The Great Tang General

"The current situation between the Tang Dynasty and the Arabs is as bad as fire and water. The delegation cannot pass through the Arabs. They need to go around the north of the Caspian Sea, which is even more difficult. Scholar Cui led the delegation through tribes and countries, and tried to record the terrain, customs and people as much as possible. After arriving in Rome, he brought more books on craftsmanship, literature, medicine, history, geography, etc. back to Chang'an on the grounds of the union of China and Rome..."

Li Xuan instructed Cui Hanheng.

The Tang Dynasty encompasses everything, and we should take its essence and discard its dross.

Even though the Tang Dynasty is now ahead of the times, the West and even the Arabs still have room for the Tang Dynasty to learn.

This is also the purpose of Li Xuan's persistence in building the Palace of Wisdom.

"I will prepare as soon as possible and live up to my mission!"

Cui Hanheng said with a bow.

Just like Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, he brought new crops and different cultural influences to China.

This is a great mission, and he will not regret it even if he dies nine times.

"In the history books of the future, there will definitely be a mention of Cui Xueshi's name. The country and I are behind you, so don't worry."

Li Xuan made another promise to Cui Hanheng in person.

The state will take care of his family, wife and children, so he doesn't have to worry about what will happen after his death.

Li Xuan attached great importance to Cui Hanheng's mission to Europe, as it was related to the future westward expansion of the Tang Dynasty.

When Cui Hanheng returns to Hezhong from Constantinople, he will bring the time agreed by Constantine V to attack the Arab Empire.

In Li Xuan's view, the Arab Empire must be destroyed.

Otherwise it will harm the future.

"I thank you, Your Majesty!"

Cui Hanheng stood up and bowed again.

With the Supreme, he has nothing to worry about.

Next, we should prepare carefully and go all out to fulfill the Supreme’s trust.

After Li Xuan gave Cui Hanheng some more instructions, Cui Hanheng retreated respectfully.

On the eve of Cui Hanheng's departure from Chang'an on behalf of the Tang Dynasty delegation, Li Xuan would host a banquet for Cui Hanheng and the delegation.

At the same time, brave warriors will be selected from the imperial guards to escort the Tang Dynasty delegation.

……

At the grand court meeting in Taiji Hall on the full moon day of December, Li Xuan and all the civil and military officials formally celebrated the completion of the campaign to eliminate the lowly and restore the good.

The East Road of Jiangnan, Lingnan, and Qianzhong have successively delivered the good news to Chang'an.

Most of the powerful people had been executed, and the property they had obtained was continuously transported to Chang'an.

The families of the powerful will be exiled to the Central Asian region after being counted to strengthen the border.

For example, the powerful families in Hebei, Qi and Lu Peninsulas were exiled northward to the Heishui County established by the Bohai Kingdom and the Heishui Mohe.

"The elimination of lowly officials and the promotion of good people and the law of performance appraisal are implemented together. Now that the powerful have been brought to justice and the treacherous have been eliminated, it is a blessing for the country and the people. I rely on the assistance of all the ministers to implement this good policy, so that the world will be peaceful and the seas and rivers will be clear. All the ministers have worked hard and made great contributions. You should continue to work hard for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of the people!"

Li Xuan sat majestically in the main hall, summarizing the results of eliminating lowly people and promoting good people.

The voices of opposition are almost inaudible.

No one says anymore that it is not good to eliminate the lowly and make them good.

Although tens of thousands of families were labeled as "powerful", Li Xuan had already given them a lenient punishment.

Some families that might have been powerful, because they knew what was best for them and did not find any evidence, ended up letting the case go unresolved.

But shadows will appear in their hearts, and they will definitely shrink their heads into their turtle shells within a short period of time.

Li Xuan also believed that there were still a group of bad apples who had not been caught and were abusing their power in secret.

We also know that in some areas, due to various reasons, corruption caused by collusion between officials and businessmen has ensued.

