"Master Marquis, the poor monk has arranged a place for you. Please move to the dormitory to rest."
The old abbot came to the stone pavilion. His respectful look did not look like the abbot of a temple at all, but more like a colleague of Eunuch Gao. Li Mu and Li Siwen, their mouths were full of oil after eating, and there was a bag of meat piled next to them.
Damn, this is a bit indecent in this pure place of Buddhism. Li Mu himself felt embarrassed, but the old abbot didn't care at all, as if he couldn't see it, and still smiled happily.
"This... we'll take care of it later,"
"It doesn't matter, there are monks who are responsible for cleaning it up," the old abbot said thoughtfully: "The monks in this temple will chant sutras and pray for salvation. When cleaning up, they can help the Marquis perform a ritual ceremony for the dead chicken, so that the Marquis and the dead chicken can be protected.
This benefactor begets no sin."
Li Siwen couldn't hold back his laughter and said, "Brother, the old abbot is a wonderful man and sensible. I like him!"
Li Mu frowned slightly. When they met twice, the old abbot's attitude changed so much that he couldn't help but think about it. When they met for the first time, he didn't even greet him. Although there was no verbal conflict, his attitude was enough to be called
It was rude, but this time he had a humble attitude. Not only did he send people over early to express his willingness to help with disaster relief, but he was also willing to use the grain stored in Baima Temple to supply the city. In a 180-degree turn, people were dismayed.
I don't doubt whether there is any conspiracy behind this.
But no matter what the conspiracy was, Li Mu believed that he was still under control. Mrs. Lu had already left Chang'an and her whereabouts had not been hidden. The secret guards' spies had been watching the group leave Luoyang. As soon as Mrs. Lu left, Luoyang City
Li Mu didn't pay any attention to the remaining herd of cattle and horses.
Thinking of this, Li Mu smiled and said, "I've come to White Horse Temple twice to bother you, but I still don't know the name of the abbot. Can you tell me?"
The old abbot hurriedly said: "I have long forgotten my worldly name as a monk. My Buddhist name is Deyan. I followed my master to White Horse Temple when I was a teenager. I took over the post of abbot at the age of forty-four. It has been twenty years now."
Li Mu nodded slightly, but felt strange in his heart. When Changsun Chong planned to deal with Ci'en Temple, he had collected information from Buddhist leaders. This master, that famous person, and the abbot of White Horse Temple must be among them, but why didn't he remember hearing about it?
Deyan’s name? I’ve never heard of anyone mentioning it. Isn’t White Horse Temple the first temple in the Central Plains and the largest Buddhist scripture translation site? Isn’t it so unpretentious?
"Please follow me." Abbot Deyan personally acted as a guide and led Li Mu and others to the dormitories where pilgrims live in the temple. Li Mu had seen the dormitories in Ci'en Temple before. They were luxurious and the materials were all made of fine wood.
, the running water does not rot the door hinges, and even the inner courtyard of the palace cannot reach such quality. The dormitories in the White Horse Temple seem much ordinary in comparison. Although the wood is also good, the quality is low.
It's more than one level worse.
And I don’t know if it’s a special design, but Li Mu always feels that the wood looks different in color? It’s a beam with two colors, and it doesn’t seem to be the same kind of wood. Li Mu is also an ‘intermediate’
Carpenter', I couldn't help but take a few more glances.
"I have wronged you tonight, Lord Marquis, so I will take a rest here." Abbot Deyan said the Buddha's name and held his hands as a gift. Seeing Li Mu looking at the beam, he did not say anything, but waited patiently.
When Li Mu heard the sound, he realized that Abbot Deyan was looking at him. He was a little embarrassed and said, "I'm sorry, Abbot Haihan." Since he had already discovered it, there was no need to hide it. Li Mu pointed at him.
Daliang said: "This is..."
"As the Marquis saw, it was made by splicing together." Abbot Deyan admitted frankly without any covering up. Li Mu couldn't help but give the old monk a high look. Everyone in the world covered up their shortcomings and showed their strengths. The temple was like this.
Everyone who grows a place is proud of its grandeur and splendor. The use of spliced wood is mostly covered up, but he admitted it openly. Li Mu couldn't help but wonder if this old monk wanted to cry out for poverty and brought me here specially.
Is this a dormitory?
Seemingly seeing Li Mu's doubts, Abbot Deyan smiled and said: "I can guess a little bit of what the Marquis is thinking. As the Marquis has seen, many of the woods used in this dormitory are spliced.
.And it’s not just this row of dormitories. Except for a few main halls, most of the wood used in the rest of the temple is spliced. You see, these slightly charred woods are all from the main halls that were damaged due to wars during the turmoil in the late Sui Dynasty.
