Fang Jun did not answer Li Ji directly, but asked instead: "Do you know why Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty and Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty successively wiped out Buddhism across the country?" Although Li Ji was a famous general in the world, he came from a wealthy family and had been familiar with classics and history since he was a child. With both civil and military skills, he is naturally aware of the two spectacular incidents of extermination of Buddhism in history. However, historians of various generations cannot agree on the origin.
I have an opinion. After thinking about it, he said: "Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty destroyed Buddhism. It is said that monks from Chang'an colluded with the Hu people to rebel. Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty destroyed Buddhism because the order of the three religions was determined at that time, with Confucianism as the first, Taoism as the second, and Buddhism as the second. Live in the back and become a Buddha
The dissatisfaction among the sects led to various sects attacking each other, and the atmosphere was so chaotic that they destroyed Buddhism and simultaneously deposed Taoism and various folk sects." "The words of historians are not necessarily conclusive, and most of them are just the writing style of the Spring and Autumn Period." Fang Jun said about the current discussion of the current situation. Disdainful view of the two events that exterminated Buddhism in history: "Monks who become monks may not necessarily be pure in their six roots, nor may they cut off the mortal world, but they can form their own sect outside the court. How can there be any reason to collude with foreigners and intend to rebel? The main reason is Emperor Taiwu initially praised the gentle and low-key Buddhism to assist his rule, granted land, and exempted him from taxes. As a result, many people with unpurified six roots
These people do all kinds of evil in the name of Buddhist disciples. They don’t pay taxes, and some even avoid military service and become monks in temples. They are no longer pure Buddhist disciples. The society is in turmoil and public order is worrying, so they have to be ruthlessly eradicated." He took a sip of tea and continued: "As for the reason why Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty destroyed Buddhism, it is even simpler. At the beginning of his accession to the throne, the domestic population was in decline, and all industries were in ruins. A large number of people were sheltered in temples, and much of the land was the property of the temples. Civilian labor
The power has been greatly reduced, there is not enough tax revenue to support the country, and even the monks are trying to influence the government because of their interests in connecting with officials in the DPRK... It is natural to destroy the Buddha."
In fact, there are not many behind-the-scenes reasons. Only one reason is enough, and that is profit.
The ministers in the palace were deep in thought. They were all human beings who had spent half their lives in the temple. They were ignorant young men who became passionate after reading a few books. Of course they understood the principle of "profit comes first".
When the national interests conflict with the interests of a certain group, a country with a "violent institution" army will definitely eradicate the group without hesitation and take back all its interests through violent means. Fang Jun turned to Li Chengqian and advised: "Buddhism was prosperous in the prosperous times, as it is in the past and present. It is conceivable that Buddhism will develop explosively in the future for a long time. Because of the favorable conditions of paying little or no taxes, the number of monks will inevitably increase sharply. Countless lands will follow these The monks' alms and other methods became the tax-reduced or even tax-free temple property owned by the temple. At that time, the temple was like a blood-sucking insect attached to the body of the Tang Dynasty.
The above-mentioned people are unscrupulous and endless sucking blood. When this group that does not engage in production gradually grows, it will inevitably connect the whole court with interests and become a stubborn problem in the development of the empire."
Since we can foresee the predicament in the future, why not take advantage of the current conflict between Buddhism and Taoism to cut off the danger at its root? Li Chengqian was obviously moved. As an emperor, he had no good impression of any group in the empire that could not create wealth. , but he also knew that this matter was of great significance and had far-reaching consequences, and he could not make a hasty decision. He mused: "But if it is
If both Buddhism and Taoism are unwilling to submit, what should we do?"
Fang Jun looked slightly confused: "Isn't your Majesty already doing it?"
Li Chengqian was stunned: "..."
What did I do? "The prestige of Buddhism has greatly increased since Xuanzang retrieved the scriptures from Tianzhu, and Taoism has been in a backward and passive position. Your Majesty's move to build several Taoist temples in Chang'an City has just enhanced the prestige of Taoism, allowing both parties to reach a subtle agreement in a short period of time.
Balance, this is a stroke of genius, so that neither side dares to neglect and slack off and must go all out. At this time, everyone must be wary of the power of the court. No matter how uncomfortable the court's request is, they must accept it, otherwise they will face
The other side has an absolute advantage in supporting the imperial court." Li Chengqian was a little bit drunk. Is what he did really so clever? He just made the move after the Taoist sect entered the palace and begged. After all, compared to the Buddhist sect, the Li family and the
Taoism is closer, facing Taoism's entreaties
Can't escape.
But they didn't know that there was such a subtle influence... The other ministers looked at their noses and their noses, and they were extremely disdainful of Fang Jun's flattering words and deeds. However, seeing that his majesty was very useful, naturally it was not easy to expose them in person.
, I can’t be as shameless as Fang Jun
It's shameless, but it can't disturb His Majesty's mood.
There are sycophants in the court. It is a pity that the selfless Wei Zheng has passed away. I used to hate that old man for being unkind and straightforward, but now I miss him so much...
"Ahem, I really didn't think about it that much. I just couldn't stand the pleadings of many Taoist priests and had no choice but to do it. It's really unexpected that it has such unintentional benefits."
