Chapter 8: Ambition does not reside in height
It is a rare occasion for Mr. Sima to visit Songyang Temple. Since everyone has just paid their respects, when better to seek guidance in person than now
Then Liu Ximing's words were effortlessly deflected by Mr. Sima, akin to using four ounces to counter a thousand pounds. At this moment, upon hearing the latter half of Du Shiyi's words, he could not help but sigh, saying: "How humble is the peasant, why must the Nineteenth Young Master be so disheartened?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the people from Luoyang were still pondering whether they were somewhat ignorant for not having heard of the renowned Du Shijiu from Jingzhao. However, at this moment, when Du Shiyi revealed the truth, they suddenly realized, and their expressions varied greatly. Some shook their heads in regret, some secretly disapproved, and others took pleasure in his misfortune. Nevertheless, regardless of their inner thoughts, many turned their eyes to scrutinize Liu Ximing. Faced with these obviously scrutinizing gazes, Liu Ximing could only force himself to remain calm and said, "I have been in Luoyang for the past six months, and I truly did not know that Young Master Jiu had unfortunately encountered such a calamity."
This is ... ...
Although I had previously visited the Songyang Temple once before, following the shadows of the bamboo in the rain, the temple gate was tightly closed at that time. Du Shiyi could only glance at the various buildings with flying eaves and bracket sets through the towering walls, and he remembered feeling that amidst the grandeur, there was an elegance and depth. A few days ago, Sima Heiyun sent an invitation on behalf of his master, and today, guided by a young Taoist, he finally appreciated the true splendor of this foremost temple of Mount Song.
In Mr. Sima's "On Sitting and Forgetting," I have read it several times. In the fifth chapter of the True View, it states that although there are matters of pursuit, one should not give rise to a mindset of gain and loss. However, for those living in this world, unless they are sages, if there is any pursuit, they will inevitably be harsh in their demands for gain and loss. May I ask Mr. Sima, how can this mindset of gain and loss be extinguished?
Seeing that the others present were watching them with great interest, Du Shiyi smiled slightly and said, "I did not expect to encounter an old acquaintance in a foreign land. Since you are also from Jingzhao Prefecture, it seems the news has come a bit late. A serious illness last year nearly cost me my life, and it not only took away the little reputation I had as Du Shijiu, who was only known for his modest literary pursuits, but also left me devoid of any creative inspiration. I have hardly been able to produce any decent poetry or prose since then. If it were not for my still young sister traveling a great distance to Songshan to seek medical help, I fear I would not be standing here now."
This is the Flying Star Pavilion of the Observer, where the Observer and Master Sima Sun Daoist are both present
The speaker appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a black cap, with a face like jade and a handsome demeanor, indeed a remarkably distinguished young man. Standing before him, Du Shiyi could clearly smell the fragrant aroma wafting towards him. He certainly would not mistake the person for a woman, as it is well known that the Tang people favored incense, and many prominent families had secret methods for making incense. The young man before him was merely fond of strong fragrances. However, upon hearing the other party lavishly compliment him upon their first meeting, he could not help but furrow his brow and then politely inquire, "Might you also be from Jingzhao Prefecture?"
Having seen various charlatans emerge from historical texts, at this moment, hearing Mr. Sima's straightforward and decisive words, Du Shiyi, who is now half-convinced about deities and Buddhas, couldn't help but silently applaud. Looking around, the others at the table were also nodding frequently, and he, who initially thought this encounter would be difficult to endure, couldn't help but perk up. Indeed, soon after, more questions were raised, ranging from the concept of calming the mind and severing ties in his "Sitting and Forgetting" to the gradual approach to enlightenment in "Tian Yin Zi," and even to the so-called healing through breath control. Just as he was listening with great interest, Liu Ximing, who had remained silent after being countered by him, suddenly spoke up again.
This statement, half jest and half serious, made everyone present smile. As it concerned himself, Mr. Sima had already answered, and Du Shiyi calmly said: "Recovering from a serious illness is already a great fortune; if one were to seek more, it would be too ungrateful. Not being a literary gentleman does not mean one cannot be a legal official; not being a legal official does not mean one cannot excel in martial arts and fight in battle; even if one is neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts, it does not mean one cannot be a bookworm; and if one cannot be a bookworm, one can still be a peasant!"