Beams and pillars, whatever can be used, are used."
"Ah, I understand, remembering the bitter and remembering the sweet." As for feelings, as a person who has traveled through time, Li Mu can understand this emotion. He had a faint feeling of what the old monk was going to say, and quickly changed the subject.
The old monk's nose was almost crooked, and he corrected him: "It's because I have no money!" Before Li Mu could say anything, the old monk directly showed his cards and said: "Master Hou, I might as well say it straight. On the ground in Luoyang, I can be considered to have some points.
Bo Mian, if the Marquis agrees to assist the White Horse Temple in the future, I am willing to seek refuge with the Marquis, but the Marquis will follow his lead."
Li Mu; "..."
Li Mu was really shocked, what the hell is this old monk? He is worldly like a street gangster, what kind of inexplicable words are he saying, "take refuge"? Why do I want a monk to take refuge in? Just when he was about to refuse, Li Mu stopped when he spoke.
He came down. He looked the old monk up and down and said, "As a Buddhist, is it inappropriate for the abbot to be so worldly?"
The old monk showed a self-deprecating smile and said: "I don't dare to deceive the Marquis. My long-cherished wish in life is not to be a monk. Being the abbot now is not what I want in my heart, but a promise to the master. If the White Horse Temple cannot be restored to its former glory,
Due to this situation, I cannot return to secular life in this life. Originally, it was not my turn to be the abbot, but unfortunately all my brothers and sisters of the same generation died one after another. I am the only one who is the oldest, and I can’t do it unless I do it——"
As if the conversation started, the old monk couldn't hold it anymore: "Restore the past of White Horse Temple? It's easier said than done. Can you see the ruins of the old site of White Horse Temple? It is twice as wide as today's White Horse Temple.
If there is more than enough, I would like to think, where does the money come from? How much income can I make by relying on a few monks in the temple?"
"When it was most glorious, White Horse Temple would hold a Bible translation conference every year. Later, in order to save money, Lao Na also had it abolished. Because of this incident, it also angered some Buddhist sages, and one or two of them broke up with White Horse Temple.
Come and go, Amitabha, Buddha, is there no money to hold a scripture translation conference? Those bald donkeys didn’t even eat or drink for ten days and a half. The White Horse Temple is no longer what it used to be. How can there be rice and noodles for them to eat and drink for free?
?”
It was strange to hear the monk scolding the bald donkey. Li Mu couldn't help laughing and said: "So you asked Mrs. Lu to hold your thigh? So, Mrs. Lu is your sponsor of White Horse Temple? Since she is yours
Fund owner, why did you come to me again?"
The old monk smiled and said: "Master Hou, I don't tell lies in front of wise people. I have lived for more than sixty years, and I still have a good eye for seeing people. Master Hou, the heaven is full, the pavilion is round, the stars, eyebrows and sword eyes are outstanding, and the temperament is extraordinary.
It is also the right way to win the trust and reliance of His Majesty. On the other hand, although Mrs. Lu has certain talents, she is inevitably suspected of being a bit evil. The poor monk is not stupid, so he naturally knows how to choose."
Of course Li Mu was not stupid, so he would not be fooled by these few words. He watched quietly as Abbot Deyan did not express his position. Deyan waited for a while and finally spoke again, saying: "Master Hou, I heard about Ci'en."
Things about the temple.”
"Want to make an exception? Impossible."
"I definitely don't want to be an exception." Abbot Deyan hurriedly denied: "On the contrary, I want to stand up and support the Marquis's new policy and set an example for Buddhism in the world." He pointed to the splicing place on the beams and columns and said:
"Look, Lord Marquis, how simple our White Horse Temple is. It is very different from the likes of Ci'en Temple. Buddhism encourages people to do good, and Buddhist disciples also wholeheartedly follow Buddhism. However, there are some moths like the monks of Ci'en Temple, which ruin the reputation of Buddhism.
, will arouse His Majesty’s anger and the people’s resentment, please give me a clear warning from the Marquis.”
Li Mu suddenly realized that this old monk had big plans. Not only did he want money, but he also wanted fame. Over the years, Baima Temple has lost its position as the leader in Buddhism because of its poverty, and was replaced by Ci'en Temple. Today, it is
Ci'en Temple suffered a disaster, so he wanted to take the opportunity to regain his reputation and status. This man's vision and sense of smell are both first-class.
Li Mu could only believe half of what the old monk said, but Li Mu was a little interested in the old monk's suggestion.
After resolving the locust plague, Li Mu's reputation in the hearts of the people was at its peak. However, the antagonism and contradiction between him and the merchants became increasingly prominent. Although there was nothing to fear, the merchants would be fine without their backbone. But Li Mu wanted to do something.
