pappabearbooks Chapter 5422 Outstanding Figures of Our Time
Chapter 5422 Outstanding Figures of Our Time
Chapter 5422 Outstanding Figures of Our Time
Foreign monks wishing to travel to China to study Buddhism not only needed a certificate of ordination issued by the central government's Buddhist affairs office, but also the necessary documents for passage. Otherwise, even if they managed to sneak into the Tang Dynasty, they would find it extremely difficult to move an inch. Once caught by the government, no matter which country the monk was from, he would either be sent to work in a mine or thrown into a canal to build a dam.
Fang Jun smiled and said, "Master, you are an enlightened monk. If you can go further, it will be a blessing for Buddhism. I will not only give you your ordination certificate and documents, but I can also write a letter to recommend you to Master Xuanzang, the abbot of the Great Ci'en Temple in Chang'an."
Cheng Jing raised an eyebrow, overjoyed: "Is this really true?"
“Absolutely true! In fact, I also studied Buddhism with Master Xuanzang for many days, but unfortunately I was entangled in worldly affairs and lacked the understanding to see the Great Way.”
Chengjing bowed deeply and said, "This humble monk thanks you."
The pent-up frustration in my heart due to the demolition of Shitennoji Temple vanished.
No matter how extraordinary the significance of Shitennoji Temple was, it was nothing but an illusion. Moreover, it was still being demolished and there was no way to save it. However, going to Daici'en Temple to study Buddhism would completely solidify his status as the "Number One Monk in Japan." After completing his studies and returning to Japan, countless believers would naturally donate money and materials to him and build a temple that belonged to him.
Upon hearing this, the other monks became excited. Given their status, it was naturally difficult for them to obtain ordination certificates and documents issued by the Tang Dynasty. However, going to the Tang Dynasty to seek Buddhism was not something that could be accomplished by one person alone. Chengjing would need companions, wouldn't she?
I'd even be willing to be a servant!
Regardless of whether one can learn the true scriptures and Buddhist teachings by going to the Tang Dynasty, just one trip is equivalent to being gilded with gold. After returning, one can walk freely throughout the Buddhist community in Japan and be an honored guest wherever one goes...
……
The Yodo River, originating from Omi, the largest freshwater lake on the Japanese island, flows majestically into the bay. The royal palace was built on a low plateau on the upper reaches of the Yodo River, not far from the port. Not far to the east is the Araragi Mountain, where the Shitennoji Temple was originally built. Now, only the royal palace stands there. The Shitennoji Temple, which was once regarded as a symbol of Japan, has been completely demolished, leaving only ruins.
The palace design drew inspiration from the layout of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, but it was less refined and more grand in scale.
Inside the main hall, rows of tables were already set out, displaying a variety of delicacies, while elegantly dressed maids moved about gracefully like colorful butterflies...
Li Tai sat in the center, Fang Jun to his left, and Chancellor Cen Changqian to his right. The rest of the people were arranged according to their official ranks.
During the banquet, the Tang officials and Japanese nobles all tried their best to please them, creating a harmonious atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.
After several rounds of drinks, Li Tai suggested, "Erlang, you are a master of both poetry and prose, but it has been a long time since we have seen any new works published. On this joyous occasion, do you have any fine lines to add to the merriment?"
Everyone present became interested, especially the Japanese.
The Japanese have always admired Chinese culture, especially the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They are very familiar with famous Chinese figures, and a genuine work of art that ends up in Japan often fetches a hundred times its original value.
Fang Jun's previous works had already spread throughout Japan, and he was revered as a god.
Fang Jun laughed and said, "Poetry is a minor art, not worthy of being considered refined, but since Your Majesty has made a request, how can I refuse? However, I will have my own poetry, but you all should drink three cups to inspire your poetry."
"Haha, what's so difficult about that? To witness Erlang's unparalleled literary talent, I, the king, will first offer a toast!"
Li Tai laughed heartily and drank three cups in succession.
The others cheered loudly and raised their glasses to drink heartily.
Fang Jun then tapped the porcelain cup with bamboo chopsticks and recited in a melodious voice: "Joy is desired in youth, but life is often short and bitter. What use is wealth and honor in old age? Strength is only wasted on worry and toil. I wish I were a frivolous young man from the Five Mausoleums, born in the Zhenguan and Renhe eras. I would spend my life fighting cocks and chasing dogs, oblivious to the safety of heaven and earth."
At first glance, this poem may not seem as brilliant as his previous masterpieces, but upon closer reading, one can appreciate the poem's deep emotion for the current Tang Dynasty's golden age, as well as the pride of having made great contributions to the creation of this golden age after exhausting all efforts and overcoming numerous hardships.
Originally a poignant piece expressing the melancholy of old age, it now reads with a sense of ease and relief after achieving success.
"What a fine line: 'I'd rather be a frivolous young man from the Five Mausoleums, born in the Zhenguan and Renhe eras!'"
"What a wonderful saying: 'I've spent my life fighting cocks and chasing dogs, oblivious to the safety of heaven and earth!'"
Li Tai seemed a little drunk, his eyes reddening with excitement, and he exclaimed with great enthusiasm: "But the best line is still 'Joy is desired in youth, but life is often filled with suffering'... Erlang, you understand me!"
Back then, he was deeply favored by Emperor Taizong, living freely in Chang'an, young and unrestrained, and praised by the court and the public. How talented, elegant and romantic he was!
He was only one step away from the throne, but in the end he was exiled to this Japanese island. It seemed like he was establishing his own country and becoming independent, but in reality, he could almost foresee the day when "wealth and honor are useless when one's strength is wasted on worry and toil."
