I studied in modern times

Chapter 1020 A Model of Filial Piety
boom!
A thick, hard stick was used to whip his buttocks.

The scholars screamed and fled in all directions.

But there's nowhere to escape!
The fierce-looking soldiers, carrying rattan shields and clubs, formed a human wall and surrounded the area from all the alleys.

He skillfully held down the scholars who had been knocked to the ground by sticks, and then dragged them behind him.

Inside the human wall, the soldiers, who had already prepared ropes, quickly tied up the hands and feet of these scholars.

Just as they used to tie up troublemakers and scoundrels.

They are extremely skilled in their work!

Li Changning clutched his buttocks, rolling on the ground and howling in pain.

He was muttering curses under his breath.

"Damn you, soldier!"

How dare you?

"I am a scholar! A scholar-official!"

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the crowd watching in the distance.

He quickly lowered his head, not wanting anyone to see his embarrassing state!
It was at this moment that a large, fan-like hand grabbed him.

They dragged his body backward without any mercy and threw him into the crowd behind him.

Soon, officials arrived and skillfully bound him with ropes.

There was no warmth whatsoever, nor any preferential treatment whatsoever.

At this moment, a proverb flashed through Li Changning's mind: "When a scholar encounters a soldier, he can't reason with him!"
He and his classmates could spend three days and three nights in the study room debating the meaning of a single word spoken by a sage.

But now, he could only keep his mouth shut to avoid angering those soldiers and getting another beating for nothing!
only……

"How dare they?!" Li Changning thought to himself.

Yes!

How dare the soldiers of Kaifeng Prefecture do that?
They were scholars!

Moreover, it involved hundreds of scholars acting together!
Behind them stood families from hundreds of states and counties, and countless classmates, friends, and teachers.

Even a single spit from each of them would be enough to drown these crude and uncouth soldiers!

As for Kaifeng Prefecture?

That treacherous Qian Xie and Qian Mu's father, just wait to go to Lingnan to eat lychees!
I want to see what kind of good end he gets!

At that moment, Li Changning suddenly heard someone talking not far in front of him.

Moreover, it was the voice of several very young boys.

They were discussing something.

"I drew seven... How many did you draw?"

"I drew nine!" a boy said proudly.

"So many? Brother Gao, you're really amazing!"

"Hehe!" The boy, who had been called 'Brother Gao' by others, laughed with a mixture of arrogance and pride.

"It would be great if tomorrow's Bianjing News could use our painting..."

Upon hearing this, Li Changning looked in a panic in the direction of the sound.

Then I saw several boys dressed in plain cotton clothes, with blue headscarves wrapped around their heads, blue cloth bags tied around their waists, and drawing boards. They were sketching the miserable state of the scholars at that moment.

The cloth bags at the waists of these boys were embroidered with the words: Bianjing Xinbao (Bianjing New Daily).

Li Changning immediately cried out inwardly, "Damn it! How did I end up attracting these young people who come to collect folk songs?!"

Since last year, the Bianjing Xinbao newspaper has liked to include one or two simple pictures when publishing important news to increase the credibility of the news.

It is said that those drawings were created by young people specially sent out by the Bianjing Xinbao newspaper to collect folk art.

Li Changning originally thought it was just a legend.

Unexpectedly, Hu Feipan of the Bianjing News actually cultivated a group of young people who could draw and collect folk art.

Unbelievable!

Li Changning stared blankly at the teenagers.

Those boys seemed to have seen him too.

“Brother Gao…look…” a young man pointed at Li Changning, who was tied up and looked disheveled: “That person looks like a dog…”

"Ah!" Li Changning was provoked and frantically tried to stand up and rush towards the boy.

But he was immediately restrained.

"Stubborn fool, daring to resist to the bitter end?!"

Two burly men pinned him firmly to the ground.

Li Changning struggled fiercely and howled.

He didn't know why things had turned out this way.

