Soon, as Ananda sat atop the platform outside Tiandu and lectured, numerous citizens gathered around and unwittingly fell into his teachings, becoming devout followers. The news reached the Crown Prince and King Huai in the palace.
"What?!"
Upon learning this, the Crown Prince instantly flew into a rage and ordered, "Send someone immediately to drive that young monk away!"
The order swiftly passed out of the palace, but it wasn't long before news came back.
The mission had failed; they couldn't drive Ananda away because, by the time the Royal Sword Guard arrived in the outer city, Ananda had already attracted hundreds of citizens with his Buddha's light, turning them into his most devout followers.
Seeing the Royal Sword Guard trying to drive Ananda away, those commoners were the first to resist, knowing that these people had been beguiled by Ananda, yet they were helpless to stop it.