prosperous age

“Go back and submit your own memorial to the palace to plead guilty.”

Furthermore, arrangements should be made as soon as possible to conduct another nationwide crackdown on cult organizations, including the White Lotus Sect and the Luo Sect.

Wei Guangde did not want the Embroidered Uniform Guard to change its commander, so he gave Liu Shouyou a piece of advice on how to write a memorial.

Let the Imperial Guards take the lead in the nationwide crackdown on cults.

Liu Shouyou was no fool. Upon hearing Wei Guangde's suggestion, he immediately bowed and replied, "This subordinate will go back and immediately summon his subordinates to discuss this matter, and send a letter to the local garrisons as soon as possible, instructing them to closely monitor the gatherings of folk religious sects."

"Go, and make sure you take this matter very seriously."

Wei Guangde waved his hand, signaling Liu Shouyou to leave.

Since Shen Shixing had his eye on the position of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Wei Guangde naturally wouldn't let him have his way and would not actually pursue the matter.

Even if the Wanli Emperor asked, he would find a way to exonerate Liu Shouyou.

Otherwise, how can this team be led?
You can give orders when you're doing something, but if you abandon them when things get tough, it will only alienate those who follow you.

Shen Shixing lowered his head slightly and remained silent.

He knew he had spoken rashly for a moment.

"Ru Mo, the imperial court will probably have to issue another order to confiscate and ban the Luo Sect's scriptures in various regions."

After Liu Shouyou left, Wei Guangde said to Shen Shixing.

"Since it is a cult, its scriptures should be classified as heretical books."

Destroying the forbidden items is absolutely necessary; anyone found possessing them in their home will be treated as a religious traitor.

Shen Shixing immediately echoed.

"Five volumes in six books, reed cloth, does the cabinet have these books in its collection?"
"Have someone go and see if you can find it in the archives."

After giving instructions to the reed cloth at the door, Wei Guangde said to Shen Shixing, "Since we want to ban it, we naturally need to know what is written in the book."

Only in this way can we effectively point out the errors.

The Luo sect's classic texts are actually five: "The Scroll of Diligent Practice and Enlightenment", "The Scroll of Lamenting the World's Inaction", "The Scroll of Breaking Evil and Revealing the Key to Proof", "The Scroll of Right Faith, Removing Doubts, and the Scroll of Freedom Without Cultivation", and "The Scroll of the Immovable Mount Tai with Deep Roots and Fruition".

Among them, "The Key to Breaking Evil and Manifesting Evidence" is divided into two volumes, so the whole book has a total of six volumes.

Therefore, "five books in six volumes" does not mean that in addition to the five books, there are six other books.

"Your Excellency, banning books is indeed important."

Otherwise, according to the doctrines of the Luo religion, their leader can be reincarnated.

Therefore, any unscrupulous person who obtains this book will surely use it to stir up trouble.

Shen Shixing spoke up.

The founder of the Luo sect, Luo Qingben, combined Confucian loyalty and filial piety, Taoist alchemy, and Buddhist reincarnation, claiming that the three religions had the same origin. He used this to appeal to believers from different backgrounds and expand his influence.

Seemingly unrelated, the Buddhist concept of reincarnation appealed to those people, allowing them to repeatedly establish sects, which led to the Ming and Qing dynasties' repeated failures in suppressing the Luo sect.

Perhaps they weren't the ones who slipped through the net, but rather those petty scoundrels who accidentally obtained the "Five Books and Six Volumes" and took the opportunity to stir up trouble.

"hiss"

Wei Guangde suddenly gasped.

"Your Excellency, what is this?"

Upon seeing Wei Guangde's state, Shen Shixing immediately inquired with concern.

“I remember that the imperial edict previously issued to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism recognized its system of reincarnation of lamas.”

When Altan Khan requested the conferment of the title of Dalai Lama, both Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng supported it.

Wei Guangde, of course, didn't think much of it and basically agreed to Anda Khan's request.

The system of reincarnated Living Buddhas did not originate during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty; its origins are much earlier. However, the Wanli period was a crucial time for this system to be established in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and to gain the recognition of the Ming court.

Or rather, it was a system perfected by Tibetan Buddhism itself in the past, but it was first recognized by the central government during the Wanli era.

There are differing opinions in academia regarding when the Gelug school officially adopted the reincarnation system of Living Buddhas.

One theory suggests that the search began in 1474 when the First Dalai Lama, Gendun Drup, visited the Second Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso, after the First Dalai Lama's death.

Another view holds that it was formally established in 1542 after the death of the Second Dalai Lama, when the search for his reincarnation, Sonam Gyatso, was underway.

Regardless of the account, the process occurred in the mid-to-late 15th century to the first half of the 16th century, earlier than the Wanli era.

However, the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty was a crucial time for the development and official recognition of the reincarnation system of Living Buddhas. This may not matter in normal times, but it can often be taken advantage of in special circumstances.

In Buddhism, reincarnation, also known as the cycle of birth and death, means that all sentient beings are born and die, and after death, their souls are reincarnated and reborn as another person, turning endlessly like a wheel.

