Chapter 2 Tomorrow is the Song Dynasty

  After noon, the lingering fog gradually dispersed, but the sky was still hazy.

  Some people were astonished to find that there seemed to be two suns in the sky, with a faint dark light flickering about.

  The monks in the temple, even the family members of the Taiwei Mansion, all stopped and watched, greatly astonished.

  "The refraction of light, what's so surprising about it!" Zhao Zhuang smiled and turned around to walk into the Tianwang Hall.

  He did not know that this scene was recorded in history, leaving behind the record of "There will be a day when the sun is darkened and the light is dim for a long time!"

  Tianwang Hall is the main hall of Dingli Temple, located on the central axis, majestic and grand, enshrining a statue of Maitreya Buddha, with four statues of the Four Heavenly Kings on either side.

  Zhao Zhuang originally thought wiping the golden body of the Buddha statue was simple, but after entering the temple, he couldn't help but furrow his brow.

  Because Empress Dowager Cixi often came to the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy to worship Buddha, the golden body of the Buddha statue was rebuilt with funds from the imperial family, at least over 10 feet tall, with a huge volume, no one can wipe it all by oneself, and it's not an easy task to wipe the whole thing.

  "You're really asking for it, deliberately trying to trick me. One of these days, I'll find an opportunity to get back at you."

  Zhao Zhuang was furious in his heart, and it was definitely not possible to wipe the entire Buddha statue clean, so he had to first wipe off a few obvious dust spots, and couldn't help but "cut corners".

  After finishing up roughly, my stomach had already started growling.

  Lunchtime is over, and there's definitely no more food left. Alas! This damn fasting is really something to endure.

  But...

  Half-sized son eats poor old father, 19-year-old monk who has quit worldly desires, is at the peak of his physical growth. Zhao Zhuo, who was used to the happy life under socialism, could not stand the pangs of hunger with a diet of plain vegetable and rice.

  As it happened, when I turned around, I saw some fruit and pastries arranged in front of the Buddha, which were very exquisite. Seeing them with my own eyes, my fingers involuntarily moved with a desire to eat.

  "Buddha, have mercy! You're saving all living beings, so start by saving your disciple's Five Zang Organs first!"

  Zhao Zhuang didn't even have the most basic demeanor and reverence of a monk, after all he couldn't resist the temptation of delicious food. He made a perfunctory apology to the Buddha, then picked up some pastries and fruits and stuffed them into his mouth.

  Unexpectedly, it actually tastes quite good...the temple has such great food...

  Uh...

  Wolfed down several pieces of cake, a fruit bitten halfway through, Zhao Zhuo suddenly stopped, looking at the somewhat disheveled offerings, and realized a serious problem.

  This doesn't seem like a regular offering in the temple, it seems that the family of the Grand Commander is coming to Tianwang Hall to pay respects to Buddha...

  The offerings have already been placed? How could I forget this?!

  Made a mistake, the Buddha will not blame, but ordinary people are afraid of being unforgiving.

  Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, retreat is the best!

  Unfortunately, it's too late, footsteps have already sounded outside the hall, and wanting to leave is no longer an option.

  Zhao Zhuang suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, glanced around quickly, and with extremely fast speed slightly rearranged the offerings. In the second before someone entered the great hall, he scurried to the back of the Buddha statue.

  "Please, old lady!"

  "Thank you, Master Jingkong!"

  "Please, elderly lady, offer incense and pray for blessings!"

  "Huh, grandma, what about the fruit and pastries..." A childish voice disrupted the polite formalities.

  "It was clearly put away neatly." One of the monks hurriedly explained.

  Zhao Cong hid behind the Buddha statue, secretly thinking "this is not good", they were discovered so quickly.

  These are the family members of Taiwei Fu, if they become arrogant, it's easy to deal with a humble little monk, without even using any effort.

  "Master Jingkong, isn't there a cat or dog in the temple, or perhaps greedy monks?"

