Linzhi

He Rong knocked him on the head: "I have been thinking about gifts all day long, when did I think about your third brother?"

He Zhan groaned: "If I don't miss you, why did I come here without even returning home? Even with this beating, it seems that you have to give me a big gift for my birthday this year, in order to make up for my physical and mental problems." traumatized."

As soon as he came here, his mood seemed to become more relaxed. If it was like the situation in the palace just now, He Zhan definitely didn't have the intention to joke.

But He Rong's eyesight is so sharp that he can see his strangeness at a glance.

"What, have something on your mind?"

Although Xue Tan, Yang Jun and the others were not outsiders, He Zhan didn't want to bring the family affairs here, so he shook his head and smiled: "Maybe I came all the way on horseback, I was a little tired, and my father asked about the fourth brother again. "

He Rong frowned: "What's wrong with Shiro? He won't come back?"

After guessing correctly, He Zhan sighed: "The fourth brother said that he would travel to famous mountains and rivers, seek out famous teachers to practice, left a book and left. When my father heard about it, he was almost thrown into a rage."

He originally thought that He Rong would reprimand him for nonsense, but the latter smiled casually: "This seems like something Shiro would do."

Xue Tan also sighed: "Your Majesty is about to ascend the throne, and Shiro is about to make a further step, but he is willing to let go of the sky and wealth to go the way he wants to go. How many people in the world can do this kind of great wisdom?"

Yang Jun shook his head, and said honestly, "If you put it on me, I think I can't do it."

He Zhan was a little funny, his father and elder brother were so angry that they felt that the fourth brother was ignorant, but on the side of the third brother Xue Tan and the others, it was a different story.

Xue Tan: "Actually, Mr. Silang retreating bravely is not necessarily a bad thing. Although the rebellion has been captured now, the situation in Chang'an is changing, and this is just the beginning. Rather than being involved inexplicably, it is better to retreat earlier to gain a brighter future."

Now Xue Tan is temporarily acting as Shangshu in name, but if there is no accident, when the new emperor ascends the throne, his code name will be removed soon. Everyone knows that he was single-handedly promoted by He Rong, and he does not shy away from it. Still getting close to He Rong.

He Zhan found that his brothers had unknowingly gathered around his brothers.

For example, the eldest brother He Mu, his identity is there, and He Tai faintly revealed his intention to appoint him as the reserve in the future, so many people will naturally come to him; the second brother He Xiu, from the conversation in the palace just now It seems that if He Xiu wants to have a long-term relationship with He Mu, he will definitely start to pay attention to winning people's hearts. Among other things, his father-in-law's family, the British Gong Lu family, although not as good as Zhou Ying and Zhang Song's family of generations, But it can also be called the founder of the country. With the Lu family taking the lead, it is not difficult for He Xiu to find her supporters.

As for the third elder brother He Rong, although his background is relatively weak compared to others, and he does not have a capable mother's family, but because of this, those who are willing to get close to him are either Xue Tan, Chen Qian, Gao Shi, and him. Born to die, he was single-handedly picked up by him, with the kindness of knowing you, or like Yang Jun, who went through adversity with him and shared long-term mutual benefits.

Although there are relatively few such people around He Rong now, except for Xue Tan, most of them have no power and status, but such people are often more attractive than followers who are attracted by their status and want to get more benefits from each other. reliable.

What about yourself?

He Zhan thought of his fourth brother He Xi, who might have been faintly aware of this and didn't want to get involved, so he would rather run away from him at the risk of being scolded by his father.

……

He Xi sneezed.

He never expected that in the mind of his fifth younger brother He Zhan, he had already become an expert who could see opportunities and avoid disasters.

At this moment, with his eyes wide open and his mouth wide open, he looked at the benevolent old monk like a frog that couldn't breathe.

Then he sneezed, and the saliva flew all over the old monk's face.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, old mage, I didn't mean it!" He Xi hurriedly apologized.

"It doesn't matter." The old monk calmly raised his sleeves and wiped his face, "Since the benefactor congratulates himself on cultivating, what's the difference between going to the Buddha or to the Tao?"

He Xi: "No, no, this difference is too big, at least you don't need to shave your hair to enter the Tao!"

The old monk looked at him sympathetically: "Three thousand threads of troubles, why not shave them off? Congratulations to the benefactor, who has a handsome face and a relationship with the Buddha. Afterwards, he has learned Buddhism to a superb place. His heart is like glass, clear inside and outside, with or without hair. In terms of form, there is no need to be persistent."

Is this a compliment for his good looks?He Xi was delighted.

"To tell you the truth, I have long heard that the Taoist sect has the technique of talismans to exorcise evil spirits, and I yearn for it, so I want to enter the Tao."

