From cute to empress

Chapter 176 The Redemption of Faith

"But what? Master, do you think I'm deceiving you, just trying to fool you?" I frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in my tone. The ascetic monk hesitated to speak, finally sighing and shaking his head, saying nothing more.

Seeing this, Zhen Youcai approached me and whispered, "Your Majesty, ascetic monks are devoted to Buddhism, they are inevitably a bit stubborn. You don't have to worry about it. In my opinion, why don't we prove with concrete actions that religious reform is not about suppressing Buddhism, but about ensuring that all believers can live a better life."

My eyes lit up, and I thought Zhen Youcai's proposal was a good one. I immediately announced that the court would allocate special funds to repair major temples and also provide relief to believers who were in financial difficulties.

As soon as these words were spoken, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience. People rushed to tell one another, praising my kindness and wisdom. Even Master Huineng, who had remained silent until then, broke into a gratified smile.

In the days that followed, I personally supervised the temple's renovations, while Zhen Youcai also actively worked to deliver food and clothing to believers in need. Our every move was witnessed and remembered by the people.

"Your Majesty has a kind heart like a bodhisattva! Since you ascended the throne, the lives of ordinary people like us have been getting better and better!" Pilgrim A, who was helping to carry bricks and tiles, wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with gratitude.

"Yes, those corrupt officials in the past only knew how to squeeze the people's money, unlike Your Majesty, who always thinks about us!" Another pilgrim B who was distributing porridge also echoed.

Looking at their sincere smiles, my heart was filled with warmth and emotion. I know that only by truly caring for the people can I win their support. And this is exactly what I have always pursued.

I turned to look at the ascetic monk, only to find that he was staring intently at Pilgrim A and Pilgrim B, with a complicated look in his eyes...

I noticed the change in the ascetic's expression, and a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. Perhaps he was finally beginning to understand my painstaking efforts.

"Master," I walked up to him and asked softly, "Do you think I'm doing this right?"

He was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke in a low voice: "Amitabha, I wronged Your Majesty before."

I was delighted and about to speak when he continued, "I have always believed that Your Majesty's religious reforms were intended to suppress Buddhism, and I was filled with resentment. Now it seems that Your Majesty is not like that. Everything you do is for the people, for all the people of the world."

I nodded and said, "I hope that the world will be peaceful and the people will live and work in peace and contentment. No matter what religion it is, as long as it encourages people to be good, I will support it."

Master Huineng, standing by, clasped his hands together and said, "Your Majesty's compassion is truly a blessing to all people. Brother Kuxing, you have been stubborn and naive for too long. It's time to let go of your obsession."

Taoist Priest Xuanzhen also stepped forward and said, "Yes, Master Kuxing, you are devoted to Buddhism, which is a good thing, but what you are doing is actually bringing shame to the Buddha!"

The ascetic monk lowered his head, said nothing, and clenched his Buddhist beads so tightly in his hands that his knuckles turned white. I knew that a fierce struggle was going on in his heart.

I didn't say anything else, just looked at him quietly, giving him time to think and make a decision. After a long time, he finally raised his head and looked at me with a hint of relief in his eyes.

"Your Majesty," he said hoarsely, "I... I want to talk to you alone..."

"Okay." I nodded in agreement and motioned for the others to leave first.

The ascetic monk and I were the only ones left in the hall. An invisible sense of oppression filled the air. I looked at him quietly, waiting for him to speak.

"Your Majesty," he took a deep breath, his voice trembling, "I have been blinded by hatred these days and have done many wrong things. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

I shook my head. "I know that everything you did was out of devotion to the Buddha, but your method was wrong."

The ascetic monk laughed bitterly, "I have always believed that Your Majesty wants to destroy Buddhism and the foundation of our faith, so..."

"I understand how you feel," I interrupted him, my tone sincere. "But I can assure you, I have never considered suppressing any religion. Everything I do is for the people of the world and for the future of this country."

I told him my thoughts and ideas about the Reformation without reservation. I told him about the people's unbearable suffering over the chaotic religious situation, about those who deceived people under the banner of religion, and about how religion and government must coexist harmoniously if a country wants long-term stability.

Every word I said came from the bottom of my heart, without a trace of falsehood. I saw the doubt in the ascetic's eyes gradually dissipate, replaced by a kind of contemplation and relief.

"Your Majesty," he was silent for a long time before finally speaking again, a hint of guilt in his voice, "I was wrong. I misjudged your Majesty's efforts."

I sighed softly, "I'm glad you understand."

"Your Majesty," the ascetic monk suddenly knelt before me, "I am willing to help Your Majesty explain the truth to all believers and ask for their forgiveness!"

I quickly helped him up, "Master, please stand up. I am very pleased that you can do this."

The next day, the ascetic admitted his mistake in front of all the believers and expressed his support for me. He said that Your Majesty is a benevolent and wise monarch, and everything she did was for the people of the world and for the future of the country.

I stood on the platform, looking at the huge crowd below, my heart filled with hope. I knew that my religious reform was finally coming to fruition.

"People..." I spoke slowly, my voice echoing throughout the square...

"People..." I spoke slowly, my voice echoing throughout the square, "I know that the Reformation has caused you a lot of troubles during this period of time, and even caused some people to misunderstand me." My eyes swept across the audience, seeing faces that were either confused, doubtful, or worried.

"I want to make it clear that I have never intended to suppress any religion, much less deprive you of your faith!" My tone became firm. "Everything I do is to restore a pure land to religion and let the true light of faith shine upon the earth!"

My words stirred up a commotion, and people began to whisper. I saw the sadhu standing at the front of the crowd, his expression solemn, tears glistening in his eyes, as he bowed deeply to me.

"I want to thank the ascetic master. He taught me that true faith is about tolerance, understanding, and compassion." I nodded slightly in the ascetic's direction. "I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to create a prosperous era where religion and government coexist harmoniously, and the people live and work in peace and contentment!"

As soon as I finished speaking, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience. I saw the gloom on people's faces disappear, replaced by hope and joy. I knew that my religious reform had finally gained the people's approval.

In the days that followed, order was restored in the temples and Taoist temples. The monks and Taoists stopped attacking each other and focused on practicing and preaching. The people also gradually understood my good intentions and stopped blindly believing in them. Instead, they treated religious beliefs rationally.

Watching all this, I'm filled with joy. I know this is just the beginning. My goal is to establish a comprehensive religious management system so that religion can truly become a positive force in maintaining social stability and promoting national development.

"Your Majesty," Zhen Youcai, who had been standing silently behind me, suddenly said, "You should return to the palace."

I nodded and turned to leave.

"Oh right," I suddenly remembered something, "Tomorrow morning, have all the ministers present. I have something important to announce."