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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 213: Buddhism Difficulties
After the emperor inquired about some basic matters, he said nothing further and did not leave behind any confidants for discussion. He immediately dismissed the court, seemingly without any particular intention.
However, every word from the emperor warranted careful consideration from his ministers, especially when it pertained to religion.
The events surrounding the Northern Wei Emperor Taiwu and the Northern Zhou Emperor Wu's suppression of Buddhism were not far removed in history, and now there was a tangible lever for the emperor to grasp.
News quickly spread throughout Chang'an, causing panic among the monks. Some venerable monks, disregarding their usual composure, rushed to visit noble families in an attempt to discern the emperor's intentions.
The Taoists exhibited two distinct attitudes. One group actively allied with the monks; despite their inherent contradictions, they believed that they were viewed similarly by the court.
When monks were strongly suppressed, Taoists were generally not allowed to roam freely either, so their cooperation was also self-serving.
The other group adopted a passive stance, closing their temples and refusing pilgrims. Some even dispersed their disciples into the world. Compared to the unity among Buddhist followers, the Taoist community was undoubtedly more scattered.
Under the Sui Dynasty's two emperors who revered both Taoism and Buddhism, belief in these religions had become widespread among all social classes, from commoners to high officials. Consequently, some officials petitioned for the court to treat Monastic Daoism favorably.
However, Li Jian Cheng made no response; he neither issued edicts to appease nor decrees to suppress Buddhism. He was still waiting—waiting for someone to step forward. He merely needed to act as a judge and did not intend to personally engage in conflict.
If an emperor took direct action, it would signify that there was no turning back. Regardless of the pros and cons, he would have to push forward with his agenda.
Buddhism and Taoism were not confined to a single family or sect; even he could not eradicate them entirely. Moreover, all social strata required a means of spiritual belief—this was unavoidable.
In the wake of reverence for Buddhism and Taoism, Confucian disciples began to exert their influence. The Minister of Rites, Zhang Daoyuan, submitted: "A well-governed world must adhere to Confucian teachings and not be swayed by foreign Buddhist doctrines."
The Censor of the Court, Li Dao, presented: "Bishamon distorts norms and rituals, undermining respect between social classes. The royal teachings must prevail; we should suppress its influence and prevent Bishamon from destabilizing the state."
However, Duke of Xinan Xiao Yu, who had always respected Buddhist teachings, immediately objected during the court assembly: "Buddha is a sage who can enlighten all people!"
Grand Historian Fu Yi stepped forward to counter: "Rituals are rooted in filial piety; they culminate in loyalty and respect towards one's parents. The so-called Sakyamuni Buddha abandoned his city and family, defying his father and opposing his sovereign as an ordinary man. Duke of Xinan does not come from a void; now he follows a doctrine devoid of father or ruler—this clearly demonstrates disloyalty and unfilial behavior!"
Fu Yi's words were as sharp as a blade, forcing Xiao Yu, who was trying to persuade Xue Ju to surrender, to blush and struggle for a response.
Xiao Yu clasped his hands and bowed his head, saying, "The hell is set up precisely for such a person!"
Fu Yi snorted coldly and then bowed to the emperor above him. "Your Majesty, all Buddhist followers are disloyal and unfilial. They shave their heads and bow to their lords while idling away their time, changing clothes to evade taxes. They give a single coin in hopes of receiving ten thousand times the reward, and they fast for a day hoping for a hundred days' worth of grain!
This leads the common people to disregard the laws of the court, committing crimes without fear. When caught, they pray in prison for forgiveness, demonstrating the deep sins of their teachings that harm the people!"
Such statements naturally incited the court officials to rise against him. Whether Buddhist or Daoist, even high-ranking officials would believe in some form of spirituality to maintain their elegance.
"Your Majesty, Fu Yi is the one who is disloyal and unjust. For his own selfish desires, he seeks to place you in danger. Monastic Daoism is widespread across the prefectures, with many followers. Now that the realm is initially stable, how can we provoke chaos by not appeasing them?"
However, Fu Yi ignored them and took out the already prepared memorial titled "Request to Abolish Buddhism," presenting it respectfully.