Hinduism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism all believe that all living things, unless they seek "liberation," will forever be trapped in the cycle of birth and death within the "six realms," endlessly repeating the cycle.

The six realms are the realms of gods, humans, asuras, hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals.

The theory of reincarnation is inspired by the generational transmission of life, and karma is the dominant cause in the cycle of reincarnation. Therefore, karma is not only the result of this life, but will also extend into the next life.

The seventh volume of the *Saddharmasmṛtyupasthāna Sūtra* states: "It is not that a different person commits evil, but that a different person suffers the consequences; one reaps what one sows, and all sentient beings are like this."

The concept of reincarnation exists in Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Brahmanism, but not in other religions such as Shintoism in Japan or Christianity in Europe and America.

"Sigh, there's nothing I can do."

Wei Guangde intended to make changes, but upon reflection, he still felt powerless.

Reincarnation is a core concept in the Buddhist worldview and cannot be easily altered.

"Let the Ministry of Rites issue a document to the local areas, so that the people know that the so-called reincarnation can only exist in sects recognized by the imperial court."

At the same time, the Ministry of Rites identified which religions practiced reincarnation and publicized this information widely, which might prove useful.

Shen Shixing naturally understood Wei Guangde's concerns and offered this advice.

“The common people are ignorant. If the key points are not explained clearly, they will be easily instigated and believe the words of the villains.”

Shen Shixing continued to emphasize this point.

Previously, it seems that the Ming Dynasty did not actually acknowledge any reincarnation.

The lineage of the Celestial Masters of Longhu Mountain is hereditary. In the first year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang officially conferred the title of "Zhengyi Sijiao Huguo Chanzu Tongcheng Chongdao Hongde Dazhenren" upon the 42nd Celestial Master Zhang Zhengchang, and granted him the authority to "manage all matters of Taoism under heaven".

The official succession principle recognized by the Ming Dynasty was a bloodline hereditary system that "cannot be passed on to anyone who is not a member of our clan." The core tokens were the "Three-Five Demon-Slaying Swords" and the "Yangping Governing Capital Merit Seal," which were said to have been left by Zhang Daoling.

The imperial decree and recognition were based on the confirmation of the Zhang family genealogy and the acknowledgment of these heirlooms.

“I’m just worried that acknowledging the reincarnation of Gelugpa Living Buddhas might lead ordinary people to also believe in Gelugpa.”

Wei Guangde frowned, smiled wryly, and said to Shen Shixing, "The imperial court has recognized Tibetan religions, so why can't it recognize the Luo religion?"

You yourself said it, the common people are ignorant.

The imperial court was well aware of how absurd this matter was, but when it comes to religion, you have to act like a devout believer.

Don't forget that quite a few civil and military officials were religious, not to mention the inheritance in the Qianqing Palace, which really spared no expense.

In fact, most of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty trusted Taoism and Buddhism and were devout believers; the Jiajing Emperor was definitely not the only one.

Among the imperial family, there were quite a few princes and dukes who were religious, and it wasn't just because the emperor was religious.

"Ministry of Rites, it's best not to get involved in this matter for now. Just let the Embroidered Uniform Guard and local officials do their utmost to suppress the Luo Sect and the White Lotus Sect."

Wei Guangde spoke up.

At the very beginning of the eleventh year of the Wanli reign, it seemed that the court was constantly encountering all sorts of troubles.

Wei Guangde sometimes felt mentally and physically exhausted, even with major events that could not be ignored.

Fortunately, the foreign war was a great victory, and the domestic issues can be addressed gradually.

As for the memorial from Zhejiang, the Office of Transmission was certainly aware of it, but no one took it seriously.

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, news about the White Lotus Rebellion has become less of a focus of attention.

Unless a rebellion breaks out, or bandits are coerced into gathering ignorant civilians, the officials in the capital might be slightly nervous for a moment. Just a moment, really.

In today's world, no one believes that the Ming Dynasty will collapse.

The White Lotus Sect, the Luo Sect, or any other sect like the Maitreya Sect are nothing more than minor ailments.

It's difficult to eradicate, but it won't cause any major upheaval either.

However, Wei Guangde's day on duty was anything but peaceful, as officials came in an endless stream.

Wei Guangde was initially puzzled, but as he talked with the visitors, he soon noticed that they all seemed to have the same purpose in coming here: to inquire about the news of the Ming Dynasty Bank.

Wei Guangde gave only perfunctory answers and did not give a definite answer.

He was actually prepared for this situation long ago.

Daming Money Shop has already started operations in Chongwenmenli Street, hiring skilled craftsmen to renovate its storefront, which shows that the money shop's activities are not just rumors.

Moreover, it is said that the palace and Grand Secretary Wei Guangde are also behind it.

Although it may seem that the money shop business might not be as profitable as having one's own people lend money outside, since it was established by the imperial court, at least it had a legitimate basis, and lending was an activity recognized by the imperial court.

