Chapter 59 Revisiting Donglin Temple

  "This is reasonable!" As soon as Huang Wenrong said this, the delegates who supported Tang Guoqiang felt a surge of confidence. Those who were wavering immediately echoed in agreement after Huang Wenrong finished speaking, while those who had intended to shout a few slogans for Yin Mingquan saw that the situation was not favorable and remained silent.

  Yin Mingquan's face changed again, from the initial smile to a gloomy and annoyed expression, and now it turned red with ears burning. What a surprise! Since Yin Shengli, the deputy director of the Planning Commission, arrived in Changja, he immediately captured the subtle changes in his colleagues' attitudes as a political figure; after Yu Hongjun, the executive vice mayor who accompanied him to the meeting, firmly supported Deputy Director Yin, the atmosphere changed, and one or two original hesitant committee members showed a friendly attitude towards him. After the incident in the economic district, especially when Vice Mayor Yu ordered Ye Zhenran to be suspended for investigation and returned to Jianan immediately, the hearts of the people in Changja County Committee were floating, and rumors spread everywhere. Yin Mingquan thought that this time he should have at least 70% or 80% chance of regaining control, but he never expected that the county committee meeting would turn out like this!

  Disappointment and annoyance added together, Yin Mingquan felt a bit suffocated, his face flushed with blood, and his energy rising from his dantian. He felt that everyone's gaze was particularly piercing. In his heart, he knew that this battle seemed unimportant, just a matter of disciplining a deputy county head. But the implications were huge, and most of the standing committee members present thought that Ye Zhenran would be severely punished, even if not "killed". Think about it! A small deputy county head had offended the county head, executive vice mayor, and provincial planning commission deputy director all at once, naturally putting his political life in jeopardy. Even with Tang Secretary covering for him, he would have to endure at least five more years of hardship on his official career path. But unexpectedly, everyone was leaning towards a short period of just one week, and two days later, they would still attend the conference to receive awards. This way, his image would quickly recover, and the blow to him would be minimal, while this county head who had been protecting his uncle's image would see his personal prestige plummet. Think about it, his uncle had been bullied, and this county head was powerless against a newcomer deputy county head, what prestige or face did he have left?

  "What can be tolerated and what cannot be tolerated! Yin Mingquan said indignantly: "If the county committee passes the handling of Ye Ziran like this, I reserve my opinion."

  Tang Guoqiang then said to Secretary Hu, "Secretary Hu, take note that today the county standing committee has made a decision to suspend Ye Zhenran for one week pending an investigation. The specific penalty will be discussed after the investigation report is submitted. Comrade Yin Mingquan abstained from voting."

  Yin Mingquan thought that this time, he could only pressure the Jianan Municipal Committee through his uncle to overthrow the decision of the county standing committee, so he would make a phone call as soon as the meeting was over.

  After the county standing committee meeting, Ye Zhenran received a call from Vice County Mayor Ma Tiancheng, who told him about the decision of the standing committee and reminded him to be more cautious in his words and deeds for the time being, but not to have any psychological burden, just like he was on a seven-day vacation. Ye Zhenran thanked him repeatedly and solemnly promised to accept his opinion and take good care of himself.

  It's also a blessing in disguise, Ye Zhen thought to himself. He and County Magistrate Ma had always gotten along well, and this time, due to Deputy Director Yin suppressing both of them at the same time, it created an additional bond between them, making their relationship even closer. So when Qin Daming came over to inform him of the county committee's decision, Ye Zhen had already returned to his normal state. Qin Daming patted him on the shoulder and gently criticized him a few times before letting him go back to rest for two days. The day after tomorrow, he would be going to Jianan City with Zhang Liping and Liu Bing to attend the commendation ceremony. After the ceremony, they would head to the provincial capital, where he could take a look at the situation of the Economic Small District Provincial Office and also find out about his graduate school exam results. Then next week, he would return to Changjiang. This way, it would have been a week, and after returning, he just needed to give a report to the county standing committee and that would be the end of it. Ye Zhen was extremely grateful for Qin Daming's thoughtful consideration and promised Secretary Qin that he would correctly reflect on his mistakes and strive to pass the inspection as soon as possible so he could return to work.

  Qin Daming said with relief, "This is good, this is good. Ye Zhang has passed this test and will be more mature politically. I have high hopes for you." When Ye Ziran was about to leave after packing up his office, Qin Daming told him again, "This suspension is temporary, only the Party Committee members within Mashan Township know about it, don't worry about it."

  Ye Ziran smiled and shook hands with Qin Daming, saying from the heart: "Secretary Qin, in times of crisis, I can feel the warmth of the organization even more. Having a leader like you in Mashixiang is not only my good fortune, but also the good fortune of all the people in the town."

  Qin Daming was overjoyed and left with a big smile on his face.

  "Just listen to what he said! It's been echoing in my mind for three days!"

  Ye Ziran left the county government and returned to his dormitory, read a newspaper for a while, and suddenly felt bored. It is said that life steals half a day of leisure, this "leisure" should be a very precious thing, otherwise why would you need to "steal" it? But now he really feels at ease, how does he feel uncomfortable all over his body? He thought to himself with self-mockery, it seems that he is indeed a laborious person. So, there is still half a day of time, how should he spend it? He thought for a moment, why not go to Donglin Temple once? Since the last time Master Sude gave him the jade, he hadn't been there yet. Nian Yue also reminded him before leaving that he must go and burn incense once to thank the Bodhisattva's blessing.

