I studied in modern times

Chapter 1024 Reaction
Some people live without ever creating any value for the emperor.

But the value he created for the emperor at the moment of his death surpassed that of most ministers in the world.

Kong Wenzhong (Kong Jingfu) was such a minister.

Upon learning of Kong Wenzhong's death, Zhao Xu couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Fortunately, he has good emotional control.

Just as he was about to burst into laughter, he forcibly swallowed it back.

The expression on his face became incredibly fascinating in that instant.

I want to laugh but can't, I want to pretend to be furious but can't get angry.

In the end, his facial features seemed to twist together, much like the essence of Lü Buwei in a certain TV series he had watched in modern times when he learned that the King of Qin was dead.

However, Lü Buwei wept with joy, while Zhao Xu was overjoyed but furious.

It took a lot of effort to calm down.

Zhao Xu turned his back, his hands clenched slightly, and he said coldly, feigning uncontrollable anger, "Fine!"

"It seems that Kong Wenzhong truly does not wish to be my subject!"

Tong Guan, who was outside the hall, trembled as he listened.

indeed!

If Kong Wenzhong truly wanted to be a minister of the emperor and a loyal subject of the Song Dynasty, why would he choose to die on the day the imperial examination results were announced?

He died on the day the imperial examination results were announced, deliberately trying to antagonize the government.

They're just using his death to cause trouble for the officials!
Upon thinking of this, Tong Guan knelt down with a thud and bowed, saying, "Your Excellency! This traitor is so disloyal and unfilial! I wish I could grind his bones to dust and scatter his ashes. I beg Your Excellency to issue a decree allowing me to go to Qingzhou and denounce his crimes to his face!"

Zhao Xu listened and waved his hand, saying, "There's no need for that..."

Confucius said: "If the Way is not practiced, I will take a raft and float out to sea!"

"Since they do not wish to be my subjects, I will not force them!"

"His brothers and relatives, those who hold official positions, are all permitted to submit petitions... If they do not wish to serve as my subjects... they may come and go as they please..."

"How could I force you?"

This forced the Kong family to make their stance clear—would you follow me or follow Kong Wenzhong?

Don't force yourself, absolutely don't force yourself!

You can write a letter and speak freely!

However, outsiders simply cannot find fault with Zhao Xu.

Because what Kong Wenzhong did was simply too much!

If we take it too seriously, we could easily label him as "treating the emperor like a child" and "coercing the emperor and father"!
Who could blame him? After being demoted to Qingzhou, Kong Wenzhong fell ill but refused to take medicine or consult a doctor.

It's obvious he's trying to kill himself!

He killed himself!

What is this called?
From the perspective of the scholar-officials, this was a deathbed remonstrance, a testament to their unwavering loyalty!
But in the emperor's eyes—you're awesome!

This is not only harboring resentment, but also using me as a pawn!
Back then, the Liao army, under the command of Empress Dowager Chengtian, marched south and fought all the way to Chanzhou.

At a time of national crisis and family ruin, Kou Zhun, through much persuasion and with the help of a real temple, personally led an expedition to confront the Liao army at Chanzhou.

With the help of the Eight-Ox Crossbow, which killed Liao generals at extremely long range, and with the large army in Hebei commanded by Wang Deyong, which constantly threatened the Liao army's rear (some say that Wang Deyong was actually playing both sides, waiting for Emperor Zhenzong to die so he could come out and reap the rewards), the Treaty of Chanyuan was finally reached, and the Song and Liao armies ceased hostilities.

Kou Zhun, who made unparalleled contributions, was alienated and distrusted by the Zhenmiao (Taiwanese emperor) from Wang Qinruo's slanderous remark that he was "going all in."

Even Kou Zhun, who served the country and its people, could not escape suspicion.

What virtue or ability do you, Kong Wenzhong, have to dare to imitate Kou Zhun and use the Emperor Zhao as a pawn?

This is a child's perspective!

It is also a sign of dissatisfaction!
It was a blatant provocation against imperial power!
He harbored resentment towards his father and threatened to kill himself!
No matter what others think, as long as Zhao Xu sticks to this story, no one will dare to gossip.

For Emperor Zhao, maintaining his own authority is maintaining the interests of everyone.

If even the Emperor Zhao's authority cannot be guaranteed, then who will protect the interests of others?
The entire ruling group would automatically and consciously unite around Zhao Xu.

This is similar to the modern-day top male shooter in North America, who took down the CEO of an insurance company with a single shot.

Everyone said it was a good kill, a brilliant kill!

But the ruling group doesn't even bother to pretend—they must punish them severely to serve as a warning to others!

All propaganda machines were turned on full blast, directly vilifying the male gunner as a terrorist, an extreme antisocial element, a mental patient, and a persecution maniac!
"Go!"

"Issue my decree to the Kong family!" Zhao Xu waved his hand coldly.

Kong Wenzhong, it was truly a good thing he died!

With him dead, many things will be much easier to handle!

