The Romance of Shaolin (7) - Returning to Shaolin

This picture-story book, "The Romance of Shaolin," is based on historical records. It chronicles the development of the Shaolin Temple and its martial arts over a period of more than 130 years, from the third year of Xiaochang in the Northern Wei Dynasty (527 AD) through the Sui Dynasty to the fourth year of Xianqing in the Tang Dynasty (659 AD). The story unfolds through seven chapters: "Huike Seeks the Dharma," "Zhineng Receives the Precepts," "Wuxing Enters the Monastery," "Righteously Accepting Tanzong," "Huiyang's Tonsure," "Tanzong Commands the Troops," and "Returning to Shaolin." Through the joys and sorrows of monks like Huida, Zhineng, Wuxing, Tanzong, and Huiyang, both before and after they entered monastic life, the book reflects the historical landscape of a time when frequent warfare plunged the common people into deep suffering.

Returning to Shaolin

The year is 659 AD. The brilliant reign of Emperor Taizong has ended, and his son, Gaozong, now sits on the throne. However, the true power behind the throne is shifting. Empress Wu Zetian, a former concubine of Taizong, has maneuvered her way from a Buddhist nunnery back into the palace and onto the Empress's throne. Ambitious and ruthless, she is systematically eliminating her political rivals, including the old guard of ministers who served Emperor Taizong. Her rise to absolute power will have far-reaching consequences, even for our hero, the great general Tanzong, who now finds his loyalty and his life in peril.

In the 23rd year of the Zhenguan era (649 AD), Emperor Taizong died and was succeeded by Emperor Gaozong. In the fifth year of the Yonghui era (654 AD), Gaozong brought Wu Zetian, a former young concubine of Taizong, from a nunnery into the palace. In the sixth year of Yonghui (655 AD), Wu Zetian forced Gaozong to depose Empress Wang and took the empress's throne for herself.

2. Wu Zetian used her position as empress to cultivate her own allies, eliminate her opponents, and gradually take control of the government, overstepping her authority. Her actions were met with fierce opposition from old, respected ministers like Zhangsun Wuji. In the fourth year of the Xianqing era (659 AD), Empress Wu finally forced Zhangsun Wuji to commit suicide. Many other veteran ministers from the Zhenguan era were also implicated, stripped of their titles, and demoted.

3. Although Tanzong was stationed far away on the frontier, he too was implicated. His wife and children, who had remained in the capital, were all executed by Empress Wu. When the terrible news reached the border, Tanzong was utterly devastated, deeply regretting that he had not refused the imperial honors as Zhicao had done.

4. His subordinate officers advised him, "General, you command a large army on a remote frontier. Your soldiers are battle-hardened and loyal. With these forces, you could establish your own territory. What could that woman Wu do to you?" After hearing this, Tanzong sighed repeatedly and said, "The Great Tang has already been weakened by Empress Wu. If I were to cause it to fracture further, would I not become a sinner for all ages?"

5. After careful consideration, Tanzong decided to abandon his post and flee. He summoned his trusted deputy to his chambers and said, "With Empress Wu in power, I fear she will not tolerate me. I have decided to leave my post and travel far away. I hope that you will all continue to guard the frontier and, most importantly, preserve the unity of the Great Tang. Do not involve yourselves in the struggles within the palace."

6. Tanzong intended to return to Shaolin. To cover his tracks, he deliberately traveled west at first. After a day's journey, he arrived at a small border town, sold his horse, shaved his head and beard, changed into the robes of a monk, and began his journey home.

7. As Tanzong passed through Chang'an, the memory of his beloved wife and children's wrongful deaths brought tears to his eyes. He wished to find their burial place, but feared that doing so would lead to his own capture and death. Instead, he found a small temple in the suburbs and silently chanted sutras for the souls of Bai Feng and his children for two days before continuing his journey east.

8. One day, not far past the city of Yanshi, Tanzong saw a monk walking towards him on a side path. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the man as his junior brother, Huiyang, whom he had not seen for over a decade. Huiyang also recognized Tanzong. They both cried out each other's names and ran towards one another.