Fang Jun thought about Yuan Tiangang's question. In fact, there was no answer to this question, or in other words, there was no answer at all.
This is not a problem of knowledge, let alone the environment, but a problem of Taoism itself.
The core roots of Taoism can be traced back to the birth of the "Book of Changes", and its origin is earlier than the three major religions in the world. In terms of religious spirit, explanation of the soul, and philosophical system, it is more comprehensive than other religions, and in terms of the practicality of religion
, the philosophical thought contained in "Bagua" is probably unparalleled by any religion.
A particularly important point is that from the birth of Taoism to the 21st century, the land of China has experienced countless disasters and was even occupied by foreign invasions twice, but it has still been able to continue to multiply for eternity, which shows that its influence is extraordinary.
Generally speaking, it has never become the supreme "state religion" of an entire nation or even a certain dynasty like other religions...
This must start from the core ideas of Taoism.
What are the core ideas of Taoism?
Four words - quiet and inaction.
You are going through a tribulation, who has the time to care about you?
You're just refining elixirs, who has time to care about you?
It doesn't care about the divine right of kings, it doesn't care about God's love for the world, and it doesn't care about how many people have fallen into karma and need God to save them.
Even if the ruler wants to use it as a tool of rule, it won't work, because Taoism is like this. Whoever you love, believe it or not, don't waste my time. I want to build a foundation and refine elixirs, to live forever, and to ascend in the daytime.
…
Only when the entire world's environment has undergone earth-shaking reversals will Taoists focus on the world. They do not care about the suffering of the people or the change of political power. They just think that it violates the purpose of Taoism and affects the survival of Taoism.
As long as the world is stable, they will go deep into the mountains to refine elixirs and practice Taoism in pursuit of immortality...
However, the rise of Buddhism has already threatened the survival of Taoism even in the prosperous times, so Yuan Tiangang became impatient.
He does not have to lead Taoism to a supreme position. He is just worried that if Buddhism is allowed to develop and Taoism does nothing, the foundation of Taoism's existence will be cut off sooner or later...
But since he has the intention of deceiving Yuan Tiangang, how can he say that he has nothing to do?
Fang Jun straightened his waist, and the old god said: "All things in the world are only static and conserved, and only change and progress. In the current situation, if Taoism continues to stick to the rules and remain unchanged, sooner or later it will be surpassed or even replaced by Buddhism. If Taoism wants to survive,
, we can only look forward to the coming of troubled times. In fact, you Taoists have done many such things in history. Once you find that your own living space is threatened, you will use the name of the people to advocate the right way and lead an uprising...
"
Yuan Tiangang's face trembled, looking forward to the coming of troubled times?
This cannot be said. Even though the emperor is now broad-minded, these words that touch the foundation of imperial rule are enough to make the emperor furious.
After all, Taoism has been revered as the "state religion" by the Li Tang royal family. The two have the same interests. It is the time when the honey is mixed with the oil, and they must not rebel...
As for what Fang Jun said about calling for an uprising under the guise of the people's orders... he avoided the topic and asked directly: "Don't beat around the bush, just say it if you have any way."
Fang Jun spread his hands: "Didn't I tell you everything?"
Yuan Tiangang was confused: "What did you say?"
Fang Jundao: "Please change! In the current situation, Taoism is in a disadvantageous position, and the general trend has been achieved. The rise of Buddhism has already accumulated enough foundation in a subtle way. If it continues to develop, it is impossible for Taoism to compete with it. Only
Only through change can we have opportunities."
Yuan Tiangang frowned tightly and hesitated: "How to change?"
Fang Jun didn't have an answer at all, but he couldn't admit it frankly, so he evaded: "Where does so-and-so know? Maybe he is cultivating Taoism among the people and helping refugees, or he is requesting your majesty to include Taoism as the state religion in the "Zhenguan Law", or even more,
Directly inciting people somewhere to start an uprising..."
"Shut up!"
Yuan Tiangang scolded angrily and glared: "You kid with a yellow mouth, don't talk nonsense! Can you say such words casually? Even if it is just nonsense, it may put our Taoist family into a situation of disloyalty and unrighteousness. Be careful
Word!"
After scolding him, he turned around and asked: "What's your rationale for writing Taoism as the state religion into the Zhenguan Law?"
Fang Jundao: "Confucius said: If the name is not correct, then the words will not go smoothly, and if the words are not right, the deeds will not be accomplished. This is not the case at all times and in the world. No matter how evil and rebellious things are, you must also find a high-sounding excuse before doing it, occupying the moral and legal grounds.
Take the commanding heights, and then you can follow the trend and get twice the result with half the effort.”
