Chapter 164 is just a performance, the world is in an uproar, and the Journey to the West is rewritten. The chaos of the three religions is already done!
In the main hall of Yuxi Palace.
Prince Yu and Prince Jing sat on both sides of the throne, while Yan Song still sat on his own small stool.
Below, the Cabinet and the Imperial Household Department were on both sides, and the large table in the middle had been moved away, with ministers standing in the middle. In the middle of the hall, three figures stood.
These three people are naturally the protagonists of today.
The national teacher Qingfeng, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Inspectorate Zhang Shenxing and the Buddhist genius, Master Chanshuang.
Questions?! After hearing the three questions that Lu Fang read out, everyone was stunned. No one had expected that today's dispute between the three religions would be a proposition.
Confucianism disrupts the law with its literature, Taoism disrupts politics with its practice of cultivating immortals, and Buddhism hinders punishment with its compassion. These three points can be said to be a denigration of all three religions. Could it be that the emperor is dissatisfied with all three religions?
For a moment, everyone in the hall couldn't help but start to have wild thoughts.
Yan Song placed his hands silently by the stove, warming himself by the fire, with his brows lowered and his eyes downcast, seemingly unconcerned.
Xu Jie was calm and composed, while Zhang Juzheng and others frowned and thought silently, trying to guess the emperor's intention in suddenly giving three questions. At the same time, they secretly used Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism to solve the questions.
This time, although they were watching discussions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, since there was a topic to write about, all the talented people in the court were naturally eager to try, especially a top student like Zhang Juzheng, who could not help himself.
For a moment, the Yuxi Palace was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, and everyone was thinking quietly.
Qingfeng was wearing a navy blue Taoist robe, but the material of the clothes was no longer the coarse linen cloth he had worn before.
In the 40th year of Jiajing's reign, she entered the palace at the age of 16. Now, seven years have passed and she is already 23 years old. Both her figure and temperament have changed greatly compared to before.
If her temperament before was that of a simple, pure, and ignorant girl, then at this moment she had the faint aura of a superior, mixed with an ethereal temperament.
It made her look majestic and ethereal.
Well, the word "sage-like" has never been used to describe a young woman, but at this moment, the moment they saw her, this word burst out involuntarily in everyone's mind.
Wearing a Taoist robe that is elegant and yet luxurious, and a white whisk draped lightly on her arm, she has a strong aura. She is the imperial master of the Ming Dynasty!
"Hehe, our national master is not bad! Fortunately, I was smart and made preparations in advance, otherwise I would have been outdone by this foreign monk." Huang Jin looked at Qingfeng, who had the most aura in the hall, with his chin slightly raised, feeling very proud.
That’s right, Qingfeng was like this because he was the one who arranged it.
Originally, Qingfeng was a person who went with the flow, and after becoming an immortal, she became even more carefree. If Huang Jin hadn't complained about everything, she definitely wouldn't have dressed like this.
Qingfeng didn't have any special thoughts about her two "opponents" today. As for the temperament of Chanshuang that only a Buddhist monk could have, she said she had no feeling at all.
"National Master, Imperial Censor Zhang, and Master Chanshuang," Lv Fang smiled and said, "Let's begin."
As Lu Fang finished speaking, Yan Song also moved his body, and while warming himself by the fire, he looked at the three people.
"Then let me start first!" Zhang Shenxing looked at the two women in front of him, took a step forward, and acted as if he was taking on the responsibility.
He had spent the entire night preparing for today's discussion, and he was confident that what he had learned was enough to deal with the two young ladies.
Furthermore, nearly a thousand years ago, during the four battles between Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in the Southern Dynasties, although no one was able to determine the winner, people familiar with that period of history know that Confucianism had the last laugh.
A thousand years later, the fifth battle among the three religions will still end with the victory of Confucianism.
However, what surprised him was that the emperor actually gave three propositions that were not very friendly to the three families.
From these three questions, he has seen that today's dispute will not end so easily, and these three questions may just be an introduction.
Seeing this, Chan Shuang clasped his hands together, nodded slightly, and took a step back.
Qingfeng glanced at the old man and stepped back silently.
"Your Highnesses," Zhang Shenxing first bowed to Prince Yu and Prince Jing above him, then bowed to everyone present and said:
"As we all know, Confucianism is based on the Five Classics of Poetry, Book of History, Rites, Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals, and the Analects of Confucius and Mencius are the classics for teaching."
Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly. Prince Yu and Prince Jing also nodded to show their agreement.
Zhang Shenxing paused for a moment before continuing, "The Master said: 'Govern people with laws and discipline, and they will avoid punishment but have no sense of shame; govern people with virtue and discipline, and they will have a sense of shame and be upright.'"
