Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

When Du He heard Xiao Kai's words, his heart moved slightly.

He remembered that according to the original history, Master Xuanzang returned to Chang'an in the 645th year of Zhenguan (), but he did not expect that he would return a full year later.

"Dr. Sun, I will go and greet Master Xuanzang first."

After Du He finished talking to Sun Simiao, he quickly left the Ministry of Works.

The reason why Li Shimin received Master Xuanzang with such high standards was not because Li Shimin was very devout to Buddhism, but because Li Shimin wanted to learn about the situation of the Western Regions and the five tribes of India through Master Xuanzang.

The ambitious Li Shimin has been trying to extend the territory of the Tang Dynasty to the Western Regions in the past two years.

It is for this reason that Master Xuanzang, who is familiar with the customs, city-state conditions and road traffic in the Western Regions and India, was valued so much by Li Shimin.

When Du He walked out of the lobby of the Ministry of Works, the official from the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent by Li Shimin said respectfully.

"Minister Du, Minister Fang is leading the officials waiting in front of the Suzaku Gate. I will take you there."

"Thank you." Du He clasped his fists towards him.

Although the official ranks of these eunuchs are not high, they are Li Shimin's close ministers, so it is better to avoid offending them.

After a cup of tea.

Du He arrived at the Suzaku Gate and saw Fang Xuanling leading dozens of officials waiting there, all of whom were wearing purple and red robes.

"So grand?"

Du He muttered something, then strode up to Fang Xuanling and said apologetically.

"Sir Fang, I am late."

"Minister Du, you are not late. We just arrived not long ago." Fang Xuanling smiled and waved his hand, then ordered: "Let's go!"

This time, in addition to the civil and military officials who went to greet him, Li Shimin also sent his guard of honor to go along.

When riding past Zhuque Street, Du He found that there were dense crowds of people standing on both sides.

He asked curiously, "Master Fang, did the people know in advance that Master Xuanzang was returning to Chang'an?"

Fang Xuanling nodded and explained with a smile: "As early as a year ago, Master Xuanzang sent people to follow the caravan back to Chang'an and presented a memorial to the court to explain the time of his return to Chang'an."

"Because the King of Wei rebelled last year, Your Majesty allowed Master Xuanzang to stay in Shazhou for nearly a year."

"And the reason why the people gathered here was because your majesty asked the magistrates of Chang'an and Wannian to notify them in advance."

Master Xuanzang did not return alone on this trip. He also brought back hundreds of Buddhist scriptures, hundreds of Buddha's physical relics, and a large number of Buddha statues.

From the fact that Li Shimin solemnly welcomed Master Xuanzang, we can tell that he wanted to widely publicize Xuanzang's story of seeking Buddhist scriptures in the Western Regions.

Du He frowned slightly: "Fang Sikong, does your majesty want to promote Buddhism?"

In Du He's opinion, Li Shimin has always been an emperor who advocates Taoism. He is not obsessed with Buddhism, but he does not reject it.

Now that Li Shimin has organized such a grand welcoming ceremony, it is obvious that he wants to spread Buddhism.

Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly and said, "I don't know what your majesty is thinking!"

"Your Majesty's rheumatism is currently incurable, so perhaps Your Majesty has some expectations for Master Xuanzang!"

Because Buddhism is full of profound principles, especially the Buddhism of India, which is shrouded in a veil of mystery.

Perhaps this ancient country with a history as long as the Tang Dynasty may have the means to heal Your Majesty.

"I see."

After Du He finished speaking softly, he stopped talking.

Half a quarter of an hour passed.

At Duting Posthouse in Tonghuafang, everyone met Master Xuanzang and his entourage.

Master Xuanzang is a middle-aged man with a round complexion. Although he is tanned, he gives people a compassionate look.

Behind them are piles of Buddhist scriptures and large and small gold, silver or sandalwood Buddha statues.

Du He looked at Master Xuanzang, who had a kind appearance but a firm look between his eyebrows, and couldn't help muttering in his heart.

"There is a huge gap between the image of Master Xuanzang and that in movies and TV dramas!"

After Fang Xuanling and Master Xuanzang talked for a few words, everyone started to return to the palace.

When passing by Zhuque Street, people pointed at Master Xuanzang on the white horse, and many of them put their hands together in front of him, closed their eyes and made great wishes.

After everyone returned to the Linde Hall, Li Shimin received Master Xuanzang warmly and even held a banquet to celebrate his success.

at the banquet.

Li Shimin asked loudly: "Master Xuanzang, this journey to the west has lasted for eighteen years. Have you gained anything?"

Xuanzang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have traveled to 110 countries in the Western Regions and India, and brought back 657 Buddhist scriptures, 150 Tathagata's body relics, and many gold, silver or sandalwood Buddha statues."

"In addition, I have traveled to countless cities and states in the Western Regions and India, and I know a lot about the local customs, people, and landforms there."

Xuanzang was not a pedantic person. He knew very well that imperial power was greater than divine power, and he also knew that Li Shimin was most concerned about the situation in the Western Regions and Indian countries.

Sure enough, when Li Shimin heard his words, a smile immediately appeared on his face.

Li Shimin stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "Master Xuanzang, you have gained a lot from this trip!"

There was a pause.

Li Shimin then asked, "I wonder if you have gained any medical books or medical skills during your trip to the west?"

As Li Shimin finished speaking, the hall suddenly fell into silence.

All civil and military officials turned their eyes to Master Xuanzang.

Xuanzang looked at the pale-faced Li Shimin and his heart tightened. After a moment he shook his head and said.

"Your Majesty, I have not found any relevant medical books."

"But I brought back a lot of scriptures. Maybe after I finish translating them, I will gain something."

After listening to Xuanzang's words, Li Shimin's face showed a hint of loss, but he soon felt relieved.

Even the Tang Dynasty, which had brilliant medical skills, did not have the corresponding medical treatment methods. How could countries like the Western Regions and India have such superb medical skills?

Li Shimin shook his head slightly, and then said to Xuanzang.

"Master Xuanzang, I allow you to stay at Hongfu Temple to translate Buddhist scriptures, and I will send a monk who is well versed in Buddhism to assist you!"

"In addition, I will also provide you with food, clothing, writing brushes, inkstones, and other tools."

Hongfu Temple is located in the southwest of Chang'an and is the largest temple in Chang'an.

Xuanzang bowed quickly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"

After the banquet.

Li Shimin asked Niu Jinda to lead the Qianniu Guard to help Xuanzang transport the scriptures and Buddha statues to Hongfu Temple, and sent people to guard the temple day and night.

He said to Xuanzang: "Master Xuanzang, please move to Liangyi Hall. I am very interested in the Western Regions and the countries of India, and hope to learn more about the customs and practices there."

Xuanzang quickly replied: "As you wish!"

Then Li Shimin stood up, swept his eyes over all the ministers, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Crown Prince, Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Jing, Hou Junji, Li Ji, Cheng Yaojin and Du He, please follow me to Liangyi Hall to listen to Master Xuanzang's understanding of the Western Regions and the Indian countries."