  "I apologize, Master Xia will definitely investigate thoroughly. Please wait a moment, Master Xia will immediately re-prepare the offerings." The speaker was Jie Chen, his eyes unconsciously searching the great hall, already having a suspect in mind.

  "Never mind, being pious to Buddha is about sincerity. Since the heart is sincere, it will be effective. I believe that the ancestors of Buddhism won't blame us." The old lady was indeed magnanimous and didn't pursue the matter further!

  Made it!

  Zhao Zong let out a sigh of relief, his teeth moved, and the half-eaten fruit in his mouth fell out!

  Terrible!

  Zhao Zhuang was greatly anxious, and in the midst of his panic, he subconsciously stretched out his right hand to support the back of the Buddha statue. One foot flew out at incredible speed, and with a light flip, the fruit fell back into his hand.

  After sitting firmly again, Zhao Zhuang was shocked to discover that the person who had completed this set of high-difficulty movements in an instant was actually himself.

  Goro is skilled in martial arts. Although he didn't use it for three years at Jingli Temple, the foundation is still there. In a critical situation, he will have an instinctive reaction and move like flowing clouds and water.

  Boys who grew up in the 80s and 90s, who didn't have a martial arts dream? Zhao Zhuo felt a little proud, reborn, he was actually a master!

  At the same time, in the great hall, Taifu's family was worshiping Buddha and burning incense.

  First, the monks chanted scriptures. Then, the old lady knelt before Buddha and prayed: "The believer Zhao Men Du Shi begs for Buddha's blessing, wishing that my sons Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Kuangyi will have a safe and triumphant expedition, and return home victorious."

  Kuang Yin and Kuang Yi, what familiar names!

  Zhao Zhuang heard clearly behind the Buddha statue, and always felt something was off.

  The Zhao Gate Du Family!

  A moment later, Zhao Zhuang connected two key pieces of information together, could it be...

  Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but feel a sudden shock. Could it be Zhao Kuangyin and his brother Zhao Kuangyi? Emperor Taizu of Song and Emperor Taizong of Song?

  Their mother's surname seems to be Du!

  After all the fuss, it turned out that it was not the Northern Song Dynasty, but the Later Zhou of the Five Dynasties.

  It seems that Zhao Kuangyin has not yet worn the yellow robe, and should still be only the commander of the Forbidden Troops, Military Governor of Weide, and Acting Grand Marshal.

  The current emperor should be eight-year-old Chai Zongxun!

  Following the course of history, it won't be long before this world will belong to the Zhao family.

  He had just secretly eaten the offerings for the Buddha in Song Taizu's family temple, and if this were to be discovered...

  Having offended the Zhao family, can you still make a living in the Song Dynasty?

  Fortunately, Mrs. Zhao did not pursue the matter, otherwise...

  Alas!

  Zhao Zhuang let out a light sigh and unconsciously leaned back, without noticing that some dust had floated down.

  In the Temple of Heaven, a young woman raised her head, with sharp eyes and an air of elegance. She gazed for a moment, but remained silent and motionless, still praying to Buddha.

  "On the occasion of the new year, the Khitan and Northern Han marched south. The Grand Marshal led the expedition for the country, bravely defending the nation, truly admirable. Our small temple's monks and nuns gather daily to chant scriptures and offer blessings, praying for good fortune for the Grand Marshal!"

  Zhao Cong heard clearly from behind the Buddha statue, and only listened to this flattering tone, which must be Jian Chen without a doubt.

  "Thanks for your trouble!"

  "Where is it? It's all what should be done. I didn't know before, otherwise I would have sent a peace token to the Grand Marshal for him to wear."

  "Thank you for your kind intentions, Master. My husband left in a hurry and has already departed the city this morning. I suppose he should be arriving at Chen Bridge Inn by now."

  Chen Bridge Station!

  Three words entered his ears, Zhao Zhuang almost shook his tiger body again, it turned out...