"This illustrates the principle of giving equal importance to morality and law." As he spoke, Zhang Shenxing looked around at everyone, his eyes more serious than ever before.
The group of officials who came to support him today nodded and whispered to boost Zhang Shenxing's morale.
Behind the crowd, Li Zhiyuan also nodded secretly.
After all, they all studied Confucian classics and paid homage to the great sage when they entered school, so they naturally agreed with these principles.
"The Confucianism of 'culture' is to educate people's hearts, so that they know shame and observe etiquette, so as to achieve the effect of both internal and external cultivation." Zhang Shenxing said, his words were straightforward and he directly refuted:
"Confucianism is not a disruption of the law, but a foundation for strengthening the law!"
"The Great Learning also says: 'Everything has its root and its branches, every matter has its end and its beginning. If you know what comes first and what comes later, you are close to the truth. Confucianism advocates self-cultivation, family management, governance of the country and peace in the world, starting from the inside out and advancing step by step.'"
"Only by correcting oneself first can one correct others and ultimately achieve national order. This is not a way to disrupt the law, but a way to strengthen the foundation and nourish the roots."
"Well said!" Some officials couldn't help but cheer.
Even Zhang Juzheng and others nodded slightly, saying that this self-evidence was clear and concise, with quotations from classics, and was very well said.
Yan Shifan was in the crowd, watching coldly at the group of officials who were impeaching him and Zhang Shenxing, who had a strong aura. There was a coldness in his eyes, as if he was looking at a group of ants.
They are destined to be just a group of "actors".
Everyone in the Cabinet and the Imperial Household Department understood that the dispute among the three religions today was never the focus. No one in this group would care about winning or losing, because the biggest banker at this gambling table was the imperial court!
For them, for everyone in the cabinet, and for the emperor, today was just a fun day.
"What a pity," Gao Gong sighed secretly as he looked at the excited faces of Zhang Shenxing and other censors, "No one cares about winning or losing at the gambling table, so no one is a winner."
"The weird thing is, you're on the wrong side."
"A bunch of poor people living under the old dynasty system," Zhao Zhenji shook his head slightly, "It's just something flashy and useless."
"National Master, Zen Master, please come in." After Zhang Shenxing finished speaking, he put one hand behind his back and made a gesture of invitation with the other hand. His back was straight, and his whole body exuded the pride of a civil servant.
"Amitabha," Chan Shuang chanted the Buddha's name, looked at Qing Feng, blinked his bright and compassionate eyes, and said in a soft voice, "Master, please..."
Looking at the Buddhist in front of him who humbly gestured to invite him first, Qingfeng blinked his pure eyes, and without being polite, nodded slightly, took a step forward, looked at Prince Yu and Prince Jing, and nodded.
Prince Yu and Prince Jing also nodded and smiled immediately.
Qingfeng is not only a national teacher favored by the emperor, but she is also a cultivator in the early stage of Qi training. She has the same status as them, so naturally she should be given due respect.
"The Master said: The ancients knew a certain limit." Qing Feng opened his mouth and said softly, "What limit? Some people believe that there was nothing before. That is the limit, the end, and nothing can be added to it..."
Qingfeng knew the fundamental reason for today's discussion, and he also knew that there was no winner among the three religions today, they were all just swords under the imperial power.
Her way of cultivation is to follow nature. What is nature? Heavenly Dao! Heavenly Dao is the emperor, so she naturally obeys and cooperates. Isn't it just a discussion of Dao? Then let's discuss it. She is also good at studying Dao!
Thinking of this, Qingfeng did not slow down and continued: "This means that the Taoist cultivation of immortality is not about leaving the world. It is about cultivating oneself and managing the family, and then governing the country and bringing peace to the world."
Hearing Qingfeng talk about governing the country and pacifying the world, Zhang Shenxing and others snorted, quite dissatisfied with the remarks, but did not interrupt him. In the pre-Qin period, there were hundreds of schools of thought, each with their own ideas on governing the country.
The Taoist philosophy of governing by doing nothing is also a philosophy of governing a country. It is not wrong to say that it is for the purpose of self-cultivation, family management, governing the country and pacifying the world.
Qingfeng ignored everyone and continued speaking.
"Tao Te Ching says: When laws and regulations are enforced, thieves and robbers will proliferate."
"This does not mean that laws should be abandoned completely, but it emphasizes that governance should follow the way of nature, simplify administration and delegate power. If the monarch can govern the world with a non-action mentality, then the people will be able to live in peace, without the need for complicated laws, and the world will be in great order..."
“Therefore, the Taoist concept of ‘cultivating the immortal’ refers to cultivating the body and improving one’s inner spiritual realm, rather than interfering with political affairs.”