  After eating a bowl of vegetarian noodles on Guangfu Street, Ye Ziran went up Xishan.

  Walking halfway up the mountain, along the quietly flowing stream, the view of Ye Zhen turned with the winding mountain road, and Donglin Temple was right in front. Last time I came to the temple to worship Bodhisattva, there were also Nianyue's family of three by my side. This time, coming alone, I felt even more that the mountain was quiet and the temple was secluded. From a distance, the sound of people entering the temple for worship was faintly heard, with a sense of "empty mountains, no one in sight, but the sound of human voices echoing".

  He entered the temple and first went to the "Yu Tong Treasure Hall", where he bowed three times outside the gate, silently reading a couplet on the door: "The five aggregates are empty in nature, all emotions and desires are extinguished, revealing the true suchness." After entering, he bowed again in front of the Bodhisattva statue, then headed towards the west wing. He didn't believe in Buddhism, but had a bit of a "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" attitude - if the Bodhisattva really did have great divine powers, it would be convenient for the government, and burning incense could bring peace to the region.

  Upon entering the room, Master Kude saw him first and examined him carefully. He recited a Buddhist chant and smiled at Ye Zhenran: "Amitabha! Young Master Ye, it's been a long time since we last met, but your complexion is much better now."

  Ye Ziran smiled and said: "Master is good at observing physiognomy, how do you see me now?"

  Kude and the monk said: "The great disaster of Xiaoye Shizhu has been eliminated, the black color between his eyebrows has faded, and the印堂 is bright. Although he will still encounter many difficulties in his life, he can turn evil into good fortune, and his whole life will be safe and peaceful."

  Yezhen removed the jade pendant from around her neck and handed it to Master Kude, saying: "Master, this piece of jade is truly extraordinary. If it hadn't blocked the 'Two Lis' knife, I would have gone to the Western Paradise already. I know this jade is extremely precious, so let's return it to its original owner."

  Kude and Shang shook his head and said: "Xiao Ye Shizhu was wrong. Since this jade has been given to you, how can the monk take it back?"

  Ye Ziran said calmly: "Master, I know this jade is precious and heavy, how dare I accept it?"

  Kude monk again read Buddha said: "Amitabha, the world does not matter whether it is good or bad, everything is about fate. This jade has followed me for decades, but has not achieved anything; following Master Xiao Ye for just a month, it has already accomplished great things, showing that you and it have a deep connection. This is something that others cannot force, so take it with you, it's as if it has found a good home. If it stays with the monk, after a few more years, when the monk passes away, wouldn't it be ownerless?"

  Yezhen hastily said: "Master has always been in good health, why mention this? You'll still live for twenty or thirty years to bless the local water and soil."

  Kude and Shang laughed and said: "Birth, old age, sickness and death are just cycles. Don't be too attached to them, Master Ye." After finishing speaking, he led the way back to the wing room and said to Ye Zhenran, "Master Ye, let's go to the guest room for a cup of tea."

  Ye Ziran followed him into the guest room and sat down in front of the square table. Xia Shami came up to make a cup of green tea, then bowed and retreated. Ye Ziran smiled and asked Sude Master: "Master, do you think I will have another disaster recently?"

  Kude and the monk smiled slightly, saying: "I had seen it before, Master Xiaoye is a blessed person. In times of crisis, there will always be noble people to help. Although there are some difficulties now, you can still get through them safely, don't worry."

  This remark did have some meaning, although Ye Zhen didn't believe in Buddhism, but after experiencing the 'Two Lis' incident, he had a certain respect for Suffering Virtue. The theory of fate and fortune may be false, but Suffering Virtue's judgment of people was accurate; perhaps there really were profound mysteries in this world that couldn't be explained. Ye Zhen couldn't help but ask Suffering Virtue for guidance: "Master, I often hear people mention the two words 'True Suchness', but their explanations are numerous - what is the true meaning of these two words?"

  Kude and Shang looked at him with a kind smile and said, "Xiao Ye's question is good. What is true suchness? The 'Deep Sutra', the 'Mahayana Awakening of Faith' and the 'Huayan Jing Xuan Mi' all have relevant explanations. According to the monk, true suchness refers to something that is truly real and not false, like a constant that does not change. It combines the two meanings of reality and constancy, hence the term true suchness. True suchness is the most original thing. People living in the world can hardly avoid being tempted and confusing their nature. It's not easy to keep true suchness at all times."

  Ye Ziran picked up the teacup and took a sip, then fell into deep thought for a moment before saying: "The Master's words are indeed true. Born in the mortal world, how can one attain true suchness? I just read the couplet on the gate of the Round Hall - 'The five aggregates are empty by nature, all emotions and desires extinguished, revealing the true suchness.' It seems to be urging people to put down everything and maintain their original true heart. But how can ordinary people do so? Confucius said, 'Eating, drinking, men and women, these are the great desires that exist in humans.' Eating, drinking, and sex are necessary for human survival; if one puts them all down, how can they continue?"

  Kude and Shang He said: "The Buddha's teachings seek goodness, seek nature, the truth is one, the intention is to remind people not to be bound by external things, just to keep their original heart. As long as they abstain from greed and desire, practice more good deeds, everyone can attain the Great Way."

  Amitabha Buddha, Master Sude wishes all donors to bless Ye Zhenran's healthy growth and cast more recommendation votes. Goodness, goodness! The donor's helping hand is a great virtue. The master also hopes that the donor will collect this book and attain true results together in the future.