Lu Yu’s narrative wove a tale of the Confucian path, tracing its journey from the Spring and Autumn period through the Warring States to the Han Dynasty, culminating in the religiously charged Yellow Turban Rebellion, a conflict born from the “contention between Confucianism and Taoism.”
He meticulously detailed how, during the Warring States era, it was not Taoism but Mohism that stood in opposition to Confucianism.
Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, a figure from the late Spring and Autumn period, had served as a historiographer for the Zhou Dynasty. The propagation of “the Way” began after a descendant of the Chen clan journeyed to the state of Qi, and the Chen family disseminated the text of *Lao Tzu* there, establishing it as their theoretical foundation.
Taoism’s formation occurred within the Jixia Academy of Qi, where it became the foremost school. This school “adopted the strengths of Confucianism and Legalism, and seized the essentials of School of Names and Legalism,” demonstrating a spirit of tolerance and living in harmony with Confucianism.
Confucius himself frequently sought counsel from Lao Tzu, a testament to… the early amicable relationship between Taoism and Confucianism.
The turning point arrived during the Western Han Dynasty.
In the early years of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu, having learned from the downfall of the Qin Dynasty due to its violent reforms, and witnessing the depleted state of the populace, adopted the “Huang-Lao Wuwei” (Yellow Emperor and Lao Tzu’s principle of non-action) ideology, derived from Taoism, as the governing strategy. During this period, Taoism became the dominant academic school in the Han.
However, after the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, the nation’s strength gradually grew…
Upon his ascension, Emperor Wu was driven by ambition and a desire for progress. The Taoist principle of “Wuwei” (non-action) began to appear somewhat conservative. Consequently, Confucianism was employed to embellish the legal system, a practice described as – “Combining the ways of kingship and hegemony, mixed with their essence!”
Gradually, Confucian thought became the new ideology of the Han Dynasty, while Taoist thought was relegated to the fringes of official academia…
Lu Yu meticulously narrated these events and stories to Zhang Lu.
Some of this Zhang Lu was aware of…
Other parts, however, were unfamiliar to him. He listened intently, his brow furrowed…
This topic greatly intrigued him.
Lu Yu continued, “During Emperor Wu of Han’s era, the ‘Dismissal of the Hundred Schools and Sole Reverence of Confucianism’ continuously squeezed the hope for Taoism’s rise. Naturally, Taoism was unwilling to concede and sought to reclaim its prominence!”
“To cater to the Emperor, during this period, Taoism began to merge with sorcery and immortality techniques, attempting to teach the Emperor ways to commune with Heaven. For instance, the *Tian Guan Li Bao Yuan Tai Ping Jing* emerged during this time. Unfortunately… under the powerful Confucian theory of ‘Mandate of Heaven and Resonance between Heaven and Man,’ emperors throughout the dynasties paid no heed to Taoist arts! Confucianism, filled with elements of disaster omens and resonance, remained the governing ideology of the Han! The struggle between Confucianism and Taoism concluded with Taoism’s complete defeat in this round!”
*Hoo…*
Lu Yu’s timeline had now spanned the entire Western Han. Zhang Lu let out a deep sigh, his emotions complex.
He knew this part…
It was precisely because of the fruitless efforts of countless Taoist predecessors that his great-grandfather, Zhang Ling, changed his name to Zhang Daoling and came to Mount Heming in Shu to spread the Way.
This region was far from the Central Plains, and the influence of Confucianism was not as intense. Moreover, the populace revered shamanism and witchcraft… this provided the most fertile ground for “the Way” to grow.
Indeed…
Lu Yu’s discourse shifted, turning towards the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice.
“If the path above was blocked, one could still take the path below… During the reign of Emperor Shun of Han, a disciple named Zhang Ling discovered that his favored Taoist studies were utterly disregarded. He abandoned his official post and fled to the region of Shu… This area was populated by numerous barbarian tribes, who worshipped spirits and ghosts, and lacked influential noble families, thus the penetration of Confucianism was weaker and public security was poor. Therefore, he changed his name to Zhang Daoling, claimed to have been born during the reign of Emperor Guangwu, and was a descendant of Zhang Liang, a meritorious official from the founding of the Western Han. He then established a Taoist sect called ‘Zhengyi Dao’.”
