Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Chapter 263: Draw the Sword, Destroy the Buddha

Li Chengqian's deep gaze slowly swept over the silent cabinet ministers one by one.

The corners of his mouth rose slightly, outlining a meaningful smile, but he did not choose to express the myriad thoughts in his heart at this time.

At this moment, the flourishing of ideological reform still lacks a ray of spring breeze.

The time is not right, and forced catalysis will only cause the seeds of hope to die in the frozen soil.

"My dear ministers, please withdraw. Today, we are just chatting casually. There is no need to worry about this, and there is no need to take my words to heart."

Li Chengqian's voice was calm and soothing, flowing softly into everyone's ears.

Fang Xuanling was the first to awaken from his deep thoughts. He stood up straight, clasped his hands together respectfully, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, we will take our leave now."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly.

"Go back and have a good rest, and recharge your energy."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The cabinet ministers responded in unison, then saluted in an orderly manner and slowly left the hall.

"Master Qi, please stay for a moment."

Li Chengqian's call made Fang Xuanling, who had already stepped over the threshold of the Liangyi Hall, subconsciously look back and glance at Mr. Qi who was left alone.

Wait until the sound of people's footsteps gradually fades away.

Only Mr. Qi and Zhang Xianhuai were left in the Liangyi Hall.

Li Chengqian sighed slightly

"Grand Master Qi, as you said before, the spring breeze of ideological change has not yet reached its peak."

Mr. Qi nodded solemnly, "Your Majesty, do not worry. Once the grand blueprint for national literacy is fully drawn up, that will be the time for Your Majesty to soar into the sky and realize your grand plans."

"Yeah." Li Chengqian responded softly.

"Your Majesty, you previously instructed me to investigate various matters concerning Buddhism, and now the truth has been revealed."

Zhang Xianhuai paused slightly, his expression showing his indignation.

"As Your Majesty wisely predicted, Buddhism has now degenerated into a den of filth and corruption."

"Just the Huichang Temple, where the evil monk Bian Ji lived, was filled with all sorts of evil deeds that were jaw-dropping and shocking."

"Send it up."

There was even a hint of anger in Li Chengqian's tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhang Xianhuai stepped forward quickly and respectfully handed the Buddhist information to Li Chengqian with both hands.

Li Chengqian took the information, his eyes fixed on the lines of tiny handwriting on the information, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy.

After a long time, the information was handed over to Mr. Qi.

After Mr. Qi finished reading, Li Chengqian slowly opened his mouth and said, "Grand Master Qi, in your opinion, this is a heaven-sent opportunity for me to cleanse the Buddhist sect."

Mr. Qi shook his head slightly, his brow furrowed, his expression filled with hesitation. "Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty is now like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Although there are signs of new life, there is still much to be done."

"The elite Jinyiwei have been deployed to various locations, shouldering the heavy responsibility of maintaining public order and investigating public opinion. They are short on manpower and stretched thin. This is not the ideal time to launch such a large-scale operation."

A sneer appeared on Li Chengqian's lips.

"I have already confiscated all the land that officials have illegally annexed. I never expected that this temple would also secretly swallow up so much land. Its greed is obvious."

"Furthermore, these monks even enjoy tax-exempt privileges. If this situation continues, the foundation of the nation will be shaken, and the country will be in jeopardy."

"Old Qi, you should understand that throughout history, every once-glorious and powerful dynasty has fallen into the abyss of destruction because of the evil root of land annexation."

Mr. Qi nodded slightly, lost in reminiscence, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I remember you once mentioned the harm of land annexation."

"Yes, land is the foundation of the people's livelihood and the cornerstone of the Tang Dynasty's prosperity. Anyone who dares to cross this red line will be severely punished by me with thundering means and will not be tolerated."

There was cruelty in Li Chengqian's eyes.

"You're pregnant." Li Chengqian raised his voice.

"exist!"

Zhang Xianhuai straightened his back instantly as if he had received a military order and responded.

"Within three months, convey my order to the Embroidered Uniform Guards throughout the Tang Dynasty. On the Beginning of Autumn this year, draw your swords and take action."

"Operation codename: Destroy Buddha."

Li Chengqian's voice was icy cold.

"Yes!" Zhang Xianhuai accepted the order without hesitation.

"If these monks can be reverent, worship Buddha with sincerity, strictly observe the precepts, and wholeheartedly cultivate Zen and enlightenment under the company of the ancient Buddha, I will not cause trouble without reason and disturb the tranquility of Buddhism."

"But their crimes are so egregious that they are unforgivable."

"Those monks don't need to be killed. Instead, they can all be used as laborers. This way, they can experience firsthand the hardships of ordinary people's lives and understand the difficulties faced by ordinary people."

"If they have killed someone, they will also be forced to work as laborers, with half a bowl of rice a day and an hour's rest. They will work until they die. If they don't work, their flesh will be cut off piece by piece to fertilize the weather."

"It can be regarded as contributing to the Tang Dynasty."

Li Chengqian's words were full of hatred for the decline of Buddhism.

"Yes! Your Majesty!" Zhang Xianhuai answered loudly again.

"Go back."

Li Chengqian waved his hand gently.

Zhang Xianhuai seemed to be nailed to the spot, not moving at all for a long time. He wanted to say something but stopped himself, his eyes full of confusion.

Seeing this, Mr. Qi couldn't help but laugh: "Xianhuai has really grown up. Your Majesty, I will take my leave first."

Li Chengqian also smiled, and there was a hint of gentleness in that smile.

"Xian Huai, there's no need to hide anything from Grand Tutor Qi. Just speak frankly."

Mr. Qi still smiled, waved his hand, turned around and slowly walked out of the Liangyi Hall.