Chapter 1098: Emperor Jian's HeartChapter 899: Tell Me a Story
Taking another sip of tea, Li Chen said in a neutral tone: "This law, once implemented within the legal code of the Qin Empire, is merely a few dozen words long. Yet, it acts like a tight curse, preventing Buddhism and Taoism from ever regaining their former glory. Master, you have come here to pave a path for your sects within this framework"
Li Chen was straightforward, and the old monk replied in a simple and direct manner.
"That's right."
Li Chen smiled and said, "Your attitude is straightforward and you don't beat around the bush, which is good. But how can Master think he can make this palace change the ancestral rules for you"
“To be frank with you, Your Eminence, I believe this law personally drafted by our first emperor is truly brilliant. It showcases his political acumen and extraordinary foresight. This single law has saved countless troubles for generations to come. Now, Master, wanting to change it, how easy can that be”
The old monk said calmly, “Throughout the ages, every master ancestor has been working hard to promote Buddhism. As Your Highness said, for over three hundred and sixty years now, we haven't succeeded yet. This shows just how difficult it is. Therefore, this poor monk can't guarantee success either.”
“Your Highness, you are a dragon among men, with extraordinary wisdom. Ordinary deception and temptation hold no sway over you. Firstly, they go against this monk's principles; secondly, they would be useless to Your Highness. Therefore, this monk has never considered using such means. I only hope that Your Highness will have the fortune to encounter Buddhism and develop compassion for the suffering of all beings, giving those who are troubled a place to seek refuge.”
Li Chen smiled ambiguously and said, “Master, if I were to refuse your request, wouldn't it mean I lack compassion Wouldn't that leave all the people in the world without a place to turn to, their hopes and aspirations unfulfilled According to Buddhist teachings, wouldn't I be committing such a grave sin that I would be condemned to hell”
"Your Highness is well-versed in Buddhism. Why do you harbor such animosity towards the Buddhist sect The Buddhist teachings hold no desire for worldly affairs, and their principles are all about encouraging goodness, avoiding trouble, which would be beneficial to the court's management of the country and its people."
Li Chen rubbed the teacup with his fingers, and said unhurriedly: "Let me tell you a story, Master."
"In the west, across the sea, there is a small country. It is not large, just about the size of the capital city, and its population is only a few thousand people, never exceeding one hundred thousand at most."
"This country has no emperor, nor any army."
Some have only the Pope.
"Throughout the land, people worship only one God, whom they call God."
Under their propaganda, they have many followers. Even countries with areas and populations several or even dozens of times larger than theirs dare not provoke them. Not only do they dare not provoke them, but they also send silver and people every year to serve them comfortably.
"It's not for any other reason, but because almost all the people in those countries are their followers. Anyone who doesn't believe in their god is considered a heretic and will be burned at the stake."
"As for the surrounding nations, with frequent changes in monarchs, the first thing to do is to gain recognition from the Pope of that small country. If the Pope refuses to recognize him, then his claim to the throne will be illegitimate. Not only will the common people rebel, but even the civil and military officials and the army will disobey the emperor's commands."
"Speaking of this, Li Chen looked up at the emotionless old monk and said calmly, "And their doctrine is also about preaching friendliness to all. As long as you join, you are brothers and sisters. If there's money, everyone shares it; if there's food, everyone eats together; if one person is in trouble, eight sides will support them."
"But it's a seemingly harmless church that controls the lifeline of all the surrounding countries."our Highness’s full support, the Ministry of Revenue could never have gathered and transported all the required supplies to Moonlit Pass in such a short time.”Standing on the city wall, facing the coo...