Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 525 Let's buy a house, Master
"Pingze Gate, draw the big bow, ahead is Chaotian Palace. Chaotian Palace, write big characters, ahead is White Pagoda Temple. White Pagoda Temple, hang red robes, ahead is Horse Market Bridge. Horse Market Bridge, jump three times, ahead is Emperor Temple. Emperor Temple, circle the gourd, ahead is Four Archways..."

Zhang Xuansong, leaning on his cane, slowly introduced the history of old Beijing to Chen Fan: "Pingzemen is Fuchengmen. Pingzemen was the name used in the Yuan Dynasty. It was changed to Fuchengmen during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. The city gate is also called Fuchengmen. However, the common people don't care what the government decides. They have just continued to call it that for generations."

It's been over 600 years, and it still hasn't been corrected. It's not illegal, nobody cares, and nobody can care. Xuanwu Gate was called Shuncheng Gate during the Yuan Dynasty. Even now, some people still call it that. Some people mispronounce it and call Shuncheng Gate Shunzhi Gate, which would have been a great disrespect to Emperor Shunzhi during the Qing Dynasty, and could have resulted in execution. But that's what the common people call it.

Therefore, feudalism is nothing but a paper tiger, insignificant in the face of the power of the people.

Then came the drawing of the bow, referring to the archery battalion inside Pingze Gate. At that time, there were quite a few weapon depots in the inner city, which was normal.

Ahead lies Chaotian Palace, and this Chaotian Palace is quite remarkable. Do you know which temple or monastery was the largest in this city in the past?

Chen Fan followed a step behind him with his hands in his pockets, leisurely looking around, "Baiyun Temple."

Zhang Xuansong hesitated for two seconds, then said, "Wrong, you should say 'Bo Yingguan'."

Chen Fan was surprised and turned to look at him, "Why are you speaking the Jiangnan dialect now?"

Bo Yingguan is the pronunciation of Baiyun Temple in the Jiangnan dialect. Don't you know I'm from Jiangnan?
Zhang Xuansong looked at him in surprise, "You're quick-witted."

He then grinned and said, "It's just that there are more migrants now. In earlier years, not too early, but in the 1950s and 60s, every old Beijinger pronounced it like that. Just like how you can't pronounce Dashilan as Dazhalan, you have to pronounce it as Dashilan. So if you tell people outside that you're from out of town, they'll immediately know you're from out of town, no doubt about it."

He walked forward with his cane and said, "Since you know Bo Yingguan, then tell me about Chaotian Palace."

Chen Fan's lips twitched slightly. "In the eighth year of the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, 1422 AD, the Xuande Emperor wanted to replicate the Chaotian Palace in Nanjing in Beijing. He chose a site inside Fuchengmen to build the Chaotian Palace, but its scale was larger than that of the Chaotian Palace in Nanjing."

It has a total of 13 main halls and more than 3000 rooms, which is equivalent to half of the Forbidden City. The number one temple in the capital changed hands because of this.

However, Chaotian Palace existed for less than 200 years. Completed in 1433, it was destroyed by fire in 1626 (the sixth year of the Tianqi reign). Afterwards, Baiyun Temple remained the foremost Taoist temple.

Zhang Xuansong, "is Bo Yingguan."

Chen Fan nodded mindlessly, "Yes, yes, Bo Yingguan, Bo Yingguan."

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of Baiyun Temple.

Early this morning, having nothing to do, he suggested to Zhang Xuansong that he go to the Taoist Association to see what was going on, and hopefully build some connections so that when Chaoyang Temple is rebuilt in the future, he can at least become a familiar face.

Don't wait until the last minute to fawn over the Taoist priest instead of burning incense regularly.

Zhang Xuansong agreed, saying that he used to be determined to distance himself from such things, but now that he was retired, it didn't matter anymore, so he went out with him to find the Taoist Association.

The Taoist Association has been working at Baiyun Temple since its inception, so the place they are looking for is also Baiyun Temple.

It's quite a distance from Dashilan to here, about 5 kilometers, so walking here is definitely not convenient.

With Zhang Xuansong around, he couldn't take a taxi, because his master didn't allow such extravagance. Chen Fan finally boarded a bus with a starting fare of 5 cents.

They staggered off the car, but when they arrived at Guanqian and saw the scene before them, they were both speechless.

"Dilapidated" is not even a sufficient word to describe Baiyun Temple at this time.

The archway is crooked, and the stone carvings are damaged everywhere, clearly caused by human intervention. The main gate is also crooked and barely usable. Given the state of the exterior, one can only imagine what the interior must be like.