Yuan Tiangang stroked his beard and thought deeply, remaining silent.
If Taoism is written into the "Zhenguan Law" as the state religion of the Tang Dynasty, then in the Tang Dynasty, Taoism has occupied the commanding heights of legal principles and morality. Even if it is impossible to truly maintain the status of Taoism, it at least makes Taoism the only orthodoxy, and other sects such as Buddhism and so on
, as long as someone dares to be an enemy of Taoism, they are all evil heretics!
Nowadays, the Li Tang royal family respects "Laozi" as their ancestor, believes in Taoism, and regards Taoism as the state religion. Taoism brings unparalleled support to the rule of the Li Tang royal family.
Under such circumstances, Yuan Tiangang is still somewhat confident in persuading His Majesty Li Er to act this way...
Fang Jun added: "I am somewhat certain about this matter, but Taoist Yuan cannot take it for granted. After all, this move is tantamount to putting Taoism above other sects in the world. It will definitely cause dissatisfaction among sects such as Buddhism. Your Majesty may not be able to do so."
I will agree. I heard that the Thirteen Stick Monks saved the King of Tang outside Hulao Pass. It was a life-long friendship, and your Majesty will always leave some face to the Buddhist sect."
Yuan Tiangang looked confused: "Thirteen stick monks rescued the King of Tang? What is that?"
Fang Jun was also a little confused: "Uh... In the battle of Hulao Pass, His Majesty had three thousand against one hundred thousand. Didn't there still be a group of monk soldiers accompanying Your Majesty to charge into the battle with Your Majesty?"
Yuan Tiangang said: "This is indeed true, but where did you, the 'Thirteen Sticks Monk', come from?"
Fang Jun was stunned.
At that time, "Shaolin Temple" was very popular, and the scene of "Thirteen stick monks saving the king of Tang Dynasty" was well known throughout the country. Later, some people questioned its authenticity, and some people confirmed that it happened in history. The story took place outside Li Shimin's Hulao Pass and "Three Thousand Breakthroughs".
Fang Jun always believed in the famous battle of "one hundred thousand".
How come this Yuan Tiangang means that it never happened?
Seeing Fang Jun's confused expression, Yuan Tiangang burst into laughter, stroking his beard and mockingly said: "What kind of fool can make up such a lie, and what kind of fool can believe it to be true?"
Fang Jun was a little angry: "Yuan Daochang has lived for more than a hundred years and has seen a lot. The younger generation has never experienced the turbulent years of those years. How can it be stupid to believe others' words?"
Yuan Tiangang laughed and said: "What does this have to do with the past? It is obviously a logical problem, only a fool can believe it!"
Fang Jun was not convinced: "I would like to hear the details."
Yuan Tiangang pointed at the tea cup, and Fang Jun had no choice but to pour tea for him again...
"Back then, Emperor Gaozu issued an edict and ordered King Qin to attack Wang Shichong who was entrenched in Luoyang. After Wang Shichong heard the news, he took the initiative to attack and started a fierce battle at Hulao Pass. At that time, King Qin had great achievements and was the pillar of the Tang Dynasty.
, Shangshu Ling, Daoxingtai of Yizhou in Eastern Shaanxi Province, Yongzhou Mu, General Youwuhou, Liangzhou Governor, King of Qin, etc., and a series of official titles. However, there is no, and it is impossible to have, the title of 'King of Tang'.
!”
Fang Jun thought about it carefully and felt ashamed.
A joke, a story, killing people...
It should be noted that the emperor at that time was Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, and it was impossible to be called Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty. It was the temple name after his death. In some "divine dramas", ministers frequently called him "Emperor Taizu", "Emperor Taizong", and even Emperor Xizong of the Song Dynasty.
, Emperor Mingx is so ignorant, who dares to say such a thing in front of the emperor, no matter which emperor he is, he will kill your whole family in minutes!
A more formal name would be "Emperor Wude of the Tang Dynasty"...
Li Yuan's legal heir is Prince Li Jiancheng, and his status is unshakable. No matter how much Li Yuan thinks highly of Qin King Li Shimin, he cannot be named "King of Tang" - there are no two days in the sky, no two masters in the country, and the country's name is "Tang".
If you then confer the title of "King of Tang" to a legitimate son who is not a prince, does this mean "one country, two monarchs"?
Even if Li Yuan was confused, it was impossible for the ministers of the Manchu Dynasty to let him do this.
Yuan Tiangang smiled happily, seeming to enjoy the fact that Fang Jun, a "monster" with so much wisdom and almost a demon, was being humbled in front of him.