The old monk said: "Although there are no talismans in Buddhism, there are mantra blessings and boundless magic power. Our Tiantai sect also has unique martial arts. Unfortunately, there are few people who are destined to learn the essence. The sect is dying day by day, so that no one can inherit the unique knowledge. .”

Seeing He Xi's expression of obvious disbelief, he said to the young monk, "Ming Chen, show Master He a few moves."

The little monk clasped his hands together: "Master, I can't use it inside the room, so I'll go outside."

The old monk nodded slightly: "Yes."

He Xi was full of curiosity, really wanted to see what the little monk could show, so he followed him out.

I saw the little monk Ming Chen jumping directly to the edge of the well, it was covered with moss and extremely slippery, He Xi broke into a cold sweat for him, but Ming Chen used his toes on the edge of the well to follow Leaping up, he jumped directly onto the roof, stood firmly again, raised his palms and retracted his fists, his body shape changed, and in a blink of an eye, he performed a set of flowing fists on the roof, jumping and moving, unexpectedly, not even a single brick fell off When he got down, the little monk kicked up his feet and punched down, vigorously, but his body was as light as a butterfly. After performing a set of boxing techniques, he jumped directly to the ground without using any strength, and landed firmly, holding his fists and standing still.

"Okay!" He Xi clapped vigorously, applauding with the vigor of watching a sideshow in Chang'an West City.

"The poor monk is showing his ugliness." There was no trace of arrogance on the young monk's face, and he was still as stable as Mount Tai.

"Dare to ask Master, how long will it take me to be as powerful as Ming Chen?" He Xi was really tempted.

The old monk said: "The benefactor's bones are strange. Although he is a bit old, if he is willing to work hard, he will soon reach Ming Chen's skill."

He Xi was a little hesitant: "Then I don't know if the mage's disciples also accept lay disciples?"

He was really reluctant to part with this "worry thread", and he was even more afraid that one day he would be beaten up by his father when he went back.

The old monk shook his head and said with regret: "Our martial arts can't be passed on to the outside world, and it can't be taught to non-real monks."

He Xi: "Then, then I'll think about it..."

The old monk sighed: "To tell you the truth, the old monk has run out of oil and lamps, and there are not many days left. If you congratulate the benefactor, if you are willing to enter my Buddhist gate as soon as possible, the old monk can give you some pointers, so that you can get a glimpse of the secret realm of Juexue as soon as possible."

He Xi was dubious: "The old mage is hale and hearty, not inferior to me."

The old monk smiled wryly: "Master congratulations, guess how old I am?"

He Xi: "Seventy?"

The old monk shook his head.

He Xi: "Eighty?"

The old monk said nothing.

Ming Chen couldn't help but said: "Master will be one hundred this year."

He Xi opened his mouth wide: "I didn't expect the old mage to live such a long life!"

The old monk's expression was gloomy: "No matter how long the life expectancy is, the old man has made no contribution to Buddhism in his life, and now he is about to let go, leaving Mingchen alone, who is still young, and he was born in the mountains since he was a child. If you don't know anything, how can I feel at ease?"

"Master..." Ming Chen's eyes turned red, his mouth was pursed, he was about to cry or not, and he didn't regain his heroism just now.

The old monk rubbed the top of his head: "As soon as the teacher leaves, you can go down the mountain. Our Yutai Temple is hopeless to recover. Why does the teacher let you bear the heavy burden alone?"

With tears in his eyes, Ming Chen tugged on the old monk's sleeve, both pitiful and cute.

He Xi scratched his head: "Why don't you follow me, I will take good care of you."

"I'm not going anywhere, I want to guard Yutai Temple, and I want to accompany Master!" Ming Chen shook his head vigorously, tears streaming down his face.

The old monk sighed: "It is impossible to revitalize Yutai Temple by you alone. The benefactor congratulates the Buddha originally. If he can enter my Buddhist school, he will be able to carry forward the Buddhist teachings and make the Buddhist school great in the future. Unfortunately, he is not willing. We can't." It is difficult for the strong!"

He Xi's heart broke, and he blurted out: "Actually, it's not that I don't want to!"

The old monk said softly: "Buddhism is not what you want, and there is no reason to force it. The donor has a noble face and a kind heart. He is a blessed person. If you don't want it, you don't have to force it. Otherwise, even if you force yourself to become a monk in the future, you will eventually return to the vulgar. "

He Xi: "To tell you the truth, Master, I have decided to leave the world of mortals, but I haven't decided whether to practice Taoism or Buddhism before. Now I came here by accident, and I met you master and disciple again. It can be seen that God's will is so, why should I bother?" Against the sky?"

Old monk: "So, the donor has made up his mind?"

He Xi: "The determination is made!"