This is the ancestral temple of the Longmen School of Quanzhen Taoism. Qiu Chuji is buried here. Originally, Baiyun Temple was an affiliated temple of Changchun Palace. After Qiu Chuji passed away, his disciple, "Qinghe Miaodao Guanghua Zhenren" Yin Zhiping, built a courtyard next to Changchun Palace to bury his master.

As a result, Changchun Palace was burned down, but Baiyun Temple was preserved.

But looking at its current state, it seems almost completely destroyed!

"wrong,"

Chen Fan suddenly pointed to the square and said, "There are still people here."

Zhang Xuansong glanced at the ground and nodded slightly. "No weeds, no dust. Even if there are cleaners sweeping every day, it wouldn't be this clean. Someone must be sweeping and cleaning here specifically."

Chen Fan looked up and walked inside, saying, "You'll know once you go in and take a look."

As soon as the two reached the door, they saw an elderly man, about 60 years old and thin, wearing a thick cotton-padded coat, carrying a broom as he came out.

Chen Fan was slightly taken aback and immediately stopped.

Zhang Xuansong also stopped beside him.

The old man looked at the two men with a hint of trepidation in his eyes and asked cautiously, "Gentlemen... comrades, is there something you need?"

Sightseeing? Who dares to visit a Taoist temple these days?!
Worshiping gods? That's practically asking for death... a hundred times over.

Chen Fan smiled and said politely, "Hello sir, may I ask if the Taoist Association office is here?"

Upon hearing "Taoist Association," the old man's unease deepened. "Who are you?"

Seeing his expression, Chen Fan understood somewhat, and immediately smiled and made a Daoji gesture.

He formed the Zi-Wu mudra with both hands, arching them from bottom to top while slightly bending over, stopping just as his forehead was level with his hands, and said, "Disciples of Chaoyang Temple of the Yushan School of Quanzhen Taoism have come to pay their respects to the Taoist Association."

Upon hearing this, the old man's eyes lit up, and his face lit up with surprise. "Are you fellow Daoists from the Yushan Sect?"

He immediately put the broom aside and made a Taoist curtsy, saying, "Disciple of the Zhengyi Qingwei Sect greets fellow Daoists."

Chen Fan blinked, then turned to look at Zhang Xuansong. What did that mean?
How did the ancestral temple of the Longmen School end up being occupied by Taoist priests of the Zhengyi School?
Although Zhang Xuansong has not dared to associate with Taoism in recent years, he did grow up in a Taoist temple and had heard of some important sects and figures.

Upon hearing the introduction, he looked up and examined the old man closely, then asked in a low voice, "Are you the musician and dancer at the Guandi Temple near the front gate, receiving an imperial salary? A high-ranking official surnamed Liu?"

Music and dance performers were Taoist priests who served the royal family in sacrificial rites. They held official positions, received stipends, and their positions were hereditary.

Those who can become musicians and dancers are undoubtedly from families with profound Taoist skills.

Of course, this also shows that those who can hold this position are all Taoist priests of the Zhengyi sect.

Since all members of the Quanzhen sect are monks or nuns, how could they have hereditary succession?!
As for "Gao Gong," in ancient times it referred to a person with profound knowledge and skill. Later, it was adopted by Taoism to refer to the person with the highest Taoist skill in Taoist rituals. Here, it is naturally a respectful title.

Hearing Zhang Xuansong's words, the old man finally breathed a long sigh of relief, greeted him again, and said with a smile, "I dare not accept the title of High Master. I am indeed a member of the Liu family."

Zhang Xuansong and Chen Fan exchanged a glance. Well, they've finally found their people!

A few minutes later, in a small house next to the entrance of Baiyun Temple, a dozen old men sat together, all with smiles on their faces.

Master Liu placed a thick handwritten copy aside, nodded and smiled, "There is indeed the Chaoyang Temple of the Yushan School in Shandong in the Taoist register. It is confirmed without a doubt that it is a true transmission of the Quanzhen School."

Hearing this, Zhang Xuansong finally breathed a long sigh of relief. With this, the reconstruction of Chaoyang Temple was now secure.

Chen Fan's attention, however, was on the other side. He looked at these old Taoists dressed in ordinary clothes, with gray hair and dry skin, and couldn't help but gasp.

Is this what the Taoist Association is like now?

The Writers' Association and the Taoism Association are both associations, isn't the difference a bit too big?!

