Sun went to look for his uncle. Hearing this, many Buddhist priests surrounded him, hoping to be recognized as his lost relative. After a while he smiled. They asked him the reason. He said: “Why do you make no progress?

Life is not meant for idleness. ” They said: “We cannot do anything. We are terribly oppressed. ” Page 354“What power have your masters? ” “By using their magic they can call up wind or rain.

” “That is a small matter,” said Sun. “What else can they do? ” “They can make the pills of immortality, and change stone into gold.

Sun said: “These are also small matters; many can do the same. How did these Taoists deceive your King? ” “The King attends their prayers night and day, expecting thereby to attain to immortality. ” “Why do you not leave the place? ” “It is impossible, for the King has ordered pictures of us to be hung up everywhere.

In all the numerous prefectures, magistracies, and market-places in Slow-carts Country are pictures of the Buddhist priests, and any official who catches a runaway priest is promoted three degrees, while every non-official receives fifty taels. The proclamation is signed by the King. So you see we are helpless. ” Sun then said: “You might as well die and end it all.

Buddhists As Slaves in Slow-cart Country