The days when I fished in Daming

"this..."

"Isn't that so? His Majesty's generous treatment of the Kong family is also to maintain orthodoxy and reassure the scholars of the world."

Zhu Biao shook his head and nodded, but his heart was far from calm.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang had the style of Zhu Yuanzhang, he was also taught Confucianism by his father.

Confucius has been worshipped for a thousand years, and Zhu Biao also admired him.

When Zheng Xiong linked Confucianism with the Confucius family and used conspiracy theories to bind them together, it cast a shadow over Zhu Biao's mind.

Based on Zheng Xiong's deduction, and considering the actions of the Confucius family, this idea will undoubtedly become a reality.

If the Ming Dynasty were truly on the verge of collapse, the Kong family's allegiance would undoubtedly be the final straw that broke the camel's back, something that must be guarded against.

Seeing that Zhu Biao was still hesitating, Zheng Xiong added insult to injury.

"What is Your Highness still hesitating about? Look at the beginning, he served the former Yuan with all his heart and soul."

Confucius once said: "Without Guan Zhong, we would be wearing our hair loose and our robes fastened on the left!"

“Their actions have long since deviated from the teachings of Confucius. Even when they worship Confucian sages, it is only for the sake of the inheritance of one family and one clan.”

"It is better to weaken the influence of the Confucius family as soon as possible, so as to avoid them becoming a source of trouble in the future."

"Your Majesty has restored Han territory, re-established China, and revived the Han people's attire. If foreign tribes return in the future, or the Confucius family betrays us and overthrows Han territory, we foresee this today. If we do not deal with it, how can we rest in peace in the afterlife?"

“Every word I utter comes from the bottom of my heart. I urge Your Highness to consider it carefully.”

These words finally made Zhu Biao realize something.

The term "foreign race" was still clearly perceptible to Zhu Biao's generation.

Even though Zhu Yuanzhang was still willing to integrate with it and regard the former Yuan dynasty as the legitimate dynasty.

However, this integration is based on the premise of Han ethnicity and embracing diversity.

Instead of allowing smaller tribes to dominate and swallow up larger ones.

That would not be integration, but a disgrace.

Considering the first half of Lao Zhu's life, it was truly a life of hardship.

Foreign race, former Yuan dynasty, Kong family.

The Confucian family didn't learn a single thing about propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame!
"What you said makes sense. What do you want to do?"

"Forget it, this is a big matter, and I can't make the decision myself. You'll have to come with me to see Father Emperor!"

After saying that, Zhu Biao wanted to leave with Zheng Xiong.

To everyone's surprise, Zheng Xiong remained unmoved, showing no intention of seeing Old Zhu whatsoever.

"Your Highness, I will take full responsibility for this matter myself!"

"Today, I have not seen Your Highness, nor has Your Highness seen me."

"Farewell to Your Highness."

At this moment, Zheng Xiong seemed like a completely different person.

Somewhat resolute, yet also seemingly ready to die, they appear unfamiliar to others.

Zhu Biao was not one to hesitate; seeing this situation, he immediately began his journey home.

"Father, Zheng Xiong is wholeheartedly devoted to the country, and I wholeheartedly agree. This is something we have no choice but to do!"

Old Zhu smacked his lips.

This young man is incredibly audacious.

He not only dares to think about things he himself wouldn't even dare to imagine, but he also dares to do them, and is even about to take action.

It was originally thought that this would be a foundation and boost for Zhu Biao in the future.

This is hardly a help now.

They are either troublemakers who thrive on chaos, or true advisors to the emperor.

The foresight is unimaginable.

Now we'll see how capable they are at handling things.

"Okay, let's leave it at that for now!"

"Father, Zheng Xiong's actions are for the eternal stability of our Great Ming Dynasty. I humbly request that Your Majesty allow me to lend him a hand."

He glanced at Zhu Biao and, noticing the sincerity in Zhu Biao's words, spoke softly.

