On New Year's Eve, Tianxi Temple was especially deserted.
Not only were there no people on the mountain road, but there were no traces of wild animals or birds. The mountain gate was open, and Huai Xin Huaiyi lazily basked in the sun with his hands folded. The winter sun is warm and there is rarely any wind.
Abbot Xuanxin was carrying a food box, and Xuanzhi was holding a porcelain bowl. The two of them walked slowly past the layers of guards beside the Shengguan Tower and came to the wooden door.
Since the lotus was robbed on New Year's Eve last year, Zhu Yunwen has strengthened the protection of Ta Zhou. The number of guards has increased several times, and many more are guarding the outside. There are even sentries on the left and right sides of Hai Shou's small wooden shed. It is completely impossible to sneak in now. Li Tianqi's ginseng store, which served as the contact point for North Korea, was also removed after the night tour of the Qinhuai River. Li Fangyuan did not tell Lianhua whether he had withdrawn on his own initiative or whether Zhu Yunwen had signaled for it. They met in a hurry before parting. Looking back, the two of them didn't say anything meaningful that day.
Xuanxin Xuanzhi saw a short, thick Korean man standing at the door, recognized him as Fatty Zhao, and nodded slightly in greeting.
Fatty Zhao hurriedly saluted: "Two masters are polite. The princess is causing trouble to the masters here." The accent was curly and stiff, a bit like Zhien's, and Xuanxin Xuanzhi couldn't help but smile.
Lianhua also hurriedly said hello. Seeing that the two had brought food, she quickly ordered Zhien to take it.
Xuanxin said with a smile: "The Jiangnan dishes that I often see every day. I asked the kitchen to make some vegetarian dumplings, which have a bit of northern flavor. I want to try them to comfort my homesickness."
Xuanzhi also smiled and said: "This is an imitation of tofu soup. I wonder if it looks like miso soup? Don't laugh at me."
Lotus's eyes are slightly red. For several years in the temple, Xuanxin Xuanzhi has always taken good care of himself, naturally because he remembered Hui Ren's instructions. Thinking of the kind-faced, wise and far-sighted old abbot, Lianhua couldn't help but feel sad.
Xuanxin thought that Lianhua was homesick and comforted him: "New Year's Eve is a day for family reunion. Mr. Zhao is here today, and he is considered a family member." Seeing that Fatty Zhao was busy with work, he must have been in a hurry to be here on New Year's Eve.
Lianhua smiled with tears in her eyes and said, "Yes. We are preparing a reunion dinner for several people here." She pointed to the small wooden table next to her feet. There are several dishes on the table, next to four futons.
Zhien was putting the dumplings and tofu soup on top when he heard this and shouted happily: "Abbott! Master Xuanzhi! Let's eat together! It's the New Year today!" Lianhua also looked at the two of them with anticipation in her eyes.
Xuanxin and Xuanzhi looked at each other and sat down cross-legged without refusing. Hai Shou quickly fetched two more futons, and six people gathered around the table.
Reunion dinner is more about reunion than rice. Although there was no wine or meat, the few people chatted and laughed, but they were very happy. Fatty Zhao talked the most, telling jokes about when he first came to China and telling interesting news about North Korea, and kept talking with joy. Zhien opened his eyes wide when he heard this, and laughed and praised him from time to time; Haishou heard the wonderful things, Pointing at Fatty Zhao, he burst into laughter and couldn't stand up; Xuanxin Xuanzhi often interjected and asked about the customs and customs of North Korea, nodding frequently; Lianhua listened with a smile, and occasionally corrected him: "It's not that exaggerated!"
However, I was still a little dazed in my heart.
He became a king! He had never thought of it, and he had never thought of it.
From now on, the misfortunes and blessings of the Korean people will mainly depend on him. His decision-making and judgment will directly affect the fate of North Korea and determine the life and death of the North Korean people. Li Fangyuan, will you be fine
His every move will also affect the relationship between North Korea and China; whether this relationship is good or bad, peaceful or stalemate, is of great importance to him and North Korea, and is a matter of life and death.