“Everyone who participated had to first pay five pecks of rice, after which they could enjoy the teachings of scriptures, healing through talismans and water, and the expulsion of evil spirits with talismans… Under the spiritual enlightenment of Taoism in the Shu region, a degree of governance was achieved, leading to the current situation… where the third Heavenly Master, you, Heavenly Master Zhang, govern with a ‘union of politics and religion!’ Heavenly Master Zhang is the leader of the Heavenly Master Sect and the Alliance of Righteousness. No one knows better than you whether what I say is true!”
After recounting so much in one breath…
Lu Yu raised a teacup and took a sip… His gaze flickered towards Zhang Lu…
At this moment, Zhang Lu’s eyes conveyed only one word: “Shock.” He felt… that Lu Yu was a terrifying individual. He not only understood “Confucianism” but also “Taoism,” and the developmental patterns of the entire Alliance of Righteousness, the Heavenly Master Sect, and the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice.
No wonder the Saintess of the Five Pecks of Rice sect abandoned her original plan because of him, and even… “a daughter who marries out”…
This Crown Prince of Wei possessed such magic and charm!
He understood too much…
Conversing with him felt like… being completely exposed, with no secrets left to hide.
After a while…
Zhang Lu shook his head, “As expected of the Crown Prince who excels at influencing minds and understanding all things. Your Highness knows our sect and the history of the Confucian-Taoist struggle in such detail! Therefore… does Your Highness intend to use this story to make me believe and lead thirty thousand followers of the Five Pecks of Rice to surrender to the Great Wei?”
“What else?”
Lu Yu replied with a smile, “Celestial Master Zhang, do you have many other options? Your grandfather established the Heavenly Master Sect at Mount Heming, while another contender, Zhang Jiao, founded the Way of Great Peace in the Central Plains, inciting the Yellow Turban Rebellion… aiming to overthrow the rule of the Han dynasty and, on this foundation, reclaim what the Taoist sect had lost. But what was the result? The power of Confucianism was too immense… Over the years, within the Confucian school, a clan system had already been established. As long as they united against a common enemy, the Way of Great Peace would have no chance!”
“The current Great Wei is even more powerful than the former Han, with a million troops. Of the ten parts of the world, Wei has taken nine… Celestial Master Zhang, do you believe that what the Way of Great Peace failed to achieve back then, the Heavenly Master Sect can achieve under the Great Wei?”
This…
Zhang Lu’s expression grew somber, “Is Your Highness threatening me?”
“No…” Lu Yu gently shook his head. “I am helping the Heavenly Master Sect, and I am also helping Celestial Master Zhang…”
Lu Yu slowly rose, his hands behind his back, and walked to the door. He raised his head and gazed at the vast sky outside the tent.
“Wei will eventually replace Han… What the Taoist sect lost in Han, I can guarantee, will be regained in Wei…”
*Hoo…*
Zhang Lu let out a soft breath, his face becoming more serious and solemn. “Based solely on Your Highness’s words, do you expect me to believe?”
Lu Yu did not answer Zhang Lu directly. He continued with his hands behind his back, sighing, “The Han Dynasty’s sole reverence for Confucianism caused the Taoist sect to be unable to lift its head. Similarly, the Han Dynasty’s sole reverence for Confucianism supported far too many aristocratic families and clans… These were the key factors that led to the Han Empire’s affairs devolving into chaos. The Great Wei cannot follow in the footsteps of the Han; the sole reverence of Confucianism is inadvisable. Let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools contend, and let the cultural sphere flourish – this is my… as Crown Prince of Wei, original intention!”
Having said this, Lu Yu turned around. “Of course, I cannot guarantee that the Heavenly Master Sect will necessarily dominate in an era of contending schools. However, I can promise you that the Great Wei will not set any obstacles to the propagation of the Way, and will permit the Heavenly Master Sect to preach and develop followers in the Central Plains… The status of Taoism will be equal to that of Confucianism!”
