This is a place for eminent monks to practice Buddhism in Ci'en Temple, which is similar to a 'research institute'. Any eminent monk who can practice Buddhism in Zhengdao Temple must be the best among the monks, which is generally equivalent to the 'research institute' for later generations.
Monk'. Ci'en Temple is the leader of temples in the Tang Dynasty, and the Zhengdao Temple is inclusive. There are not only eminent monks from the Central Plains, but monks from anywhere. As long as the Buddha's teachings are profound, even monks from the Tubo Tantric Sect can be found in the Zhengdao Temple.
Have a place to enjoy the offerings of Ci'en Temple.
Monks all over the world are proud to be admitted to the Enlightenment Hall of Ci'en Temple. A large part of Ci'en Temple's influence is also in this Enlightenment Hall.
Shengdaoyuan determines the right to speak in the Buddhist world.
There are only about thirty people in Zhengdao Temple in total, and all of these fifty or so people are highly respected people, or they are abbots of famous temples. In normal times, there are not many people in Zhengdao Temple, unless something important happens in the Buddhist kingdom.
They would only get together to discuss it when the time comes. But recently, because of Li Shimin’s coronation as Heavenly Khan, eminent monks from all over the country have arrived one after another, and the Zhengdao Temple has also become lively.
The eminent monks had not seen each other for a long time, so they were naturally very happy to meet each other. They rarely drank tea, discussed Taoism, and talked about Buddhism. This was a prosperous time for the Buddhist country, but the interest was ruined because of a meeting.
"Driving sticker? What is this?"
The eminent monks came from all over the country and were very unfamiliar with Jinyiwei's Jia Tie. In fact, they were not the only strangers. The monks from Ci'en Temple were also very unfamiliar with this new thing.
The monks gathered around Abbot Yongxin, and Abbot Yongxin opened the driving sticker. After reading the contents of the driving sticker, the eminent monks were all filled with questions.
What is this, corvee? Taxation? What does this have to do with the temple? Check the accounts? What kind of accounts should be checked? What does the accounts of Ci'en Temple have to do with Jinyiwei?
"Ignore it." Abbot Yongxin threw the driving sticker aside and said, "You guys continue to talk -"
Before he finished speaking, another welcoming monk came to report that Ci'en Temple was surrounded. There were countless people there. These people were wearing flying fish clothes and had embroidered spring swords on their waists. They were all very powerful. The swords were unsheathed.
Minghuanghuang said that he would wait for half an hour. If he didn't cooperate in accordance with the driving sticker within half an hour, he would break into the door and act according to the law.
The monk who welcomed the guests said these words to his face, which made Abbot Yongxin feel very embarrassed. The dignified Ci'en Temple was unexpectedly surrounded. If this matter was not dealt with, wouldn't it make the world laugh at him?
"Masters, please wait a moment. I will be back soon after I leave."
After Abbot Yongxin finished speaking, he went out with the welcoming monks. Halfway there, he suddenly felt a little uneasy and asked the welcoming monks to call the guardian monks over to prepare for any eventuality. In case there was a conflict later and he was unprepared, he would eat
It's not good to suffer a loss. As long as he doesn't suffer a loss at that time, Abbot Yongxin is confident that Ci'en Temple can escape unscathed.
When he came to the door, Abbot Yongxin glanced outside. Seeing the momentum of Jin Yiwei, he was also quite wary. However, thinking about the number of dignitaries and believers Ci'en Temple has made friends with over the years, there are all kinds of people.
I felt a lot more settled in my heart. I took a deep breath and strode out.
"Amitabha, who is so rude and disturbs the pure place of Buddhism?"
The eldest grandson rushed out of the crowd. Abbot Yongxin recognized the young master from his uncle's family and saluted him: "It turns out he is the young prince. I wonder what the young prince wants when he leads people to surround Ci'en Temple?"
There was no hint of flattery in Abbot Yongxin's tone. This is the confidence of the largest temple in the Tang Dynasty. The people who come here to offer incense range from high officials to common people. Everyone has never seen it. If the person who comes today is the eldest grandson
Wuji, Abbot Yongxin may still be a little polite, but he is just a young prince, and he has not taken it seriously. Moreover, today's incident has greatly embarrassed Ci'en Temple, and he does not want to spend more time with Changsun Chong.
What face.
Changsun Chong returned the gift, took out a pamphlet from his arms, and said in detail: "The purpose of my visit has been clearly stated in the invitation. The Royal Property Bureau is responsible for liquidating the world's land. According to the Zhenguan New Deal, the world's land needs to be remeasured and distributed.