After the court session ended, the uproar intensified. Officials led by Fu Yi were scorned throughout Chang'an, with some citizens daring to throw filth at his residence.
Meanwhile, two hundred monks gathered at the palace gates to present their grievances, removing their robes and placing them atop their heads, refusing food and drink.
In Tai'an Palace, Li Yan exhaled after reading the memorial. "Truly sharp and incisive; however, it is somewhat biased. Buddhism and Daoism do have some benefits for governance."
Fu Yi had written extensively in his memorial, but the core message was clear: "Expel the heretical cults back to India; return all Bishamon to their homeland; punish those who evade taxes; ensure that those avoiding labor contribute willingly; do not spare small monks; serve the state faithfully; protect the ancestral temple; then the Tang will be secure and reign supreme over creation. The people will be at peace under your rule."
Such radical measures were evidently impractical. Li Jian Cheng's aim in targeting Monastic Daoism was simple: reclaiming lands occupied by temples and ensuring those who did not pay taxes or fulfill labor duties would take responsibility for their subjects.
Li Yan set down the memorial and said, "Now that there is an opportunity with Gao Tansheng's incident, we can strike against Buddhism but should still seek to ally with Daoism. Confucianism should remain central.
My father's political stance likely prioritizes Laozi first, then Confucius, with Buddha last—after all, my surname is Li."
At this moment, Gao Tansheng had just been executed in public display in Capital City. In Bingzhou, Comforter Tang Jian secretly reported to the court, accusing Governor Li Zhongwen of Bingzhou and Demonic Monk Zhi Jue Monk of conspiracy and collusion with the Turkic Khagan to establish themselves as Southern Khan!
The Emperor issued a decree for a thorough investigation and ordered King Qi and Li Yuanji to immediately escort Li Zhongwen to the court.
Chang'an fell silent for a moment. They were not particularly concerned about whether Li Zhongwen truly dared to rebel; rather, they felt uneasy upon hearing the name of a monk from within.
They worried that the Emperor, in his fury, might implement Fu Yi's memorial. Soon, many Venerable Monks in Chang'an dreamt of the Emperor, claiming to have seen His Majesty adorned with Dragon and Phoenix, draped in Sun, Moon, and Stars, embodying Great Fortune, Great Wisdom, and Great Merit.
On the way to escort Li Zhongwen to the capital, the officials sent by the court to investigate returned with results. It turned out to be that Demonic Monk Zhi Jue, who claimed that Li Zhongwen was surrounded by five-colored light and protected by a Golden Dog. He advised him to go to Fen Prefecture to establish Dragon's Abode and marry Daughter of Tao, in response to Peach and Plum Song, thus achieving Great Undertaking.
The Monks found themselves at a loss for words. Fortunately, Your Majesty did not take drastic action but handled the matter as usual, executing both Zhi Jue and Li Zhongwen.
Although nothing overtly happened on the surface, the Monks understood that such circumstances could not simply go unpunished; however, they still needed to maintain their stance.
Thus, the monk Falin from Chang'an composed "Response to the Abolishment of the Buddhist Monks by Fu Yi" in reply to Fu Yi, which sparked discussions among Monastic Daoism and Confucianism within the Three Teachings.
He stated, "I have secretly observed what Fu Yi has presented. After reading it thoroughly, my insides are in turmoil; upon reading it again, my emotions are shattered. Alas! Erroneous words confuse the righteous; demonic arguments are compelling. It is still insufficient for the foolish below to hear this; how much less can it reach Heaven's ears!
Your Majesty should follow Heaven's will and seize the opportunity. With the hearts of all nations at your command, it should be a celebration for one person. You possess the power to support the weak and save lives; your achievements in pacifying chaos surpass those of former kings and resonate with past emperors. Therefore, you should restore your heart to the Three Treasures and pay attention to blessings. Those who have renounced worldly life should all feel grateful for Heaven's grace.
I humbly beseech Your Majesty: may Heaven support your noble spirit; naturally, you shall rise above others. Your talents are profound; may you enjoy goodness and happiness as you traverse Dongping with ease and joyfully embrace what lies ahead…”
(End of Chapter)
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