Wudang

Chapter 28: Buddhism and Taoism Competing for Favor of Emperors

Ba Shi's statement caused an uproar among the people present.

Throughout the history of Ba Shi's debates on the classics, he has almost no defeats, even if he faces many senior monks of the older generation, he will end in a draw at most.

But today, he actually surrendered in front of a thirteen or fourteen year old kid.

Even if they were not defeated in the real debate, it was still shocking. They felt very honored to be able to witness this debate with their own eyes.

"The emperor's teacher has won the award, and Xiaodao is just a fluke. How dare you say that the Taoism is profound. The emperor and the masters have profound Buddhism, and Xiaodao is the one who admires you." Zhang Junbao looked at Kublai Khan and said, "Your Majesty, please take it back. Fate, the punishment for this debate between Taoism and Buddhism should be pardoned."

Hearing Zhang Junbao's words, Fan Zhiying and the seventeen others all looked happy.

But after Kublai Khan finished listening, his face darkened, and he snorted coldly: "Zhang Junbao, you are too aggressive."

These words were a bit harsh, and the surrounding onlookers immediately fell silent.

Why, why did Zhang Junbao offend His Majesty again?

His Majesty's attitude towards him just now was very kind.

Sure enough, companions are like companions to tigers.

"The Buddhist and Taoist debates, the Taoism has been defeated." Kublai continued.

"But your Majesty's nonsense just now is justified." Zhang Junbao still wanted to work harder.

"That's right, I admit that your words are reasonable, and I can take back my will. And my previous purpose was to burn all other Taoist scriptures except the "Tao Te Ching". Since you have won, I will also fulfill my promise and let the Buddhist sect choose from among them afterwards." The apocryphal scriptures will be burned, and the rest will be kept. The Buddhist and Taoist debates have been finalized before, and the two parties have also agreed, how can it be changed? It is imperative to shave off your hair and go home!" Kublai Khan said coldly.

He did not fulfill Zhang Junbao's wish.

This kid still wants to wrap himself in?
The Buddhist and Taoist debates have already had results before, so how can it change?
Fan Zhiying and the others turned pale, and some of them were even more furious, with blood spurting from their mouths.

In fact, they also knew in their hearts that this matter could not be changed, but because Zhang Junbao made Kublai Khan admit that what he said was reasonable, they inevitably had some expectations in their hearts.

Sure enough, the result was still the same.

"His Majesty!"

"Don't need to talk too much!" Kublai Khan stared at Zhang Junbao coldly and said, this kid really pushed his nose and face.

He felt that Zhang Junbao didn't respect himself as the emperor as much as others, and it was probably due to Huolong Daoist that he was so courageous at such a young age.

In fact, he had misunderstood this point.

Although Zhang Junbao knew that the emperor possessed supreme power, life or death was in his mind.

But after all, he has the fusion of the souls of later generations, and he doesn't feel too deeply about the so-called emperor's power, so he is naturally not as in awe as others.

And in the eyes of outsiders, all of this can be pushed to his master.

"Jun Bao, come back." Qi Zhicheng said out loud.

He didn't want Zhang Junbao to argue with Kublai Khan any more, this result was already very good.

Originally, except for the "Tao Te Ching", the rest of the scriptures were judged as apocryphal scriptures and burned, but now there is room for change, at least some of them can be preserved.

If it continues, it might annoy Kublai Khan. Wouldn't it be bad to return to the original result?

Zhang Junbao sighed secretly, in fact, he also knew that the punishment of ordination or ordination was difficult to change.

So I didn't mention it directly at the beginning, thinking about whether I could get away with it later.

It's a pity, I still think too much.

Even if Kublai Khan was negligent, the Buddhist side must still remember it.

"This time the Buddhism and Taoism debate, the Buddhism wins. According to the previous agreement, 17 people from the Taoism sect will ordain or become monks." The presiding official announced loudly.

Fan Zhiying and the others looked ashamed, and the few who vomited blood just passed out.

Fan Zhiying and others looked at Qi Zhicheng.

Qi Zhicheng stood up and said, "I will accept the punishment."

Fan Zhiying and the others closed their eyes in pain.

Although they had prepared for this long ago, but at this moment, who would know the pain in their hearts?

"Patriarch Chongyang once said that the three religions have always had the same ancestral style, and the three religions are integrated into one, and they lead to the same goal by different routes, and they can also practice Taoism when they become monks." Zhang Junbao couldn't bear it, and comforted him in a low voice.

Hearing Zhang Junbao's words, Fan Zhiying and the others looked better.

That's right, Zhang Junbao, this is a great uncle.

Think about the Pure Yang Sect, think about Huolong Daoist, even if your own Taoism is suppressed, I believe there will always be a day of recovery.

I am a cultivator, how can I change because of shaving my hair?
It's nothing more than changing places to practice and enlightenment.

Perhaps harsh places can be enlightened instead.

"All the Taoist apocryphal scriptures selected must be burned, including their engravings. It is forbidden for the people to circulate and hide them. Once discovered, they will be severely punished." The presiding official continued.

To destroy the engraving block is to destroy its essence, otherwise the scriptures will be burned, and as long as the engraving block is still there, it can be printed again.

Zhang Junbao knew that this rule was very strict.

Without woodblock printing, only copying is left.

Not to mention the slow speed, you may copy wrongly.

Coupled with the criminalization of circulation and hiding, these scriptures have naturally been lost over time.

Zhang Junbao sighed secretly, because of his intervention, the result should be better.

Otherwise, even if other scriptures have been handed down, almost none of them are complete, and more have long since disappeared in the long river of history, which is regrettable.

"Zhang Junbao is personally responsible for burning the apocryphal scriptures and engravings of the apocryphal scriptures." Kublai Khan suddenly said.

Zhang Junbao didn't expect this matter to fall on him.

Is Kublai Khan embarrassing himself?
Or to avenge one's own great impiety.

In the eyes of people in the Taoist school, the apocryphal scriptures in the mouth of Buddhism are all Taoist classics.

Now it is going to be burned, and as the person who burned it, I am afraid that it will make many people unhappy.

Even though I won Bashi once in this debate, burning scriptures is a great sin in the eyes of Taoists.

reject?

"Jun Bao!" Qi Zhicheng couldn't help shouting seeing Zhang Junbao's distracted look, "I haven't accepted the order yet."

"Yes." Zhang Junbao agreed.

He knew that Qi Zhicheng helped him share the pressure.

Kublai Khan was not surprised to see Qi Zhicheng defending Zhang Junbao.

Just now Zhang Junbao had defeated Ba Shi and persuaded himself to withdraw his life. Although it was because of Huolong Daoist, he still felt a little annoyed.

His majestic emperor was actually succeeded by a kid, so he wanted to suppress Zhang Junbao.

Moreover, Zhang Junbao is a talent, and if I really want to use it in the future, I can't let him have too much influence in the Taoist sect, and the corresponding differentiation is still needed.

It is believed that the burning of scriptures will become a stain on Zhang Junbao that cannot be washed away.

At that time, if Zhang Junbao wanted to control the Taoist sect, he would have to seek the support of the imperial court.

This is a trade-off that superiors must understand.

Regardless of whether Zhang Junbao will be in charge of the power of the Taoist sect, it is never wrong to plan for a rainy day.

Just now Ba Shi wanted to say that he understood that Ba Shi wanted to refute Zhang Junbao.

But he stopped.

There is no need to go on like this.

The Quanzhen Sect has been suppressed this time, and it has reached its own expectations, so there is no need to kill them all.

As I said before, if someone feels that they have not handled it properly, they can stand up.

In fact, it is also a step down for the Taoist door.

Of course, at that time he didn't think anyone in the Taoist sect would dare to jump out.

Zhang Junbao was an accident.

For this accident, he is still willing to give support.

It's for balance.

"I have prepared a banquet, everyone, let's have a drink to your heart's content today, oh, and vegetarian food." Kublai Khan said to the crowd.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the banquet." Everyone shouted.

Immediately afterwards, the court ladies and eunuchs brought the delicious food and wine.

Here is the big feast.

"Your Majesty, Pindao is not feeling well, please allow me to leave first." Qi Zhicheng got up and said.

There were voices from the Daomen side.

Kublai Khan did not persuade him to stay, and agreed to the Taoist party to leave.

It is already punishment for Fan Zhiying and others to shave off their hair and go home. There is no need to chase after Quanzhen Sect and other Taoist sects. A proper beating is enough.

Zhang Junbao followed Qi Zhicheng and the others towards the outside of the palace.

There was the sound of toasting and stringing and bamboo coming from behind. Whether it was Buddhism or other officials present, they were all reveling.

Only the Taoist side left sadly.

Zhang Junbao could see that everyone in the Taoist sect looked sluggish, this time the blow was really too great.

They all knew what this meant. If losing the previous few debates would not hurt their muscles and bones, this time it was different.

The power of Quanzhen Sect and Taoism will be completely suppressed.

Zhang Junbao secretly sighed.

Kublai Khan was really too much. Although he agreed with the Taoist side to leave first and did not embarrass the Taoist school too much, he held a big banquet, which in itself meant to celebrate the great victory of Buddhism.

The emperor's preference determines the rise and fall of religion.

It's just right to be responsible for burning the scriptures yourself. When the time comes, save as many Taoist scriptures as possible. These are the treasures of Chinese civilization.

Kublai Khan was disgusted with his thoughts, Zhang Junbao could guess.

Even if this matter is a hindrance to his reputation, so what?
Think about Master, what are you afraid to do?
Especially if others dare not, Master is even more daring.

If others make irresponsible remarks, let them do the talking.

After drinking for three rounds, Kublai Khan retreated to the left and right, leaving only the emperor Shi Bashi.

The people around were also winking, and left far away.

Although they really wanted to know what His Majesty and the Imperial Master were going to say, no one dared to get close to eavesdrop.

"Emperor Master, I heard Huolong Daoist is more than 100 years old, but he looks no different from a 50-[-]-year-old man." Kublai Khan sighed, "Does Taoism really have the method of longevity?"

"Your Majesty, it's a way to keep in good health!" Ba Shi corrected.

