The Tang Dynasty: Wu Zetian made me her imperial tutor

The system of monastic officials has existed since ancient times.

During the chaotic period between the North and South, Buddhism flourished, and temples owned numerous lands and retainers. The imperial court began to appoint monk officials to manage them.

The system was divided into three levels: central, local, and grassroots. Monks and nuns were appointed by the emperor and government offices at all levels and were paid salaries. Their main role was to manage temples and monasteries and connect with the imperial court.

After the Sui and Tang dynasties unified China, the titles of monks and officials gradually became mere empty names, with real power in the hands of secular officials.

The Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties largely followed the Tang system. However, during the Yuan dynasty, the emperors were devout Buddhists, and Buddhist officials held high positions and wielded great power, constantly interfering in politics.

During the Ming Dynasty, the system of monk officials was re-established and standardized, and extended to the northwest and southwest border regions.

The titles of National Preceptor, Great National Preceptor, Dharma King, and Religious King were created by the Hongwu Emperor and the Yongle Emperor specifically for Tibet.

It would be difficult to explain to Wu Zetian...

"What Buddhist scriptures did the Empress Dowager like to read the most?"

Lu Jun raised her eyebrows slightly, a sly glint in her eyes, and changed the subject again.

He came up with an explanation that was not only easy to understand, but would also make the Empress Dowager unable to resist and feel like she was taking off on the spot.

"I like the Avatamsaka Sutra," Wu Zetian blurted out, then pressed, "What does this have to do with the Dharma King and the King of Religion?"

Given her personality, if it were anyone else who kept asking her questions and rambling on, she would have reprimanded them severely long ago, but she was very tolerant of Lu Jun.

Firstly, I had already made a promise to him, so he could say whatever he wanted and I couldn't go back on my word.

Secondly, this young man never talks nonsense. Although his ideas seem whimsical, they are always meaningful and trustworthy.

The key point is that a handsome young man makes it impossible to get angry...

"Your Majesty, please do not be anxious. The Dharma King and the Sangha King are my suggestions, and the Buddha can appoint them." Lu Jun smiled slightly.

He then asked, "I have also heard of Buddhist scriptures, and I am particularly impressed by the *Mahāvaipulya-sūtra*. Has Your Majesty read it?"

It was still a strange question. Wu Zetian shook her head blankly: "I've only heard of it; it's from Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, isn't it?"

I haven't read it... that's good.

Lu Jun finally got to the point:

"Indeed, this sutra was translated by the eminent Northern Liang monk Dharmakṣema, and is also known as the Great Cloud Sutra. It is a Nirvana Sutra."

"Chapters 36 and 37 mention a celestial maiden named Pure Light who, through a series of serendipitous events, twice heard the profound meaning of the Buddha's teachings."

"The Buddha prophesied that seven hundred years after the celestial maiden's Nirvana, she would be reborn as a woman, become the ruler of a country, teach the people, and perform the work of a Bodhisattva..."

what--

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian exclaimed in surprise.

It was as if a ray of light had suddenly descended upon him, and his eyes instantly burned with intense heat, as if they had been ignited by a raging fire.

She was always shrewd and composed, but now her body was trembling violently.

Although he was tolerant of Lu Jun, he was somewhat displeased just now, but that displeasure vanished without a trace.

"Chu Yu, what did you say? The scriptures mention that a woman will become the ruler of a country?"

When asked the question, he even held his breath.

Lu Jun smiled and said, "Yes, that's the original text of the Great Cloud Sutra. I'm just repeating it."

"Do you still remember the original text? Could you recite this passage for me?" Wu Zetian's voice trembled along with her body.

Lu Jun nodded and recalled:

"Then the Buddha said to the heavenly maiden, 'Wait a moment, I will first tell you about your destiny.'"

"Upon hearing this, the celestial maiden felt ashamed and bowed her head to the ground."

"The Buddha then praised, 'Excellent, excellent! Shame is the garment of goodness for all beings. Heavenly maiden, the queen of the king, is you.'"

"You heard the Mahaparinirvana Sutra from that Buddha even once, and because of this, you have now attained a heavenly body, encountered my birth, and heard its profound meaning again."

"She is a celestial being, that is, a woman who occupies a kingdom and lands, receiving one-quarter of the territory ruled by a Chakravartin..."

"At that time you were truly a Bodhisattva, but for the sake of liberating sentient beings, you manifested as a woman..."

"Please forgive me for not having studied Buddhist scriptures in depth; I only have a deep impression of this passage, and I can't remember some of the words."

