Chapter 614: Han Zhongliang, Truly a Ruthless Man

The next morning at dawn, only a thin sliver of light appeared on the horizon.

All civil and military officials had gathered before the Tai Chi Palace, awaiting Chang Chao to begin.

Unlike the earlier carefree atmosphere, today Han Zhongliang looked very nervous, his face sallow.

When he returned yesterday, he gradually understood Chen Yan's plan.

But that was only his conjecture, not certain; if he guessed wrong, the consequences would be severe.

However, seeing the faint hopeful looks on Ma Zhou and Du Gou beside him, Han Zhongliang was left speechless.

You guys have fun watching, but I'm about to get into trouble soon.

"Zi An, today… seems it'll be lively again."

On the other side, Du Ruhui clasped his hands, shook his head and sighed.

Chen Yan grinned, "Isn't that so? Cai Duke, just watch, today's court session will surely surprise you."

"Hmm?" Du Ruhui blinked, "Isn't it just the Luoyang flood? In the past, when such things occurred, it was your Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Works and the like that caused trouble."

"Yesterday His Majesty said your Ministry of Revenue planned to allocate some funds, but you seemed quite excited."

"How could I not be excited?" Chen Yan laughed heartily, "Just watch our performance later."

Du Ruhui blinked, turned his head to look at the equally puzzled Fang Xuanling beside him.

The two stared at each other, both unable to grasp what secret Chen Yan was selling this time.

Wei Zheng interjected, "You aren't planning to target someone again, are you? The situation in Luoyang is already troubling, but at this critical moment, you should refrain from stirring up trouble."

"After all, the decision to dispatch troops was just finalized, and Luoyang then suffered a flood; your Ministry of Revenue now needs to spend a huge amount on supplies, so calm down."

"That's precisely why we need to act," Chen Yan nodded as a matter of course, "The Ministry of Revenue is damn broke; if such disasters keep happening, who can endure?"

"The treasury's annual revenue is that little, if I don't think of a solution, then what do we do?"

"Wei Gong, don't worry, I have my limits."

The ministers were all headache‑stricken; if nothing unexpected occurs, Chen Yan will definitely cause trouble today.

At first they tried to advise him, but upon hearing the next sentence, they swallowed their counsel again.

The words seemed correct.

Chen Yan is a measured person; he wouldn't undertake a major undertaking at this critical moment—perhaps it's just for fun, or to give Li Shimin a hard time.

Hasn't he always done it this way before?

Upon thinking that, everyone instantly felt relieved.

If you want to give Li Shimin a hard time, give him a hard time.

After all, he's the emperor; if you trouble him, who else can you trouble?

Soon, the court session convened, and the civil and military officials entered the hall.

"We, the ministers, salute His Majesty."

"All honored ministers, rise."

After the customary bow, Li Shimin sat upright on his throne, his complexion not pleasant, a bit cold, and said, "If you have matters, present them; if not, retire from court."

Yesterday, he had already arranged it; today's topic would inevitably concern the Luoyang flood.

If nothing unexpected occurs, the next to present would be Chen Yan, otherwise Du Ruhui and his group.

However, what Li Shimin did not anticipate was that the first to step forward was Han Zhongliang of the Ministry of Revenue.

"Your Majesty, I have matters to report!"

Li Shimin was slightly startled, assuming it was Chen Yan's arrangement, and without further thought said, "Ministerial Attendant Han, speak freely."

"My lord, here's the matter," Han Zhongliang inhaled deeply, and under the increasingly bright gazes of Du Gou and others, forced himself to speak:

"Today, I have discovered a huge loophole in the Tang Dynasty tax system; I consider this matter significant and hereby report it to Your Majesty."

A huge loophole in the tax system?

When Han Zhongliang finished speaking, everyone besides the Ministry of Revenue officials was stunned, Li Shimin included.

Not about the Luoyang flood?

Li Shimin glanced at Chen Yan with puzzlement; seeing the youngster's excited expression, he knew it was certainly his directive.

After all, if there were any loophole in the tax system, the first to report it should be Chen Yan, the Minister of Revenue, not Han Zhongliang.

"Tell me, what loophole?"

Han Zhongliang whispered, "I have found that the Tang Dynasty implements the Equal-Field System and the rent‑labor‑tax system, requiring adult men to pay grain and perform service."

"But once one becomes a monk, they are exempt from taxes and service."

"Thus, many people shave their heads and become monks; they aren't true Buddhists but are avoiding taxes. This situation has worsened, and over time the court loses a huge revenue, and no one steps up for military or corvée duties."

"Moreover, temples also annex land, fattening themselves. They don't farm themselves; they rely on renting fields that belong to the peasants under their name, sitting on the profits."

"Even when the court inspects fields and taxes, temples can claim 'blessed fields' or 'merit fields' as an excuse to avoid payment."

"The most hateful part is that their so‑called 'Endless Treasury' is actually the greatest usury in the world, harming countless commoners."

"Nowadays, the Tang Dynasty has over a hundred thousand monks; I dare assert that ninety‑nine percent are not true Buddhists. They outwardly preach salvation, recite sutras, but in reality they merely avoid taxes, using the Buddhist banner to indulge themselves, while secretly committing theft and preying on the people!"

When he finished speaking, the entire court was shocked.

Many looked at Han Zhongliang with malice, while many others felt their hearts ignite.

During the early years of Wude and Zhenguan, many ministers had jointly reported this matter, and even Li Yuan had wanted to oppose Buddhism.

An edict to purge monks and nuns was once issued, but before it could be carried out, the Xuanwu Gate Incident occurred, and after Li Shimin ascended the throne, the edict was set aside.

When anti‑Buddhist sentiment resurfaced in early Zhenguan, it was blocked by Xiao Yu, a staunch Buddhist, and ultimately fizzled out.

But this time, those who wished to oppose Buddhism saw a chance of success.

Because the one who raised the issue is Han Zhongliang!

Whose person is Han Zhongliang?

Chen Yan!

Who is Chen Yan again?

Li Shimin!

Is Li Shimin behind this?

Has His Majesty also already reached the point where he can't stand it?

Han Zhongliang continued: "Your Majesty, as of now, the Tang Dynasty already has 200,000 monks, and this number is still rapidly rising, showing a trend of rapid expansion!"

"I believe we must put an end to this phenomenon!"

Li Shimin's mouth twitched; he glanced lightly at the eager Chen Yan, then said helplessly: "Ministerial Attendant Han, what do you think should be done?"

Han Zhongliang gritted his teeth and went all out.

"Your Majesty! I believe we should abolish Buddhism!!!"

"......"

The cry of "abolish Buddhism" echoed in the hall; whether those who wanted to spit at Han Zhongliang or those who wanted to support him, everyone was instantly dumbfounded.

Their heads were buzzing.

No, buddy?

What are you saying you want to abolish?

Not only the civil and military officials, but also Du Ruhui and the other ministers; whether they supported or did not support the anti-Buddhism stance, at this moment their eyes became clear.

Han Zhongliang!

He's truly a ruthless person!

"......"