I am Li Shen and Li Shimin, the free kings of the Tang Dynasty

As the popular saying goes online, you don't understand the world of the rich.

Li Shen only truly understood this after arriving here.

In his previous life, he was just a commoner with only five bushels of grain. Now that he's become a rich man here, he doesn't even know how to show off.

Even now, the only way he can show off his wealth is by squandering it. Fortunately, his noble status has taught him a lot about aristocratic etiquette and rules.

This barely made up for his image as a nouveau riche.

Everything from clothing and food to housing and transportation is custom-made; a single garment requires hundreds of people to make it over several months or even a year.

The only way Li Shen could think of to flaunt his wealth was by being the best and most expensive; nothing else mattered.

Tang Lin was just a minor official of the fourth rank, and the servants who wrote the legends were probably not even of the fourth rank. It is estimated that he did not have much salary at that time.

A dozen or so strings of cash was already a considerable sum of money for him, which is why he wrote it that way.

"Tenth Brother, you're being a bit one-sided. Do you mean you'd write that you'd give him mountains of gold and silver?"

Monks are detached from worldly desires and have no interest in money.

Li Tai felt that Li Shen's words were too mercenary; how could a monk be greedy for money? He guessed that even the King of Hell didn't bestow too much reward because he was a monk.

"Fourth Brother, monks do indeed dislike money, but is it possible for such a powerful figure as Yama to be so stingy?"

Even I, your humble servant, always reward you with at least ten strings of gold bars each time.

Are you looking down on the King of Hell? Do you think he doesn't even have fine silks and satins?

Li Shen scoffed and asked in return.

You can refuse to accept it, but surely the King of Hell can afford to give it to you?

"This..." Li Tai was speechless for a moment. What Li Shen said did make sense.

Li Shen continued:

"If you ask me, if this is true, then this monk must have received a windfall, either from the donations of believers or from theft."

Then he fabricated a lie to deceive the world.

“Tenth Brother, that’s a monk, and a highly accomplished one at that,” Li Tai retorted.

"So what? People are all good or bad. Are all monks good people?"

Having observed various temples and Taoist monasteries for so many years, do you know how many filthy things happen inside them?

How much gold, silver, jewels, silks, and satins did the imperial court confiscate?

Li Shen raised his voice and questioned him.

"Ahem~" Li Chengqian coughed and said:

“Qingque, this tenth brother is not talking nonsense. Over the years, countless treasures from temples and Taoist monasteries have been confiscated in various places, estimated to be at least several hundred thousand strings of cash.”

At the crucial moment, Li Chengqian stepped forward to confirm that this was no secret; almost all the court officials knew about it.

Because Li Shen had caused a huge uproar, he began to confiscate the land of temples and Taoist monasteries, and instead allocated funds from the imperial court to support their livelihoods.

All other gains had to be handed over to the imperial court, the pretext being to avoid disturbing the quiet cultivation of the eminent monks and Taoist priests.

Over the years, some people have secretly concealed their talents and embezzled from their posts, only to be reported by Li Shen's spies in various places.

Temples were raided, staff were dismissed, and monks were exiled.

"Such a thing actually happened?" Li Tai exclaimed, his mouth agape in surprise.

Li Shen inwardly scoffed. Everyone in Chang'an knew about this; how could you not know? How could you pretend?

"Tenth Brother, is your explanation based on this reasoning because you think there's something wrong with this book?"

Li Shimin, who had been silent all along, looked at Li Shen and suddenly asked.

He knew his son too well; anything he cared about must have a reason. He wrote a story about the White Snake to avenge his son.

This caused people from all over the country to go to temples to make trouble, demanding that they hand over Fahai.

Buddhism's reputation plummeted.

Later, with the rise of Taoism, Li Shen wrote Journey to the West, which promoted Buddhism and helped to balance the two schools of thought.

For emperors, the key is to maintain a balance and avoid excessive dissemination of religious ideas. They also rely on the two sects to appease the people.

As long as it guides people towards goodness, that's fine.

Li Shen's first anti-religious campaign a few years ago was very successful, and now they all obediently do whatever they are told.

This was enough for Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, there is no problem with the records of retribution in the underworld guiding people to do good and spreading the message that good deeds are rewarded and evil deeds are punished."

However, his advocacy of Buddhism is somewhat unacceptable.

After thinking for a moment, Li Shen finally shared his thoughts.

"Oh? Tell me about it," Li Shimin asked.

Li Shen gathered his thoughts and began to explain:

“Father, the native religion of our Great Tang is Taoism, and the founder of Taoism is also the ancestor of my Li family. It is both morally and logically that our Li Tang should help him.”

Yama, the King of Hell, is a native deity of our Great Tang Dynasty, in charge of the netherworld and hell, rewarding the good and punishing the evil.

How can it be associated with Buddhism?

Buddhism originated in India and is a distinct Indian sect. Although it has been integrated into the Tang Dynasty, some of its concepts still conflict with the Tang Dynasty's etiquette.

Li Shen still leans more towards Taoism, after all, it is an indigenous religion. Although there are many different Taoist sects in various places now, there are also many scams and frauds.

But Li Shen thought that a little management would solve the problem, eliminating the inferior ones and keeping the good ones, like Longhushan now.

"So you mean..." Li Shimin asked, narrowing his eyes. In matters of state, Li Shimin highly valued Li Shen's opinions.

This is experience accumulated over many years, just as this rebellious son can predict the future.

"Change it. Have Tang Lin change some things in it, only teach the people to do good deeds and accumulate virtue, and don't mention Buddhism and Taoism."

Let the people know that those who commit heinous crimes will descend into the deepest hell and suffer the torments of the eighteen levels of hell.

Li Shen offered his advice.

People today don't realize how powerful a book can be, especially a bestselling one.

For ordinary people who are now completely uninfluenced, the subtle influence is enormous.

Not to mention the Tang Dynasty, even in later generations, the overwhelming number of video bloggers discussing a single issue can brainwash the general public.

The terrifying extent of information dissemination is unimaginable.

"Hmm... Good, brilliant. Do as Lao Shi says. After the New Year, give Tang Lin a secret order."

After thinking it over, Li Shimin finally agreed with Li Shen's opinion. Although the royal family now believed in Buddhism, it was insignificant compared to the stability of the country.

So-called faith is based on supporting one's ideals. I want to get promoted and make a fortune; I want to be rich and powerful.

You have blessed me, and that is why I will continue my faith.

Li Shimin trusted no one but himself. He believed in Buddhism in order to protect the country and his health.

They are just like ordinary people, no different from anyone else.

When you discover that your faith brings you no benefit, your faith will collapse instantly.

Just like Li Shen, when something happens, Li Shen believes in everything, including all kinds of gods and Buddhas in heaven and Jesus in the West.

But when he has nothing to do, Li Shen only believes in money.

"Yes, I obey." Li Chengqian stood up to accept the order.

Li Shen suddenly had a flash of inspiration:

"Father, why don't you let me handle this matter? I can offer some insights and tell him how to make changes."