Chapter 001: In-depth
Explanation about the protagonist and my humble work
Recently, I have come across numerous negative comments from fellow readers. Aside from a few personal attacks that are not worth mentioning, there are indeed many very pertinent suggestions. I sincerely thank all the readers for their critical guidance.
Regarding the recent criticisms of the protagonist's character, Cha Liang believes it is necessary to address this separately in order to avoid wasting the valuable time of the readers
My humble work is titled "The Master of the Yi Dao". The protagonist is merely a young man who has inherited the teachings of the I Ching. Whether he is a master, an expert, or a grandmaster, he must first be a normal person—someone who is flesh and blood, with likes and dislikes, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, rather than a genius or an oddity who is knowledgeable and worldly from the moment of birth.
Therefore, the protagonist's character should undergo a gradual process of refinement and development; it is unrealistic for someone so young to possess the wisdom and demeanor of an old soul who has experienced the vicissitudes of life.
Just like the wise sages of the past, they too wore split-crotch pants in their childhood, experienced bedwetting, were once youthful and impetuous, and once...
Therefore, there is no need for everyone to waste time blaming and saying that the protagonist is still a master; just look at how foolish, greedy, lustful, and impulsive he is.
After all, we all understand that the principles by which a person navigates the world are essentially the crystallization of their character, which requires time, experience, and even certain significant events that resonate deeply to be refined and shaped—especially considering that the protagonist is still a young man who has only graduated from high school for less than six months
As for the concept of divine retribution, my initial intention was to set aside those elements that hinder the development of the I Ching, treating the I Ching as an ancient science. I cannot elaborate on this here
Everyone can see that humanity has long since landed on the moon or launched various probes to the moon or other outer space, yet there has been no sign of retribution against them; in reality, those who lack virtue or even commit heinous acts... many of them still enjoy a life of luxury and glory
Certainly, adhering to the fundamental principle of encouraging good and discouraging evil, the book contains no such elements to avoid misleading others
Moreover, at least for now, even until completion, my work has not mentioned ghosts or deities. Therefore, everyone can be a bit more magnanimous and not dwell on matters such as retribution from ghosts or divine punishment. Or, as I mentioned in the review section, does the protagonist not deserve blessings for doing good deeds, but instead suffer misfortune?
The above is a brief explanation of the protagonist's character in "Tea Liang." I sincerely welcome all readers to provide criticism and guidance on my humble work. Tea Liang will certainly express gratitude with both hands and a diamond as a token of appreciation
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the friends who continue to support and those who have previously supported Tea Liang. I sincerely wish for everyone to be safe, healthy, prosperous, and happy! These eight words are also regarded by the people of Tea Liang, upon reaching middle age, as lifelong goals to pursue
Respectfully presented with chilled tea
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The Zhou clan within Taiji Village has a long lineage dedicated to the study of the Book of Changes, and the Zhou family has produced numerous masters of this ancient text.
However, Wang Daniu is different from the village chief and the secretary; she has at least graduated from high school and does not believe in superstitions such as feng shui and fortune-telling, considering them merely as deceptive tricks to swindle money.
Wangwu Mountain, ranked among the nine famous mountains of Huaxia and standing as the foremost of the ten celestial caves in Taoism, has been a sacred site for Taoists for centuries, where they gather herbs, refine elixirs, and pursue spiritual enlightenment in hopes of transcending to immortality
This person is none other than the renowned Nationalist Army general Sun Qigeng, who later became famous for his contributions to the anti-Japanese war
The primary responsibilities of the village cadres during that era were to urge the collection of grain and funds, as well as to enforce abortions. The collection of public grain and the receipt of retention fees were seasonal tasks, while the most critical ongoing work was family planning.
The eight-character prophecy of Jing Ruoshan further solidified his determination to enlist and resist the Japanese invasion. After joining the army, he bravely fought against the enemy, achieving numerous military accomplishments, and gradually rose to the rank of Major General in the Nationalist Army, later retreating with the troops to Taiwan
Zhou Yang is young, but his temper is quite fierce. He is particularly averse to others not understanding the Five Arts of Yixue, and he dismisses those who speak carelessly and label it all as superstition.