The most wonderful thing is...

Zhao Xu licked his lips and looked in the direction of Dengzhou.

"Su Zizhan..."

"You big bearded man, you'd better come and beg me for help!"

After Kong Wenzhong's death, Zhao Xu seized the opportunity to make trouble, and as a result, the entire Kong family of Jizhou was imprisoned!

They are forbidden from holding office or serving as officials, and will be subject to local surveillance!

Moreover, it will affect three generations.

Even the Confucius family in Qufu had to endure some criticism and beatings.

The current Duke Yansheng would have no choice but to come to Zhao Xu to kowtow and apologize.

Su Shi was known for his loyalty and sense of justice.

He will definitely stand up for this.

With this approach, there's no need to worry about a lack of leadership for the grand plan to develop Hainan.

The most amazing thing is—Su Zizhan actually has to thank me!
Thinking of this, Zhao Xu's smile became even brighter.

……

Its daybreak.

As usual, Wen Yanbo, supported by two maids, came to the courtyard and then slowly began to practice the Five Animal Frolics.

This was a health preservation technique he learned from a high-ranking monk in his early years.

He has persisted for decades, and the results are very good.

He had only performed half of the Five Animal Frolics routine when Wen Yanbo's son, Wen Yiqing, hurriedly came to him.

"My lord..." Wen Yiqing held a visiting card in his hand: "The Duke of Yansheng requests an audience!"

"Kong Zonghan?" Wen Yanbo paused, his hands still. "What brings this young master Kong to see me?"

Wen Yiqing said, "It is said that Kong Jingfu passed away in Qingzhou yesterday. The news of his death has caused great anger in the palace. It is said that His Majesty has issued an edict: 'Since he is unwilling to be my subject, I will not force him,' and so on..."

Wen Yanbo paused for a moment, then took a couple of steps before saying, "In that case, please invite the Duke Yansheng inside to meet me!"

The Duke Yansheng was a descendant of a sage.

He's in trouble and comes to me for help; I have to help him no matter what.

Of course—provided that it does not harm his own fundamental interests.

For example, offending the emperor.

……

As usual, Lü Gongzhu rode his horse through Xuande Gate, surrounded by his attendants, and arrived at the government office in front of the capital.

At this time, many officials were already waiting here.

Upon seeing Lü Gongzhuo arrive, all the high-ranking officials and colleagues, including Right Chancellor Pu Zongmeng, came forward to greet him.

"Greetings, Minister Zuo!"

"Greetings to the Left Prime Minister!"

Each person was respectful and courteous.

Upon seeing this scene, Lü Gongzhu understood immediately; these people were waiting for him right here.

Lu Gongzhu dismounted, returned the greetings with clasped hands, and then declared loudly: "I have heard that a subject should serve his ruler with loyalty, and a ruler should treat his subject with propriety!"

"If loyalty is lost, what is the basis for propriety?!"

"The former Left Remonstrance Official, Wen Zhong, the official of Qingzhou, is disloyal to the emperor and therefore not one of our party!"

"I wish to submit a petition to the Emperor, requesting that he rescind the imperial favor, revoke the special honors bestowed upon him, and order that his name be returned to the imperial records!"

To strip someone of their privileged position means to abolish the official titles and ranks bestowed upon them by their ancestors.

"Reclaiming honors" means stripping away all the merits, titles, and official positions bestowed upon him throughout his official career. "Returning to the official register" means ordering him to hand over the official documents, such as the fish-shaped pouch, the edicts written by the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, and the edicts written by the Hanlin Academician, which were bestowed upon him by the imperial court.

It's almost just another form of hemp peeling.

Lu Gongzhu scanned everyone present.

Whether they are from the new party or the old party, and regardless of whether they have a relationship or a grudge with Kong Wenzhong.

"Are you all willing to follow me?"

As the son of Lü Yijian, Lü Gongzhu knew all too well that once the emperors of the Zhao family lost their temper, they had to be appeased.

otherwise……

Please refer to the fate of those stubborn young people during the Xining Reform!

Besides, he was the prime minister!

He is the chief minister assisting the emperor!

In this matter, he must have a clear attitude and a firm stance!
Right Chancellor Pu Zongmeng was the first to bow and say, "The Left Prime Minister advocates the way of loyalty and righteousness; how could I not follow suit?"

"I am willing to serve as the Left Prime Minister!"

All the ministers bowed in unison and said, "We are willing to serve the Left Chancellor!"

They were ministers, and moreover, high-ranking officials, the emperor's advisors.

Regardless of their previous stance and attitude.

Now we must all stand firmly by the side of the imperial power!

Otherwise, it would be disloyalty, and it would also be a slap in the face to oneself—one must know that the current emperor has relinquished power.

Now, not only has the power of the prime minister increased significantly, but the power of the ministers of the six ministries has also expanded.

The ideal of "the emperor and sage governing by non-interference, with ministers assisting by active participation," which Wang Anshi had long dreamed of, was quietly taking shape.