He couldn't help but recall the scene from just half an hour ago.

At that time... he and his students were full of vigor and high spirits.

Countless onlookers followed them.

It gives them the feeling that everything is under their control and that the world is in their hands.

As a result, the voices inevitably became louder, the movements inevitably became rougher, and the behavior inevitably became more arrogant.

For example, when they approached the main street of the Kaifeng Prefecture government office, they faced the dissuasion of the Kaifeng Prefecture officials.

Don't listen, don't listen, the bastard chants sutras.

They even pushed, insulted, and physically assaulted officials.

These were all normal practices for scholars to cause trouble in the past.

If they hit or scold you, you can only accept your bad luck.

The scholars were aware of this, which made them even more excited and proud.

So people started buying paper and pens.

Then, everyone set off to write articles and poems, offering warm greetings to the chief examiners, including Zhang Heng, the Vice Minister of Revenue, Wang Zishao, the Vice Minister of Personnel, and Fan Bailu, the Supervising Secretary.

In addition, there were other key officials of Kaifeng Prefecture, including Qian Xie, the acting prefect of Kaifeng; Luo Kuo, the prefectural judge of Kaifeng; and Ye Zuqia, the prefectural judge of Kaifeng.

Some even pointed the finger at the current prime minister, Pu Zongmeng.

Of course, they could only criticize Pu Zongmeng, not insult or curse him.

Once the articles and poems were written, everyone prepared to split up and get to work.

Some remained in place, confronting the Kaifeng government.

The other group went to the residences of thieves such as Zhang Heng, Wang Zishao, and Fan Bailu in the capital.

They threw poems and essays into their courtyard.

Let the whole world know the ugly faces of these treacherous officials!
However, it was at this moment that everything changed.

The Kaifeng officials, who had previously been all smiles and pretended not to see their insults and provocations, suddenly became righteous and indignant.

Not only did he order the scholars to immediately kneel down with their heads in their hands and accept the interrogation from the Kaifeng Prefecture.

They even sent people to rob the scholars of their writings and poems, saying they would use them as 'evidence in court'.

Can scholars tolerate them?

They immediately surrounded the corrupt officials and beat them with fists and kicks.

This kind of corrupt official deserves to be beaten to death!

But it was at this moment that large troop of soldiers from Kaifeng Prefecture marched out from the streets and alleys.

then……

They pounced on the scholars like tigers and wolves.

It's a pity that most scholars are gentlemen who are used to being pampered and comfortable. How could they be a match for those soldiers with sticks?

They were scattered after only a few rounds.

Then, sticks were thrown at him, beating him until he howled in pain.

Li Changning remembers it very clearly—in an instant, his buttocks and thighs were hit with at least six blows!

Six blows in one instant!
His buttocks and thighs were slapped so hard they swelled up, rendering him unable to move on the spot. He could only roll on the ground and cry out in pain.

Recalling these things, Li Changning gritted his teeth.

He vowed in his heart that he would avenge this humiliation!
……

North of Zhouqiao, in front of the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office, news of the Kaifeng Prefectural Army's heavy-handed crackdown on scholars immediately spread throughout the entire Kaifeng Prefecture.

then……

This attracted even more attention.

Naturally, the Liao people were also attracted here.

Yelü Ju and Yelü Yongchang quickly rode their horses to the scene of the incident.

However, when they arrived, the guards of Kaifeng Prefecture had already escorted the arrested scholars back to Kaifeng Prefecture.

The street officials had already entered and begun cleaning the area. Yelü Ju and Yelü Yongchang could only see the remaining bloodstains on the ground and the torn and scattered fragments of poems and articles on the street.

However, a few members of the Liao delegation witnessed the entire spectacle.

Therefore, as soon as Yelü Ju and Yelü Yongchang arrived, these people vividly described to them this grandest Southern Dynasty entertainment in a hundred years.

