Chapter 4: Sima

I have just agreed to the matter of treatment with Mr. Sima. What you mentioned, my friend, I am also aware of.

Although the esteemed elder seated here is often not very serious, when he suddenly fell ill with a cold on the road, he remained open-minded and did not forget to joke, not to mention that his condition has slightly improved now. At this moment, the middle-aged Taoist named Sunzi quickly said: "What you said, sir, is exactly what I was thinking. I will have Heiyun lead the way to visit and treat you. For now, I will return to organize the medical kit."

The old man was a master of the Daoist sect. Upon hearing this supernatural tale, he showed no surprise; instead, he appeared contemplative as he gently stroked the tuft of beard on his chin

Upon leaving the temple, Sunzi's expression was clouded with gloom. This time, he had traveled to Tiantai Mountain, exhausting all his efforts to invite this renowned master, who was as famous as his own teacher, to Songyang Temple. Along the way, they engaged in discussions on philosophy and literature, finding great resonance with each other. Moreover, since Songyang Temple was a place where his late master had once resided, he had been quite confident in his ability to persuade the master to stay. However, to his surprise, upon reaching the temple gate, he encountered such an incident! Furthermore, as the old man had mentioned, the Du siblings claimed to be from the Du family of Jingzhao and Duling. If they truly hailed from the Duqu of Fanchuan, the actions of Songyang Temple would undoubtedly tarnish its reputation! He had been quite confident in his ability to persuade the master to stay. However, to his surprise, upon reaching the temple gate, he encountered such an incident! Moreover, as the old man had said, the Du siblings claimed to be from the Du family of Jingzhao and Duling. If they truly hailed from the Duqu of Fanchuan, the actions of Songyang Temple would undoubtedly tarnish its reputation! He was not the only one absent; there were other Taoists in the temple skilled in medicine!

The term "outsider" is a double entendre, which Sunzi naturally understands. He nodded, then stood up and said: "The attendants of Master Sima over there should be ready by now; I will go pay a visit. There is no time to lose, and you might as well meet with Master Sima immediately. As long as this matter is clarified, Master Sima will surely be at ease. However, the news of his departure from Mount Tiantai to Zhongyue should not be kept secret for too long. The sage has always revered the Dao and valued the mysterious, and there are even rumors that the court may establish a Daoist examination, setting up a new institute for the study of the mysterious outside the Chongxuan Office. When it comes to the doctrines of the classics and Daoism, if Master Sima dares to claim second place, no one would dare to claim the first! Moreover, due to the serious illness of the Emperor, the sage has been frequently inquiring about Master Sima, who was summoned by Empress Wu Zetian and the Emperor. Once the news is reported, it will surely bring joy to the Emperor's face. Otherwise, if the Chongtang Temple receives the news, the situation could become dire.

On such a rainy day, these two siblings linger in front of Songyang Temple; could it be that they have had a disagreement or quarrel

Sima Heiyun held a favorable view of Du Shiyi's courteous demeanor and remarked: "When it comes to this brother and sister, the sister is willing to travel a thousand miles to Songshan to seek medical help for her brother, while the brother, despite just recovering from a serious illness, is willing to go to Songyang Temple to bring his sister back. This mutual support between the siblings is indeed remarkable, and it is no wonder that it has attracted the manifestation of their ancestors' spirits."

On this day, there were not many pilgrims at Songyang Temple. After the heavy rain, the guesthouse specifically set up for the visiting pilgrims was also quite desolate. Sima Heiyun was led in by the attendant Daoist through the main gate. Upon arriving outside the guesthouse where his host resided, he saw a companion coming to greet him. After a brief exchange of a few words, he thanked the attendant Daoist, then took off his raincoat and hat, and followed his companion to the entrance of the central guesthouse. After announcing their arrival, they entered the door.

Yes, the protagonist. They lived in a thatched cottage at the foot of Junji Peak, just a quarter of an hour's journey from Songyang Temple. However, the road was difficult to traverse in the rain, which caused some delays in their travel.

Seeing the old man reveal a teasing expression, a lean Taoist priest, around forty years of age, sitting in the lower left corner, could not help but cough lightly. He then pondered for a moment and asked, "Since you are from Du Ling in Jing Zhao, quite young, and are siblings, it is unlikely that you would be living in seclusion on Mount Song to cultivate your Dao. Why then do you reside in a thatched cottage at the foot of Jun Ji Peak? Is it possible that you are here to build a dwelling and study?"

