The place where the Four Holy Monks passed away had become a sacred relic and no one was allowed to touch it. Yang Ling ordered the soldiers to surround the charred area with curtains and announced on the spot that a Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda would be built here to commemorate the miracle of the Four Living Buddhas becoming immortals.
Many aristocrats and even the poor commoners wanted to donate generously to help build the pagoda. Those who donated more requested to have their good deeds recorded on the monument while those who donated less only requested to have a big name like 'so-and-so was here' carved on the bricks at the base of the pagoda. The Right Commander of the Jin Wu Guards, Liang Hong, was overjoyed. He immediately grabbed two scholars to act as accountants and wanted to set up a stall to collect the money but was stopped by Yang Ling.
Yang Ling persuaded them for a long time. He said that the Four Holy Monks returning to heaven was the glory of the entire Bazhou and a grand event for the commoners of Bazhou. The cost of building the pagoda would be paid by the silver that the pilgrims had donated to the Living Buddhas in the past and supervised by the prefecture government. Only then did he persuade the unwillingly commoners to leave.
The commoners of Bazhou were so happy to see such a miracle when they came to participate in the Hongfu Great Dharma Assembly today. All of them sighed that their trip was not in vain. The news of the ascension of the Four Holy Monks had not even spread to two streets, but it had already changed. After the believers continued to refine the story, the plot of the Four Holy Monks rising up in the fire and riding the clouds to the west had already been constructed vividly.
The entire Bazhou and even the surrounding counties and towns were boiling with excitement. The backyard of the An family was originally a vegetable field but when it was called a holy land, the vegetable field became a holy land. There was an endless stream of people who came to worship the miracle.
As the number of people worshiped the miracle increased, so did the number of peddlers and merchants. Soon after, the young ladies and madams of the wealthy families who usually did not step out of the house also showed up in public. Those who prayed for children and husbands also came one after another. There were also prostitutes from the brothels who prayed for an early rehabilitation.
When there were more young ladies and prostitutes from the brothels, the lechers also came after smelling the fragrance. They pointed at each other and made comments. Sometimes, when there were so many people, they would squeeze close to touch each other's arms or rub their butts. As a result, there were more thieves and fish in troubled waters.
The imperial envoy's backyard became a temple fair. There was a constant stream of people from morning till night. The number of cases of theft and molestation increased tenfold. At this time, the deputy imperial envoy Liang Hong finally found a chance to make money. He asked for instructions from Duke Wei and cooperated with the Bazhou Zhizhou's Yamen to make a grand opening for visiting the holy sites. and Liang Hong really made a small profit.
The officials, gentry, and people of Bazhou had always believed that the four Living Buddhas were real living immortals. Naturally, they had no doubt about the 'breaking the void and ascending to heaven' that the imperial envoy had personally shouted. Otherwise, how could they have given up and been overjoyed?
Yang Ling also pretended to be devout, running back and forth to make arrangements for the aftermath. He finally had the time to return to his own courtyard in the evening. Once Mu Shengyuan saw him, he immediately burst into tears and kowtowed.
Yang Ling gently helped him up and said, "Scholar Mu, there is no need to bow so long. I am not seeking revenge for you. The evil cult has bewitched the people and harmed the villagers. The imperial court should have severely punished them. How can I let them go when I see them?"
Mu Shengyuan wiped away the tears on his face and said gratefully, "Be that as it may, these evil monks have befriended officials and tyrants, and have bewitched thousands of common people. The layers of relationships are like a golden light shield woven by countless beliefs. Anyone who wants to touch them will find it difficult to do so. Milord's clever plan allowed me to avenge this blood feud. How can I not be grateful? In this way, these scourges have been eliminated and the commoners of Bazhou have benefited. You have done a great deed. "
Yang Ling laughed. He helped Mu Shengyuan back to the chair and sat down. He also sat on the chair and said, "Punishing these four evils will certainly relieve hatred. But it is still far from saving the commoners of Bazhou. Just look at the crazy believers who came to the back garden to worship.
As soon as the news of the Four Holy Monks ascending to immortality spread, the common people became even more convinced and obsessed. It would be strange if the other demonic monks and demonic Daoists did not add fuel to the fire, bewitching more common people and harming more good people. The four evil monks have been eliminated, but not only did it not solve the troubles of the commoners of Bazhou, it only made them sink deeper and more obsessed! "
Scholar Mu and Miao Gang were startled when they heard this. "Yes, I was thinking too simply. Using this method to execute the four demon monks would not cause the anger and resistance of the superstitious people in Bazhou, but it would also make them even more obsessed with these supernatural beings, hoping that they could cultivate and achieve Dao. How could this be considered as liberation?"
