Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Temples are scattered across Chang'an, and alleys and streets are dotted with Buddhist bells. Evening drums and morning bells startle roosting birds, and curls of incense curl around the pavilions.

The Tang Dynasty had a vast territory and numerous temples, but how many there were exactly? Perhaps only Li Chengqian, who cared about the world, knew a little about it.

According to incomplete statistics from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, there were as many as eighty-six Buddhist temples and thirty nunneries in Chang'an alone.

Looking around, Buddhist temples are scattered everywhere, covering almost every neighborhood, becoming a unique and conspicuous presence in Chang'an City.

During the reign of Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, he issued an edict that only three temples were to remain in the capital, and only one was allowed in each of the rest of the country. The purpose was to control the scale of Buddhism and prevent it from expanding excessively.

After Li Yuan abdicated and became the Supreme Emperor, Li Shimin came to power. Perhaps because of the unspeakable rebellious intention in his heart, he actually vigorously promoted Buddhism and the promotion of Buddhism became popular.

In just ten years, temples sprang up like mushrooms after rain across the mountains and rivers of the Tang Dynasty.

It is regrettable that behind these seemingly sacred temples, there are many shameful and dark activities hidden.

Not only did they secretly hide a large number of people, causing many people to disappear inexplicably and become deeply trapped in it, they also wantonly encroached on fertile farmland, causing countless farmers to lose the land on which their ancestors had relied for survival, become displaced, and their lives fell into despair.

What's worse, deep in the temple that never sees the sun, there are many beasts in human form who commit shameless acts of forcing women of good families into prostitution, trampling on the innocence and dignity of innocent women.

There is also the inhumane act of picking and breaking branches from living people, using living people to satisfy their evil, superstitious desires, or to arouse the sympathy of pilgrims. It is truly outrageous and infuriating to both humans and gods.

Since the beginning of the year, Li Chengqian has been suppressing his anger and silently waiting for the best opportunity.

His goal was to have the Jinyiwei, who were spread all over the Tang Dynasty, to clean out these filthy temples at the right time like a sharp sword, and restore the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

According to information provided by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the number of temples in the entire Tang Dynasty has exceeded 4,200.

In such an era of extreme labor shortage, these monks seemed to have omnipotent powers, building so many temples in such a short period of time.

What kind of means were used behind the scenes, whether it was forced conscription of civilians or plundering, is self-evident, and everyone knows the answer in their hearts.

In the city of Chang'an, Zhang Xianhuai, commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was heroic and had a stern look as he personally led the elite soldiers under his command.

All the officials from the northern and southern military prefectures were mobilized, and the atmosphere was solemn and murderous.

They quickly and orderly blocked the twelve tall and majestic gates of the outer city, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving at will, turning the city of Chang'an into an airtight cage, leaving those with ulterior motives nowhere to hide.

The people of Chang'an were no longer surprised by the actions of the Jinyiwei.

In their hearts, no matter how the officials in the court gnashed their teeth at the Jinyiwei and cursed them in secret, the Jinyiwei treated them, the ordinary people, with care and sincerity.

On ordinary days, if the people encountered difficulties on the road and urgently needed assistance, their first reaction was not to seek help from the government, but to run straight to the Jinyiwei.

This is because the Jinyiwei are extremely efficient and resolute, and can always provide them with the most effective help in the shortest time. Moreover, they are kind and friendly, without any official airs, which makes the people feel warm.

"Look, the Jinyiwei are making a big move again! I wonder which unlucky family will be punished this time."

Zhou Wu stood on the street, looking at the majestic Jinyiwei team, and sighed softly.

"Brother Zhou, please stop meddling in other people's business. How could someone who is targeted by the Imperial Guards be any good?"

Wang Fu, a friend standing by, hurried to offer comfort, with a look of awe in his eyes.

"Oh my god! I'm afraid all the Jinyiwei in Chang'an have come out today? How can there be so many people?"

Zhao Liu shouted in surprise, his eyes wide open, looking at the scene in disbelief.

"It seems that this is definitely not a trivial matter!"

King Zheng sighed thoughtfully, his eyes solemn.

At this time, Old Man Liu in the crowd asked curiously, "Captain Li, which temple are you going to?"

The Jinyiwei, known as Li Baihu, smiled but didn't answer. Chen Sheng, a young man standing beside him, said with a grin, "Grandpa Liu, no matter where he goes, there must be a bad guy about to be caught. Let's just follow and see."

"This is the Huichang Temple! It seems fine on normal days. Is there something shameful going on?"

Aunt Qian muttered in confusion.

Aunt Sun continued, "It's hard to say. We don't know what those monks are doing behind the scenes. But the Jinyiwei will definitely not make a mistake. Let's just wait and see."

Groups of Chang'an residents who were originally busy selling vegetables, taking a walk and other trivial matters, saw this situation and put down their work at this moment even though they still had many matters to deal with.

Full of curiosity, they followed the Jinyiwei closely in groups.

After all, eating melons is everyone's innate nature. In their minds, doing business may be left for tomorrow, but if you miss the excitement in front of you, it will be difficult to have another chance.

Seeing this situation, Zhang Xianhuai did not order the people following him to be driven away.

On the contrary, he felt joy in his heart. In his opinion, this was a perfect demonstration of the people's trust in the Jinyiwei.

If it had happened a few years ago, so many people would not have dared to join in the fun in front of officials like this.

The target that Zhang Xianhuai wanted to confiscate this time was the Huichang Temple, which was quite famous in Chang'an.

At this moment, his other brothers had all rushed to other temples according to his instructions.

Huichang Temple has been famous in Chang'an for a long time.

As early as the first year of the Wude reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, Huichang Temple was built in Jinchengfang. Its predecessor was the luxurious residence of He Ruoyi, King Hailing of the Sui Dynasty.

In the past, Huichang Temple, as an extremely important Buddhist cultural site, played a crucial role in the widespread dissemination and vigorous development of Buddhist culture in Chang'an.

This place once attracted countless believers and literati, who exchanged their thoughts on Buddhism and discussed poetry and songs. The lively scene further expanded the influence of Huichang Temple and made it famous.

The most crucial reason is not this.

The evil monk Bian Ji who once practiced in Huichang Temple had a master who was of great importance.

This person is famous not only in the territory of the Tang Dynasty, but also in later generations.

He was Master Xuanzang, who traveled west to seek Buddhist scriptures and wrote classics after returning.

Perhaps it was precisely because of this special connection that Li Chengqian specifically ordered Zhang Xianhuai to come in person to search and confiscate Huichang Temple.

In fact, Huichang Temple is not innocent at all. The dark activities hidden behind it have reached a point where they must be eliminated.