Lianhua thought of Li Fangyuan's attitude towards Zhu Yunzhen that night, and she was still a little worried. Li Fangyuan, promise me that your personal happiness and anger will not affect your friendship with the Celestial Empire. When we grow up, as Zheng Zongcheng said in his last words: "We are not qualified to be willful."
At this time, footsteps rustled, and a figure in a silver sable cloak appeared in the sun. Everyone was startled and hurriedly stood up and prostrated: "Your Majesty!"
Zhu Yunwen was as gentle as ever and said with a smile: "It's lively today. Okay, it's like celebrating the New Year." He waved his hand: "Sit down and continue chatting." He sat down on a futon.
But no one dared to sit down, looking at the emperor and the lotus.
Lianhua had no choice but to come to the rescue: "We've almost eaten. Everyone is tired. Let them go back and rest, right?"
Zhu Yunwen still smiled slightly: "Okay, then you can do what you want."
Several people then resigned. Zhu Yunwen thought for a while and then raised his voice and called to Xuan Xin: "Abbott! Can you wait a little later at the mountain gate today?"
Xuan Xin agreed: "Then we will lock him up after His Majesty's orders." Then he went away.
Zhu Yunwen then took off his cloak and said, "It's a bit hot today!" He smiled and looked at Lotus.
Lian Hua was stunned for a moment. Zhu Yunwen was wearing a moon-white scribe's robe, holding a Ruyi ribbon loosely on his arm. This was exactly the way he was dressed when he first met him at Langya Temple that day.
Zhu Yunwen saw her stunned and tapped her nose: "Miss Li?" He handed her a large lacquer box.
Lianhua took it blankly: "Huh?"
Zhu Yunwen came closer and whispered in Lianhua's ear: "Go and change your clothes. I will take you out to play."
Lianhua didn't understand, but she always obeyed her husband and hurried into the tower without asking any questions. Zhu Yunwen stood up and walked to the court. He put his hands behind his hands and looked at the Sutra Pavilion in front, waiting with a smile.
Great victory in Dongchang! Sheng Yong defeated the Yan army, shot and killed the Yan army general Zhang Yu, and pursued the Yan thieves to Guantao. The Yan army has lost all its elite troops, leaving only about a hundred soldiers, who have retreated to Peiping. Although King Yan was not captured this time, it was only a matter of time. As soon as Zhu Yunwen learned about it in the morning, he went to Fengxian Hall and hurriedly told his ancestors about the good news; he was ready to worship his ancestors tomorrow on Yuan Day.
Uncle Emperor, we can have a good talk soon.
Today was supposed to be in the palace, but for several years Lianhua spent New Year's Eve alone in the pagoda. Zhu Yunwen took a leave of absence from the Queen Mother and planned to spend the New Year with Lianhua.
"Master Zhu!" A voice called from behind.
Zhu Yunwen turned around. Lianhua was dressed in light blue clothes, with fluttering robes and a jade-like face, just like the encounter at that moment in the snow of the ancient temple.
Looking around, they suddenly said softly in unison: "The heart is the Buddha." Looking at each other with smiles is a sign of gratitude for meeting each other, a sign of ecstasy in love, and even more of joy of knowing each other.
The dragon chariot came out of Changganli, crossed Yuhua Road and Changgan Bridge, and soon arrived at Jubaomen (today's Zhonghuamen). Zhu Yunwen stepped off the chariot, stretched out his arms to catch Lotus, held Lotus's hand, and led her to the tower.
Lianhua was a little excited and nervous. This was the first time Zhu Yunwen took her out to "play". In such a large Yingtian Mansion, I have indeed never been anywhere except the imperial palace Tianxi Temple and Cao Guogong Mansion, except for traveling to the Qinhuai Lantern Festival with Li Fangyuan.
