Tianlong Temple (fictitious, plot needs)
After breakfast, Li Xiang was brought here. Just like yesterday, almost all the senior officials of Nanzhao came. The King of Nanzhao did not trust his younger brother, and the King of Zhennan also did not trust his older brother, so the two of them were deadlocked and simply accompanied Li Xiang together.
As Su Dingfang looked at the two, a question crossed his mind: "Don't you have any business in such a big country?" Even if they were important guests from the Tang Dynasty, they couldn't have all the officials come here. If there was an emergency, would they have to work in the temple?
However, Li Xiang saw this as a good thing, as it showed that they attached great importance to the envoys from the Tang Dynasty. Of course, the most important point was not to give the other party a chance to be alone with them. Both of them had their own plans in mind, and they were both afraid that if they discussed it when they were alone with Li Xiang, then with the support of the Tang Dynasty, the other person would definitely be out.
"Your Highness, this is our country's Imperial Master, Master Jinghong."
Although the Prince of Zhennan was very powerful, in front of Li Xiang, it was still the Prince of Nanzhao, Luo Sheng, who had the final say and the final say.
After this person finished introducing himself, Li Xiang saw an old monk with a kind face. Li Xiang had also collected information about this person. He basically didn't care about political affairs and only wanted to spread Buddhism. He even wanted to preach to the north. Unfortunately, his views were contrary to those of the four chieftains in the north, so he was always blocked by the four chieftains.
After meeting Li Xiang this time, Master Jinghong also had a request. He hoped to go north to communicate with the temples in the Central Plains and study Buddhism together. Of course, there was no political purpose, it was purely an academic exchange.
"The master's kind and compassionate features complement the thousand-year-old Tianlong Temple perfectly."
What Li Xiang said was true. Tianlong Temple was quite old, and having such a Buddhist master really added a lot of color to the temple.
"I don't deserve the owner's praise. There are many famous temples in the Central Plains, and they are all blessed with eminent monks. My Tianlong Temple is located in the southwest, so we have many believers. However, when it comes to understanding Buddhism, we must accumulate knowledge from all over the world."
The old monk was very humble and did not take credit for the certificate, which won Li Xiang's favor. Some people around him also felt more favorable towards Li Xiang when they saw how respectful Li Xiang was to Master Jinghong.
Of course, the Prince of Zhennan is an exception. He does not think much of religious affairs. He has realized in his early years that the excessive development of religious affairs is not good for the overall national strength. Moreover, if religious power in a country is about to catch up with the royal power, it will definitely be a tragedy for this country.
Unfortunately, after the Prince of Zhennan said this, some of his subordinates opposed it. It was precisely because of that incident that the Prince of Zhennan put away all his edge. If there had not been a good turning point, the Prince of Zhennan probably would not have said his words again.
I thought Li Xiang was an evil spirit and had no good feelings towards these temples. I also wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to use the prestige of the Northern Tang Dynasty to put an end to the arrogance of the temples. Who knew that Li Xiang would be so respectful to Master Jinghong? Doesn't that mean that my wish is gone?
When worry appeared on the face of Prince Zhennan, the face of Prince Nanzhao was full of joy. The temples of the whole country were supporting him. If Li Xiang had such an attitude towards the temples, the prestige of the temples would be further strengthened.
"Are you feeling unwell, second brother? If so, it would be better for you to go back and rest early. Mother has been very concerned about you these past few days. I, your brother, will take care of the affairs at court."
Li Xiang and Master Jinghong had a very pleasant conversation. Although Li Xiang's knowledge of Buddhism was not deep enough, he knew thousands of years of history after all, so he could casually quote a few famous Buddhist sayings. In this day and age, even the masters of Buddhism might not be able to catch up with Li Xiang, and of course there is still a gap with those masters.
When the King of Nanzhao saw this scene, he was even happier in his heart, so while no one was paying attention, this guy came to the side of the King of Zhennan and deliberately provoked him. It was because his younger brother never made him feel comfortable. If Li Xiang had not come from the north, perhaps the situation in the country would have become more acute. The local people had already opened their bloody mouths, and the target was naturally the throne of Nanzhao.
"Thank you for your concern, my dear brother. I am doing well. In recent years, you have vigorously promoted Buddhism, and temples have sprung up all over the country. But have you ever considered that if this continues, the number of monks in the temples will increase exponentially. By then, not to mention conscription, there will not even be enough people to farm. What will this mean for our country?"
Looking at the golden roofs of the surrounding temples, Prince Zhennan felt uncomfortable, and at this moment he could hardly control himself. The people all over the country were not living very well, and many people were still unable to eat enough. However, the court spent a lot of money to repair the temples, but did not give a penny to these people. This was Nanzhao under the rule of Prince Nanzhao.
"Amitabha, how could you have such thoughts, second brother? This is disrespectful to the Buddha, especially when spoken in a place like this. I'll allow you this once, but if you do something like this again next time, I will not let you off lightly."
The King of Nanzhao had a pious look on his face, and he even put his hands together and recited a sutra, which made the King of Zhennan not know what to say. You are the king of this country, and these religions can only be used as tools of rule. Now even you are trapped in it. Who is the tool of whom?
While the two brothers were talking, Master Jinghong had already taken Li Xiang in for tea. The officials below were very satisfied. Li Xiang had such respect for Master Jinghong that the two of them could be said to have had a very pleasant conversation.
In the eyes of these people, Master Jinghong is the most respected person in the country. Li Xiang's respect for Master Jinghong shows his respect for our Nanzhao. Moreover, he just treated Master Jinghong as an elder. They felt relieved. Even in the future, Nanzhao will definitely stand ahead of them among the various vassal states.
After entering the temple, Li Xiang was shocked by the magnificence before him. The Nanzhao Palace looked like an ordinary wealthy mansion, but the Tianlong Temple could not be seen in that way. In terms of construction cost, the Tianlong Temple was comparable to the East Palace.
