Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

"Brother Han, you have made an invaluable contribution to this expedition. I am very pleased." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his glass and said to Zhu Han, "Come, I toast you. I wish our Ming Dynasty will be forever strong and the people will live and work in peace and contentment."

Zhu Han quickly stood up, took the wine cup respectfully, clinked it with Zhu Yuanzhang's, and drank it all in one gulp. "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is my duty. I am willing to go through fire and water for the Ming Dynasty, and I will not refuse."

"Brother Han, you have made great achievements in this expedition to Mobei, and I am very pleased. However, I still have an important matter in my mind, and I need you and I to plan together."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han stood up respectfully and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, if you have any orders, I will do it even if I die."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and continued, "I want to build a huge Buddhist bell and place it in the capital. The bell body and the outside are all engraved with scriptures, in the hope that Buddhism can be spread widely and enlighten the people, and at the same time pray for peace and prosperity in the country and good weather."

Zhu Han heard this, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then turned to admiration: "Your Majesty's move is indeed a meritorious one. However, casting such a huge Buddhist bell requires a lot of manpower and material resources, and the process is complicated, it is not a one-time effort."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination: "Brother Han, what you said is very true, but this matter concerns the fate of the country and the people's livelihood. I have made up my mind. I want to order you to take full charge of this matter. You must strive for excellence and live up to my expectations."

Although Zhu Han felt pressure, he was more filled with a sense of responsibility and mission. He bowed and accepted the order: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

He immediately summoned the most famous craftsmen, casters and calligraphers in and outside the capital to discuss the casting of the Buddhist bell.

In the spacious and bright Ministry of Industry, Zhu Han sat in the main seat, looked at everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, your majesty wants to cast a huge Buddhist bell. This bell not only needs exquisite craftsmanship, but also contains profound Buddhist teachings and blessings. We must go all out and live up to your majesty's high expectations."

An elderly blacksmith stood up and said, "Prince Han, the first thing to do when casting such a huge bell is to choose the material. I suggest using high-quality bronze as the main material, mixed with precious metals such as gold and silver, to enhance the melodiousness and durability of the bell's sound."

Another foundry master added: “In addition to the material, the casting process is also critical. It needs to be cast in sections and then spliced ​​together to ensure that the bell body is uniform and strong.”

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, then turned to the calligraphers and said, "The bell needs to be filled with scriptures inside and outside. This task will be handed over to you. I hope that every word can reflect the essence of my Ming Dynasty calligraphy, so that Buddhism and art can be perfectly integrated."

Upon hearing this, the blacksmith's eyes sparkled with excitement. He further elaborated on his idea: "Your Majesty, regarding the design of the bell's appearance, I think it can be shaped like lotus petals, which symbolizes purity and auspiciousness. The bell body can be divided into multiple layers, and the edges of each layer are decorated with exquisite lotus patterns, which are both beautiful and meaningful."

Zhu Han nodded, appreciating the suggestion: "The lotus petal design has a profound meaning, which is very much to my liking. However, the bell body needs to be larger to demonstrate the majesty of our Ming Dynasty. When casting, we must ensure that each layer of lotus petals is symmetrical and powerful, and the overall look is both harmonious and solemn."

At this time, a young foundry master stood up, holding a blueprint, with a spark of innovation in his eyes: "Your Highness, regarding the design of the top of the bell, I propose the use of a nine-dragon spiral shape, with nine dragon bodies entwined around the top of the bell, and the dragon heads sticking out, lifelike, which not only shows the majesty of the royal family, but also implies the prosperity of the dragon veins and the long-term stability of the country."

Zhu Han heard this, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Nine circling dragons, what a domineering design! But you need to pay attention, the image of the dragon must be carved lifelike, and each dragon must have a unique charm, so that people can feel the shocking power at a glance."

Zhu Han held the newly designed blueprint in his hand, and scanned every craftsman present with his sharp eyes. He said in a deep voice: "Everyone, after repeated consideration, we have decided to adopt this circular 'inscription circle' design. This will not only better layout the scriptures, but also make the bell body look more solemn and harmonious."

Blacksmith Master Li nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty is right. This design is both beautiful and practical. However, we still need to carefully plan how to ensure that each circle of inscriptions can be cast accurately."