Master Liu carried a large iron kettle that had just boiled tea, poured them two bowls of tea, and said with a smile, "We are limited by our resources and only have one bowl of coarse tea. Please forgive us."

Chen Fan accepted it with both hands, then made a Daoji gesture with one hand.

It means raising your palm, bending your index finger, leaving only your thumb and the last three fingers, which means "one breath transforms into three pure things". It is generally used when receiving something with the other hand.

He held the teacup in his left hand, looked up and smiled, "Doing nothing and following one's heart, if there is coarse tea, then drink coarse tea, what is there to worry about?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than an old man next to him threw his head back and laughed, “A lady’s spirit desires clarity, but her mind disturbs it; a person’s heart desires tranquility, but desires pull it away. Without mind or desire, tranquility is natural.”

Chen Fan smiled and bowed, “Release your desires and your heart will be at peace; purify your heart and your spirit will be clear. It is only a matter of relinquishing and purifying.”

Zhang Xuansong, standing next to him, held a teacup and drank water, quietly minimizing his presence.

He didn't like reading scriptures much when he was a child in the temple; he only liked practicing martial arts. After the temple was destroyed and he left the mountain decades ago, he had long forgotten what he had learned back then.

However, since he had some prior knowledge, he was able to understand what the two were saying.

The older brother's first sentence came from the *Taishang Laojun Shuo Chang Qingjing Jing*, while the second half praised Chen Fan's extremely high state of mind. Chen Fan's reply was similar; the first half also came from the *Qingjing Jing*, while the second half was a self-deprecating remark, indicating that his state of mind was not yet sufficient and that he still needed to practice daily.

At this thought, he even forgot his fear of being chosen to discuss scriptures, and his mind was filled with shock.

Wow... this kid only studied the scriptures last night, and he can already discuss them with the old master?

Little did he know that among the old books Chen Fan had bought before were many Taoist scriptures, which he had tried to read before and memorized by relying on his photographic memory.

After reading the Taoist scriptures of the Yushan School last night, I naturally integrated those scriptures into my Taoist practices, just like an old man who has been cultivating Taoism for decades.

Zhang Xuansong stood by anxiously, but none of the dozen or so old Taoist priests approached him. It seemed that they considered him an equal, and if they sought him out to discuss scriptures, they feared that it would be misunderstood as a sign that their master did not welcome them.

There are certain procedures and etiquette for discussing scriptures among peers to avoid damaging relationships. If one starts discussing scriptures as soon as they meet, where does the politeness come from?
Instead, he approached Chen Fan and discussed the matter from a senior's perspective, which could be seen as a senior instructing a junior. Even if the junior couldn't answer, it was perfectly reasonable and wouldn't lead to any misunderstanding.

At the same time, one can also infer the Taoist cultivation of their elders by observing the level of the younger generation.

What? What if we lose?
So what if we lost? Are we going to get beaten up?!

So Chen Fan chatted happily with more than a dozen old Taoist priests.

The discussion ranges from the "Taishang Laojun Shuo Chang Qingjing Jing" to the "Daode Zhenjing," from the "Chongxu Zhenjing" to the "Tongxuan Zhenjing," and even to the "Taiping Jing," "Yinfu Jing," "Duren Jing," and "Xinyin Jing." However, classics of the Quanzhen Daoist Yushan School, such as "Chongyang Lijiao Shiwu Lun," "Yunguang Ji," and "Qingzhen Ji," are not included in the scope of the discussion.

They're from the Yushan School; what can you possibly glean from asking them about their own school's classic texts?

They chatted for so long that two large pots of hot tea weren't enough, until an elderly man with gray hair started to feel his stomach growl, and everyone finally came to their senses.

They then looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Having gotten to know everyone through the discussion of scriptures, Chen Fan immediately asked bluntly, "Have you all not had breakfast yet?"

Master Liu wasn't ashamed at all and said frankly, "I have used it, but it was just a bowl of rice porridge, barely enough to fill my stomach."

Another person laughed and said, "Compared to many fellow Daoists who have returned to secular life, we are already doing very well to still be able to chant scriptures and cultivate the Dao."

Chen Fan glanced at them, pursed his lips, and remained silent.

The Taoist temple has several sources of income, one of which is the allocation from the Religious Affairs Bureau, which is the main source of income.

Secondly, there's the issue of incense money. However, Taoist temples aren't very good at attracting worshippers, and their doctrines aren't very appealing. So even decades later, Taoist temples in big cities still receive very little incense money daily. ...Some media outlets have asked a Taoist temple in Shanghai to open its donation box, and the Taoist priests have allowed them to film it.

