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Because of the memorials submitted to the court by Zhang Bozhen, the governor of Henan, and Zheng Yicheng, the prefect of Luoyang, the public opinion environment faced by Prince Zhu Heyu also improved slightly again.

After all, Zhang Bozhen is a close disciple of the chief minister Zhou Shangjing, and Zheng Yicheng has just defected to Zhao Junchen. Due to various considerations, both Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen are currently leaning towards preserving the crown prince Zhu Heyu.

Therefore, Zhang Bozhen and Zheng Yicheng, under the instructions of their respective backstages, both took a stand in favor of Zhu Heyu. The contents of the memorials they submitted to the imperial court were all about avoiding the important and minimizing the importance, trying to excuse the prince Zhu Heyu.

According to what they said in the memorial, the bloody conflict between Prince Zhu Heyu and Prince Fu's Mansion was initiated by Prince Fu Zhu Citong, and then they all implicitly hinted that the death of Prince Fu's eldest son Zhu Hezeng was inseparable from Prince Fu's lineage.

, all the behaviors of Prince Zhu Heyu were forced, or were excessive and reckless, but they can be regarded as excusable...

As a result, the voices of various parties in the court criticizing Prince Zhu Heyu finally decreased slightly, and more voices began to speak for Prince Zhu Heyu.

Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing also felt that the pressure on his body was slightly relieved, and his mood also improved a little.

So, on the third day, Emperor Deqing had the leisure to pay another private visit incognito.

The destination of Emperor Deqing's private visit incognito is still the "Tongji Temple" where the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" are enshrined. There is also Zhang Daoquan, the "master of Taoism" in Emperor Deqing's mind!

Perhaps because he was focused on court affairs, Emperor Deqing has not seen "immortal fate" again these days, nor has he dreamed of anything related to gods, Buddhas, and saints. This situation made Emperor Deqing quite uneasy.

, was very worried that the opportunity brought by the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" had disappeared, so he couldn't help but go to the "Tongji Temple" again, hoping that Zhang Daoquan could give him some guidance.

But this time, Emperor Deqing only had his eunuch Zhang De and his horse supervisor Xu Sheng with him. He did not notify Zhao Junchen, let alone let him accompany him.

On the other side, after discovering that Emperor Deqing was visiting again, Zhang Daoquan naturally dropped everything he was doing to accompany him throughout the whole process. Not only did he accompany Emperor Deqing to visit the scenery and palaces of the "Tongji Temple", but he also introduced Emperor Deqing into his

In the practice room, I discussed Taoism with Emperor Deqing for nearly half an hour.

During this period, Zhang Daoquan still developed his mystique style to the extreme. He would act like a master at any time, always saying things that seemed mysterious and mysterious, but upon closer inspection, you would find that they had no practical significance.

It makes sense, but Emperor Deqing was already in trouble, so he believed it without any doubt.

Regarding Emperor Deqing's delay in encountering "immortal fate" again, Zhang Daoquan just advised Emperor Deqing to be patient, saying that everything was just a test from the immortal, which also made Emperor Deqing feel more at ease again.

The most surprising thing is that during the reign of Emperor Deqing, he even told Zhang Daoquan several difficult things in the temple, hoping that Zhang Daoquan could provide him with some opinions.

Of course, Emperor Deqing did not speak directly, but used metaphors. Taking the incident of Prince Zhu Heyu as an example, Emperor Deqing described it as "the son who was supposed to inherit the family business actually beat him."

The distant elders have not only caused dissatisfaction among the clan members, but also many criticisms from neighbors and friends."

Fortunately, although Zhang Daoquan was a genius and certainly not lacking in cleverness, he did not have much insight or great wisdom. After hearing Emperor Deqing's advice, he was completely unaware that his opinions would affect the situation in the temple.

What a huge impact.

Therefore, at this time, Zhang Daoquan was still only focused on maintaining his image as a Taoist master, and he only knew how to say some confusing "minor words and great righteousness". When Emperor Deqing pressed him for questioning, he just said, "The time has not come yet."

Or "you will understand it when you should understand it", and Emperor Deqing naturally gained nothing.

In this way, Emperor Deqing stayed in the "Tongji Temple" for more than an hour, listening to the great principles in his mind. He seemed to have gained a lot, but also seemed to have gained nothing. Sometimes he would suspect that his understanding was dull, but he was still successfully convinced by Zhang Daoquan.

After being fooled, he returned to the palace in a daze.