A young craftsman, Xiao Li, raised a question: "Yes, although the design of the inscription circle is exquisite, how to avoid deformation or misalignment of the text during the casting process is a big challenge."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and looked at the representative calligrapher, Lao Zhang, who was standing beside him. "Mr. Zhang, what do you think about the typesetting and engraving of the scriptures?"

Old Zhang stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your Highness, I think we can first arrange the scriptures one by one according to the layout of the inscription circle and make a template. When casting, the craftsmen only need to carve according to the template to ensure the accuracy of the text."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "This method is very good. Mr. Zhang, you should immediately prepare the scripture template and make sure it is perfect."

After listening to the advice of many craftsmen and calligraphers, Zhu Han began to choose a casting location for the Buddhist bell.

Zhu Han strolled through the fields in the northern suburbs of Beijing. The sun shone on his calm face, and his eyes sparkled with anticipation for the upcoming project.

He turned to the blacksmith Lao Li who was accompanying him and asked, "Lao Li, what do you think of this place? Can it take on the task of casting the Buddha bell?"

Old Li narrowed his eyes, looked around, and nodded with satisfaction: "Your Highness, this place is open and flat, and the soil is compact. It is a good place to cast a big thing. And you see, there is a canal over there, which can save a lot of effort in transporting materials."

Zhu Han smiled slightly when he heard this, and looked out at the sparkling canal, as if he had seen the busy transportation scene. "Yes, water transportation is indeed much more convenient. Then, let's choose this place as the foundry site."

Afterwards, the group continued to move forward, and Zhu Han discussed details with the craftsmen as they walked. "Master Zhang, is there any particularity in building the furnace to cast such a huge Buddha bell?"

Master Zhang, an experienced blacksmith, bowed and replied: "Your Highness, the furnace must be built both firmly and ventilated to ensure a strong and safe fire. In addition, the size of the furnace must be customized according to the scale of the bell, and it should not be underestimated."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement and turned to the calligraphers: "Gentlemen, do you have any preliminary ideas for the layout of the scripture on the bell? It should be both beautiful and meaningful."

The calligraphers gathered around. Mr. Zhang, the leader, stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your Highness, we have discussed for many days and decided to use lotus petals to surround the bell body. Each petal will be engraved with different scriptures. It is both solemn and auspicious. As for the specific layout, it needs to be further refined."

After hearing this, Zhu Han was very impressed: "Very good, very good. This layout has both artistic beauty and the profound meaning of Buddhism. I will follow what you say."

Zhu Han stood at the newly selected foundry site, looking at the land that would soon witness the birth of the Buddhist bell, his heart full of anticipation. He turned to the blacksmith beside him, Master Li, and said:

"Old Li, the terrain here is flat, the soil is solid, and it is close to the canal, which is convenient for transporting materials. What do you think?" Old Li looked around and nodded with satisfaction: "Your Highness has a unique vision. This place is indeed an ideal place to cast a Buddhist bell. Let's start preparing now."

Zhu Han smiled and nodded, then summoned all the craftsmen and responsible persons, announced the location decision for the foundry, and made detailed arrangements for the next preparations.

"Everyone, the casting of the Buddha bell is a huge project that requires everyone's concerted efforts to complete. From today on, we will build a temporary foundry on this land, dig a casting pit, and prepare a furnace and tools.

Lao Li, you will be responsible for supervising the construction of the workshop and the preparation of materials; calligraphers, please complete the typesetting and template making of the scriptures as soon as possible; the rest of the craftsmen, please be prepared for a long battle. "

After receiving the order, the craftsmen immediately plunged into the intensive preparation work. Blacksmith Master Li stood in the center of the newly selected foundry site, holding a blueprint, and discussed the specific excavation plan with several experienced craftsmen.

"We have to start digging from the middle, determine a center point first, and then expand outwards to ensure that the hole is even and stable." Old Li pointed to the ground, frowning, looking extremely serious.

A young craftsman asked: "Master, how deep should the pit be dug? We want to cast a bell that big."

Old Li pondered for a moment and said, "Based on the size and weight of the bell, the pit must be at least ten feet deep and five feet wide, and the bottom must be reinforced with stone slabs to prevent collapse."

"Ten feet deep? That's a huge project!" exclaimed another craftsman.

"Everyone listen carefully. The pit we are going to dig will be ten meters deep and fifty meters wide, and the bottom needs to be paved with solid stone slabs. This is no small project, but we have to put in our utmost effort to ensure that there are no mistakes!" Lao Li's voice was loud and powerful, penetrating the noisy construction site.

