Moma Liangshan

Chapter 189 Taoist Holy Land, Greater and Lesser Laoshan Mountains

Reminded by Zhu Gui, Gongsun Sheng reflected on what he had seen and heard over the past few days. He was deeply impressed by the vibrant energy emanating from the very core of the people of Jiaozhou. However, due to the limitations of the times, Gongsun Sheng couldn't help but feel puzzled. He feigned a sigh and said, "Could it be that Young Master Wang is truly possessed by a deity, capable of turning the rotten into the miraculous?" Gongsun Sheng's words were actually loaded with meaning, subtly asking Wang Hao whether he was using folk religion to create an air of mystery. Zhu Gui shook his head and said, "Young Master, you've always been upright and honest, opening workshops and running academies with a heart dedicated to improving people's livelihoods and promoting wisdom!" True gold fears no fire. Seeing Gongsun Sheng's doubts, Zhu Gui didn't elaborate, but instead changed the subject, saying, "I've also been a part of the Jianghu for many years, and I understand the ways of the outlaws quite well! Chao Baozheng specially sent you to Jiaozhou to inform you and Master that you intend to occupy Liangshan. This shows Chao Baozheng's loyalty and adherence to rules; but no matter how you and Master respond, you are determined to take Liangshan!" Gongsun Sheng hadn't expected Zhu Gui, Chao Gai's sworn brother, to speak so bluntly. He could only say, "Brother Chao Gai was forced into this situation. We only wanted to temporarily borrow Liangshan to avoid trouble; we never intended to turn the tables!" Zhu Gui smiled faintly and said, "Whether you turn the tables or seize power, the facts are the same!"

Seeing that Gongsun Sheng wanted to argue, Zhu Gui waved his hand to stop him, saying, "Young Master is heading south to Fujian, and it will probably be more than ten days before he returns. Why don't you stay a few more days, wander around Jiaozhou, and take the opportunity to get to know Young Master better? That way, it will be easier to talk to him later!" Zhu Gui's aura and confidence were truly unbelievable; he was merely one of many leaders under Wang Hao, not a local tyrant. He said, "The army from Daming Prefecture is about to arrive in Yuncheng County. Do you expect me to just relax and enjoy the scenery in Jiaozhou?" Zhu Gui understood perfectly, saying, "Chao Baozheng is not a stubborn man. If you don't reply for a long time, he will naturally know how to adapt. He'll go to Liangshan first; once he's on Liangshan, he can..." "It's enough to temporarily escape danger; this isn't the worst outcome. If you bring back news of being turned away before Chao Baozheng goes to Liangshan, how will he face the consequences?" Zhu Gui's words were piercingly incisive. Gongsun Sheng frowned and said, "Given Chao Gai's temperament, without news, he might be able to adapt and go to Liangshan first; but if he's explicitly rejected by Young Master Wang, he might really seek another way out!" Zhu Gui smiled coldly and said, "If it were so easy to find another way out, why did you travel thousands of miles to Jiaozhou, Daoist?" Gongsun Sheng was speechless. Zhu Gui continued, "Daoist should understand that for you, the most important thing right now is to get to Liangshan!"

Although Zhu Gui deliberately maintained a certain distance throughout, every word he spoke remained sincere. Gongsun Sheng ranked fourth during the Liangshan assembly, corresponding to the Heavenly Star of Leisure, and was in charge of confidential military matters. He was the most mysterious and possessed the most immeasurable wisdom among the 108 Liangshan heroes. The original text records that Gongsun Sheng was from Jiugong County, Jizhou. From a young age, he loved martial arts and became a disciple of Luo Zhenren of the Zixu Temple on Erxian Mountain, taking the Taoist name Yiqing Xiansheng. He learned Taoist arts, including the ability to summon wind and rain, and ride the clouds, earning him the nickname "Dragon Entering the Clouds." Although he had an elderly mother at home, he was often away traveling. While summoning wind and rain and riding the clouds might be an exaggeration, observing celestial phenomena and predicting storms at night is certainly plausible! Gongsun Sheng, a shrewd and astute man, could easily discern the truth from falsehood. He said, "I will do as you say, brother, and stay in Jiaozhou for a few days, awaiting your return!" Zhu Gui was pleased and asked, "Where will you stay for the time being?" Gongsun Sheng replied, "There are many inns in Jiaozhou; just choose any one!" Zhu Gui considered for a moment and said, "Brother Gongsun has come from afar; how can I, as his elder brother, not extend my hospitality?"

