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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 214: Carving the Flesh
After resolving the matter with Li Zhongwen, the Emperor summoned the officials of the Three Teachings to gather at Wende Hall due to the escalating religious disputes.
Fu Yi remained adamant about eradicating Buddhism. "Buddhism is Cunning Hu Zhongjie, deceiving the Barbarians. It initially took root in the Western Regions and gradually spread to China. Those who follow its teachings are all Evil and Devious People, mimicking Zhuang and Old Xuan Yan, embellishing Illusory Cults. It benefits the common people not at all and is harmful to the state."
In contrast, Buddhism insisted that there was nothing wrong with its teachings. "The Relationship Between Rulers and Subjects, Fathers and Sons is such that even kindness is hard to repay, and Hao Tian does not reward. How much less can one expect from Buddha, who is The Compassionate Father of All Beings and a Benevolent Sage Physician? To suppress and humiliate him is utterly impossible!"
Under the subtle hints from the Royal Family, Taoism began to join in the criticism of Buddhism.
Taking advantage of Fu Yi's momentum following two uprisings by Demonic Monks, Li Jian Cheng seized the opportunity to carve away at Buddhism. His fundamental goal was to cut off population, land, and tax burdens.
The previous dynasty had issued over two hundred thousand Certificates of Conversion. With a Certificate of Conversion, one was recognized by the court as a monk and exempt from taxes and corvée labor.
This was highly enviable even in Peaceful Times, especially under Emperor Yang's reign when the oppressive taxes and labor were unbearable not only for ordinary citizens but even for wealthy landlords.
Aside from outright rebellion, seeking refuge in Buddhism to escape taxes and labor was undoubtedly the best choice. Thus, there were a considerable number of people hidden within Buddhist circles.
On the surface, there were around sixty to seventy thousand monks; however, those serving and supporting these monks numbered at least two or three hundred thousand. These two or three hundred thousand commoners also enjoyed exemption from taxes and labor within Buddhist properties.
Moreover, while there were fewer Taoists than monks, they still constituted a significant number. How could Li Jian Cheng tolerate this?
Yet merely relying on words—even if they came from the Emperor himself—would not convince these monks with their own logic to relinquish what they had consumed.
He deliberately took a long detour to issue the "Sutra of the Monastic Decree": "Sakyamuni teaches that purity comes first, to stay away from filth, to cut off greed... Yet there are despicable companions who claim to be noble, lazy individuals who evade labor, falsely shave their heads and take on monastic titles, indulging in desires without end, relentlessly seeking gain.
Monks, nuns, Daoists, and female practitioners who cannot diligently uphold their precepts are unworthy of offerings and should be dismissed, returning to their hometowns.
The authorities must clearly define the regulations and strictly adhere to the teachings. Any violations should be halted. The eight temples in the capital and nine monasteries must remain, while all other temples across the provinces should be closed!"
After the Emperor's edict was read, Monastic Daoism was thrown into panic; this was not merely a flesh wound—it was akin to a death sentence.
Little did they know that Li Jian Cheng had already exercised restraint. If it were not for the ignorance of the populace, the underdeveloped technology, and the unfair legal system during a time when common people had no means to resist natural disasters or man-made calamities, he would have taken even harsher measures to maintain national stability with the help of religion.
Monks and Daoists were never compliant citizens, but Li Jian Cheng appointed Fu Yi as Minister of Civil Affairs and tasked the recently returned King Qi, Li Yuanji, with overseeing this matter.
Moreover, the most vocal opponent, Duke of Xinan, Xiao Yu, was demoted to a doctorate at the National Academy, which silenced the courtiers.
At this moment, news also arrived from the Divine Martial Army reporting victories; all southern prefectures had been pacified, and the bandit leader Dugu Huai'en had been captured along with other rebels who would be escorted back to the capital.
Good news also came from Liaodong; the Goguryeo King treated the Emperor's emissary with utmost respect and stated that he would no longer dare to covet Liaodong City.
These consecutive victories both domestically and internationally greatly enhanced the Emperor's prestige, making his decrees even more authoritative.