The craftsmen responded and divided into several groups, each responsible for digging a part of the pit. They were equipped with shovels, pickaxes, ropes, barrels and other tools, and everyone performed their duties and worked in an intense and orderly manner.

"Come on, everyone, work harder, let's start digging from here!" An experienced old craftsman shouted slogans, leading his young craftsmen to swing shovels and dig the soil shovel by shovel. Their movements were coordinated, as if they were performing a silent dance.

However, the excavation work was not smooth sailing. As the pit gradually deepened, the craftsmen encountered the first problem - the rise of the groundwater level. Water began to seep into the pit, and the soil became slippery and difficult to dig.

"Oh no, water is starting to accumulate at the bottom of the pit!" a young craftsman shouted anxiously.

Old Li rushed over after hearing the noise, and with a frown on his face, he checked the situation at the bottom of the pit. "This groundwater came at a really bad time, but we can't stop. We have to find a way to drain the water quickly."

A craftsman suggested: "We can dig some drainage ditches to divert the accumulated water out of the pit."

Old Li nodded in agreement: "Good idea. Arrange people to dig drainage ditches immediately. At the same time, we should also lay waterproof cloth at the bottom of the pit to prevent more water from seeping in."

Following Lao Li's order, the craftsmen acted quickly with clear division of labor and in an orderly manner.

"Xiao Zhang, take a few people to the east, and we'll dig from four directions at the same time. This way we can go faster." Lao Li instructed a young craftsman and handed him a roll of measuring rope. "Every time you dig one foot deeper, use this rope to measure to ensure that the four sides are even."

Xiao Zhang took the measuring rope and responded loudly: "Yes, Master! I guarantee to complete the task!" He then gathered several young and strong craftsmen, picked up the tools, and walked to the designated location.

The excavation of the pit was in full swing. The craftsmen took turns swinging shovels and picks to pry the hard soil apart bit by bit, putting it into wooden barrels, and then others used ropes to lift it out of the pit. As the sun gradually rose, beads of sweat oozed from the craftsmen's foreheads.

However, as expected, as the pit went deeper, the groundwater problem became more serious. Although drainage ditches had been dug, the groundwater level seemed to be much higher than expected, and water continued to seep out from the bottom of the pit.

"We can't go on like this. The water is accumulating more and more, which will affect the stability of the pothole." Old Li frowned and looked around for a solution.

At this time, an old craftsman who seemed to be experienced put forward a new suggestion: "Old Li, we can try to drive wooden stakes around the pit, and then weave a cofferdam with bamboo strips and soil. This may be more effective in blocking groundwater."

Old Li's eyes lit up and he clapped his hands in praise: "Good idea! Let's do it! Everyone stop what you are doing and concentrate on building the cofferdam first!"

The craftsmen responded quickly, some continued to drain the water, while others began to cut down trees and prepare wooden stakes.

They used simple tools to drive wooden stakes deep into the soil, and then used bamboo strips and soil to weave the stakes tightly together to form a solid waterproof barrier.

"Everyone listen carefully, our goal today is to dig to a depth of five feet first, and ensure that the four sides of the pit are even, without any deviation!" Old Li stood at the edge of the pit, holding a long whip, directing everyone with a sharp gaze.

The craftsmen were divided into four groups, each responsible for a direction of the pit. Holding shovels and pickaxes, they began to dig rhythmically. The shovels flew, prying up the soil piece by piece and putting it into a wooden barrel beside. Then, the strong craftsmen used ropes to slowly lift the wooden barrels filled with soil out of the pit and dumped them on the open space beside.

"Xiao Zhang, pay attention to the measurement. You need to check every time you dig one foot deeper to keep the pit vertical and flat." Old Li reminded him from time to time to ensure the accuracy of the project.

As time went by, the sun gradually climbed to the top of their heads. The workers' clothes were soaked with sweat, but their movements were still strong and firm. However, as Lao Li expected, as the pit deepened, groundwater began to seep in, and water gradually accumulated at the bottom of the pit.

"The water is increasing. If this continues, the pit will collapse!" a young craftsman shouted anxiously.

Old Li frowned and walked quickly to the bottom of the pit, carefully observing the water accumulation. "We must speed up the drainage and reinforce the surrounding area of ​​the pit." He gave a decisive order. (End of this chapter)