Chapter 353: White Lotus appears?

In the court of the Public Security Bureau.

Yan Shaoting raised his eyebrows, his face full of curiosity.

"Pre-Song Dynasty?"

He muttered to himself. Even if we count from a certain year in the Southern Song Dynasty, it has been more than three hundred years to now.

But it is obvious that the dispute between Dongguanzhuang and the Nanlu Zen Temple probably has to start from the Northern Song Dynasty.

Although the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun were given away by the child emperor Shi Jingtang.

But during the Northern Song Dynasty, scholars here still had the opportunity to go south to the Northern Song Dynasty to take imperial examinations.

Calculate it this way.

That is more than four hundred years of history.

Xiao Junpeng nodded heavily, his expression changing constantly, and it was obvious that he was quite familiar with the past of Dongguanzhuang.

He said, "My guest may not know that although Dongguanzhuang can be traced back to the pre-Tang Dynasty, it actually started in the Northern Song Dynasty."

"At that time, a member of the Yang family of Dongguanzhuang became a prime minister in the court."

"These people entered the court as officials, became generals and ministers, and even if they didn't return home in glory, they still had to do something for their hometown."

"So from that time on, the officials of the Yang family brought money and goods back to enrich their fellow villagers. Although the prime minister was not buried here after his death, a cenotaph was built for him."

Yan Shaoting raised his eyebrows and asked hesitantly, "The cenotaph of the prime minister surnamed Yang, isn't it possible that he is buried in this Nanlu Zen Temple..."

Xiao Junpeng immediately showed an exaggerated look of amazement, and said admiringly: "The guest is really smart! The cenotaph is indeed buried in the Nanlu Zen Temple today."

Yan Shaoting frowned and said, "If that's the case, I think Dongguanzhuang and Nanlu Zen Temple should have a close relationship."

Xiao Junpeng nodded and said, "It was exactly as the guest said at the beginning. The prime minister's tomb was buried at the location of Nanlu Academy, and the Yang family of Dongguanzhuang planned to use that piece of land as the ancestral cemetery of Dongguanzhuang in the future."

"So the patriarch of the Yang family at that time called everyone together to discuss and proposed that since this was the burial place of the ancestors, they could also enclose the ancestral tomb, build a Zen temple outside it, cede some land as temple property, and then invite monks to be the abbot."

Yan Shaoting hummed, "This approach is reasonable. First, the Yang family's ancestral tomb in Dongguanzhuang can be guarded and repaired at all times, so it won't be destroyed. Second, the Zen temples are chanting scriptures every day, and the incense is burning, which can be regarded as a tribute to the ancestors' good deeds."

Temples of this nature.

In fact, it is called a tomb temple.

Taoism was worshipped in the pre-Tang Dynasty, and Buddhism was popular in the pre-Song Dynasty. At that time, many wealthy families in the world chose to build a tomb temple on their ancestral tomb, which was considered a popular practice at the time.

Xiao Junpeng nodded and said, "It is just as the guest said. The Yang family in Dongguanzhuang has always been close and united. This has been the family tradition since the Song Dynasty. When the patriarch of the Yang family proposed this suggestion, everyone nodded in agreement. Then those who had money donated money, those who had land donated land, and those who really had no money and no land would send young men from their families to participate in the construction of the Zen temple. It didn't take long for the Nanlu Zen Temple to be built."

It is obvious that Xiao Junpeng knows everything about Dongguanzhuang.

This is not uncommon.

He had been working at the Tonghui River Wharf all year round, and as it was a place where people came and went, he was the most well-informed about the news.

Past events like those of Dongguanzhuang and Nanlu Zen Temple would certainly become topics of conversation for these people on a daily basis.

Xu Wei also glanced over and said with a smile: "So, this Nanlu Zen Temple was born because of Dongguan Manor, so Dongguan Manor has a good fortune for the Zen Temple. How come such a disgusting rift has arisen now?"

In the past, he was only concerned with the renovation of Dongguanzhuang, but never took the time to learn about the details of Dongguanzhuang's past.

Xiao Junpeng smiled innocently, shook his head and said, "That's right. It should have been a good thing, with everyone being happy. The reason why it has become like this is because of profit."

Zhou Yunyi, who was not originally planning to get involved in this kind of thing, couldn't help but exclaimed, "Are the people from Dongguan Village coveting the incense money from the Zen temple?"

Xiao Junpeng opened his eyes wide and blinked hard at Zhou Yunyi.

Then he looked incredible and gave Zhou Yunyi a thumbs up.

"Shaoqing is really a discerning person! He saw the problem right away!"

Zhou Yunyi waved his hand.

I don't have the energy to pay attention to the dirty affairs of Dongguanzhuang and Nanlu Zen Temple.

It would be better to think about the promotion of sweet potatoes throughout Shuntian Prefecture next year.

That's what matters most.

Yan Shaoting coughed lightly, smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Stop flattering me, and get on with the story. What exactly caused the rift between Dongguanzhuang and Nanlu Zen Temple to come to this point?"