Mr. Du Xiaolang, it has arrived
On both sides of the mountain gate of Songyang Temple, the columns are intricately carved with dragon and tiger cloud patterns. The plaque above the door bears the calligraphy of Emperor Gaozong. Even though Du Shiyi had been accustomed to countless rubbings and copies of famous inscriptions since childhood, he could not help but acknowledge that the flowing white strokes were indeed extraordinary. However, he also knew that he was invited today and could explore at a later time, so after admiring it for a moment, he promptly followed the Taoist boy ahead. Previously, Sima Heiyun had sent someone to invite him, and he had thought that person would guide him. Unexpectedly, the Taoist boy led him inside all the way, ultimately bringing him to a large house with a dark green-black roof and high eaves. However, he also knew that he was invited today and could explore at a later time, so after admiring it for a moment, he promptly followed the Taoist boy ahead. Previously, Sima Heiyun had sent someone to invite him, and he had thought that person would guide him. Unexpectedly, the Taoist boy led him inside all the way, ultimately bringing him to a large house with a dark green-black roof and high eaves.
Among the three individuals, the remaining eight or nine people seated varied in age. Some were dressed in Daoist robes, while others wore simple Confucian garments, with no signs of gold or silk adornments. However, the bronze incense burner in the room was filled with fragrant and elegant high-quality incense, and the handmaidens standing by were all of pleasing appearance. Each person at the table held a white porcelain tea cup, and although he had only glanced at the screen in the outer room, he keenly noticed the signature, which belonged to Yan Liben, a lesser-known official whose figure paintings were renowned in the early Tang dynasty.
The host, Song Fuzhen, seemed oblivious to the awkwardness that had just permeated the room and went straight into his opening remarks. It was only at this moment that Du Shiyi realized that his invitation today was not due to any progress regarding the matter of Sima Heiyun, but rather coincided with another grand event. He had no idea who this Mr. Sima was, yet it was evident that not only Taoists but also people from Luoyang had come specifically upon hearing the news, including notable figures like Wang and Zheng. As he pondered this, curiosity compelled him to raise his eyes to observe the person, only to inadvertently meet the other's gaze.
A sudden question from a young scholar caused Mr. Sima to retract his gaze from Du Shiyi, and he immediately smiled and said: "It is precisely because achieving this is exceptionally difficult that I mentioned in my discourse on sitting and forgetting that one must strive for it. Gains and losses are desires, and desires are part of human nature. However, if one wishes to sit and forget, how can one maintain tranquility if these thoughts cannot be cast aside? It is akin to a person like me, who seeks purity and detachment from the world; if I were to be like those scholars who seek status through the imperial examination, or like officials in the court who merely wish to advance further, desiring fame and prominence, then my attachment to gains and losses would be too heavy. Gains and losses are desires, and desires are part of human nature. However, if one wishes to sit and forget, how can one maintain tranquility if these thoughts cannot be cast aside? It is akin to a person like me, who seeks purity and detachment from the world; if I were to be like those scholars who seek status through the imperial examination, or like officials in the court who merely wish to advance further, desiring fame and prominence, then my attachment to gains and losses would be too heavy. I have said before that the arts of yin and yang and numerology are merely heretical and of no use in governing the country, nor are they useful for self-cultivation. To truly seek purity and liberation, one must first begin with self-reflection. As Zengzi said, 'I examine myself three times a day,' this is profound wisdom, and I encourage all of you to do the same.
It is said that this Taoist temple is even more impressive than the several families of the Du clan in Fanchuan, who have held high official positions for generations
Mr. Sima's philosophy of health preservation through breath control is said to be highly esteemed even by the Supreme Emperor. I wonder if, with a regimen of breath control and health preservation, someone like Young Master Du, who is afflicted with such ailments, could one day regain his former flow of literary inspiration
Disaster is the foundation of fortune, and fortune is the concealment of disaster. Experiencing this unexpected calamity, I have come to realize the value of familial bonds; otherwise, I would not have the chance to see the light of day again, nor would I feel that after extreme adversity comes great fortune. Instead, I would be haunted by the so-called depletion of my talents.
Since I have come, I shall make myself comfortable. Du Shiyi steadied his mind and stepped over the threshold from the bamboo curtain that the young Taoist had lifted. After navigating around the four paper screens outside, he discovered that the Feixing Pavilion was not merely occupied by the few individuals he had initially anticipated, but was instead filled with guests. At the center, in the main seat, sat an elderly man dressed in a gray Taoist robe, who appeared to be quite advanced in age, with snow-white hair. At first glance, he seemed kind and benevolent, but upon closer inspection, there was an underlying sharpness to his demeanor. To his lower left sat Sun Zifang, the disciple of the Taichong Daoist whom he had previously encountered. In the seat to the right, at the same level as the main elder, another old Taoist was also present.
Mr. Du Xiaolang, this is Master Song. Master Song, this is Du Shijiu from Du Ling, Jingzhao.
