!
When Xin Zhen brought Feng Sanniang, whose eyes were slightly red, out of Fan Shiyi Niang's boudoir, their way was blocked by the great Zen Master Fahua.

The great Zen Master Fahua invited Xin Zhen to a secluded place to talk. Of course, in this so-called secluded place, standing behind the wall were Fan Jijiu and his wife, listening attentively.

The great Zen Master Fahua told Xin Zhen about Fan Jijiu's intention to marry his daughter to Xin Zhen, and told Xin Zhen about Fan Jijiu's background, and then said: "...If Mr. Xin marries Fan Shiyi Niang, he will definitely pass the imperial examination this year. Moreover, the Fan family has a close relationship with Laoshan, and Mr. Xin can also worship Laoshan to practice Taoism. It is really killing two birds with one stone!"

Behind the wall, Master Fan stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, feeling very satisfied with the hard work of the great Zen Master Fahua.

Xin Zhen was surprised and said, "Isn't Fan Jijiu afraid that I will indulge in Taoism and neglect his daughter? If I become a Taoist, I will naturally not be able to continue to serve in the officialdom. I may live in poverty for the rest of my life. Then Miss Fan may have to suffer with me."

Master Fahua laughed and said, "Mr. Xin, you are joking. Not to mention that Mr. Xin is very wealthy, even the Fan family would never let their married daughter suffer.

"Master Xin, rest assured that Fan will definitely arrange everything for you. When you pass the imperial examination, Fan will naturally arrange an official position for you near Mount Laoshan, or even arrange for you to join the Daolu Division. Wouldn't that mean you can stay in Mount Laoshan openly? When you succeed in learning Taoism, you will also have an official position. Isn't that wonderful?"

Xin Zhen raised his eyebrows and asked, "Daolu Division?"

The great Zen Master Fahua said with a smile: "Mr. Xin is not a Buddhist or Taoist, so it is normal that he does not know about this organization, but in the eyes of us Buddhists and Taoists, this Daolusi is much more terrifying than the government offices or prefectural offices.

In the 15th year of Taizu's reign, Taizu issued an edict to the whole country, setting up the Daoluosi to oversee the country's religion. This was a government office specifically for managing religious personnel, and was affiliated to the Ministry of Rites.

There is a Daoji Division in the prefecture, a Daozheng Division in the state, and a Daohui Division in the county. Mr. Xin is a genuine Jinshi, so you deserve to be granted a Daohui.

If Mr. Xin holds this position in the Dao Society, the people in Laoshan will not dare to fool you and will naturally give you the highest treatment. Then you can learn whatever you want, wouldn't it be great?"

The great Zen Master Fahua introduced it quite clearly. Xin Zhen had been a regent and also an emperor, so naturally he knew about this religious institution.

Xin Zhen narrowed his eyes. This Daoluo Si was definitely not the Daoluo Si he knew in the martial arts world. This world was full of demons and monsters. If the imperial court did not have the ability to check and balance these monsters, how could it rule the world?
Therefore, the imperial court must have a special agency to deal with these anomalies, and it is most likely the Daoluosi.

Xin Zhen quickly calculated in his mind, if this is the case, if he could establish a relationship with the Fan family, then the path for his spiritual pursuit would be completely paved.

Along the way, he came to understand that each sect cherishes its own Taoist method and firmly believes that the method should not be passed on easily. Even the simple method of exorcising ghosts and foxes taught by Shi Taipu is still not open to mortals. It requires so-called opportunity to be passed on, not to mention a great inheritance like Laoshan.

Xin Zhen heard from Shi Taipu that Mount Longhu, Mount Sanqing, Mount Mao and Mount Lao are the four major Taoist traditions in the world.

Although Laoshan is ranked low nowadays, in the Song Dynasty, among the ten Taoist monasteries in the world, Laoshan Taiqing Palace was ranked second. In terms of inheritance, Laoshan Taoism is not inferior to the other three major inheritances. "

When Master Fahua saw Xin Zhen looking at him in surprise, he smiled and said, "Buddhism and Taoism are one family. Although I am a Buddhist, it is normal for me to understand Taoism, right?"

Xin Zhen smiled but said nothing, thinking that you must be understanding this with a competitive mindset.

However, he did not say this. Buddhism and Taoism have been fighting for thousands of years, so there is no need to say more.

Xin Zhen's mind has been attracted by the pie drawn by the great Zen Master Fahua.

Tsk, that means I have saved myself several decades of hard work!

Xin Zhen had originally prepared to look for opportunities for decades, but now such a big piece of pie has fallen on his head. Should he eat it or not?

Xin Zhen didn't think about it for too long. Although he had been in the martial arts world for hundreds of years, his background was still that of a later generation. Would the young people of later generations despise a gigolo?
dislike?

How could I possibly dislike it!
The only thing I feel disgusted about is that I can’t have that bowl of soft rice!
Xin Zhen decided to get married after just a brief thought.

It's just marrying a wife. Xin Zhen is not a pure love warrior. He married many wives when he was emperor in his previous two lives. Does he have to have feelings for all of them before getting married?
By marrying Fan Shiyi Niang, he not only gained the title of Jinshi, but also entered the Daoluo Si, the largest organization of extraordinary people in the world. He could also practice Taoism in an ancient tradition like the Laoshan School. Is there anything better than this?

What's more, Fan Shiyi Niang is good-looking, gentle in temperament, and comes from a prominent family. Apart from love and other things, how could he find a wife who meets the current social standards?
Don't even think about it.

For a noble family like the Fan family, the standard for selecting a son-in-law is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Moreover, some things cannot be said openly. Fan has taken a fancy to me and promised me to pass the imperial examination, enter the Daoluosi, and join the Laoshan School. Are these just promises?

If you don't want to marry me, then I can probably make all your expectations go to waste!
For Xin Zhen, face and no face are not important. A monster who is hundreds of years old would not bother about these things. What Xin Zhen wants is to achieve his goal in the fastest way.

Xin Zhen nodded and said, "Eleventh Lady is gentle and docile, and is indeed a good girl who is suitable for a family. When I first saw her, I was attracted to her. I am so happy that the chief priest has shown such favor to me!"

Upon hearing this, the great Zen Master Fahua was overjoyed and said, "This is very good! This is very good!"

"Good! Good!" The cheering voice of Fan Jijiu came from next door.

Xin Zhen and Master Fahua looked at each other and smiled. Both of them were extraordinary people. Master Fahua naturally knew that Xin Zhen could hear the sound of someone spying from behind, and they were just acting together.

(End of this chapter)