Chapter 161: Seeking Guidance
Chapter 161: Seeking Guidance
As the future matriarch of a great family, Lady Mu quickly regained her composure after understanding the situation.
There was still a chance to turn things around…
Hadn’t the Xu Family invited the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation to offer birthday blessings?
Hah… This little villain was showing off his meager skills before experts, thinking his shallow knowledge of Daoist Studies could deceive the Grand Empress Dowager.
All she needed was…
Once she had a plan in mind, Lady Mu instantly restored her calm and confidence, and her pale face regained a hint of color.
She forced a smile, glanced at Fang Jifan, then looked at the Grand Empress Dowager. She bowed to the Grand Empress Dowager and said, “Your Highness, speaking of Daoist Studies, Your Subject also invited a Perfected Master to offer birthday blessings. This master is a renowned scholar from Jiangnan—the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation. It took some effort to invite him here. Your Highness, the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation is in poor health, and his long journey here was truly difficult.”
The Realized Master of Dharma Propagation… Liu Tianzheng…
Among those present, anyone who revered Daoist Studies reacted with slight changes in expression upon hearing the name Liu Tianzheng, the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation.
Indeed, since the Duke of Wei’s Residence had gone to great lengths to celebrate the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday, how could they possibly bring some random nobody to expound scriptures to her?
This Realized Master of Dharma Propagation was one of the most famous Perfected Masters in Jiangnan. It was no exaggeration to say he was erudite in both ancient and modern learning. His scriptural studies inherited the true teachings of the Perfected Masters from Dragon Tiger Mountain, and he had authored several highly sought-after scriptures.
Moreover, among the eighty-one temples of Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Zhengyi Temple stood as the foremost. Among all Zhengyi Taoism temples in the world, the Zhengyi Temple naturally surpassed all others.
It was said that when the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation was forty years old, the Celestial Master Mansion appointed him as the head of the Zhengyi Temple, showing just how exceptional he was.
Now nearly seventy, he lived a secluded life in the mountains. Even the current Celestial Master found it difficult to invite him for ordinary rituals. There were even rumors that last year he fell seriously ill and nearly passed away.
Despite his frail health and revered status, no one expected the Duke of Wei’s Residence to have invited him to the Capital.
Due to the influence of the Chenghua Emperor, many noble families in the Capital revered Daoist Studies, so they had all heard of this Realized Master of Dharma Propagation. They were surprised to learn he was now in the Capital, and many Mingfu couldn’t help but feel excited.
The Duke of Wei’s Residence had indeed accurately gauged the Grand Empress Dowager’s preferences.
With this trump card played, the Grand Empress Dowager’s earlier displeasure instantly vanished. She couldn’t help but say, “Is it Liu Tianzheng, Perfected Master Liu? This humble one has long heard that he held Daoist rites at the Zhengyi Temple on Dragon Tiger Mountain and taught scriptural studies. This humble one has also read his scriptures. Although this humble one is dull-witted and does not fully grasp their meaning, one can still sense the depth of his Daoist Studies. Who would have thought he has come to the Capital?”
“Exactly.” Lady Mu, eager to redeem herself, felt a surge of joy upon seeing the Grand Empress Dowager’s interest.
She glanced sideways at Fang Jifan, thinking to herself, With your limited skills, once the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation arrives, you will be put in your place. The Grand Empress Dowager is an elderly lady and was easily taken in by your tricks, but as soon as the Perfected Master arrives, your shallow knowledge will be exposed.
“Your Subject has already invited him to the Meridian Gate, awaiting Your Highness’s summons.” She smiled, then looked at Fang Jifan and said, “Your Subject heard that Young Master Fang is also acquainted with Daoist Studies. How wonderful. When the Perfected Master arrives, we can invite the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation to exchange insights with Young Master Fang.”
The Grand Empress Dowager was delighted to hear that the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation had come. “This humble one has only heard of Perfected Master Liu’s name but never met him. Today, this humble one would very much like to hear his teachings. Quickly, invite Perfected Master Liu inside.”
Fang Jifan was not the least bit flustered upon hearing that Lady Mu wanted to bring some so-called Perfected Master to spar with him. Instead, he smiled faintly. Women… what a hassle. You just won’t let it go…
Fortunately, he wasn’t afraid of any challenges or exchanges. After all, he was young. If he lost, so what? Was it shameful to lose to a revered Perfected Master?
However, this woman’s smugness, thinking she had invited a Perfected Master, was truly annoying. Damn it, if it weren’t for the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration today, he would have shown her his Brain Illness.
Eunuchs swiftly went to the Meridian Gate to invite the Perfected Master into the palace.
The Mingfu in the hall fell silent, holding their breaths as they waited, eager to catch a glimpse of the renowned Realized Master of Dharma Propagation from Jiangnan.
Seizing the opportunity, Lady Mu said, “Your Highness, this Realized Master of Dharma Propagation is now regarded as the number one Perfected Master in the world. His mastery of Daoist Studies is profound, unlike those common charlatans who swindle and deceive…”
Hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager found Lady Mu even more detestable. She clearly understood what Lady Mu was trying to do.
She glanced at Fang Jifan out of the corner of her eye. Fang Jifan wore a smiling expression, as if he hadn’t detected the sarcasm and barbs in Lady Mu’s words.
This… was nothing but a fool.
Young people, unaware of the dangers of the world. Others were mocking and insulting you, yet here you were, still grinning.
This inadvertently stirred a sliver of sympathy in the Grand Empress Dowager’s heart for Fang Jifan.
This child suffered from a Brain Illness and lost his mother at a young age. How pitiable…
She didn’t rebuke Lady Mu, maintaining a slight smile on her face. Yet, deep in her eyes, which had witnessed countless events, lay a sharp, penetrating insight.
