The Romance of Shaolin (6) - Tanzong Commands the Troops

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.

Tanzong Commands the Troops

The year is 618 AD. The Sui Dynasty is collapsing. Li Yuan has risen in rebellion and established the Tang Dynasty, but the empire is still fractured, with powerful warlords controlling key territories. One of the most significant is Wang Shichong, who has declared himself king in the strategic city of Luoyang. To unify the realm, Li Yuan sends his brilliant son, Li Shimin (the Prince of Qin and future Emperor Taizong), to attack Luoyang. The Shaolin Temple, located near this critical battleground, finds itself drawn into the conflict that will decide China's future.

In the 14th year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty (618 AD), Li Yuan, having risen in rebellion in Taiyuan and founded the Tang Dynasty, saw his power and influence grow daily. To eliminate the various warlords who had carved out their own territories, Li Yuan ordered his son, Li Shimin, to advance on Luoyang. Wang Shichong, who had taken control of Luoyang and declared himself the "King of Zheng," heard the news and hastily mobilized his forces, ordering his defenses to be strengthened.

2. Warfare erupted everywhere, and there was no peace to be found. Even within the sacred grounds of the Shaolin Temple, there was only a superficial calm. It was the height of summer. After their training, the Shaolin warrior monks went to the front of Mount Shaoshi and jumped into the Longtan River to bathe.

3. Just then, a young man was seen running frantically towards the temple. Tanzong and the others looked up and saw a cloud of dust rising on the distant road. The monks guessed it must be Wang Renzé's men, stationed at the nearby Huanyuan Pass, out causing trouble again. As the young man drew near, Tanzong stepped forward and hid him in a cave on the opposite bank.

4. A group of Zheng soldiers arrived at the riverbank. Seeing no trace of the young man, they only saw a group of monks splashing and playing in the water.

5. The leader of the group kept questioning them. Tanzong saw that the man was blind in one eye and instantly recognized him as Hou Qi, the man responsible for his father's death. He could barely contain his rage. He snarled at Hou Qi, "We haven't seen anyone come this way. Don't disturb us!"

6. The soldiers searched every nook and cranny along the banks of the Longtan River but failed to find the underwater stone cave. Helpless, Hou Qi could only say, "If you see him, report it to the authorities immediately. If you dare to hide him, you will be executed without question!" With that, he led his men away.

7. After the Zheng soldiers were long gone, Tanzong helped the young man out of the cave. Seeing that he was exhausted and unable to walk, Tanzong thought for a moment, told the other monks to return to the temple, and then carried the young man on his back towards Boku Village.

8. After a period of rest and care, the young man regained some of his strength and insisted on leaving. He said, "Thank you for saving my life. I am a general of the Tang army, sent here on a reconnaissance mission. I was discovered and pursued by Zheng soldiers and must now return to my camp to report. I cannot stay any longer."