Chapter 116: Old monk, you will never become a Buddha in your lifetime.

When it comes to the name Daoyan, some people may not remember it.

But he has another name, that is Yao Guangxiao.

Prime Minister in black, Yao Guangxiao.

His childhood name was Tianxi, his courtesy name was Sidao, his Buddhist name was Daoyan, his pseudonym was Taoxu Laoren, and he was also known as Du'an Laoren and Lan Ge Weng.

He was the first counselor of Prince of Yan Zhu Di during the Fengtian Jingnan period.

Later generations also called him a demon monk.

The skill of slaying dragons is superb.

But that doesn't mean he has the power to slay dragons.

Instead, it symbolically describes Yao Guangxiao's ability to master political strategies, military arrangements, and people's hearts, and to make plans in complex political situations.

This helped Zhu Di seize the throne in adversity and overthrow the rule of Emperor Jianwen Zhu Yunwen, just like "slaying a dragon" and defeating a seemingly invincible opponent.

This also made Yao Guangxiao famous in one battle and his name went down in history.

"Then tell me where these come from and what they mean?"

Zhu Gang looked at Yao Guangxiao deeply before speaking.

"Reporting to Your Highness, this Dharma is equal, without high or low, and it comes from the Diamond Sutra."

"The concept expounded in it is the most fundamental equality, that all things in the world can attain nirvana, and it applies to all living beings."

"All sentient beings possess the wisdom and virtues of the Tathagata, but due to delusion and attachment they do not realize them. This is from the Avatamsaka Sutra."

"It explains the doctrine of the dependent origination of the Dharma Realm, the Huayan world where everything is unobstructed, and that all living beings have the potential to become Buddhas."

"All sentient beings have Buddha nature. The Tathagata is eternal and unchanging. This is from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra."

"To explain that all sentient beings in the world have Buddha nature, in order to seek the equality of Buddha nature."

“As for the Lotus Sutra, although it does not explicitly state that all living beings are equal, the idea of ​​the One Vehicle Dharma runs through the entire sutra.”

"That means all sentient beings can eventually become Buddhas, and it also illustrates the Buddhist spirit of equality."

Yao Guangxiao thought for a moment before looking at Zhu Gang and clasping his hands together.

"Yes, finally there is a real monk."

After hearing what Yao Guangxiao said, Zhu Gang couldn't help but admire him.

"Any monk who is devoted to Buddhism should understand the mind of the Buddha and become a Buddha in one thought, so as to live up to the compassion of the Buddha."

"Amitabha."

Yao Guangxiao did not show any strange expression because of Zhu Gang's praise. Instead, he continued to clasp his hands together and spoke piously.

As soon as these words were spoken, the monks from the Elephant Kingdom Temple surrounding here all blushed.

As the saying goes, when you are famous you are prone to gossip. The reason why Buddhism can be as prosperous as it is today is that they have to deal with so many things every day.

I never put any more effort into studying Buddhist scriptures.

But in the Daxiangguo Temple, which was conferred by the royal family, not a single monk present could answer the question.

Once this matter gets out, the reputation of Daxiangguo Temple will plummet in an instant.

It might even arouse the anger of the royal family, leading to the deprivation of the imperial title and the demotion of Daxiangguo Temple to an ordinary temple.

"The Buddha said that if you have compassion in your heart and persuade evil people to put down their butcher knives, they will become Buddhas right away."

"Then I wonder, monk, can your state of mind understand the state of mind of the Buddha?"

There was a sharp flash in Zhu Gang's eyes, and then he spoke slowly again.

"I have been meditating and seeking enlightenment. Today, I can say that I understand a little bit, but it is still not complete."

Yao Guangxiao shook his head slightly.

"After all, it is incomplete, which means that you are in Buddhism, but your heart is not in Buddhism."

“Even in my entire life, I will never be able to understand the Buddha’s compassionate mind.”

"Why not go with me to this world and see all kinds of life and the sufferings of this world? What can the Buddha's mercy do to me?"

Zhu Gang's voice sounded again.

"Your Highness, do you want me to return to secular life?"

There was a hint of hesitation in Yao Guangxiao's eyes, and then he spoke.

"Old monk, you can't become a Buddha."

There was still a smile on Zhu Gang's face.

"why?"

Yao Guangxiao asked in confusion.

“How can one become a Buddha if one has aspirations in mind?”

Zhu Gang still smiled.

When the four elements are empty, one can be a Buddha.

But Yao Guangxiao’s six senses were not pure, so how could he eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures in order to seek the state of emptiness and hearing?

After all, from a historical perspective, this black-robed prime minister, who was hailed as a demon monk by later generations, wanted to display what he had learned and leave his name in history rather than becoming a Buddha.

"Then I will accompany Your Highness for a visit."

Hearing this, Yao Guangxiao nodded without any hesitation.

"I am not a monk. I think inheritance is the foundation of the world."