Liu Bangchao was arranging soldiers to protect the 'miracle' in the back garden. At this moment, only Song Ai was by Yang Ling's side. She was originally very happy about getting rid of the four evils, but after hearing this, she was startled and blurted out, "Sir, what should we do? Didn't we get rid of the four evil monks and help forty or four hundred evil monks and Daoists? "
Yang Ling sighed and said, "Yes, unless the people who were deceived can wake up themselves, who else can help them? The will of the people cannot be stopped by the law. Moreover, these evil monks used the name of orthodox Buddhism to hide and deceive people. "
Song Ai stomped her feet and said, "These evil monks are hateful, and those people who were deceived are also hateful! Sir, do you want me to immediately lead people to the residence of the four evil monks to confiscate all their property? At least we can save some losses for the commoners. "
Yang Ling smiled and shook his head, "No, no. These money will be returned to the commoners, and they can use it to show their filial piety to the new Living Buddhas and deities. Instead of giving them money, it is better to give them rationality. However, I believe that among these new deities and Living Buddhas, there are definitely no direct disciples of the four evil monks. They know their master's background, so they will not believe in the tricks of ascending to heaven.
The other evil monks and Daoists do not know the details, so they will observe and see if there is an opportunity. However, the four evil monks were tricked by me, Broom Yang, and the decree from heaven is also my trick. The disciples of the four evil monks will definitely be able to see this. It is just that they have their own difficulties to bear, so they dare not say it out loud.
Do you think the disciples of the four evil monks will not feel guilty? Will they still dare to stay in Bazhou? They will definitely feel guilty, and they will definitely worry that I will punish them. If they want to escape, they will not be willing to leave behind the gold and silver that they cheated. I guess … tonight, they will take all the treasures and escape without a trace. "
Song Ai panicked when she heard this, "Ah? You know everything, but you are still sitting here calmly. My master, you are really calm. Let us quickly go and confiscate the house … Ah, no, confiscate the temple. "
Yang Ling chuckled and picked up the teacup. He crossed his legs and said leisurely, "I can't copy them, I can't copy them. I'm counting on my prodigal disciples, the Four Great Holy Monks, to be able to wipe out all the demons in Bazhou. Let them steal, let them escape, haha, I will fight whoever stops them. "
"Hmm?" Miao Gang and Mu Xiucai looked at each other, and after a while, they mumbled, "High Duke, what are you trying to do?"
"Pfft! What else can I do? "Song Ai curled her lips in disdain," Just pretending to be mysterious! "
Yang Ling laughed, stood up and said, "That's right, I want to pretend to be a god and play tricks! I want to use the name of God to sweep away all the demons and monsters! From now on, I am the spokesperson of God, the number one fraud in Bazhou! "
"…"
"Xiao Ai, where are you going?"
Song Ai turned around and made a face, "I am going to find a big stick and quickly build a high platform for Master Yang to spread his teachings!"
※ ※ ※
"Boss, what should we do?" A bunch of shiny bald heads gathered together.
The corner of a burly monk's eyes twitched, and he said with a shocked expression, "Yang Zhantou, the descent of the Killer Star is really true! It's really true! No wonder he chopped off more than a thousand heads in Fujian with the sound of a cannon, and there was even a provincial governor among them. He didn't even bat an eyelid, he … he's too ruthless! "
The monk's voice trembled, "What ascension, breaking through the void, other people might not know what the four masters are capable of, but do you think we don't know? They can become Buddha? That's so ruthless, burning four people alive with just one fire. "
"Big Brother, I'm curious, the fire we set up has its own rules, it can't burn the masters at all. I don't know how they started a fire down there, but why didn't the masters know to hide? They just burned to death without moving, I'm still puzzled even now. "
The burly monk grinned and said, "People change, they all have their own ingenuity. The masters don't have the real indestructible body, they drink, eat meat, and play with women, they're better than us, it would be strange if they were willing to be burned to death. I don't know what tricks Yang did, but the masters must have been tricked by him. "
He looked at a dozen of his trusted brothers and said, "We can't stay in Bazhou anymore, under the watchful eyes of the public, everyone knows that Yang Zhantou has the decree passed down after master ascended, the people of Bazhou are bewitched by the masters, they will definitely listen to the bullsh * t decrees made by Yang Zhantou.
If Yang Zhantou is doing this for the public, then he knows what the masters have done, he won't let us go. If it's for personal gain, wanting to take the gold and silver accumulated by the masters, then he will definitely kill us to silence us. We have to leave quickly, we can't stay here anymore, take as much of the masters' gold and silver as we can, we've learned a lot from them these few years, we'll be living Buddhas in another place! "
"Alright!" A few men who didn't have spies at all, shaved their heads and pretended to be monks, rubbed their fists, their ambitions rising. "But …" The master has the key to the treasury with him, after such a big fire, I'm afraid the key has melted, we can't open it. "
"Useless!" The boss glared at him, "Why do you need the key, you don't know the Five Ghosts Moving, do you not know the Five Ding Mountain Splitting? Brothers, get your weapons, let's go smash the treasury! "
※ ※ ※
"They really escaped with the gold and silver?" Yang Ling asked with a smile.
