Confucian and Taoist scholar

So, several eminent Buddhist monks went to pay their respects to Emperor Wei and explained their purpose.

Upon learning of the situation, Emperor Wei couldn't help but sigh, "A year has passed; time really flies..."

Emperor Wei looked at the group of eminent monks, thought for a moment, and said, "Since you have this intention, then let the Ministry of Rites cooperate with your Buddhist community to organize the celebration..."

With a casual stroke of his pen, Emperor Wei settled the matter.

Anyway, the imperial court doesn't have to spend any money; all they need to do is get people to cooperate and supervise.

As for the various details and procedures of the celebration, just leave them to the people below; there's no need to put too much effort into it.

Having received permission, the high monks happily withdrew to seek assistance from the relevant officials.

After the others left, Emperor Wei asked the palace attendant beside him, "Is the Crown Prince's side that busy?"

Upon hearing this, the palace attendant replied in a low voice, "I've heard that there are many affairs to attend to in the region, and His Highness the Crown Prince only gets two or three hours of rest a day..."

Emperor Wei nodded slightly and said slowly, "Reforming the system is not easy. This is his choice, so he must bear the responsibility. Jade must be carved to become a useful object."

……

As time passed, the Buddhist community and the Ministry of Rites made various preparations for the celebrations.

The atmosphere in Luoyang, the capital of Wei, was noticeably more lively than usual.

Prominent local figures and eminent Buddhist monks have arrived in Luoyang and are temporarily residing there, having accepted the invitation.

Outside Luoyang city, a convoy of carriages and horses approached at a leisurely pace.

Yuan Zhong, wearing a slightly thick coat, looked at the scenery outside and exhaled wisps of mist with each breath.

"This winter isn't even that cold compared to last year! It's a really mild winter, the weather is great, it's a wonderful time..."

Yuan Zhong twirled his prayer beads, watching Luoyang City draw ever closer, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.

Upon entering Luoyang, he did not stop at his residence there, but went directly to the palace to pay his respects to the Wei Emperor.

Afterwards, Yuan Zhong went to the Eastern Palace to visit Yuan Tao.

Yuan Tao was still busy processing official documents and still had no free time.

Upon seeing Yuan Zhong arrive, Yuan Tao rested briefly and sat down alone with Yuan Zhong.

Yuan Zhong couldn't help but say, "Your Highness's diligence in governing is a blessing to the country, but you should still take care of your health..."

Yuan Tao smiled and said, "Uncle Wang is right. I will take note."

Yuan Zhong grinned, then said softly, "Everything is ready, Your Highness."

Yuan Tao's eyes flickered slightly, and a surge of passion welled up within him, but he quickly suppressed it.

Yuan Tao looked slightly surprised and whispered, "So fast?"

In fact, Yuan Tao hadn't even decided when to do that kind of thing yet, and was still working as usual, when Yuan Zhong suddenly said that everything was ready.

Yuan Zhong smiled and said, "Speed ​​is of the essence in war, and some things cannot be delayed. Your Highness must make our Great Wei Yuan Clan proud at the celebration in seven days."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao's mind raced, and he quickly grasped some of the key points.

He couldn't help but nod. Some things were better left unsaid, lest others find out.

Seeing that Yuan Tao could still remain calm and composed, Yuan Chong showed a hint of satisfaction and did not stay there for long. He then took his leave and left the East Palace.

After leaving the East Palace, Yuan Zhong met with many people, visiting relatives and friends as he usually did.

Yuan Tao sat alone in his study, calmly contemplating matters.

He reached into his robes and pulled out a Buddhist scripture that emitted a hazy glow.

The major turning point in his life came about because of this Buddhist scripture, which took place in just over a year.

So, will fate continue to favor him? Yuan Tao couldn't be sure.

……

Time flies by.

On a bright and sunny day, Luoyang was bustling with activity.

On this day last year, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifested in the world at the Garan Temple, causing dramatic changes in Buddhism and a transformation in the Wei Kingdom.

One year later, on this day, the Emperor of Great Wei led officials, Buddhist figures, and representatives of prominent families to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and hold a celebration to commemorate the emergence of the orthodox Buddhist tradition.

When the Emperor of Wei led his people to the Temple of Heaven for the sacrificial ceremony, undercurrents were swirling throughout Luoyang, and personnel changes were quietly taking place inside and outside the palace.

Yuan Tao followed the sacrificial procession, his face solemn and his mind focused.

As the ceremony was taking place, an unusual noise was heard nearby.

Emperor Wei clearly sensed something was amiss and couldn't help but look at his attendants on either side.

The attendant, who was highly skilled, did not go to check the situation. He simply glanced at the situation and said in a deep voice, "Someone has mobilized the palace guards and is coming this way."

