Qingling Mountain.
Vajra Temple.
The leader of Buddhism and the holy land of martial arts.
Many chivalrous stories in the world of martial arts begin here.
This day.
The bells in the temple are ringing and the incense is flourishing.
The monks who knew the guest stood in two rows on the mountain path. The abbot, Master Fangzheng, and the heads of the various academies bowed and waited at the gate.
As early as a few days ago, the Vajra Temple suspended believers from offering incense and waited for the arrival of the Governor of Dongchang.
At noon.
The monks who were investigating ahead hurried up the mountain and reported to Master Fangzheng.
"Here we come, here we come, let alone thirty or forty thousand soldiers, we can't even see the horizon!"
"Amitabha!"
Fang's expression changed slightly, and he turned to look at the leaders of the Discipline and Sutra Halls: "Senior Brother Fang Ming, you must not conflict with the Governor, or let that guy find a reason to get angry."
"Junior Brother Fangyuan, if the Governor wants to go to the Sutra Pavilion, there is no need to stop him, just let him read!"
Jingming was more than eight feet tall, with a sinewy face and a string of fists and big black iron beads hanging around his neck. He couldn't help but curse when he heard the words.
"How can it be called the right way to have sex with a castrated dog like this?"
"The one who lives is the right way!"
Fang Zheng said: "Junior brother, it is better to read more scriptures, practice less martial arts, and get rid of the bad energy in your heart as soon as possible, otherwise there will be disaster in the future."
Jingming retorted: "It is better for the Sa family to cause trouble in the future than for my senior brother to cause trouble now!"
"Amitabha!"
Fangyuan said: "Senior brother has misunderstood. The reason why the presiding officer allowed the Du Gong to enter the Sutra Collection Pavilion was not out of fear, but because he wanted to use the Buddha's Dharma to save the Du Gong. This is the most excellent, great and wonderful method."
Fang Zheng was slightly startled and nodded repeatedly.
"That's what the poor monk thinks!"
While talking.
The ground rumbled and shook, and a black line appeared in the sky in the distance. When it got closer, it was recognized as overlapping figures.
The flag with the word "zhou" was fluttering in the wind. There was no need to shout any slogans or say any threats. The boundless sea of people came over, and a sense of terror and oppression hit our faces.
The military formation stopped at the foot of Qingling Mountain. The cavalry patrolled and the infantry set up camp.
When Fang Zheng saw this situation, he quickly said: "We will go down the mountain to meet the Governor."
Even Jingming, whose temper was out of control, did not dare to talk nonsense anymore. His personal bravery in front of the military formation was like a mantis using his arm as a chariot.
The monks used Qinggong and quickly walked down the mountain.
Just as they approached the camp, hundreds of cavalry rushed over, and the young general leading them shouted sharply.
"The important place of the military camp, kill anyone who comes close!"
Fang Zheng clasped his hands together and said, "General, the poor monk is the abbot of the Vajra Temple. I have an agreement with the Governor, so please let me know."
"It turns out to be Master Fangzheng."
The young general heard about Fang Zheng's name, ordered his soldiers to surround the monks, returned to the camp in person to report, and came out after a while to say.
"The Governor has an order allowing Master Fangzheng to go and pay homage. The rest of the people are waiting outside!"
The monks looked sullen. They were well-known in the world and received excellent hospitality wherever they went. They had never been left waiting outside.
"Please ask the donor to lead the way."
Fang Zheng winked, no matter what grievances he suffered today, he would have to swallow it for the sake of the stability of the world.
As the young general entered the military camp, he saw the auxiliary soldiers who were setting up camp and the soldiers who were practicing military formations. He couldn't help but shrink a little, and he no longer had the air of a "divine monk".
In the middle of the military camp, there is a black tent.
Dongchang Fanzi, who was on duty at the door, saw a proud smile behind Fang Zheng, which seemed to be a provocation.
Before joining Dongchang, they were scum and villains in the world. They were unlucky enough to meet Fang Zheng and didn't even have a chance to escape.
"Report to the Governor, Master Fangzheng has arrived."
"Come in."