In his youth, during the early period of the War of Resistance, Jing Ruo Shan Ren was visited by a robust man who brought generous gifts. He presented a set of birth dates and times, stating that he was entrusted by a friend to ask Mr. Zhou to calculate the auspiciousness and misfortunes for his friend.
The burden of family planning primarily rests on Wang Daniu's shoulders. Although her reputation in the village is quite poor due to her work and she has offended many people, her "political achievements" have consistently been lacking, which makes her quite anxious
"This?" Wang Daniu said dismissively, "We all live in the same neighborhood; who doesn't know which way each family's front door faces? You might have heard about my situation. This doesn't count, this doesn't count. If you really know how to read faces, then give me a deeper analysis and see what you come up with!"
The man was momentarily taken aback by what Jing Ruo Shan Ren said, and then his face showed signs of embarrassment as he hurriedly apologized
"Big girl, please don't say that. With the fact that the librarian Zhou Yang is the direct grandson of Jing Ruoshan, and having his esteemed master's direct teachings, he will definitely be able to help us solve the problem!" The accountant quickly intervened to cover for Wang Daniu.
Jing Ruo Shan Ren carefully examined the facial features of the little grandson and couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh heartily. He remarked that he had spent his life in obscurity and mediocrity, while this little fellow possessed an extraordinary fate. He would surely attain boundless wealth and honor when he grew up, and would be able to elevate the five arts of Yixue to their utmost potential. Therefore, he named him Zhou Yang, hoping that he would promote and expand the five arts of Yixue in the future
Hehe, well then, I will give Director Wang a more in-depth observation! A glint of cunning flashed in Zhou Yang's eyes, and then he glanced at Wang Daniu's facial features, solemnly stating, "You have a red mole the size of a grain of wheat on your left buttock..."
What is even more surprising is that before the man could articulate his specific inquiry, the hermit of the mirror waved his hand to stop him, saying that the matter the warrior inquired about was already known to him, and the answer was contained within this bamboo tube
The accountant and the village chief certainly continue to encourage Zhou Yang to showcase his skills once again
... ...
At the foot of Wangwu Mountain, there lies a small village with a remarkably peculiar shape
More importantly, Wang Daniu, who is already married with children, remains graceful and charming. Compared to those young girls who have not yet left their homes, she exudes an added allure of a mature woman, albeit with a fiery temper and an impatient disposition
Because people in that era married early, Wang Daniu's children are already in elementary school, yet she is only in her twenties
After arriving in Lizhuang, Zhou Yang, accompanied by the village chief, the accountant, and Wang Daniu, the director of the village women's federation, took a tour around the village. He also inspected the ancestral graves of the secretary and the village chief but did not find any issues.
The people waiting nearby were greatly astonished upon hearing him say this: This Jing Ruoshan has always been highly respected and esteemed, and even if he were to disregard feelings and speak bluntly, how could he smile and discuss books today when his friend's life is only a year long? Moreover, everyone says it is selling friends for glory, yet this Jing Ruoshan claims it is selling friends for wealth
However, everyone lives in the same village, and apart from the fact that they often see each other, the influence of the local factions cannot be underestimated, making family planning quite challenging
Xiao Zhou Yang has striking sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, making him quite adorable. In the middle of his eyebrows, there is a birthmark the size of a small grain of rice, which perfectly resembles the auspicious symbol of two dragons playing with a pearl.
Thus, on the weekend when Zhou Yang returned home, he accompanied the village chief and others to Lizhuang, marking his first official venture out into the world.
