The next day.
Eminent monks gathered at Wangji Temple. The monks who were usually calm and composed were now facing a great enemy. They glanced outside the temple from time to time. More eminent monks were chanting Buddha's name and preparing their arguments in private. They couldn't wait to convert Mo Jiazi, the great enemy of Buddhism.
"His Majesty's decree is for Mo Jiazi to come here to discuss Buddhism. This shows that His Majesty still cares about old friendships. There may be a chance for a turnaround," Master Huichang said.
The monks couldn't help but nod. However, they didn't have the confidence. After all, even Master Huiyuan couldn't make Li Shimin side with Buddhism.
Master Huiyuan chanted Buddha's name and said, "School of Mo is the same as Buddhism. They are both on the road to revival. I believe that Mo Jiazi can understand Buddhism's situation."
Master Falin nodded, but he was at a loss. Against Fu Yi, the arch-enemy of Buddhism, he could naturally risk his life to protect Buddhism. However, the Mohist's plan to save Buddhism made him feel extremely conflicted.
On one hand, the Mohists' strategy of saving Buddhism was actually a strategy of limiting Buddhism, which was detrimental to the revival of Buddhism. On the other hand, what the Mohists said made some sense. After the Second Martial Emperor destroyed Buddhism, Buddhism did not change. It was just washing away the old path. There might be a third disaster for Buddhism.
The monks were either at a loss, thinking of a countermeasure, feeling uneasy, or sharing a common enemy. Unknowingly, the appointed time had arrived.
"Herod!"
Following the neigh of a horse, a long carriage stopped in front of Wangji Temple. A young man in his twenties jumped down from the carriage, immediately attracting everyone's attention.
"Mo Jiazi is here!"
The monks couldn't help but feel nervous and looked at the young man in front of them with hostility.
Meton consciously ignored the stares of the monks and said loudly, "Junior student of Mohism, Meton, pays his respects to the eminent monks."
Master Huiyuan, who was leading the group, stepped forward and warmly said, "The School of Mo is the prominent school of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Mo Sheng and Gautama Buddha were of the same era, and both of them were people of great wisdom. It is a blessing for the world that the two schools of Mo and Gautama Buddha are gathered today."
Meton returned the greeting and said, "School of Mo has long heard of Buddhism's great name. Back then, Mohism's predecessors traveled to the sacred land of Buddhism, India, and brought back India's numerals. They also witnessed the prosperity of Buddhism. It's my honor to meet so many Buddhist predecessors today."
The two of them looked friendly, and there was no sign that they were about to confront each other.
"Speaking of which, I have to thank Benefactor Mo. When I came to Chang 'an, it was a long journey. I took the School of Mo's carriage and arrived in Chang' an in a day. The School of Mo's brick roads and carriage technology have benefited the world, saving people from the pain of travel. I admire you." Master Huiyuan said gratefully.
The reason why Master Hui Yuan was able to reach Chang 'an so quickly was naturally because he had taken the Mohist carriage. However, when Bian Ji had gone to Shaolin, he had disguised himself. On the way back, Bian Ji had suggested that Master Hui Yuan do the same, but Master Hui Yuan had rejected without hesitation. Instead, he had dressed as a monk and openly rushed to the Mohist station. The Mohist carriages did not make things difficult for him at all and treated him as usual. This had allowed Master Hui Yuan to reach Chang' an so quickly. This made it seem as if Bian Ji was measuring the heart of a gentleman with his own yardstick.
Meton put his palms together and said, "Buddhism believes that all life is equal. School of Mo agrees with this point and does its best to implement it. No matter who it is, as long as they have a guide, School of Mo will treat them equally."
"All life is equal!" Master Huiyuan looked at Meton meaningfully and praised, "Benefactor Mo is indeed a man of great wisdom. I admire you!"
"Master, you flatter me!" Meton said politely.
Master Huiyuan couldn't help but laugh. He waved his hand and said, "Benefactor Mo, please!"
Great Master Hui Yuan solemnly welcomed the Mohists into Wang Ji Temple. The cautiousness in his heart had already reached its peak. The favor tactics that he had used on other people were actually completely useless on the Mohists.
Entering Wangji Temple, a large platform greeted them. The platform was already filled with tables and chairs. Meton's heart skipped a beat. This time, he had entered the tiger's den!
Master Hui Yuan said loudly, "The most famous event of Wangji Temple is the Scripture Debate Assembly. In the past, when Buddhism was flourishing, countless monks would come to Wangji Temple every year to debate. At that time, it was a grand event in Chang 'an. Unfortunately, after Emperor Wu destroyed Buddhism, Buddhism declined. Such a grand event is rarely seen again."
"Buddhism has suffered many calamities. School of Mo sympathizes with it." Meton said with a sorrowful expression.
"This poor monk has heard that Benefactor Mo once made a public prophecy in the imperial court. Two hundred years later, Buddhism will once again suffer the calamity of destroying Buddhism. My Buddhism will once again respectfully await your arrival and listen to your teachings. Benefactor Mo, please!" Master Hui Yuan raised his hand and solemnly invited.
"Buddhism seeks guidance from School of Mo's Mohist Debate Arts." The monks said in unison.
Meton took a deep breath and slowly ascended the platform. Mohist Debate was one of School of Mo's theories. However, it had always been neglected. Today, he would let Mohist Debate Arts regain its glory.
After Meton and the monks sat down, Meton said solemnly, "Mohist Debate is particular about names, phrases, and words. I have only learned a little about Mohist Debate. I only know how to use mathematics to debate. Therefore, I have specially invited the world's most outstanding mathematicians to bear witness."
"Imperial College's Shen Hongcai greets the eminent monks!"
"Zu Mingjun greets the eminent monks!"
As soon as Meton finished speaking, two mathematicians, one old and one young, appeared behind Meton.
"So it's Professor Shen who compiled the book of Mathematics and the descendant of Zu Family who created the parabola!" Master Huiyuan was surprised. He did not expect that Meton would invite these two people to help him. In the field of mathematics in the Tang dynasty, these two were the first to come into contact with Indian numerals. They were indeed the best in mathematics.
"Greetings, Master Huiyuan. Merton once said that in this world, anyone can deceive you, but mathematics cannot. Although the two of us were invited by Merton today, we promise in the name of mathematics that all the data will be true," Shen Hongcai said solemnly.
Zu Mingjun solemnly nodded. The school of mathematics had originally been obscure, but ever since the Mohists introduced the Indian numerals to the Great Tang, the school of mathematics had been greatly simplified. Moreover, it had been used in all sorts of fields, and its precision and strictness had attracted the attention of all the other schools.
The reason why the two of them accepted Modun's invitation was because they wanted to improve the reputation of the school of mathematics. As long as they could help the Mohists calculate the future of Buddhism, the school of mathematics would definitely become famous.
"With the reputation of the school of mathematics, this old monk naturally believes in it!" Master Huiyuan nodded.
When the other monks saw the school of mathematics, they had a bad feeling in their hearts. However, when they saw that Master Huiyuan agreed, they could only nod helplessly.
Of course, they were also unconvinced. They did not believe that the future of Buddhism could be calculated with cold numbers.
Meton waved his hand. Zu Mingjun and Shen Hongcai sat behind Meton. In an instant, the atmosphere of the debate froze. Meton and the other two were directly confronting the hundred monks of Buddhism.
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