Well, there is something Qingfeng didn’t say. Now she is really practicing immortality. Before that, she never believed that there were immortals in the world.
After saying this, Qingfeng took a step back and said no more. She had finished her defense of the point she wanted to make.
"As expected of you, the Imperial Master!"
Huang Jin looked at his own imperial teacher, who was also able to quote from classics and speak with reason and evidence, and nodded secretly.
Listening to Huang Jin's mumbling behind him, Chen Hong glanced back and snorted coldly, with a look of disdain on his face.
He even sneered at what Qingfeng said.
Simplify administration and delegate power? Govern the world with a non-action mentality? Let the people live in peace without complicated laws and regulations, and the world will be in order?
Haha, are you kidding me? Expect those low-level people to realize themselves? Wait a few hundred years, maybe they will realize themselves by then!
There were many people who shared the same idea as Chen Hong. Everyone in the cabinet, including Zhang Shenxing, shook their heads.
It makes sense that Taoism has been abandoned by successive dynasties.
In other words, today's three questions are for self-defense discussions, which can be regarded as the opening of the discussion. If it is really a discussion on politics, this national teacher should be kicked out!
After Zhang Shenxing finished speaking to Qingfeng, everyone's eyes were on Chanshuang, waiting for her to defend herself.
"Amitabha," Chan Shuang chanted the Buddha's name softly, and then said, "Our Buddha is compassionate and aims to save all living beings and free them from the sea of suffering. The Diamond Sutra says: All phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning, so we should view them in this way."
"The Buddha's compassion does not hinder punishment," Chan Shuang also denied the previous sentence "The Buddha's compassion hinders punishment" and continued, "The Buddha hopes that through teaching, sentient beings will understand the principle of cause and effect, so that they will voluntarily abide by the law and reduce crimes."
Karma and reincarnation? Hearing this, Qingfeng shook her head slightly. What she disliked most was the so-called reincarnation and fate.
Zhang Juzheng and others looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.
Through fear, people are convinced of retribution in the afterlife, so that they are compassionate in this life? Although compared with the naive Taoist non-action governance, this is a more substantial measure, but it is not a good strategy.
After all, it's just about expecting people to exercise self-discipline.
Yan Shifan shook his head at this. He did not believe in the afterlife. He only looked at the present. The present self was himself, but the next life self would not be himself. What was the use?
No matter how good the afterlife is, what’s the point of suffering now?
Chan Shuang pursed her lips and continued to speak softly, "The Avatamsaka Sutra also says: All Buddhas appear in the world for a great cause, which is to enlighten sentient beings and lead them to the knowledge and insight of Buddha."
"The Buddha uses wisdom and compassion to guide people, so that they can realize the principle of cause and effect of good and evil, and thus consciously pursue good and avoid evil." As he said this, Chan Shuang put his hands together, chanted the Buddha's name softly, and said:
"This is not to hinder the execution of the law, but to express compassion in the hope that sentient beings can stay away from evil and return to the right path. It does not hinder the implementation of the law."
At this point, the three religions have completed their self-defense on the three issues of "Confucianism's use of literature to disrupt the law", "Taoism's use of cultivation to disrupt politics", and "Buddhism's use of compassion to hinder punishment".
"Ding!" At this moment, the sound of a bronze chime came from the side hall, and everyone fell silent.
Seeing this, Lu Fang took a step forward and said, "This discussion has officially begun!" He paused and looked at Qingfeng, Zhang Shenxing and Chanshuang, and said in a gentle voice, "I have finished my defense!"
"Next, the three religions will discuss the three questions we just asked."
Hearing this, everyone's eyes showed a hint of understanding. They were not surprised at all. They had known for a long time that since it was a discussion of Taoism, it would not be such a simple question of self-defense.
Next, it will be the time for the triangle of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism to truly compete for victory.
Zhang Shenxing took a deep breath and clenched his fists in his wide sleeves. Although he did not take the two young women in front of him seriously, it did not mean that he would take it lightly.
He naturally understood that a lion uses all its strength to fight a rabbit.
Moreover, his goal this time was to suppress Buddhism and Taoism by his own strength and step on the two religions to gain power.
In addition, he sent a letter to the Kong family by falcon yesterday. Soon the Kong family will create momentum and use the righteousness of the world to make the court stop, and let the emperor understand that the foundation of Confucianism cannot be shaken!
Thinking of this, Zhang Shenxing took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said: "Just now, Master Chanshuang said that there is karma?" Zhang Shenxing took the lead in attacking Chanshuang, who seemed to be outnumbered.
He knew which was more important. Although he understood that if he wanted to prove the reputation of Confucianism, it would be better to step on Master Qingfeng, he knew that he was outnumbered, and Buddhism and Taoism were both swords in Yan Song's hands. Once he made a move, he had to win with one strike and defeat them one by one.