A myriad of emotions welled up in my heart, and I was overcome with sorrow and tears streamed down my face.
……
The rear hall.
Queen Yan was also having a banquet with a group of officials' wives and noblewomen. She had just led Wu Meiniang into the inner palace when she suddenly saw Princess Baling there. Her heart skipped a beat, and she had forgotten about this.
This Lady Wu is no pushover either. What if she clashes with Princess Baling?
As she hesitated, Wu Meiniang stepped forward, curtsied before Princess Baling, and said respectfully with her eyes lowered: "This concubine greets Your Highness."
Princess Baling paused for a moment, then smiled and quickly stepped forward to help her up: "Lady Wu's virtuous reputation is known throughout Chang'an. I admire her greatly and dare not accept such a great honor. Please rise and let us take our seats together."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Madam Yan watched as the two women, like best friends, walked hand in hand to their seats, sat next to each other, and chatted and laughed in hushed tones, as if they had known each other for a long time...
Wu Meiniang naturally took in Yan Shi's expression and understood her worries, but she secretly smiled to herself.
She runs a business and controls the country's maritime trade. With her vision and mind, how could she possibly care about her husband's little romantic affairs? Besides, she also knows that there was another reason why her husband and Princess Baling initially got together. It can only be said that she is a person with a tragic fate.
Women shouldn't make things difficult for other women.
Even though she is a princess, she is nothing more than a plaything for her husband. Why should she care or be bothered by it?
On the contrary, making a scene is what makes them look bad.
To put it another way, even if someone harbored resentment and wanted to do something to Princess Baling, they would do it in secret, not embarrass her in public like this.
The atmosphere at the dinner was very cheerful.
When a maid brought over the poem written by Fang Jun in the front hall, it drew gasps of praise from the noble ladies. Yan Shi clearly saw Wu Meiniang and Princess Baling exchange a smile, which seemed to imply, "Our men are indeed heroes."
Madam Yan was deeply impressed; this second son of the house was truly "remarkable"!
……
Fang Jun was in high spirits and frequently urged the guests to drink, getting the group of Chinese officials and Japanese nobles drunk to the point of being dizzy and staggering. Some of them even lost their composure on the spot.
Fang Jun's drinking capacity once amazed everyone at the table, who were amazed by its immense and unfathomable capacity.
The banquet ended, and things returned to normal.
Li Tai and Fang Jun knelt in the side hall, drinking tea and chatting. A gentle breeze blew in through the open window, and the courtyard was lush with flowers and trees, a pleasant sight.
Upon hearing Fang Jun's suggestion to "fill the land in Hebei with people from Guanzhong," Li Tai exclaimed in astonishment, "You really dare to think and say things! Luckily you ran away quickly, otherwise the people of Guanzhong would probably be cursing your ancestors for eight generations now!"
Fang Jun laughed and said, "Even if you run fast, you'll still get a lot of curses. Out of sight, out of mind."
Li Tai sighed, "Why bother? Just send any official to submit a memorial to the emperor. Why do I have to personally step forward and invite criticism, ruining my reputation in an instant?"
At Fang Jun's level, it's not appropriate to easily express one's opinion; other officials will naturally represent his will and take the lead. This way, he can both demonstrate his status and avoid direct conflict, giving the situation a chance to ease tensions. He rarely takes the initiative to step forward.
Fang Jun took a sip of tea to cleanse his greasy mouth and said nonchalantly, "I neither seek to be a so-called famous minister for all time, nor do I want to be as humble and treacherous as Wang Mang. What use is such a good reputation? As long as I can contribute my ideas and efforts to the stability of the empire and the well-being of the people, that will be enough for me."
Li Tai praised, "If others said that, I would only think they were seeking fame and fortune, hypocritical and pretentious, but I deeply admire you for saying that, Erlang."
He and Fang Jun were close friends and knew each other well, so he knew that Fang Jun was not lying. This guy always said "national interests are above all else," and he consistently acted on it. Outsiders only said that he manipulated power, was ambitious, arrogant, and reckless, but he knew that Fang Jun's character was something that most people in the world should look up to.
Fang Jun smiled and said, "To be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures is what we should do."
Li Tai was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed, "I am convinced! Erlang is truly a role model for us all! I cannot even begin to match your level of attainment. I am utterly humbled."
What kind of person, with a heart for the nation and a commitment to the country, could utter such words as "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures"?
It's not easy to say it, let alone that Fang Junzhen has been doing it all along!
It is no exaggeration to call him a great man of our time.
After chatting for a while, Li Tai asked Fang Jun for his opinion: "What strategy do you think we should use to deal with those Japanese nobles? Should we be lenient or ruthless? These people seem obedient and submissive, but in reality, they are still wild and untamed at heart."
Fang Jun nodded: "The Japanese are like this. So-called assimilation is very difficult. Their wolfish nature is rooted in their blood... So there is no need to be gentle or cruel. We can set up an official position that is only appointed to the Japanese, so that they have the power to govern all the Japanese in name, but the royal palace needs to supervise and control them."
Li Tai thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "Two peaches to kill three warriors?"
This is inciting the Japanese to kill each other!
Fang Jun took a sip of tea: "The Japanese are ruthless to outsiders, but they are prone to infighting. They can tolerate the rule of the Tang Dynasty, but they will never allow themselves to be ruled by their own people. Set up an official position, pick a person, and give him tasks such as collecting taxes and conscripting laborers. Let them fight among themselves. The king can just sit back and relax, and when the time is right, he can act as a wise ruler to clean up the mess."