Zhou Yi waved his hand casually and used the Dragon Capturing Skill to open the tent door.
This inadvertent move made Fang Zheng feel in awe. He opened the door with his true energy from a distance of two or three feet. No wonder there were rumors in the world that the Governor of the East Factory
The true energy is as deep as the ocean. "The poor monk Fangzheng, pays his respects to the Governor!"
"According to the laws of the country, if you have no official position or fame, you must bow down when you see our family."
Zhouyi asked: "Does Master Fangzheng abide by the laws of the country?"
"The poor monk obeys the law carefully."
Fang Zheng changed his voice and said: "However, the poor monk has entered Buddhism and does not care about the secular world. He only worships the Buddha and does not kneel to officials. Taizu once offered incense in the Vajra Temple, but the monks in the temple never knelt down!"
"How can our family be compared with Taizu? We are just joking with the master."
Zhou Yi's eyes flashed fiercely, and he said with a smile: "Master, please sit down."
"Thank you, Governor."
Fangzheng sat down cross-legged, clasped his hands and said, "The name of the Vajra Temple comes from the indestructible power of Vajra. There are sages from all over the ages who have practiced and gained insights in the temple. The poor monk asks the Governor to read it."
"This matter is not urgent for now."
Zhou Yi said: "Our family was ordered by His Majesty to investigate the sects that are entrenched in the rivers and lakes, and wantonly occupy acres of land without paying taxes. What do you think of this matter?"
"Duke, after becoming a monk, a monk only worships Buddha and chants sutras, and does not produce food, so he does not need to pay taxes."
Fang Zheng changed his voice and said: "Those martial arts sects outside Buddhism, which run industries such as escort agencies, are quite wealthy and should pay taxes according to the law!"
Zhou Yi understood that this was the condition set by Fang Zheng.
The two religions, Buddhism and Taoism, support the investigation of land acres and will also help in the investigation of Jianghu sects, but they must ensure their own tax-free privileges.
"Master, what a plan! By doing this, isn't it like using the imperial court to identify dissidents?"
"This is the best way to get the best of both worlds."
Fang Zheng said: "There has never been a saying in the world that monks pay taxes. If the court imposes taxes, hundreds of millions of believers will definitely support Buddhism and oppose land quota and even the New Deal!"
"Hmph! What's the use of ordinary people's opposition?"
Zhou Yi said coldly: "Master, don't think about taking the public opinion into account. Our family will only find it ridiculous. When the time comes, we will arrest a few hundred people who make a lot of noise, and the rest will be scattered."
Fangzheng remained silent, thinking about how to persuade.
The two sects of Buddhism and Taoism were leaders in the world, and they had met in private after the fall of Tianjian Sect.
After several discussions, a plan was made to abandon other sects in the rivers and lakes to ensure the privileges of Buddhism and Taoism. As time goes by, no sect in the rivers and lakes can compete with the two sects.
"My family was fleeing famine and almost starved to death. Fortunately, we got help from the temple to help us survive."
Zhou Yi said slowly: "Since then, our family has a good impression of Buddhism. We burn incense in temples and worship Buddha in temples. Therefore, what the master said is not beyond negotiation!"
The influence of Buddhism and Taoism is far beyond that of ordinary sects.
There are tens of millions of Buddhist and Taoist believers in Daqing. They are really desperate and secretly instigate large-scale civil unrest. It is hard to say that Zhou Yi can handle it safely.
Fang Zheng said quickly: "Duke, please clarify."
Zhou Yi asked: "Let me ask you, master, how many sects are there in the world, openly and secretly?"
Fang Zheng made some calculations: "Thousands."
Zhou Yi asked again: "How many of them have innate inheritance?"
"Less than twenty."
Fang Zheng said: "The Du Gong is seeking the innate Dharma, and there is a complete inheritance in the temple. You can recite it as much as you want, and there is nothing to hide!"
Zhou Yi shook his head slightly and continued to ask.
"Every innate true energy is familiar, how many of them are the most yang and strong?"
"There are less than five at the moment."
Fang Zheng said: "Perhaps there is a legacy left behind by the sages that a lucky descendant can obtain. Even a poor monk doesn't know about this."