Therefore, we should first use Buddhism to celebrate the rise of Confucianism!
Seeing Zhang Shenxing coming towards him, Chanshuang clasped his hands together and whispered a Buddhist name to indicate that he had indeed said it.
"When a person dies, his spirit does not die, and he will be reborn. The good and evil deeds done in life will all have retribution. Therefore, it is important to do good and cultivate the Tao, so as to refine the spirit without stopping, and finally achieve inaction, and then become a Buddha." After saying this, Zhang Shenxing looked at Chan Shuang and said, "I don't know, is what I said right?"
"What Censor Zhang said is exactly right." Chan Shuang nodded in agreement.
“Oh,” Zhang Shenxing chuckled and said, “This is what the Book of the Later Han said. I am just borrowing it.”
All the censors laughed when they heard this. In their opinion, Censor Zhang had begun to gain the upper hand.
However, Chan Shuang always looked calm, neither sad nor happy, and her bright and lively eyes were always filled with compassion.
"But in my opinion, this view is a fallacy!" Zhang Shenxing's tone became sharp. "The ancient sage said, 'If you don't know life, how can you know death?' And to make people suffer in their body and soul during their life and then seek happiness in the underworld is just a narrow view."
When these words are spoken, it is directly pointing out that the Buddhist doctrine is narrow-minded.
Even though Chan Shuang's brows were calm and compassionate, he couldn't help but frown slightly at this moment. These words were indeed too heavy.
This is equivalent to directly denying the teachings of Buddhism!
However, Zhang Shenxing hadn't finished speaking yet, so she didn't interrupt him and could only listen quietly.
"National Master?" Zhang Shenxing took in Chan Shuang's expression, then turned to look at Qing Feng and said:
"Taoism advocates that life and nature should follow nature, is that right?"
After saying this, without waiting for Qingfeng to answer, he turned to Chanshuang and said, "Taoism advocates that people rely on the nature given by heaven and earth to survive and grow by adhering to the five elements."
"People's life spans vary, so some live long and some die young. People's temperaments vary, from fine to coarse, so there are differences between wise and foolish people."
"These are natural rules, facts that cannot be changed, not caused by good or evil deeds."
“Good people are good not because they have a good fate from the beginning, but because they do good deeds, so they are good people.”
“Evil people are evil not because they have no evil tendencies, but because they grow up doing evil and thus fall into evil.”
“So, whether it is success or failure in circumstances, good or evil in behavior, intelligence or stupidity, longevity or short life, these are predetermined by fate.”
After saying that, Zhang Shenxing approached step by step, looked at Chan Shuang, and said, "Master, do you agree with this?"
Looking at Zhang Shenxing, who directly suppressed Chan Shuang with his aura, Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong and Zhao Zhenji looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.
Zhang Shenxing was able to become the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Inspectorate because he had previously firmly stood on the side of the Yan Party and was the pioneer of the Yan Party in the Inspectorate. He was not an incompetent person, and this was the first time they had seen such a person.
There is a reason why Zhang Shenxing was favored by the Yan Party!
These words, directly based on the Confucian standpoint, use the Taoist view of life and nature to negate the Buddhist view of cause and effect.
It can be said that it is directly linked to Confucianism and Taoism, and at the same time attacks the Buddhist doctrine, attacking from all sides. How can it be argued?
However, Zhang Shenxing did not intend to let it go. He had to completely defeat Chan Shuang before he could turn his attention to Qingfeng.
"I'm sorry, little girl. I have no choice but to do this for the sake of the Confucianism of the world!" After apologizing to Chan Shuang in his heart, Zhang Shenxing's eyes flashed and he said:
"The Buddha said that killing brings bad consequences, while doing good brings blessings."
“Cows and sheep eat grass, not living animals, that is, ‘not killing’, but in the end they still cannot avoid being slaughtered by the chef.”
"Swallows seek food and will only eat flying insects, yet they are loved by people. Let them build their nests on the roof beams and live there." Zhang Shenxing sneered and said, "May I ask, what is the retribution?"
When asked this by Zhang Shenxing, Chan Shuang opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know how to refute.
"So!" Zhang Shenxing stared at Chan Shuang and said coldly, "All living things are often like this. It is known that those who kill will not be punished badly, and those who do good will not be rewarded with good things. The theory of cause and effect is a fallacy!"
After saying this, Chan Shuang's eyes widened slightly, staring at the old man in front of him with white hair and beard, solemn expression and cold words. Finally, he took a deep breath, gently closed his eyes, put his hands together, and chanted:
"Amitabha……"
Seeing this, Zhang Shenxing felt a little relieved. It was unexpected that the woman did not throw a tantrum.
