From cute to empress

Chapter 178 Reconstruction of Faith

The banquet ended, the clamor faded into silence, but my chambers remained brightly lit. Zhen Youcai stood quietly by, his eyes filled with worry and inquiry.

"You're talented," I said calmly, walking to the desk and spreading out a piece of rice paper. "Although the Reformation has shown initial success, we can't let our guard down. I've decided..." I paused, picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a few words: All religious organizations must register and accept imperial supervision...

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhen Youcai's eyes lit up. I knew he understood the significance of this decree. For too long, the major religious organizations have operated independently, unchecked, leading to the chaos that has plagued them. Now, only by bringing them under the imperial court's jurisdiction can we truly achieve harmonious religious development.

As expected, the decree caused quite a stir among the people, with some supporting it and others opposing it.

One day, I went on an incognito tour and arrived at a temple outside the city. The temple was filled with incense and people were busy. A young couple was devoutly burning incense and praying for blessings.

"Sister," I walked up to her and asked with a smile, "what do you think of the court's new religious decree?"

"Yes, of course!" the young woman replied enthusiastically. "Those monks and Taoists used to be so mysterious. Who knew what they were up to? Now that everything is under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, we can rest assured!"

The husband beside her nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, I heard that the Qingfeng Temple outside the city was closed down by the court a while ago because it was secretly storing weapons and intending to rebel. Fortunately, the court was wise, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous!"

I nodded with relief. It seemed that most people could understand my good intentions. However, at this moment, a roar suddenly came from the crowd:

"These lies are misleading the people! The imperial court is trying to destroy Buddhism and Taoism!"

An old man in a tattered Taoist robe, holding a wooden staff, shouted at the top of his lungs, "Since ancient times, religious freedom has been upheld. How can the government interfere? Don't be fooled by them!"

The crowd suddenly became agitated, and many pilgrims were infected by the old man's mood, with doubtful expressions on their faces...

My heart sank. It seemed this religious reform was even more complicated than I'd imagined. I gestured for the guards to withdraw and slowly approached the old man. My tone was gentle but firm: "Master, I know you hold faith, but you must also distinguish right from wrong. The court does not seek to destroy Buddhism or Taoism. Instead, it aims to bring religion back on track, to provide peace and prosperity for the people, and to build a harmonious and prosperous world."

The old man sneered, "What a harmonious and prosperous world! You officials, all talk about morality and justice, but secretly you are thieves and prostitutes! Pah!"

He grew increasingly agitated, his saliva flying everywhere, causing the surrounding pilgrims to chatter. The guards behind me saw this and were about to step forward to stop him, but I raised my hand to stop them. I knew that violence wouldn't solve the problem; it would only exacerbate it.

"Master," I took a deep breath, suppressing the rage within me. "I know you harbor resentment towards the court. But please believe that everything I do is for the people of this world. You keep talking about faith, but is your faith to stir up trouble and plunge the people into dire straits?"

The old man was clearly not expecting such a calm conversation, and was momentarily stunned. I struck while the iron was hot, continuing, "I also know that not all monks and Taoists are as radical as you. Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen are both highly respected figures with a heart for the world, and they support my reforms."

I glanced at the crowd. The pilgrims who had been instigated by the old man gradually calmed down and began to whisper.

"Yes, Master Huineng is a living Bodhisattva, so what he said must be true!"

"Master Xuanzhen also said that we must trust the court and His Majesty..."

The old man's expression grew increasingly grim, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped the cane, yet he remained speechless. I sighed inwardly, knowing he had wavered.

"Master," I said, slowing down my tone, "I'll give you time to consider. I hope you understand my earnest intentions."

With that, I turned and left. The chatter behind me gradually died down, replaced by a subtle silence. I knew this silent battle had only just begun. Returning to the palace, I summoned Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen and informed them of today's events.

"Your Majesty," Master Huineng said, clasping his hands together with a kind expression, "I believe we can start with some of the more influential temples and Taoist temples, setting an example and gradually guiding other religious organizations."

Taoist Priest Xuanzhen also nodded in agreement: "Buddhism has four famous mountains, Taoism has thirty-six caves and seventy-two blessed places. These are all places with great incense. If we can get their support, we will achieve twice the result with half the effort."

I thought about it for a moment and felt that their suggestions made sense.

"Pass on my decree, tomorrow..." Before I could finish my words, a guard hurried into the imperial study, knelt on one knee, and said in a hurried tone: "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

"Urgent news from the border? Present it!" My heart tightened. Could it be that the Northern Di were becoming restless again?

