Chapter 5: The Way to Generate Wealth

Yi'er, you feel for your father, and your father understands this well. However, apart from this, there is truly nothing else I can do. In the past, I never understood what it meant to be under a low eave and have to bow my head, but now I am clear about it

Why doesn't father believe in his child

I did not say much, I merely informed him that the Tianfei Palace was originally a Taoist temple, but later all the Taoist priests left. In recent years, monks have taken residence there, and it has gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple

Yier, what exactly did you say to him?

Tang Yi spoke lightly, but Tang Xiucai broke out in a cold sweat: This is truly venomous! It is simply a desperate measure to sweep someone out the door!

Scholar Tang was thoroughly defeated. Upon careful consideration, it seems that what his son said was indeed reasonable. It appears that he not only did not boast, but was even humble! For a moment, Scholar Tang found himself at a loss for words, as his son's method was indeed far superior to selling characters.

The words "good son" were pronounced with particular emphasis, leaving Tang Xiucai perplexed. He merely offered an apology and then left with Tang Yi.

Tang Yi chuckled and turned to enter the meditation room. Scholar Tang could only pace back and forth at the door, unable to hear what was being said inside. Suddenly, there was a series of loud claps on the table, causing his heart to leap to his throat. After a while, there were a few bursts of laughter. Thus, Scholar Tang's heart rose and fell, and just as he was about to reach his limit, the door swung open wide, with Tang Yi walking out first, followed by Liao Zhen.

Upon seeing Scholar Tang, he smiled faintly: "Amitabha, I congratulate Master Tang, for you have given birth to a fine son!"

Hahaha, Father, you are truly too honest. Named as a gift, would the devotees dare to take advantage of the Buddha? They would surely double their offerings! By the way, those who contribute generously can be given Buddhist scriptures, and you can take care of that. Also, could we perhaps set aside a separate side hall specifically to enshrine the spirit tablets of the deceased ancestors, where the masters can recite scriptures and pray for blessings daily? I believe those filial descendants would definitely be more than willing; do you think they would be short of money?

He hates himself, wondering why he is so incompetent! He cannot even find a respectable job; the saying "a scholar is of no use" must be referring to a useless person like him!

Tang Xiucai hurriedly grabbed Tang Yi, recalling how angry the little fellow was yesterday, fearing he might come to cause trouble today. He pulled Tang Yi to the side under a large tree, bent down, and looked his son in the eye.

Of course I believe that Yi'er is the best!" Tang Xiucai gave a thumbs up, then said with a hint of guilt, "Yi'er, your father has racked his brains, but he hasn't come up with any profitable ideas. Do you have any solutions?

Why, knowing it is a pitfall, would one still jump in? Tang Yi asked in confusion

However, such matters are clearly not suitable for a straightforward person like Tang Xiucai to get involved in

Tang Xiucai thought optimistically, yet he overlooked that a little tail was following behind him. Tang Yi, panting heavily, hurried along the way, and only managed to arrive at Tianfei Palace after his father had already reached there.

After Tang Xiucai finished speaking, he quickly got up and went downstairs. He did not want his son to see the tears in the corners of his eyes. Tang Xiucai did not harbor any hatred towards the master; on the contrary, he was very grateful to him. No matter what, Tang Shen was able to earn money and ensure that his son had enough to eat. For him, the essence of life was solely to raise his son to adulthood

If we are to talk about methods, there are certainly many!

Yi'er, are you confident that you have convinced the true master

"Yi'er, your father has thought about it all night," said Tang Xiucai, his eyes red. "Perhaps what you said makes sense, but your father cannot avoid going to the Tianfei Palace"

Indeed, Tang Yi possesses a character that is vengeful over the slightest grievances

Without experiencing wind and rain, one cannot see the rainbow. After a day of trials, Scholar Tang seems to have matured considerably

Upon reaching outside the quiet room, Tang Yi extended his hand to stop his father, smiling as he said: "Father, it would be best if you do not listen to the upcoming conversation; let your child handle it!"

Taking advantage of others while pretending to be benevolent, do you think I am easy to bully

Tang Xiucai widened his eyes; he had long noticed that his son was somewhat different, but he had not anticipated that this boy had so many clever ideas.

Furthermore, how can the devotees who come to offer incense leave empty-handed? Why not create some small ornaments, or Buddha statues, or prayer bead bracelets, or perhaps the Heart Sutra, to give to them

Hehe, father, I just took a stroll around the temple and have already come up with an idea. How about we go meet the true master again

Alright!

Scholar Tang murmured to himself: "You are not wrong, the history of the Heavenly Consort Palace is indeed like this, but how does this convince Zhen?"

"Yi'er, what brings you here?"