They lent money through their own associates, and most of it was usury. If this were exposed, it would not only damage their own reputation, but they might even be blamed by the imperial court.

Previously, the imperial court did not concern itself with this matter, so naturally nothing happened.

But now it seems that the emperor and the court, represented by the chief minister, also want to get involved in the lending business. If they continue to do this business outside, aren't they just competing with them for business?

To steal business is to steal money.

It goes without saying what one would do if their source of income was stolen.

Some of the more timid ones, on the one hand, went to the cabinet to try and gather information, and on the other hand, began to tighten their purse strings and stop lending to the outside world.

Of course, there are also many bold ones who don't want to give up their interests on either side.

They would offer some money to seek investment in Daming Qianzhuang, while also continuing their own business in private.

That evening, Wei Guangde returned home and immediately summoned Zhang Ji to his study.

"How are the preparations going at the money exchange?"

Wei Guangde cut to the chase and asked the question.

"The renovation is underway, and the training of the staff is also in progress."

After all, they were doing things according to the previous requirements of the government, so it wasn't difficult for them to understand.

Many were quite excited to learn that the government had arranged for them to work at the Daming Money Exchange.

Zhang Ji reported in a low voice.

Previously, when they worked for the Wei family, they were responsible for lending money to outsiders and were still considered servants.

Of course, all those who registered were managed by the Wei family.

However, if they joined the Ming Dynasty Money Shop, they would no longer be servants of the Wei family, but would become managers of the money shop.

The monthly allowance he received was not the allowance from the Wei family, but rather his salary from the money shop.

Although at this time, wages in the Ming Dynasty were mostly referred to as stipends, monthly stipends, or food and drink allowances, the term "salary" was not widely used.

However, the term "salary" has existed for a long time and is occasionally used as a synonym for wages.

Originally, “salary” referred to chopping wood and drawing water, which meant cooking over a fire, hence it was also called “firewood and water”.

The term "salary" comes from the "Biography of Tao Qian" in the History of the Southern Dynasties: "Now I send this force to help you with your salary work. This is also a human being, so you should treat him well."

Later, it came to refer to the cost of daily living expenses, and the Wei family was one of the pioneers in this regard.

The allowance that the Wei family paid to their servants was essentially a salary.

What originated from the Wei family naturally spread to other mansions and chambers of commerce.

This is the influence that Wei Guangde had unknowingly exerted on the Ming Dynasty.

"Later, inform the money exchange so they can receive visitors and record the amount each party is willing to invest in."

Note that this is not a definitive answer, but simply asking them to give a number, a sum of money they can readily provide.

Once the agreement is reached, the money, or share capital, must be delivered to the money exchange within three days.

"Anyone who breaches the contract will be required to pay double the amount in compensation; this clause must be written into the contract."

Wei Guangde spoke up.

"Are you starting the IPO now?"

Zhang Ji was taken aback and asked.

"Let's get started. If we don't hurry, my duty room will probably turn into a vegetable market tomorrow."

Wei Guangde said helplessly.

In one afternoon, Wei Guangde received visits from seven or eight officials.

If they come to the mansion, it will be more troublesome, because according to the rules, you have to send a visiting card first, wait for the Wei family to respond, and then schedule a time.

On the contrary, it is more convenient to go directly into the palace and meet with him in the cabinet under the guise of political affairs.

If others have official business to discuss, can Wei Guangde simply say he can't see them?

This is not a way to hand over the charge of "holding a position without doing any work" to the Censorate and wait for them to impeach you.

Unfortunately, the so-called political affairs are all trivial matters.

Instead, they became particularly interested in the affairs of the Ming Dynasty's money shop, and the conversation quickly drifted to that topic.

"I understand."

Zhang Ji immediately said.

He understood what the master meant: he didn't object to these people reporting large amounts of investment, but he had to ensure that the amounts were true and accurate.

Therefore, double compensation should be included in the equity participation agreement.

If you can't come up with the money when the time comes, there won't be as many disputes going to court.

Wei Guangde, however, only wants to know how much capital can be absorbed by the private sector.

So far, although Xu Wenbi has expressed his full support for this matter and said he would have the nobles contribute more money, everything remains unknown until the amount is determined.

"Sir, there are more than a dozen invitations here, from people who want to visit your residence."

Zhang Ji pulled a stack of invitations from his sleeve and handed them to Wei Guangde, saying...

"It's not a big deal, just refuse them all."

Also, spread the word that the money exchange has started its IPO; tell them about it when you reply to the post.

Wei Guangde spoke up.

Wei Guangde knew without even looking why these people wanted to see him.

If you're familiar with someone, you'll naturally know how to greet them.

Or, Zhang Ji would bring it up separately.

Since they're all hanging out together, none of them are particularly important people, so whether we see each other or not isn't a big deal.

Almost overnight, news that Daming Qianzhuang had begun offering shares spread throughout the capital.

A money exchange's IPO cannot last only a few days.

In fact, Wei Guangde set a timeframe of two months to facilitate the dissemination of information.

This was enough time for the news to spread throughout both capitals. (End of Chapter)