The matter entrusted to you, my fellow Daoist, was originally on the verge of a successful conclusion today. However, due to an encounter with a pair of siblings in the rain before the Songyang Temple, Mr. Sima, moved by compassion, had his attendants escort them back. As a result, an astonishing matter was revealed. They came here seeking medical treatment, but the people in the temple had previously evaded their requests, and today they even allowed the sister to kneel in the rain, pleading desperately without any regard! If it were not for the sudden recovery of the elder brother, who disregarded everything to rush through the rain to take her back, it is likely that a life would have been lost this time. They came here seeking medical treatment, but the people in the temple had previously evaded their requests, and today they even allowed the sister to kneel in the rain, pleading desperately without any regard! If it were not for the sudden recovery of the elder brother, who disregarded everything to rush through the rain to take her back, it is likely that a life would have been lost this time. My fellow Daoist, the current reputation of the Songyang Temple has been hard-earned; how can we tarnish it like this and not be worthy of our ancestors, not to mention falling under Mr. Sima's scrutiny!

When Sunzi finally took his leave, Sima Heiyun stepped forward a couple of paces and respectfully bowed again, saying: "Master, I have been ordered to escort those two siblings back. However, I learned from the conversation between Du Xiaolang and Du Xiaoniang that Du Xiaolang's revival is due to a visitation from his late father in a dream. The Lord of the Underworld, moved by his sister's sincerity, allowed his late father to manifest and extend his lifespan. I observed that he possesses handsome features and speaks elegantly. Although he is merely a servant, he treats others with neither servility nor arrogance, and does not show any disdain simply because I am the one commanding him. He should not be someone who speaks without thought."

In the center position, there sat an old man dressed in a Daoist robe, with frosty white hair and a few long strands of beard hanging from his chin. At first glance, due to his hair color, the old man appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, but upon closer inspection of his face, he had a unique appearance, a rosy complexion, and very few wrinkles. His pair of eyes sparkled with a profound light, suggesting he was only around forty. When he saw Sima Heiyun approaching to pay his respects, he smiled and asked, "Have you sent the person home?"

Mount Song was originally a sacred site of Taoism. During the reign of Empress Wu, due to her promotion of Buddhism, Mount Song was designated as a divine mountain, and temples were built on various peaks, leading to a significant rise in the influence of Buddhism over Taoism. When Empress Wu passed away and was buried under the title of Empress Dowager Zhen, those Buddhist temples were not affected by the repercussions, and the incense offerings from the public remained prosperous. Meanwhile, the previously somewhat quiet Taoist temples welcomed even more high-ranking officials and dignitaries than before

The elderly Taoist priest is none other than Song Fuzhen, who is currently appointed to oversee Songyang Temple. Upon hearing these words from his grandson Fang, he furrowed his brow in concern and immediately ordered someone to summon his disciple Daofang, who manages the temple affairs. When a middle-aged Taoist hurriedly entered and saluted, he could not help but question, "What is the matter with the young lady kneeling in front of the temple, pleading in the sudden mountain rain today?"

Therefore, he casually summoned a young attendant and immediately said in a deep voice: "You go inform the master of the temple, I am going to pay my respects now"

Seeing his mentor glaring at him in anger, Fang was immediately drenched in sweat, unable to defend himself for a time. He did not know how long had passed when he finally heard Song Fuzhen's cold voice from above: "I originally devoted myself to cultivation, which is why I entrusted the management of the temple affairs to you. It seems now that you are truly incapable of handling it. You may leave; from now on, the secular matters of this temple will be managed by your junior brother Wei. You will sweep and clean in front of the temple for three years, first cultivating a pure heart, and then you may return to properly pursue your path of cultivation." You may leave; from now on, the secular matters of this temple will be managed by your junior brother Wei. You will sweep and clean in front of the temple for three years, first cultivating a pure heart, and then you may return to properly pursue your path of cultivation.

Upon hearing the master's question, Dao Fang could not help but glance at his grandson, Fang, and then hesitantly replied: "Master, you may not be aware, but that Miss Du did not come to the temple to pay her respects; rather, she came seeking medical treatment. Mr. Sun was not in the temple before, and although there are several seniors and fellow Daoists with commendable medical skills, the condition of her brother, as she described, is indeed too severe. Even the most skilled physicians in the imperial court would find it exceedingly difficult to treat such a critical illness where the patient cannot speak or move. Therefore..."

The protagonist, Daoist Sun, is someone who has come to Songyang Temple seeking medical treatment. Today, it is said that Young Master Du is suffering from a serious illness, having once been unable to speak or move. Therefore, his sister traveled a great distance with Qingyi from Jingzhao to Songshan in search of a cure. However, Daoist Sun was not present, and the temple politely declined their request. Today, his sister again knelt before the temple, pleading earnestly, and despite the mountain rain, she was unwilling to leave. Unexpectedly, Young Master Du miraculously recovered, which is why she sent Qingyi to guide them here to bring Miss Du back, hence the earlier matter of borrowing rain gear.

