Chapter 83, On the South Luo Mountain

They continued their journey up the mountain and arrived at the summit in less than an hour. Looking around, the mountain was not particularly tall or steep, but it exuded an air of majesty over the surrounding peaks. Despite it being early summer and the temperature soaring, a cool breeze greeted them at the mountain peak, reminiscent of early spring. The lush greenery and the scent of flowers created a perfect retreat from the scorching sun. County Magistrate Sun pointed to a nearby red-walled and green-tiled structure and said, "This is Xingfu Temple. We can rest here and have a chat with the venerable monks."
Came to the temple gate, there is a sign on the gate with the words "Xingfu Temple". County Magistrate Sun asked the novice on the gate to inform the temple's abbot that the King of Linzi has arrived. After a while, the abbot personally came to the gate to greet. Everyone looked at the elder abbot, only to see that his beard and hair were all white, his face was ruddy, although he was a bit thin, he was still energetic. The elder abbot hurriedly approached, clasped his hands together, and said, "Your Highness, when my eyelids twitched this morning, I knew that a distinguished guest had arrived. It is an honor for the humble temple to have your presence."
"Amitabha!" Li Longji also quickly greeted with Buddhist etiquette. The guests and hosts walked one after another and arrived at the Dharma Hall in the temple. The elder introduced himself as Chong Su Elder while walking. Li Longji told Elder Chong Su that he and the others wished to worship the Buddha and offer incense. The elder then asked a young monk to accompany Li Longji and his entourage to wash their hands. In a little while, everyone walked slowly into the Dharma Hall. They picked up three sticks of incense, lit them on the Buddha lamp, and saw Li Longji taking the lead. He held the incense stick with his index and middle fingers, with his thumb supporting the end of the stick, and the incense head facing the Buddha's sacred image. After a moment, he raised the incense to his forehead, and then inserted the incense into the incense burner in the order of center, right, and left with his left hand. Afterwards, on the cushion in front of the Buddha, he bowed three times and performed nine prostrations. Then, he clasped his hands together and bent down, raising his hands to his forehead. The others in the entourage followed suit and performed the same gestures. After the ceremony, they asked the elder for guidance.
"May I ask, venerable elder, whether my Buddhist rituals and practices are in violation?"
"Your Highness, your understanding of Buddhist teachings is truly admirable. I pay my respects!"
After speaking, he ushered Li Longji into the meditation room to rest. Once they were seated, Li Longji made his request to the elder:
"Elder, I would like to stay in your temple for one night. The members accompanying me will camp in the forest outside the temple. Will that be convenient?"
The abbot hurriedly replied, "Amitabha Buddha! Your Highness's visit is a blessing for our small temple. The accommodations and meals here are simple, so please forgive any inconvenience."
张玮赶紧奉上制钱和布匹：“些许小资，权做香火钱，还望长老笑纳！”
双方推辞了半天，长老忙说：“如此，晚间老衲想跟殿下打坐静心，不知殿下有无意愿？”
"I originally sought tranquility, and it is indeed excellent." Li Longji replied.
"Li Yanchao originally came from a society that did not have strong religious beliefs, not knowing the essence of Buddhism. These two individuals seemed mysterious, but he didn't think it was a big deal. He busied himself with arranging the entourage, setting up security seats, and organizing dinner expenses, keeping himself extremely busy."
李言潮吃不得斋饭，就带领大家在寺外大帐吃些肉类和粽子，李隆基和长老两人用些斋饭，就在静室打坐，吩咐任何人不得叨扰。
Two men sat down for two hours, and the elder suddenly opened his eyes and said, "Your Highness, although young, you sit well. The old monk is willing to answer three questions for Your Highness. Do you have any questions?"
"Naturally, I have questions. First, can I return to the capital in recent years? Second, are there any talented individuals among the people I bring with me? Third, if I do return, will my future be bright?" Li Longji asked slowly.
The elder sat quietly for a while, then suddenly opened his eyes and replied:
"Next year, when you go to the capital, the people you bring with you are all talented individuals, and among them, there is someone who knows the situation near and far. Your future, as some say, will 'climb higher peaks'." The elder's answer was mysterious and unfathomable, but Li Longji seemed to have not heard it, and continued to meditate until late at night.
Early the next day, Li Longji led the crowd to bid farewell to the temple and descended the mountain. Sun Zhenrui pointed to a huge stone and said, "Your Highness, there is still a Taoist temple here. Buddhism and Taoism coexist harmoniously, making it a remarkable sight in this mountain. Would you like to take a look?"
"Is there really a Taoist temple on the stone? If so, it would be a marvel." Li Longji was overjoyed at the words and didn't blame Sun for keeping him guessing. He walked towards the giant rock without hesitation.
Upon entering and taking a look, it turned out that the small temple was hidden by the giant stone. It was built on a gentle slope, creating another magnificent scene. Inside the temple, there were golden nails on red doors, green tiles with carved eaves, elegant pavilions surrounded by emerald dew, windows running along the shape of a tortoise's back, and a canopy of pine and cypress trees providing shade. A fragrant breeze gently blew, resembling a fairy mansion. In the distance, a person holding a dusting brush stood there. As soon as they saw Li Longji, they quickly bowed respectfully.
Li Longji bowed and apologized: "Infinite Celestial Lord, I apologize for the abrupt visit and for disturbing you! Please forgive me, please forgive me!"
"Infinite Amitabha Buddha, Your Highness graces our humble temple, bringing radiance to our surroundings. We regret not welcoming you from a distance. Please forgive us, please forgive us!" The Daoist reciprocated the gesture and replied.
They both entered Guan Yun Xuan and sat down on the cloud bed on the left and right. Li Longji then performed another salute, "May I ask the honorable Taoist's surname and religious name?"
Taoist: "My surname is Zhao, and my religious name is Zi Yi!"
Two people, meeting as if they were old friends, talked and discovered that Daoist Ziyi is a descendant of Emperor Shile of the Later Zhao Dynasty. To avoid the chaos of war, their ancestors changed their surname to Zhao and settled in Xiangyuan. Daoist Ziyi has been in the temple for over thirty years and recently raised funds to build a new academy beside the temple. To facilitate passage, a passageway and a corridor were built between the temples, which is quite spectacular. The academy is completed but has not been named yet, so Master Zhao kindly asked Emperor Li Longji to name it. Emperor Li Longji did not refuse and wrote the four characters "Exploring the Profound Academy" with a brush, and then composed a poem spontaneously:
The Xuanjing Academy
A master's mind is beyond worldly matters, driving a phantom boat of Tao.
Not indulging in the beauty of rocky springs, but exploring the forbidden palace.
Exploring the mysteries of the universe, how many years have passed, and the tranquility is more suitable for autumn.
Distinguishing the morning hues of smoke trees, hearing the night flow of windy rapids.
Sitting in a bustling court, listening to music, seeking serenity in tranquility.
Desiring to broaden knowledge and achieve enlightenment, hence seeking the ultimate.
The Taoist priest in purple clothes read it for a long time, exclaiming with admiration, "The handwriting of His Highness is majestic and elegant, with both form and spirit, vigorous and unique brushstrokes, upright and distinctive, with powerful and graceful ink, truly superior! It should be treasured as a precious gem in a small gallery." Then he carefully put it away and sent a servant to the county town to have it mounted, and summoned skilled craftsmen to carve the plaque for the scripture hall.
Li Longji hurriedly descended from the mountain without discussing further, bid farewell to the Taoist in Purple Robe, who also didn't try to persuade him to stay. The Taoist handed him a brocade pouch and said, "Look at this when you go back, and you will have a worry-free life." Then, waved his hand and parted ways.