Taiping Dao at the end of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 41 What should the Yellow Turban Rebellion have called as its program slogan?
In December, the land of Qilu was swept by a biting wind. The plains were white, and the marshes, though frozen, remained so. In a local shrine, under the watchful gaze of a fierce-looking statue, Peng Gui of Dayeze knelt before Zhang Jiao, the Great Teacher of Virtue, and respectfully bowed.

"By the heavens above! Peng Gui, the Yellow Turban of Dayeze, pays homage to the Great Master! Gui, hiding in the Dayeze marshes, has witnessed the injustices of the government and the world, and is filled with deep hatred! Today, Gui wishes to join the Great Master's ranks and become a disciple of the Way of Peace. I only ask for a talisman of water to illuminate the principles of heaven, so that I may rise up against this greedy and ruthless government!"

"Hmm! Joining my Way of Peace and donning the yellow turban means not for personal wealth or status, but for the righteous path of Heaven, and for ensuring that the common people are not oppressed. If you betray your original intention, you will become evil, and your soul will perish! Are you willing to drink this talisman water and swear an oath never to return?"

"I swear on my very soul! I will never return, not even with my blood!"

As he spoke, Peng Kui bit his finger, dripped his blood into the talisman water, drank it all in one gulp, and then smashed the earthenware bowl in his hand.

"If I break this oath today, may this bowl be my witness!"

"Very good! Peng Gui, from this day forward, you are the leader of the Taiping Dao's Onoze branch!..."

The Great Teacher looked solemn and nodded in satisfaction. He personally put a yellow turban on Peng Kui, drew a talisman on his forehead, and handed him a "Fangzhu Talisman" symbolizing his identity.

Peng Gui took the talisman, a look of joy on his face. He kowtowed vigorously and agreed.

"Yes! Thank you, esteemed and wise teacher!"

The extremely solemn initiation ceremony, involving the very soul and spirit, was completed, and Peng Gui joined the group, becoming a member of the Taiping Dao's northward journey. The group braved the wind and snow, heading north, and returned to the shores of the Great Wilderness Marsh. The reeds lay low, covered in a blanket of snow. The distant foothills of Mount Tai had lost their color, only the yellow sun on the horizon casting a cold, bronze-like light.

"Onozawa, advantageous terrain. Heading to the Taishan mountain area..."

The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao stood on the banks of the Great Wild Marsh, witnessing firsthand the "fishermen" and fast boats under Peng Gui's command. He surveyed the marshy terrain of the Great Wild Marsh, recalling his young disciple Zhang Chengfu's uprising strategy, and assessing how this terrain truly weakened the government army's cavalry and armor. After a long while, he finally let out a long breath and nodded to Zhang Chengfu.

“Chengfu, at the upcoming gathering of the chieftains… you can represent me and clearly express your thoughts! These Yellow Turban chieftains of Qing and Yan are reliable, far more reliable than those of Yu Province…”

"Ah? Yes! Teacher!"

The brief conversation ended abruptly on the shore of Ōnozake. Instead of boarding the boat, the group led their horses northward along the eastern bank of Ōnozake. At this point, the river channel on the eastern bank was much shorter than on the western bank. Halfway there, entering Sanyo County, they came upon an ancient and desolate shrine by the lake, where many fishermen and villagers were offering incense.

"Great and wise teacher! This is the shrine of Chi You in my Great Wilderness! Legend has it that Chi You's shoulder and thigh are buried here, and the soul of this ancient shaman god is hidden here!..."

"Haha! We, the pirates of Dayeze, have always opposed the government and never worship at any official shrines. We only worship at the Chiyou Shrine, seeking protection! Hmm, we've also erected an image of Huangtian in this shrine; we worship Huangtian, for Huangtian can save people!..."

Upon hearing this, the Great Teacher nodded and led his disciples into the temple. Zhang Chengfu looked up and immediately saw a statue of Chiyou, wearing ox horns and holding an axe. On the other side was a statue of the Yellow Emperor, wearing a crown and holding a long sword. Indeed, the origin of the Yellow Emperor's worship of the Way of Great Peace was the Central Yellow Emperor.

This shrine on the east bank of the Great Wilderness Marsh actually enshrines Chi You and the Yellow Emperor, two ancestors who fought to the death, together!
The villagers around Da Ye Ze lit pine branches and prayed to the two deities. They prayed to the "fierce god" Chi You, hoping that the government tax collectors would not come to collect taxes, or at least collect as little as possible. On the other hand, they prayed to the "benevolent god" Huang Di, hoping that the talisman masters of the Way of Peace would come and apply talismanic water to heal the sick and save lives.

