Confucian and Taoist scholar

In winter, heavy snow is falling.

Within Yongding City, there is also a verdant and lush Lingshan Mountain.

On a mountaintop, Yun Fuyao sat around a stove brewing tea, while Lu Zheng, Qing Wan, and Zhao Ti sat to the side.

Qingwan held a steaming cup of spiritual tea and sipped it slowly, her eyes slightly narrowed in contentment.

Qing Wan chuckled and said, "The tea that Sect Leader Yun brought is truly exceptional. Just one sip of this could probably prolong one's life..."

Yun Fuyao smiled and said, "If you like it, drink more. This tea comes from the Yunmeng Inner Sect. You are welcome to visit the sect anytime you have time..."

Qing Wan sighed softly, "The world is still not at peace, it's really hard to find any free time!"

Yun Fuyao couldn't help but laugh and said, "You really are small in stature but big in ambition."

She still remembered the first time she met Qingwan, when the other was just a child. In just a few years, she had become a prominent figure in charge of a region.

But to be honest, Qingwan isn't actually that old; she's probably younger than she looks now.

It can be said that by following Lu Zheng, he has gained a lot of great opportunities, which is why he is so different from others.

Yun Fuyao recalled that she hadn't accomplished anything significant during her childhood.

Yun Fuyao couldn't help but sigh, then said, "Last night I observed the celestial phenomena and discovered that the fate of the Wei Kingdom has changed; it seems that a new ruler has been appointed..."

Upon hearing this, Qing Wan's eyes lit up, and she turned her head to look at Lu Zheng, her gaze intense and unpredictable.

Zhao Ti, standing nearby, was startled. She remembered that the Emperor of Great Wei was in his prime. What was going on with this sudden change of ruler?

Zhao Ti couldn't help but look at Yun Fuyao, wanting to know if the matter was true.

But noticing that Yun Fuyao and Qing Wan were both staring at Lu Zheng, she subconsciously turned her head to look at Lu Zheng as well.

Lu Zheng's expression remained calm as he asked, "Is that so? Sect Leader Yun, you're not mistaken, are you?"

Yun Fuyao smiled and said, "It's probably true. News should arrive in a few days. What's your opinion on this matter?"

Lu Zheng thought to himself, "Yuan Tao acted so quickly? That's somewhat beyond my expectations."

Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "As long as it benefits the people, it is a good thing. If the people are not at peace, it is not a good thing no matter who it is."

Yun Fuyao said softly, "Whether the sudden change of emperor in Wei is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen. However, once this matter spreads throughout the land, it will likely cause quite a stir..."

Lu Zhengdao said, "Let's wait for news."

Qingwan whispered, "They're really quick on their feet. If Yuan Tao really becomes emperor, things will change with the Wei Kingdom..."

Zhao Ti asked suspiciously, "How do you know it was him who became emperor?"

Qingwan blinked. "Just a guess. Who else could rebel and become emperor besides him? Could anyone else get the support of the powerful and wealthy in Wei and the Buddhist community? Not to mention, the Buddhist community in Wei is our... cough cough."

Qingwan took a small sip of tea, smiled, and didn't continue speaking.

Zhao Ti felt something was off, sensing that this matter was not simple and seemed to be related to Lu Zheng and the others.
……

Time flew by, and sure enough, not long after, news from Luoyang reached the Wei border army.

The news was relayed to Taiping Region by the border troops and quickly reached Yongding City.

Specific details are still unknown, but it is clear that Emperor Wei abdicated and passed the throne to a worthy successor, and Crown Prince Yuan Tao has already ascended the throne in Luoyang, announcing this to all.

Everyone was quite surprised when they heard the news, including the demon race forces.

After all, among the great dynasties, the Wei Kingdom was the closest to them, and they often received news about Wei.

They were all quite surprised to hear that the Great Wei had changed its emperor.

Some factions were even considering sending someone to deliver a gift to celebrate the new emperor's ascension to the throne.

People from major powers like An Dingyuan were even more surprised.

The people of Wei, in particular, simply couldn't understand why Wei had suddenly changed its emperor.

According to the news, Emperor Wei abdicated in favor of his crown prince in order to devote himself to Buddhism.

But many people don't really believe it.

They had never heard of the Wei emperor being so obsessed with Buddhism.

A few days after the news arrived, Hu Qing came from the State of Wei and found Lu Zheng.

"Mr. Lu, Yuan Tao requests your presence in Luoyang to oversee the situation..."

Hu Qing revealed a keepsake from Yuan Tao.

Actually, no tokens are needed; Hu Qing's arrival is enough to prove many things.

Upon seeing this, Lu Zheng followed Hu Qing to Luoyang, the capital of Wei.