The others looked surprised.

There were also many highly accomplished Buddhist practitioners in the room, all of whom looked puzzled.

Yuan Tao frowned and said, "Father, I will lead men to investigate the situation."

Emperor Wei looked at Yuan Tao, his gaze gradually becoming deep.

Emperor Wei calmly said, "Go!"

Yuan Tao immediately set off, calling out to several people, including a few high-ranking monks and his personal guards.

Soon, some jumbled sounds gradually became clearer, and the sound of orderly yet heavy footsteps grew closer.

Groups of heavily armored imperial guards completely surrounded the surrounding area.

Yuan Tao reappeared, this time accompanied by a large number of armored soldiers.

Those who had gone out with Yuan Tao were still somewhat confused, especially the monks who were unaware of the situation, but they had a feeling that something was wrong.

Yuan Tao stopped and said loudly, "Father, it's nothing, it's just that someone has a small request."

Emperor Wei narrowed his eyes, looking at Yuan Tao who was surrounded by a group of soldiers, his expression slightly complicated.

"What do you want? Isn't what I've given you enough?"

Yuan Tao took a deep breath and said calmly, "It's not that I want anything, it's that I want to do more for the Great Wei..."

"A year ago, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifested in the world, bringing an opportunity for the transformation and revival of our Great Wei. In this past year, not only has your son done a lot, but all the people who wish for the prosperity and strength of Great Wei have done a lot and made great sacrifices. Some have even paid the price with their lives!"

"But within the country, within Buddhist circles and in the imperial court, there seem to be people who are unwilling to see Wei Kingdom become better and better. They are stumbling blocks, hindering Wei Kingdom's development..."

"Such a person is a traitor to the country. Today, your son is determined to rid the country of this traitor and purge the wicked..."

After saying this, Yuan Tao directly drew a long sword from the waist of a nearby imperial guard, and held a Buddhist scripture in his other hand.

He was radiant and enveloped in a mysterious aura.

"By the will of Heaven and the protection of Buddha, I, the Crown Prince, shall today slay all the disloyal ones and bring prosperity to my Great Wei!"

Many people turned pale upon hearing this, thinking that the Crown Prince was about to rebel! Next to Yuan Tao, a soldier stepped forward, took out a thick stack of documents, and began to name names and list the crimes of certain princes and ministers.

Those whose names were called out all had their expressions change drastically, and were filled with great fear.

Some even cried out for justice, wanting the Wei Emperor to intervene.

The Wei emperor stood there expressionless and unmoved.

Because someone had secretly informed him that the entire city of Luoyang had been sealed off, most of the city's troops had been mobilized, and even the monks of the major temples had taken corresponding actions.

This was a meticulously planned operation to purge the emperor's inner circle of cronies.

When exactly did this happen...? Emperor Wei never imagined that Yuan Tao had already taken control of Luoyang to this extent.

Of course, even Yuan Tao himself didn't know.

Because this operation was carried out by taking advantage of the situation, even many military personnel and Buddhist monks were unaware of the truth and thought that it was the Emperor of the Great Wei who was mobilizing them.

The Imperial Guards who came here were among the few personnel that Yuan Tao could command.

Seeing that Emperor Wei did not react, Yuan Tao raised his hand to signal, and then armored soldiers stepped forward to those who had been named.

The people around dispersed, not wanting to get too close lest the blood splatter on them.

"Your Majesty! I am innocent! This is a frame-up..."

Someone was there crying out for justice, but before they could finish speaking, their mouth was gagged and they were dragged away.

"Your Highness, I have never offended you, how could you..."

“I am a member of the royal family, your elder cousin, Yuan Tao, how dare you…”

Some were shocked and furious, some cursed and swore, but none could escape being dragged out.

In the hall, a high-ranking monk couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and subconsciously looked at a spot hidden by the high wall.

Before long, some people could smell a faint fishy smell, the smell of blood.

Many people present changed their expressions drastically. Had they really killed someone? Was there absolutely no room for negotiation? Among those people were members of the royal family, yet they showed such ruthlessness.

Even the Emperor of Wei frowned. Those princes and ministers were killed without hesitation; they were truly going to extremes.

Some of the people whose names were called were so frightened that they collapsed to the ground, trembling all over.

Did they think Yuan Tao was just arresting people, but it turns out he's going to settle scores directly?
People around him made way as if avoiding a plague, letting the imperial guards drag him away.

Some people now suspect that Emperor Wei and the Crown Prince are putting on an act, choosing this moment to take action, eliminate some people, and consolidate their imperial power.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, spare my life! I dare not do it again! My crime does not deserve death..."

