When the imperial edict was read, the monks looked at each other and whispered to each other. At this time, the discussion became even louder.
Suddenly, a young monk among the monks shouted: "Sir, we are devoted to Buddhism, why should we be forced to return to secular life? Isn't this against the will of Buddha!"
As soon as this was said, many monks followed suit, and their words were full of dissatisfaction and unwillingness to return to secular life.
Jiang Yueyang looked at everyone calmly and spoke slowly: "This is the will of the emperor, and it is also for the long-term benefit of Huguo Temple.
If you are truly devoted to Buddhism, no matter where you are, whether you are a monk or not, you can still practice Buddhism and act with good intentions. "
Just as Jiang Yueyang finished speaking, an old monk who was standing closer to the front stepped forward.
He put his hands together and said Amitabha, “Your Excellency is right, the Buddha’s teachings are boundless and not restricted by form.
It’s just that we have been practicing in this Huguo Temple for many years and have long been accustomed to the life here. It is really difficult to adapt to the secular world suddenly. I hope you can understand our difficulties. "
"I understand." Jiang Yueyang smiled gently, "but the emperor's will is already decided, and there is no way to change it. I hope that Master can understand my difficulties."
Hearing this, the monks present knew that no matter how much they tried and how reluctant they were to leave, the person in front of them would not be moved.
They were dissatisfied, but did not dare to disobey the order.
At this time, Master Wu Nian put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, everything is karma."
After Master Wu Nian’s statement, the monks’ discussions gradually died down.
Seeing this, Jiang Yueyang said, "I have discussed with Master Wu Nian the list of people who will return to secular life. Now, please ask Master Wu Nian to come forward and announce it."
Master Wu Nian: “…”
Master Wu Nian paused for a moment, then reluctantly stepped forward and read out the list of people who had returned to secular life.
Not long after, Master Wu Nian finished reading out the first list of only 133 people.
When everyone heard that there were only about 130 people who returned to secular life, some looked puzzled while others were secretly happy.
Jiang Yueyang glanced at everyone and spoke again: "Those whose names were just read, please step out."
After a while, the 133 monks whose names were called stood up.
Jiang Yueyang glanced at them casually and said, "The court will arrange a place for you to go, and then you will leave with me."
After hearing this, some among the 133 felt vaguely uneasy, while others were unaware that a disaster was about to happen and were secretly delighted.
"In addition, there is a list of people who have returned to secular life, and Abbot Wuwang will notify them separately. Abbot Wuwang should know that the people on the list must leave the temple and return home within seven days, without any mistakes." Jiang Yueyang added.
Abbot Wuwang: "Amitabha, I will obey the Holy Spirit's instructions."
Then, Jiang Yueyang pulled the corner of his mouth and looked at the 133 people, "Everyone, please."
After leaving the Huguo Temple, some people felt that something was wrong and shouted that the court was going to kill them, creating chaos and escaping.
The officers and soldiers of Dali Temple reacted quickly and surrounded them, and Jiang Yueyang secretly used the "power of words" to assist.
In a short while, all those who attempted to escape were subdued.
Jiang Yueyang stood on the carriage, looking down at the 133 people kneeling on the ground, and said in a cold voice: "I wanted to give you some dignity, but you didn't want it. In this case, tie them all up."
Just like that, Jiang Yueyang ordered the kidnapping of 133 people, and then returned to the palace in a mighty manner to report.
＊＊＊
In Huaqing Palace.
Emperor Yuan stared at Jiang Yueyang with a stern face and asked, "Didn't you go to ask the monks of Huguo Temple to return to secular life? Why did you make such a big fuss to kidnap the monks of Huguo Temple back?"
“They’ve committed a crime.”
"What have they done wrong?"
"Theft, robbery, kidnapping, murder..." Jiang Yueyang counted the crimes committed by those people.
Emperor Yuan asked, "How do you know they committed these crimes?"
"Master Wu Nian told me." Jiang Yueyang lied without hesitation.
"How did Master Wu Nian know about this?"
"Then I don't know. Your Majesty can summon Master Wu Nian to ask him."
Master Wu Nian, who was in the Huguo Temple, sneezed violently, then smiled and shook his head.
That girl was sure that I would help her.
Back to the palace, Emperor Yuan was so angry at Jiang Yueyang's words that he laughed, "You brought him back without even asking any questions?"
“Although I have only met Master Wu Nian twice, I know that he is an unrivaled monk.
He knew early on that I would go to the Huguo Temple today, and he had already selected the monks who would return to secular life.
In this case, what else do I have to doubt?
Afterwards, as long as the Dali Temple follows the clues given by Master Wu Nian and investigates with all their might, they will definitely find evidence to convict them.
I arrested him before I found any evidence because I was afraid he would run away. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!"
Emperor Yuan sighed, "Forget it, they've already been arrested. There's no point in saying anything more. Let the Dali Temple investigate what those monks have done as soon as possible. If the charges are true, we'll do what needs to be done."
"promise!"
"Back off."
"I'll take my leave."
In a blink of an eye, more than ten days passed. Under the full investigation of the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice, the charges against the 133 monks of the Huguo Temple were all proven.
Some were sentenced to imprisonment, some to exile, and some to execution.
At this time, on the other side, Loge secretly returned to Nanzhao with Daxia's troops.
As soon as he returned to Nanzhao, Loge, who had been assassinated and disappeared, rushed to the palace to meet the King of Nanzhao.
According to his people, his father the king has been poisoned to the core and is probably not going to live long.
To his surprise, Luo Lie did not kill his father while he was away in Nanzhao.
Outside the Nanzhao King's bedroom, Loge waited for a while before being called in.
As soon as he entered, Loge saw the King of Nanzhao sitting on the bed with a pale face, and his heart ached.
Loge stepped forward quickly, knelt on one knee, and said anxiously, "Father, I am back."
When the King of Nanzhao saw Loge, he started coughing violently and coughed up blood just as he was about to speak.
"Father!"
The King of Nanzhao waved his hand, forced a pale smile and said, "Just come back safely."
At this time, the voice of Luo Jie asking for a meeting came from outside.
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