"In my humble opinion, the scriptures speak of a future Buddha, whom the Buddha prophesied would be born as a woman in a certain country, become the ruler of that country, and educate the people..."

"Since he is the future Buddha, he can naturally appoint Dharma Kings and Religious Kings to protect the Dharma and educate Tibet."

"In this way, the Tibetans not only regarded the Celestial Empire as their suzerain state, but also regarded the Celestial Empire's monarch as a god."

Ultimately, the Dharma King and the Religious King were not only court monks, but also a link between the Tibetans and the Celestial Empire.

This explanation is indeed a bit convoluted.

Tantric Buddhism is the most suitable Buddhist sect for the Tibetan Plateau and can serve as a consensus between the imperial court and Tibet.

The imperial court used the system of monk officials to win them over, but it would be best to have a more suitable appointee for the specific titles.

The Great Cloud Sutra mentions a female ruler in the country who performs the work of a Bodhisattva and will surely become a Buddha in the future.

It is perfectly reasonable for the Buddha to appoint monastic officials.

This tactic both justifies the strategy and...

I understand everything I understand.

Historically, it was Xue Huaiyi who led nine monks, including Faming, Chuyi, and Yunxuan, to find the meaning of the Great Cloud Sutra and write a commentary to present to the Empress Dowager.

The time was July of this year. Two months later, the Empress Dowager accepted the abdication in accordance with the will of Heaven and ascended the throne.

Since we haven't found it yet... I'm sorry, Master Xue.

Wu Zetian's phoenix crown trembled more and more violently. Although there was no wind in the hall, her wedding robes swayed back and forth incessantly.

His lips parted several times as if he wanted to say something, but he tried his best to close them again, though his eyes and brows could no longer contain his emotions.

This was the final sprint in her preparations to become empress. She had already created enough momentum with auspicious omens and prophecies, and she had a firm grip on the army. Eliminating dissidents would be a piece of cake.

The only thing missing is official recognition.

She was a woman... According to Confucian classics and the understanding of ordinary people, it was impossible for her to become an emperor.

There were many empress dowagers who held great power, such as Empress Lü of the Western Han Dynasty, Empress Dowager Dou of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Empress Dowager Feng of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Which of them dared to claim the title of emperor?

To seize power solely through strength is tantamount to telling the world—

The emperor is the one with the strongest army and the most powerful horses!

That makes sense, but once you're in that position, you need to find a respectable reason to extinguish any other people's hopes.

She needs a title, a title that can stand shoulder to shoulder with and rival Confucian doctrines. She desperately needs one!

The reason Xue Huaiyi was appointed to oversee the White Horse Temple and to gather eminent monks to examine Buddhist scriptures was to find a title from the vast collection of texts!

Unfortunately, it has not been found so far.

Lu Jun mentioned the Great Cloud Sutra, which contains the saying "a woman will become a queen," a prophecy made by the Buddha himself!

With just a little explanation, the official status is as if blown in by an east wind, and everything is perfect!

"I understand. This is to adjust the system of monk officials. Good idea..." Wu Zetian casually agreed.

His thoughts were racing with ecstatic joy, and he had long forgotten that he was discussing ways to subjugate Tibet and the northern desert.

When I came to my senses, I had no idea how much time had passed.

Cough cough--

She slightly suppressed her smile and said to Lu Jun, "I understand your meaning. A similar method can be used in the northern deserts, first using military force, then using Buddhism to win them over, and establishing a new system of monastic officials. This will be more effective and have a longer-lasting impact than simply keeping them at arm's length!"

He gave a thumbs-up: "Chu Yu's strategies are unparalleled, revealing what no one has ever thought of before. He is truly a genius!"

He then beckoned to a eunuch, whispered a few words of instruction, and the man immediately left the hall.

The other eunuchs and maids exchanged bewildered glances, all wondering, "How can he be unparalleled in the world?"

They were poorly educated and unable to predict the future, so they listened in bewilderment.

Shangguan Wan'er knew very well that Lu Jun's strategy was indeed good, but... the Empress Dowager's praise had a deeper meaning.

At most, only one part is for strategy.

The other ninety-nine parts are the Great Cloud Sutra.

Looking up, he secretly admired her: "He delivered a great gift to the Empress Dowager without making a sound. Is he really only eighteen years old...?"

Lu Jun smiled slightly:

"Your Majesty, using Buddhism to subdue them is a long-term solution, and it will take decades to achieve its final outcome."

"Moreover, if the internal situation in Tibet and the northern desert becomes unstable, even if this strategy is used to win them over, there is still a risk of instability."

"I have an even better strategy!"