“It’s not convenient for us to get involved in this matter. No matter how far Zheng Xiong goes, as long as he doesn’t go to the point of being universally condemned, we can save his life. You don’t need to worry.” “As for assistance, we will arrange it when necessary.”

Having said all he could say, Zhu Biao had no choice but to withdraw.

Sitting in the sedan chair, Zhu Biao finally had time to sort out the matter.

However, no matter how she thought about it, she felt it was difficult to handle and secretly began to worry about Zheng Xiong.

That day, Zheng Xiong was not idle either. He led his constables straight to the Kong family's residence in Yingtian Prefecture.

In front of the Kong Family Mansion, the two characters "Kong Mansion" gleamed with gold, almost blindingly so, but Zheng Xiong didn't say a word.

"Everyone, listen up! Arrest everyone in the Kong family mansion, no matter who they are, and bring them to the front courtyard to await further orders. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"

Zheng Xiong's face was grim.

The order was given, and the constables filed in.

The two security guards standing at the entrance didn't dare to say a word, letting everyone enter before being obediently escorted to the front yard.

After all, Zheng Xiong had the backing of his official robes, and with his own boss being detained, there was no point in resisting to report the news. If he didn't resist, nothing would happen, but judging from Zheng Xiong's expression, he was in real danger of losing his life if he did. So, they could just wait and see how things developed.

The security guard was good at reading people, and there were always a few who didn't know their place and wanted to test their abilities.

Try and die.

With those two clueless kids gone, it wasn't long before everything was quiet except for the crying and commotion in the front yard.

"My lord, a few people escaped through the side gate, but the rest have been brought in."

"It doesn't matter if a few people escape. You will have a group guarding their families and servants, a few guarding the small gate, and the rest of you, thoroughly search for evidence of the Kong family's treason and collusion with the enemy. Do this carefully."

"As ordered."

With his back to the guards, Zheng Xiong faced the setting sun, feeling the remaining warmth, and slowly closed his eyes.

Sigh, I kind of regret it now.

I don't know how things got to this point; maybe I was just angered by someone and lost my temper.

Perhaps it was out of disdain for the Confucian family.

Anyway, we've come this far.

Forget it, take one step at a time.

There's no going back now.

Giving in? That's not going to happen.

After an unknown amount of time, the Confucius Mansion was filled with candlelight, and the noise of the family members and servants had all stopped; they were just huddled together, shivering in the cold wind.

"My lord, we have thoroughly searched the manor, but many people are illiterate, which is slowing down the process. What do you think..."

Zheng Xiong opened his eyes, stretched his arms and legs, and sat down to warm himself by the fire.

"Then take everything with you, whether it has words or not, books, paintings, and so on."

"My lord, that..."

Seeing the somewhat excited constables, Zheng Xiong smiled slightly.

"There are some things that I can do, but you may not be able to do. If you are not afraid of being held accountable afterward, then go ahead and do them. Don't blame me for not warning you."

The constable felt a chill in his heart and quickly suppressed any inappropriate thoughts he might have had.

"Remember, we're not raiding your home, just searching it, understand?"

"understand."

After an unknown amount of time, dozens of large boxes appeared in the front yard, and the constables who had been searching had returned to their posts one after another.

After counting the number of people, ignoring the families and servants, and even the dead, the group carried the boxes back to the government office in a grand procession.

Back at the government office, after putting away the box, Zheng Xiong summoned the constables again.

"Before Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow, assemble at the prefectural office. All yamen runners under the jurisdiction of Yingtian Prefecture must be notified. No one may be absent without a reason. Anyone who is absent will be expelled from the prefectural office. Do you all remember this?"

"As you command, Lord Marquis."

"Wu Qing, You Yi, Shen Ling, Tu Tan, you four keep a close eye on them. If anyone is absent, I will make an example of you."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Zheng Xiong went home. (End of Chapter)