"Yes, High Duke, a total of eleven people, divided into two groups, each carrying a bag and left in the night."
"Hmm, they're being watched?"
"Yes."
"Good, tomorrow, once the news spreads, lead the Yamachi of the Bazhou government to capture them, don't let any of them escape, but first lock them up secretly, don't let anyone know. They are the last trump card, if not used at the crucial moment, they won't be effective. Haha, did you go to their treasury to check? "
"Yes, they occupied a hall in Longquan Temple, because of the large number of believers, the abbot of Longquan Temple didn't dare to provoke them, and usually didn't let his disciples go there. That courtyard has been occupied by them, after they escaped, no one in Longquan Temple knew.
We sent people in to search, found a hidden cellar under the meditation room, built a secret door, and when we checked, the door was split open, there were some jewels, jade, gold and silver jewelry that are not easy to sell, there is not much ready gold and silver, should have been taken away by the disciples of the four demon monks. "
Yang Ling nodded, said, "Good, keep an eye on the scene, don't move, tomorrow morning, I will go to receive the property."
On the second day, the Bazhou Zhizhou Fan Mo Li and the Prefect Jiang Haiwen led three teams of bailiffs, while Yang Ling led his personal guards. They also gathered the Baojia officials and representatives of the aristocracy from all over the city. They rushed to the Dragon Spring Temple, surrounded by a large crowd of excited citizens. Along the way, more and more citizens joined in upon hearing the news, forming a long line of people.
Bazhou Longquan Temple, located in Bazhou Xin 'an Town, was built in the late Tang Dynasty, originally called Longhua Temple, in the Jin Dynasty changed its name to Universal Illumination Monastery, in the Yuan Dynasty named it Longquan Temple. In the temple, there were two ancient wells on both sides of the central axis in front of the Mahavira Hall, the water gushed like a spring, so it was named Longquan.
The main hall of the temple, the Mahavira Hall, was three rooms wide and three rooms deep. Later it was called the Thousand Hands Buddhist Pavilion. In addition, there were three side courtyards. This side courtyard was first lodged by the Four Holy Monks under the pretext of being on the list, but gradually occupied by them. Even the monks of the Longquan Temple were not allowed to take half a step inside. In the eyes of those fanatical believers, this side courtyard was even more solemn than the Hall of Great Strength in the main hall.
At this moment, this holy place in their hearts was a mess. The cellar door was split open, the gold and silver scattered, and the temple was empty. All the believers were shocked, "How is this possible? The disciples taught by Lord Zeng actually betrayed Buddha, stole the gold and silver, and ran away? "
Amidst the dead silence, Yang the Trickster appeared and gave his first oracle. "My fellow villagers and gentlemen, the four holy monks have ascended to Spirited Mountain. Like everyone else, I deeply miss the voice and smile of the four holy monks, as well as their amiable and respectable character of a great master.
This wealth is left by Lord Zeng for you. You people, in order to donate incense and worship Buddha, sold your family property and did everything you could. The four divine monks in heaven are aware of your piety. The four divine monks passed down a decree, ordering me to return your property according to your wealth and the amount you had donated. However, the disciples of the four divine monks were tempted by the profits and betrayed the deities and Buddhas to flee. "
I, Lord Fan, and Imperial Prosecutor Jiang will definitely send people to arrest them, and we will try our best to bring them to justice, to recover everyone's loss. Now, there is only a little property left, don't worry, don't panic, please line up, consciously maintain order, I will first distribute the rest of the treasures to you.
Everything in this hall belongs to you. Don't worry, we don't need a single cent from you. Those who haven't been allocated anything, don't worry. You should register with the authorities first. If, if, if, we can catch the traitors who have already escaped, and the money hasn't been squandered by them, we will call you over to continue the distribution. "
Hearing this, the common people became anxious, if, if, if, if? If … if the money hasn't been squandered by them, how much chance do they have? If I don't get a share today, won't I have to resign myself to fate?
This was the psychological tactic played by Yang the Trickster. It turned out that these believers were willing to tighten their belts and donate all their money as incense money, what did they want? They wanted good karma, good karma, and good fortune in the next life, but now the Living Buddha who promised them all had become an immortal himself, and the future was uncertain. Fortunately, the four Living Buddhas declared that they will return the money to them, and now with such a trick, wouldn't all their efforts be in vain?
Greed began to rise in everyone's heart. The common people were boiling, and began to rush forward, for fear that they would be left behind and lose their share. The greed for wealth and the desire to get back what originally belonged to them overwhelmed the blind fanaticism of religion at this moment. Moreover, as the others fought for the treasures, the surrounding atmosphere influenced each other, and this mentality became even more intense under the mutual infection. It quickly developed into a war that was no less than a riot.