On the way, Hu Qing recounted in a low voice, "On the anniversary of Buddha's descent to earth, the Wei court and the Buddhist community organized a celebration. It was during the celebration and sacrifices that Crown Prince Yuan Tao led his troops in a coup..."

"In this coup, Yuan Tao sent troops to purge many powerful families, and the entire city of Luoyang is still on high alert..."

"Emperor Wei is currently imprisoned in the palace, under strict guard. Yuan Tao is considering having Mr. Lu personally go to the palace to bestow upon Emperor Wei the title of Bodhisattva, in order to reassure the people..."

Hu Qing paused for a moment, then said, "Yuan Tao acted too quickly this time. I only found out at the time that he actually wanted to purge the court of corrupt officials."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but ask, "The fewer people who know the details of something like this, the more likely it is to succeed. Who is helping him?"

Hu Qing thought for a moment and then gave a brief account of the current situation of the Wei court.

The two traveled all the way to Luoyang without stopping along the way.

It was winter, and the area outside Luoyang was covered in snow and ice, a vast expanse of white.

Lu Zheng looked at Luoyang, the capital of Wei, which was right in front of him. This was his first time here.

This city, which has stood for over a thousand years, exudes a very unique aura.

At this time, there were many soldiers patrolling the city gate.

Anyone entering the city must undergo strict checks.

When the soldiers saw Lu Zheng and Hu Qing coming, they couldn't help but step forward to greet them.

Hu Qing showed the token to prove that she was not an imposter.

Then, soldiers led the way, allowing Lu Zheng and Hu Qing to enter the city in a carriage.

"His Majesty has been waiting for some time, Mr. Lu, please get into the carriage..."

Now that Crown Prince Yuan Tao has ascended the throne, everyone else has naturally changed their titles.

Yuan Tao had been waiting for Lu Zheng's arrival and had arranged for people to guard all the city gates of Luoyang.

The carriage sped along, passing through the wide streets of Luoyang, until it reached a magnificent palace.

Before arriving at the palace, the carriage only made a brief stop for inspection before continuing into the palace.

The carriage stopped when it arrived at a grand hall.

"Mr. Lu has arrived! You must be tired from your journey! I... I've been looking forward to Mr. Lu's arrival!"

Yuan Tao came out of the main hall excitedly and personally came to the carriage to greet Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng slowly alighted from the carriage and looked at Yuan Tao, saying, "Your Majesty's complexion is much better than before."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao couldn't help but smile brightly. Now that he had become emperor and eliminated many political enemies and hidden dangers, he was riding high and naturally in much better spirits than before. Yuan Tao quickly invited Lu Zheng into the hall for a chat.

Although the palace servants had never met Lu Zheng, they all treated Yuan Tao with such respect, and each of them acted cautiously and properly.

Yuan Tao dismissed everyone else and started chatting with Lu Zheng, mainly about national affairs.

When he first took office, there were still many problems to be solved.

Yuan Tao was not entirely satisfied with any of the officials in the court, feeling that they lacked a comprehensive understanding of issues and their actions.

Yuan Tao then thought he should consult Lu Zheng more and seek answers from various perspectives.

Regarding the administration of Wei, Lu Zheng would occasionally offer his suggestions, but he wouldn't say much about things he didn't understand.

Yuan Tao chatted with Lu Zheng for a while, then said, "Sir, you have come from afar, so you should rest and recuperate first. However, there are some things that really require your help..."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I'm not some old man, I have plenty of energy. Your Majesty, please speak freely."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao said in a low voice, "My father is still in the palace. I would like you to confer upon him the title of Bodhisattva. Only then can I put my mind at ease."

Firstly, it would reassure Yuan Tao. Once that person entered the Buddhist order, even if he was restricted by Buddhism and Taoism, he would be able to sleep more soundly in the palace.

Secondly, it was to reassure the other people in Wei, since that person had attained the Bodhisattva's enlightenment, which could prove certain things.

This also demonstrates that Yuan Tao's ascension to the throne was legitimate, and he wasn't afraid of anyone using any topics to make a fuss...

Although many of those attending the celebration knew what was going on.

Knowing is one thing, but no one needs to spread it around and reveal the truth to the world.

Even if news gets out, as long as public opinion is suppressed and things don't get out of hand, it's fine.

Over time, few people will care how Yuan Tao actually got to this position.

Yuan Tao paused for a moment, then said, "I've had the Buddhist community prepare quite a bit. Whatever you need, I'll have them arrange it..."

As they were talking, Yuan Tao also took out the Buddhist scripture he had borrowed.

Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "There shouldn't be any special preparations needed, but it might consume some of the Buddhist and Taoist fortune in Luoyang and the fortune of the Wei Kingdom..."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao nodded and said, "That's no problem. As long as Father can be made a Bodhisattva, it's all negotiable."

Yuan Tao also knew that bestowing a title upon a Bodhisattva was not a simple matter, and he prepared much more than Lu Zheng had requested.

Let alone some luck, he would be willing to sacrifice one or two national treasures.

Yuan Tao stood up and invited Lu Zheng to meet the former Emperor Wei, who could now also be called the Retired Emperor.

In one of the main halls of the palace, the gentle sounds of Buddhist chanting echoed.

Squads of armored soldiers guarded the area around the palace, and eminent Buddhist monks protected the surrounding area.

Yuan Tao led Lu Zheng through the heavy guards and arrived outside the palace.

"I'll go in first and tell my father. Please wait outside for a moment, sir."

Yuan Tao spoke in a low voice, then opened the heavy palace door and stepped into the main hall.

The palace doors were quickly closed again, and no sound could be heard from inside.

The main hall was filled with the rich aroma of incense.

Statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas stand in the hall, and the atmosphere of Buddhism permeates the space.

A middle-aged man in a gray robe sat on a prayer mat, quietly gazing at the Buddha statue before him.

Yuan Tao bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man, saying, "Father."

The middle-aged man remained motionless and did not respond.

Yuan Tao said softly, "Father, I have invited the person who will bestow upon you the title of Bodhisattva."

The middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flickering within them.

"Who?"

There are quite a few eminent Buddhist monks in Luoyang, so he was a little curious as to which other master Yuan Tao had invited.

Yuan Tao said, "It is Mr. Lu."

The middle-aged man's eyes were deep and unfathomable as he asked in a low voice, "Which Mr. Lu?"

Yuan Tao replied, "Taiping Domain, Lu Zheng."

The middle-aged man sat there, then suddenly turned around and stared straight at Yuan Tao.

This was truly an unexpected answer.

"Him? Why him! That's right... You even got the Buddhist scriptures from him, so what's impossible..."

The middle-aged man's eyes flickered uncertainly. "It seems that he must have been involved in your heinous act, right? Perhaps he really did instigate it."

Yuan Tao calmly replied, "Why do you say that, Father? I am doing this for the future of Great Wei..."

"Ha ha……"

The middle-aged man chuckled lightly. "So you listened to his lies? Don't you know what kind of person he is?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao replied, "Your son understands very well. What kind of person does Father Emperor think he is?"

The middle-aged man said in a low voice, "Do you think he treats you well? He cares about the common people, not people like you! He would be happiest if all the nobles of Wei were dead and the royal family were gone..."

"He's a saint. Do you think you're on the same level as him? A saint can't become a king, and a king can't become a saint. How can you try to emulate him?"

The middle-aged man said quietly, "If you try to emulate him, you'll only end up dead. You're going to ruin your ancestors' legacy."

Yuan Tao remained composed and said, "I am not stupid; I know all this. But I also know that continuing down the path that so many dynasties have followed is a dead end, a path of waiting for death. Since that is the case, we should not repeat the same mistakes, but choose another path..."

"Mr. Lu has taught me many principles. The Taiping Domain has achieved such a state of prosperity, unprecedented in history. I do not aspire to reach that level, but I also do not wish for Wei to fall too far behind. If I fail, it only means that I am inadequate..."

The middle-aged man smiled and said, "I thought you were confused. It seems you're very clear-headed, so clear-headed that you're betting the entire Great Wei Dynasty on it?"

"maybe."

Yuan Tao said with a complicated expression, "Whether we can win or not, I do not know yet, but if we do not do this, Wei is destined to fail."

He wanted to proceed smoothly, but the pressures of the situation forced him to take some risky actions.

The middle-aged man was silent for a moment before speaking, "You're in too much of a hurry."

Yuan Tao said calmly, "Those powerful families, I can't outlast them. I won't sleep soundly until I've killed some of them; I see no hope. There's no turning back now; I can only move forward..."

"Father, from now on, focus on your Buddhist practice. Whether it's in Luoyang or at the Buddhist temple, choose a good location and build a new temple there. There's still a long road ahead."

The middle-aged man took a deep breath and said in a cold voice, "Let him come over!"

Yuan Tao bowed and took his leave, then quietly left the main hall and gestured for Lu Zheng to go inside.

Lu Zheng nodded slightly and entered the main hall with calm and composed steps.

In the spacious hall, a person sat quietly.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but recall the scene he faced with Emperor Wei last year, which seemed not much different from the present. (End of Chapter)