“Furthermore, the Great Wei will provide a certain degree of guidance and supervision for each school, ensuring… that these schools merely propagate their doctrines and do not incite rebellion. I, the Crown Prince, can even promise Celestial Master Zhang that Wudang Mountain, Longhu Mountain, and Zhongnan Mountain will be bestowed upon your Taoist Alliance, allowing the Taoist lineage to develop, grow, prosper, and flourish!”
Upon saying this…
Lu Yu paused, as if deliberately giving Zhang Lu time to consider.
Ten breaths… twenty breaths…
After a full hundred breaths, Lu Yu solemnly asked, “To remain confined to a corner, like a frog in a well… or to take a step forward and, through genuine skill, promote ‘the Way’ to the Central Plains, to the entire world, and revitalize the Taoist sect – all of this… today hinges on Celestial Master Zhang’s single thought…”
Having spoken thus, Lu Yu’s expression became meticulously serious. This composure beneath his calm inexplicably exuded a great sense of pressure.
Zhang Lu slowly raised his head…
His words were somewhat hesitant, “If… if I agree to Your Highness, then can Your Highness additionally promise me one thing?”
“What matter?”
Zhang Lu hesitated slightly, then narrowed his eyes and slowly uttered a sentence.
– “Destroy! Buddhism!”
And as these two words left his mouth.
Lu Yu was taken aback… He had intended to further recount the story of Buddhism and Taoism to Zhang Lu…
After all, Buddhism had only recently been introduced to the Central Plains through Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions… and there was only the White Horse Temple in Luoyang.
It could be said that Buddhism’s influence was not nearly as significant as it would be in later times…
What Lu Yu wanted to discuss about “Buddhism and Taoism” was, in essence, to remind Zhang Lu…
To tell him that, in the future…
The greatest rival of Taoism would not be Confucianism, but Buddhism…
But who would have expected…
Zhang Lu directly expressed his thoughts, bringing forth the words “destroy Buddhism”!
This… was quite remarkable!
It seemed that despite Celestial Master Zhang Lu being confined to the Hanzhong region, he had already realized how Buddhism would influence this world, and how Buddhism would once again suppress the development of Taoism!
Lu Yu’s eyes narrowed into slits. He bent down, his gaze directly meeting Zhang Lu’s, “Does Celestial Master Zhang intend… for me, the Crown Prince of Wei, to implement an ‘Order of Buddhist Annihilation’?”
– “Celestial Master Zhang is indeed far-sighted!”
…
…
Within Yangping Pass, in a courtyard.
“How was it?” Seeing her father return, Zhang Qiying hurried to meet him.
Zhang Lu looked at his daughter…
This usually dignified and graceful daughter had become so anxious for this matter.
Who knew if it was because of the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice, or… because of Lu Yu!
“Father? How did the discussion go?” Seeing Zhang Lu remain silent, Zhang Qiying asked again eagerly.
“What do you think?” Zhang Lu feigned seriousness…
This expression frightened Zhang Qiying.
“Could it be…” Zhang Qiying stammered, “Could it be that it didn’t work out?”
Aside from surprise, a hint of worry flickered across Zhang Qiying’s face. Only after truly clashing with Lu Yu would one understand… what a formidable opponent he was. Such a person… if a friend, one should never make an enemy.
“Why don’t you ask the Crown Prince of Wei yourself?” Zhang Lu’s sudden remark startled Zhang Qiying…
This…
Zhang Qiying reacted, her father meant… meant he agreed to her leaving the pass? To meet Lu Yu?
Logically, this should indicate… that her father’s conversation with Lu Yu went smoothly, right?
But why…
Zhang Qiying had an inexplicable feeling, it didn’t seem like everything had gone smoothly.
