Chapter 500: Chapter 500: The Sweeping Monk of Years Past

The Abbott and the Chief were absent, with the highest rank being the Master of the West Hall. Their criticism was directed at the Master of the West Hall: "Bodhi has a long history and profound Buddhist Law, with generations of renowned monks. How could there be someone so undisciplined, unaware of social hierarchy, and ignorant of etiquette? We are here debating Buddhist Law, how can a mere Sweeping Monk interject?"

The Master of the West Hall had not yet spoken when Kong Chan calmly swept the fallen leaves on the ground, his voice peaceful yet like a great bell and drum: "The Bodhi is inherently without trees, the clear mirror is not a stand, originally there is not a single thing, how then can there be hierarchy?"

When he recited the first three lines, there was only a chorus of cold laughter, for who wouldn’t know these well-known words? But the last line was altered and perfectly matched the current situation.

People who have renounced worldly life consider all material things empty; how then can there be distinguished statuses or worldly rules and etiquette? Why differentiate between the Master of the West Hall and a Sweeping Monk?

These three people came to cause trouble, specifically choosing the absence of the Abbott and Chief, aiming to tarnish the reputation of the Bodhi Temple, yet now they found themselves speechless due to the words of a Sweeping Monk. How could they back down easily? One of them immediately sneered: "Originally there is not a single thing, naturally there should be no hierarchy! However, learning follows a sequence, and the one who understands is the teacher; there are depths to Buddhist Law, it’s not for anyone to babble nonsense!" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Kong Chan continued sweeping, composed and calm, undisturbed: "There are depths to Buddhist Law, those who delve deeply will naturally find understanding; the Buddhist mind knows no good nor evil, how could one recognize babble? This humble monk usually reads a few Buddhist scriptures. If the discussion is about the scriptures, this humble monk will accompany you; if the matter is the depth, this humble monk will accompany you; if the subject is babble, this humble monk will accompany you!"

At this moment, the monks, feeling ashamed for tarnishing the reputation of the Bodhi Temple, suddenly found someone who could stump these three. Naturally, they would not intervene.

And the three monks causing trouble were also attracted by Kong Chan. They came to make all monks of the Bodhi Temple admit defeat willingly, and although they might not defeat the Abbott and the Chief, they picked a time when they were absent to ensure foolproof success.

Now, a Sweeping Monk was not yielding, so they had to keep arguing until he submitted.

Even monks like the Master of the West Hall, well-read in the Buddhist scriptures, or those who had been in the monastic community for decades, did not have greater comprehension of the Buddhist Law than these troublemakers. What could a mere twenty-year-old young monk, who was only sweeping, know of the scriptures?

Thus, the three of them took turns launching verbal attacks about the Buddhist Law at Kong Chan.

Then something astonishing occurred.

The young Sweeping Monk’s proficiency in the scriptures, depth of comprehension, and brilliant insights were awe-inspiring, as if he was a lotus tongue, with a natural aromatic fragrance.

Is he truly just a Sweeping Monk?

Using a rotation tactic, three against one, they not only had the advantage in numbers but also in age and experience. But what was the outcome?

Debating scriptures, they were outmatched; deliberating comprehension, they were outdone; discussing the words and deeds of Buddhist Law, they were completely defeated; talking about the state of mind, they seemed insignificant!

In the end, the ones left speechless were these three.

With full confidence, they had left the entire temple’s monks silent, only for a Sweeping Monk to leave them speechless!

The three, convinced in heart and word, even wished to acknowledge Kong Chan as their teacher, despite being older than him. But as previously stated, learning follows no order, the one who understands is the teacher!

Of course, Kong Chan refused.

The three troublemakers came with bold and high spirits, but left looking dejected, yet their hearts were content.

Not only these three monks, but all the monks present at the Bodhi Temple at that time felt enlightened and greatly benefited.

This matter spread later, not by the insiders at the Bodhi Temple, but by those three troublesome monks. After losing, they only felt reverence in their hearts, and their minds underwent significant change, no longer eager for contention, filled with sincere awe for Kong Chan, and naturally did not mind recounting their own defeat.

Because of this, Kong Chan’s reputation spread.

It was said that those words were from Master Kong Chan, to which the Emperor said nothing but to Prince Zhuang: "I know now, you may withdraw."

Prince Zhuang was slightly stunned; was that it? He hesitated and said, "Father, can the Holy Decree be..."

The Emperor’s gaze sharpened, like a blade piercing directly: "The Emperor’s words are not to be taken lightly. Do you take my decree as child’s play? Retaining your title as Prince Zhuang was already lenient! Get out now, return to your residence and reflect on your actions!"

Terrified, Prince Zhuang hurriedly backed out.

After exiting, his once hopeful countenance immediately turned bleak. The position of the Crown Prince, he ultimately could not retain. It had been less than two years, less than two years since arriving in the Capital City in grandeur, and now he has fallen wretchedly from his position as the Crown Prince, all because of Huangfu Jingchen’s life.

Was it not said that once Huangfu Jingchen was killed, his destined fate would be singularly his? Why, then, after killing Huangfu Jingchen, did he lose his position as Crown Prince?

Where did things go wrong?

No, he must find Mr. Gongyang and ask!

Meanwhile, after expelling Prince Zhuang, the Emperor was also very angry. Although he had first issued the decree to Prince Zhuang, and had not yet offered it at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, nor declared it publicly, the Crown Prince must be deposed! I think of what the Crown Prince said, that in Bodhi Temple, Kong Chan dared to claim Huangfu Jingchen divided the Crown Prince’s destiny? It was sheer nonsense!

The more he thought about it, the more his anger flared. He said, "Come forward!"

The guards outside the door stepped in quickly.

The Emperor said in a deep voice, "Quickly convey my verbal order to the Bodhi Temple, instructing Master Kong Chan to immediately enter the palace for an audience!"

The Bodhi Temple is a National Temple, though it belongs to Nanxia, from Tianqian to Nanxia, generations of emperors have always treated the High Monks of the Bodhi Temple with courtesy, without any slight.

If something required, it was usually the emperor who went in person to the Bodhi Temple, rather than a verbal summons for the High Monks to come to the Imperial Palace.

But this time was different, Kong Chan Monk dared to say such words to the Crown Prince. This behavior itself lacked the integrity of an enlightened High Monk. The Emperor harbored a swell of anger and naturally would not show courtesy to Kong Chan.

If it were truly verified that Kong Chan made such baseless claims, regardless if he’s a High Monk of the Bodhi Temple or held any other status, it would be a capital offense!

Daring to meddle with the Imperial Family and the Crown Prince, he would not show any mercy!

Prince Zhuang hurriedly returned from the Imperial Palace to the Prince Zhuang Mansion. Although he did not implicate Gongyang Puyu but successfully shifted the blame to Master Kong Chan, he still felt uneasy. What if the Emperor went to seek verification from Master Kong Chan, what then?

But the High Monks of the Bodhi Temple held an esteemed position; surely the Emperor would not act in such a manner!

He was now under house arrest, although granted entry into the Imperial Palace, the Emperor did not relent even slightly. So now he could not go to find Mr. Gongyang.

Fortunately, there were only two hours until nightfall.

The carriage traveled quickly, and soon the Crown Prince Mansion came into view; no, it should now be called the Prince Zhuang Mansion!

Suddenly, the coachman exclaimed, "What is going on? Your Highness, something is wrong!"