"So there cannot be any monks under my command."

"You don't need to call yourself a monk anymore. Do you have a secular name?"

Zhu Gang frowned slightly and asked.

"I am Yao Guangxiao, paying my respects to His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin."

Yao Guangxiao thought about it and then said.

"Are there any words?"

Zhu Gang asked again.

"Zi Si Dao."

"Yeah. It's quite selfish indeed. It's a good analogy."

Zhu Gang looked at Yao Guangxiao playfully again and nodded.

"Sdao."

In response, Yao Guangxiao bit his teeth twice more and said, "My name is Yao Guangxiao, and my courtesy name is Sidao."

"From today on, you will be a staff member under the command of Prince Gu Jin's Mansion."

Zhu Gang chuckled.

"Sdao understands."

Yao Guangxiao nodded, then looked at Prince of Jin Zhu Gang in front of him, a hint of contemplation flashing across his eyes again.

In fact, in today's world, the scholar who can allow Yao Guangxiao to display his talents is not Zhu Gang in front of him.

After all, with his power and reputation for winning every battle on the grassland, he must have no shortage of top-notch advisers under his command.

But given this man's arrogance, could Yao Guangxiao really refuse?
I'm afraid that if I just refuse, this person will kill me without hesitation.

Moreover, Zhu Gang actually gave Yao Guangxiao a slight illusion, as if he was completely seen through, leaving him with nowhere to hide.

So he did not submit to me, and from then on he served me like a slave.

Afterwards, Zhu Gang took another deep look at the old monk who was still trembling, and walked out of the temple on his own.

This wasn't even a political dispute, and Zhu Gang really didn't want to waste any more words on it.

There are other temples in the capital, and it is not impossible to change one of them and allow it to receive the incense from the Ming royal family.

But before that, the Buddhist Registrar's Office must re-establish the rules. Otherwise, if one doesn't even understand Buddhism, how can he be called a monk?

There is also the Daoluosi, which must re-establish its rules in order to integrate Taoism and Buddhism throughout the world.

Of course, this is also a helpless situation under the background of the times.

The beliefs of feudal dynasties were generally placed under the gods.

Imperial power is also an issue that emphasizes that it is granted by heaven.

Therefore, for Taoism and Buddhism, we can only maintain stability and weaken them, and it is not appropriate to start a large-scale war.

Because Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism all have different ideas and certain functions, they can be used and complement each other.

But these three forces were too powerful, so any emperor only wanted to play a balancing role to weaken their political threats.

To put it simply, there are three points.

Out of reverence for gods and Buddhas, personal beliefs and exploitation are entangled.

Then there is political propaganda and mythology, as well as the parallel of support and control, which emphasizes the divine right of kings.

To put it bluntly, it is to prevent the people from rebelling, and it is also a shrewd calculation based on politics.

On the one hand, he wanted to use Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism to consolidate the dynasty's rule, and on the other hand, he had to maintain control over religious power and ensure that it served the stability and expansion of imperial power. "Second brother, write a memorial to the old man about what happened in Daxiangguo Temple today."

As soon as he walked out of the temple, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Chong beside him and said softly.

"Ah."

Zhu Chong nodded.

"Your Highness, do you want to use this to target Buddhism?"

Yao Guangxiao, who was standing aside, looked at Zhu Gang with some curiosity.

"What's the use of targeting that?"

"It's just to maintain stability and suppress it."

"Let them understand that the reason why Buddhism can be as prosperous as it is today is because of the power given to it."

"And without this power, Daxiangguo Temple would be nothing more than an ordinary temple, no different."

"So if I cannot satisfy the imperial court, I can take back this power if I want."

"Besides, Buddhism pursues the idea that the four elements are empty. Anyone who dares to refute it would be misinterpreting the Buddha's intention."

Zhu Gang did not hide anything, but continued to speak.

"What the court gives you is yours."

"But if the court doesn't give it to you, you can't rob it."

Zhu Chong also spoke softly.

"Not bad. It seems you have been studying hard recently."

Zhu Gang looked up at his second son and said.

"I said that I must study hard, and I will definitely study hard."

"After all, as you said, we can't be princes forever."

Zhu Chong said with a smile on his face.

But as soon as these words were spoken, whether it was Xu Miaoyun, Xu Yungong, or Yao Guangxiao, their bodies trembled slightly.

Even a fool can understand the meaning of this statement.

Below the imperial power is the royal power, and above the royal power is the imperial power.

Given the identities of these two people, it is naturally impossible for them to go down, so they can only go up.

So what they want is nothing more than imperial power above royal power.

"Your Highness, this is not something you can say."

Yao Guangxiao paused and spoke in a low voice.

"It's okay, no one will care."

Zhu Gang waved his hand gently and walked towards the steps of the temple.

"Let's go."

"There should be another big show today."