Under Yang Ling's instructions, Song Ai and Liu Bang Chui had already warned their own people. Seeing that the situation was not good, their people immediately shouted, "Protecting the Duke is more important", and then shamelessly withdrew from the battle, leaving the officers of the Bazhou Zhizhou yamen to block in front of a few big tables that were put together, and on the tables were all the property that had been moved out of the cellar.
Seeing that the high-ranking officials from the capital, Duke Wei's soldiers, had all retreated, the common people were greatly encouraged, especially the people at the back, who were squeezed in the crowd. They were not worried that the officers would see or remember them, and were even more unscrupulous, shouting wildly, inciting everyone to rush forward.
A big fight began, and the Yamachi lost their hats, their firestorm sticks, and their robes and boots were all gone. They scrambled to escape from the crazy common people. Fan Mo Li and Jiang Tuiguan stared dumbfoundedly at the mob, as if their bodies were no longer made of flesh. They squeezed in from all directions, and actually squeezed the sturdy incense table until it creaked, but no one cried out in pain.
Those who snatched things did not even have time to catch their breath, and immediately killed their way out of the encirclement, tightly clutching the necklaces and earrings in their hands, and ran away. The common people who rushed from the back saw that there was nothing left on the table, and were unwilling to give up. They immediately rushed to other places, and if they saw something valuable, they picked it up and left. Incense burners, praying mats, hanging cloth curtains, and all that was missing was a small knife to scrape the gold powder off the Buddha statue.
These originally weak-willed believers were easily swayed by other people's words and emotions, and were easily infected, especially now that their greed was aroused, and under the stimulation of such a fanatical scene, when the people behind had nothing left to snatch, they began to feel unwilling.
"Do not worry about scarcity, but worry about inequality." This was a great saying, and the ancients did not lie!
These believers had not seen through the world of mortals. If they did not care about benefits, and did not care about benefits more than ordinary people, they would not have donated large amounts of wealth to do good deeds, and hoped that they would be rich in their next life. Others obtained things, but they did not. This injustice and jealousy caused their already wild emotions to reach a peak.
They cursed and cried, completely forgetting that this was once a sacred place that they worshipped, as if without the money, their whole family would starve to death. They did not let go, and surrounded Yang Ling, Fan Mo Li, and the other officials. Their eyes were red, and they cried out that they were wronged, and they must get compensation, and an explanation before they were willing to leave.
This was the result that Yang Ling wanted. Using their greed, he first told them that each of them would be given a large amount of money, just like the empty promises that the four swindlers had given these believers to become kings and marquises in their next lives, making their psychological expectations inflate to a peak, and then using a sudden blow to turn their hopes into bubbles.
In their disappointment, a small number of people realized this wish, and the jealousy and competitive mentality of the others quickly fermented. The culprit that caused their hopes to fall through was the people around the Living Buddha that they most revered. All kinds of blind anger evolved from all kinds of psychology, and could easily be led and used by him.
"What should we do, Sir?" Jiang Haiwen had spent half his life arresting bandits and thieves, but he had never seen an originally honest commoner become like a crazy lion. For a moment, he did not know what to do.
"What should we do, High Duke?" Sir Fan turned to ask Yang Ling in a daze.
Yang Ling coughed twice, and suddenly jumped onto a table. He raised his arms and shouted, "Everyone, don't make any noise, all of you listen to me!"
The noisy temple suddenly became quiet, and the crowded crowd stopped there. All eyes were on Yang Ling.
Using the spear to attack the shield, using the god to kill the god!
When many believers were full of anxiety, anger, and impatience, the great swindler Yang threw out the second oracle that he had personally made, "Don't worry, folks. The four holy monks have long expected that these disciples are not strong-willed and have impure motives. When the four holy monks were here, they did not dare to act recklessly, but now that the holy monks have returned to Spirited Mountain, they will act recklessly.
Last night, the four holy monks came to me in my dream. The four holy monks said that in fact, there were many people in Bazhou who pretended to be gods and Buddhas, and when the four holy monks were here, because they were compassionate, they hoped to influence them with a Buddha's heart, so they could not bear to expose their scams. Now that the four holy monks have completed their mission and have returned to Spirited Mountain, these swindlers have no scruples and will become even more aggressive in deceiving the commoners.
You see, even the direct disciples who followed the four holy monks have betrayed them, so you can imagine what will happen to the others. There is no more wealth for you here, but do you know who else in Bazhou is calling themselves immortals and saints? Other than the four holy monks, those great gods and half-immortals are all fake. They are only extracting money from the commoners.
We will drive them away, and we will take back the money that they cheated. Now, let's go, the four living Buddhas are watching you from Spirited Mountain, you have to drive away all these people who pretend to be gods and ghosts, and protect the real pure land! "
Like a pot of boiling water, a vigorous mass movement to destroy the gods was born under the wave of Yang Ling's hand. The mighty team of 'attacking all fake gods' called for friends and kept expanding, and quickly spread to all the villages.