Upon seeing the sudden appearance of the Taiping Road procession, the villagers were first surprised, then overjoyed. They presented various catches of fish and vegetables to express their gratitude…

"Ah! Heaven's protection! It really is the Yellow Scroll Talisman Master!"

"Master Fu, these are some freshly caught flounder!"

"The catfish is too small, take this carp instead!"

"I also have some dried lotus roots and water chestnuts here..."

This scene of change, witnessed by Zhang Chengfu, not only made him feel the stark contrast but also allowed him to sense the hearts of the common people.

"What the common people want is nothing more than less taxation and corvée labor, less persecution from the government, freedom from epidemics and disasters, and enough to eat to survive! As long as there is any way to live, they will silently endure it. But when they can no longer survive, they will erupt like the Yellow River!"

"This is the general trend and the will of the people! If we don't take advantage of this natural disaster to raise an army, and make the common people break their obedience to the government and powerful families, and shout out truly constructive slogans and programs!... Otherwise, once the starving and freezing common people have all starved to death, and the powerful families and clans expand and annex, and the conflict between people and land is alleviated... those who survive in the end will only become tenants of powerful families and clans to eke out a living. How can they then have the determination to take up arms and resist to the end?"

"The tide of events is like the rising tide! Before the great tide, there is no room for retreat; we must move forward! ... Otherwise, a single step back will mean utterly losing the support of the people and the will of the nation. My teacher was certain that the uprising would begin in the year of Jiazi, and he was willing to die for it; he saw things more clearly than I did!..."

"And what kind of guiding principles and slogans should our Taiping Dao (Way of Peace) shout when we launch our uprising, so as to resonate with the broadest and most urgent desires of the people?"

Zhang Chengfu lowered his eyes in thought, recalling many things, and gradually came up with ideas that aligned with the ways of the world. Zhang Jiao, the great teacher beside him, calmed the people down and patiently waited for his young disciple to come to his senses before speaking to the crowd in this peculiar temple.

"The Gui Cang Qi Shi states, 'Chi You emerged from Yang Shui, with eight arms, eight toes, and a sparse head. He ascended Jiu Nao to attack Kong Sang, and the Yellow Emperor killed him at Qing Qiu.'... The 'Qing Qiu' here is located at the upper reaches of the Si River, in the area where Henan and Shandong meet, which may be Heze."

"Then, 'Chiyou was dismembered at four tombs,' and his bones were buried in four different places. This place, Juye County, is where Chiyou's shoulder and thigh are buried. Confucian scholars often regard the Yellow Emperor as a 'benevolent and virtuous sage,' and Chiyou as 'cruel and rebellious'... But in our Taoist school, we regard the Yellow Emperor as a 'benevolent and virtuous deity,' and Chiyou as a 'fierce and military deity.' The former 'follows the natural way,' and is considered yang, auspicious. The latter 'defies heaven with force,' and is considered yin, inauspicious..."

"When the two combine, yin and yang flow, bringing good fortune and misfortune, forming the Taiji, yet it is not a fixed state of good or evil! Like the Han dynasty, when Emperor Gaozu raised his sword to rebel against Qin, it represented great good fortune, the benevolence of the Yellow Emperor. But the current emperor has become a source of great evil, the tyranny of Chi You… And if another uprising against Han occurs, it will again be the Yellow Emperor replacing Chi You! Great good fortune replacing great misfortune…"

"The world changes, with prosperity and decline, rise and fall, all following the changes of destiny and the times. When Yang reaches its extreme, it becomes Yin, and when Yin reaches its extreme, it becomes Yang. This is the way of the world! Therefore, there will never be a dynasty that lasts forever, nor will there always be a benevolent and sage ruler. There is only the alternation of the Five Elements every few hundred years, changing again and again!"

"And to rise up in rebellion during the most ominous of times, thus ushering in a period of auspicious change and the birth of good fortune, is precisely what we are doing, and it corresponds to the principles of the Heavenly Way!..."

The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, with a somber expression, stood before the statues of Chi You and the Yellow Emperor, gazing at his respectfully listening disciples. His discourse, his "theory of rebellion," resonated far more with the times and with the people than Zhang Chengfu's ideas. Even Peng Gui, who had just joined the Way of Great Peace, was filled with sudden, agreeable understanding.