The originally ordinary small village is divided into two parts, north and south, by a winding stream that flows through it in an S shape, creating a configuration reminiscent of the yin and yang symbol, with the southern part representing the yang fish and the northern part resembling the yin fish
Interestingly, at the eye of the Yang fish, there is precisely a well, which symbolizes the Yin as it descends; conversely, at the eye of the Yin fish, there is a circular earthen building constructed by the prosperous Wang clan in the village, which symbolizes the Yang as it ascends
Before General Sun enlisted, he sought out the hermit Jing Ruoshanshan to inquire about his future. Concerned that Zhou Qian was young and might not live up to his reputation, he decided to test him first.
The strong man, upon seeing his reflection, truly lived up to his reputation as a mountain man, and thus he bowed deeply to the ground, seeking guidance.
In this way, the entire village resembles a Tai Chi diagram of Yin and Yang, hence it is named Tai Chi Village
The legend of the Foolish Old Man Moving Mountains has further immortalized the name of Wangwu Mountain. The poet Li Bai, known as the Immortal Poet, once ascended Wangwu Mountain and expressed his sentiments, saying: "I wish to accompany the Master at the Temple of Heaven, leisurely sweeping fallen flowers with the immortals"
In the 1980s, Jingruo Shanjin welcomed another grandson.
At the end of the War of Resistance, Jingruo Shanjin accidentally discovered characters carved on unearthed stone tools, which were the long-lost texts of the "Lianshan" and "Guicang" classics, having been lost for thousands of years. It was then that he understood the unity of the three Yis; without the "Lianshan" and "Guicang," the understanding of the "Zhouyi" is akin to viewing a leopard through a tube, unable to grasp the entirety.
Thus, in their desperation, they hastily sought help. With a slap on the thigh, they decided that the village chief and the accountant would use public funds to purchase some generous gifts to invite the renowned geomancer, Jing Ruoshan, to examine whether there were any issues with the village's feng shui... or if there was something amiss with the burial site of the party secretary and the village chief's ancestors
When Zhou Yang was in junior high school, one day the village chief and the accounting director from Lizhuang Brigade in the neighboring village came to seek guidance from the people of Jingruo Mountain.
Li Zhuang Brigade is a relatively large administrative village, with several thousand residents across its five subordinate natural villages. The village head and the party secretary are often recognized by the township as models of family planning—specifically, the type that is criticized for being backward.
However, the village chief and the accountant were unwilling to let go, repeatedly urging the old gentleman to visit their village and examine whether there were any issues with the feng shui. Otherwise, why were the pregnant women in their village appearing one after another? If all women across the country were as capable as they were, it is likely that the specialists and doctors treating infertility would either change professions or starve to death
Due to the prediction of a decade of catastrophe, Zhou chose to abandon his profound knowledge and shut his doors to visitors after his potential liberation, thus allowing himself to live out his later years in peace.
As for this Wang Daniu, she is quite well-proportioned, with willow-shaped eyebrows, apricot eyes, and a slender face, her figure is curvaceous and very full.
Although Mr. Jingruo repeatedly insisted that he was old and physically impaired, and that there was no significant matter in their village, seeing that the two of them were adamant in their invitation, he felt it was difficult to refuse given the close ties among the neighboring villages. Therefore, the recluse Jingruo suggested that perhaps his young grandson, Zhou Yang, could go and take a look for them. Despite his young age, he was not inferior to the old man in terms of feng shui and divination.
Wang Daniu felt a strong sense of disdain upon seeing Zhou Yang, who was not much older than her son
Zhou Yang certainly understood their thoughts. He originally intended to showcase his prowess at Liangliang Mountain Gate and to suppress Wang Daniu's arrogance. At this moment, he seized the opportunity to follow their lead, glanced at Wang Daniu, and confidently said: "I believe Director Wang's fate is lacking in the 'book' aspect, suggesting there are five sisters—some older, some younger, but no brothers. Am I correct in this assessment?"
Zhou Yang, exceptionally intelligent and perceptive, at a young age has already gained a profound understanding of the Three Changes (the Book of Changes, the Book of Returning to the Source, and the Book of Changes) and is well-versed in the Five Arts (mountain, medicine, destiny, physiognomy, and divination) under the careful guidance of Jingruo Shanren. Even his grandfather, Jingruo Shanren, remarked with a smile: this boy will surely surpass his teacher and excel beyond the blue.