The tower is quite high. Looking up at the lotus flower, it is estimated to be about ten feet. The two of them climbed up the stairs, and it took them a while to finish the steps. As soon as I turned around and climbed onto the tower, I suddenly became enlightened. The entire capital is at your feet, the blue sky is like a huge curtain, the sun is pouring from the sky, and on this big stage, all living beings are actors.
Directly above the city gate is a castle with four cornices and flags. Several rows of soldiers stood neatly in a circle, looking straight ahead with solemn expressions, turning a blind eye to the two men. Zhu Yunwen probably gave the order in advance.
Zhu Yunwen held the lotus and walked to the front of the city gate. He pointed in the direction and said with a smile: "That is Tianxi Temple."
Under the blue sky, the fragrant mist of Tianxi Temple is lingering, and the Buddha's light is dense; the Shenggan Pagoda reaches straight into the clouds, and the same auspicious light overflows. An auspicious cloud lingers over the temple, and the colorful light shrouds the pagoda through the clouds. It slowly changes with the sound of chanting rising from the ancient temple, as if you are leisurely listening to the wisdom of the Buddha.
Lian Hua couldn't help but smile: "I've been in the tower every day, but I didn't expect that it would look so different from a high place. It looks so auspicious."
Zhu Yunwen also smiled: "Fortunately, the emperor's grandfather suddenly woke up and returned the Buddha's bone relics."
Lianhua said quickly: "Yes! When the Buddha returns home, he will be very happy."
Zhu Yunwen sighed softly: "It would be great if we could live in peace and auspiciousness like today forever."
Lotus looked at him and said seriously: "Of course. Tianxi Temple has experienced thousands of years and has accumulated the souls and souls of many eminent monks and virtuous people in the past. It not only protects the Buddha's relics, but also protects all living beings in the world." Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly and stared into the distance. , thoughtfully.
The sun was a little dazzling, and Lotus squinted slightly. The city wall at your feet is surrounded by mountains and rivers, twists and turns, and surrounds the entire ancient city of Jinling. There are several more walls in the middle, I don’t know what they mean.
Zhu Yunwen explained: "Yingtian Mansion is divided into four levels: outer city, capital city, imperial city, and palace city from the outside to the inside. The imperial city and palace city are our homes in the Forbidden City." He squeezed Lotus's little hand and continued: " We are standing here in the capital city. There are thirteen city gates surrounding the entire city of Yingtianfu. This Jubao Gate is the south gate of the capital." He turned his head and smiled: "I can't find you during the New Year. The ones that are closed are These thirteen gates”.
Lian Hua blushed, turned her head away, and asked, "Why does this treasure-gathering gate have four gates?"
Seeing her changing the subject, Zhu Yunwen smiled and said: "The three gates inside are called Wengcheng, which are mainly used for military defense. Well, if the enemy invades, you can put in the first or even second gate, put down the Thousand Jin Gate, and guard The army attacked from three sides, just like," Lianhua said: "We are catching turtles in the middle!"
Zhu Yunwen smiled again and shook Lianhua's hand to show his praise: "That's right. The four gates have Qianjin gates, and there is a cave for hiding soldiers in Wengcheng that can accommodate thousands of people." He pointed to the wide road on the side of Wengcheng: " That is the horse road, and the generals who defend the city can ride their horses directly to the tower." He pointed to the distance: "The Tongji Gate, Sanshan Gate and Zhengyang Gate over there are all designed with an urn city inside."
Lianhua asked curiously: "I remember that the city walls in Peking are square. Why are the walls in the capital so crooked?" She regretted it as soon as she said it, why mention Peking
Zhu Yunwen didn't seem to care, or did he act like he didn't care? He smiled and said: "Beiping is located in a plain with flat terrain. Jiangnan itself is hilly, with undulating terrain and numerous river valleys."
He suppressed his smile and said slowly: "The north values Confucianism and respects etiquette, so the four directions are regular and symmetrical. However, the emperor's grandfather was influenced by people like Liu Ji and preferred to unite nature and man and follow the trend." Seeing his expression, Lianhua knew He must be missing Zhu Yuanzhang. Looking at this grand and majestic walled castle, the kind or joking smile of the imperial grandfather floated in my mind. I thought that he did not forget North Korea before his death, and I felt a little sad for a moment.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit solemn, Zhu Yunwen hurriedly interrupted and asked with a smile: "What are the walls of Seoul like?"
