Xin Hui, Dao Yu, Jie Kuan, Ming Xu, and Xuan Wen realized that the imperial court was serious this time, and it was fiercer than any of the previous times.
The five of them had solemn expressions. They had not forgotten the unforgettable impression that the Northern Wei's Emperor Taiwu and the Northern Zhou's Emperor Wu had left on the Buddhist Sect.
Anything that targeted the Buddhist Sect made them extremely vigilant.
In the decree that the imperial court was about to issue, the so-called monk renouncing asceticism was not much different from destroying Buddha twice.
However, the Imperial Court's plan to destroy the Buddhist Sect this time was different from the previous two attempts. Tang Ting wanted to destroy the Buddhist Sect from its roots!
If the imperial court really succeeded, it was not difficult to imagine how empty all the temples in the world would be in the future.
The five abbots exchanged glances and unified their attitudes. Abbot Xinhui of Daxing Temple stood up and put his palms together in front of Pei Ji and the others.
"Amitabha."
"The imperial court has made such a great decision for the Buddhist Sect, and this penniless monk is deeply touched. However, this penniless monk apologizes to all the hall officials here.”
Hearing this, everyone could not help but frown.
Pei Ji looked at him and asked,"Why?"”
Abbot Xinhui said solemnly," The commoners shaved their heads and became monks. They converted to Buddhism because they have seen through the mortal world and do not want to be implicated by worldly affairs. However, the court officials have lured them into the mortal world again with benefits. Wouldn't that make them suffer the sufferings of the secular world again?”
"Even if This Penniless Monk agrees, Buddha will not agree.”
Xiao Yu raised his eyebrows. He had also studied Buddhism and respected it. However, when he heard Abbot Xinhui's words, he could not agree.
"Master Xinhui, I think that you are wrong. If the commoners cut their hair and become monks, our Buddha will agree. Why won't we agree when they voluntarily renounce asceticism?”
"The decree of the imperial court is clearly for the country and the people. How can there be any temptation for benefits? Is it wrong for the Buddhist Sect to let monks return to asceticism because of the decree of the imperial court? Furthermore, wasn't the so-called Buddhist sect's so-called seeing through the world of mortals to lure them with benefits?”
Upon hearing this, Abbot Xinhui smiled." Our Buddha saves all living beings. All living beings are equal in front of our Buddha.”
"Our Buddha will not reject those who want to shave their heads and become monks because of their status, poverty, or wealth. As long as they devote themselves to Buddhism, the temples in the world will open the door for them.”
"Where is the profit? What kind of temptation is that?"
Master Xin Hui shook his head." But the imperial court is different this time. The decree issued by the imperial court is only targeted at monks. Isn't this considered enticing them with benefits?"”
Xiao Yu opened his mouth, but in the end, he pursed his lips and didn't say anything.
Pei Ji furrowed his brows. Not only him, but all the officials of the six departments present felt uncomfortable.
He had thought that he would have a 90% chance of success if he asked the abbot of the five great monasteries to preside over the meeting. He had never expected that they would reject him so flatly that there was no room for negotiation.
Everyone's expression was uncertain. If it was in the past, it would be fine if these bald donkeys did not agree.
It was different now.
All the civil and military officials were eager to use this matter to prove to the little Emperor that they were smart and capable.
If he couldn't do it…
Then wouldn't all the officials in the court really be useless? How could he raise his head in front of the little Emperor in the future?
Li Daozong snorted coldly." Abbot Xinhui, the imperial court issued the decree to invite you to cooperate. It's fine if you don't cooperate this time. It won't hinder the implementation of the imperial court's decree.”
Abbot Xinhui smiled." This is something that all the hall officials should consider. It's not something that the five of us can interfere with. This Penniless Monk will take his leave."”
After saying that, the other four abbots stood up and pressed their palms together at Pei Ji and the others. Then, they followed behind Abbot Xinhui and left Shangshu Province.
In Shangshu Province, the sound of needles falling can be heard.
Pei Ji, Xiao Yu, Feng Deyi, Chen Shuda, and the six hall officials all had ugly expressions.
Bang! The Minister of Works, Duan Lun, raised his hand and slammed it on the document. He scolded,"
"This bunch of old bald donkeys really don't know how to appreciate favors. The Imperial Court gave them face and called them over to discuss, but they still dare to take advantage of us.”
Li Daozong looked at Pei Ji with a gloomy face and asked,"
"Duke Pei of Wei, those five abbots refuse to cooperate. According to my opinion, the Imperial Court should still do what it should do.”
"I agree." Sun Fujia said,"
"None of the officials objected to letting the monks renounce asceticism. They all wanted to do this well. Firstly, it was for the country, secondly, it was for the people, and finally, it was to prove that we in the court were not people who lived in vain!”
"If we give up just because we encountered an obstacle, how can we still have the face to see the little emperor? We can't take the word 'trash' seriously!”
Pei Ji nodded with a solemn expression. He stood up and said firmly,
" Then we will do as we have agreed. Those who should put up notices will do so, starting from Chang 'an. I don't believe that those monks won't be moved by the decree issued by the imperial court!”
"Yes." The officials of the six departments stood up with solemn expressions and bowed to him. Then, they quickly left Shangshu Province and headed to the various government offices.
Soon, notices were posted.
The news quickly reached the ears of the people in the 110 markets of Chang 'an. It was like a huge rock falling into a calm lake, causing an uproar.
"Have you heard? The imperial court is going to let the monks of the major monasteries renounce asceticism!”
"The Imperial Court has done well this time. Look at the monks in the temples. They do nothing but eat and drink every day and recite scriptures. They don't even need to pay taxes to the Imperial Court. They are all citizens of the Great Tang.”
"This time, the benefits given to the monks are quite great.”
"Those who commit minor crimes will be exempted from punishment. They won't have to pay taxes to the court for two years, and they can get twice the salary of a soldier in a year. If monks who renounce asceticism want to become officials, the court will give priority to them. The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Works will also open the door to help them settle down.”
"If I were a monk, I would definitely renounce asceticism.”
The commoners looked at the notice that was posted and clicked their tongues. At the same time, they were extremely tempted.
The decree issued by the imperial court quickly spread to all the major monasteries.
After hearing the news, all the monks in the temples in Chang 'an felt uneasy and moved.
Daxing Shan Temple in Jingshan Square in the east of the city.
After Abbot Xinhui and the other four abbots returned, they sent monks to invite the abbots of the major temples in Chang 'an.
Among the 110 markets in Chang 'an, half of them were temples.
When they heard that Abbot Xinhui of Daxing Temple wanted to see them, dozens of abbots rushed to Daxing Temple.
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