Core of the Sage.

Summary

The Taiping Sect faced a scandal after Taoist priests drugged and detained individuals for entertainment. Huang Shao confiscated over a million in gold from another temple, citing suspicious origins, while uncovering dark practices, including sacrifices to demons. This led to a widespread anti-Buddhism and anti-Taoism movement across the Tang Dynasty, with thousands of temples sealed and priests expelled. Du Yu's poem incited this upheaval, raising his profile despite the Taiping Sect's fury. The court, surprisingly supportive of Du Yu, found financial gain from the raids, increasing tax revenue significantly. The Empress Dowager, despite her devotion, tacitly approved of these events for the benefit of the empire, recognizing the dangers posed by corrupt religious institutions.

Full content