Of course Liu Chengyou had the idea of "exterminating Buddhism". In fact, he had already done so. The copper issue was just a small inducement. More importantly, it was the property owned by Buddhist temples in various places. That was a piece of fat. It was too tempting for Liu Chengyou, who was going crazy from poverty, and the Han court...
Even if wars break out frequently, as far as Liu Chengyou knows, the size of Buddhist temples across the country is still quite large. Not to mention the fear of its "confused people", it is difficult for Liu Chengyou not to covet it because of the large amount of land and population it occupies.
Liu Chengyou doesn't have much prejudice against Buddhism, but when it comes to national interests, he has to be prejudiced even if he doesn't have prejudice. Since the four elements of Buddhism are empty, then we should recite sutras and eat fast, be pure in mind and have few desires, and be frugal and observe the true style. That is the right way.
What Liu Chengyou wants to "destroy Buddha" is not to suppress for the sake of suppressing. It is to liberate the labor force, increase the registered population, and increase national finance and taxation, but the final effect may not be much different.
Even if you want to "destroy the Buddha", you can't just slap your head and issue an order rashly. You still have to be cautious about this matter. Three generations ago, there were "Three Martial Arts" who forcibly rebelled against people who wanted to destroy the Buddha. In terms of results, it had a very positive effect on the stability of political hearts and the increase of economic and fiscal revenue. However, it seems that the outcome of the "Three Martial Arts" was not the same. How good...
Of course, Liu Chengyou was not afraid of this, he just learned from history and was habitually cautious.
The destruction of Buddhism by the three martial arts may be more focused on political factors, cultural conflicts, conflicts between Confucianism and Buddhism, Buddhist and Taoist thoughts, and the interests of monks and laypeople. On Liu Chengyou's side, due to the different national conditions and current circumstances, his thoughts were much more pure. He was just coveting the property and population occupied by Shimen and wanted to generate income for the Han Dynasty.
Naturally, such naked utilitarian thinking cannot be expressed. At that time, we will have to use another term, such as "rectifying" bad habits. There are so many Buddhist temples in the world, and it is foreseeable that there will always be those who harbor filth and evil and feed the people with fish and meat.
The edict to "govern Buddhism" cannot be issued hastily, but you may wish to make preparations in advance. No investigation, no right to speak. Liu Chengyou ordered Wang Zhang and Li Shaoyou to conduct a "bottom investigation" of Buddhist temples across the country to see what was going on. Once you understand it clearly, when the time comes, you can calmly rectify it.
In addition, the impact of "exterminating Buddhism" still needs to be considered. In troubled times, the soil for Buddhism to survive is really fertile, and the impact on the people is certainly not shallow. However, this small problem cannot shake Liu Chengyou's determination. The only person who gave him some scruples was the Queen Mother Li, who believed deeply in Buddha.
The Han people didn't even know about Buddhism, but just a visit to the market triggered the emperor's strong desire to "destroy the Buddha".
...
"The officials, Scholar Tao, would like to see you."
Speaking of which, Liu Chengyou hadn't seen Tao Gu for quite some time. It’s not that there was no communication at all. The imperial court’s regulations and edicts were still drafted by the writers of the Hanlin Academy.
"Tao Qing, the Hanlin Academy has a gathering of talents, Zhong Ling and Yuxiu. Now that you are carrying out the mission of the Academy, you should work more hard, cooperate with all the gentlemen, and take charge of this place where talents are gathered for me!" Liu Chengyou and Tao Gu chatted, meaning Something pointed out.
Liu Chengyou may have heard that, relying on his "Yuan Congqian Residence" relationship, Tao Gu has been a bit public in the Hanlin Academy recently, looking down on the literati, and causing some unhappiness with his colleagues.
"Please rest assured, officials." Tao Gu agreed with a low eyebrow.
"I heard that Tao Qing is writing a strange book? It covers a wide range of topics, including astronomy and geography, monarchy and official affairs, clothing, food, housing and transportation, and even vegetation, flowers and fruits, etc." Liu Chengyou asked.
He was slightly surprised, this was just a casual gesture on his part, it could be said to be private. His mind moved slightly, but Tao Gu's face showed no change, and he still answered respectfully: "I'm ashamed, how dare I be surprised. I just wrote a few words in my spare time over the past few years, regarding the views of the government and the public on various people, things, and things since the three dynasties of the Tang Dynasty. It’s just a compilation and description of some novel names, and it’s hard to be elegant.”
"Tao Qing is being too modest. In my opinion, this book is a collection of encyclopedic things. If it can be written into a book, it can be used to preach and explain people's interests. It will be more valuable than some gorgeous poems." Liu Chengyou waved his hand.
Hearing this, Tao Gu's face showed some unexpected joy. Liu Chengyou thought so highly of his unfinished notes? His mind immediately started to move. Originally, he just wrote it in his spare time, but now it seems that it can be used as a career to please the king.
He immediately promised: "As Your Majesty has said, I will do my best to compile this directory!"