Yang Ling's words gave them a reasonable reason. It was a kind of self-deceiving and self-hypnotizing psychological suggestion. "What I did was right, I went to chase away those Great Gods and Half Immortals, and I won't anger the deities by robbing them of their wealth, because I was following the true divine decree. I was righteous!"
In the past few years, Bazhou had become the favorite place of the gods, Zhenren and sorcerers were born like mushrooms after the rain, but because the four holy monks were the most powerful, had the widest influence, and had the longest history, the other swindlers recognized them as the people with the most magical powers. If they wanted to start a family, they would have to prepare a large pier.
Now, these swindlers had always publicly admitted that they were the living Buddhas with the most magical powers, and they had just ascended in broad daylight under the watchful eyes of the public, their reputation had risen to a supreme level. At this time, their spokesperson publicly claimed that all the other so-called people with magical powers were swindlers, and with countless believers as witnesses, who would dare to doubt them?
Those swindlers could not even make any explanation. They did not dare to say that the four holy monks were fake, so they could not say that the oracle passed by the dignified Duke Wei was fake, so they could not use any reason to refute the oracle that said they were fake gods and swindlers. This was like the East King Yang Xiuqing during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, when everyone had already recognized him as the spokesperson of the gods, then the original creator of the gods could only acquiesce to his existence. Denying him was equivalent to denying themselves, denying the gods they created, and they could only drink the bitter wine they brewed themselves.
The whole of Bazhou began a great purge of all kinds of supernatural beings. Mobilizing the masses to fight against the swindlers was the most effective way, it would not cause the opposition of the people, and in each county and town, where there were great gods and half-immortals, these people knew best.
Moreover, these believers kept saying that they were following the orders of the four holy monks, so there were no fights between the believers at all. Many believers of the great gods and half-immortals, after hearing that the four holy monks, who were the most prestigious and had already ascended to heaven, had labeled the gods they trusted as scammers, immediately turned against them and joined the camp to attack and settle accounts.
With a flip of the hand, clouds, with a flip of the hand, rain, everything was in the name of the gods!
※ ※ ※
The swindlers in Bazhou had a hard time this year, all of them had become street rats, and everyone wanted to beat them up. What pained them the most was that these people, who chased them around and caused them to lose their homes and businesses, were actually using the banner that they had always used to bewitch the people. These great gods and half-immortals, who used to be arrogant and respected everywhere, were defeated in the hands of the gods they created.
Yang Ling consciously adjusted the behavior of the people, not suppressing their enthusiasm, but also preventing them from causing excessive behavior, or expanding the scope of the attack into an uncontrollable riot.
As the deceivers were exposed one by one, Yang Ling ordered the local authorities to bring them, as well as the disciples and trusted aides who followed them to deceive people, to the streets to perform their so-called magical abilities, as well as how they swindle and cheat people to get money.
The exposure and performance of these tricks became the scene of the New Year in Bazhou. The common people both vented their hatred and dispelled their doubts. Moreover, the content was varied, just like a magic show. After they finished their hard work in the venue, they didn't have to throw money, but they could throw bricks and tiles instead. This attracted countless people in Bazhou.
Many businesses found that it was quite attractive, and simply stopped hiring dragon and lion dance teams to celebrate the new year to attract business. Instead, they took the initiative to hold the criticism meeting in front of their shop. As a preferential condition, they gave the Yamachi free tea, lunch, and benches.
With the exposure of one scam after another, and the magic tricks similar to those used by the four holy monks were exposed, the people who were very enthusiastic and glorious in the beginning to carry out the purge of the false gods and heretics began to be confused and wavered. The unwavering persistence in their hearts and the inviolable god began to be shaken.
Those swindlers who were put in prison to be punished now had nothing. They dared to pull the emperor down from his high horse, not to mention the shitty four holy monks who would implicate their brothers even if they died. Many swindlers threw caution to the wind and began to deliberately expose the scams related to the four holy monks. The great publicity made the people more and more suspicious of the four holy monks.
Now, no one defended the four holy monks. When the revelation of the various gods was coming to an end, more and more unfavorable evidence pointed to the four holy monks. Countless evidence showed that they were also swindlers, and the truth was clear. However, the people who suddenly lost their hope did not dare to poke the window paper.
On the ninth day after the four holy monks broke through the void, which was the twelfth day of the first month, Baojia, Li Zheng, and the night watchmen began to beat gongs and clappers to announce everywhere that the government had caught the disciples of the four holy monks who had absconded with the money. Tomorrow, these monks would be publicly tried in Bazhou City.
The next day, the people who heard the news rushed to the place. The governor's office could not accommodate so many people to watch the trial. In the backyard of the imperial envoy's office, the large wall was pulled down. Right at the place where the four holy monks had ascended, Lord Fan and Imperial Judge Jiang were the main judges, and State Duke Wei was the side judge. They held a public trial for the disciples of the four holy monks.