Gongsun Sheng was somewhat surprised, wondering why Zhu Gui had suddenly become so friendly. Then, a thought struck him, and he instantly understood: "It must be because I followed his suggestion earlier that I gained his initial approval!" Thinking this, he said, "Laoshan is a sacred site of Taoism, which I have always admired, but unfortunately, worldly affairs have kept me from visiting. Now that I'm in Jiaozhou, I certainly can't miss it!" Zhu Gui thought for a moment and said, "That's fine then, I'll send a carriage to take you!" Gongsun Sheng shook his head and said, "The donkey outside is enough!" Warhorses were extremely scarce in the Song Dynasty; as described in the original story, it was extremely rare for local garrison armies to mobilize thousands of cavalry to besiege Liangshan. Zhu Gui said, "That's fine then, I'll send someone to inform you as soon as you return, young master!" Gongsun Sheng replied, "Thank you, brother!"

Throughout history, emperors have been fascinated by the elixir of immortality. During the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, the Daoist Wang Min, deeply favored by Emperor Xuanzong, requested permission to refine the elixir of immortality at Laoshan Mountain. Emperor Xuanzong granted his request, changing the name of Laoshan to "Fu Tang Mountain" and establishing a Daoist temple there. Gongsun Sheng stayed in Jiaozhou city for a day before heading to Laoshan the following morning. The distance from Jiaozhou city to Laoshan was about thirty li (approximately 15 kilometers), a journey that could be completed in half a day. Gongsun Sheng walked leisurely, with towering peaks on his left and the boundless sea on his right. Above him, the sky was clear and cloudless, the sun shining brightly, yet the refreshing sea breeze dispelled the scorching heat. At that moment, it seemed as if only a man and his donkey remained, slowly making their way through the world. Daoism flourished during the Northern Song Dynasty, and within Laoshan Mountain, there were no fewer than ten Daoist temples, among which the Taiqing Palace atop the main peak was the most renowned.

The founding master of Taiqing Palace was Wang Min of the Tang Dynasty. After more than two hundred years of succession, it is now managed by the nineteenth generation head, Qingxuzi. If we trace back to the source, Gongsun Sheng's master, Luo Zhenren, was of the same generation as Qingxuzi. When Gongsun Sheng came to Taiqing Palace and presented his visiting card, he was quickly led into the mountain gate. Upon arriving at the incense hall, Gongsun Sheng saw Qingxuzi come out to greet him. Gongsun Sheng quickly bowed and said, "Gongsun Sheng greets Uncle Qingxu!" Qingxuzi smiled kindly and said, "No need for formalities, let's talk inside!" He then had his grand-disciple bring fragrant tea and place it on the table, saying, "I haven't seen your master for over twenty years. How has he been?" Gongsun Sheng replied, "Master has been cultivating on Erxian Mountain and is in good health!" Qingxuzi nodded slightly and asked, "Did you come to Laoshan this time for sightseeing, or is there another matter?" Gongsun Sheng replied, "To be honest, Uncle Qingxu, I originally came to Jiaozhou to visit Wang Hao, but he went south to Fujian, so I stopped by to visit you!" Qingxuzi laughed heartily and said, "No problem, no problem. Since Young Master Wang hasn't returned, you can stay here and wait patiently!"

Gongsun Sheng hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Does Uncle-Master know anything about Young Master Wang?" Qing Xuzi pondered for a moment and said, "I have never met him, but Taiqing Palace is very close to Jiaozhou city, so I know a little about him!"

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