*

However, Zhang Daoquan moved outside the practice room and said goodbye to Emperor Deqing. Looking at the retreating figures of Emperor Deqing and others, he thought he had performed well and was looking relaxed. A proud smile flashed across his lips.

However, when Zhang Daoquan turned around and returned to the practice room, what he saw in front of him made his expression freeze.

Unexpectedly, just a few moments after he left the room to say goodbye to Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen appeared in the practice room like a ghost without any warning, and now he was sitting cross-legged on the futon where Emperor Deqing was sitting just now.

Go up and look at him with a smile but not a smile.

Seeing Zhao Junchen's sudden appearance, Zhang Daoquan was startled at first, and then seemed to think of something. His expression changed again, and he asked cautiously: "Zhao Junchen, you just... have been hiding in the secret room listening to me and

His Majesty’s talk?”

It turns out that when Zhao Junchen originally funded the construction of the "Tongji Temple", he had foreseen a situation similar to today, so he built another secret room in Zhang Daoquan's practice room.

At the same time, Zhao Junchen also made an unquestionable request to Zhang Daoquan, that is, if Zhang Daoquan wants to have private conversations with important figures in the government and the public in the future, he must move to this practice room. By then, Zhao Junchen's cronies will also

Hide in a secret room and be responsible for recording and observing.

It was precisely because of Zhao Junchen's original request that Zhang Daoquan deliberately chose this practice room when he was alone with Emperor Deqing today to talk about God and Taoism.

However, although Zhang Daoquan also knew that there was always someone in the darkroom, responsible for recording and observing, he never expected that this person was actually Zhao Junchen himself!

Hearing Zhang Daoquan's shocked inquiry, Zhao Junchen's expression remained unchanged and he said slowly: "Today is the first time that His Majesty has visited Tongji Temple alone. It is of great importance. Of course, I dare not neglect it. I will immediately hear the news."

I came in a hurry and listened carefully to the entire conversation between you and His Majesty... Your performance was very good. There were no mistakes or troubles. I am very satisfied."

Seeing that the satisfaction on Zhao Junchen's expression didn't seem to be fake, Zhang Daoquan couldn't help but feel relieved - his awe for Zhao Junchen was instinctive. Compared with Zhao Junchen, he felt even more when facing Emperor Deqing.

A little more relaxed.

Zhao Junchen took a serious look at Zhang Daoquan and was very satisfied with Zhang Daoquan's respectful attitude. Then he pointed to the futon in front of him and said again: "Sit down and talk. There are some things I wanted to talk to you about a few days ago.

It’s just that a lot of things have happened in the temple these days, and I couldn’t find time until today.”

Zhang Daoquan did not dare to be negligent, and immediately sat down carefully in front of Zhao Junchen, bowed his head and said: "I respectfully listen to Zhao Gechen's teachings."

Zhao Junchen smiled again and said leisurely: "I can't talk about teachings. I just hope that there are some things that can be discussed openly and have a deep heart-to-heart discussion."

After a pause, Zhao Junchen's tone suddenly became serious and he asked again: "The last time your Majesty and I visited the Tongji Temple, he expressed his intention to fund the construction of the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea' in various states and counties.

We need to build temples extensively, and even more, I have to entrust you with this lucrative job. You were obviously moved at the time, but because of my hints and coercion, you had to decline your majesty’s suggestion... Now I want you to say

To be honest, do you have any resentment in your heart about this matter?"

Zhang Daoquan was immediately startled, and hurriedly waved his hands and said: "How dare you have resentment in your heart? Everything you have is a gift from Zhao Gechen. Naturally, the villain can do whatever Zhao Gechen says..."

"Tell the truth!"

Zhao Junchen interrupted Zhang Daoquan's words with an aggravated tone.

Zhao Junchen rarely used such a serious tone, and Zhang Daoquan couldn't help but trembled with fright.

But in the end, after Zhang Daoquan hesitated and remained silent for a moment, he lowered his head and whispered: "Actually... the villain did have some resentment in his heart at that time!

Zhao Gechen, you understand the villain best. The villain has no other ambition in his life. He just hopes that "Tongji Temple" can become a major Buddhist and Taoist sect like Shangqing, Quanzhen, Zen, and Sanlunzong! And the villain himself has no other ambitions.

To be able to call one's clan the ancestor and become famous all over the world...

His Majesty originally proposed to build temples for the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" and let the "Tongji Temple" be responsible for the specific matters. After the "Three Saints of the South China Sea Temple" in various states and counties were built, it was equivalent to becoming a "Tongji Temple"

Branches, "Tongji Temple" can quickly be compared with Quanzhen, Shangqing, Zen, Sanlunzong and other major sects, and the villain's ambition can be quickly realized...

