Chapter 221: Tao Gu Recommends Himself

Liu Chengyou had certainly entertained the idea of "suppressing Buddhism"—in fact, he had long since done so. The copper shortage was merely a small trigger; more importantly, it was the property held by Buddhist temples across the realm. That was a piece of fat, and to Liu Chengyou and the Great Han court, which were nearly driven mad by poverty, it was far too tempting...

Even amid frequent warfare, as far as Liu Chengyou knew, Buddhist temples throughout the country remained considerable in scale. Setting aside his wariness of their "bewitching the people's hearts," the mere fact that they occupied vast lands and populations made it impossible for Liu Chengyou not to covet them.

Liu Chengyou bore no particular prejudice against Buddhism. It was only that when national interests were involved, even without prejudice, one had to develop it. Since the Buddhist order proclaimed that "all four elements are empty," then they should simply chant sutras, eat vegetarian fare, purify their desires, and frugally uphold the true path—that would be the proper way.

Liu Chengyou's desire to "suppress Buddhism" was not suppression for its own sake. Rather, it was to liberate labor, increase the registered population, and boost state revenues. It was just that the final results might not look any different.

Even if one wished to "suppress Buddhism," it could not be done by slapping one's head and rashly issuing an edict. This matter still required caution. In the three dynasties before the present, the "Three Wus" had forcibly suppressed Buddhism against the people's will. In terms of results, it had a very positive effect on political stability and the people's hearts, as well as on economic and fiscal revenue. However, it seemed that the fates of the "Three Wus" had not been particularly good...

Of course, Liu Chengyou was not frightened by this. He merely took history as a mirror and acted with habitual caution.

The Three Wus' suppression of Buddhism may have been more focused on political factors, cultural conflict, Confucian-Buddhist contradictions, Buddhist-Daoist thought, and the interests of monks versus laity. On Liu Chengyou's side, because the national situation and circumstances differed, his motives were far more straightforward—he simply coveted the property and population that the Buddhist order occupied and wanted to generate revenue for the Great Han's coffers.

Such nakedly utilitarian thinking naturally could not be shown openly. When the time came, he would need to use different phrasing—for instance, "rectifying" unhealthy trends. There were so many Buddhist temples under heaven that it was inevitable that some harbored filth and preyed upon the common people. That much could be foreseen.

An edict to "govern Buddhism" could not be issued hastily, but there was no harm in preparing in advance. Without investigation, one had no right to speak. Liu Chengyou ordered Wang Zhang and Li Shaoyou to each conduct a "bottom-up" survey of Buddhist temples nationwide, to see what the actual situation was. Once they understood things clearly, when the time was ripe, they could proceed with rectification at leisure.

Additionally, the "suppression of Buddhism" still required consideration of its impact. In times of chaos, the soil for Buddhism's survival was truly fertile, and its influence on the common people was naturally not shallow. However, such minor problems could not shake Liu Chengyou's resolve. The only thing that gave him some pause was that Empress Dowager Li was a devout believer in the Buddha.

The Buddhist establishment of the Great Han did not yet know that merely by strolling through a market, they had stirred up the Son of Heaven's intense desire to "suppress Buddhism."

"Your Majesty, Academician Tao requests an audience."

Come to think of it, it had been quite some time since Liu Chengyou had seen Tao Gu. It was not that there had been no communication at all—the court's edicts and proclamations were still drafted by the pens of the Hanlin Academy.

"Minister Tao, the Hanlin Academy is a gathering of literary talent, a place of exquisite refinement. Now that you serve as Director of the Academy, you should devote more effort to it, working in harmony with the other gentlemen to manage this gathering place of talent well for me!" Liu Chengyou chatted idly with Tao Gu, his words carrying a pointed meaning.

Liu Chengyou had heard things—relying on his connection as a "former companion from the prince's residence," Tao Gu had recently been somewhat ostentatious in the Hanlin Academy. Scholars scorned one another, and he had stirred up some unpleasantness with his colleagues.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty." Tao Gu accepted the admonition with downcast eyes and a meek demeanor.

"I hear Minister Tao is compiling a remarkable book? The scope of its entries is quite broad—astronomy and geography, the way of rulers and official records, clothing, food, housing, and travel, even plants, trees, flowers, and fruits—nothing is excluded?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Slightly surprised—this was merely a pastime of his, something quite private. His mind stirred, but Tao Gu's expression did not change. He still answered respectfully: "Your servant is ashamed; I would not dare call it remarkable. It is merely that over these years, in my spare time, I have made some small notes, recording and describing some novel names for various people, affairs, and objects in the court and among the people since the late Tang and the three dynasties. It is hardly fit for refined company."

"Minister Tao is too modest. In my view, this book gathers knowledge of a hundred subjects. If it can be completed, its interests can serve to transmit the Dao and resolve doubts—far more valuable than some ornate poetry." Liu Chengyou waved his hand.

Hearing this, a hint of unexpected delight surfaced on Tao Gu's face. Liu Chengyou's evaluation of his unfinished notes was actually this high? His mind immediately began to stir. Originally, he had merely written at leisure with a casual brush, but now it seemed this could become an enterprise to please the sovereign.

He immediately promised: "With Your Majesty's words, your servant will naturally do his utmost to compile this catalogue well!"

"On the day it is completed, I shall certainly peruse it personally." Liu Chengyou offered Tao Gu a word of encouragement.