The guards presented me with a dusty letter. I unfolded it, and the handwriting was familiar, cursive. It was Zhen Youcai's own letter. Besides assuring me of his safety, he also shared his experience in managing religion in frontier minority regions. His words expressed support for me, but also hinted at his concern for the complexities of religious reform. After reading the letter, I felt a sense of relief. Zhen Youcai was right. Frontier regions are home to numerous ethnic groups, and their religious beliefs are even more complex. Having spent years governing these regions, he possesses considerable experience in balancing these diverse forces. His experience will be of great value to my reform plans.

I handed the letter to Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen. After the two masters passed it around, they both looked approving.

"General Zhen is quite right," Master Huineng mused. "The situation in the border regions is complex and requires even greater caution. Your Majesty's religious reforms are aimed at regulation, not suppression. A combination of kindness and severity is necessary to ensure long-term stability."

Taoist Xuanzhen stroked his graying beard and nodded in agreement: "General Zhen's way of overcoming hardness with softness and convincing people with reason is worth learning from."

I took a deep breath, my mind already made up. "You two masters are absolutely right. Tomorrow, I will go incognito to the Huguo Temple outside the city to visit the abbot, Master Wuchen."

Huguo Temple was one of the most popular temples in the capital, and Master Wuchen was a highly respected monk, highly esteemed within the Buddhist community. His support would be crucial to the advancement of religious reform.

The next morning, I changed into plain clothes, accompanied by a few guards, and headed straight for the Huguo Temple. The temple was bustling with people, and I blended in with the crowd without seeming out of place.

In the Zen room, I had a long conversation with Master Wuchen, discussing the true meaning of Buddhism, the suffering of the people, and religious doctrines, the great cause of national justice. I frankly explained to him the purpose and significance of religious reform and patiently listened to his concerns and worries.

"Master," I said sincerely, "I do not intend to interfere with Buddhist teachings, nor will I ban Buddhism. I simply hope that Buddhism can keep pace with the times and work hand in hand with the court to maintain social stability and benefit the people."

Master Wuchen was silent for a long moment, then he sighed deeply, "Your Majesty cares deeply about the people, and I deeply admire you. However, this reform is a matter of great relevance, so I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting."

"Master, rest assured. I know what's best for you." I pulled out a document I'd prepared long ago from my sleeve. "This is the registration system for religious groups. I hope Huguo Temple can set an example and be the first to register."

Master Wuchen took the document and carefully read it, his brow furrowed slightly, as if he were still hesitating. I quietly waited for his decision, but my heart suddenly tightened for no reason, as if something was about to happen...

Master Wuchen took a deep breath and slowly set the document aside. "Your Majesty has good intentions, and I understand. However, this matter is of great importance, and I, in my old age, may find it difficult to make a decision. I need to discuss this with the disciples in the temple before making a final decision."

I nodded in understanding. "Master, please do as you wish. I await your good news."

After leaving Huguo Temple, I felt a vague sense of unease. Master Wuchen's attitude was ambiguous, neither explicitly opposing nor immediately agreeing, which left me somewhat perplexed.

After returning to the palace, I informed Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen of my conversation with Master Wuchen today. After listening to it, the two masters also felt that this matter was a bit strange.

"Your Majesty," Master Huineng mused, "This religious reform touches upon the interests of certain individuals, and there is no guarantee that there will not be those who will attempt to obstruct it. Your Majesty must exercise caution and take preventive measures."

I knew that Master Huineng's concerns were not unfounded, so I ordered the secret guards to strengthen the security inside and outside the palace. At the same time, I also slowed down the implementation of the religious reform, hoping to observe the reactions of all parties.

A few days later, I was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when a guard came hurriedly with a report: "Your Majesty, a pilgrim has arrived outside the palace, requesting to see you. He claims to have an important letter to present to Your Majesty."

I was puzzled, but I still ordered the guards to bring the pilgrim up. The pilgrim looked ordinary, dressed simply, holding a wooden box in his hands, but his expression was very nervous.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." The pilgrim knelt on the ground, his voice trembling.

"Excuse me, what is that in your hand?" I asked.

"Your Majesty, this is a message that a kind-hearted person who wishes to remain anonymous has asked me to pass on to your Majesty. He said it is a matter of great importance, so please be sure to open it yourself," the pilgrim said, holding the wooden box high in his hand.

I took the box and opened it. Inside was a letter. There was no signature on the envelope, only the words "Respectfully presented to Your Majesty." I was startled, feeling that this letter was unusual.

Unfolding the letter, he saw a few lines of elegant handwriting: "Your Majesty's promotion of religious reform is a move that benefits the country and the people, but it has unintentionally affected the interests of some individuals. Some are plotting to undermine it. I urge Your Majesty to be vigilant and not trust the slander of villains. Signed: A citizen who cares about Your Majesty."

An anonymous letter?! My hand trembled slightly as I held the letter, a chill running down my spine. Who was behind all this? What was their purpose?