King Qi was not a believer in gods or Buddha and did not respect elders either. As a result, nearly a hundred temples in Chang'an were forcibly demolished. Under such pressure, some scandals were exposed in broad daylight.
Fu Yi naturally seized this opportunity; he showed no mercy towards those involved among the monks. Once solid evidence was gathered, he would firmly demand that the Ministry of Justice administer severe punishment and publicly announce their crimes.
Among those implicated were several renowned High Monks, which dealt a significant blow to the faith of the common people in Chang'an.
Outside of Chang'an, the situation grew more complicated. Over ten prefectures had risen in rebellion, and no one knew where they had gathered their tens of thousands of troops.
Fortunately, most were near Luoyang, and the emperor issued a direct decree to Qin Wang for the Suppression of Rebellion. Within just a few months, peace returned to the realm, and the court suddenly found itself with an influx of several hundred thousand people.
The year of Taiping Yuan ended under conditions that were not overly peaceful but generally stable.
In the early years of Taiping, the courtiers petitioned the emperor to summon concubines to maintain the prosperity of the state. The emperor graciously agreed, allowing virtuous daughters from various families to enrich the imperial harem.
The emperor treated the Guanlong, Dai Bei, and Shandong Jiangnan families equally, inviting noble ladies from the Yuwen Clan, Yang Clan, Yuan Clan, Zheng Clan, Xue Clan, Wang Clan, Cui Clan, and Lu Clan to serve him in the palace.
Among them, the most favored was Lady Zheng. Despite being the eldest, she quickly ascended to the position of Consort Nine, just a step away from the esteemed rank of Consorts Four.
The Zheng Clan of Rongyang naturally became prominent as their offspring were successively transferred from local posts to the capital city, making other noble families envious.
When the Divine Martial Army returned victorious, the emperor ordered Prince Jin to lead officials in welcoming them back. Li Shentong was granted the title of Eternal Prosperity Duke, while Li Shenfu was made Duke of Rongguo.
The two royal family generals led the meritorious officials into court for an audience. The emperor reviewed each one carefully, matching names with faces before announcing their rewards.
Pei Xingyan was appointed as Deputy Commander of the Divine Martial Army; Cheng Zhijie became the Left Gate Supervisor; Su Dingfang was named Captain of the Left Thousand Cattle Guard at Zhenwei City Gate; Hou Junji took on duties as Captain at Jinyang's Department of Military Affairs City Gate; Xue Wanchu...
Most were given sixth or seventh rank positions, which were not particularly high but satisfied all the generals. After all, this battle had not been particularly difficult. The troops dispatched by the court had achieved victory with ease. Moreover, sixth or seventh rank positions were considered a decent starting point.
Li Jian Cheng looked at the civil and military officials below him and couldn't help but sigh. Fierce generals were abundant and strategists plentiful; he would not have to worry about a shortage of high-level talent for at least several decades, especially regarding military commanders.
Then there was the matter of dealing with Dugu Huai'en and his gang of thieves. While others could remain unseen, Dugu Huai'en was, after all, a legitimate relative. The emperor ordered someone to bring the disheveled and foul-smelling Dugu Huai'en forward.
Just a few months ago, the Minister of Works had been in a position of great power, but now he had fallen to the level where even beggars on the street would scorn him.
Dugu Huai'en wept bitterly as he kowtowed and pleaded for mercy, his toothless mouth opening and closing as he spat out accusations against Yuan Junbao and others who had already died on the battlefield.
Dugu Huai'en deliberately let himself go for several days, hoping to gain the emperor's sympathy in order to secure a chance at survival.
However, when he cautiously made eye contact with the disdainful gaze from above, he felt only contempt and unmasked murderous intent.
Dugu Huai'en could not care about anything else; he sought help from his relatives. As long as he could appeal to the Retired Emperor, he still had hope.
After all, the Retired Emperor was the son of his own aunt; they were legitimate relatives. He had raised an army to help the Retired Emperor take control of the world!
But no one paid him any attention, not even his own brothers or nephews.
The Retired Emperor was healthy and strong, and his family's resources would never be wasted on a fool.
………
(End of Chapter)
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