A short while later, the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation, Liu Tianzheng, entered the hall.
He wore a Daoist headscarf, cloth shoes, and a simple, washed-out Daoist robe. From the moment he stepped into the hall, he did not glance around. When he saw the Grand Empress Dowager, he remained composed, neither overjoyed nor humbled. He performed a Daoist salute to the Grand Empress Dowager and said, “This humble Taoist pays respects to Your Highness. May Your Highness live a thousand autumns.”
The Grand Empress Dowager looked at the Realized Master of Dharma Propagation with bright, eager eyes and said joyfully, “This humble one has long heard of the Perfected Master’s great reputation.”
“I dare not accept such praise.” The Realized Master of Dharma Propagation, Liu Tianzheng, smiled slightly and bowed. “These are but empty titles. This humble Taoist is a man nearing his grave—how could I possibly deserve Your Highness’s excessive praise?”
Everyone observed Liu Tianzheng closely. They all felt he had the demeanor of an immortal—unperturbed by honor or disgrace—truly exhibiting the bearing of a transcendent master.
Even the Emperor Hongzhi, witnessing his simple Daoist attire and his calm, detached responses, felt that this person was somewhat ‘different.’
The Grand Empress Dowager appeared very pleased and said with a laugh, “Come, come, grant the Perfected Master a seat.”
“This humble Taoist dares not sit. Standing will suffice.” Liu Tianzheng declined. “I was invited by the Duke of Wei to enter the palace for an audience, and I am already apprehensive. As a mere outsider, to behold Your Majesty’s countenance is already a great fortune. If standing allows me to clear some of Your Highness’s doubts, then this humble Taoist is content.”
He was excessively humble.
Perhaps because during the Chenghua era, a group of Taoists had been too arrogant and tyrannical, Liu Tianzheng entered the palace with extreme caution.
In truth, he had not wished to come. Were it not for the Duke of Wei’s influence, at his age, having reached the time of knowing fate, he would have preferred to enjoy a peaceful life in the seclusion of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
The Grand Empress Dowager nodded, feeling even more that this Perfected Master deserved respect. Thus, she was greatly pleased and looked at Lady Mu, saying, “This humble one has benefited from your Xu Family’s efforts today.”
Lady Mu quickly responded with alarm, “I dare not, Your Highness, you flatter me. Your Subject and my father-in-law are but your servants. It is only natural for servants to serve Your Highness—how could we dare claim merit? Perfected Master Liu is a noble scholar who also admires the Grand Empress Dowager. This is his good fortune as well.”
Her reply was exceedingly proper.
After all, she came from a top-tier aristocratic family. While her character was one matter, her ability to speak pleasantly was unmatched.
Yet she also had a prideful side. Having been half-dead with frustration after being tricked by Fang Jifan earlier, she felt unresolved and would not let this golden opportunity slip. So she added, “Young Master Fang is well-versed in Daoist Studies. Why not seek guidance from the Perfected Master?”
This was clearly provocation, hinting to the Grand Empress Dowager that Fang Jifan was an unlearned and untalented fellow, and that she must not be deceived by him.
Fang Jifan let out an “Oh” and said with an uninterested expression, “No guidance, no guidance. What’s the point of seeking guidance in Daoist Studies?”
He couldn’t be bothered with her.
The Grand Empress Dowager also felt Lady Mu was making trouble. This woman was truly narrow-minded.
Fang Jifan was more sensible in comparison.
However…
When Liu Tianzheng heard Lady Mu’s words, his expression changed.
His previously calm and composed face instantly turned solemn.
There was actually another person here who practiced the Dao…
But as he scanned the room, he couldn’t find a single fellow Taoist.
There was only one answer… and it was the one Liu Tianzheng dreaded most.
Starting from the Chenghua era, because the Chenghua Emperor revered Taoism, many scheming individuals pretended to be Taoists to seek wealth and honor, causing chaos in the Imperial Palace.
Later, Taoism declined because of these petty people who used the name of Daoist Studies to swindle and deceive.
He never expected that after the current Son of Heaven ascended the throne and just recently purged these treacherous individuals, someone had again infiltrated the palace to deceive the Grand Empress Dowager.
What he despised most in his life were fake Taoists who tarnished the reputation of Taoism. Upon hearing Lady Mu’s words, he became alert and said with a cold expression, “Oh, where is this fellow Taoist?”
In truth, he had already spotted Fang Jifan—it was Fang Jifan who had just said he didn’t want to seek guidance.
This was just a youth. What could a youth possibly understand about Daoist Studies? It was utterly absurd. Clearly… this was a swindler.
Liu Tianzheng stepped forward. He had made up his mind to safeguard the reputation of Taoism today and avoid repeating the mistakes of the Chenghua era.
He looked at Fang Jifan with a smile, but his eyes held contempt. Then he spoke righteously, “Do you, lay practitioner, also study the Dao?”
All eyes turned to Fang Jifan.
Emperor Hongzhi watched Fang Jifan with a faint, ambiguous smile, thinking to himself, Well then, let’s see how you handle this.
The Grand Empress Dowager did not wish for any conflict between the two. She firmly believed in Fang Jifan’s knowledge of Daoist Studies, which had been verified by Puji Zhenren. And she also respected Perfected Master Liu.
But seeing Liu Tianzheng’s stern expression, it was clear that this outsider had inexplicably become genuinely angry.
Fang Jifan stood up. Today, he had originally intended to be an honest and well-behaved person, but heaven had other plans.
So, he glared at Lady Mu, who wore a pleasant smile on her face, clearly waiting to enjoy the spectacle.
Fang Jifan then leisurely replied to Liu Tianzheng, “Occasionally… I read some Daoist texts.”
Very occasionally… Well, that was in his previous life.