Zhutian: Starting from the Space-Time Merchant

Chapter 381 Serving Four Dynasties and Ten Emperors, Evergreen Feng Dao

"Buddhism?"

Upon hearing this, Chai Rong suddenly understood.

"That's right, those fat, big-eared people are certainly not good."

Because of his childhood experiences, he had no fondness for Buddhism.

“That’s very true.” Fu Yanqing, who was standing to the side, nodded repeatedly. “These fat, greedy people have harmed countless people.”

At the end of the Tang Dynasty, the country was in chaos, the economy of various places was depressed, people were deserted, and the fields were covered with brambles.

In such chaotic times, Buddhism, which used the promise of a better afterlife to deceive the people, developed rapidly.

Monks and nuns in various temples shaved their heads without permission, built Buddhist temples at will, disregarded the law, and protected criminals, committing all sorts of evil deeds.

What was even more hateful to the rulers were these Buddhist groups, who were exempt from both taxes and corvée labor.

The continuous expansion of Buddhist influence also affected the interests of the imperial court, which was intolerable.

Chai Rong's eyes gleamed as he stared at Lin Dao and asked, "Tell me in detail."

"first."

Having done his research beforehand, Lin Dao used the advice without hesitation: "Any temple without an imperial edict shall be abandoned."

An imperial edict is a certificate of qualification issued by the imperial court.

Without this, it's a desert temple, a black temple, and such temples are not allowed to exist!

"Secondly, self-shaving is prohibited."

"If someone wants to become a monk, they must obtain the permission of their parents, elders, or even elders in their clan."

"After that, we will have to go to Bianzhou to take the exam on reciting scriptures."

"Only those who pass the examination can be ordained and issued a certificate of ordination."

Next, Lin Dao said the key point: "Temples and Buddha statues in various places are not allowed to use metal, only clay or wood carvings are allowed, and gold powder is not allowed."

"All the bronze artifacts in the temple were melted down to make copper coins."

“Buddhist disciples are no different from ordinary people. They should also pay taxes and perform service, and abide by the law.”

"Anyone who violates this rule will be dealt with according to the law."

Lin Dao smiled and said, "In this way, the cash shortage will be alleviated."

"Moreover, taxes can be collected every year, and issuing ordination certificates can also generate a profit."

“Buddhist disciples are assessed every year. Those who fail to pass the assessment have their ordination certificates revoked or are fined.”

What he said was mainly the strategies and methods used by Chai Rong in suppressing Buddhism in history, which he embellished and adapted himself before using them.

In Lin Dao's view, Chai Rong's suppression of Buddhism was not thorough or good enough.

Even so, Lin Dao still kept it.

According to his original intention, it should be completely banned and abolished.

However, this will only be done after Chai Rong is replaced.

The suppression of Buddhism by the three emperors Wu and Zong was essentially a struggle for power and profit.

As a member of the clan, Chai Rong's movements were far too gentle.

Unlike Lin Dao, he truly uprooted the evil monks to prevent future generations from driving BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes, surrounded by beautiful women, and throwing rice as offerings.

"Isn't this going a bit too far?" Fu Yanqing said with a worried expression. "If we do this, it might provoke resistance from the Buddhist community."

It's not that he doesn't support it, he just feels that the force used is too great.

Extorting a sum of money is enough; there's no need to make such a big fuss.

Although Buddhism may not be strong in martial arts, their words can be incredibly offensive.
They spread rumors everywhere, saying your family is unlucky and will suffer misfortune, that Buddha will punish you, etc. It's really disgusting.

Lin Dao smiled without saying a word, only keeping his eyes on Chai Rong.

He was also an emperor in other timelines, and he knew very well that for Chai Rong, who was facing a financial crisis, the best course of action was to devour the fat sheep he saw, rather than just cutting off a few pieces of meat!

After all, Chai Rong's ambition to unify the world and rebuild China was not solely for the rewards he received upon his triumphant return.

He also needed to raise enough funds and military supplies for future campaigns in various regions.

As expected, Chai Rong, his eyes red with anger, immediately instructed Lin Dao, "This matter is entrusted to you!"