Xiao Junpeng immediately turned around, bent down and bowed.

"Reply to the guest."

"In fact, both sides are at fault in this matter."

"Originally, this Nanlu Zen Temple was built by Dongguanzhuang, and its original intention was to worship the ancestors of the Yang family in Dongguanzhuang."

"But guests also know that after a Zen temple like this has been around for many years, with frequent repairs and the inheritance of the abbot monks, the incense will continue to flow and always linger around the Zen temple."

"Over the years, the Nanlu Zen Temple has become an ancient temple with more and more people going there to burn incense and worship Buddha, while fewer and fewer people go to the Yang family's ancestral tomb to worship and sweep. The Nanlu Zen Temple has gradually become a famous temple that everyone can go to, and the money for incense has increased."

Yan Shaoting narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but speculate: "So, the Yang family of Dongguanzhuang is interested in the incense money in the Zen temple?"

Xiao Junpeng shook his head unexpectedly: "That's not the case. It's because the master of Nanlu Zen Temple did something shady..."

After finishing speaking, Xiao Junpeng raised his eyes and looked at the people present.

Xu Wei immediately frowned and said, "Whatever you have to say, there are no outsiders in this Public Security Bureau!"

Xiao Junpeng sighed and then continued to explain.

Xiao Junpeng sighed, "I heard about this as well. They say that the original abbot of Nanlu Zen Temple was to blame for this. He accepted a traitor. Since that traitor entered the temple, the atmosphere in Nanlu Zen Temple has been much worse than before. That traitor defamed the temple without the knowledge of the old abbot, causing few monks in the temple to practice Buddhism and recite sutras seriously."

"In addition to collecting money and cheating, the monks usually seduce decent women in the village. They dare not offend Dongguanzhuang, which is in cahoots with them, so they commit such filthy things in faraway places and turn this Zen temple into a den of prostitution behind the old abbot's back!"

In court.

Following Xiao Junpeng's explanation, three exclamations were heard.

Xiao Junpeng continued to explain: "This group of lewd and evil monks gave those women who were seduced a monk name, such as True Immortal, True Buddha, etc., and often held incense gatherings in the temple, taking the opportunity to rape women, making the whole temple a mess, even... even..."

At this point, Xiao Junpeng also became nervous. He swallowed and looked up at Yan Shaoting.

Yan Shaoting frowned, it seemed like there was big news!

He immediately slammed the table and said, "Go on!"

Xiao Junpeng was shocked: "I just heard... I just heard... that group of lewd and evil monks in Nanlu Zen Temple, dignified Buddhist disciples, actually... actually some of them believed in the White Lotus Sect..."

Bang!
In the court, the gavel made a loud noise.

Yan Shaoting pressed the gavel and his face instantly turned gloomy.

"White Lotus!"

There was murderous intent flashing in his eyes and his face was extremely gloomy.

Xiao Junpeng immediately clasped his fists, bowed deeply, and trembled all over: "I... I just heard it... I don't know whether it is true or not..."

That's the White Lotus Sect.

If the evil ways that the imperial court had banned were discovered, they would be severely punished by the local government and the imperial court. The key figures would be dragged to Caishikou and beheaded as a warning to the public.

However, Xu Wei narrowed his eyes and looked sideways at Xiao Junpeng deeply.

"Xiao Shuli."

Xiao Junpeng's shoulders trembled, and he looked at Xu Wei with a tense expression, letting out a dry laugh: "Si Cheng..."

Xu Wei asked calmly, "Why does Xiao Shuli know so much about the affairs of the Nanlu Zen Temple?"

After saying this, he stared at Xiao Junpeng with a scrutinizing look.

Normally speaking, if it was just an ordinary matter between Nanlu Zen Temple and Dongguanzhuang, Xiao Junpeng would just know about it.

It seems that the Nanlu Zen Temple he is talking about has become a temple of prostitution, and the monks in the temple have even followed the White Lotus Sect. How did Xiao Junpeng know about this?

Zhou Yunyi also immediately looked over with cold eyes.

Above, Yan Shaoting was shocked that the White Lotus Sect had emerged near the capital, but he finally reacted and looked at Xiao Junpeng indifferently.

There was a pop.

Xiao Junpeng's whole body went limp and he fell heavily to his knees on the ground.

With a bitter face, he begged for mercy: "Please understand, my subordinate has nothing to do with Nanlu Zen Temple!"

Yan Shaoting smiled faintly: "So, the person Xiao Shuli knows has a deep relationship with Nanlu Zen Temple?"

"Yes Yes……"

"no!"

Xiao Junpeng hesitated for a moment, then shook his head violently and said, "Guest! He is my good-for-nothing cousin. After my uncle died, he lost his family fortune and could not make ends meet, so he went to Nanlu Zen Temple, shaved his head and became a monk, and then followed that gang of lewd and evil monks!"

