Chapter Thirteen: The Heart of an Emperor

“Your Excellency is truly learned and talented, a most outstanding young man of our dynasty.” At this moment, Emperor Ling of Han regarded Zifan as a prodigy sent from the heavens to save the Han Empire—a precious treasure, pleasing to behold from every angle. Such a treasure must be preserved for future generations, to expand the empire’s borders and ensure its lasting strength.

“I wonder, what are your thoughts on the Buddhist teachings that have recently flourished in our Han dynasty?”

“Your servant, Wu Zifan, possesses only shallow knowledge. If I err, I hope Your Majesty will not hold it against me.”

Buddhism, in essence, is a method—a discipline that elucidates the laws of the universe, nature, and human existence, a pedagogy that seeks to reveal the truth of all things. It is not science, yet it encompasses all science; not philosophy, yet it probes deeper than philosophy; it resembles religion but stands above it. Strictly speaking, Buddhism is not a religion, but we have come to perceive it as one.

Buddhism teaches that everything in the world is composed of four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind, collectively known as the Four Great Elements. Of course, these elements should not be understood in the mundane sense. “Earth” refers to solidity, “water” to moistness and cohesion, “fire” to warmth, and “wind” to movement.

Zifan glanced up at Emperor Ling, who appeared deep in thought. Composing himself, he continued, “Illness arises from cause and effect, and such causes and effects may have accumulated over countless past lives. Thus, one should regard epidemics with equanimity. Whether healthy or ill, one should persist in reciting the Buddha’s name, and the graver the illness, the more diligent one should be. Epidemics, too, can be the cause of enlightenment… Amitabha.”

This reflected the hopes of the common people: after enduring endless hardships in life, they wished for peace and abundance after death, to live the good life they had always desired. Such a hope seemed most fitting.

“Does Your Majesty agree with what I have said?”

“Indeed, well reasoned! I did not expect you to be so well-versed in Buddhism. I am greatly comforted—please, continue.”

“Buddhism first stresses the promotion of virtue and the suppression of vice. It does not oppose any particular ruler. In the eyes of Buddhism, any ruler who benefits the people is worthy of praise and recognition, which aligns with the stability of the state and society.

“Therefore, Your Majesty may use Buddhism to soothe the hearts of the people, winning them over from within. Thus they will lose the will to rebel, and uprisings across the land will diminish.

“Within Buddhist thought, there is the concept of divided souls, in which more of the populace may believe that Your Majesty is divinely appointed to better govern the world.

“First, the Original Spirit: the primal consciousness, the essence that divine beings divide when creating separate entities. In the human world, it is the original consciousness, the original soul. It governs the Primal Spirit.

“Second, the Primal Spirit: the primordial awareness, the original consciousness, coexisting with the soul. In the realm of the dharma body, it is the consciousness in the spiritual domain.

“Third, the Divided Spirit: the portion of the original spirit separated by divine beings, much like a cell divided from a body, forming an independent entity or returning to the original. Generally, only those above a certain spiritual attainment may divide their spirit; ordinary beings and most sentient life cannot.

“Fourth, the Residual Spirit: parts such as blood, flesh, tears, or hair, when separated from the body, become residual spirits. Over countless eons, these remnants may become simple organisms—bacteria, mosquitoes, flies. If divided or residual spirits are not recalled, it is hard to achieve spiritual fruition; all sentient beings possess some, in greater or lesser amounts, depending on whether they are recalled.”

“Hahaha! You are indeed a great talent! These puzzles have long troubled my heart, but you have untangled them one by one, bringing me great relief. To have such outstanding youth in my dynasty is a source of immense joy!”

At this moment, in Emperor Ling’s eyes, Zifan was truly a talent sent by heaven to help the Han through its trials—a living treasure, ever more pleasing the longer he looked. Glancing at the young Liu Bian beside him, he thought, “Such a man must be well protected and preserved for the next generation, to expand the empire’s borders and ensure peace.”

Looking again at Zifan, he saw a man of rare genius, far surpassing his peers. He stood seven feet and eight inches tall, spoke eloquently, and carried himself with natural dignity. He did not adorn himself, yet his bearing was as that of a dragon or phoenix, his nature pure and unforced. Emperor Ling could not help but nod in approval.

“A nation has its laws, a family its rules. Now that you have dispelled the doubts in my heart, you deserve a reward. What say you, my ministers?”

Seeing the emperor’s praise, the ministers below cried out in unison, “A reward, a reward!”

Minister Wang Yun respectfully said, “Brother Zi is wholly devoted to the country, without ulterior motives. He has rendered great service, easing the emperor’s concerns. I recommend men for their merit, not for kinship or enmity, but for their ability. In my view, Zifan is mindful of the realm, works diligently without complaint, and at this time the Han desperately needs such men. He should be greatly rewarded.”

To Wang Yun, the Han was in dire need of talented individuals, and since Zifan was so loyal, he personally requested a reward for him.

Loyalty? If it was for the people’s well-being, for a better life, Zifan would dedicate himself wholeheartedly, even unto death. But to devote a lifetime solely to a ruler? That was impossible.

He laughed silently… In history, countless loyal men had sacrificed their families and even their soldiers for the sake of hollow loyalty. As ancient people, perhaps that was their notion of faithfulness. As a modern man, Zifan found their actions foolish—mere blind loyalty.

The assembly cast envious glances at Zifan. Now, with the emperor’s praise and Wang Yun’s recommendation, he was sure to rise to high office and become a trusted pillar of the court. Many resolved to seize this chance to curry favor and establish ties, as if they saw a new star streaking across the sky.

After his initial delight, Emperor Ling sat in silent contemplation, then drew a golden plaque from his waist, rose from the throne, and handed it to Zifan.

“I bestow this token upon you, in hopes that you will render great service to the Han. Do not let me down!”

“Long live the Emperor! Your servant Wu Zifan will serve the Han with unwavering devotion, giving his life if need be. Should my lord require my death, I dare not cling to life.”

Holding the golden plaque, Zifan examined it carefully. It was a foot tall, one foot and six and a half inches wide, engraved with a white tiger on the left, a black tortoise on the right, and in the center a golden azure dragon encircling the character for “Emperor.”

“Heaven does not shelter, earth does not bear, the nation teeters on the brink”—such was the oath, symbolizing the ruler’s authority.

“With this golden plaque, you may freely enter and leave the palace. If obstructed, you have the right to act first and report later. This token in your hand is as if I am present.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Yet there was a trace of doubt among the ministers. They had expected, given the emperor’s praise and Wang Yun’s recommendation, that he would be granted high office and wealth, not just a golden plaque. Though the token showed the emperor’s high regard, it was still less than an official post. Even young Liu Bian stared at his father in puzzlement, wide-eyed and deeply curious. Only Wang Yun smiled knowingly.

“His Majesty is shrewd indeed.”

Now, as dusk fell, the emperor rose. “It grows late, and I am weary. Let this banquet end here. You may all retire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty…”