His heart sank, what should come still came.

The deeds of Huolong Daoist reached His Majesty's ears, and this result was something he could have expected.

As an emperor, he has no resistance to longevity.

In particular, Huolong Daoist is indeed a mysterious master, and it is a living example. How could Kublai Khan not be tempted?

"Whether it is the method of health preservation or the method of longevity, this Huolong Daoist is really a strange person." Kublai Khan sighed, "Emperor Master, I wonder how his method of health preservation compares with your Buddhist school's?"

"Taoism's method of health preservation is the best in the world, Huolong Daoist is even more proficient in this way, Buddhism is not as good as it." Ba Shi replied.

"Is that really the case?" Kublai Khan said, "I have heard before that Taoism is really good at health preservation, but I never thought that it can really make people live so long. If I..."

Kublai Khan was a little surprised by Ba Shi's answer. In his opinion, Ba Shi had to defend Buddhism anyway.

Unexpectedly, he directly admitted that he was not as good as Daomen.

In fact, Ba Shi has thought about it carefully.

The Taoist health regimen is universally recognized, and it is useless to hide this from Kublai Khan.

If you really want to do this, it will seem inferior, and I am afraid that it will affect Kublai Khan's trust in him.

As an emperor teacher, I still have the heart I should have.

Otherwise, how to make Kublai Khan trust?

Besides, I can't deny the existence of Huolong Daoist, and I have to face this matter.

"Your Majesty, the poor monk has something to say and doesn't know whether to say it or not."

"The emperor has something to say, just say it."

"Your Majesty wants to practice the Taoist health-preserving method, but I'm afraid it won't work." Ba Shi said.

"You won't say that it's too late for me to practice now?" Kublai Khan frowned.

"Although it will make His Majesty displeased, the poor monk has to say it." Ba Shi said, "The way of health preservation in Taoism is generally practiced from an early age, and it will be effective if you persevere. Besides, Your Majesty can bear it." Lonely? People who cultivate the Tao pay attention to tranquility and inaction..."

Ba Shi mentioned some matters about Taoist practice, and Kublai sighed.

In fact, how did he know this?

As the emperor, these things are naturally impossible.

"In this way, I have no destiny with Dao."

"Your Majesty, there is also a Buddha." Ba Shi smiled, "Your Majesty owns the world, sits on the world, why do you have to suffer to practice yourself? That kind of hard work is not suitable for your majesty. What the poor monk learned is what your majesty needs. After a while , the poor monk can give His Majesty another empowerment."

"Eh?" Kublai Khan was overjoyed, but also a little puzzled, "Didn't the emperor say that it will take another half a year for the next one?"

"The poor monk has improved his skills recently, so it's okay to perform it again." Ba Shi laughed.

"Emperor, don't force yourself."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, how can the poor monk be reluctant?"

"It's so good." Kublai Khan sighed, "It seems that although the effect of that technique is good, it's not for everyone to practice. It's a pity. The empowerment is good..."

"The Poor Monk lost in this sutra debate, but he gained a lot. The Poor Monk will resign first, and he needs to retreat for a few days to understand it." Ba Shi said.

"Okay, it's up to the emperor and teacher." Kublai nodded.

Seeing Ba Shi leave, a strange look flashed in Kublai Khan's eyes.

"Confucianism and Taoism are indispensable." Kublai Khan secretly said.

Mentioning Huolong Daoist, especially his method of health preservation, does not mean that Kublai Khan really wanted to practice it.

How could he not know this kind of skill?
Leaving aside the issue of age, even if they are members of the Taoist sect, how many people have been able to achieve the realm of Huolong Daoist throughout the ages?
Unless it is extraordinary talent, coupled with great perseverance, can there be such an achievement as Huolong Daoist.

Otherwise, even if Taoist exercises have the effect of health preservation, the longevity of ordinary people is very limited.

Moreover, this method of health preservation can only be used for those who practice it, and cannot benefit outsiders, so Kublai Khan naturally would not choose it.

The method of empowerment in Buddhism is different. As long as there are eminent monks who are proficient in this method, it can be done, and it can benefit outsiders.

So this method is indeed the most suitable for you.

After receiving Bashi's empowerment these years, he has maintained a good physical condition and is much younger.

The most obvious feeling is that in the harem, I have become extremely brave again.

It is a pity that this kind of empowerment is at most once a year.

For him, of course, the more initiations the better, and the more frequent the better, it can refresh him.

So he mentioned Huolong Daoist, sure enough, Ba Shi couldn't sit still.

After half a year, put some pressure on it, wouldn't it be okay after a few days?
He supports the Buddhist school now, but he will not press the Taoist school to death.

Otherwise, if Buddhism dominates, wouldn't it become the former Quanzhen religion?

Just like now, when I mentioned Huolong Daoist a little bit, Ba Shi felt the crisis and pressure. He was afraid that he would turn to Huolong Daoist, so he immediately said to give himself the method of empowerment.

Thinking of this, Kublai Khan felt even happier.

Only when Buddhism and Taoism compete for favor can he use it, the art of an emperor.

"Drink!" Kublai Khan raised his glass.

(End of this chapter)