Wanli Ming Emperor

Chapter 230: One person holds ten thousand, and a monument is built

On the outskirts of Qufu County.

The main hall of the Buddhist temple is in full view of everyone.

A crowd of rioters gathered outside the temple, craning their necks to look inside; several key members inside the temple had different expressions and communicated with each other through eye contact.

Where their eyes converged was He Xinyin and Ge Cheng who were facing each other quietly.

Ever since Ge Cheng stepped out from the crowd and questioned He Xinyin, the two had been silent for a long time.

He Xinyin remained silent, because he suddenly realized that he seemed to have misjudged the bandit leader in front of him.

The bandit leader in front of him, in his recent speech, did not sound like a lackey of the gentry or a hawk of a wealthy family. Instead, he looked like a hero of Liangshan!

Previously, those key members kept saying that the court wanted to recover the tax on hidden households, and they often spread rumors that the government's land survey was to increase the land tax on the common people.

It seems as if he knows the truth very well, but he is just talking nonsense to muddy the waters.

On the other hand, the words spoken by the bandit leader Ge Cheng directly hit the real pain point.

Where do taxes come from? The imperial court keeps saying that it will clear the land and households of the gentry, but can the common people really stay out of it?
Of course not.

How can we investigate tax sources without interfering with people's livelihood?

Whether rich or poor, all depend on the land for their livelihood, just as weeds and crops all grow in the fields.

Millions of hectares of farmland were plowed, and officials of varying quality from the two capitals and thirteen provinces took turns to wield hoes. The project was huge, so how could they be so precise as to remove weeds without damaging crops?
The endless corrupt officials often take advantage of this excellent opportunity to unscrupulously plunder the people's wealth.

Good and capable officials at every level could not help but seek excessive credit, treating the rich and the common people equally, and doing their best to reclaim land and expand territory in order to achieve great achievements.

In addition, the gentry and wealthy families whose tax sources had been seized by the imperial court were naturally reluctant to take off their extravagant and unruly clothing.

In order to maintain the income of the government, he had no choice but to tear off the last bit of kindness he showed to the common people, bare his bloody fangs to the tenants and the common people, and squeezed their bones and marrow more and more day by day.

Do the common people want to stay out of this? By then, their families will be destroyed and their children will be sold off.

If it were not so closely related to the people, the civil unrest in Shandong would not have been so easily instigated.

He Xinyin certainly knew all this.

If he had been lecturing among the people in the past, he would have been able to speak eloquently and clearly sort out the various malpractices in land surveying that harmed the people.

But at this time, He Xinyin was no longer the civilian leader who satirized current politics.

On the contrary, this time, he stood on the side of the court - in terms of identity, he was a tax soldier in the field inspection office; in terms of justice, he wanted to witness the emperor's reform and save the country with his own eyes; in terms of career, he wanted to personally participate in the court's practice.

He Xinyin, whose vision was elevated by the emperor, inevitably looked at things from the perspective of the overall situation of the world.

Even though he knew all about these bad policies, he had no reason not to support the land survey!

Do we have to wait until one day the whole world is torn to pieces, and then wait for the founding of a new dynasty, so that we can calmly clear the households and farm when the people are exhausted and the aristocratic families have not yet formed?
Then what can these Confucian scholars and knights talk about in terms of saving the country and the people?
Just waiting to become a veteran of the previous dynasty.

However, although these ideas sound righteous, they are, after all, completely opposite to the stance of the red people in front of them.

He felt sympathetic towards the suffering of the common people, but he also knew that he had to do what he wanted given the situation in the world. When a greater good was faced with another greater good, he was hastily asked by Ge Cheng and was caught in a dilemma.

How can He Xinyin respond to Ge Cheng?

Is it a lighthearted statement of sacrificing the self for the greater good? Or a shameless advice to start over if misfortune occurs? It is not as if he could say without any hesitation that the tenants should think for the court, and if I don’t go along with the court, who will?
He Xinyin couldn't say these words.