"When the book is completed, I will read it." Liu Chengyou encouraged Tao Gu.
The book compiled by Tao Gu, the historical scientific name is "Qing Yi Lu", is equivalent to an encyclopedia and directory entries, involving all aspects of this era, and is of great literary and historical value. With Liu Chengyou's encouragement and compilation driven by utilitarianism, it is estimated that the date of completion of the book will be greatly advanced.
Tao Gu didn't have a very good official reputation, but he really had some talents, especially literary talent, which allowed Liu Chengyou to tolerate his minor flaws. Besides, wouldn’t a minister with obvious flaws make the monarch more at ease?
Today, Liu Chengyou has been almost assimilated by this era, and has entered the role of emperor more deeply. When it comes to governing the country and employing people to do things, it is rarely based on personal preferences anymore, and it has evolved more and more into a political animal.
After chatting for a while, Liu Chengyou directly changed the topic, looked at Tao Gu and asked, "What is the purpose of Tao Qing's visit to me this time?"
Hearing this, and thinking about the purpose of his visit, Tao Gu became more energetic, hunched over slightly, with a hint of flattery in his expression, and said carefully: "About the preparation of the autumn exam..."
"Why, what do you think of Tao Qing's preparation for the exam?" Liu Chengyou asked lightly, raising his eyebrows.
Tao Gu showed a sarcastic smile on his face and said respectfully: "I have heard that the preparations of the Ministry of Rites are complicated and the progress is not smooth. In addition, Prime Minister Su and others have not yet decided on the candidate for Zhizhizhi..."
Listening to what he said, Liu Chengyou certainly understood.
After more than half a month, the preparations for the examination are almost complete. After all, there is precedent to follow, and the framework is there. It is just that the completion of various system regulations and examination subject procedures is a bit slow. Although Liu Chengyou emphasizes efficiency and simplicity, he cannot relax at all about his seriousness.
Now, after much wrangling, the subjects for this examination have been decided. The regular subjects in the three generations have basically followed the Tang system, but due to wars, they have been ups and downs. Liu Chengyou opened the system examination this year. He wanted to use talents urgently. He originally proposed to open the three subjects of Jinshi, Mingfa and Mingshu. However, after the arguments of Su Yugui and other ministers, Mingjing was added.
The examination system process is still to be arranged, but the candidates for the Zhizhi examination are still under discussion... Originally it was proposed that the imperial servant Zhao should be handed over. Later, Li Song, He Ning, Zhao Ying and other civil officials and ministers Also under discussion. The temptation for civil servants to recruit talents for the country and enhance their reputation is not small.
Tao Gu waited respectfully below, feeling anxious and full of hope, waiting for Liu Chengyou's response. The humble expression on his face remained unchanged.
Liu Chengyou examined him, secretly thinking that with Tao Gu's ability and reputation, he was qualified. Moreover, in this matter, Liu Chengyou did not look at qualifications, but wanted people who could do the job for him. Tao Gu is just too selfish, which makes Liu Chengyou a little worried...
However, looking at it from another perspective, considering Liu Chengyou's emphasis on this matter and his status as the first imperial examination in the Han Dynasty, and considering Tao Gu's shrewdness and flattering style, it would not be too out of the ordinary.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "In this way, the regulations and procedures for the examination have not yet been stated. Tao Qing will go back and write one for my reference."
Not long after he finished speaking, Tao Gu took out a book of documents from his sleeve and presented it: "This is the regulations drawn up by the minister. I ask the officials to forgive me for not reporting it earlier."
At this time, the surprise on Liu Chengyou's face was superficial. Taking it from the chamberlain, after reviewing it, he looked at Tao Gu and said with emotion: "The provisions are clear and well thought out. It seems that Tao Qing has been careful and well prepared."
After receiving Liu Chengyou's approval, Tao Gu became even more humble, but there was a subtle hint of pride in the corner of his mouth.
"I must select a few useful talents for this election!" In the end, Liu Chengyou still did not agree directly, but ended the conversation with Tao Gu with a hidden reminder and warning.
Tao Gu is a person who is good at finding ways to cater to people, and he has always been good at grasping situations and opportunities. In the first half of his career, it was not uncommon for him to nominate himself for official positions.
In the later Jin Dynasty, he was appreciated and promoted by Prime Minister Li Song through a self-recommendation document. But now, he and Li Song were officials in the Han Dynasty. Li Song lost power and power, and his contact with him naturally decreased. When Li Song offended Su Fengji earlier, in order to avoid offending the prime minister, he avoided him like an enemy.
This man's character is truly despised. However, a person's ability and value often have little to do with his character. Liu Chengyou obviously pays more attention to practical talents when employing people.
Not long after, Liu Chengyou ordered Zhongshu's subordinates to make the system. Tai Puqing was appointed as the Minister of Rites and knew how to make the system. Tao Gu, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, also knew the system.
In the end, Zhao Shanggao was the main one, just because Zhao Shanggao's system was clearer and more precise, and compared to Tao Gu, it had one more rule: Fu Fu's name examination.