Some people struggled and begged for mercy, hoping to beg for a way to live.

Yuan Tao's gaze was indifferent and unmoved; a half-hearted purge was tantamount to no purge at all.

Some people, even after being given a chance, still insist on going against him.

Yuan Tao felt he had been merciful enough; if it were Lu Zheng, some people would have already turned into spring mud to protect the flowers.

After clearing out some people, Yuan Tao ordered the Imperial Guards to guard the remaining people, and then invited Emperor Wei to a side hall for a talk.

The Wei emperor couldn't help but ask, "Having killed so many people, are you really not afraid that Wei will descend into chaos?"

The representatives present today are all extraordinary individuals.

Yuan Tao directly convicted and executed people, which can be said to have offended many powerful figures.

Even the Wei emperor couldn't have realized that Yuan Tao and those people had such a deep-seated grudge, to the point of being irreconcilable.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao replied calmly, "Aren't they the very source of chaos in the Great Wei? I am merely eliminating the root of the problem. Without them, the Great Wei will be even better."

Yuan Tao didn't think he had done anything wrong. He had been very tolerant of some people, but some people just wouldn't admit their mistakes until they were faced with a fatal blow.

Emperor Wei sighed softly, "Why did it have to come to this? I did not instruct you to act this way."

Yuan Tao said calmly, "They forced me to do it. If I hadn't acted, I would have died at their hands sooner or later! There's nothing more to say about it."

Yuan Tao paused, then said in a low voice, "Father, you are no longer young, it's time for you to enjoy your retirement. Let's entrust the future of Great Wei to us passionate young people!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wei's gaze sharpened, and he chuckled, saying, "You think I'm already old?"

Yuan Tao said in a serious tone, "Father is no longer as devoted to the country as he used to be."

Emperor Wei laughed and said, "You've only been the crown prince for a year, and you dare to say such things to me? You think you're so capable, don't you? But in some aspects, you are indeed... I never realized you had such ambitions before..."

No one could have imagined that Yuan Tao, after serving as crown prince for only a year, would dare to launch a coup, purge the court of corrupt officials, and force the emperor to abdicate.

Normally Yuan Tao is overwhelmed with official duties, yet he still has time to plan such a big thing.

Emperor Wei stared at Yuan Tao and said in a low voice, "Who taught you all this? Which one in Buddhism? Or... Yuan Zhong? Or perhaps... that young man from the north? I heard you often take him as your role model. Is the method you learned meant to destroy your own country?"

Yuan Tao said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I am saving the country. Why don't you wait and see what I can do?"

Emperor Wei chuckled lightly but said nothing.

Yuan Tao then said, "When Father Emperor was on the throne, he was benevolent and loved the people. In the future, he may move to the Garan Temple, receive the position of Bodhisattva, and be named the Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue, so that he may enjoy the incense offerings of Buddhism forever..."

Emperor Wei raised an eyebrow. "My son is truly filial, even granting me the title of Bodhisattva? Do you have the ability to bestow such a title? I'm afraid there isn't any eminent monk in the entire Buddhist community today who possesses such power."

Yuan Tao couldn't help but say, "Father, there's no need to worry. Your merits are immense; achieving enlightenment is not difficult for you. From now on, leave state affairs to your son. You can focus on your Buddhist practice; perhaps you'll even have the chance to attain Buddhahood..."

"Regarding the current matter, I request Your Majesty to issue an edict..."

As they spoke, someone presented the relevant items, waiting for Emperor Wei to draft an edict to abdicate.

Emperor Wei gave Yuan Tao a deep look and couldn't help but laugh, "Like father, like son! Let's see how long you can stay in this position."

In a short while, Emperor Wei had drafted the edict.

Yuan Tao looked at the completed imperial edict, but there was no joy on his face.

He knew very well that this was just the beginning, and he would face all sorts of challenges ahead.

Yuan Tao bowed to Emperor Wei and said, "Please rest in the palace for a while, Father. I will go and settle everything."

After saying this, Yuan Tao led his subordinates out of the side hall.

Once outside, someone read out the imperial edict.

When the princes, ministers, and other representatives saw the imperial edict, they knew that the matter was settled and began to praise and celebrate Yuan Tao's ascension to the throne.

The news was quickly relayed by the Imperial Guard to other areas.

When Yuan Zhong, who was still in the city directing the deployment of troops, learned of this, he was so happy that he slapped his thigh.

"It's done! I'm certainly rewarded for my service in supporting the emperor! But it's not time to celebrate yet; I still need to deal with certain families in Luoyang!"

Yuan Zhong's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he considered his next move.

For Yuan Tao to secure his position, a single imperial edict wasn't enough; he also needed the trust and support of the powerful and influential. (End of Chapter)