Every case they had committed was instigated and directed by the four swindlers. Many of the cases involved serious cases where families were destroyed and lives were lost. How could these disciples be willing to take the blame? Now that the crime of absconding with the money had been confirmed, they could no longer claim to be related to the four holy monks and get away with the support of the people. Therefore, they could only try their best to smear the four holy monks, remove all the blame, and say that they were insignificant minions. Only then could they have a chance to live.
Creating a god, using a god to destroy a god, and finally pulling down the god they had built with their own hands. When all the swindlers were swept away like the autumn wind sweeping away the fallen leaves with the help of their fanatical believers, the four holy monks who had lost their value were thrown down from the altar by Yang Ling like a rag.
Mu Shengyuan dragged his crippled leg and his face was covered with blood and flesh. In the end, it was the disciple of the Four Holy Monks who performed the so-called miracle in front of everyone. Therefore, all eyes were fixed on the spokesperson of God, Duke Wei, who had witnessed and said that the Four Holy Monks had ascended to the Immortal Realm in broad daylight.
The last mission of the great swindler Yang was completed. This time, he did not issue an oracle. Instead, he simply stated the methods to punish the four demon monks. Then, he immediately issued an official statement to crack down on cults and fakes. He announced that all the sects and societies that had been established in the past ten years would be completely banned. The properties and properties of the regular Buddhist and Taoist temples would be returned immediately. The fakes who had committed serious crimes would be strictly investigated and punished according to the law …
The last shrine collapsed under his sonorous and forceful chanting …
* * *
The swindlers' money had to be settled, the land and house deeds had to be returned, and the murder cases had to be investigated. Of course, he could not accept the property seized by the An family at this time. He had to avoid arousing suspicion. What if the people suspected that he was using his power for personal gain and mixed it with the incense money donated by the people of Bazhou to the Buddha and the Taoists?
Yang Ling's reason was so dignified that Fan Mo Li did not have the time to come again after asking for his permission. The believers who had kowtowed in front of the quacks in the past had changed their location, and the place they kowtowed to was the Governor's Office.
They used to kowtow to pray for wealth in the next life and then handed over a lot of money. Now they kowtowed to beg for the return of property and blood debts, and then handed over tear-stained letters of complaint. The big drums in front of the office had been beaten four times in just two days. Fan Moli and Jiang Li were very busy.
They could delay the cases of ordinary people, but for families like Mu Xiucai, who had a lot of prestige and power, there were countless people who had been deceived. Officials relied heavily on the local tyrants, so they could not be careless with them. As for the officials like Zhang Zhong Eunuch and Zhu Qianhu who did not hand over letters of complaint, they gritted their teeth and asked him to punish the swindlers severely and recover the property they donated as soon as possible, so they could not be careless.
Therefore, Fan Moli could not wait for Duke Wei to not cause trouble for him. He was afraid that even if Yang Ling came now, he would not have the time to handle the handover and check the confiscated property. Yang Ling was in a good position. He wandered around and did not return to the capital.
The deputy imperial envoy Liang Hong was also very busy this New Year. He flipped the sign 'Four Sages Ascension Miracle Exhibition Place' and wrote 'Place to Kill the Four Swindlers by a Thousand Cuts'. If one was willing to pay 13, he would also give a bag of dog dung for them to throw to vent their anger. He still earned money like water.
On the fifteenth day of the first month, lanterns.
To make lanterns in Bazhou, one naturally had to go to Shengfang Town. The lanterns in Shengfang were very famous. There were complicated and simple methods of making them, big and small. The big ones were more than ten feet, and the small ones could be played with in the palm. There were all kinds of palace lanterns, human-shaped lanterns, plant lanterns, bird lanterns, landscape lanterns, and architectural lanterns. There were hundreds of them.
While everyone in Bazhou was busy, Yang Ling quietly arrived at Shengfang Town with light luggage. He was going to enjoy the lanterns at night.
In this period of time, he did not miss any movement in the capital. The officials in the capital returned to the court one after another. In fact, because of Liu Jin's sudden examination this year, other than Li Dongyang, Yang Tinghe, and other people with foresight who left the capital to avoid the impending storm, most of the officials did not leave. They were busy making connections, going through the back door, and running away from important officials.
This was because Liu Jin had ordered to reduce personnel and streamline the organization. All the major yamens in the capital had to select three hundred people, but as long as they were his disciples, regardless of whether they were corrupt, old, or sick, they would all be retained. For officials below the rank of commander-in-chief, as long as Liu Jin wrote a note saying, "Appoint so-and-so as a certain official in a certain place", the Ministry of Personnel would immediately do as he was told and did not dare to report again.
