From cute to empress

Chapter 177 The Dawn of Faith

The crowd's cheers surged like a wave, and I felt an unprecedented sense of relief. On the way back to the palace, the setting sun cast an unusually long shadow on me, illuminating the path to my ideal. I knew this was only the beginning; the real challenge had just begun.

The next morning, the Golden Throne Hall was solemn and dignified, with all civil and military officials gathered. I looked around at everyone, and a steady voice echoed through the hall: "I have summoned you today to discuss a matter of vital importance to the prosperity of our nation: the management of religion."

As soon as I spoke, the ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, and whispers broke out. Having anticipated resistance, I handed the prepared letter to the eunuch beside me, signaling him to circulate it.

"I intend to establish a comprehensive religious education system, selecting talented children from the public, teaching them the teachings of the scriptures, and cultivating religious leaders of both virtue and ability." I said firmly. "At the same time, I intend to establish a specialized agency to manage religious affairs, formulate relevant laws, regulate religious activities, and guide the harmonious coexistence of religion and the state."

"Your Majesty is wise!" The Minister of Revenue was the first to stand up and express support. "Establishing a religious education system will help cultivate talents and educate the people. It will truly benefit the country and the people!"

"I second the motion!" "I second the motion too!" Soon, the echoes of approval echoed throughout the hall. Watching this scene, I felt a surge of emotion. This reform, once met with so much resistance, had finally gained the approval of the court officials.

After leaving the court, I kept Zhen Youcai with me and asked him about the situation on the border. "Everything is fine on the border. The soldiers are in high spirits and are always on guard against foreign invasion," he said in a steady voice, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "In addition, I have actively promoted religious exchange and integration in the border areas, with remarkable results."

"Thank you for your hard work." I nodded with satisfaction. "Stability and unity on the border are of vital importance. You must remain vigilant at all times and never let your guard down."

He looked at me deeply, seemed to want to say something but hesitated, and finally said only: "I obey your order."

I watched him leave, a sudden surge of unease welling up in my heart. Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen, how would they react to my new policy?

Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen soon came to the palace to ask for an audience. I dismissed the attendants and left them alone in the imperial study.

"Your Majesty, we are all aware of your new policies." Master Huineng clasped his hands together, his expression calm. "I have already preached your Majesty's will in the Buddhist temple, emphasizing the Buddhist teachings of 'respecting Heaven and loving people, protecting the country and the people.'"

Taoist Priest Xuanzhen also stroked his beard and said, "I also promote Your Majesty's virtue in the Taoist temple, expounding the Taoist concept of 'ruling by inaction and following the way of heaven,' and teaching my disciples that only when the country is stable and the people live and work in peace and contentment can religion be promoted."

I nodded with satisfaction. The cooperation of these two religious leaders was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for my reform.

"I am deeply gratified by your profound understanding of the great principles you two masters possess." I stood up and walked over to them. "Religion and state are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing and mutually beneficial. I hope that under your leadership, we can usher in a peaceful and prosperous era where religion and state coexist harmoniously."

"Amitabha, the Buddha is merciful and will surely protect Your Majesty and keep our country peaceful and prosperous."

"Blessings and infinite blessings, Heavenly Lord. I, a disciple of the Daoist sect, will faithfully follow your Majesty's orders and contribute to the prosperity of our country."

After seeing off the two masters, I felt relieved. However, I knew that religious reform was not something that could be accomplished overnight, and there was still much stubborn resistance among the people that needed to be overcome.

A few days later, I heard that the ascetic monk who had once fiercely opposed me had volunteered to join the royal temple and become a lecturer. I felt a mixture of emotions when I heard this.

I decided to go to the royal temple myself and meet this ascetic who had changed his mind.

When I entered the monastery and saw him explaining scriptures to a group of young monks, I stopped in my tracks.

"Buddhism teaches us to be compassionate and to save all living beings," he said in a gentle voice, his eyes firm. "And isn't your Majesty's actions a manifestation of Buddhist compassion?"

I stood outside the door, listening to his voice, feeling a surge of emotion. It seemed my efforts hadn't been in vain.

At this moment, a clear voice suddenly rang in my ears: "Your Majesty, why are you here?"

I turned around and saw...

I turned around and saw it was Zhen Youcai! He was dressed in casual clothes, but he looked very heroic. I smiled and greeted him: "Why are you here?"

"I heard that His Majesty would be visiting the Royal Temple today, so I came to take a look." He said, his eyes falling on the ascetic monk who was preaching. "I have seen this master before at the city gate. At that time, he..."

"I know." I interrupted him and signaled him not to mention the past.

Zhen Youcai nodded and turned his gaze to me, his eyes full of admiration: "Your Majesty, you did it. You made those who originally opposed you support you wholeheartedly."

I shook my head and said, "This is not just my achievement. It's the result of the joint efforts of all the people who are willing to believe in me and support me."

At this time, two pilgrims came over. When they saw me, they immediately knelt and saluted: "Your Majesty!"

I motioned for them to stand up and asked kindly, "Are you here to burn incense?"

"Your Majesty," Pilgrim A, a middle-aged woman, said excitedly, "My husband and I are here to fulfill a vow! Thanks to the religious reforms Your Majesty has promoted, my good-for-nothing son has finally turned over a new leaf, no longer indulging in his cult. He's now found a legitimate job and is preparing to start a family!"

Pilgrim B, an honest farmer, followed suit, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty's new policies have made our lives better and better. They have also made us understand more clearly that true faith encourages goodness, not blind obedience!"

I looked at them, feeling gratified. The success of the Reformation not only resolved the immediate crisis, but more importantly, it provided the people with a completely new way of faith, a more rational and positive faith.

Zhen Youcai and I stayed in the temple for a long time. Looking at the prosperous incense and listening to the chanting, I felt unprecedented peace and satisfaction.

When we left the temple, the sun was setting and the golden sunlight fell on us, as if foreshadowing a better future.

"You're talented," I stopped and turned to look at him, a determined light flashing in my eyes, "Let's go back, there are still many things waiting for us to do..."

The setting sun's glow gradually faded behind the mountains, and night fell. The palace was ablaze with lights, the sounds of stringed instruments filled the air, and the sounds of the people bustled. Dressed in my finest attire and crowned with a phoenix, I stepped gracefully onto the raised platform, overlooking the singing and dancing crowds below, a flood of emotion welling up within me.

"Your Majesty is truly radiant today." Zhen Youcai, adorned in military uniform, stood beside me, his face radiant and handsome, raising his glass in a gesture of appreciation. I smiled back and gently clinked glasses with his. The aroma of wine permeated the air, framing the similar joy on our faces.

"All this is thanks to you." I said softly, looking at him sincerely.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is all due to your wisdom and bravery. I am just doing my best to help." Zhen Youcai answered humbly, but the joy in his eyes could not be concealed.

I know that resolving this religious crisis was inseparable from his strategic planning and his heroic efforts. It was he who repeatedly quelled the rebellions of radical sects; it was he who tirelessly navigated the various factions, ultimately facilitating this reconciliation. And as the ruler of a nation, I understand even more clearly how hard-earned this achievement was.

I raised my glass, faced the crowd, and said loudly, "Today, we celebrate this hard-earned peace and prosperity! Let us toast to a brighter tomorrow!"

"Cheers!" Everyone responded in unison, raised their glasses and drank together. The thunderous cheers echoed through the night sky.

Amidst the singing and dancing, my eyes accidentally met Zhen Youcai's. The deep emotion in his eyes, through the noisy crowd, reached my heart. I turned my face away slightly, but a barely perceptible blush spread across my cheeks.

I know that some things have changed without me noticing...

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