In the current imperial court, officials awaiting appointment can even be elected to power after receiving an imperial decree!
The power of civil servants has never been so great.

Naturally, their loyalty to the imperial power had never been so unwavering.

……

Imperial Academy.

Li Changning's buttocks swelled up even more.

Yesterday, that burly soldier, wielding a stick, struck him on the buttocks six times in an instant, each blow landing squarely.

As a result, the bruising on my buttocks became even worse after one night.

In addition, he is getting older and his recovery ability is not as good as that of young people.

So, I was in pain all night, I groaned all night, and I thought about it all night.

Everything from yesterday kept flashing through his mind.

But he still can't figure it out...

Why is this so?
How dare the Kaifeng Prefecture target these scholars?

How could Qian Mufu, Luo Zhengzhi (Luo Shi), and Ye Hengfu (Ye Zuqia) dare to do that?
What surprised him even more was that the Censorate also joined the fray.

Moreover, it was the Imperial Censor Lü Dafang who personally led the team to jointly investigate the case with the Kaifeng Prefecture.

Immediately afterward, these people were sent directly to the Imperial Academy overnight and detained in the academy's supervisory office.

This sent chills down Li Changning's spine, and he didn't dare close his eyes all night.

Because this is a powerful combination of punches.

The Kaifeng Prefecture garrison soldiers beat and arrested people... and then quickly detained them. Immediately afterwards, the Censorate stepped in and conducted a swift trial.

Finally, they were all escorted to the Imperial Academy overnight.

It's incredibly silky smooth and incredibly fluid.

Everything was reasonable and legal, and even the man was treated with great respect—except for the beating he received, and the fact that his buttocks and thighs are still swollen to this day…aside from the rough handling during the arrest…

But those who beat and arrest people are soldiers.

Soldiers are inherently ignorant of etiquette and do not understand manners.

So it's perfectly normal—it's already quite polite that no one was killed and no scholars were crippled.

As Li Changning was pondering these matters, footsteps sounded outside the school gate.

Li Changning covered her swollen buttocks and looked out the door.

Then they saw two servants dressed in plain clothes carrying food to the door.

"Young master, this is today's breakfast..."

A steaming hot bun was handed in by a servant through a hole in the door.

Li Changning looked at the steamed bun, and the hunger in her stomach was awakened.

He staggered to his feet, dragging his aching bottom that made him wince with pain at the slightest movement, and went to the door. He grabbed the steamed bun and began to wolf it down.

Taixue steamed buns are one of the delicacies of Bianjing (Kaifeng).

It was also a delicacy that received personal praise from the late emperor. During the Yuanfeng era, the late emperor visited the Imperial Academy and personally tasted the steamed buns served there. He then praised them, saying: "Using this to nourish scholars is truly commendable!"

The same is true.

The mutton filling inside the steamed bun is juicy, not gamey or greasy, and has a sweet taste.

The steamed buns have a wonderfully fragrant outer layer and a soft, fluffy texture.

Li Changning, who had been starving all night, ate so much that he forgot the pain in his buttocks.

So, in no time at all, a fist-sized steamed bun was gone.

With something in her stomach, Li Changning felt much more comfortable.

He leaned against the door, panting.

It was at this moment that Li Changning peeked through the crack in the door and saw the school supervisor where the scholars he had imprisoned were located.

This sight sent a chill down his spine.

Because each of those school supervisors held three to five people.

He was the only supervisor in the school, and he was the only one there.

This is discriminatory treatment!

On any other day, Li Changning would be beaming with pride at this moment.

But now, all he feels is despair.

Because, at such a time, after what happened yesterday.

He was treated differently, much like a chicken in a henhouse that was marked.

As it turned out, Li Changning's guess was soon proven true.

After breakfast, the other scholars imprisoned in the Imperial Academy were called out by the officials of the Imperial Academy and taken away, supposedly to the National Academy for reprimand.

His name was never mentioned throughout the entire process.

It seems as if he has been forgotten.

This plunged Li Changning into immense fear.

At noon, the servants of the Imperial Academy came to the supervisor of the academy again to bring him lunch.

Li Changning heard a shocking piece of news from the servant.

This news plunged Li Changning into despair.

"Did you hear that?"

"That former Left Censor-in-Chief, Kong Gong, actually threatened the Emperor with his life..."

"The Emperor is furious!"

"The chancellors were also enraged..."

"The Left Chancellor, the Right Chancellor, and the other ministers have all submitted petitions requesting that the official titles and ranks of that Master Kong be stripped, and even that his clansmen be banned from holding office!"

"That's right... I wonder what that important person is thinking!"

"They even dare to coerce the government..."

"Yes……"

As Li Changning listened to these discussions, she lay on the bed, tears streaming down her face.

With Kong Wenzhong gone, it's likely that Zizhan and Ziyou will also be implicated.

He's finished!

(End of this chapter)