In an instant, he seized the disciple's authority and punished him by assigning menial tasks. When the middle-aged Taoist left, dejected, Song Fuzhen then inclined his body slightly towards Sun Zifang and said: "If it were not for your timely return, I might have remained oblivious to this matter. I kindly ask you to visit that pair of siblings; it is no small matter to venture out in this heavy rain, as it could lead to catching a cold. Since there are patients there, it would be prudent to prepare some medicinal herbs and items to replenish their vital energy. Ah... please do visit that pair of siblings; it is no small matter to walk in this heavy rain and risk catching a cold. Since there are patients there, it would be wise to prepare some medicinal herbs and items to replenish their vital energy. Ah... The Chongshan villa on Junji Peak is very tranquil; it would be appropriate to lend it to them for their recovery. This way, it shows ample sincerity in making amends, and moreover, the Chongshan villa is part of Songyang Temple, so there is no worry of outside disturbances."

Song Fuzhen's expression immediately darkened: "So you turned them away at the door?"

Moments later, Sunzi conveniently appeared in front of the Feixing Pavilion where the host resided. He casually nodded slightly to the two young Taoist disciples who came to greet him, then stepped directly over the threshold and entered. After that, he performed a respectful bow to the elderly Taoist priest sitting in the center before taking a seat on a mat to his left.

The old man, upon hearing this, nodded thoughtfully while gently stroking his chin beard. He then smiled and said, "You are someone who values your reputation above all else. Just now, I may have pressed you with my words, and I fear you have already gone to see Master Song. Since he has asked you to lead the way, you should follow along and take a look. Although our Daoist teachings do not include the Buddhist concepts of cause and effect, since I have acted as a good person, I might as well continue to be one to the end"

The conversation was not yet finished when both Song Fuzhen and Sun Zifang were taken aback upon hearing the news of Du Shiyi's illness. Immediately afterward, Sun Zifang sternly rebuked, "This is absurd. The reputation of Songyang Temple, the foremost temple of Mount Song, has been hard-earned. If outsiders were to see it widely disseminated, not to mention that Chongtang Temple, a rising star, is already eyeing it covetously, even the likes of Taiyi Temple, which has a history far older than Songyang Temple, would surely not stand idly by. The Du family of Du Ling in Jingzhao is a prestigious family. If the temple truly dedicates itself wholeheartedly, even in the unlikely event of an issue, would anyone dare to falsely accuse the temple?"

Yes

No, no, no! Dao Fang was even more terrified by Song Fuzhen's stern words and hurriedly explained, "I am also considering the reputation of the temple. Nowadays, there are first-rate patients, and any slight mistake leads to accusations of incompetence against the physician. When Miss Du persistently sought medical help, she even revealed that her elder brother, once a talented youth, after a serious illness, not only could no longer compose poetry, but later became like a living dead. Such a strange ailment, if I rashly agree to treat it and something goes wrong, wouldn't the temple's reputation be severely damaged? I initially intended to have someone decline because Mr. Sun was not present, but who would have thought that the young lady was so stubborn, coming to the temple to kneel and plead today? I saw that there were no worshippers outside at that time, and in a moment of confusion, I had the door closed..."

Among all the temples and monasteries, the Songyang Temple, built in the early Sui Dynasty and located to the north of the majestic Junji Peak, stands out as particularly exceptional with its hundreds of courtyards. It is said that during the time of Emperor Gaozong's pilgrimage to Mount Song, he resided at Songyang Temple, which led to a surge in its reputation. Successive generations of temple masters were all officially appointed by the court, and the dignitaries from Chang'an and Luoyang frequented the site. The courtyards were renovated annually, further enhancing their grandeur and magnificence.

As soon as Sima Heiyun spoke these words, the expressions of the two individuals in the main seats changed instantly. The elder in the main position, with a smile that was not quite a smile, said: "With such a heavy downpour, allowing that young lady to remain in the rain, won't people later say that Songyang Temple is indifferent to the suffering of others? Although the Du family may not belong to the five prominent families or the seven noble clans, they are still a distinguished family in Guanzhong. They are surnamed Du and claim to be from the Du Ling area of Jingzhao, so it must be them. Zifang, what do you think?"

That Duke Du's ancestor was indeed wholeheartedly concerned for his son. With such ancestral blessings, Duke Du is truly a fortunate person