According to the investigation, the land property under the name of Ci'en Temple does not match the number of monks. It is more than 47,000 hectares. It needs to be counted clearly and returned to the court. In addition, it is found that Ci'en Temple has usury, and according to the
The latest law of the Tang Dynasty that was reviewed and approved stipulates that the interest rate of private lending cannot exceed the principal, and there are also violations. The commercial tax is tentatively set at 30 taxes per person. The commercial activities engaged in by Ci'en Temple have not paid any taxes, and there are corvee——
"
Abbot Yongxin's face turned darker and darker as he listened to Changsun Chong's words. Everything he said was in Abbot Yongxin's heart. As a monk who grew up in Ci'en Temple, he has come step by step to where he is today.
How can he not be clear about what the temple has done? There are many things that cannot be explained to outsiders, but today Changsun Chong made them public. The people watching talked about it and cast suspicious eyes, making Abbot Yongxin feel on pins and needles.
He suddenly realized that the reason why Changsun said these things to the public was to destroy the foundation of Ci'en Temple! At that moment, Abbot Yongxin lowered his face and said: "I'm sorry that I can't understand what the young master said. From ancient times
So far, in all the dynasties, I have never heard of anyone asking monks to do corvee work. Even that unscrupulous and foolish king would not do such a thing. I dare to ask, can my young master come here today to obtain your majesty’s will?
What?"
"This..." Changsun Chong finally did not have the courage to falsely convey the imperial edict, and said truthfully: "No."
"Then please come back!" Abbot Yongxin seized the words and extended his hand as if to see off guests. Changsun Chong was choked, but did not move. Why did he come today? What did he say?
Son, you have to do the same thing. If you can't do the same thing and have no effect at all, then it's really ridiculous. Jin Yiwei, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will lose face, and his old mentor will also be disgraced.
Thinking of what might happen to Li Mu after he lost face, Changsun Chong felt as if nails were driven into his feet and refused to move a step.
When Abbot Yongxin saw him like this, he said with a slightly sarcastic tone: "Young Master still refuses to leave? Has he made up his mind to use this pure place of Buddhism as his way to enter the world?"
"I didn't..."
"If that's not what you mean, then please leave it to the young master. If the young master insists on going his own way, I will not stop him. Everyone present is a witness. I will ask all the faithful men and women to be witnesses when the court comes."
"I..."
Still a little tender!
Abbot Yongxin saw Changsun Chong's speechless look and secretly judged in his heart. He turned around and a group of monks followed him, like a general returning from victory, before heading back.
"Wait!"
A voice rang out from the crowd. Changsun Chong looked happy. Abbot Yongxin also stopped. He turned around and saw Li Mu walking out of the crowd, with an expression on his face as if he had eaten dog shit.
The reason why he chose to fight quickly was because he didn't want to draw Li Mu out. Although he had never been in contact with Li Mu, he was familiar with everything about Li Mu. He knew that this was a difficult character, and he was also worried. He didn't know if he would
He will be Li Mu's opponent.
He deliberately pretended not to hear and ignored him, but after all, Li Mu was not Changsun Chong. The minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Luoyang Marquis, Luoyang Order, Li Shimin just issued an imperial edict, conferring Li Mu a title comparable to the highest rank of the twentieth rank in the Qin and Han Dynasties.
Chehou was at the height of his power when the Holy Family was in full swing. He thought he could handle it if he offended Changsun Chong, but he did not have such confidence if he offended Li Mu.
Without a moment's hesitation, Abbot Yongxin turned around and came to the door again.
"I have met the Marquis of Luoyang."
"Easy to say." Li Mu took a look at Abbot Yongxin. He did not have the kindness of the eminent monk, but he had the unique cunningness of a businessman. He was born with a pig face, a fat head and big ears, and a shiny head full of...
It's shiny, and you can tell that the daily food is good.
I got a little closer and smelled it, and there was still a hint of perfume. The monk was not very good at using this kind of thing, so how could it be on him? He must have come into contact with people who use perfume, so it's hard to guess.
After all, it may have been contaminated by the female family members who received a certain nobleman, not necessarily the girls in Pingkangli.
"I wonder if the Marquis can give me any advice when he calls me here?"
"I don't dare to teach you, but I just want to ask Master Abbot, why do you stop the Jin Yiwei from enforcing the law?"
Abbot Yongxin remained calm and said: "There is no imperial edict, and for fear of tainting His Majesty's wisdom, there is nothing we can do to stop him."
Li Mu smiled and said: "Master Abbot really considers Your Majesty, I feel ashamed for no reason. As a minister, I have never thought so much." Li Mu casually pulled out the Shang Fang sword from his waist, and the silver light flashed.
He put it on Abbot Yongxin's shoulder and said: "I only remember that when your Majesty gave me this sword, he once said that a prince who breaks the law is the same as the common people. Before the law, even the prince is not exempt. But he did not listen to your majesty.
I have said that the great monk is not within the bounds of the law. Could it be that, master, your Dharma is so profound that it has reached a level that transcends the three realms and is no longer within the five elements?"