“Father… is it that…”
Before Zhang Qiying could finish her question…
Zhang Lu waved his hand, “Don’t ask me. The pressure is now on your sweetheart…”
This…
Upon suddenly hearing the words “sweetheart,” Zhang Qiying trembled. Immediately… she gritted her teeth, her cheeks flushing, “Father… what nonsense are you talking about!”
“Heh heh…” Zhang Lu merely smiled, then waved his hand and strode away…
He left Zhang Qiying clenching her fists, too curious. She desperately wanted to know… why her father said the pressure was on Lu Yu? No… when did Lu Yu become her sweetheart?
“Someone…”
“Saintess!”
“Prepare the horses, I am leaving the pass!” Zhang Qiying spoke rapidly, her tone matching her surging emotions, tumultuous and powerful!
…
…
That night.
Lu Yu stood alone on “Zilong Mountain,” gazing at the night scenery.
Dian Wei and others protected him ten paces behind…
The cold night was silent, only the chilling wind brushed against Lu Yu.
– Destroy Buddhism!
The condition put forth by Zhang Lu forced him to ponder and weigh carefully…
Even, he needed to extract many records concerning “Buddhism” from his mind to earnestly assess… whether the existence of “Buddhism” was good or bad for the Great Wei, joyous or sorrowful!
– *Swish, swish…*
The biting wind caressed Lu Yu’s cheeks. He softly chanted, “Four hundred and forty temples in the Southern Dynasties, how many pavilions in the mist and rain.”
As he uttered this line, he had already recalled many instances of “Buddhist annihilation” recorded in ancient texts.
For example, the famous – “Three Emperors’ Annihilation of Buddhism!”
Specifically, it was the Northern Wei Emperor Taiwu’s annihilation of Buddhism, the Northern Zhou Emperor Wu’s annihilation of Buddhism, and the Tang Emperor Wu Zong’s annihilation of Buddhism, along with Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou’s annihilation of Buddhism, forming the notorious – Tribulation of the Three Emperors and One宗!
The reasons for the three emperors and one宗’s annihilation of Buddhism were not entirely the same, and the circumstances varied slightly, but overall… they were remarkably similar.
They were invariably due to political reasons, conflicts in the ideological and cultural spheres, flaws within the monastic community, and contradictions in the economic interests between monks and laypeople, among other issues.
In layman’s terms…
Buddhism, in essence, was a spiritual utopia for the suffering populace.
As Buddhism developed, in many dynasties, it caused a series of problems.
For instance, ancient monks did not pay taxes, nor did they perform corvée labor or military service. Monks also did not engage in productive activities, and their sustenance largely depended on the offerings of pilgrims. However, the act of “taking refuge in the Buddha” required severing all ties with the mundane world, dedicating oneself to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Yet, many forgot their birth parents who conceived and raised them for ten months.
Moreover… the most inhumane aspect was the Buddhist prohibition against carnal relations.
One must understand…
This was ancient times, not the present. The human population in ancient times was already sparse. Without procreation and reproduction, how could a strong nation be passed down through generations?
Because of these various reasons, in ancient times… the more people entered Buddhist orders, the more detrimental it was to the empire’s development and the ruler’s efforts to develop the economy and production.
The only benefit was that the “faith” mentioned by Buddhism could, to a certain extent, help rulers maintain social order.
Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda – these tenets of faith were, to a degree, positive.
As for the annihilation of Buddhism…
It seemed it could eliminate the need to cast golden Arhat statues, save the consumption of incense money, and also release a large labor force, preventing the populace from living entirely in illusion.
From this perspective…
The Great Wei’s annihilation of Buddhism was not entirely unfeasible.
Even more so, at this point in time, the White Horse Temple was only a hundred years old, and the development of Buddhism was still in its nascent stage. It was not as difficult as during the later “Annihilation of Buddhism by Three Emperors and One宗”…
Each movement to annihilate Buddhism was soon followed by the resurgence of Buddhism…
With this in mind…
Lu Yu’s eyes shifted, and he once again chanted that line.
– “If so… the Great Wei’s four hundred and forty temples, how many pavilions… in the mist and rain?”
…
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