To be honest, ever since Ye Zhen arrived in Luoyi, he had been so busy that he had never properly explored the city. Nor had he known that there was a Heaven Temple Branch occupying such a vast area within Luoyi's outer city.
The various heavenly gods worshipped by the Heaven Temple each had all manner of shrines and divine halls built for them. The Heaven Temple Branch was equivalent to a branch institution of the Heaven Temple. The front courtyard contained temples where believers worshipped the various heavenly gods, while the rear courtyard was where those belonging to the Heaven Temple cultivated and handled various mundane affairs.
"Don't be fooled by how Great Zhou's officials dislike government officials associating with the Heaven Temple. Among the common folk, especially those at the bottom of society, the Heaven Temple is still deeply trusted. Every day, worshippers came in an endless stream. This was Luoyi. In the other prefectures and commanderies, the incense offerings were likely even more flourishing!" When their carriage arrived at the entrance to Luoyi's Heaven Temple Branch, Princess Changle pointed at the crowded flow of people by the gate as she explained.
"Why didn't those monks send anyone to welcome you when they saw the princess's carriage arriving?" Ye Zhen suddenly asked curiously.
"That is precisely why Great Zhou's officials so greatly detest the Heaven Temple! Though the Heaven Temple's internal ranks are strict, outwardly it flaunts the equality of all living beings, which earns it immense trust from the common people," Princess Changle said.
"Isn't that rather hypocritical?" Ye Zhen asked in surprise.
"That's right, Big Brother Ye. I've been here several times. In my view, most of the baldies in the Heaven Temple are the most hypocritical people in the world. But their hypocrisy is measured.