"It must be done!"

"To get it done" means to acquire enough wealth.
Bianzhou is Kaifeng Prefecture.

Bianzhou City is Bianliang City.

Since Zhu Quanzhong, also known as Zhu Wen, established his old camp here, it has been the core of the Central Plains for decades.

Even though the Central Plains were exhausted, Bianzhou still showed signs of vitality.

In the fields outside the city, the wheat fields rippled in the breeze.

The water conservancy facilities are well maintained, and the roads show obvious signs of repair.

The city walls were tall, and the area outside the city gates was crowded with merchants and ordinary people waiting to enter the city.

Grand Tutor and Grand Chancellor Feng Dao, who was left to guard Bianzhou, led the officials to welcome Chai Rong back outside the city.

The civil officials first presented congratulatory letters filled with flattery.

After all, it was the destruction of a country, which is indeed something to boast about.

"Grand Tutor~"

Riding his horse, Chai Rong looked at the sickly Feng Dao and asked with a smug expression, "Am I comparable to Emperor Taizong of Tang?"

When Chai Rong decided to personally lead the expedition, Feng Dao had tried to dissuade him.

At the time, Chai Rong said, "In the past, Emperor Taizong of Tang personally led expeditions to pacify the country."

But Feng Dao responded, "Your Majesty cannot be compared to Emperor Taizong of Tang."

Chai Rong kept these words in mind.

Now that we've returned victorious, we must reclaim our honor!
When questioned, Feng Dao, a veteran who had served four dynasties and ten emperors, calmly bowed and said, "Your Majesty cannot be compared to Emperor Taizong of Tang."

Still the same sentence.

The only person who dared to say this when Chai Rong returned victorious was Feng Dao.

"Humph!"

Chai Rong snorted coldly, "I personally led an expedition to conquer a country and returned victorious. How can I not be compared to Emperor Taizong of Tang?"

"His Majesty."

Feng Dao calmly responded, "Emperor Taizong of Tang destroyed countless countries."

"The Northern Han are nothing to mention."

He glared at him, then Chai Rong rode his horse into the city.

When Lin Dao entered the city, he carefully examined Feng Dao.

He looked unwell and had obvious symptoms of a cold and fever.

This most famous evergreen figure of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period is about to die.
"Zihou".

After establishing their brother-in-law relationship, when they met privately, Chai Rong addressed him by his courtesy name, saying, "You need to get on with the fundraising as soon as possible." "If you need anything, just say so."

After a great victory, it's time to distribute the rewards.

Warriors don't have much patience.

However, the wealth and silk in the national treasury had already been taken to the front lines by Chai Rong and distributed.

Now, the options are either to raise taxes on the people, borrow money from wealthy merchants, or urge Lin Dao to expedite his actions.

Without hesitation, Chai Rong chose to send Lin Dao to get money from the Buddhist community.

"This matter."

Lin Dao simply replied, "I need the help of the Grand Master to achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Feng Dao has a lot of influence, strong abilities, and a complex network of relationships.

With him involved, many things can be handled properly and smoothly.

Chai Rong understood all this, but he was still angry with Feng Dao.

This old fellow actually said he was inferior to Emperor Taizong of Tang!

Fortunately, he knew what was important and what was urgent. "In that case, you go and find him."

"I have arranged a residence for you; you may go and live there."

All the generals and their troops were stationed in various military camps outside the city. When they entered the city, they could only bring their personal guards and soldiers.

Lin Dao, accompanied by a hundred or so soldiers, rode his horse to the mansion bestowed upon him by Chai Rong.

"Commander-in-Chief."

The official leading the way introduced the enormous mansion in front of Lin Dao.

"This mansion was originally the residence of Yang Bin, the Chancellor of the Former Han Dynasty."

After Yang Bin's entire family was executed, the mansion was left uninhabited and was taken over by the imperial household.

"Daily cleaning and maintenance are provided, so just move in."

The Former Han Dynasty mentioned by the officials is the Later Han Dynasty, one of the Five Dynasties in historical records, established by the Shatuo people.