There are no money in the box for less than 15 days out of 30 days a month, and each time the amount is small, 3 or 50 yuan is considered a lot. This is far from the prosperity of other similar businesses, or rather, it cannot be compared at all.

Don't say that the situation has been special these past few years; this part has been cut off long ago.

The third is "out-of-town business," which is generally funeral "performances." Well, this part has also been discontinued.

Then there's the matter of charging medical fees for treating illnesses... These days, who would dare to seek medical help from a Taoist priest? Unless it's in a remote area lacking medical resources.

As for other shady practices like divination, feng shui, and geomancy, they are even less sought after.

Therefore, apart from a small amount of funding from higher authorities, the Taoist temple currently has almost no other income.

Is there still any funding available?

Looking at these old Taoist priests, he was certain that their income in recent years had all been earned by themselves.

As for whether it's scavenging or doing something else, it's hard to say.

Master Liu picked up the pot and added another ladle of water. He said to the two of them, "In 61, when the square was expanded, the Guandi Temple at the front gate was demolished. So I stayed at Baiyun Temple. It just so happened that the Taoist Association was also here, which saved me a lot of trouble."

Later, the winds swept away the clouds, and many fellow Daoists had to seek other paths. A few of us had nowhere to go, so we stayed here together to find peace and quiet. Regardless of whether it was Quanzhen or Zhengyi, we were all one family in the Daoist sect.

Living here, although occasionally strong winds blow and one may feel slightly disheveled, one can still continue to cultivate the Tao, which is quite pleasing.

"It's because we haven't had any family line for years that we've been struggling financially and have had to find other ways to make a living. So, we've generally been eating two meals a day: one thin porridge for breakfast and one solid meal in the afternoon. We've managed to get by."

He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "However, since a high-ranking Daoist has come to visit today, we cannot fail to entertain him."

Then, turning to the others, he asked, "How about adding a Chinese meal?"

The others smiled and nodded, "Very good, very good."

Seeing this, Chen Fan turned to look at Zhang Xuansong and subtly patted his pocket.

Zhang Xuansong understood his meaning and immediately nodded slightly.

Chen Fan then took out a bundle of grain coupons from his pocket and a stack of ten-yuan notes from another pocket. He stood up, walked up to Master Liu, and presented them with both hands, saying, "Today, the Chaoyang Temple of the Yushan Sect presents 500 yuan and 500 jin of grain coupons to the Taoist Association as a token of our appreciation."

These words startled everyone, including Zhang Xuansong.

I knew you were going to give, but I didn't know you were going to give so much!
Master Liu's mind went blank for a moment, and he couldn't react.

What kind of family is this? They actually pulled out 500 jin of grain coupons and 500 yuan in one go?

Seeing that Master Liu stood there motionless and did not respond, Chen Fan said, "There is another matter that requires the consent of all the Taoist masters."

Master Liu immediately came to his senses, looked up at him, and said, "Please speak."

He thought to himself: I knew this funding wouldn't be so easy to get.

Zhang Xuansong, standing next to him, unconsciously sat up straight, his eyes fixed on everyone.

Chen Fan said solemnly, “My Chaoyang Temple was originally a place for Taoist practice in Shandong. When foreign enemies invaded, the elders of the temple broke down the mountain to help people. Now, decades have passed, and only my master is left alive. He later took me as his disciple and intended to rebuild Chaoyang Temple.”

However, Shandong is far away, so we would like to wait until the time is right to build the temple in Beijing. We will bear all the expenses ourselves, and we would appreciate the assistance of the high-ranking Taoist priests of the Taoist Association at that time.

He then placed the food coupons and money on the table next to him and said seriously, "This fee is just a greeting gift and has nothing to do with the request."

They say it's irrelevant, but if they don't agree, how can they still accept it?
However, in the eyes of these Taoist priests, building a new temple is really not a big deal. If the temple is successfully built, they will gain a group of fellow Taoists.

Not to mention the fellow Daoists who had broken away from their temples and descended the mountain to resist foreign aggression; they all looked at Zhang Xuansong with more respect.

Nevertheless, Master Liu did not immediately agree, nor did he go to collect the money. Instead, he looked troubled and said, "We should do our utmost to help build the Chaoyang Temple in the capital, especially since it is a highly virtuous and accomplished monk who has contributed to the country. However..."

