After a moment of contemplation, Laozi slowly uttered a few words. As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Then let's send these two on the journey to the west!"
Lao Tzu's words were enigmatic, carrying a profound meaning that was difficult for people to comprehend!
"Yes, Dao Ancestor!"
Faced with Laozi's words, the Jade Emperor dared not utter a single rebuttal!
Although he is the current ruler of the Three Realms, the Jade Emperor, and wields immense power, he still has to be humble and subservient before this Dao Ancestor Laozi!
Although the Dao Ancestor before us is not a true great power!
Even though it was just a clone of someone else, he remained respectful and dared not slack off in the slightest!
………………
Early morning, Weiyang Palace.
The eunuch announced loudly, "Your Majesty is attending court!"
As the imperial carriage entered Weiyang Palace, Wang Jiande sat on the throne and received the homage of his ministers.
The ministers standing respectfully in the hall immediately bowed down, and a continuous, resounding cheer erupted.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Wang Jiande waved his sleeve and said calmly, "My beloved ministers, rise!"
The eunuch shouted again, "Those with matters to report, please speak; those without, please leave the court!"
None of the ministers submitted a memorial, and no one stepped forward to present their case.
Seeing this, Wang Jiande beckoned, and the eunuch immediately understood. He took out a bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve, unfolded it, and loudly proclaimed, "His Majesty has decreed that all officials should heed the decree!"
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
The ministers, unaware of the situation, all responded immediately.
"The decree reads: Heaven and earth are vast, the sun and moon shine clearly; the universe is expansive, heaven and earth cannot tolerate wicked people. Those who use schemes and tricks will only suffer retribution in this life; those who do good deeds and seek little gain will receive blessings beyond future generations. A thousand clever schemes are not as good as being honest and upright; ten thousand wicked men are not as good as living frugally and following one's lot. If one's heart is filled with charity, why bother studying scriptures? If one intends to harm others, one will only be wasting time reading the Buddha's teachings!"
"Buddhism originated in the Western Continent, promoting good and suppressing evil, and secretly assisting the nation. It should prosper! Buddha is a sage, and there is no Dharma without a sage! I wish to hold a grand Buddhist and Taoist assembly, to gather virtuous monks from all over the world, to spread the Dharma, and to pray for the well-being of all people and for the world!"
The eunuch read the imperial edict aloud in a measured, rhythmic voice.
Upon hearing the contents of the imperial edict, all the officials were shocked and dared not accept it.
The meaning of this imperial edict is that the emperor felt that there was too much killing, karma, and grudges among the people of the world, so he ordered the prefects of the 365 prefectures to issue proclamations to recruit virtuous monks to hold a grand water and land ceremony in the capital, Chang'an, to pray for the well-being of the people.
This is a sign of the rise of Buddhism and the suppression of Taoism.
As a vast empire that revered Taoism and suppressed Buddhism, how could the ministers dare to accept the imperial decree so easily?
At this moment, Fu Yi, the Grand Historian, stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, the laws of the Western Regions lack the proper order of ruler and subject, father and son. They use the three evil paths and six realms to deceive and lure the people! They pursue past sins and yearn for future blessings; they recite Sanskrit to try to escape punishment! Moreover, life, death, longevity, and premature death are all determined by nature; but punishment, virtue, power, and fortune are determined by the ruler!"
"I have heard that laymen falsely claim to be from Buddhism! Since the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, there has been no Buddhism in the Nine Provinces. The rulers were wise and the ministers were loyal, and the reigns were long! Only the Buddhist temple on Mount Ling in the Western Continent is actually a barbarian religion and cannot be trusted."
Buddhism is a foreign religion! The idea of entrusting the sins of this life to the next, and the concept of cause and effect, has always been disliked by the people of China.
Now, it is unknown what deception the emperor has been given, that he has committed such a rebellious act, attempting to introduce Buddhism into the fold. This is a sign of inviting disaster upon himself.
The Grand Historian was the first to object.
Moreover, after he submitted his memorial, all the other ministers agreed with it.
"I second that proposal!"
"I second that proposal!"
"I second that proposal!"
"I second that proposal!"
Ninety-nine percent of the officials voiced their agreement, supporting the Grand Historian's memorial.
Wang Jiande's face instantly turned ashen. He slammed his fist on the imperial desk and roared, "How dare you! As the supreme ruler, I wish to hear the Buddha's teachings, and you dare to interfere in the private affairs of the royal family?"
In the crowd, Fang Xuanling turned his head and exchanged a glance with Du Ruhui, both of them seeing doubt in each other's eyes.
Only one day has passed, and His Majesty, who went up to the Imperial Tower Peak yesterday, has changed his usual behavior today, wanting to promote Buddhism and suppress Taoism.
Something's weird, really weird!
Could it be that this was the intention of the founding emperor?
No, we need to test the emperor's mind.
Thinking of this, Fang Xuanling gave Du Ruhui a wink.
Du Ruhui immediately understood and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The imperial family has no private matters. Your Majesty's affairs are matters of the whole nation! The matter is of utmost importance, and we dare not accept the decree. We beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order!"
With someone taking the lead, the ministers immediately followed in unison:
"Your Majesty, please rescind your order!"
"Your Majesty, please rescind your order!"
"Your Majesty, please rescind your order!"