Several years ago, Emperor Yin of the Later Han Dynasty, Liu Chengyou, ascended the throne. Guo Wei led a large army outside the capital, while the powerful minister Yang Bin seized power inside the capital.

Liu Chengyou exterminated Yang Bin's entire family and also killed Guo Wei and Chai Rong's family members and relatives who remained in Bianzhou City.

This huge mansion, which originally belonged to Yang Bin, was subsequently left vacant.

Since Zhu Quanzhong's time, the fighting in Bianzhou City has never stopped.

Many powerful ministers and generals who once held immense power and were renowned throughout the land had their entire families wiped out.

Yang Bin's family was just one of them.

As soon as Lin Dao entered the mansion, servants and maids greeted him with bows.

These were all arranged by the Imperial Household Department, which means they were blatantly planting spies and informants.

Lin Dao didn't care about this, since these people would be replaced soon anyway.

After settling the soldiers in, Lin Dao made preparations and went directly to visit Feng Dao's residence.

When making a personal visit, one must send a visiting card in advance and arrange a time before arriving at the door.

Lin Dao estimated that Feng Dao wouldn't last more than a few days, so he simply went to Feng Dao's door, claiming that he was a rough country bumpkin who didn't know the rules.

"What a boorish country bumpkin."

Feng Dao, who had attended the celebration to welcome the emperor back, lay down as soon as he returned.

His physical condition was very poor; he had a fever and urgently needed rest.

Then, an impolite and rude person came to the door, which made him even angrier.

The eldest son, Feng Pingmian, looked indignant. "Father, please rest well. I will go and drive him away!"

"That's all."

Coughing twice, Feng Dao, lying on the bed, waved his hand and said, "After all, he is a newly appointed nobleman and the emperor's brother-in-law. It's not right to be negligent."

"Go and bring him here."

Normally, Feng Dao would never have given him face.

But he could feel that his body was failing, and at this time he should think more about his descendants.

Offending a newly risen official in the court for no reason will bring no benefit to one's descendants.

Upon arriving at Feng Dao's room and seeing the four-dynasty veteran lying on his sickbed, Lin Dao immediately began to speak.

"Grand Tutor, judging from your complexion, I'm afraid you won't last more than a few days."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Feng family showed anger on their faces.

Who comes to someone's door and immediately starts cursing them?

Feng Dao waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

Then he looked at Lin Dao and asked, "Lord Gaoping, what brings you here?"

"When I was hunting in my hometown."

Lin Dao made up a story: "I once accidentally fell off a cliff."

"Having survived a great calamity, he stumbled upon a celestial cave and found a miraculous medicine within."

"Seeing that the Grand Tutor was unwell, I came to deliver medicine."

This kind of rhetoric is a typical novel trope: the protagonist's survival after jumping off a cliff is a sign of a miraculous encounter.

This kind of trope has long been commonplace in later generations, and readers who see it will just sneer and show disdain.

But in this day and age, it is an innovation that no one mentions.

The Feng family members stared at Lin Dao in astonishment, their expressions filled with disbelief.

A magic elixir?!
Feng Dao looked puzzled. "We've never crossed paths before, so why are you giving me this elixir?"

That's because you're useful just by being alive!

"I have long admired the Grand Tutor's name and know of his tireless dedication to the country and its people."

He said a lot, but it was all meaningless nonsense.

Feng Dao over there also realized that the other party didn't want to talk about it.

He knew his physical condition; the imperial physician examined him and said it was due to wind-evil entering the body, but the prescribed medicine did not improve his condition.

Since Lin Dao has been so kind as to bring us the elixir, it's better to have something than nothing.

"In that case, thank you very much."

"If I am fortunate enough to survive, I will never forget this kindness!"

Lin Dao stepped forward with a thermometer, took the temperature, and then used his eyes, nose, and palpation to confirm the diagnosis.

"High fever caused by viral influenza."

"Take oseltamivir phosphate capsules, ibuprofen tablets, and Puji Blue Anti-inflammatory Oral Solution together!"

(End of this chapter)