Even the Jinyiwei, whom he trusted, would encounter problems in a certain county.

But the Tang Dynasty was vast, with thousands of mountains and rivers blocking its way, so it was unrealistic to expect perfection.

The arrogance of local corruption and abuse of power can only be curbed by strengthening supervision and cracking down on corruption.

In any case, the movement to eliminate low status and promote virtue was countless times more intense, fiercer and faster than the movement to inspect land and expand households.

"Your Majesty, we have eliminated the lowly and promoted the good, which is a great achievement for the country. The newly acquired households are 15 million more than in the 13th year of Tianbao, and the land is more than 100 million mu. The local governments have seized even more land, which is shocking. Facts have proved that the tyrants have reached the point where they must be eliminated. It is the wisdom of the saints that has stopped the Tang Dynasty from going too far. I, your humble servants, have only made a small contribution."

Chief Prime Minister Li Xian responded to Li Xuan's words on behalf of all civil and military officials.

No matter how wise a minister is, his cognition will be much worse than that of Li Xuan, who can "predict the future".

Except for Li Xuan, no one had expected that turning the lowly into the good would lead to such a great harvest.

The granaries and charity granaries in various places were filled with grain stored by the powerful.

The money, silk, gold, silver and jewelry of the powerful make the country rich.

Population and land strengthen the country's power.

Li Xuan always rewarded his ministers based on their merits, not on his own pleasure.

In the past, if someone tried to please Li Longji, he would give him numerous rewards. He even promoted people to higher positions at will and condoned Yang's selling of official positions and titles.

As a result, the situation of "the emperor despises titles and the people covet noble favors" had a huge impact on the Tang Dynasty.

Now Li Xuan is changing this trend.

"You Pushe, you are too serious. In this campaign of removing the lowly from the service, the Jinyiwei, the imperial guards, the imperial guards, the militia, the county soldiers, etc. suffered more than 8,000 casualties. They were brave and fearless warriors. We must treat them like soldiers who died for their country, provide pensions to their families, and resettle the disabled soldiers. Minister of War, this is your responsibility."

Li Xuan handed over the compensation matters to Feng Changqing.

After defeating the powerful, the Tang Dynasty no longer lacks silk and money and can properly handle the issue of relief.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Feng Changqing stepped out and bowed.

"In the local area, seven governors were killed by the rebels, eighteen chief secretaries, deputy governors, and sixteen county magistrates died. They are all heroes. Not only should we engrave stones and erect monuments in the local area, but we should also publicize them in the Great Tang Monthly Bulletin every issue, and we will never forget them. The living are like this, and the dead are gone. Their eldest sons will be the men and sons of Mengyin County and will receive special honors."

Li Xuan spoke to the ministers again.

Heroes should always be promoted with bold strokes and colors.

To inspire future generations.

Those rebels who collude with the powerful and rebel against the imperial court will be nailed to the pillar of shame.

"Your Majesty is wise..."

All civil and military officials stood up and bowed.

The officials who could be killed by the powerful may not necessarily have outstanding abilities, but they did not collude with the powerful and their qualities are worth promoting.

Such people are more valuable than officials who can take control of the situation in a timely manner.

"Minister of Personnel, this time we should evaluate the county lieutenants, county magistrates, county magistrates, chief secretaries, and county governors based on their efficiency and results. This will also serve as an important basis for their promotion, so that all county officials will be convinced."

Li Xuan looked at Prime Minister Liu Yan.

"I obey your order. I will carefully study the performance of officials in various counties and prefectures with the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, and discuss matters of assessment and promotion openly and honestly."

Liu Yan stepped out and bowed.

In counties that have successfully completed the task of eliminating lowly officials and turning them into good ones, the county magistrates are qualified to be promoted to the positions of chief secretary or prefect.

The original county lieutenant and county magistrate were promoted to county magistrate.

As for capable prefects, they would be qualified to enter the imperial court or be given important positions.