At this point, the dispute between Confucianism and Buddhism ended with Confucianism winning!
Seeing this, the imperial censors, led by Zhang Shenxing, all smiled and whispered. Chen Hong and others from the Imperial Household Department watched silently. Whether it was Confucianism, Taoism or Buddhism, it had nothing to do with them.
Everyone in the cabinet watched coldly the whole time. Zhang Juzheng and others did not consider anything else. They just listened to the discussion and thought about it.
Hu Zongxian and Wang Chonggu looked at each other and saw the strange meaning in each other's eyes.
Of the two, Hu Zongxian was Yan Song's student, and Wang Chonggu was Prince Yu's confidant, so they naturally understood these inside stories.
In their view, there is no winner among the three schools of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism today, they are all just pawns. The sad thing is that some pawns are happy because of their victory, as if they see the dawn of victory.
Yu Dayou was different. He came from a poor family and had little experience as an official. When he listened to these scholars' discussions, he just found them fascinating.
As for Yan Shifan, he looked at Zhang Shenxing, who had betrayed the Yan family, with eyes as cold as a knife, as if he was looking at a clown who was unaware of his own death, with a mocking and sarcastic expression.
Win? Little did they know that they were just actors on the stage, and today's performance was just a tool in the hands of my Yan family.
"National Master." After defeating Buddhism in one fell swoop, Zhang Shenxing decided to strike while the iron was hot and attack Qingfeng, but he bowed first.
Looking at Zhang Shenxing, Qingfeng nodded slightly, glanced at the Silijian who were watching coldly, then looked at the cabinet with an indifferent expression, and finally looked at the censor who regarded him as an enemy.
Suddenly, Qingfeng felt so boring and uninteresting.
But she knew that the emperor wanted to watch the show, and the Yan family's reform required this show to go on, so she had no choice but to go on with it.
"It's so hard to be an official." Qingfeng sighed softly in his heart and tried hard to maintain his demeanor as a national teacher.
Well, this is what Huang Jin said. What she represents today is the dignity and demeanor of the Ming Dynasty. There is no other way. It can only be like this.
"Imperial Censor Zhang, please come in." Qingfeng raised his hand, gracefully and elegantly, with the demeanor of a national teacher.
"If I remember correctly, what the National Master said before was all from the classics of Laozi and Zhuangzi, is that right?" Zhang Shenxing said.
"Not bad." Qingfeng nodded slightly.
"Well," Zhang Shenxing nodded and began to pace. "Zhu Zi once said in Zhu Zi Yu Lei: The Taoists have the books of Laozi and Zhuangzi, but they don't know how to read them. They are all stolen by Buddhists and imitate the Buddhist scriptures. It's like a son of a wealthy family, all his treasures are stolen, but he has to pick up other people's broken pots and cauldrons, huh..."
As he spoke, Zhang Shenxing chuckled, looked at his supporters behind him, and said, "Your subordinate, I agree with you!"
Upon hearing this, a group of imperial censors in the hall chuckled, mocking the Taoists for throwing away the watermelons to pick up sesame seeds, and even secretly mocking the Taoists for their stupidity.
However, Qingfeng did not say anything after hearing this. Zhu Xi? To her, he was just a man from the mountain.
The disputes among the people down there are nothing but fame and gain. The disputes between Buddhism and Taoism have existed for a long time, so why is he talking about cause and effect? He is just trying to attract attention.
That’s right, this is Qingfeng’s opinion on Zhu Xi’s theories on Buddhism and Taoism, which can be described in four words: sensationalism.
Well, the most important thing is that she really doesn't have the time to argue with Zhang Shenxing. Since Buddhism has been defeated and Buddhism and Taoism have become swords, the winner has been decided in the first round, so let Confucianism become the target of public criticism.
Today, the dispute between the three religions will inevitably spread in the court, and quickly spread throughout the Ming Dynasty. By then, who among Buddhism and Taoism will let Confucianism go? How could Confucianism retreat?
After all, in the court, Zhang Shenxing defeated Buddhism and Taoism alone. If Confucianism retreated, wouldn’t it be a slap in the face of itself?
So, today's results are out, and have achieved what Lord Yan and the Emperor wanted.
Qingfeng naturally saw this point. She was simple, not stupid.
After seeing through today's drama, Qingfeng just felt that the people down the mountain were really boring, so it would be better for them to practice.
Seeing Qingfeng didn't say anything, Zhang Shenxing thought she was just pretending to be calm, and then continued: "Zhu Zi once said: When Buddhism first came to China, most of them stole Laozi's ideas to write scriptures, such as talking about emptiness."
