Encountered old friend at Yún Temple on 78th peak

  Originally named Tan Che Temple, in the 31st year of Kangxi, the emperor allocated 10,000 taels of silver to renovate Tan Che Temple. Under the supervision of Master Zhenhuan, it took nearly two years to renovate the temple halls, totaling over 300 rooms, giving this ancient temple a new look. By the 36th year, Emperor Kangxi revisited Tan Che Temple and personally bestowed the name "Imperial Cloud Abode Chan Temple" and wrote the temple's plaque himself. From then on, Tan Che Temple became the largest imperial temple in Beijing.

  Starting from Zhenhuan Dashi, each abbot of Xiyun Temple was appointed by the emperor, and the imperial family's rewards to this royal temple included imperial calligraphy, Shoushan stone Guanyin, eighteen arhats, "golden inlaid jade" and "jade inlaid gold" bamboo, as well as the gilded sword light belt installed on the top of Xiongbaodian, all of which were things that the empresses and imperial concubines who came to burn incense had to pay homage to.

  Yunzhu sat in the spacious and comfortable carriage, looking out at the scenery through the thin gauze. From the inner city of Beijing to Xiuyun Temple, driving a horse-drawn vehicle along the imperial road would take about an hour or so. Once outside the city, the road was lined with lush forests, and distant mountains were layered with a variety of bright and rich colors - green, yellow, red, symbolizing the bountiful harvest season.

  As the largest and most famous royal temple near Beijing, there are also several tea houses along the way, and ordinary people sell various seasonal fruits, homemade snacks, and silver paper incense sticks along the way, which adds a touch of worldly vitality to this beautiful scenery.

  Xi Yun Temple is backed by the Baozhu Peak, facing south and surrounded by nine high mountain peaks in a horseshoe shape, as if under the protection of nine giant dragons. From afar, Yunzhu can feel a vast and majestic Buddhist aura, with compassionate white, righteous gold... and even a hint of purple, unique to the Silong pulse?

  Her eyes narrowed slightly, could it be that this Yunyun Temple still hid some secrets of the Aixinjueluo family? !

  October in Beijing, a faint chill can be felt, especially in the suburbs, where the autumn wind is even cooler. However, the high mountains surrounding Xi Yun Temple block the cold air from the northwest, making the climate here warmer and more humid than elsewhere, which is why the plants here are particularly lush.

  They say that autumn is the most beautiful season for Xi Yun Temple, with the red leaves of Tan Zhi Mountain being the most famous in Beijing. The mountain is full of persimmon, Chinese bayberry, hawthorn and autumn pear trees, as well as golden oak and red maple. Although I don't know if after the autumn wind passes, it will be "frosty grass shallow green, frosty pear half red", but now it's already a mountain on fire like a sunset, like vermilion osmanthus painted with cinnabar, with layers of forest dyed completely.

  It's really beautiful.

  "Madam, we've arrived." Su Wen and Ling Zhuo helped her down from the carriage, while Ye Yayi had already instructed several second-grade palace maids to bring over the offerings. Feng Yi also ordered his attending guards to take care of the carriages and horses, and he himself followed closely behind Cloud Pearl and the ladies of the Fu Cha estate with a few skilled attendants.

  "A few benefactors, please come this way." The Xiyun Temple had already sent a monk to greet them outside the temple gate. When they got off the carriage, he joined his palms and whispered "Amitabha", his deep, dark eyes flickered with surprise when he saw Yunzhu, then returned to being as calm as an ancient well.

  Only at close range can one feel the entire temple's clever layout against the mountain, with a sense of rhythm and grandeur in its buildings. It is not an easy task to walk through it all - especially for ancient noblewomen who were used to being pampered.

  "Mother, how are you?" Guwalgiya Shi was almost fifty years old, Yunzhu worried that she had been sitting in the carriage for so long and didn't know if she could still walk, looking at the not-so-short stairs. As soon as Ma Jia Shi got off the carriage, she considerately supported her.

  "Everything is fine." Guajia patted Majia's hand and smiled at Yunzhu, looking around.