However, there were too many counties and prefectures in the country, which made the Ministry of Personnel's workload heavy.

There may be some errors in management efficiency.

Next, Li Xuan discussed other matters with civil and military officials to ensure that the follow-up of eliminating the lowly and turning them into good people could proceed in an orderly manner.

There are many things to be done and the Tang Dynasty is in a new mood. It is time for officials to take action.

New imperial examination, new system.

Under Li Xuan's wise leadership, everything is possible.

Whether they are scholars or officials of the current dynasty, they all want to become one of the five ministers who take turns to wield the Pen of Samsara.

The newly accumulated silk money of the Tang Dynasty needs to be spent as soon as possible.

It's not a good sign if it rots in the warehouse. Just keep a portion of it reasonably.

Li Xuan specifically instructed the Minister of Works, Cui Guangyuan, to use the captives and recruit strong men during the slack season to build bridges and roads, vowing to turn the natural barriers into thoroughfares.

Factories directly under the Tang Dynasty court will also be built in succession.

He hoped that the goods produced by the factory would not only be purchased by princes, nobles, officials, wealthy families, and businessmen, but also be affordable for ordinary people.

Li Xuan will invest a lot of energy and money in more "research".

"After discussing with you, I can announce the end of the elimination of lowly people and the restoration of good people. In order to prevent the spring wind from blowing again, you must not slack off and should handle things more rigorously..."

When all matters were finalized, Li Xuan officially announced at this grand court meeting that the campaign to eliminate the lowly and make the good people good had been completed in all the provinces of the country.

Officials and imperial guards who were responsible for eliminating lowly people and restoring good people to good status could also return to Chang'an one after another.

"Your Majesty, I feel that the process of eliminating the lowly and turning them into good people has not yet been completed."

At this moment, a minister stepped forward from a position further back in the court and said something inappropriate.

When everyone looked, they found that it was Wei Lun, one of the Censors.

It is precisely because of the grand court meeting held twice a month on the full moon day that the Censor-in-Chief is qualified to enter the palace.

Wei Lun was previously in Jiannan Road to monitor the local area and only returned three days ago to take up his mission.

Civil and military officials were puzzled as to why Weilun would take a different approach when the situation seemed so good.

Aren't you afraid of angering His Majesty?

"What did Censor Wei say?"

Li Xuan was not angry and asked the Censor Wei Lun.

Having been emperor for two years, he knew every official who attended court in Chang'an.

What’s more, he is an important censor.

Once upon a time, there were fifteen Censors, who were officials below the eighth rank.

At present, there are 30 supervisory censors, who are of the sixth rank, and are usually outstanding local managers.

The Censor-in-Chief who has outstanding political achievements will have a bright future.

"Your Majesty, in today's world, monks and Taoists are not recorded in the household register. Since the middle and late Kaiyuan period, many people have been forced to register as monks and Taoists. They have no faith and just want to make a living. There are many more temples and Taoist temples in the world than the Mercy Hall. Countless tenants hide in them and become slaves of the Taoist and Buddha ancestors. This is not equality for all beings!"

Wei Lun spoke bluntly to Li Xuan in front of all the civil and military officials.

Wei Lun was from the Nanpi branch of the Jingzhao Wei family. His father, Wei Guangcheng, was the governor of Shuofang before Wang Zhongsi.

Nowadays, even the aristocratic families can only refer to themselves as their own lineage. Although Weilun's family is prominent, it is still somewhat dangerous to mention such things.

Leaving aside Buddhism, Taoism has always had a special status in the Tang Dynasty.

The founding emperor Li Yuan recognized his ancestry as Laozi Li Er, claiming that the Li family was descended from Laozi, the founder of Taoism, and made Taoism the state religion.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, clearly stipulated that Taoism should be listed before Buddhism.

It also established Taoism as the number one religion in the Tang Dynasty.

Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Zhi, honored Laozi as the Supreme Xuanyuan Emperor, assigned the management of Taoism to the Zongzheng Temple, which was responsible for the affairs of the royal family, and listed Taoists as members of the same clan. Li Longji repeatedly honored Laozi, built Xuanyuan Emperor temples across the country, and established the Taoist selection system to select professional talents.

The Tang Dynasty attached great importance to the naming of Taoist temples, which often contained the meaning of prospering the country and prolonging the country's prosperity. The court included Taoist fasting and offering sacrifices in national sacrificial activities, making them an important part of the national ritual system. The court also granted Taoist temples a lot of money and property every year to ensure their normal operation.

During the development of the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism also rose to prominence many times.

It is easier to place one's thoughts on the Buddha by burning incense. Until now, Buddhism among the people still suppresses Taoism.

For example, Wu Zetian believed in Buddhism, and the Vairocana Buddha in the Longmen Grottoes was carved based on the facial features of Wu Zetian.

Moreover, Li Longji's beliefs were not consistent, and his beliefs in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism kept changing.

The chief prime minister of the time, Li Xian, was a well-known Buddhist.

Secretary General Wang Wei was a Zen Buddhist.

There were many officials in the Tang Dynasty who believed in Buddhism and Zen.

As for those who believe in Taoism, there are even more of them. They inevitably develop faith in Taoist temples.

So, what Waylon said is something that many people are reluctant to say.

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Slave of Taoism and Buddha, this sentence is particularly harsh.

"Prime Minister, Buddhism and Taoism are places for pure cultivation and non-action. The state gives clothes to temples and Taoist temples every year. Did this happen?"

After Li Xuan pondered for a while, he asked the prime ministers knowing the answer.

There are now more than 5,000 temples of all sizes across the country.

There are more than 1,700 Taoist temples of various sizes.

Of course, some of these temples may only have one or two monks, nuns, or monks, and some may even be empty and only accept incense.

But those large temples and Taoist temples definitely have large amounts of arable land.

These arable lands are beyond the reach of a group of monks and Taoists, so they have to call on refugees to cultivate them.

This is a way to conceal your account.

Li Xuan never ignored this reality, and he wanted to hear what the prime minister and ministers raised with him.

But he was very disappointed. In the one and a half years since he was demoted to a good man, no official had ever mentioned it to him.

Unexpectedly, when the campaign of eliminating the lowly and bringing good people to the country was about to be completed, the Censor Wei Lun stood up.

Regardless of Weiren's purpose, he felt that Weiren had great potential.

Li Xuan is committed to national development, national strength and people's well-being.

Therefore, he respected but was not afraid of the Buddha and the Taoist ancestors.

Taoist priests, monks and nuns practice meditation, spread the belief in "truth, goodness and beauty", or transcend the mundane world.

How can it be justified to annex land like a powerful person and support tenants?
"Your Majesty, some Taoist temples do have a lot of farmland. We need to investigate the details."

Li Xian could only answer Li Xuan truthfully.

Because he was a devout Buddhist, he was unwilling to delve into Buddhist matters.

But he understood that His Majesty was a complicated person.

The mortal body is on par with the gods.

He was not surprised even though Emperor Wu of Northern Wei and Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou destroyed Buddhism.

"If it is as Wei Yushi said, some Taoist temples have betrayed the Taoist and Buddha ancestors. If you are devoted to cultivating virtue, you should forget the worldly world; if you are devoted to cultivating the Tao, you should be free and unrestrained. Those who are weak-minded and linger in the mundane world should return to secular life."

Li Xuan expressed his attitude in a low and magnetic voice.

Go to the water poverty and sit and watch the clouds rise.

When monks and Taoists show desires, they seem hypocritical and greedy.

The most famous ones are some female Taoist priests in the Tang Dynasty.

Where can you find a female Taoist priest who lives a life of luxury?
"Your Majesty is wise. Only by including the tenants of temples and Taoist temples in the household registration can we truly eliminate the lowly and turn them into good people, and the country can also obtain some new tax revenue."