"Later, when the Taoists wrote the Scripture of Purity and Tranquility, they also stole Buddhist words, but they did not do it well. In the Buddhist scriptures, when it comes to 'color is emptiness', they put color, feeling, thought, action and consciousness against the word 'emptiness', so they said 'emptiness is color. Feeling, thought, action and consciousness are also like this', which means it is emptiness."
"But the Pure Land Sutra stole the meaning of this sentence and said 'nothing is nothing', and only stole 'form is emptiness'."
"But I have never understood his meaning of 'feeling, thinking, action and consciousness are also like this'. It makes no sense at all."
"Buddhism stole the good things from Laozi, but later on Taoism stole only the bad things from Buddhism. For example, Taoism had a treasure, but it was stolen by Buddhism. Later on, Taoism only got the rubble from Buddhism. How ridiculous."
After saying this, Zhang Shenxing paused, then shook his head and laughed, saying: "However, in my opinion, Zhu Zi's remarks are quite tolerant... It's just two thieves stealing from each other."
When these words were spoken, Zhang Juzheng and others frowned, but did not say anything. They all realized that Zhang Shenxing did it on purpose to anger Qingfeng.
When Qingfeng heard Zhang Shenxing say that Lao Zhuang was a thief, no matter how much he didn't care, he couldn't let others say that about Taoism. His face suddenly turned cold.
Inside his sleeves, his little fists were clenched tightly, and spiritual energy was faintly swirling. The fluctuations of spiritual energy startled several cultivators present.
Well, I wasn’t surprised by the fluctuation of Qingfeng’s spiritual energy, but I was surprised that Qingfeng was going to take action.
"Zhang Yushi," Yan Song suddenly spoke slowly at this moment, "When did the saint ever say that Buddhism and Taoism are thieves?"
Yan Song suddenly spoke, asking for silence in the hall.
When Zhang Shenxing saw Yan Song speak, he also restrained the smile on his face. He felt a little nervous and did not dare to look Yan Song in the eye.
Even though he betrayed the Yan family and was extremely brave when he made his death appeal outside the Western Garden, when he really faced Yan Song, he felt an inexplicable fear in his body, almost instinctively.
"It is inevitable and necessary to discuss the Dao and quote scriptures, but please do not distort the words of the saints and damage their reputation. After all, you represent Confucianism today."
"If some inappropriate words are spread out, others will only say that the saint is narrow-minded and talks about others' shortcomings behind their backs, acting like a gossipy woman. Wouldn't the master's reputation after his death be tarnished because of you?"
Yan Song spoke slowly, but everyone in the hall was silent, not even a sound was made.
This time, the tyranny and strength of the cabinet chief were once again demonstrated.
"I understand." Zhang Shenxing could only say sullenly.
"Go on." Yan Song nodded, then slowly sat down, lowered his head, and stretched out his hand to warm the fire.
After Yan Song's interruption, Qingfeng also retracted his spiritual energy. He knew that when he used his spiritual energy just now, Yan Ge Lao and others had noticed it, and they also understood that he had been impulsive just now.
However, she really wanted to take action, otherwise her thoughts would not be clear. They practiced Taoism to make their thoughts clear.
Moreover, with the means of immortal cultivators, a stream of spiritual energy is enough to make the person in front of him suffer without knowing it!
Looking at Zhang Shenxing and then at the people present, Qingfeng felt more and more impatient and bored.
"So, I think that a person who can't even understand his own doctrine and wants to plagiarize others' doctrine, how can he talk about governing the country? Isn't it just like playing with that child?"
Hearing this, everyone knew that this was saying that the origin of Taoist teachings was problematic, and using other people's teachings to govern the country was like nonsense.
After saying that the origin of Taoist doctrines was questionable and denying Qingfeng’s previous self-defense, Zhang Shenxing continued:
"In addition, the Tao Te Ching says: When laws and regulations are promulgated, thieves and robbers will be numerous. Although this statement makes sense, if we just let it go without any control, I am afraid that the world will be in chaos."
"Confucianism advocates 'governing people with virtue and regulating people with propriety', which is used to regulate people's hearts and make the people in order. These are not comparable to the Taoist rule of inaction."
"In the Book of Rites, it is said that ritual is used to determine closeness and distance, resolve suspicion, distinguish similarities and differences, and clarify right and wrong. The ritual of Confucianism is not only to regulate behavior, but also to guide people's hearts to be good."
"To give equal weight to both propriety and law, and to give equal weight to morality and law, is the foundation of Confucian governance. Without propriety and law, the people will have nothing to follow, and the world will be in chaos."
“Thus, although the Taoist principle of non-action can simplify government orders, if there is no regulation of morality and law, the world will inevitably fall into disorder.”
This is a criticism and negation of the Taoist philosophy of governing by doing nothing.