Zhou Yi nodded slightly, that man was definitely not fighting alone, otherwise he would not have a big plan.
"What if...you are good at driving evil ghosts?"
Fang Zheng frowned slightly and replied after a moment: "There is only one such sect, the Sanyang Sect. Its techniques are extremely strong and extremely yang, and its methods are sinister and weird."
Zhou Yi said: "How come our family has never heard of this name?"
"Before Taizu established the world, he fought with the false dragon. The false dragon was the branch of the Sanyang Sect.
hold. "
Fang Zheng recounted: "After the Pseudo Dragon was defeated, Taizu ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor. He ordered a strict investigation of the Sanyang Sect and beheaded all the members of the Yiying Sect, almost wiping out this evil heretic."
Zhou Yi was surprised and said: "Why is it close? Taizu can clean up the world, but what can he do to the mere Jianghu sects!"
"The Sanyang Sect has an extraordinary heritage and is one of the branches of the White Lotus Sect."
Fang Zheng said: "Taizu may be able to destroy the Three Yang Sect, but he can't defeat the White Lotus Sect. This is a giant of evil, and its inheritance is second only to Buddhism!"
Zhou Yi raised his eyebrows, how could he not understand what Fang Zheng said.
The White Lotus Sect is not as good as Buddhism and Taoism. Even Taizu could do nothing. How can a mere Dongchang compete with Buddhism and Taoism?
At the same time, it is almost certain that the person in the harem is a remnant of the Three Yang Sect, or a traitor of the White Lotus Sect. Even His Majesty may know about this and chose to join forces in order to survive.
"What our family and the master told us is not to be mentioned to anyone, otherwise we may be in danger of being destroyed!"
Zhou Yi said: "Let's talk about taxes. Our family will report to His Majesty. Buddhism calls on believers to support the new deal. Part of the land tax should be reduced or exempted."
Fang Zheng bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Governor."
Zhou Yi reminded: "Someone else has proposed to the Central Committee of the Court to limit the number of tax-free acres for monks. This will generally burden the gentry. Master needs to support it when the time comes!
"Everyone in the Buddhist sect is loyal to the country."
The official looked happy and granted him a tax-free amount, which was equivalent to the recognition of the monk's status from the court and the law. Even if he lost some acres of land, it didn't matter.
Zhou Yi picked up the tea cup and said.
"Three days later our family will go up the mountain to visit and debate scriptures with the master in the temple."
"The poor monk is always at your service."
Fang Zheng stood up to say goodbye, and when he was about to go out, he suddenly asked: "Excuse me, Lord Governor, where is the temple that gave you porridge back then? We are both Buddhist disciples, so the poor monk should take good care of you!"
"Dingshan, Lotus Temple!"
There was a joke in Zhou Yi's eyes. Instead of giving out porridge, Lotus Temple ordered monks to drive away the refugees.
I was young at that time, so I walked a few steps slowly and received a few severe sticks.
Originally, he planned to lead the troops to destroy the Lotus Temple, but now that Fang Zheng and Jianghu Zhengdao have taken action, they can just stand aside and watch the excitement.
...
Three days later.
Zhou Yi led his troops to climb the mountain, and soldiers were everywhere inside and outside the Jingang Temple.
Even if you have a good relationship with Fang Zheng, you still need to be careful of sieges and traps.
After staying in the Buddhist Sutra Pavilion of Jingang Temple for less than half a month, I met the Changchun Temple Master who took the initiative to visit. Therefore, the Governor of Dongchang reached an agreement with Buddhism and Taoism in the Main Hall.
At this time, it’s hard to tell who is good from evil!
at the same time.
Zeng Shilang of the Ministry of Household Affairs wrote that Buddhism and Taoism occupy huge acres of land and attract a large number of people every year.
It should be restricted by the law of tax exemption for gentry, so as not to affect the court tax!
The Zhengtong Emperor was overjoyed when he heard this, and repeatedly praised Zeng Shilang for not being afraid of Buddhism and Taoism, and for having the courage to speak and do things.