Yes, we have to count on these merchants to contribute money and effort. But the current situation is so awkward for both parties. It is impossible for Li Mu to show his kindness first, and the merchants also feel that Li Mu will definitely hold a grudge and dare not appear in front of him again.
.If there are no steps on both sides, nothing can be done.
But Deyan has been the abbot of Baima Temple for many years. There is no one he doesn’t know inside and outside the city of Luoyang. If he can lead the way, wouldn’t there be steps? As long as there are steps, everything will be fine.
Done, there is no need to explain many things that are tacitly understood, smart people know how to do them.
Judging from the immediate benefits, not to mention the future, Li Mu will not suffer any loss from cooperating with Deyan.
Li Mu cleared his throat and said: "Although the locust plague has passed, my road construction project has also been delayed. I promised in front of Your Majesty that before the first snow, the road from Chang'an to Luoyang will be smooth, but now it has been delayed for many days.
, I'm afraid it will be difficult to do. If anyone can help me complete this matter..." Li Mu clicked his tongue and said, "Old abbot, what do you think?"
"Ah..." Deyan showed a clear look and said solemnly: "Don't worry, Mr. Hou, I will take care of this matter for Mr. Hou."
"That's very good. I'm waiting for the good news." After a pause, Li Mu added: "When the locust plague is over, I will start a memorial to Your Majesty to commend those who helped during the disaster. The old abbot was so enthusiastic.
It will definitely be on the list.”
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
The two of them smiled tacitly, and the old monk resigned. Li Mu smiled and went to sleep peacefully.
…
The next day, the old monk called on the monks to dig cellars for storing potatoes. Li Mu asked Dugujiu to arrange for people to watch here. Then he said goodbye to Abbot Deyan and took Li Siwen back to Luoyang City.
This was not the first time that Li Siwen came to Luoyang. When he was young, he had lived in Luoyang City for several months. He was familiar with the main places and knew the way everywhere. On the other hand, Li Mu mostly took a carriage back and forth, and the driver knew the way.
He doesn't necessarily know. He can find only a few of the more famous places, the North and South Markets, but he's almost blind to mention the others.
Back at the house, Li Siwen first went to see his sister-in-law and presented the gift prepared by his wife Qin Yu for Bai Qiaoqiao, and then returned to the lobby to find Li Mu. "That's very good. I'm waiting for the good news." There was a pause.
After a while, Li Mu said again: "When this locust plague is over, I will start a memorial to Your Majesty to commend those who helped during the disaster. The old abbot is so enthusiastic, and he will definitely appear on the list when the time comes."
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
The two of them smiled tacitly, and the old monk resigned. Li Mu smiled and went to sleep peacefully.
…
The next day, the old monk called on the monks to dig cellars for storing potatoes. Li Mu asked Dugujiu to arrange for people to watch here. Then he said goodbye to Abbot Deyan and took Li Siwen back to Luoyang City.
This was not the first time that Li Siwen came to Luoyang. When he was young, he had lived in Luoyang City for several months. He was familiar with the main places and knew the way everywhere. On the other hand, Li Mu mostly took a carriage back and forth, and the driver knew the way.
He doesn't necessarily know. He can find only a few of the more famous places, the North and South Markets, but he's almost blind to mention the others.
Back at the house, Li Siwen first went to see his sister-in-law and presented the gift prepared by his wife Qin Yu for Bai Qiaoqiao, and then returned to the lobby to find Li Mu. "That's very good. I'm waiting for the good news." There was a pause.
After a while, Li Mu said again: "When this locust plague is over, I will start a memorial to Your Majesty to commend those who helped during the disaster. The old abbot is so enthusiastic, and he will definitely appear on the list when the time comes."
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
The two of them smiled tacitly, and the old monk resigned. Li Mu smiled and went to sleep peacefully.
…
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
The two of them smiled tacitly, and the old monk resigned. Li Mu smiled and went to sleep peacefully.
The next day, the old monk called on the monks to dig cellars for storing potatoes. Li Mu asked Dugujiu to arrange for people to watch here. Then he said goodbye to Abbot Deyan and took Li Siwen back to Luoyang City.
This was not the first time that Li Siwen came to Luoyang. When he was young, he had lived in Luoyang City for several months. He was familiar with the main places and knew the way everywhere. On the other hand, Li Mu mostly took a carriage back and forth, and the driver knew the way.
He doesn't necessarily know. He can find only a few of the more famous places, the North and South Markets, but he's almost blind to mention the others.
After returning to the mansion, Li Siwen first met with his sister-in-law and presented the gift prepared by his wife Qin Yu for Bai Qiaoqiao, and then returned to the lobby to find Li Mu.