Today's discussion on Taoism starts from Qingfeng's self-defense that "Taoism disturbs politics by cultivating immortals", and he proposed the Taoist policy of inaction, explaining "cultivating immortals" and "disturbing politics", so Zhang Shenxing pursued his attack relentlessly on this basis.
"The Taoist saying 'rule by inaction' does not mean to completely abandon the law, but emphasizes following the way of nature, streamlining administration and delegating power, so that the people can self-regulate and spontaneously form a good order. However..." At this point, Zhang Shenxing paused and said:
"I think that without clear laws, the people will become lazy and society will be difficult to maintain stability."
"There is also the saying in The Analects of Confucius: Duke Ling of Wei: 'Govern the people with laws and punishments, and they will escape punishment but will have no sense of shame. Govern the people with virtue and rites, and they will have a sense of shame and will be able to behave themselves properly.'"
"This statement precisely illustrates that Confucianism places equal emphasis on moral governance and legal governance, rather than relying solely on the power of nature!"
After denying Taoism's advocacy of natural inaction, Zhang Shenxing did not stop and continued to refute it.
"Taoism advocates simplifying government orders to make people simple and honest. However, I think that without specific government orders, people's hearts will be easily dispersed and society will be difficult to govern."
"Confucianism advocates self-cultivation, family management, governance of the country and peace in the world, starting from the inside out, advancing step by step. Only by correcting oneself first can one correct others and ultimately achieve national governance."
"The Great Learning says: 'Everything has its root and its branches, every matter has its end and its beginning. If you know what comes first and what comes later, you are close to the truth. The Confucian rituals and laws are based on this. First you should rectify yourself, then your family, and then you can bring peace to the world."
After refuting Qingfeng's previous remarks in three aspects, namely, "ruling by doing nothing", "natural inaction" and "simplifying government orders", Zhang Shenxing looked around at everyone proudly and said:
"Therefore, the Taoist inaction is not as good as the Confucian way!" After saying this, Zhang Shenxing said no more, but the people behind him cheered for him secretly.
But at this moment, before Qingfeng could speak, he heard the buzzing sound of a bronze chime coming from the side hall, Yuxi Palace.
After hearing this, everyone knew that this discussion among the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism had been officially concluded after the emperor's judgment.
This sound of the chimes was considered as the emperor’s personal decision, and Qingfeng lost!
At this time, Zhang Shenxing stood proudly, and the censors behind him, as well as other officials who had impeached and died for their remonstrances, all showed their joy. In this discussion on Taoism, Censor Zhang alone suppressed Buddhism and Taoism!
No matter whether it was the genius of Buddhism or the Taoist Master Qingfeng, they all lost to him!
In this way, once it spreads throughout the world, the people of the entire Ming Dynasty will know that Confucianism is the orthodoxy of the country.
Not only that, the status of Confucianism will also rise to an unprecedented level. In this way, the emperor will not be able to abolish the title of Yansheng Duke of the Kong family, nor can he use other doctrines to abolish Confucianism.
For a moment, Zhang Shenxing felt an unprecedented sense of relief all over his body. He did it!
He alone saved the entire Confucian sect!
Even if he betrayed the Yan family, so what? With today's brilliant achievements, what can the Yan family do to him? Without the Yan Party, he has the entire Confucian sect standing behind him.
However, what he didn't know was that everything today was just a show. Except for himself, no one cared about winning or losing. Jiajing watched it for fun, while Yan Song and others wanted to achieve their goals.
Xu Jie and other upright people just watched from the sidelines.
Your Highnesses did not utter a word the entire time.
Only they themselves were kept in the dark and performed hard on the stage. Now that the performance was over, they were proud of themselves.
"What a wonderful discussion of the three religions!" Lu Fang said with a smile.
Today's goal has been achieved. The opening play before the reform has come to an end and is about to end.
"Let's stop here today, everyone can go back," Lu Fang said, looking at Chan Shuang, "Master Chan Shuang, please stay. The emperor has some questions about Buddhism that he wants to ask you."
When everyone saw that Lu Fang kept Chan Shuang, they didn't say anything and left.
Zhang Shenxing and the others looked at the beautiful young Zen master with unique temperament. They knew that Yan Dang had sent someone into Yuxi Palace, and they were afraid that they had other dirty intentions. They didn't want to think about it and turned away.
Well, they still have to go back and celebrate.
The snow outside the temple gradually increased in weight.
After the three groups of people greeted each other, they quickly rushed into the wind and snow and disappeared.
"Shifan, tell people from all over the country to spread the news that Confucianism defeated Buddhism and Taoism in the court today..." Yan Song said submissively in the wind and snow.
Hearing this, Yan Shifan supported his father Yan Song and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Dad, everything is ready. I will distribute all the 'spiritual falcons' I have when I get back."