Wei Lun excitedly bowed to Li Xuan.

He heard the hidden meaning in Li Xuan's words and understood that the saint agreed to clean up the Taoist temples and Buddhist temples throughout the world.

"Leave this matter to the Censor Wei. He should formulate a policy ordering the local governors and county magistrates to conduct a strict inspection of the cultivated land of temples and Taoist temples and to bring the tenant farmers back into the household registration. Nuns, monks, and Taoists who are willing to return to secular life will be granted land. Anyone who dares to abuse power in temples and Taoist temples and disobeys will be arrested and severely punished immediately!"

"Allow temples and Taoist temples to leave enough land for monks and Taoists to cultivate. When enforcing the law, we must be practical and not bend the law for personal gain."

Seeing that the civil and military officials did not speak, Li Xuan entrusted the matter to Wei Lun.

He has made it very clear that those greedy monks and Taoists are the ones who are betraying the Buddha and Taoism.

He had no intention of abandoning Taoism or destroying Buddhism, he was just trying to rectify the atmosphere.

In some aspects, Li Xuan affirms temples and Taoist temples.

For example, before the Salesian Church was established, some temples would take in abandoned babies.

This is truly immeasurable merit!
The civil and military officials had no reason to advise Li Xuan, especially due to his supreme authority.

Compared to dealing with powerful families, it will be much easier to purify Taoist temples and Buddhist temples.

If nothing unexpected happens, at least hundreds of thousands of households will be included in the household registration.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Weiren took the order and returned to his seat.

"Your Majesty, after the removal of the lowly and the good, the south has also become more stable. Now each governor's office has more than 20,000 soldiers and horses, which is unnecessary. However, the two capitals are short of soldiers and horses. The branches are strong and the trunk is weak. We should dispatch some of the soldiers and horses of the governor's offices to the two capitals. This is called reasonable distribution of soldiers and horses."

After Wei Lun left, Yan Zhenqing, the newly appointed prime minister, stepped out and made a speech to Li Xuan.

Yan Zhenqing had just returned from Anxi.

He has been in the army for a long time and is sensitive to military affairs.

"I have decided to transfer the Shence Army in the Baihai Navy back to Chang'an to serve as the Shence Guard. As you said, we can transfer 5,000 elite soldiers from Hanzhong Military Governorate, Wuling Military Governorate, Xiangfan Military Governorate, Guangling Military Governorate, Xuancheng Military Governorate, Dongyang Military Governorate, Yuhang Military Governorate, and Qianzhong Military Governorate to the two capitals to join the Tiance Guard and the Shence Guard."

Li Xuan agreed with Yan Zhenqing's suggestion and had a plan in mind.

Now, in addition to the 10,000 soldiers of the Yulin Army, Longwu Army, Feilong Imperial Army, and Jinwu Guard, the Imperial Guards only have 30,000 Tiance Guards.

That's why Li Xuan separated the Shen Ce Guard from the Bai Navy.

In the south, there are eight military governorates except Nanhai and Shujun, and each military governorate has five armies.

Each army has 4,000 soldiers, and one thousand elite soldiers are selected to return to the two capitals to strengthen the center, which will not cause much impact on the local areas.

Fifteen thousand soldiers can control the situation.

Of the 40,000 soldiers who returned to the capital, 30,000 joined the Shen Ce Guard and 10,000 joined the Tian Ce Guard.

So that each of the two guards had 40,000 men.

Together with the troops from Guanzhong and Heluo, there will be enough troops in the two capitals.

This will make it convenient to dispatch the imperial guards to fight in future campaigns.

"Do you have any objections?"

After completing the arrangements, Li Xuan asked the civil and military officials.

"I have no objection!"

Transferring troops back to the center and strengthening the central army's strength is good for the country.

Li Xuan nodded and ordered the Ministry of War to confirm the mobilization information.