The book Tao Gu was compiling was known in history by its scholarly name, the Qingyi Lu—equivalent to an encyclopedia. Its catalogue entries touched upon every aspect of this era and held immense literary and historical value. With Liu Chengyou's encouragement this time, driven by utilitarian motives, the day of its completion would likely be greatly advanced.

As a person, Tao Gu's official reputation and personal standing were both rather poor. But the man truly had some talent and strategy, especially literary talent, which allowed Liu Chengyou to tolerate his minor flaws. Moreover, a minister with obvious defects was not that more reassuring to a sovereign?

By now, Liu Chengyou had been largely assimilated by this era and had entered more deeply into the role of emperor. In governing the state and employing people, he rarely acted on personal preference anymore, evolving ever more into a political animal.

After some idle chat, Liu Chengyou directly turned the topic, scanning Tao Gu as he asked: "Minister Tao, what business brings you to see me this time?"

Hearing this, thinking of the purpose of his visit, Tao Gu's spirits rose further. He hunched his back slightly, a fawning expression on his face, and said carefully: "Regarding the autumn special examination..."

"Oh? Does Minister Tao have some thoughts on the special examination?" Liu Chengyou raised an eyebrow slightly and asked blandly.

A somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on Tao Gu's face. He said respectfully: "Your servant has heard that the Ministry of Rites' preparations are mired in various complications and progress is not smooth. Additionally, the candidates for supervising the examination—Chancellor Su and the others have not yet deliberated on them..."

Hearing him say this, Liu Chengyou naturally understood.

The preparations for the special examination had been mostly completed over the past half month or so. After all, there were precedents to follow and a framework in place. It was only in perfecting the various institutional regulations and the examination subjects and procedures that things were somewhat slow. Although Liu Chengyou emphasized efficiency and simplicity, he could not relax at all on their rigor.

By now, the subjects for this special examination had been settled after much wrangling. The regular examination subjects since the three dynasties had basically followed the Tang system, but due to the chaos of war, they had been variously revived or abolished. Liu Chengyou was opening the special examination this year, seeking talents who could be urgently put to use. Originally, it was proposed to hold three subjects—the Jinshi, the Mingfa, and the Mingsuan—but under the forceful arguments of Su Yugui and other ministers, the Mingjing subject had been added as well.

The examination procedures and flow still awaited arrangement, but the candidates for supervising the examination were still under discussion... Originally, it had been proposed that the Grand Stable Chief Zhao Shangjiao take the post. Later, literary luminaries and esteemed ministers such as Li Song, He Ning, and Zhao Ying were also included in the deliberations. Matters of selecting talent for the state and elevating one's reputation held no small temptation for civil officials.

Tao Gu waited respectfully below, his heart anxious, full of hope, awaiting Liu Chengyou's response. The humility on his face did not change.

Liu Chengyou appraised him, pondering inwardly. To be sure, in terms of ability and reputation, Tao Gu was qualified to supervise the examination. Moreover, in this matter, Liu Chengyou did not look at seniority but at those who could get things done and select worthy talents for him. It was just that Tao Gu's excessive selfishness made Liu Chengyou somewhat uneasy...

However, looking at it from another angle, given Liu Chengyou's emphasis on this matter and the significance of the Great Han's first special examination, with Tao Gu's shrewdness and his style of flattering and currying favor with the sovereign, he probably would not go too far out of line.

After thinking it over, Liu Chengyou said: "Very well. The regulations and procedures for the special examination have not yet been promulgated. Minister Tao, go back and write a draft for my reference."

No sooner had the words fallen than Tao Gu pulled a booklet from his sleeve and presented it: "These are the regulations your servant has drafted. Please forgive your servant for not reporting them earlier."

At this, the surprise on Liu Chengyou's face was plain to see. He took it from the palace eunuch's hands, reviewed it, then looked at Tao Gu and said with feeling: "The provisions are clear, the considerations thorough. It seems Minister Tao has put his heart into this and prepared fully."

Having received Liu Chengyou's approval, Tao Gu appeared even more humble, though the corners of his mouth could not help but curl into a subtle expression of smug satisfaction.

"For this special examination, I must select a few useful talents!" In the end, Liu Chengyou still did not directly grant his request, merely ending his conversation with Tao Gu with a sentence that carried implicit warning and admonition.

Tao Gu was a man skilled at scheming and currying favor, and his grasp of situations and opportunities had always been quite good. In the first half of his official career, self-recommendation to seek office was not something he had never done.

During the Later Jin, he had gained the appreciation and promotion of Chancellor Li Song precisely through a self-recommendation document. And now, with both he and Li Song serving as officials in the Great Han, after Li Song had lost power and influence, his contacts with him had naturally diminished. Earlier, when Li Song had offended Su Fengji, Tao Gu had avoided him like an enemy to keep from displeasing the incumbent chancellor.

This man's moral character was truly despicable. However, a person's ability and value often had little to do with their moral character. And Liu Chengyou, in employing people, clearly placed greater emphasis on practical competence.

Before long, Liu Chengyou directed the Secretariat-Chancellery to issue an edict: the Grand Stable Chief was to serve as Minister of Rites and supervise the special examination, with Hanlin Academy Academician Tao Gu jointly supervising the examination.

In the end, Zhao Shangjiao was made the principal, simply because the examination regulations he submitted were clearer and more precise, and moreover, compared to Tao Gu's, they included one additional provision: the restoration of sealed-name grading.