Old Yang

Old Yang (simplified: 老杨, traditional: 老楊, pinyin: Lǎo Yáng, jyutping: lou5 joeng4) was one of Great Master Yideng’s followers and a former eunuch of the Dali Kingdom. When Duan Zhixing abdicated his throne and became a Buddhist monk, Old Yang chose to follow him into seclusion, demonstrating the deep loyalty that characterized those who served the Duan royal family.

Biography

Service in the Dali court

Old Yang originally served as a eunuch in the Dali royal palace, where he would have been responsible for various duties within the imperial household. Eunuchs in the Dali court typically served in administrative roles, managing palace affairs and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the royal family.

His service during Duan Zhixing’s reign as emperor would have given him close contact with the future Great Master Yideng, developing a relationship based on loyalty and respect for the ruler’s wisdom and compassion.

Following Yideng into seclusion

When Duan Zhixing abdicated the throne and became Great Master Yideng, he chose to leave behind the trappings of imperial power and live as a Buddhist monk. This transition required him to renounce worldly concerns and focus on spiritual cultivation and Buddhist practice.

Old Yang, along with other loyal followers including Chu Dongshan, Zhang Shaoshou, Wu Santong, and Zhu Ziliu, chose to follow their former sovereign into this new life. This decision demonstrated the profound respect and loyalty that Yideng inspired in those who had served him, as well as their commitment to supporting his spiritual journey.

Life in seclusion

In his new role as one of Yideng’s followers, Old Yang would have helped maintain the master’s place of retreat, handling practical matters that allowed Yideng to focus on meditation and Buddhist practice. His background as a eunuch, accustomed to service and administrative duties, would have made him well-suited to these responsibilities.

Personality and traits

Loyalty and dedication

Old Yang’s decision to follow Great Master Yideng into seclusion demonstrated exceptional loyalty and dedication. Rather than seeking new opportunities after the emperor’s abdication, he chose to continue serving his master in a new capacity, showing that his commitment was to the person rather than merely the position.

Humility and service

As a eunuch who had served in the palace and later as a follower of a Buddhist master, Old Yang embodied the values of humility and service. His willingness to continue supporting Yideng in seclusion reflected a selfless dedication to his master’s spiritual path.

Relationships

Service to Great Master Yideng

Old Yang’s primary relationship was his loyal service to Great Master Yideng, first as a eunuch in the Dali court and later as a follower in seclusion. This relationship was characterized by unwavering loyalty and dedication to supporting the master’s spiritual cultivation.

Fellow followers

Old Yang would have maintained relationships with Yideng’s other followers, including Chu Dongshan, Zhang Shaoshou, Wu Santong, and Zhu Ziliu. Together, these followers formed a community that supported Yideng’s retreat and helped maintain his place of seclusion.

Behind the scenes

Role in the narrative

Old Yang appears in The Legend of the Condor Heroes as one of the followers who accompany Great Master Yideng in seclusion. His presence helps illustrate the depth of loyalty that Yideng inspired in those who served him, demonstrating the respect and devotion that characterized the Dali court and its relationship with the Duan royal family.

His character also serves to highlight the contrast between worldly power and spiritual pursuit, showing how Yideng’s transition from emperor to monk affected not only himself but also those who had been closest to him in his former life.