Even that little head of radishes, Yang Shen, who always liked to go against others, seemed to have become more obedient because all his backers had left the capital. Other than the officials who raised objections to the mobilization of the army, he mostly pretended to be deaf and mute and did not care.
Out of the three scholars, only Jiao Fang was left. However, this old man was said to be seriously ill and did not show his face all day. Liu Jin was very satisfied with his tactfulness, so he returned the favor. He heard that Minister Jiao hated people from Jiangxi because he stipulated that people from Jiangxi were not allowed to become officials in the capital. He remembered that when Xie Qian strongly advocated the execution of the Eight Tigers, Xie Qian was from Yuyao and also stipulated that people from Yuyao were not allowed to become officials in the capital.
As Liu Jin's power grew, he also offended more and more people. These kinds of actions not only made the local officials in the court, but also the scholars from all over the country were indignant.
Liu Jin ordered the various departments to conduct self-examination and self-correction. The Minister of the Ministry of Punishments could not be impeached and was called away by Liu Jin to be scolded. When he came back, he had no choice but to invite his subordinates Wang Shangbin and the other two over for a drink. Then, while apologizing, he announced that he was going to impeach them. He randomly found a crime to prove that he was also unswervingly carrying out Eunuch Liu's will.
The most surprising thing was that the Liu residence had become the norm to accept gifts. All the officials in the capital who returned from a business trip would go to the Liu residence to present a generous gift. Naturally, those who returned home for the New Year were no exception. In reality, the officials in the capital were far less wealthy than the local officials. It was not easy for them to go out for a trip, but the gifts that the local officials gave were not even enough for Old Liu.
Zhang Cai knew that by doing this, Liu Jin would sooner or later offend everyone. If you get the meat, but others don't even get a sip of the soup, then who would follow you with unswerving loyalty? But he did not dare to persuade Liu Jin not to accept the gifts. Moreover, he also knew that persuading him would be useless. Thus, he tactfully advised, "Eunuch Liu, the local officials are relatively rich. Moreover, they are far away from the capital. It is only right for them to show their filial respect and give you some gifts. However, most of the officials in the capital don't have any way to earn money. They can only get some benefits when they go out on official business. If they come to give gifts, then after they leave the capital, they will definitely increase their search and put all the blame on you, saying that they came to give you gifts. Isn't this ruining your reputation?
What's more, the officials in the capital are right under your nose. They are people that you can use for daily tasks. As long as they listen to eunuch Liu's words and work for eunuch Liu with peace of mind, it will be fine. Do you still need their gifts? "
At that time, Liu Jin was not very happy. But after Zhang Cai left, he thought about it and felt that it made a lot of sense. At this time, the imperial censor Ouyang Yun and a dozen or so people had just returned to the capital after celebrating the new year. They brought gifts to give to High Official Liu. In order to show that he was clean, Liu Jin confiscated the gifts and sent them all to the Ministry of Punishments and Punishment to be sentenced for bribery.
This caused the officials to be terrified. They did not know what gifts to give and what gifts not to give. Before giving gifts, they had to prepare a gift. Bribing the people around Liu Jin to ask for an explanation had already violated his taboo. In the end, layers upon layers of imps stretched out their hands to ask for money. Instead, they had to spend even more money, which made the officials even angrier.
When Yang Ling heard his subordinate's report, he did not know whether to laugh or cry. This friend … was really an expert at making jokes. In front of the Emperor, he was smooth and slick and had a clever mind. He had never done anything that was out of line. But when he was down there, he would do all kinds of stupid things. Wasn't this just digging a hole for himself?
Yang Ling ordered his subordinates to wait and see while he stayed calm and waited for an opportunity in Bazhou. When he, Song Ai, Liu Da Bang Chui and the others arrived at Shengfang Town, there were already sixty to seventy bodyguards who had arrived. These were all his trusted subordinates. They were disguised as ordinary people and booked an inn.
When Yang Ling arrived at his residence, he took a bath and changed into a robe. He habitually wore the sleeve arrow and gun on his body. He ate his dinner in the room and then walked out of the inn with more than forty elite bodyguards. They first strolled on the streets of Shengfang Town.
The Shengfang Flower Lantern Festival was held on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. There was also the 'Ice Lantern Festival' at the reed hut during the Lantern Festival. At the same time, the Lantern Festival was held in the town. Because the Lantern Festival here was famous, many rich gentlemen from other places came to watch. So even though Yang Ling looked unfamiliar, it was not strange.
Yang Ling was wearing a green robe. His long black hair was tied into a knot and tied with a green silk headband made of agarwood. On the outside, he was wearing an expensive snow-white light coat. His face was like a crown of jade, and his eyes were like the stars. Even the jade pendant on his waist swayed as he walked. He exuded an air of elegance and charm. Many girls and wives in the town turned their heads to look at him with gazes of adoration and admiration.