"Given the size and flying speed of the Spirit Falcon, the news from today's court will spread throughout the Ming Dynasty in less than three days."
"Okay," Yan Song nodded, looked at the heavy snow, squinted his eyes and said, "The Taoist and Buddhist sects should also be arranged."
"In addition, once Buddhism and Taoism have completely started fighting, and Wu Chengen's Journey to the West is published, he will represent the victorious Confucian school and discredit and vilify Buddhism and Taoism..."
"In this way, the chaos of the three religions can be fully accomplished!"
Hearing his father's arrangement, Yan Shifan nodded and said, "Don't worry, Dad. I have sent someone to pick up Wu Chengen. It won't be long before he enters the capital and becomes a doctor of the Imperial Academy."
"What a blessed snow..." Yan Song raised his head, looked at the sky full of heavy snow, and unconsciously reached out his hand to grab some.
Behind Yan Song and his son, in the heavy snow, Xu Jie and other upright people were also walking together, discussing something.
"Next comes the Rebellion of the Three Religions..." Zhang Juzheng sighed.
"That's good," Gao Gong nodded and said, "After great chaos, there will be great prosperity. Only in this way can the Ming Dynasty complete its reform."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng and Zhao Zhenji both nodded.
"These are just insignificant matters," Xu Jie said slowly, under the gaze of everyone, "The reform was agreed by the emperor, and success is inevitable."
"For us, the most important thing is still the spiritual resources and spiritual land."
"Lord Xu, do you mean Yingzhou Prefecture?" Zhang Juzheng asked.
"Yingzhou Prefecture has completed reclamation in three years, and spiritual seeds can be planted in the spring," Xu Jie said, pausing and looking at Zhang Juzheng, saying, "Except for the land that the court has openly cleared, the rest..."
Some words are just to the point, but the meaning is very clear.
"Don't worry," Zhang Juzheng nodded and said, "We have purchased a lot of strong Kunlun slaves to cultivate spiritual fields that have not been recorded in the account books. No one will know about it."
"Yes," Xu Jie nodded, stopped, looked at the vague figures of the Yan family father and son in the distance through the wind and snow, and said:
"In addition to the land of Yingzhou Prefecture, I always feel that Yan Song has other intentions, but I can't put my finger on it for the time being..."
"It should be related to this reform!" At this time, Zhao Zhenji suddenly spoke.
Hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Zhenji.
"In fact, I can't explain it in detail, but my intuition tells me that Yan Song and his son must have other motives for their reforms, which is nothing more than spiritual resources, but how they plan to get the resources..." Zhao Zhenji shook his head slightly and said, "I can't think of it."
"Reform, spiritual resources?" Xu Jie frowned and thought about it, but he couldn't think of how Yan Song would obtain spiritual resources through reform. After all, the number of spiritual fields is limited now.
Yingzhou Prefecture is the most important source of spiritual resources in the future, before the third and fourth stages begin. As for the inland areas, the Emperor will not grant spiritual fields on a large scale.
The purpose of reform is nothing more than to make the Ming Dynasty more prosperous. He cannot see where spiritual resources can be obtained.
Of course, Xu Jie and others would not have thought that Yan Song was planning to make arrangements in advance, starting from now, for the next ten years, decades, or even hundreds of years.
Just like farming, this process will be long and you must be patient enough to wait until the fruit is ripe.
At that time, the Yan family was a deeply rooted immortal cultivation family that had infiltrated all walks of life and had a complex network of connections!
"Hoohoohoo."
The wind and snow were getting stronger and stronger. Without any idea what was going on, the crowd quickened their pace and left in their sedan chairs.
However, everything that happened in Yuxi Palace today was immediately spread to the entire Ming Dynasty with the capital as the center.
In the struggle between the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, Confucianism finally won a great victory and suppressed Buddhism and Taoism on its own.
As soon as the news came out, the world was in an uproar.
Wu Cheng'en, who was far away in Hubei and served as the Jishan of Jingwang Palace, also began his journey to Beijing under the escort of a team of people.
Not only that, he not only had to hurry on the journey, but also had to rewrite "Journey to the West" according to the custom requirements of Lord Yan.
For example, in the first draft, the implicit dispute between Buddhism and Taoism was written in a more obvious way by him.
He specifically targeted Buddhism and Taoism in his smear campaigns.
Everything is brewing.
Just wait for the conflict among the three religions to unfold throughout the Ming Dynasty, and then a new version of "Journey to the West" will be released. By then, the conflict among the three religions will be completely ignited and reach an unprecedented height.
"..."
At the beginning of the month, double the monthly tickets, everyone, please beg for the monthly tickets, don't let the new January, the data is too ugly~~~
(End of this chapter)