Zeng Zhiyuan, who had been an official in Beijing for less than a year, became a popular person in His Majesty's eyes.
...
Orthodox for five years.
end.
Qinzheng Hall.
The Zhengtong Emperor looked through the secret reports of the Supervision Department and looked happy.
"The twelve water villages in Tuojiang River, which did not respect the imperial decree and refused to pay the fishery tax, were all wiped out. Six hundred and seventy thousand taels of gold and silver were obtained..."
"Xiao Yizi's work is very much to my liking!"
The Zhengtong Emperor signed a memorial. Since the middle of the year, the Supervisory Department has been annihilating Jianghu sects everywhere.
There are tens of thousands of troops sweeping across the area in the open, and there are Buddhist and Taoist religions secretly supporting them. Any sect that dares to resist the tax will be defeated in a short time, and their families will be confiscated and exterminated.
After wiping out twelve sects, the remaining ones no longer dared to raise any objections and paid taxes obediently.
Now Zhouyi has begun to encircle and suppress water bandits and bandits in various places. Although the gains are not as good as those of the Jianghu sect, they have also solved local worries and have hundreds of thousands of taels of silver in their internal funds.
The Zhengtong Emperor was almost reluctant to summon Zhou Yi back to Beijing
.
Eunuch Yuan looked on with jealousy. He ransacked his family and exterminated his family every day. How much money could Eunuch Yi make? He touched the banknotes on his sleeves and put down his intention of snitching.
"It's almost time, I still have important things to do."
The Zhengtong Emperor ordered: "Pass an edict to Xiao Yizi to return to the capital as soon as possible!"
"According to the order."
As soon as Eunuch Yuan left the palace, Eunuch Wei immediately appeared.
"Your Majesty, our family is secretly keeping an eye on Eunuch Yi. This is an official who has had contact with him."
"Thank you sir."
The Zhengtong Emperor read the list and remembered the names in his heart. These people would never think of entering the capital as officials in their lifetime: "They are both civil and military, and they are all from famous families. Xiao Yizi is quite thoughtful."
Eunuch Wei wondered: "Your Majesty knows this, why do you still condone it?"
"Who in this world doesn't have other thoughts?"
The Zhengtong Emperor put the list aside: "Even the person next to you is like this, so how can you criticize an outsider harshly? As long as you can do things well, I will not hesitate to reward you!
Eunuch Wei reminded: "Your Majesty has become more and more dependent on Eunuch Yi. This time he leads 30,000 troops, which is something that has never happened before in our country."
"What I want to do is unprecedented in this country!"
The orthodox emperor said faintly: "What's more, the internal servants are leading the troops, which makes me feel more at ease. I can relinquish military power with just one edict. If it were a general of the country, I would rather leave the Jianghu sect alone!"
Eunuch Wei said: "Your Majesty is still worried about the north?"
"There is news from the Zhenfu Division that he has built a big city on the grassland. It is almost the same as the capital city. How can I not be worried?"
The Zhengtong Emperor sighed: "Internal and external troubles, heavy pressure, sometimes I even think about giving up reform..."
Eunuch Wei bowed and stood in wait. He could have stayed out of the royal and court battles, but he had heart-to-heart conversations with the Zhengtong Emperor several times, and gradually turned from a monarch to a good friend. Only then did he take the initiative to jump into the situation.
"Since your Majesty has great ambitions, he should endure what ordinary people cannot endure!"
"Sir, you are right."
The Zhengtong Emperor gathered his thoughts and stroked the white hair on his forehead: "Time flies by quickly, I must not slack off at all. All the troubles in the court will be clarified one by one and eradicated one by one!"
"If you want to bring peace to the world, you must first clean up the whole house!"
"Now that the land inventory is coming to an end, before I implement the new policy, I should clean up my house first..."
Eunuch Wei said: "Your Majesty, why are you recalling Eunuch Yi at this time? It would be safer to put him outside until things in the palace are resolved."
The Orthodox Emperor turned his head to look in the direction of Kunning Palace, shook his head slightly and said.
"Don't worry, Xiao Yizi is smart and won't join forces with her!"