Yan Shaoting narrowed his eyes and pondered silently.

Xu Wei snorted coldly: "So your cousin from your uncle's family is now in the Nanlu Zen Temple. Is he also involved with the White Lotus Sect?"

If that's really the case.

Then we need to reconsider Xiao Junpeng.

Changping must not have any connection with the White Lotus Sect, not even the slightest connection.

This is a capital crime!

Xiao Junpeng's face was pale, but he shook his head vigorously, almost crying: "Si Cheng, please understand! My good-for-nothing cousin just wants to make a living, but he dare not get involved with the White Lotus Sect."

Xu Wei said sternly: "Then where is he now?"

Xiao Junpeng lowered his head and whispered, "He...ever since I found out about these things, I...sent him away..."

After finishing speaking.

Xiao Junpeng shuddered all over: "I don't know where he is now! I...I just did this because I remembered the kindness my uncle had shown me in the past..."

Xu Wei was about to speak.

Yan Shaoting raised his hand and shook his head at the other party.

He looked at Xiao Junpeng who was kneeling on the ground and smiled: "This is human nature. Since your cousin has never been involved with the White Lotus Sect, it is a good thing that he can leave the Nanlu Zen Temple now. He has nothing to do with Changping, and we have no control over this matter."

Xiao Junpeng breathed a sigh of relief.

He immediately said: "I thank you for your kindness!"

As he spoke, Xiao Junpeng kowtowed several times.

Yan Shaoting frowned and said lazily, "Go on and tell me about the Nanlu Zen Temple and Dongguan Village."

Xiao Junpeng didn't dare to stand up at this time.

He knelt on the ground and continued to explain.

"Reporting to the guests, what is the relationship between this Nanlu Zen Temple and the White Lotus Sect? In fact, I don't know, I just heard it."

"As for how the relationship between Nanlu Zen Temple and Dongguan Village deteriorated, it was actually because Nanlu Zen Temple secretly set up an altar in the temple to curse, and somehow the people of Dongguan Village found out about it."

"The Yang family of Dongguan Village didn't dare to report the matter to the government, otherwise they would be in trouble, so they went to the Zen temple privately. The two sides had a conflict at the time, and then Dongguan Village invited Taoists to perform a ritual to cover up the matter."

"But after this incident, Dongguan Village became dissatisfied with Nanlu Zen Temple, and the two sides also had grudges against each other."

"In the spring of the year before last, our Shuntian Prefecture suffered a disaster, and several Buddhist temples in Nanlu Zen Temple were also crushed by heavy snow."

"At that time, the old abbot had passed away, and Nanlu Zen Temple fell into the hands of the traitor monk Fuchun. The craftsmen who only knew how to repair the temple piled up the collapsed bricks, stones, wood and rubble in the Yang family's ancestral graveyard. After several houses were repaired, Fuchun did not clear away the waste."

at last.

In Xiao Junpeng's explanation, the contradiction between Nanlu Zen Temple and Dongguanzhuang also began to surface.

Yan Shaoting narrowed his eyes and snorted in his heart.

It would have been bad enough if the Nanlu Zen Temple had fallen into disrepair at the hands of the so-called monk Fochun, but now the waste is still piled on the Yang family's ancestral grave.

This is not burying someone's ancestral grave.

The Yang family of Dongguanzhuang knew about this, so it would be strange if they let Nanlu Zen Temple go.

You should know that your Nanlu Zen Temple was built with money, grain and manpower provided by my Dongguanzhuang Yang family.

Actually, you monks from Nanlu Zen Temple were hired by my Yang family in Dongguanzhuang to look after the graves.

Not to mention how you monks have been causing trouble in the temple, how can we tolerate that you are now bullying our employer?

Xiao Junpeng continued, "The Yang family of Dongguan Village naturally found out about this matter very quickly, so they came to argue again. However, Dongguan Village was a respectable place, so they took the initiative to give in. The Yang family took their clansmen to clean out the ancestral tombs, hoping to let the matter go. But at that time, Fochun called a little monk to pass on a message, saying that he wanted the Yang family to move all the ancestral tombs away."

"Dongguanzhuang is completely fed up with this. The two sides are in a complete fight."

"This matter has been going on until this year. Nanlu Zen Temple found a group of idle people, shaved their heads and lived in the temple. They spread the word that they would flatten all the ancestral tombs of the Yang family in Dongguanzhuang and build a Buddhist temple..."

Hear this.

Be it Yan Shaoting, Xu Wei, or Zhou Yunyi, they couldn't hold it in any longer.

This Nanlu Zen Temple is really domineering!

Not only have you destroyed other people's ancestral graves before, but now you're also demolishing the ancestral graves of the Yang family in Dongguanzhuang.

It is no wonder that Dongguanzhuang is now in complete conflict with Nanlu Zen Temple.

Yan Shaoting frowned.

He looked at Xu Wei.

"Mr. Xu, I'm afraid this matter is difficult to handle."

…………

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(End of this chapter)