Li Shimin looked suspiciously at Meton, only to find that Meton was still calm in the face of all the officials. He couldn't help but become more cautious.
"Then tell me, how did the Buddhists repeat their mistakes, to the point that in less than two hundred years, there will be another Buddhists annihilation?" Li Shimin asked solemnly.
The other courtiers couldn't help but hold their breaths as they silently stared at Mo Dun. Although this kid Mo Dun was unreliable, his vision was recognized by the world, and he repeatedly said shocking things that were verified one by one.
"If you want to know when the third Buddhists annihilation will come, then you need to understand the reasons for the first two Buddhists annihilations," Meton said proudly.
Grand Scribe Li Chunfeng couldn't help but feel awkward. In the first two Buddhists annihilations, the Daoists had put in a lot of effort. Now that Meton had brought it up, he was simply exposing the Daoists' dark secrets.
Fortunately, Meton was apprehensive about the Daoists' face, so he didn't dwell on this point. Instead, he said, "Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou and Emperor Taiwu of Wei both annihilated the Buddhists because they believed that the Buddhists were the Hu Sect. Other than that, there was another important factor: population and land taxes."
"Population and land taxes!" Yan Shigu couldn't help but nod. He had read many history books, so he naturally knew the reason for the Buddhists' calamity.
The other officials were also taken aback. This was the first time they had heard of this point of view.
"Ever since the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Buddhists prospered, and Buddhist temples were everywhere. Any land under a Buddhist temple's name was exempted from land taxes. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, society was in turmoil. The Northern Dynasties, in order to fight wars, collected taxes, and the common people, in order to escape the harsh taxes, fled to Buddhism and hung their land under the Buddhist temples. In a short period of time, the Buddhists prospered, and in the northern part of the Yangtze River, there were more than thirty thousand Buddhist temples and two million monks and nuns. At that time, the population north of the river was less than thirty million, and the Buddhists had already taken up one-sixteenth of the population and one-tenth of the land. With so many people not working, and instead meditating and praying to Buddha, and with so much land not paying taxes, the treasury was empty. As a result, the treasury of the royal court was empty, and the army had no source of soldiers. If you were a subject of Northern Wei, what would you do? "Meton asked in one breath.
Suddenly, there was a dead silence. No dynasty would tolerate such a situation. There was only one result, and that was to destroy the Buddha.
"And this is just the Northern Dynasty. If we add in the Southern Dynasty, I'm afraid there will be even more Buddhist temples, monks, and nuns. When the Minister was flipping through the history books, he couldn't help but angrily compose a poem. Everyone, please take a look at it." Meton ignored the officials and began to recite.
"For a thousand miles, orioles sing, the green reflects the red, the water village, the mountain, the Guo wine, the flag wind. Forty-eight thousand temples of the two dynasties, how many towers in the misty rain. "
The poem was a good one, and one that was praised by many. However, the hearts of the officials were as heavy as a mountain. Du Mu's Spring of Jiangnan had written of four hundred and eighty temples, but Meton had written it as it was. Adding in the temples of the Northern Dynasty, the total was forty-eight thousand temples. This shocking number shocked everyone.
The group of courtiers looked at Yan Shigu with difficulty. He was probably the only one who had the right to say whether or not Modun was right.
Facing the gazes of the officials, Yan Shigu solemnly nodded and said, "A hundred years have passed, and the exact number is no longer possible to calculate. However, the difference should not be too great."
Many of the officials sucked in a cold breath. The officials who had originally felt sympathy for the destruction of the Buddhists by two martial arts immediately shut their mouths.
Fu Yi looked with admiration at Meton. He was in a semi-retired state and usually did not have any contact with Mo Jiazi. Now, he saw Meton use a history book and a poem to achieve an effect that he had not been able to achieve even after many times.
Even Li Shimin's heart tugged. As an emperor, if he was in the position of Emperor Wu of Wei, he would probably have made the same decision. This had nothing to do with faith or kindness. Sometimes, sitting on the throne, one's actions were not up to them.
"How much money would it cost to build so many temples? This does not include the casting of bronze Buddha statues, gilding, and the daily expenses of more than two million monks and nuns. Based on this calculation, I'm afraid it would be more than enough to build three vertical and five horizontal brick roads. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Northern Dynasty was so powerful that the Former Dynasty ruled the world. I'm afraid the destruction of the Buddhists by two martial arts was the greatest contribution." Meton carefully calculated the economic account for the officials.
Dai Zhou in the second row could not help but nod in agreement. Nowadays, the benefits of brick roads were known in the Tang Dynasty. The construction of three vertical and five horizontal diagrams had become a recognized matter in the imperial court. However, the construction process was slow due to the lack of money and grain. If the Tang Dynasty really had so many temples and two million monks and nuns, Dai Zhou would immediately become a firm supporter of the destruction of the Buddhists.
However, although Dai Zhou agreed with Meton's words, he knew that Meton was talking about the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Nowadays, Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty was not as prosperous as it used to be.