Li Chengqian's face was a little red. Although he was drunk in his heart, he still had a simple character and could not take credit for his unexpected achievements.
"How can everything in this world be expected? It is His Majesty's unintentional but ultimately in line with the general trend of measures that prove that Your Majesty is worthy of being the Son of Heaven and the most blessed person in the world."
Fang Jun was sincere and precise in his words, and he did not feel at all that he had been regarded as a "sycophant" by the ministers in the palace. Li Chengqian accepted these words calmly, and this is also the case. Those who have achieved great achievements throughout the ages are indeed talented and strategic.
But in the final analysis, people decide what to do and what to do depends on God. Apart from your own efforts, will God bless you?
It is also the most important reason.
Liu Ji couldn't stand listening anymore. Most of the "sycophants" throughout the ages were civil servants, but now he, a civil servant, felt greasy and disgusted by Fang Jun's flattery... "The Duke of Yue did not know that the current situation is that the prosperity of Buddhism is far greater than that of Fang Jun."
In Taoism, this is not only reflected in the reputation of both parties, but also in the number of believers of each other. Monks who have Buddhist certificates and have been confirmed by the court
The number of people far exceeds that of Taoism. If taxes are increased based on renting and modulation, the scale of taxes that Buddhism needs to pay will be dozens or hundreds of times that of Taoism, and Buddhism will definitely refuse."
Buddhism's strategy is to "teach without discrimination". It recruits as many people as possible to increase the scale and influence as quickly as possible. There is almost no screening for monks. Regardless of whether they are voluntary or forced, all comers are not rejected. Taoism is based on the "elite" approach.
"Route", the strategy is completely different. The mountain gate of Taoism is not something you can enter if you want. Whether in the mountains or in the city, almost only the upper class of society will join. This leads to the Taoist
Although the country has a higher level of voice, it is at an absolute disadvantage in terms of sheer quantity. The rent modulation currently implemented in the Tang Dynasty is a mixed tax system, in which "rent" refers to the land tax collected, and "yong" and "yong"
In essence, "Tiao" collects taxes and allocates corvees based on head count. In this way,
Buddhism will suffer a great loss. The principle of raising taxes on the two sects of Buddhism and Taoism is that the losses suffered by both parties are roughly equal. Therefore, neither party is willing to cause the other party to receive preferential treatment from the court because of their own refusal and resistance. However, if one party suffers more losses than the other,
big
, the scale of the tax increase is disproportionate, how can we agree?
It will inevitably cause earth-shaking. Fang Jun is confident about this: "From ancient times to the present, the tax system has been changing. There has never been a perfect system. We can only weigh a more appropriate one as the social situation changes.
System.Mediocrity in the Empire
In the early days, it was a very suitable tax system, but now with the gradual annexation of land, the rapid development of commerce, and the explosive growth of population, it is conceivable that various disadvantages will inevitably appear in the near future." Ma Zhou nodded in agreement: "Others
Not to mention, the "renting" alone has shown its drawbacks. Taking Jingzhao Prefecture as an example, the "equal land system" has almost ceased to exist in name only. Most of the registered residents no longer have recorded land. This part naturally becomes
It is a huge burden for those people. The land has been annexed and there is no output. How can they pay taxes? This is still the best place under the emperor's feet. In remote areas such as Jiangnan and even Lingnan, I am afraid of this kind of situation.
The situation is more serious." Mergers can be contained, but cannot be eliminated. The difference is only in the speed. As time goes by, the final result will definitely be that people have no permanent land, no permanent property, countless people are displaced, and then there is no
live
The people on the road rose up, and the world was full of wars. It might be two hundred years, or it might be three hundred years. This is the life span of the dynasty.
Fang Jun said: "In this case, we, who are high up in the temple, can't just sit down and eat. We must always try to find a solution to the problem."
Liu Jie asked: "Will the plan be solved?" "Why not try to change the basis of taxation from head to land? People may survive or lose, they may be poor or rich, but the land will always be there and will always produce. People who have land will rely on it.
If taxes are paid on output and those who lose their land do not need to bear taxes, wouldn't it be possible to balance wealth to a certain extent and avoid the danger of the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer? This move is of great importance and cannot be implemented rashly across the world. Why not take advantage of the opportunity?
Is this opportunity to be tried out by the two sects of Buddhism and Taoism? The imperial court can send people to monitor and manage with all its strength, and make adjustments at any time according to the current situation. If the harm outweighs the benefits, it will stop here. When the two sects of Buddhism and Taoism are fighting, they will not be able to cause too much trouble.
If there is a big storm and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, then you can choose some of the ways in the world.
The state capital expands the scope of the trial until it is adopted nationwide."
After hearing this, there was silence in Wude Hall, and you could hear a needle drop.
Liu Ji's head was buzzing, his throat was dry, his whole body was shaking, cold sweat was oozing uncontrollably, and he could no longer hear any sound in his ears.
Damn! This stick is finally revealed!
Before, he felt that "measuring the world's acres of land" was too weird, saying that it was for the purpose of drawing a map of the world. It turned out that this guy was planning to reform the tax system and collect taxes based on the amount of land!
Have you taken the courage of a bear and a leopard? Or do you really think that after two failed mutinies, all the aristocratic families in the world have become little sheep at the mercy of the slaughter?!