When Mo Jiazi came to Wangji Temple in person, the entire Chang 'an City focused their attention on the temple.
There were many spies in front of Wangji Temple. People from various schools of thought, nobles from the imperial court, people who believed in Buddhism, people who opposed Buddhism, and even those who were neutral could not help but come to inquire about the news.
However, as time passed, the gate of Wangji Temple was still closed, and there was no movement at all.
However, the quieter Wangji Temple was, the more people understood that the confrontation in Wangji Temple was still going on. After all, it was related to the future development of Buddhism, and Buddhism was especially vulnerable.
In the palace, Li Shimin could not help but put down the memorial in his hand and asked, "How long has Meton been there?"
Pande quickly replied, "Your Majesty, he has been in there for four hours, and there has been no news."
Mo Dun had been in Mo Ji Temple for far too long. He had been waiting anxiously. Among all of them, Li Shimin was the most conflicted. The others were either anti-Buddhism, pro-Buddhism, or neutral. As the emperor, Li Shimin naturally did not want Buddhism to go against the imperial court in the future, and he hoped that Buddhism would take the initiative to restrain him.
However, on the other hand, Shaolin Temple was the benefactor of Buddhism. If Meton restricted Buddhism too severely, he would probably bear the great infamy of being ungrateful.
Did he not know the reason why the Second Martial Emperor killed Buddhism? Even if he was in the position of the Second Martial Emperor, he would not hesitate to kill Buddhism. However, he had already been cursed for being disloyal and unfilial because of the Xuanwu Gate. If he was cursed for being ungrateful because of Buddhism, his reputation would be ruined. In addition, Buddhism had not recovered yet, and it had not done any harm to the Tang dynasty.
This was the reason why he did not want to restrict Buddhism. If Meton had not frightened him with the current situation of the conflict between theocracy and royalty, this anti-Buddhism wave would have been left unsettled. Even so, he still did not want to use strong means to restrict theocracy. Instead, he asked Meton to come and discuss this matter with Buddhism.
"Meton, Buddhism! I hope you won't disappoint us. "Li Shimin closed his eyes and muttered. If this negotiation failed, then it would be time for him to make a choice.
The Mo clan also paid close attention to the Wangji temple.
"Imperial Father is too much. Can't he just find any official? Why did he have to send Meton?" Princess Changle couldn't help but complain.
Meton was representing the imperial court to restrict the Buddhists. If the Buddhists were willing to be captured, it would be terrible if something happened.
"Don't worry, Madam. If he wasn't confident, why would Young Master take the risk himself? Moreover, Young Master is going there on behalf of the imperial court. I don't think the Buddhists would dare to act rashly." Uncle Fu comforted her.
Meton was the hope for the revival of Mohism. Although Uncle Fu was worried, he could only force himself to remain calm.
In the Fu clan, Fu Yi could not help but pace back and forth anxiously. He seemed absent-minded. He was a staunch anti-Buddhist. Originally, he thought that Mo Jiazi was his ally. However, Mo Jiazi had proposed to save Buddhism. Now that Mo Jiazi was representing the imperial court to negotiate with the Buddhists, his stance was still unknown.
Everyone was confused as they anxiously waited for the result.
At this moment, in the Wangji temple, the conflict between Meton and the monks had come to an end with Bian Ji's defeat. Although there were still a few monks who were unwilling to be restricted by Buddhism, most of them chose to remain silent.
Master Hui Yuan smiled bitterly, "Before I came, I came to Chang 'an with the determination to sacrifice myself for Buddhism. However, I never expected this result."
"Merits and demerits can only be judged by future generations. You were able to resolve Buddhism's Dharma Disaster and save Buddhism from calamity. This merit is enough to make your Dharma complete," Meton said seriously.
"Complete merit!" The monks could not help but hold their breaths. The conflict in their hearts dissipated.
Master Hui Yuan secretly praised Mo Jiazi's psychological attack. Buddhism valued merit the most. Meton's words could be said to have hit the weak spot of the monks.
"This old monk doesn't care about the merits and virtues, as long as I have a clear conscience. However, this old monk believes that Buddhism has never threatened the governance of the Great Tang Dynasty, and has even had a pleasant conversation with His Majesty. Why would there be such a great change in a single night?" Master Hui Yuan suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with wisdom as he stared at Modun.
This was what he couldn't figure out. At this time, the Buddhists didn't threaten the Tang Empire, and he came here because of the favor of Shaolin Temple. In addition, he had a pleasant conversation with Li Shimin before, and he had clearly felt that Li Shimin had begun to lean toward the Buddhists. Overnight, the attitude of the Imperial Court had changed greatly, and the key was the matter of Li Shimin summoning Modun. If this problem wasn't solved, the Buddhists wouldn't be satisfied.
"As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. This is His Majesty's preparation for Buddhism. If one day the predicted situation really happens, it will not benefit Buddhism and the imperial court."
"His Majesty is wise. Buddhism is eternally grateful." Master Hui Yuan said respectfully. However, his eyes were still staring at Meton. Obviously, he did not believe Mo Jiazi's words.
Seeing this, Meton was silent for a moment. Then, he said, "In addition, there is a secret of the imperial court. Only Master Hui Yuan and Master Fa Lin know about it."
The monks were stunned and focused their attention on the two.
Master Fa Lin was stunned. She nodded and said, "If you can convince the two of us, Buddhism will accept all of today's discussion."
Master Hui Yuan nodded solemnly.
"Masters, please!" Meton stood up solemnly and walked toward a meditation room.
Master Fa Lin and Hui Yuan stood up and followed. With a sound, the meditation room closed, leaving the monks and the two from the school of mathematics looking at each other.
After a long time, the door of the meditation room opened again. The three of them walked out together. They looked harmonious, without the previous hostile atmosphere.
"Benefactor Mo, please tell His Majesty that Buddhism is grateful for His Majesty's good intentions," Master Fa Lin said solemnly.
"The Buddhists are of noble character and unquestionable integrity. They care for the world. I admire them. Your Majesty will definitely be pleased to hear this." Meton finally felt relieved. Buddhism being able to restrain itself was something the world would be happy to see.
Master Hui Yuan chanted a Buddhist mantra and said, "Buddhism will personally submit a memorial to the imperial court tomorrow morning, requesting the imperial court to approve Buddhism's plan to save itself."
"Master is wise! Nothing can be accomplished without rules. Buddhism will set down clear rules and precepts and walk on the path of positive development. This is the path to Buddhism's revival, "Meton said solemnly.
When the monks heard the three's conversation, they were in an uproar. Only then did they realize that Mo Jiazi must have convinced Master Hui Yuan and Fa Lin. However, no one knew about the three's secret conversation in the meditation room.
"I will take my leave!" Meton saw that the matter was settled and cupped his hands.
Shen Hongcai and Zu Mingjun stood up and cupped their hands at the monks. The monks also stood up to welcome them.
As the tightly shut doors of Wang Ji Temple opened with a bang, Modun took the lead and walked out of Wang Ji Temple. He stepped onto the carriage that had been waiting for a long time and left.
Seeing Mo Jiazi's carriage leaving, Master Hui Yuan and Master Fa Lin looked at each other and couldn't help but recall the secret conversation in the meditation room.
"Christianity! Teach, India Sect! "
"Buddhism is declining in India. Only the Tang dynasty is Buddhism's future hope. Only when the Tang dynasty is strong can Buddhism have the chance to become the religion with the most followers in the world."
…
Other than helping the Buddhists solve their internal problems, the son of Mohism also had great foresight to help the Buddhists set up the world. This was the real reason why he could convince the Buddhists.
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