The framework of Tian Ce Mansion has been completed, and the governor will be replaced every four years. At that time, Li Xuan will select at least two governors in the south and promote them to Tian Ce Mansion.

Then promote a new governor.

Governors who are not qualified for promotion will be transferred to other regions.

If they were too old, Li Xuan would persuade them to return to Chang'an or Luoyang to enjoy their retirement and make room for the next generals.

"Minister Zhao, now the kings, chiefs, and envoys from various countries have arrived in Chang'an one after another. You and the Minister of Rites must properly accommodate them."

"According to the documents from various places, all the envoys will arrive in Chang'an before March next year. It is confirmed that on the fifth day of March, a banquet for hundreds of countries will be held in Hua'e Xianghui Tower to show the prestige of the Tang Dynasty to all countries in the world, so that they will serve the Tang Dynasty wholeheartedly, pay tribute on time, and dare not invade."

Li Xuan began to plan an important event for next year and instructed Zhao Fengzhang.

The purpose of holding a grand gathering of hundreds of nations was not because he wanted to hear the voice of the "Heavenly Khan", but rather it was similar to an Asian alliance to formally establish the leadership of the Tang Dynasty.

Enhance Datang's external exchanges and economic trade so that the next plan can be carried out in an orderly manner.

Only when external stability is achieved can we focus on internal stable development.

The Tang Dynasty wanted to make huge profits from the gold, silver and jewelry of the surrounding small countries and use the money to develop its industry and commerce.

"Your Majesty, the minister and the Minister of Rites are already preparing for this matter. We will definitely demonstrate the etiquette of the Celestial Empire and the elegance of the Tang Dynasty, and make all nations follow our lead..."

Zhao Fengzhang stepped out and reported back to the Tang Dynasty.

There has never been such a grand occasion since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.

Even when Emperor Taizong was called "Heavenly Khan", it was far less than it is today.

The Tang Dynasty conquered the northeast and southwest, establishing its supreme prestige in one fell swoop.

Many kings came to Li Xuan because of his title of "Heavenly General".

When he was in the Western Regions, Li Xuan left behind many legends.

Whether it is admiration or for one's own country.

Only when all the kings and chiefs went to Chang'an to pay homage to the Heavenly Khan did they feel at ease.

"Although the event is important, it should not be extravagant. Wrapping silk around trees, as was done during the Sui Dynasty, will only add to the ridicule. The Ministry of Revenue must set a strict budget for this banquet and not exceed it."

Li Xuan instructed Zhao Fengzhang.

He could go to Luoyang in Tianzhong, reach the more magnificent and majestic Mingtang, and receive worship from hundreds of countries.

This further reflects the emperor's dignity.

But going back and forth will be a waste of time and money.

After all, it is a big event to relocate the center.

But what is more attractive than splendor is majesty. Letting hundreds of countries see the supreme majesty of the Tang Dynasty is more impactful than seeing those trees wrapped in silk.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Minister of Rites Zhao Fengzhang and Minister of Revenue Wei Jiansu bowed to Li Xuan at the same time.

At the end of the court meeting, Li Xuan once again pointed out the importance of building Changping Warehouse and it was imperative to complete the construction of Changping Department Store as soon as possible.

There was also the construction of Salesian churches and rural schools, the popularization of pinyin and numbers, and the establishment of printing houses in various counties.

"Retreat from the court..."

"Congratulations to Your Majesty..."

A grand court meeting on the eve of the New Year came to an end, and civil and military officials saw Li Xuan off as he left the Taiji Hall.

The cleansing of Buddhist temples and Taoist temples proposed by Wei Lun at this court meeting made all officials feel that this was another major move.

Since ancient times, once the rulers distrusted Buddhism and Taoism, they could absolutely decide life and death.

But Li Xuan only wanted to rectify the atmosphere, take down things that did not belong to temples and Taoist temples, so that the Tang Dynasty could increase more tax revenue and free more people from bondage...

(End of this chapter)