Sure enough, Xiao Ling snorted coldly and said, "What Merton said was the matter of the Former Dynasty. Now, our Tang Dynasty is prosperous. The monks know their place. How can they be punished for nothing?"
Li Shimin could not help but nod slightly. Nowadays, Buddhism had not caused too much trouble. In addition, he was indebted to Buddhism. If he rashly attacked Buddhism, he was afraid that he would be scolded. In addition, the huge number of Buddhism believers and the strange and unpredictable ghosts made Li Shimin more afraid. Therefore, he was unwilling to attack Buddhism easily.
Modun sneered, "The Buddhists are indeed fine now. However, the Buddhists today have not changed at all compared to before the Second Martial Extermination. They are just following the same old path. In less than two hundred years, the Buddhist Temple will definitely repeat the same mistakes as before the Second Martial Extermination. The third extermination is just around the corner. If the Buddhists still do not repent, the fourth extermination is not impossible."
In the later generations, Buddhism had experienced two annihilations of Buddhism, but it still did not change its nature. Thus, there were two more annihilations of Buddhism by Tang Wuzong, Li Yan, and Zhou Shizong, Chai Rong. This was known as the Calamity of Three Martial Sects and One Sect. At this point, Buddhism had learned from the painful experience and reflected on itself. If Buddhism could wake up at this moment, the two annihilations of Buddhism in the future would definitely be eliminated.
"That's just your side of the story. Do you think you can decide the fate of Buddhism just by talking about a few old stories? Do you really think you can point out the matters of the other schools just because you revived the School of Mo?" Xiao Yu sneered. "That's right.
Meton shook his head and said, "Mo naturally will not interfere with the affairs of other schools. Naturally, they have no intention of interfering with Buddhism. What Mo Magazine reports are also unjust matters. I just can't bear to see the Martial Extermination Disaster repeat. Whether Buddhism listens to me or not naturally has nothing to do with me. "
Xiao Yu was so angry that he laughed and said, "Old Man, I would like to hear how you are so confident that the Martial Extermination Disaster will definitely repeat."
The other ministers could not help but quiet down and focused their gazes on Meton.
Meton took a deep breath and said seriously, "After the Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei Dynasty annihilated Buddhism, his successors adopted a policy of moderation. However, Buddhism did not change and continued to do as it pleased. In the sixth year of Jiande, the Emperor of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, issued an edict to annihilate Buddhism. He destroyed forty thousand temples and forced three million monks and nuns to return to the secular world. The second Martial Extermination Disaster will repeat. "
Many people nodded in their hearts. Combined with what Mo Jiazi said earlier, Buddhism was probably still going on the same path.
"However, it was only sixty years after the Emperor of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, annihilated Buddhism. Your Majesty, have you calculated the number of monks and nuns in the Tang dynasty today?" Meton asked.
Li Shimin was taken aback. He turned to look at the Grand Scribe Li Chunfeng.
Li Chunfeng stepped forward and bowed, "Your Majesty, according to the statistics of the Imperial Historian, there are twenty-two hundred Taoist temples, seventeen thousand Taoist priests, five thousand four hundred Buddhist temples, and eighty-five thousand monks and nuns in the Tang dynasty today."
He did not exaggerate but played a trick. He directly reported the number of Taoist temples and Taoist priests. With this comparison, the rapid expansion of Buddhism was immediately exposed.
"So many?" The ministers could not help but be in an uproar.
Although more than five thousand Buddhist temples were not much compared to the Northern Zhou dynasty, this was only the development of Buddhism in sixty years. From a ruin, it directly surpassed Taoism. This speed was shocking.
"There are more than a hundred temples in Chang 'an alone, and twice that outside the city. It is the same in other cities. And as Master Fu said, these temples have a lot of land under their name and produce a lot of output every year. They don't have to pay taxes, and with the endless supply of incense money, they are very rich. At this speed, the Buddhist temples of the Tang dynasty will be as prosperous as before the Martial Extermination Disaster in two hundred years at most. At that time, how will the court decide?" Merton said.
Since Indian numerals were popularized by the School of Mo, the mathematics of the entire Tang dynasty had made great progress. Under the leadership of Meton, everyone was used to the results of mathematical calculations. After Meton's reminder, everyone calculated silently. Since Buddhism did not change, it was very likely that Meton's prediction would happen if it continued to expand.
Li Shimin could not help but fall silent. As an emperor, he might have no choice by then. Extermination Disaster would be the only choice.
Xiao Yu couldn't help but pause. He had made ample preparations before coming here. In terms of eloquence, he naturally wasn't afraid of any opponent. However, Moton had used all the facts to make him unable to refute him, no matter how much logic he had.
"All of this is just your speculation. Do you think we should risk offending Buddha and going to hell to exterminate Buddha because of your speculation? Do you know that after Emperor Taiwu of Wei and Emperor Taiwu of North Zhou exterminated Buddha, most of them died suddenly in a few years, and their policy of exterminating Buddha was also abolished? "Xiao Yu's eyes flashed as he said.