"Ah! The Yellow Emperor slew Chi You, so this is how destiny works! The current government is like Chi You, ordering us to kill him... Truly a great and wise teacher, how well said!..."

Zhang Chengfu listened attentively, inheriting the "legacy of the Way of Great Peace." When the Great Teacher finished speaking, he gave him a deep look and smiled.

"Let's go! Keep going!"

"promise!"

The group continued north, passing villages in Sanyo County along the way. Thanks to the large marshland providing water, this year's drought had not affected the farming of the people along the shores of the Great Lake as severely as in other places.

However, being near a water source, the plague spread extremely quickly, and the people of this area suffered greatly from the disease year after year. There were three major epidemics in five years, and every household lost its elderly, weak, and able-bodied members, sometimes even resulting in the extinction of entire families.

When the epidemic spread, the Taiping Dao talisman masters, undeterred by the plague, came to administer talismans and medicines to save people, thus gradually establishing the Taiping Dao's popular support in the area.

The widespread dissemination of the Taiping Dao (Way of Great Peace) belief in Yanzhou ultimately stemmed from its "Yellow Heaven Benevolent Way" of saving lives and healing people! It was certainly not based on killing or ambushing tax collectors like river pirates…

"Healing the sick and saving lives is the true path of humanity..."

As Zhang Chengfu traveled and investigated, he remained deep in thought, silent. He believed that healing the sick and treating the wounded was the foundation of the people's hearts. The Yellow Heaven faith served as the organizational form for uniting the masses.

The common people are not foolish; they know who is truly good to them. For the Way of Peace to spread, the core principle of "saving people" must be placed first! This must also be the foremost element in its political program and slogans!
"Therefore, the slogan of the uprising should be... Peace and salvation for the people, Heaven's salvation for the world! Everyone has land to cultivate, everyone has enough to eat! Break the system of land distribution by aristocratic families, break the system of the government refusing to pay taxes!..."

"In the initial stages of our Yellow Turban Rebellion, these three guiding slogans resonated with the desires of the common people and aligned with the state of affairs at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty! If these slogans could be proclaimed, they would surely be resounding enough to awaken countless people and shake the entire Han Dynasty!" "But could the leaders of the thirty-six districts of the Way of Peace truly accept such radical slogans? Those leaders from different backgrounds joined our Way of Peace with various aspirations. Their ideals are probably not the same as those of the main branch of the Way of Peace in Ji Province!"

"Even my fellow disciples from aristocratic families couldn't genuinely shout such slogans! Our teacher always tried his best to reconcile everyone... but who is in charge, who should lead as the core, and who should assist and obey? What path should we truly take?... This is the key to our Yellow Turban Rebellion, and it must be clear at all times!..."

With this in mind, upon entering Dongping Kingdom and arriving at the Tianqi Temple on Dongping Land, Zhang Chengfu found another opportunity to speak with his master, the Great Virtuous Teacher Zhang Jiao. This time, upon hearing Zhang Chengfu's guiding principles and slogans, the Great Virtuous Teacher Zhang Jiao remained silent for a long time, unable to utter a word.

After a long while, he sighed deeply and said softly.

"Chengfu, I know the path you choose, and I sincerely hope to see you succeed! After all, I have never witnessed..."

"But next, at the gathering of the Qing and Yan chieftains, you can at most say the first two sentences: 'Peace saves people, Heaven saves the world. Everyone has land to cultivate, everyone can eat their fill!' As for the last sentence, if you utter it, you will become the most conspicuous enemy of the entire Han Dynasty, the court, and the powerful families!..."

"Actually, you'd better focus your presentation on your proposed strategy for managing the 'Dayeze-Taishan mountain area.' Tell the Qing and Yan commanders how to use the terrain to their advantage and outmaneuver the inevitable government troops!..."

"And once you arrive in Yuzhou, at the gathering of the chieftains of Yu and Jing, you can only say one thing: 'Peace saves people, Heaven saves the world!' Behind those chieftains of Yuzhou and Jingzhou, there are far too many powerful families. If you say too much, you might attract attention prematurely. Yuzhou is the stronghold of powerful families, and even the eunuchs cannot gain an advantage there. If you break ties with these powerful families there... I worry that you won't be able to leave Yuzhou!"

At this point, the Great Teacher of Virtue reached out and drew a "Laojun Talisman" on Zhang Chengfu's forehead for protection and blessing. Then, with a deep look in his eyes, he spoke in a solemn voice.