He spread his hands, turned and glanced around, then said with a wry smile, "Given our current situation, how dare we presume to agree?!"

That's right. These days, even a bunch of old Taoist priests are struggling to survive. Where do they get the confidence to help them rebuild a new temple?

Chen Fan, however, showed no concern, grinning as he said, "At the conference before the New Year, the higher-ups said they wanted to unite all friendly forces. Now, overseas relations have become highly sought after. Perhaps the Daoist sect will be rebuilt tomorrow. This hope is right before our eyes. How can you say it's 'in such a state'? Could it be..."

He then looked troubled and said to them, "Do you Taoist priests not want our Chaoyang Temple to relocate to the capital?"

Upon hearing this, Master Liu no longer hesitated. He exchanged glances with the other Taoist priests, then bowed to Chen Fan and Zhang Xuansong, saying, "In that case, as long as there is a day when the Taoist temple can be reopened, our Taoist Association will definitely do its utmost to help you reopen Chaoyang Temple!"

Chen Fan and Zhang Xuansong exchanged a smile and quickly expressed their gratitude to the Taoist priests.

Exchanging money and provisions for a promise, especially with the friendship and support of the Taoist masters in the Taoist Association, seems like a worthwhile deal.

When they arrived, they truly hadn't expected that the most crucial hurdle in rebuilding Chaoyang Temple would be overcome so easily!

The dozen or so elderly Taoist priests here were also filled with joy.

Friends in adversity!
We've been in trouble for many years. We've had fellow practitioners who support each other, but we're all struggling to survive, and we've often gone hungry.

When have we ever been this extravagant as we are today!
500 jin of grain coupons is enough for them to eat as much as they want for more than a month!
I happily ate a vegetarian meal at the Taoist Association. It was only during the meal that I learned that Master Liu was the vice chairman of the association and the chairman of the Beijing branch.

What a coincidence!
Once the Taoist Association is rebuilt, are you worried that Chaoyang Temple won't be able to be rebuilt?!
……

When we got back to the courtyard, it was not yet 12 o'clock.

As soon as Zhang Xuansong entered the main room, he pulled Li Shangde and Lin Yuanxiang aside and began to recount his experiences from that morning, which surprised the two old men.

Is it really this bad for people who are involved in religious sects these days?

Chen Fan couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes.

He can stay in his study all day without going out, but he can't if there are other people around, unless he has something to do.

With Master Zhang's two boxes of books, he didn't plan to go to the Writers' Association now. Today was the 12th, and Chairman He and the others wouldn't arrive until the 14th, so he would wait until they arrived.

With nothing else to do, he decided to go for another stroll outside.

Just then, seeing him about to leave, Zhang Xuansong suddenly slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot."

He then went into the room, leaning on his cane, and came out with a wad of cash in his hand. "Here's 1000 yuan. Forget about the food coupons, I don't have any anyway."

He earns 200 yuan a month and doesn't spend much money except for food and drinks. His children all have jobs and good incomes, so he doesn't need to spend any money. A mere 1000 yuan is a piece of cake for him.

This money was naturally intended to compensate Chen Fan.

Chen Fan waved his hand, "Forget it, keep your money for your retirement, or you can use it when Chaoyang Temple is rebuilt."

Zhang Xuansong's face hardened. "I'm not dead yet, it's not my place to spend your money."

Chen Fan glanced at his expression and, realizing it wasn't just a polite formality, pursed his lips, accepted the gift, and casually put it in his pocket. "Just wondering, how much savings do you have?"

Zhang Xuansong glanced at him sideways. "What, trying to take my retirement money? Let me tell you, I get a monthly salary from my employer, and I can't possibly spend it all!"

Chen Fan grinned and said, "No, I just wanted to see if we had enough land to buy land and build a temple."

He pointed to the small courtyard and said, "Look, when Old Man Li bought this courtyard, it only cost 200 yuan. Now, this courtyard should be worth at least 500 yuan. After all, it's a detached house."

Then, looking at Zhang Xuansong, he said, "Also, more and more educated youth are returning to the city. How many educated youth have left Beijing? Are there at least 1 who haven't returned yet? There must be more, right?"

"Now, there's a huge trend of educated youth returning to the cities. If they all come back and have nowhere to live, won't housing prices rise even further?"

Zhang Xuansong frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

Chen Fan spread his hands. "So I was thinking, how much money do you have right now? See if you can buy a house first. It would be terrible if you couldn't even afford a house when it's time to build the temple. Why don't you buy a house now, Master!"

(End of this chapter)