  Having lived for two lifetimes, she had never truly visited the Yunyin Temple. Yúnzhū was enchanted by the natural scenery along the way, and now she was also amazed by the splendor of this famous temple. She had heard that the design inspiration for the Forbidden City in Beijing came from the Tanyue Temple, and now she believed it, if the architectural plan inside the temple hadn't changed much during Kangxi's renovation.

  The temple's buildings are arranged along a central axis, with the left and right sides basically symmetrical. The group of halls built according to the mountain's height appears rectangular, strict, clear in primary and secondary levels, yet with various forms such as halls, pavilions, kiosks, and towers, with red walls, green tiles, flying eaves, and upturned corners, majestic and serene, all among ancient trees, famous woods, flowers, bamboos, and other adornments, making the environment extremely beautiful and full of interest.

  "Every time I come to Xunyun Temple, my heart becomes calm," said Gualjia.

  Ma Jia's eyebrows spread apart as she said: "Mother is right, I am the most impatient with these... things, but every time I come to Xiuyun Temple, I feel that even looking at these scenery is beautiful."

  Yes, it is unknown whether it was due to the architectural planning or the concentrated Buddhist power of the thousand-year-old temple, this is the second place she saw in the Qing dynasty that has "power".

  The east route of the temple is composed of courtyard-style buildings, including Fangzhangyuan, Yanqingge and the palace of Qing Dynasty emperors. The main buildings include Wanshou Palace and Taihou Palace. These courtyards are quiet and elegant, with green tiles and red railings, flowing streams and lush bamboo groves, giving a sense of Jiangnan gardens. Lawyer Hengshi, who was in charge of receiving them, settled them in a spacious and quiet courtyard to rest and tidy up, and had the young monk bring over clear tea and fruit, before retreating.

  After resting for about a quarter of an hour, Madame Gualjian's body had recovered from the exertion, and Yúnzhū and Mǎjiāshì accompanied her to the Dàxióngbǎo Temple to burn incense and worship Buddha. Along the way, they viewed famous scenic spots under the introduction of Lawyer Héngshí, such as "Yúxuān Tíng". It was a square-shaped flowing cup pavilion, where inside the pavilion, on top of a huge white jade stone base, there were curved dragon-shaped waterways carved. When the spring water flowed through, wine cups with handles would be placed in it, allowing them to float and spin until they stopped at some point, then picked up and drunk from, while drinking and composing poetry - this was taken from the ancient custom of "Qūshuǐliú Shāng". Yúnzhū couldn't help but think that she didn't expect such a elegant scene in a temple. Thinking about how many people wrote online that Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism were all one, could it really be so? Her expression became somewhat strange.

  The Dahong Hall is located behind the Tianwang Hall on the central axis, and at both ends of the ridge of the hall are two giant emerald-green glazed tile hip-and-gable roofs, which are relics from the Yuan Dynasty. They were originally tied up with golden chains - this was because when Emperor Kangxi first came to Tan Zhe Temple, he saw that the hip-and-gable roofs seemed to be jumping and about to fly away, so he ordered people to make a golden chain to lock them in place, and insert a sword, which is called "Golden Sword Light Kiss Band".

  In the center of the Dahong Hall is enshrined a statue of the Buddha, with a solemn expression and a backlight behind it. The backlight is decorated with carvings of the Roc bird, Dragon Girl, Lion, Elephant, Sheep, and Flame patterns. On either side of the Buddha stand statues of "Ananda" and "Mahakasyapa".

  After coming out of the Grand Hall, they went up to several main halls to burn incense, as usual offered fruits and added incense money, then headed west from the temple.

  The western route of the temple is mostly the hall of the temple, mainly with the ordination platform, Guanyin Hall and Longwang Hall, etc., which are arranged in layers, magnificent and majestic.