From this point onward, Zhou Qian's mastery of the I Ching became even more extraordinary, earning him the title "Second to Li and Yuan," which signifies that Zhou Qian's foundation in the I Ching surpassed that of the renowned sorcerers Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang from the Tang dynasty
Both of them are illiterate peasants who do not recognize a single character, yet deep down they still firmly believe in the concepts of feng shui and fortune-telling. Moreover, the era of destroying gods and temples has long since passed
Jing Ruo Shan Ren examined their faces and stated that they were not facing any misfortunes and would have smooth official careers (do not underestimate the village chief as a mere local leader), and there should not be any issues related to feng shui.
The Mirror of the Mountain Man pondered briefly, then shook his head and smiled, saying: "As for this friend of the warrior, with nine brothers, deep fortune but short life, three meals a day delivered to his mouth, it is a pity that he has only one year to live. Since you are a friend of the warrior, I trust that you would not betray your friend for profit"
Indeed, indeed, young lady, you should not underestimate Zhou Yang. Moreover, as the old saying goes, superstitions are superstitions, and one must not dismiss them! The village chief also chimed in, fearing that Zhou Yang would lose face.
Although it is said that "what should be done is done, and what should collapse does collapse; what should flow does not flow, and what should be pried does not pry," the village officials, like traitors and spies, spend their days investigating and inquiring in the village... about which family's wife is pregnant, which woman has been away visiting relatives for too long and is suspicious, etc., urging women of childbearing age to undergo abortions and sterilizations
After the Mirror Mountain Man finished speaking, he gazed meaningfully at the strong man
"It is not a matter of whether I believe or not. I said, little student, you are still a student, how can you not believe in science and instead engage in some feudal superstition?" Wang Daniu said, "If that set of beliefs is not a scam, why don't you help me check it out on hetushu.com first?"
The man respectfully took the bamboo tube, opened it, and found a piece of paper inside with eight large characters written on it: "Abandon farming to join the military, ultimately becoming a general"
It turns out that the strong man, for the sake of caution, wanted to first test the depth of the Mirror-like Mountain Man's skills before asking about the matter: the set of birth dates he just reported was actually the birth times of the nine piglets born to his own mother pig
Having reached this point in the conversation, both the village chief and the accountant could only nod in gratitude. This is because they had often heard that the grandson of the Jingruo Mountain Man indeed possesses considerable talent.
He could not help but say, "It seems that Director Wang does not believe me? In fact, feng shui and physiognomy are not mere superstitions; they are a specialized discipline, but you simply do not understand it!"
Certainly, although family planning work offers performance bonuses, it is also the most troublesome and frustrating job for them
Upon hearing Zhou Yang's words, both the accountant and the village chief gave a thumbs up, praising him for his accurate observation—indeed, Wang Daniu's father has only five daughters and no sons.
The accountant and the village chief were also eager to use Daniu's words to test the depth of Zhou Yang's skills. Therefore, upon hearing Daniu's remarks, they not only did not intervene but instead encouraged Zhou Yang to demonstrate his abilities for Daniu to see
The village chief and the accountant set down their gifts and explained their intentions, earnestly requesting that the hermit Jingruo lend them a hand.
"I said it, what problem can you two solve by sending a student over?" complained Wang Daniu, the director of the village women's federation, without holding back, "Moreover, I have never believed in such superstitious nonsense!"
The party secretary and the village head are unable to hold their heads high in the township due to this matter, and in the village, they are being criticized indirectly for offending others.
During the Republic of China period, there was a descendant of the Zhou family named Zhou Qian, who styled himself as the Hermit of Jingruo. He was deeply fascinated by the I Ching and the five arts, often assisting neighbors and friends in fortune-telling and providing guidance. He observed the heavens and examined the earth, seeking dragons and determining burial sites