Chapter 644: 96: The Rise of Kyushu, The Anti-Buddhism Campaign Begins

Li Heng also did not refuse, nor did the court officials feel any concern, and thus the matter was settled. Besides that——

Gu Yi further took control of the religious gestures of the two nations.

Just as he did with Tubo.

After nurturing his reputation for hundreds of years, Gu Yi decided to once again cloak the Gu Clan in a different protective umbrella and use this grand trend to turn toward the entire world.

As for what the future holds——

Gu Yi did not know, but at least for the current situation, this matter had no disadvantage to the Gu Clan.

The wheels of history rolled forward.

Finally, they veered completely off the original track, heading in a totally different direction.

It is worth mentioning that——

the matter of the population census that began after Gu Xuan returned to the Capital also finally yielded results. The apparent population of the Great Tang now exceeded ninety million, and when counting those hidden in the shadows.

In fact, it must have surpassed the hundred million mark long ago.

This is indeed an astonishing number, although the recent chaos seemed to have less impact, in reality, it was not so.

Under turmoil from all sides, the number of citizens who perished was not few.

However, having this number itself was already remarkable enough, considering it did not yet include the population of foreign races that gradually integrated into Kyushu.

If they were all counted, the population of Kyushu would definitely be several times that of the original history.

This was already sufficient, and Gu Yi was immensely satisfied with it.

The third year of the Zhide era, April.

As the officialdom gradually stabilized, Gu Xuan finally began taking further actions, turning his gaze onto the land.

He summoned the abbots of nearby temples in Luoyang and directly announced his decision.

This naturally would provoke another round of resistance.

Although Buddhism was far from its most excessive period in original history, how could they adhere to the rules set by the Gu Clan?

The extent of their resistance even exceeded that of the court officials.

Not only did someone crash to death in front of Gu Xuan, but ordinary citizens were also incited by them and began causing unrest in various places.

There was no way around it; such is the nature of superstitious beliefs and prophecies.

Even in modern times, it is impossible to completely prevent being bewitched, let alone at this time.

The influence of the Gu Clan was indeed significant.

But these monks were present daily in front of the people, and in many places, the influence they wielded was not something the Gu Clan could match.

Actually, Gu Yi never had many thoughts about Buddhism and Taoism.

Because wanting to eradicate these completely was impossible in itself.

Precisely for this reason, he never focused his attention on them, only exerting control when necessary.

Like now.

However, he also did not anticipate the situation developing this way.

...

Champion Marquis Mansion.

"What... Fourteen million mu?!"

Gu Xuan stared at the number on the secret message, even someone greatly influenced by Gu Yi was astounded, his voice trembling with a tinge of disbelief.

No, it was not just him!

Even Gu Yi was extremely shocked.

He was well aware of the state of Buddhism, but thought that due to the emergence of the Gu Clan, Buddhism’s development was far from the absurd heights of original history.

But never did he expect results like these.

How could he believe what was listed?

Of course, this did not imply doubting the integrity of the Imperial Censors, but he knew too well that these temples had numerous ways to hide their lands.

What could be easily discovered were likely those the monks deliberately exposed.

In reality, it must have been at least double the amount.

Do not forget, the temples were tax-exempt!

The profits derived from this were unimaginable.

Moreover, what startled Gu Yi further was the involvement of these monks in usury and even commerce.

They also had a stake in maritime trade.

This greatly surpassed Gu Yi’s expectations.

Even under such circumstances, this group could develop to this extent.

"Grand Tutor," the minister beside him spoke with a tone full of gravity and anxiety, "What should be done now?"

"Urgent reports keep coming from various places, Buddhist followers are bewitched and openly resist the new policy, besieging the Imperial Censors!"

"Worse still....."

"Some county and prefectural offices have already been besieged by feverish believers, claiming to ’protect the law’, preventing court officials from approaching the temples even a step!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than an Imperial Censor hurriedly came rushing in, bowing to Gu Xuan and said, "Grand Tutor, an urgent report from eight hundred li of the Capital Region——"

"A sudden tumult at Guanghua Temple!"

"Thousands of followers, incited by evil monks within the temple, armed with sticks and farm tools, brazenly surrounded the clerks sent by the Imperial Censorate to check the temple lands, blocking the mountain road like a flood!"

"The leaders shouted ’destroy Buddhism and seize property, and you will suffer divine retribution’, inciting furious emotions and fiercely clashing with the officers trying to keep order, exchanging blows!"

"Local army officials fear sparking a rebellion, holding back and not daring to suppress with full force."

"The Imperial Censors are trapped in the Central Capital Region, unable to enact the new policies!"

As soon as he finished speaking.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the hall turned more heavy.

Several ministers, considered close allies of Gu Xuan, couldn’t help but reveal stern expressions of concern.

——This matter was indeed enormous.

Even more so than the initial resistance faced by the new policy.

The Gu Clan could afford to ignore the officials, but they couldn’t easily overlook the protests of thousands of citizens.

Public approval——has always been the key core for the Gu Clan.

Throughout centuries, the Gu Clan had seen its share of ne’er-do-wells, yet even these individuals had to adhere to this iron rule.