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The next day, at the site chosen for the Tai Xuan Taoist Temple, boxes of copper coins were carried over by servants and guards.

The box was placed on the ground, and copper coins were scattered all over the ground, quickly forming a thick layer, making the onlookers swallow hard.

"These adults are crazy, donating so much money!"

"Yes, I counted them. All the ministers in the court donated, and not a single one of them missed it. What kind of deity is this, that they have such a grand display?"

"In just half a day, the money donated here must have already reached tens of millions of strings of cash. Being an official really makes money."

"I'm so envious. When will my son pass the imperial examination and achieve official rank?"

During the Northern Song Dynasty, officials received extremely high salaries.

As a first-rank official, his official salary, plus various benefits such as clothing and millet, amounted to more than four thousand strings of cash a year.

A second-rank official's annual income was close to 11,000 strings of cash.

A third-rank official, with an annual income of 7,200 strings of cash.

The reason why the salaries of the second and third ranks were higher than those of the first rank was that the first rank in the Northern Song Dynasty was a nominal position with no real power.

And this is still the visible benefit, the one that can be discussed openly.

The profits made behind the scenes are probably even more terrifying.

The gentry were mostly landowners, who profited from land rent, commerce, and so on.

The combined illicit gains from various sources meant that the income of officials in the Northern Song Dynasty was truly astronomical.

Suddenly, a group of young soldiers surged over and rushed to the incense registration area.

"Sir, I want to donate money too!"

"How much to donate?"

"Five strings of cash?"

"Five strings of cash, wait a minute, let's talk about it after you gentlemen have finished donating."

"Sir, even small amounts of money are money, please accept it."

"Yes, we all have to donate. After we donate, we still have to go back to our jobs!"

"My lord, please have mercy! We truly believe in Lord Xinjun!"

A group of low-ranking soldiers surged over, and the people thought there was going to be a good show. Unexpectedly, this group of people had also come to donate money.

Moreover, judging from the situation, it seems they can't refuse the donation.

The people were speechless.

What's wrong with these soldiers?

Suddenly, the man turned into a woman!

“Lord Zhang, since they want to donate, let them donate. It’s all out of goodwill towards Lord Daojun.” Gao Huaide looked at the crowd, saw a few familiar faces, and stood up to say something fair.

"Very well, since you are so kind, I will make an exception for you."

"Thank you, Your Excellency! Thank you, Prince Consort!"

A group of young soldiers donated money with profuse thanks, beaming with joy. Under the astonished gazes of the people, they left quickly, as if they had won a great victory.

"I don't understand, I really don't understand!"

"When high-ranking officials donate money, it might be considered flattery, but who cares about the flattery of lowly soldiers?"

"Exactly! Isn't this like throwing money down the drain? What a waste!"

Hearing the people's discussions, Gao Huaide and others smiled without saying a word. Some even wanted to borrow money to boost their ranking on the incense offering list.

After all, the higher the ranking, the more likely it is to be noticed by the Dao Lord.

This is similar to the consumer rankings in live streaming.

Only the big spenders at the front row get the benefits; if you're at the back of the line, they might at most call you "brother."

"Your Highness, can't we just give up the second place?"

"Alas, I am in a dilemma. The princess has instructed that the second place must not be lost."

"Lord Liu, why don't you move over?"

"Why should I move?! Humph!"

"Lord Zhao, look..."

"What are you looking at? Do you think we're that close?"

The once harmonious officialdom has now completely abandoned all pretense of saving face.

Anyone who dares to compete for rankings, we'll fight them.

……

On that day, a notice appeared in Bianliang City, attracting the attention of the people.

"From this day forward, the government will oversee the construction of the Hunyuan Wuji Taixuan Taoist Temple. The wages are 500 cash per day, settled daily. We are also sincerely recruiting skilled craftsmen from all walks of life, with excellent benefits."

"Hiss... Even ordinary people can earn 500 coins a day, that's an astronomical price."

During that period, it was considered good if an ordinary worker could earn 100 coins a day.

Five hundred coins, five times the salary.

For ordinary people, this is like a windfall.

"Besides, we get paid daily, so the imperial court shouldn't renege on the deal!"

"When I saw that there was going to be a large-scale construction project, I thought they were going to conscript laborers. I didn't expect that they would just hire workers normally. How much money will that cost?"

"You don't know, do you? All the ministers have donated their entire fortunes to build this Taoist temple. The funds for its construction are more than enough. I'm going to register at the government office now. If I'm too late, will I even get a chance to do something like this?"

"Brother, let's go together! I'm a carpenter!"

In just half a day, all the workers and skilled craftsmen needed to build the Taoist temple were recruited.

Liu Wen took over the construction work, gathered everyone together, and looked down: "You are all fortunate to have participated in the registration. Today, I will give you some benefits so that you can know the great power of the Dao Lord. This will also help you to do your best in the construction of the Dao Temple."

After saying that, he had everyone chant the incantation together.

After reading it aloud, the workers and craftsmen were all stunned.

"I've become stronger?"

"My eyesight was a little blurry, but now I can see things clearly."

"This is Daojun!"

"I originally thought it was just an ordinary Taoist temple, but I never expected it to be a Taoist temple built for a true immortal."

"I didn't understand why those ministers were so eager to donate money before, but now I finally get it. They're trying to curry favor with the Dao Lord!"

"Yes, yes, just as Lord Liu said, this is a blessing. What a rare opportunity it is for us to build a Taoist temple for Daojun."

"I want to showcase all my skills without leaving any flaws. This is the Daojun Temple. If there is even the slightest mistake, it would be blasphemy."

Everyone was talking about it.

Liu Wen coughed lightly and said, "Alright, it's getting late. Tomorrow is the start of the 640-type project. I hope you will all be present."

"Don't worry, sir, I'll crawl over here even if I have to."

"Yes, missing this opportunity would be a lifelong regret!"

Liu Wen nodded in satisfaction before waving the group away.

In the following two weeks, thanks to the hard work of the workers and craftsmen, and the increased strength from the incantations, a magnificent Taoist temple was built, showcasing the speed of the Song Dynasty to many foreign merchants.

Even the people of Bianliang were shocked.

In just half a month, a magnificent and solemn Taoist temple covering hundreds of acres was built. When did the workers of the Song Dynasty become so skilled?

With surprise, merchants from various countries, as well as the people of Bianliang, all went to the Taoist temple to pay their respects.

The idea that worshipping gods more often is harmless was a common belief among people in the Song Dynasty.

"Huh, I don't know if it's just my imagination, but after I finished worshipping the Dao Lord, I found that my old leg pain was cured!"

"It's not an illusion; my arm was numb before, but it's fine now. Daojun is a true god!"

"Me too, me too!"

"Daojun is indeed a true immortal. No wonder so many ministers have donated their entire fortunes to make offerings. If I had money, I would also make a large donation."

"Niu Er, where have you gone?"

"Donate incense! My mother worshipped the Daoist Master, and she used to be unable to walk, but now she can run and walk again!"

"Wow, I want to donate too."

In just one day, all the incense offerings in Bianliang were drawn there, leaving other temples and Taoist monasteries dumbfounded and helpless.

Chapter 357 Emperor Taizu's Little Intentions, and the Approval of the Crowd (3/7, Please Subscribe)

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