At that moment, the court was in an uproar. They repeatedly opposed the extermination of Buddha and looked loyal to Li Shimin.
"I once ascended to the clouds in a hot air balloon, but I did not see any trace of immortals. The Demon Monk's Art of Resurrection was just a scam. As for the eighteen levels of hell after death, it was just a Buddhist saying. In comparison, I am more willing to believe in the medical skills of the School of Medicine." Meton retorted. However, the effect was minimal. Naturally, the officials believed that such things could only be believed.
"Moreover, it is precisely to avoid the tragedy of exterminating Buddha and offending the gods that I suggested saving Buddha instead of exterminating Buddha. This is to prevent future emperors from facing the choice of banning Buddha by force," Meton said seriously.
Li Shimin's expression relaxed. Exterminating Buddha was naturally too cruel. If such an outcome could be avoided, saving Buddha seemed to be a good choice.
"Then, in your opinion, how should we save Buddha?" Li Shimin asked seriously.
The other officials could not help but feel moved. They could not help but sigh inwardly. They immediately understood that Mo Jiazi was indeed eloquent. Li Shimin's heart was probably already leaning towards saving Buddha.
Modun's expression suddenly turned awkward as he said, "This humble subject is only a disciple of the School of Mohism. How can I interfere in the internal affairs of the School of Buddhism? As for how to save themselves, it is best for the School of Buddhism to deal with it themselves!"
Li Shimin could not help but laugh. They did not expect Mo Jiazi to hide his strength at this point.
"Today, all of you are sharing the country's worries. Regardless of whether you are right or wrong, you can speak freely. Do not convict people based on words." Li Shimin looked threateningly at Meton.
"Your Majesty is right. Our court does not convict people based on words. All officials can remonstrate." Xiao Yu agreed. He wanted to hear what fallacious reasoning Mo Jiazi had.
Meton was young and impetuous. Seeing this, he could not help but raise his head. "I believe that if Buddhism wants to save itself, the first thing is to stop sheltering criminals. Some eminent monks think that they are compassionate, but they do not know that they are disturbing the law by letting evil people go unpunished."
Xiao Yu sneered and asked, "What if this person unintentionally breaks the law and sincerely repents? Could it be that even Buddhism can't convert him? "
Meton shook his head firmly. "Of course not. The law is merciless. Anyone who breaks the law will be punished. Only His Majesty has the authority to pardon criminals. How can Buddhism overstep its bounds? Moreover, how can Buddhism explain whether the criminal is sincerely repenting or pretending to be repentant to avoid punishment? Some Buddhist temples recruit believers for their own reputation instead of distinguishing between good and evil. "
As soon as Meton finished speaking, Li Daozong, the minister of the Ministry of Justice, nodded. Buddhism's action was indeed disturbing the law.
Xiao Yu wanted to argue for Buddhism. However, with the example of Tongji, what Meton said was true. He could not help but put his palms together. "If this is the case, the world will have one less way to educate people. I'm afraid it will not be a blessing for the world!"
Meton retorted, "I have heard of the Buddhist story of putting down the butcher's knife and becoming a Buddha. It is said that there was a butcher who was selling meat in the street. The Buddhist eminent monk Shandao preached in Chang 'an and advised people to change their evil ways and become good. The people in the street abstained from meat and became vegetarian. When the butcher saw that the meat in his stall was getting harder to sell, he was confused. He asked around and found out that the people in the city were persuaded by a monk named Shandao to become vegetarian. Therefore, he took the butcher's knife and broke into the temple to kill Shandao.
Shandao's Buddhist teachings were profound and he enlightened the butcher on the spot. The butcher suddenly repented and put down the butcher's knife. He immediately vowed to give up his life and go to the afterlife. Therefore, he climbed up a tree beside the temple, put his palms together and chanted loudly. At that time, the onlookers saw Amitabha come to receive him personally. The butcher's spiritual consciousness came out from the top door and followed Amitabha to the west. I wonder if what you said is true. "
Xiao Yu said proudly, "Yes, this is the Buddhist method of enlightenment."
The story of putting down the butcher's knife and becoming a Buddha happened in Chang 'an. Naturally, everyone had heard of it. This was also the reason why Buddhism in Chang' an was flourishing.
Meton sneered. "Whether this story is true or not, let's not talk about it for now. Based on the story, although the butcher had evil intentions, he did not hurt Shandao at all. Therefore, the butcher put down the butcher's knife in his heart and not the blood-stained knife. How can this be the reason why Buddhism took in a criminal who was carrying a blood-stained butcher's knife? "
Xiao Yu could not help but be at a loss for words. Meton used the story of the butcher's knife to attack the butcher's shield. Everyone could not help but be convinced by him.
Li Shimin nodded slowly. "That's right. When the emperor breaks the law, he is punished the same as the commoners. When the commoners break the law, they have to be punished by the law. Buddhism can enlighten those who have evil intentions, but it cannot enlighten those who break the law."
Li Shimin's final decision helped Legalism take back part of the law from Buddhism. The people of the Ministry of Justice could not help but be happy.
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