Only the surname was mentioned without the given name. Although Sima Heiyun had visited the thatched cottage several times, he never mentioned his own master. At this moment, Du Shiyi naturally felt even more puzzled. After greeting Mr. Sima according to etiquette, he also met other people along with Sun Taichong. Among them were Taoists practicing in Songyang Temple and young gentlemen from prestigious families in the Eastern Capital, Luoyang. However, when it came to the last person, Du Shiyi was quickly searching his memory because the person seemed somewhat familiar. Before Sun Taichong could introduce him, the man stood up with a beaming smile and cupped his hands in greeting.
What was said here was nothing out of the ordinary, especially when hearing Du Shiyi casually mention that it would be no big deal to be a peasant. Many people frowned in mockery and whispered among themselves. However, upon hearing the four lines of poetry that were spontaneously recited at that moment, more and more people in the room began to show contemplative expressions. After a long while, it was Sun Zifang who lightly cleared his throat and spoke first: "These four lines of poetry encapsulate the hard work of farmers. I wonder what the title of this poem is..."
Calm and composed, he revealed the fact that he had run out of talent. After hearing Liu Ximing's explanation, Du Shiyi, seemingly unfazed, once again clasped his hands in greeting and, under the thoughtful gazes of the crowd, took a seat at the last position beside Liu Ximing. Judging purely by age, this was indeed the seat that rightfully belonged to him.
Sympathy for Farmers
The old Daoist, with frosted temples and a rosy complexion, exuded a spirited demeanor. However, one could not easily discern his age; he seemed to carry a unique sense of experience. In contrast to Sun Taichong's smiling nod and the slight bow of the elder Daoist in the main seat, this smiling old Daoist who scrutinized him appeared even more composed and at ease. Instinctively, he felt that this was the elder who had extended a helping hand in the rain, the master of Sima Heiyun.
In the southern part of the city, the Wei and Du families are prominent clans in Guanzhong, known for generations of nobility. The grandeur of the Fanchuan region is embodied in these two surnames. The reputation of Du Nineteen, from the Du family of Fanchuan, is well-known throughout the Jingzhao Prefecture, and there is no need to elaborate on that of Master Sun. Du Nineteen was able to write at the age of four and compose poetry at six; I never expected to witness his talents again today at Songyang Temple. " He paused slightly as he spoke, then smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I have met Du Nineteen several times; could it be that he does not remember me?"
Upon hearing the highly relevant title of the two-character poem, Mr. Sima suddenly picked up the jade mallet in front of his seat and gently struck the jade bell before him. The clear and melodious sound resonated throughout the room, and he then smiled and said: "Well, young Lord Du has indeed recovered from his illness, but my old bones have endured a long journey, and I am still not well from this cold. Please allow me to withdraw and rest for an hour; you all may proceed as you wish."
Sun Taichong was the only person present who had met Du Shiyi. He could not help but rise to introduce him to everyone. After introducing the host, Song Fuzhen, he immediately turned to the two Daoists with frosted white hair, saying, "This is Mr. Sima from Tiantai Mountain. His attendant is surely already familiar to Young Master Du."
Nineteen Lang is indeed a person of high status who tends to forget things! I, Liu Ximing, often invite friends to visit the scenic spots of Fanchuan and Duqu, and thus have had the pleasure of meeting Nineteen Lang several times over the years
This question was not only sharp but also pointed directly at Du Shiyi, causing a momentary silence in the room. Du Shiyi merely furrowed his brow slightly and looked thoughtfully at the ever-smiling Mr. Sima, who was still beaming as he stroked his chin beard. He then nodded and smiled, saying: "The practice of breathing and nurturing the body aims for health and longevity, but if one seeks results, it requires years of dedication; it is not a so-called shortcut from Zhongnan. If breathing could lead to a flood of literary inspiration, wouldn't the Daoist sect be overwhelmed with people? Furthermore, Young Master Du's ailment has already been treated by Zifang and is no longer serious, so I shall not overstep my bounds. Of course, if Young Master Du wishes to learn breathing and nurturing techniques from me, that would certainly be acceptable."
A rustic man is not necessarily lowly. In the past, Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis, also tilled the fields in Nanyang, did he not? Du Shiyi intentionally blurred the meaning of the term 'tilled the fields' in the Memorial on the Expedition, and then, with a seemingly amused tone, remarked, 'One must know, the hoeing of rice occurs at noon, and sweat drips into the soil beneath the rice. Who knows the meal on the plate? Every grain is the result of hard work. Without farmers, wouldn't others starve?'