There was a sword edge just an inch from his throat. Abbot Yongxin did not dare to move and said in a trembling voice: "The Marquis is joking. He jumped out of the Three Realms and is not in the Five Elements. He is talking about the gods and Buddhas in the sky and the mortal bodies of poor monks. How can
Dare to be wishful thinking. The Marquis is right, monks should also be bound by the law, but I don’t know which law Ci’en Temple has violated, which deserves the Jinyi Guards to mobilize troops like this?”
Li Mu took back his sword, looked at Changsun Chong, and said, "Didn't you say anything?"
"Reporting to my mentor, I have already told Abbot Yongxin face to face that the land in Ci'en Temple is very much in excess, and the corvee and taxes need to be paid back."
"Abbott, do you hear this clearly? There are three things: fields, corvees, and taxes. The fields will be returned, and the corvees can be replaced with money. As for the taxes, one in thirty is the same for everyone. It is said that before the law, everyone is equal.
We won’t charge more, and we won’t charge less.”
"But……"
"It's nothing!" Li Mu's voice became colder and said: "Master abbot, a trafficker and a pawn, even if you pay taxes, how many monks are there? Now I can still talk to you well, and I advise you to cherish it, really.
I am getting anxious, and today I will let you see how the Ju family in Gaochang was exterminated. Old bald donkey, I want to ask you a question, if you want money, give me your life, if you want money, give me your life, if you want life, bring me the money,
If you don't give up on both ends today, it's easy to handle. You've lost both your money and your life. I'll give you a stick of incense to think about it!"
Having said that, Li Mu didn't care what Abbot Yongxin's reaction was, he snapped his fingers and said: "Disciple, light some incense! Guards in Jinyi, draw your sword and stand by!"
As expected of the Marquis! The eyes of all the royal guards shone brightly, and their embroidered spring swords were unsheathed.
As expected of his mentor! Changsun Chong stared, the admiration in his heart almost overflowing. He lit the incense, feeling envious in his heart. He asked himself, why didn't he dare to say this? But then he
, so he answered himself, if he dared, he would be his mentor. I really don’t know when he will be able to achieve the state of his mentor.
The people watching were whispering non-stop. Most of them felt that Li Mu was a bit domineering. Because in people's inherent thoughts, temples are a place outside the world. It is appropriate for everyone to pray to gods and Buddhas and contribute money and incense.
I don’t see anyone who thinks it shouldn’t be the case. Li Mu made his decision on the temple today. Is he really not afraid of the Buddha’s blame?
These imperial guards are courageous enough. They are wielding swords in front of the temple gate, and they are not afraid of bumping into the Buddha. They have brought natural disasters and karma to themselves, and will bring harm to future generations. At that time, what should we do?
Abbot Yongxin was really anxious. He had heard about Li Mu's bloody killing in Gaochang. According to legend, Li Mu killed six to seven thousand people at that time without blinking an eyelid. He was known as the Bloody Hand Massacre.
In the Western Regions, he is famous for his ability to stop children from crying. Although Ci'en Temple is the largest temple in the Tang Dynasty, it does not have six or seven thousand monks. How can he withstand killing with such a killing method?
"Master Hou, you are indiscriminate and threatening in this pure place of Buddhism. Aren't you afraid that the Buddha will blame you?"
"Don't be afraid!" Li Mu said loudly: "If the Buddha wants to blame, he should blame you first. Master Abbot, let me ask you, the Buddha is compassionate and should have mercy on the world, but why does your temple offer usury? Usury, compound interest,
People who borrowed money could never repay it, and eventually had to sell themselves and become tenants in the temple, just like serfs. Can this be considered the compassion of the Buddha? If there is a Buddha, who should be afraid, the abbot doesn't know
What?"
After hearing this, Abbot Yongxin was no longer afraid. Ci'en Temple had done all these things and had been prepared for it. When people asked, what should they say? There was already a theory to answer: "The Marquis said something.
I don’t know. Borrowing does happen, but this cannot be blamed on the temple, but on the person who borrowed the money. The intention of the temple to lend money is good, to help people tide over difficulties, is it still wrong? But people have no idea.
Knowing that I borrowed money that I could not afford to repay, this was greed. Can I also blame the temple?"
"Even if what you say makes sense, why is the interest rate so high? Isn't interest that is several times the principal helping people?"
"There is nothing we can do about this." Abbot Yongxin said calmly: "As the Marquis said, the temple should not borrow money, but when someone encounters difficulties, it is always bad not to help, but if you help, all the money will be spent
It was donated by believers, how could it be taken in vain? Moreover, we have to take into account many bad debts, dead debts and other unexpected situations. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to pay more interest. If you think the interest is high, can you not borrow it?”
"After all, our Buddha is merciful. In order to avoid such things from happening, I also suggest that it is best not to borrow money."