This matter requires the cooperation of the Tianfei Palace, and it is uncertain whether they can truly agree to it

Regardless of whether the true master is purely kind-hearted or has some ulterior motive, I have no choice. Writing a few more words won't tire me out; I will consider it practice for my calligraphy. Yier, I am a man, and I must support this family and provide for my son

Scholar Tang silently wiped away his tears, raised his head, as if nothing had happened, smiled broadly, and quickly left the alley... From then on, every day after copying half a volume of scriptures, he would spend the remaining time setting up a stall to write. The earlier he arrived, the more time he had left, and the more money he could earn

Tang Yi, with a lively expression and a smile, said: "Speaking of which, the conditions at the Heavenly Consort Palace are quite good, and there are many worshippers. However, it is too monotonous and cannot meet the diverse needs of the worshippers, so the offerings are not substantial."

The Tianfei Palace, located in the old city of Liuhe Fort, is dedicated to the Tianfei Niangniang, also known as Mazu, the sea goddess who protects countless sailors. During the Yongle period, the Ming Dynasty embarked on an unprecedented seven voyages to the Western Ocean, with footprints reaching half the world. Before each voyage, the eunuch Zheng He, known as Sanbao, would pay homage to the sea goddess at the Tianfei Palace in Liuhe Fort, seeking her blessings.

From the achievements of the voyages to the Western seas during the seventh year, it is indeed true that the Heavenly Consort is quite effective

Scholar Tang observed his son's expressions all the way and could not help but ask with concern: "Yi'er, do you really have a way to get the money?"

In this world, it is likely that no one speaks to their son in such a humble and submissive manner as Tang Xiucai does. Tang Yi felt a pang of bitterness in his nose. In his memories, his father was a proud man who achieved success at a young age. If it were not for his own sake, he would never have willingly endured the wind and sun, nor would he have sought to curry favor with the monks in the temple, where would his dignity remain!

Tang Yi, surprised, continued to speak: "For instance, in the main hall, there is only a small novice monk collecting incense money, right? The amounts are all recorded in a notebook, but some people may be financially constrained and feel embarrassed to register their contributions. What should be done in such cases? It is quite simple. Inside and outside the main entrance, at the incense burners and in front of the deities, we can place merit boxes. No matter the amount, it is all a gesture of goodwill. As the saying goes, 'gathering sand can form a mound, and collecting small things can make a big coat'; it is still a sum of money." It is quite simple. Inside and outside the main entrance, at the incense burners and in front of the deities, we can place merit boxes. No matter the amount, it is all a gesture of goodwill. As the saying goes, 'gathering sand can form a mound, and collecting small things can make a big coat'; it is still a sum of money.

Under the guidance of his father, Tang Yi took a stroll around the temple. Passing by the "Monument of the Three Treasures Eunuch's Achievements," Tang Yi clasped his hands together and silently recited a prayer. After finishing, he turned and left, returning to the writing stall outside the temple

"Giving away? How does one make money from that?"

Tang Yi felt no guilt; he had long suspected that yesterday's events were intentional. The intention was to pique his father's interest. Even if his father did not go to the Tianfei Palace to set up a stall and write, he would find a way to attract attention and have him transcribe Buddhist scriptures. Tang Yi could even envision that these beautifully written scriptures would become invaluable treasures for befriending wealthy and influential individuals, yielding substantial rewards.

It is quite simple. If he were to adopt my suggestion, we would all prosper together. If he does not listen, I will report him to the Monastic Affairs Office. It is important to know that the Emperor has great faith in Daoism, and the status of Daoist priests is much higher than that of monks. There are many Daoist priests with nowhere to go; if they were to hear about this, what would they do

Looking at his father's confused expression, Tang Yi couldn't help but laugh: "Take the incense used for worshiping Buddha as an example; there is only one type in the Tianfei Palace. However, some people, with high status and immense wealth, wish to be more devout and do not want to be like the common folk. What should they do? It's simple; the incense must be longer, thicker, and larger. Ordinary incense costs only a few copper coins, or even nothing at all. A two-foot long incense costs one tael of silver, two and a half feet costs five taels, three feet costs twenty taels, five feet... but some people, with high status and immense wealth, wish to be more devout and do not want to be like the common folk. What should they do? It's simple; the incense must be longer, thicker, and larger. Ordinary incense costs only a few copper coins, or even nothing at all. A two-foot long incense costs one tael of silver, two and a half feet costs five taels, three feet costs twenty taels, five feet... that is too shameless, let's forget it."

You do the first day, I do the fifteenth

Are you capable of doing this

Scholar Tang sighed and said with a bitter smile: "Yi'er, making money is not an easy task. Yesterday, while I was setting up my stall, I witnessed a fight break out over a stall, and it nearly resulted in a fatality. If it weren't for the master from the Heavenly Concubine Palace intervening, I wouldn't even have been able to set up my stall."

Tang Yi was truly moved, "Father, I did not come to cause trouble; I have some ideas for making money, so you no longer need to exert yourself."