Yelü Ju and Yelü Yongchang were both incredulous and shocked upon hearing this.

The government of the Southern Dynasty actually launched a heavy crackdown on the scholar-officials?
They even used sticks?!

This...this is too exaggerated!

But the bloodstains on the ground, and the remaining traces, all proved that it was all real.

Yelü Ju and Yelü Yongchang exchanged a glance, both feeling shocked by what they saw in each other's eyes.

It should be noted that even in Liaodong, scholars held a very high status.

If a scholar comes from a Han Chinese aristocratic family in Youyan, he is a born celestial being, and even the Khitan nobles must show him respect.

But now, in the Southern Dynasties, which have always valued literature, the government has changed its ways and is cracking down on scholars.

but……

The two of them quickly realized—what does this have to do with us?
It doesn't make money!
They just treated it as a bit of fun.

In other words, Yelü Ju overthought things.

The main reason is that he now has a wife, children, property, and business in Bianjing, so naturally he hopes that the Southern Dynasty will become stronger.

So he thought he would offer his advice when he entered the palace some time later.

Thinking of this, Yelü Ju laughed: "Who gave me the right to offer advice?"

These civil and military officials of the Southern Dynasty are probably already on their way to the palace.

……

Just like Yelü Ju thought.

The incident of the guards beating scholars in front of the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office happened in less than an hour.

Zhao Xu had already received the petitions from all the chief ministers of the capital, including the Left Chancellor Lü Gongzhu, requesting an audience.

Zhao Xu was not surprised by this.

After all, whether it was the New Party or the Old Party, they were all scholar-officials.

The scholar-officials' backsides naturally gravitated towards each other.

Therefore, it was not surprising that they came to see Zhao Xu.

It would be abnormal if they didn't come to see me.

Zhao Xu toyed with the memorials of the assembled officials, then looked at Shi Deyi, who was standing before him, and asked, "Your Excellency, has the Investigation Department compiled the files on a small group of lawless scholars who incited ignorant scholars to storm government offices and insult, curse, and slander court officials today?"

This defines the nature of this incident.

It can only be a small group of lawless elements lurking among the scholars, taking advantage of the scholars' simple sense of justice and their fervent patriotism, to attack the government and curse and insult the ministers!
In this way, the majority of participating scholars could be separated from "a small group of lawless scholars".

Therefore, it is sufficient to punish only that small group of lawless individuals.

The others are all 'ignorant', loyal and patriotic people who have been deceived in their feelings.

The Kaifeng Prefecture could easily release them after a simple screening.

Of course, their names, hometowns, and other information must be recorded. Unless a miracle occurs, they will probably never be able to pass the provincial examination in their lifetime.

Shi Deyi bowed and replied, "Reporting to everyone, the Investigation Division, acting on imperial orders, has recorded all the illegal activities of these scholars, and has even compiled them into illustrations..."

Nothing is more intuitive or persuasive than a picture.

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Back then, didn't Zheng Xia almost thwart Wang Anshi's reform efforts with just a painting of refugees?

Zhao Xu hummed in agreement, rubbed his hands together, and then ordered, "Send all the relevant catalogs and documents to the palace as soon as possible..."

"In addition, arrange for the Bianjing Xinbao newspaper to publish related articles daily..."

"I will give specific instructions later!"

"promise!"

As the emperor and his ministers were discussing the matter, Tong Guan, who had been waiting outside the hall, rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager Cixi and Empress Dowager Cixi's entourage has arrived outside the Funing Hall..."

Zhao Xu quickly ended his conversation with Shi Deyi and stood up: "How come even the Grand Mother and the Empress Dowager have been alarmed?"

Zhao Xu was not surprised that Empress Dowager Xiang was alarmed.

After all, the chief ministers would certainly submit a memorial to Empress Dowager Xiang explaining the situation.

