Letter from Layman Zhong Zhenzhi to Master Jiming

I recall that you and I were born on the same day, studied under the same teacher, and shared the same aspirations in our youth. Little did I expect that at the age of twenty-four, the Venerable One would leave Confucianism to enter Chan Buddhism. Over the past twenty years, our paths have diverged; we have grown apart, and our correspondence has ceased. Now, as I lie ill by the lakeside, I have suddenly heard of the heretical teachings of the Lord of Heaven. I have used their own weapons against them, and written a brief *First Refutation*. Knowing that the Venerable One has long practiced Chan, you must possess the skill to defeat our opponents. Moreover, since they are specifically attacking Buddhism, you, Venerable One, should not remain silent. I present my rough draft for your review; please read it and offer your guidance.