Zhu Chong glanced in the direction of his own palace, a meaningful look flashed across his lips, and then he followed closely and left Daxiangguo Temple.

"Sister, should we tell Dad what His Royal Highness Prince Jin just said?"

At this time, Xu Yungong looked at Xu Miaoyun beside him and asked.

"Ah."

Xu Miaoyun's eyes flashed with thought, and then he said, "No matter whether His Royal Highness Prince Jin has mentioned it in other places, since we have heard it, we can't pretend not to know it."

"it is good."

Xu Yungong nodded slightly.

This is due to political considerations, nothing more than personal feelings.

After all, the Xu family has always been a subject, so they must abide by the duties of monarch and subject, otherwise they will easily suffer unexpected disasters.

Moreover, there are many people and eyes here, and it is the Daxiangguo Temple named by Zhu Yuanzhang. But that doesn't mean there are no ears and eyes.

So it is better to be cautious than to turn a deaf ear and dumb and lose perspective.

But Zhu Gang dared to be so presumptuous, he must have something to rely on.

Then you don't worry about offending Zhu Gang?
Xu Miaoyun shook her head again.

If it was really a factional struggle, Zhu Gang and Zhu Chong should also understand that Xu Da, Duke of Wei, never participated in factional struggles and always adhered to the duties of a monarch and his subjects.

No matter how you try to win over Xu Da, he will not be shaken, so it is better to give up this idea as soon as possible.

But if it comes to private matters, Xu Miaoyun looked at Zhu Gang who was about to get on the carriage, with a hint of intention in her eyes.

Among the younger generation, there is someone who is truly worthy of him, Xu Miaoyun.

There were only two people.

The current Crown Prince Zhu Biao and the current Prince of Jin Zhu Gang.

And if Xu Miaoyun were asked to choose, she would choose Zhu Gang without hesitation.

After all, from ancient times to the present, no one can resist the young heroes who are full of vigor and vitality and roam the northern grasslands.

"That girl from the Xu family looks at you in a strange way."

On the carriage, Zhu Chong looked at Zhu Gang with a playful expression and said, "It seems like you are feeling a little resentful."

"Don't tell me that. Not counting our childhood, this should be the first time we have met."

"Where does the resentment come from?"

"Besides, it doesn't matter to me. Don't let your lousy mouth taint the innocence of that little girl."

"Then Uncle Xu will definitely not let you go. Our old man will kill you."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gang rolled his eyes.

This Zhu Chong has no control over his words. How dare he say anything?
If this tarnished Xu Miaoyun's reputation, Zhu Chong would be severely punished even if he didn't die.

"Do you think I'm kidding?"

"Since the little girl saw you today, she has never taken her eyes away."

"It's like the way Sister Xie looks at you. If this doesn't mean anything to you, how can I believe it?"

Zhu Chong still put his arm around Zhu Gang's shoulders with a playful look on his face.

Xu Miaoyun's eyes are so blue, and you are still pretending to be innocent in front of me?

Is this our first meeting?
Can we draw each other when we first meet?

So there is definitely a story between these two people, and it is a very exciting story.

"I am a young hero, talented in both literature and martial arts, born into a noble family."

"When he is on horseback, he can rule the world with force; when he is off horseback, he can rule the world with culture."

"It's normal to be favored by women."

"After all, the ladies who are interested in me can line up from the palace to the gate of Yingtian Prefecture, which is sometimes a kind of trouble."

"Who can blame me for being so handsome? The most handsome man in the Zhu family. Tsk tsk, it's a bargain for Yu'er."

Hearing this, Zhu Gang touched his face narcissistically again.

In response to this, Yao Guangxiao, who was sitting in the carriage, twitched the corners of his mouth slightly.

Zhu Chong looked at Zhu Gang with a dark face, and a hint of helplessness flashed across his eyes.

Although they really wanted to call Zhu Gang shameless, this was the fact, and it was a fact that could not be refuted.

Not to mention anything else, just in terms of handsomeness, Zhu Gang is definitely the best in the Zhu family, and his temperament is even more extraordinary.

"Your Highness, Prince Qin, Marquis of Jiangxia Zhou Dexing is here to visit you."

Just at this moment, the sound of galloping horses was heard, followed by the voices of guards.

Obviously, Zhu Chong accompanied Zhu Gang to pray at the Daxiangguo Temple, and Jiangxia Hou Zhou Dexing had also arrived at the Qin Palace, so the guards came to report.

"Let's go, they're already here waiting for us, it's time for both of us to show up."

Zhu Gang put away his playful thoughts and spoke.

"Do you think he has met with Prime Minister Hu?"

Zhu Chong thought about it and said.

"That's for sure. He must have gone to see Prime Minister Hu."

"After all, he is the Right Prime Minister of the Secretariat."

Zhu Gang leaned back in his chair and waved his hand casually again.

"Ah."

Zhu Chong lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked at the nearby Prince Qin's Palace.

(End of this chapter)