But why is the Empress Dowager from Qingshou Palace here too?
Shouldn't she be in Qingshou Palace, playing mahjong with several imperial concubines?
Yes—Zhao Xu wanted to ensure that the Empress Dowager of Qingshou Palace could enjoy her later years in peace.

So, after the first month of this year, Shen Kuo was ordered to lead people to make several sets of mahjong tiles out of ivory and present them to Qingshou Palace.

Of course, it's also reasonable to include various simple and easy-to-understand mahjong variations, including the "Blood Battle to the End" game.

At first, Qingshou Palace didn't think much of it, but soon became obsessed with it.

According to the reports of Liang Congzheng and others, from then on, the Empress Dowager favored him and would play mahjong with the other imperial concubines in the Forbidden City every day.

Zhao Xu was very satisfied after listening.

This is what a qualified Empress Dowager should be!

As people get older, they should play mahjong, raise flowers and birds, and pay less attention to matters of the outside world.

But this time, Qingshou Palace still heard rumors.

She even came with Empress Dowager Xiang.

This immediately put Zhao Xu on alert—who was tipping off Qingshou Palace?

This was his first reaction.

And then it's just—okay!
The Empress Dowager truly cares about the country!

It seems I am still not filial enough!

"Reporting to everyone..." Tong Guan lowered his head and reported softly, "I still don't know... Should I go and ask Liang Congzheng, Liang Weijian, and the others?"

Zhao Xu waved his hand and said coldly, "No need!"

"Let us go together to welcome the two palaces!"

This incident served as a reminder to him—he had to keep a close eye on the Qingshou Palace under all circumstances.

At the same time, it is essential to find out how Qingshou Palace found out.
This loophole needs to be plugged.

After all, the performance of Qingshou Palace today has proven that the Empress Dowager's lust for power has not diminished in the slightest.

On the contrary, she was trying every means to regain her regency.

How is this possible?

Zhao Xu straightened his clothes.

In my past life, those nightmarish memories from my youth flashed through my mind.

Anyway... no matter what...

"I will never repeat the same mistake!"

"so……"

"Empress Dowager, please don't force me!"

"I do not wish for another legend like the sound of an axe and the shadow of a candle to appear in the Great Song Dynasty!"

They wanted to deal with an old woman in the palace.

Zhao Xu didn't need to make a big fuss at all.

A secret decree, a few old soldiers, and a suitable opportunity are all that's needed!

The reason Zhao Xu didn't do it wasn't because he was thinking about any grandparent-grandchild bond—if such a thing really existed, it would have been completely exhausted in those nightmarish days and nights of his previous life.

Otherwise, in his previous life, when the court officials proposed to abolish the posthumous title of Empress Dowager Xuanren Liesheng and even suggested moving her coffin out of Yonghou Mausoleum, why did he only disagree and not punish any of the ministers who proposed it?

It's not about caring about public opinion.

To be honest, while the Forbidden City is indeed a sieve, not everything can be leaked out.

If the secrecy is kept well, no outsiders will know.

There was only one reason why Zhao Xu didn't do that—Empress Dowager Xiang!

He had to consider the Empress Dowager's opinion.

This is how they maintained the facade of a harmonious and loving family, with grandparents being kind and grandchildren being filial.

In fact, after the Empress Dowager withdrew from the harem, the status and treatment of the Gao family members and noblewomen were improved.

He rarely missed paying his respects in the morning and evening.

If someone is absent, someone will be sent to explain the reason.

Therefore, even now, in the eyes of everyone, including Empress Dowager Xiang, Zhao Xu is a filial, intelligent, loving grandson and good emperor who treats the imperial family and his relatives with kindness.

He is truly a model of filial piety in our time!
Yes, Zhao Xu himself thinks so too.

However, his understanding of filial piety is slightly different from that of contemporary filial piety.

The greatest example of filial piety is that of Emperor Taizong of Tang, and also Emperor Taizong of Ming.

As Mencius said, "The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important!"
(End of this chapter)