  "The divine aura of Guanyin Temple's signature, a few donors may take a look. Lawyer Hengshi is the disciple of Lin Dechang, the third abbot of Xiuyun Temple, and has profound knowledge of Buddhist law. This time, the master asked him to receive the incense guests, thinking it was just royal relatives, but unexpectedly saw the image of Lingguang Shengjun on the youngest female incense guest... He was shocked and almost broke the Buddhist beads in his hand, after reciting a few "Amitabha Buddhas", he calmed down and knew that the master was paving the way for him, feeling very grateful."

  The prosperity of Buddhism has always been inseparable from the support of monarchs. In order to save all sentient beings, Buddhism must stand in the secular world, which is also a practice. Looking at the attire and demeanor of these few incense guests, their tone and conversation, and seeing the hidden worry between their eyebrows, it occurs to me that there must be some movement from the imperial court regarding the northwest, and it's certain that there are male family members on the battlefield, which moved him to make this suggestion.

  Seeking divination? The Gual and Ma families were moved by the words, came to Xiuyun Temple, must be seeking divination, if it's not good, they can also quickly make a vow to ensure peace.

  Guarjia gave Fu Heng a divination: Entering and leaving the camp, great auspiciousness and prosperity, like jade without blemish, hidden in the stone; If you get a noble person to guide you, at this time you will obtain treasure and joyful splendor.

  Heng Shilü took a look at the divination slip and said, "This slip indicates that treasures are hidden, and everything will go smoothly." After finishing speaking, Ma Jia got another slip. Guaner Jia's face was filled with joy, but she couldn't help but feel anxious again, fearing one good and one bad outcome. Yunzhu took the slip from Ma Jia and looked at it: When spring rain lasts long, joyful sunshine will come; Jade Rabbit and Golden Crow will gradually shine bright; Old affairs will disperse, new ones will follow, and with a glance, you'll leap over the Dragon Gate.

  This was given to Second Brother Fu Qingxiu, Yunzhu handed it over to Lawyer Hengshi and said, "Master, please take a look at this."

  "This hexagram is an image of long rain finally clearing up, there is disaster but no danger, and so one's will is gloriously fulfilled."

  Guar Jia heard this, the tense look on her face suddenly disappeared. Her two sons were on the battlefield in the northwest. Fu Heng was her youngest legitimate son, and she loved him more dearly, but Fu Qing had also grown up in front of her, and she was also concerned about his safety.

  "...No disaster, no danger..." Ma Jia said to herself twice, feeling relieved, and smiled: "As long as it's safe." She turned her head and asked Yunzhu: "Auntie, won't you ask Fourth Brother for a favor?"

  "Spring and he are in one place, it's a good omen." Before Hongli set out on his journey, she had already asked Shaman for a peace charm for him.

  "Ask Empress Nara and Consort Xi for a peaceful heart." Guwalgiya handed her the signing tube.

  It's also a special request to come out of the palace and burn incense, it wouldn't be good to go back empty-handed. Yunzhu had an indifferent attitude towards worshipping Buddha, she took over the divination tube, closed her eyes and knelt on the cushion, silently reciting "Protect the Great Qing" as she shook the tube twice, a slip of paper fell out, she picked it up and looked at it from front to back: When fortune arrives, don't worry, once you reach Peach Blossom, all will be free; indeed, in the depths of the pool, the dragon leaps and bounds, transcending the mundane and emerging.

  "What did the donor ask?" Attorney Heng asked.

  Why not ask directly? Yunzhu looked at him with a puzzled expression and didn't hide it: "Ask about the northwest relatives, war situation."

  The constant real lawyer smiled and said: "Those who obtain this sign are at the turning point of their fortunes. Once they leap over it, they will transcend the mundane and achieve great things. Whether it is a good omen or not, they will encounter great auspiciousness in all matters. Those who ask for signs with a heart that cherishes the good way of family and country will be noble beyond words."

  Guarjia's expression changed slightly, her daughter being the legitimate Fu Jin of the Fourth Prince, should be "noble and unspeakable", but it shouldn't be said at this time. Yunzhu seemed to sense something and glanced at her and Majia with a smile: "I was asking on behalf of the Empress Dowager."