The bodyguards were disguised as tourists and scattered around. In front of Yang Ling, there was only Big Bang Chui and Song Ai. Big Bang Chui was wearing a green robe and a small … big hat. He was aggressive and looked like a servant of a rich family.
Song Ai was dressed like a delicate and pretty handmaiden. Her shiny black hair was tied up in three buns, and she had a pair of big black eyes. Her skin was fresh and tender, and her lips were cherry red. Her eyebrows were as beautiful as a painting, and her cheeks were rosy. She looked like a flower that was about to bloom.
The three of them had the capital to attract people. Especially their noble and aristocratic aura, they immediately attracted the attention of a few pickpockets. They began to sneak around them, intentionally or unintentionally.
It was evening, but the streets were already very lively. Just as they reached a fork in the road, they suddenly saw an awe-inspiring man in front of them. He was also dressed like a scholar, but his body was very rough. The curly beard on his chin was similar to Big Bang Chui's, but his eyes were big and round, looking very imposing. Such an imposing man walked very carefully. He was supporting a delicate and pretty girl in a cloak. They were walking slowly on the street. His careful and protective manner showed how much he doted on this girl.
The girl was a young married woman. She was a head shorter than the curly bearded man, and her body was very slender. Her hair was combed into a coiled dragon bun, and she wore a lake-green embroidered dress. Her narrow sleeves were embroidered with rich and noble flowers, and her skirt was pleated. On her small waist, a colorful scarf with a golden flower shadow could be vaguely seen.
Her cheeks were pink, her lips were red, and her eyes were bright and clear. Even though she was wearing a cold dress, it was still like the rippling spring water. As she moved, the bottom of her skirt and her bow shoes could be seen. This woman was obviously the wife of the burly man.
Such a burly man actually married such a sweet and pretty little wife. Yang Ling found it interesting and couldn't help but take a few glances. He found that although the burly man was rough and tall, he was born with a thick bone structure. Looking at his expression and bearing, he was definitely not a boorish person. The burly man was also looking at him. After sizing him up, he seemed to admire the temperament of the three of them.
The two of them looked at each other and smiled. They nodded at each other and were about to pass each other. The burly man's eyes flashed and he suddenly saw someone. He couldn't help but laugh and said, "Half Celestial Feng, long time no see. Are you here to watch the lanterns too?"
Although this person wasn't a boorish person, his voice was really too loud. Yang Ling and the rest couldn't help but turn their heads and look at the person he greeted. They saw a thin man in his thirties. He had a moustache above his lips. Although the robe he wore showed that he came from a good family background, his shoulders were shrunken and he looked like a wolf when he walked.
That person was flustered and exasperated. He quickly lifted his robe and ran over. As he ran, he said hatefully, "You crazy Zhao, don't talk nonsense. I'm Feng Xiaomu, not Half Celestial Feng. Don't get me into trouble. Yang Zhantou is currently killing gods and slaying immortals in Bazhou City. Whoever gets stained by gods and immortals will be unlucky. God Liu from the town said that he took advantage of someone's wife when he was dancing god. He just got chopped by someone's man with a kitchen knife and he didn't even dare to report it to the authorities! "
The burly man who was called Crazy Zhao laughed heartily and clapped his hands, "Hahaha, no matter how high your cultivation is, even gods are afraid of a kitchen knife. Hehe, just don't call me that. But you're all alone, why are you interested in watching the lanterns? Don't tell me you're trying to take the opportunity to cheat some money? "
That Half Celestial Feng's face flushed red. Crazy Zhao didn't notice it at all. He teased a few more times before bidding farewell with his wife. His wife's soft and gentle voice came with the wind, "Look at you. He didn't even offend you. Why do you have to be so sarcastic? You always bring trouble to yourself … "
Yang Ling didn't expect the Gods Slaying Movement to be so deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. He reckoned that scammers wouldn't have a market in Bazhou for the next twenty to thirty years. He and Song Ai looked at each other and smiled. They turned and walked out of the town to take a look at the famous Victorious Fragrance Ice Lantern.
Half Celestial Feng saw that Crazy Zhao had left and spat hatefully, "Ptui! What a lunatic. Just because he has some money at home, he doesn't put his father in his eyes. "
At this moment, two people who were following Half Celestial Feng caught up and said, "Prime Minister, please slow down."
These words were definitely not loud. Standing where Yang Ling was, he shouldn't have heard it. But this was the exit of the three-way intersection. Yang Ling was about to walk out of the town and the wind was blowing fast in his direction. The words suddenly entered his ears and disappeared in a flash. But Yang Ling heard it clearly.
"Prime Minister?!"
Did I hear it wrong? What kind of address was that?
Yang Ling was shocked. Could it be that some high official from Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan had transmigrated over?
Yang Ling's eyes stared straight. His gaze turned slightly and met Song Ai's strange gaze. Their eyes met and both of them understood the same sentence from each other's eyes, "You didn't hear it wrong. He shouted Prime Minister!"
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