However, just because you, Zhao Gechen, kept glaring at the villain with such terrifying eyes that he was so frightened that the villain had to politely reject your majesty's suggestion. The villain finally waited for the opportunity to realize his ambition, but it was shattered immediately.

So... even though I know that you, Zhao Gechen, must have a deeper meaning, I still can't help but feel a little resentful."

After patiently listening to Zhang Daoquan's complaint, Zhao Junchen nodded lightly and said, "Oh? Just some resentment? Not resentment? This situation is better than I imagined."

Zhang Daoquan was startled again, and hurriedly waved his hands and said: "It is a big mistake for a villain to have some resentment against Zhao Gechen. How can he dare to resent Zhao Gechen... Absolutely not, even if I borrow ten thousand courage from this villain.

dare!"

That being said, only Zhang Daoquan knows whether his true emotions are "resentment" or "resentment."

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, as if he believed Zhang Daoquan's explanation, and his attitude became gentler, and he said slowly: "That's right, open the sky and speak openly, speak your mind clearly, and there will be fewer misunderstandings between everyone!

Otherwise, you always think that I am deliberately stumbling upon you to prevent you from realizing your ambitions, and I always think that you have hidden resentment and two minds in your heart, and the estrangement will appear, and then we will gradually drift away, and it will be very difficult in the future.

If we can no longer cooperate... we might even turn against each other and become a life-or-death situation."

Zhao Junchen's tone was gentle, but after hearing the four words "life or death", Zhang Daoquan was startled again, and his body couldn't help but tremble.

Normally, the word "life or death" means "one of us will die," but Zhang Daoquan believes that what Zhao Junchen said at this moment, "life or death", means literally - you die, I live!

However, before Zhang Daoquan could explain again, Zhao Junchen waved his hand to interrupt and continued: "You just said that the reason why I forced you to refuse to build the temple had a deeper meaning. This idea is not wrong.

!

Let me ask you, you have always hoped that Tongji Temple can become a major Buddhist and Taoist sect such as Quanzhen, Shangqing, Zen, and Sanlunzong. But have you ever thought about Quanzhen, Shangqing, Zen, and Sanlun?

Why can major Buddhist sects like the Lun Sect achieve the scale and momentum they have today? Is it because they have so many followers? Or is it because they have so many temples?”

Zhang Daoquan was stunned again, and after hesitating for a long time he replied: "The villain believes that a wide spread of believers and a large number of temples are both indispensable."

Zhao Junchen looked disappointed, as if he was very dissatisfied with Zhang Daoquan's short-sightedness, and then he put on a patient look and said: "You're wrong, you have completely reversed the cause and effect! The spread of believers and the numerous temples are just these Buddhist and Taoist masterpieces.

It is the result of the success of the sect, not the reason for their success! It was only after these Buddhist and Taoist sects successfully gained recognition from all walks of life of the government and the public that they have such a wide spread of believers and numerous temples as they do today. But why do you think they can successfully gain the recognition of all walks of life of the government and the public?

Agree?"

Zhao Junchen's usual method - if you want to successfully persuade a person, you must keep the person in a state of doubt, and then take the opportunity to instill his own point of view. It can be said that it has been tried and tested repeatedly.

Now Zhang Daoquan was deeply in a state of doubt. After thinking seriously for a moment, he asked hesitantly: "Is it because their teachings are profound?"

But the next moment, Zhang Daoquan shook his head and personally rejected this inference.

As a genius, he knows very well that the teachings of each sect do not have much practical significance to the majority of ordinary believers. The vast majority of believers cannot distinguish the differences between the various sects of Buddhism and Taoism. However, this situation will not

It prevents believers from worshiping gods and Buddhas and donating incense.

Seeing that Zhang Daoquan could not find the correct answer for a while, Zhao Junchen quickly gave the answer: "Actually, I have already told you the answer. The reason why these major Buddhist sects can achieve success is because they have gained support from all walks of life in the government and the public.

recognition!

It is precisely because they have gained recognition from all walks of life in the government and the public that even if the forces in the government and the public will not take the initiative to assist them, they will not deliberately make things difficult for them, let alone add insult to injury when they are in trouble!

In this way, these great sects of Buddhism and Taoism can be passed down smoothly. Regardless of Shangqing, Quanzhen, Zen, or Sanlunzong, they have all lasted for hundreds of thousands of years! With such a long inheritance time, they can
To be continued...