The old monk stared at him for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright then. My Dharma name is Qingjing, and I am the former brother Qingshen of the Tiantai Temple of Tiantai Sect. If you worship me, you will be the same generation as the current abbot of Tiantai Temple."

So your seniority is quite high?He Xi was amazed in his heart.

The old monk said: "When I was young, I ran away from the temple because I didn't agree with Qingshen's ideas, and I never went back. Yutai Temple is simple and crude, and all kinds of magic tools are missing. The largest temple on Shaoshi Mountain is Shaolin Temple. I will take you to the Shaolin Temple again, let you officially become a teacher, perform the ceremony of shaving and accepting precepts, and these days, you should follow me to study Buddhism first, and then let Mingchen lay the foundation of martial arts for you."

He Xi responded, and imitated Ming Chen again, clasping his hands together in a similar manner.

The old monk smiled slightly.

"Mingchen."

"The disciple is here."

The old monk said: "Go and serve a bowl of porridge for the teacher. This porridge is too watery, and I really can't get enough."

He Xi looked at the empty bowl in front of him. Although the porridge was indeed very watery, he couldn't finish it even after drinking three bowls. This old monk, ah no, it was his new master, who actually drank five bowls , And said you are not full?

"..." He suddenly felt like he was on a pirate ship.

Is it too late to disembark now?

……

"Goro."

He Zhan came back to his senses, saw He Rong, Xue Tan and the others were all looking at him, only then realized that he had been running wild just now, and couldn't help coughing lightly: "Sorry, what did you just say?"

He Rong: "If you are too tired, go back and rest first, we are just sitting around and chatting."

He Zhan said with a smile: "I'm not tired. I'm in Luoyang, and I can't find anyone to chat with. Ji Ling spends his days in surveying and mapping, or he just looks for opportunities to talk to Wen Jiang. The fourth brother always runs out. Now that I'm back in Chang'an, I hear you chatting. It really felt like coming home and meeting friends.”

Everyone was familiar with him, and he didn't need to hold his posture anymore, so he simply adjusted to a more comfortable and casual sitting posture, next to He Rong, leaning his body behind the pillar.

Gao Changning asked someone to bring two cushions so that He Zhan could rest on his back.

Xue Tan: "We just talked about the temple name of the first emperor this time."

He Zhan: "I heard that Taizong is the final choice?"

Xue Tan nodded: "Actually, there is a different reason here. The late emperor was the second emperor of the dynasty, and the temple name was originally set to be Taizong, but later Zhou Xiang discussed with Zhang Shangshu and believed that your majesty was supported by the late emperor, so he must admire the late emperor." It's very deep, maybe you want to give the first emperor a temple name that exceeds the standard, so everyone first suppressed the temple names, and proposed three, Zhongzong, Chengzong, and Ruizong, for His Majesty to choose, and then follow His Majesty's wishes and retire. One step, to set Taizong, His Majesty will naturally not object."

He Rong said: "Prime Minister Zhou is mature enough to seek the country, so it can be said that he has figured out his father's thoughts thoroughly."

Xue Tan: "But this matter was only heard in private. They didn't mention it in front of me, but I can't report it to His Majesty."

He Rong nodded: "It doesn't matter if you don't say anything, the enthronement ceremony has not yet been officially held, and one more thing is worse than one less thing, but this incident also revealed a message to us."

Xue Tan understood what he meant: "The first emperor used the imperial examinations to suppress the aristocratic clan, but he did not completely abolish the system of the aristocratic nomination of virtuous persons and family shadows, so that half of the officials in the court were still controlled by the aristocratic clan. In the face of many common interests, they would naturally join forces Become one, form an alliance, and fight against the imperial power."

He Rong: "Even if the meritocracy system and family shadow system are abolished, it will be useless. In the short term, the inheritance of wealth and talents possessed by the family is destined to stand out in the imperial examination. Those who are useless like Zhang Ze can only go to the imperial army to dawdle. After all, they are a minority. There are many talents in the aristocratic family. One or two are incompetent, and they can always produce truly talented children. In this dynasty, there are only Ji Cuo and Cheng Yue who are worthy of titles, and they are all generals. Like you, Yushen, although your family is not a powerful family, but your ancestors were officials in the previous dynasty, and they are all generals. Having been a scholar for many generations, and the family has surplus money, it can't be said that they are really poor."

Xue Tan sighed: "That's right. When I entered school, my teacher was a distant relative of my family. The teacher later came from the same family as the Zhou family in Yixing. He originally only accepted Zhou's children. It is said that the ancestor was Xue Zhou, a famous minister of the former court, so he made an exception to admit me and my younger brother, otherwise, we two brothers really cannot guarantee to worship a famous teacher and pass the Jinshi examination."

Yang Jun was engrossed in hearing this, and couldn't help asking: "Sanlang, do you want to speak to His Majesty and promote a poor family?"