"Bear the burden! Heaven is above, and purity resides in the heart. Those who seek the Way must first preserve themselves before they can seek it! Just as I have repeatedly told you, 'Conceal your talents and await the opportune moment. Embrace simplicity and humility, and you will go far and steady'..."

"The slogan 'Break down the powerful clans and redistribute land equally' can be carefully implemented after the uprising begins, but you must never shout it out so early! The time is not yet ripe for seeking the Way; you cannot become the primary target of the Han dynasty..."

"If one day, I die, your two uncles die, the emperor dies, and the aristocratic families and the eunuchs fight each other... and you are able to establish a foothold in Bingzhou, seal off the eight passes of Taihang, and defend yourself in isolation... then that will be your time to truly shout out such a world-shaking slogan!"

"teacher!…"

When his own death was mentioned, the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao remained calm, while Zhang Chengfu became somewhat agitated. However, a rough, large hand patted his head, silencing his impatience. Then, his master Zhang Jiao's words returned calmly once more.

“Chengfu, we are in a hurry because we are running out of time. But you can't rush! Rushing will only lead to mistakes... You still have plenty of time, and the children you are training also have plenty of time..."

"Remember my words, you have a long time ahead of you. First, solidify your foundation, then you can flourish and bear fruit!"

"Let's go! Stop talking. Let's go to Tianqi Temple! Your second martial uncle has already sent someone to pick us up..."

Silent in the wind, only the snow pattering on the reeds and the rustling of the pines and cypresses. The group encountered Zhang Bao's disciples who had come to meet them, and they resumed their journey. After half a day's travel, as dusk fell, the Tianqi Temple, dedicated to the Eastern Peak Emperor, appeared before them.

"Haha! Brother! You've finally arrived!"

Upon hearing the news, a Taoist priest emerged from the temple, laughing heartily with a voice as clear as a drum. He wore an earth-yellow robe embroidered with earth-script talismans, and a copper bell, a magic seal, and a wooden sword hung at his waist. He strode towards Zhang Jiao.

Zhang Chengfu raised his head and took a closer look at the other person's appearance. He saw that the other person had dark skin, thick eyebrows, deep eyes, a square mouth, and a straight nose. He was none other than his second uncle, the Heavenly Physician Zhang Bao, who was skilled in medicine, preaching, and organizing religious groups.

"Yes! Zhongdi, I've arrived!"

"Alright! Come in quickly, all the chieftains from Yan and Qing provinces have arrived... Oh? Brother, are you bringing your two youngest disciples this time?"

"Yes. Come! Chengfu, Daonu, pay your respects to your second senior uncle!"

"Yes, greetings to Second Martial Uncle!"

"Not bad, not bad! Each one of them is imposing and has a strong gaze... Hmm?"

Second Uncle Zhang Bao looked at it for a moment, then smiled and said.

"His expression is different from the last time we met. He seems to be carrying a murderous aura… Did he just see blood recently?…"

"."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chengfu and Gao Daonu exchanged glances, both showing surprise. Their actions, in Zhang Bao's eyes, were tantamount to an answer. Zhang Bao raised an eyebrow, looked at his elder brother Zhang Jiao, and asked疑惑地问道.

"Brother, these two disciples are still young... Who are you sending them to kill?"

"... "

The great teacher Zhang Jiao remained silent for a few moments before answering.

“In Wei Commandery, there was a legal clerk named Shen Pei who was going to Luoyang to accuse me. Cheng Fu and Dao Nu intercepted and killed him on the way. It was a very decisive response, and not a mistake.”

"."

Upon hearing this, Second Martial Uncle Zhang Bao's thick eyebrows twitched, fully understanding what had happened. He carefully examined his two elder brothers' disciples for a while before asking.

"Who made the decision?"

“He is a burden. He looks young, but he is actually blessed with wisdom and courage.”

The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao stroked his short beard, looked at his younger brother Zhang Bao, and said meaningfully.

"I won't say too much at this gathering of the commanders. But I hope Chengfu can say more. What he says will also reflect my thoughts."

"This? Really?"

"It's absolutely true."

Zhang Bao seemed to be deep in thought, looking at his brother's affirmative gaze. After a moment, he nodded and readily agreed.

"it is good!"

"Come on! Now that everyone is here, elder brother, you should lead the way and offer sacrifices to the Eastern Peak Emperor! Before this important gathering, everyone must solemnly swear an oath with their souls before we can discuss our plans!..."

(End of this chapter)