  Guarjia thought of what she had just said to her daughter when drawing lots, and glanced at Ye Lao Lao and Shang Lao Lao standing beside Gong Li with a hint of relief in her eyes.

  "I think it's still early, why don't we take a walk and see the beautiful scenery in the temple? It won't be a waste of time coming here. What do you think, Mother?"

  "Why don't some of you donors eat vegetarian first?"

  "Thank you, Master." Yunzhu glanced at Gualjiasi and nodded slightly.

  Heng Shilu ordered Xiaoshami to prepare and took them to the Longwang Temple in front of the Guanyin Hall to see the stone fish. The stone fish is about 17 meters long, weighs over 300 kilograms, looks like copper but is actually made of stone, and can produce five sounds when struck. Legend has it that it was a treasure from the South Sea Dragon Palace, given by the Dragon King to the Jade Emperor. Later, during a severe drought, the Jade Emperor gave it to Tanche Temple to ward off disaster. One night, during a strong wind and rain, the stone fish fell from the sky and landed in the temple courtyard... It is said that each part of the stone fish represents a region, and wherever there is a drought, striking the corresponding part can bring rain.

  "Will it really rain?" asked a maid beside Madam Ma.

  Xiao Yuhuan was about 13 or 14 years old, probably just promoted from a second-class maid not long ago. Ma Jia's expression was slightly awkward, and the nanny next to her glared at Xiao Yuhuan, "Is it really that effective? Would the Qing dynasty still have droughts?! This flood and drought disaster happens every few years, sometimes good, sometimes bad, year after year. Many of the maids and slaves bought by households are those who had no choice but to leave home due to disasters. The common people were all too familiar with these words.

  "This time, it's the turn of Master Heng to look embarrassed," "This...the stone fish in the temple now is a later replica, the original one was lost in the war." This is man-made, not the original Dragon Palace treasure, so it's normal that it doesn't work...sweat.

  Yunzhu smiled, ordinary people love such stories, but this stone fish has a Buddha seal, and many people worship it, entrusting the wishes of millions of people, which can't help but reach the heavens (Dragon King or Jade Emperor). However, whether the gods have time to come and bring rain or not is another matter... Having obtained the Yulan tree's ancient memories, Yunzhu understood better than anyone that even immortals and saints cannot avoid their fate, and there are things worth fighting for.

  Moreover, since the time of Honghuang's fragmentation, the paths of immortals and mortals have been different.

  The scales and fins on the stone fish had been rubbed smooth, it was more popular than the Dragon King in the temple. Yunzhu's heart skipped a beat, she focused her attention and saw that the stone fish's pure white and smooth body actually had a subtle aura of moisture, could it be that Kangxi's use of golden chains to lock up the Qilin wasn't just a momentary infatuation, but rather these objects had been imbued with the essence of incense and scriptures over time, and had gathered the thoughts and intentions of countless people, giving them a spiritual consciousness?

  She didn't hesitate, and imitated Ma Jia's actions, reaching out to touch the fish head. As soon as her hand touched the stone fish, a soft and light substance like thin silk or flowing water was suddenly absorbed into her body. Yunzhu lifted her hand, admiring how it looked even more delicate and white, with some dark lines. Oh, Magnolia tree, what have you eaten again?! She turned her gaze back to the stone fish, and the vibrant color that made the fish look so lively seemed to have faded a bit, but there was no other change.

  On the side, her real estate lawyer, who was watching with a Buddhist mindset, was considered one of the best among his peers in the second generation. With wise and discerning eyes, he noticed that although young, he couldn't quite grasp the key to it all. However, he did notice that after this Fourth Madam had touched the stone fish earlier, her body flashed with a layer of water light, making her seem as bright and clear as water itself. The aura of Ling Guang Shen Jun on her seemed to have intensified slightly.

  It was the first time he had seen such a person in the Aixinjueluo imperial family... He felt excited and strange, thinking of the heavenly blessing that had been rumored to have descended in the seventh month of the fifth year of Yongzheng, with the arrival of the phoenix... Could it be that this legitimate Fu Jin of the fourth prince was the one who had arrived? It was truly wonderful.