Lianhua was embarrassed: "It's a pile of dirt. It's not surrounded by a circle like this."
Zhu Yunwen was a little surprised: "North Korea doesn't know how to make bricks?" He said a few words sideways, and after a while, Zhang Yuanheng ran over holding a city brick.
Zhu Yunwen took it and handed it to the lotus: "This is the brick for the city wall. It is not difficult to bake, but the difficulty is to bake it well. There is a lot of rain in the south of the Yangtze River, and if the quality is poor, it will inevitably collapse." He looked at the lotus and said: "When will North Korea be able to make it if needed? Go to the craftsman and teach him a lesson.”
Lianhua was moved and studied the bricks in her hand carefully. She saw the neat writing on the bricks and asked, "Why are there writings on the bricks?"
Zhu Yunwen smiled and said: "Due to the large scale of Yingtianfu city wall, too many bricks were needed. They were jointly fired by 32 prefectures and 148 states and counties across the country. In order to strictly control the quality, the emperor's grandfather asked the bricks to be written Provide the name of person A in the county so that management can hold him accountable."
Lianhua opened her eyes wide: "Write every piece?"
Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly: "Yes, every piece. Some state capitals hire special literati to write uniformly, which is smoother and neater; in some places, the craftsmen paint by themselves, which is more rural." He stretched his head and looked at the handwriting on Lotus's hand. Brick: "This piece seems to have been written by a scholar, and it's still in regular script."
Lian Hua smiled: "Can future generations study Chinese calligraphy based on these bricks?"
Seeing that she was happy, Zhu Yunwen joked with her: "It's not just calligraphy! Writing, seal cutting, and hundreds of surnames are all my first-hand information about the Ming Dynasty."
Lianhua smiled: "Then you have to arrange to take care of this city wall."
"There is no problem with Yingtian Mansion. I will send craftsmen to teach you when Seoul City will be built." Speaking of Seoul City, Zhu Yunwen suddenly remembered: "By the way, did Zhao Fatty tell you? About the succession of your fifth brother to the throne." Lotus point He nodded, looked at Zhu Yunwen, hesitated for a moment, turned his head sideways, and looked into the distance.
Zhu Yunwen sighed softly in his heart, and looked into the distance, and said in an understatement: "Lotus, I am going to officially canonize Li Fangyuan as the King of North Korea. After the New Year, I will arrange the Ministry of Rites to prepare, and then send envoys to Seoul for the canonization ceremony."
Lianhua's whole body was shocked and she raised her eyes to look at Zhu Yunwen: "Really? Are you willing to do this?"
Zhu Yunwen smiled: "Why are you so surprised? The emperor's grandfather refused to be canonized back then, or the foundation of North Korea was just unstable and he was worried about changes." Lianhua knew in her heart that the Goryeo royal family might overturn at any time at that time, and Li Chenggui himself was always worried.
Zhu Yunwen continued: "Now that North Korea is in peace and prosperity, it is a foregone conclusion. Naturally, it should be canonized." Staring at the lotus, he said, "I have also seen your Fifth Prince brother. He is courageous and talented. I believe he will be a good king and govern North Korea well." The Korean people will live and work in peace and contentment." Lianhua had tears in her eyes and was speechless.
Zhu Yunwen joked again: "Besides, he is the uncle of the state, how can I dare to offend him?"
The lotus fluttered and smiled, and there were still tears in the corners of its eyes, just like the lotus with dew in the morning sun. Zhu Yunwen hugged her gently, and her light blue figure blended into the moon-white robe. The two stopped talking and looked at Tianxi Temple in the distance quietly.
This New Year's Eve is so warm and beautiful. The pagoda reflects the green sky, and the love lasts forever. The tall Shenggu Tower seemed to be looking at the couple and silently blessing them.