Chapter 645: 96: The Rise of Kyushu, The Anti-Buddhism Campaign Begins

If not, they would be immediately expelled from the Gu Clan. Especially after Gu Yi acquired the Spirit Communication Jade, it became an ironclad rule of the Gu Clan.

Few people could tolerate it.

But this time, evidently, not just a few commoners arose.

At this moment, countless thoughts flashed through Gu Yi’s mind.

Retreat?

— It’s impossible to retreat!

Gu Yi remembered clearly that, in the original history, there were several large-scale anti-Buddhism actions within Kyushu, even during the period of the Martial Sect of the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, the anti-Buddhism action by the Martial Sect was of massive scale, even described as a nationwide action.

Its results were indeed shocking.

The "Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government" records that it reclaimed tens of millions of fertile top-graded fields, demolished over four thousand temples, and countless privately built Buddhist halls and retreats among civilians.

It forced over 260,000 monks to secularize, and freed nearly 200,000 temple slaves.

This kind of action far exceeds the current system.

But Gu Yi recalled... when the Martial Sect enacted the anti-Buddhism actions, it didn’t cause too much chaos; it could even be referred to as the late Tang period back then.

So why now..... is it like this?

All sorts of thoughts flashed quickly in his mind at this moment as Gu Yi meticulously compared the original history with the current situation.

The next moment, he suddenly realized the reason.

The Kyushu of today..... had yet to experience the Buddha extermination!

The emergence of the Gu Clan had completely altered history; in the original history, when Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei, Tuoba Tao, executed the anti-Buddhism protocols, it also incited monk uprisings.

Aren’t these happenings just like today?

This matter must be resolved.

If not, it might explode on a certain day in the future. If it really happens, the effects brought by superstitions of prophecy could even exceed the An Lushan Rebellion.

At this moment, Gu Yi’s heart was instantly filled with contemplation, and as his mind slightly moved, Gu Xuan, who had been pondering for a long time, finally took action.

Meeting the gaze of countless officials, be it panic, worry, or inquiry, he slowly rose, held those confidential letters in his hand, and muttered calmly:

"The importance of new policies lies not in personal interest, but in the everlasting stability of the Great Tang and the welfare of millions in Kyushu!"

"Moreover, regardless of the Buddhist sect openly defying imperial decrees, they have already overstepped!"

"By merely concealing land, evading taxes, exploiting the people, indulging in usury, manipulating merchants, engaging in maritime trade, beguiling and coercing the people, resisting royal law... every single instance is as plain as day!"

"Their crimes — "

Gu Xuan’s voice suddenly intensified, bearing adamantine resolve, sharp as a drawn sword, gleaming fiercely:

"Unforgivable! Deserving of not a single pardon!"

"They have donned faith as armor, wielded believers as spears, and resist stubbornly..."

A brief pause sucked all the air out from the hall.

"Then—"

"Exterminate Buddhism!!!"

As the two words thundered out, like a bolt from the blue.

All expressions at that moment slightly shifted.

"Everyone, rest assured, I shall submit a memorial to His Majesty, explaining the pros and cons," Gu Xuan spoke calmly.

With that said, he headed straight for the study....

——————

"Gu Xuan’s Reform—

It marks a pivotal turning point for the Tang Dynasty.

Not only did it alter the political climate post-Kaiyuan due to Emperor Xuanzong, but it also remedied the institutional loopholes of the Great Tang, thoroughly resolving the various impacts from the An Lushan Rebellion.

Although the various reformed institutions, if viewed from a modern perspective, are far from perfect,

they are more than sufficient to demonstrate the extraordinary nature of the Gu Clan.

At that time, the Great Tang’s population exceeded a hundred million, with surrounding barbarian tribes submitting and boundaries secured, reviving the legacy of Zhen Guan and resonating around the world.

Gu Xuan, with thunderous momentum, reorganized the hundred officials, accurately measured lands, standardized taxes, reinforced the Commander’s Seal, thereby restoring central authority akin to a towering mountain, and dissipated the defiant powers of feudal towns into dust.

He reestablished the imperial court from the ashes of calamity, reclaimed morale amidst chaotic times, forcibly rescuing the crumbling grand mansion from the abyss, restoring unified prosperity.

This stands as the final glory of the Tang Dynasty, like a molten golden sunset, leaving a legacy illuminating the ages."

— "The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty"