At the foot of the mountain where Taiping Taoist Temple is located, the relatives and in-laws of the family also dismounted from their carriages and gathered behind Dou Miao and Dong Shi.
Because of Liu Hong's instructions, Dou Miao and the others did not close the mountain or drive away the people who came to worship. Therefore, Taiping Taoist Temple was no different from usual and was still very lively.
Some people at the back of the prayer procession looked at the unremarkable earthen hill in front of them and the people coming and going around them, and couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"This is the Taoist temple of the Taiping Sect?"
"Right? But why is it different from what I imagined?"
"Yeah, with people coming and going on the mountain, it looks like a temple."
In their eyes, none of the scenes before them resembled the Taoist practice of quiet cultivation and transcendence of the world.
At this moment, Dou Miao and Madam Dong also moved to the front of the steps.
"Empress Dowager, Holy Mother, shall you go up?"
Xiao Hong, who was serving nearby, glanced at the same steps and couldn't help but ask.
Dou Miao laughed and said, "Of course, we're here to pray for the Emperor's well-being, so we naturally need to be more sincere!"
"The Empress Dowager is right!"
Madam Dong smiled and nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's go!"
After saying this, Dou Miao and Dong Shi, led by Zhang Jiao, walked step by step towards Taiping Taoist Temple, and the others hurriedly followed behind.
The disciples of the Taiping Sect also lined up in a long queue, following along one side of the procession.
As they ascended the mountain, just like Jian Shuo before them, they discovered the land along the mountain path and around it, which was filled with grains, fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs.
After inquiring with the disciples beside them, everyone couldn't help but admire them.
Liu Shu, standing at the front of the group, looked at Liu Yu beside him and said with a smile:
"This Taiping Sect is truly unique. Not only do they engage in manual labor, but they also encourage others to be self-reliant. How can they resemble a religion at all?"
"Yes, it doesn't teach people to cultivate Taoist practices, but only to teach them how to conduct themselves and be a good person. This greatly benefits the stability of the people and is certainly worthy of praise!"
Liu Yu nodded in agreement, and felt a greater sense of goodwill towards the Taiping Sect.
Liu Biao, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "This Taiping Sect doesn't seem like an ordinary sect; it's more like an indoctrination organization!"
Liu Yu smiled and said, "That's right, especially their advocacy of abiding by the law and the idea of helping others when one is successful. It really makes people feel that the Taiping Sect is more like an auxiliary department of the imperial court!"
Those around them nodded in agreement upon hearing the conversation between Liu Shu, Liu Yu, and Liu Biao.
Despite having the word "religion" in its name, the Taiping Sect left everyone feeling somewhat dazed by what they were seeing and hearing.
Because these Taoist priests of the Taiping Sect did not resemble ordinary sorcerers or magicians. Judging from their speech and behavior, they seemed more like Taoists, and their doctrines were more in line with the Huang-Lao school of thought.
Therefore, in the eyes of many, the Taiping Sect is more accurately described as a doctrine disguised as a religion than a religion.
Just like Confucianism, Mohism, and Legalism, the difference is that the Taiping Sect combined the essence of each school of thought to form a new doctrine.
Although they believe in, respect, and serve God, they do not depend on God.
The entire doctrine of the Taiping Religion revolves around two words: "pragmatism".
This is precisely the idea that the current emperor has been advocating.
Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but become somewhat interested in the Taiping Sect.
Fortunately, the Taiping Taoist Temple was not located at a high altitude, and soon the group followed Dou Miao and Dong Shi to the front of the temple.
"What is that for?"
Dou Miao glanced around and noticed the situation at the altar, a look of curiosity on her face.
"Your Majesty, that is a charity altar, set up to help some people...!"
Zhang Jiao also gave Dou Miao a detailed introduction to the situation regarding the alms-giving platform.
"Helping the people...?"
Dong, who was standing to the side, murmured something softly, and couldn't help but recall Liu Hong's actions back in Hejian.
"Let's go take a look...!"
Dou Miao smiled and, as she spoke, she and Madam Dong walked towards the alms-giving platform.
Upon approaching, seeing the people who had received the supplies bowing in gratitude to the emperor, Dou Miao and Dong Shi nodded in satisfaction.
"You have done a good job in helping the emperor spread his virtuous reputation!"
Zhang Jiao respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, we, the Taiping Sect, have always been dedicated to educating the people and sharing the burdens of the court. These are all things we should do!"
"Excellent! If everyone were like you, how could the world not be at peace? You truly live up to the word 'peace'!"
Upon hearing Zhang Jiao's words, Dou Miao was full of praise.
Zhang Jiao was overjoyed to receive the Empress Dowager's praise and affirmation.
Zhang Jiao then said loudly, "We are honored by the Empress Dowager's praise. For the sake of peace in the world, we will do our utmost and never regret it!"
Dou Miao smiled and nodded, "Heh~, good, then you should continue your efforts and strive to help the emperor complete this great undertaking as soon as possible!"
"We will obey the Empress Dowager's command!"
Zhang Jiao quickly and respectfully accepted the order.
Ms. Dong, who was standing nearby, also noticed the notice board and walked over to it.
"Who...is this Zhao Ning?"
Upon seeing the notice board, Mrs. Dong couldn't help but ask a question.
"In response to Your Majesty, this Layman Zhao Ning is a wealthy and influential man from Luoyang, known for his generosity and righteousness..."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