  Is tomorrow the Song Dynasty?!

  In a moment of surprise, the half fruit in his hand slipped out and fell again.

  This time wasn't so lucky, wanting to show off nimble hands to rescue, it was already too late.

  Whoa!

  Half a fruit rolled to the ground, and everyone in the Tianwang Temple was shocked. Only the sharp-eyed woman from before shouted: "No matter who it is, come out immediately!"

  The guards of Taiwei's mansion have drawn their swords and are on high alert.

  It's all over! The truth is out!

  Zhao Zhuang could no longer care about much else and steeled himself to jump down, bowing as he said: "This humble monk greets all the noble gentlemen."

  "Was it you who stole the offerings?" A child of about ten years old immediately pointed at Zhao Zhuang, seemingly excited to catch a thief.

  Jie Chou immediately became angry and said: "You good-for-nothing Jie Se, I asked you to sweep the floor, but instead you stole the offerings that Old Lady had made to the Buddha."

  "What's the point of calling it sneaking food? I'm eating openly and honestly, okay?"

  "That was an offering to Buddha..."

  "The Buddha's mercy is great, and he cannot bear for the young monk to suffer from hunger, so he rewarded him."

  The elegant woman smiled and said: "Little monk is eloquent!"

  "I'm so embarrassed!"

  Zhao Zhuang didn't know why, and was even a little surprised that he himself was like a reckless young man, subconsciously in a completely fearless state.

  "Just eat if you want to eat, and admit it openly. Why hide behind others? This way, it seems like we're neglecting our guests and also disrespecting the Buddha!"

  Uh...

  Zhao Zhuang looked at this sharp-tongued young woman with suspicion, instantly giving her the nickname "Sharp Sister", wondering what kind of relationship she had with Zhao Kuangyin, and how she could have such a strong presence.

  "It's nothing, just a small matter, forget it! We should head back home as soon as possible!" Another young woman holding a child in her arms softly advised.

  Zhao Cong suddenly inferred that the speaker should be Zhao Kuangyin's wife, Wang, and the child in her arms should be the famous "Eight Virtuous King" Zhao Defang. As for this sharp-tongued sister, she might be Zhao Kuangyin's younger sister, who dared to chase the Yan State Princess of Song Taizu with a rolling pin, and was probably named Zhao Yanran.

  "Alright, since Eldest Sister has pleaded for you, I'll spare your life today!"

  "Wang said in a soft voice: 'Alright, Yanran, don't make things difficult for Little Master anymore, it's time to return to the mansion.'"

  Unexpectedly, the Zhao family was so easy-going, Zhao Zhen let out a sigh of relief and narrowly escaped disaster.

  Narrow escape...

  Zhao Zhen muttered to himself, suddenly his expression changed, didn't mishear the words, the Zhao family is going to... return to the manor!

  Zhao Kuangyin led his troops out of the city and stationed them at Chen Bridge Inn. What will happen tonight?

  Tonight, Zhao's mansion will inevitably be the target of public criticism. What consequences will his wife and children face when they return home?

  I remember reading some historical books in my previous life, on the night of Chen Bridge mutiny, Zhao Kuangyin's wife and children hid in a temple and were protected by monks to escape disaster.

  Isn't Jingli Temple a temple? Aren't you a monk?

  Don't let them go!

  Heaven is fair, reborn as an unlucky little monk, but comes with a great opportunity.

  Heaven has bestowed upon us a beautiful intention, how can we afford to disappoint it?

  To rise to prominence in the great Song Dynasty, perhaps one should take a gamble and make a timely move.

  No, it should be timely export!

  Seeing the Zhao family had already reached the gate of the main hall, Jie Chen followed behind with a flattering expression, occasionally turning back to glare at herself with a fierce gaze.

  "Wait, you can't leave!" Zhao Zhuang shouted loudly, no longer caring about anything else.