His heart was surging and his face was speechless; outsiders could only see a long period of silence in the Buddhist hall.

At this moment, Ge Cheng suddenly sneered.

Perhaps because he saw He Xinyin was speechless, the bandit leader seemed to have a fake smile on his face: "Master He, do you think that as long as you come down from the sky and reveal your identity, we will wake up, turn against you, and kneel down to express our gratitude?"

He Xinyin heard this and wanted to say something but remained silent.

Ge Cheng just thought that He Xinyin's action was a tacit agreement, and said bluntly: "So although I respect He Xia, I really despise this kind of bullshit 'speaking for the people'."

"Whenever articles write about poor people like us, they keep repeating the same words: miserable, sad, bitter, and sad; over and over again, the same face, wanting to cry but unable to, numb and heartless, blaming the heavens and the earth, as if no one can laugh."

"It's fine to write about it, but it's even more incredible to encounter it."

"When the poor complain, it means they are ignorant and deceived; when the poor cry out for injustice, it means they are bewitched and help count money."

"When the Zhu family founded the country, the whole world followed them and abandoned the Yuan Dynasty and followed the Han Dynasty. It was not because we poor people understood the truth, but because the Zhu family had high moral standards and influenced the ignorant. When the court did not show benevolence and justice, we poor people did not like it. Then we were immediately bewitched and did not understand the court's difficulties."

"In short, in the eyes of the 'Confucian scholars', it is enough to satisfy their own transcendent moral sentiments. As for us poor people, we are not worthy of having our own ideas."

As soon as he finished speaking, bursts of laughter were heard outside the Buddhist temple.

Laughing at oneself, shaking head with a wry smile, and agreeing with an awkward smile.

As Ge Cheng spoke, he stepped over the threshold and stood on the edge of the courtyard outside the Buddhist temple, his eyes sweeping over the dark crowd of red people in front of him.

His words were full of accusations and his meaning was clear.

Peace talks with the imperial court are certainly what everyone hopes for, but the prerequisite is that the high-ranking masters like He Xinyin must realize that the poor people are talents - living people with their own demands, their own motives, and their own ideas!

Some of these gathered people were tenant farmers from the farm on the other side of the river. In order to avoid the adult tax, they had voluntarily become slaves to their masters. However, when the land was surveyed and the households were cleared, the masters were afraid that hiding the adult population would violate the taboos of the court, so they simply drove them out.

Some of them are laborers in the mills. Recently, all the major farms have stopped farming, and the mills of the owners have no business. Only the permanent workers are left in the mill, and all the laborers have stopped working.

Clients who were not registered had their land taken away due to land survey; those who cultivated wasteland to avoid taxes were now forced to pay taxes again; and some were even extorted by the officials...

The imperial court always thought that these people were ignorant beasts, so they kept posting notices and sending clerks to speak nonsense.

It's like scratching an itch through a shoe.

Dissatisfaction with the government is the raging fire of this civil unrest!

He Xinyin acted as if he could get everyone to follow his command as long as he could convince Ge Cheng, and he also treated the Chimin as ignorant beasts.

To put it bluntly, Ge Cheng is nothing!
Even if Ge Cheng raised the flag of rebellion and was defeated and killed, these poor people could just throw away their weapons and go home and continue their lives.

As long as He Xinyin cannot face these red people today, no matter how nice and justified the words he says are, this civil unrest will not be stopped!
He Xinyin followed Ge Cheng and slowly stepped over the threshold.

He followed Ge Cheng's gaze and scanned the dark crowd of red people in front of him.

Even though Ge Cheng pointed at his nose and scolded him, He Xinyin did not feel angry at all.

Instead, he felt a little dazed.

He debated with the emperor and was mercilessly ridiculed by him. He did not have a detached vision and was not worthy of pointing fingers at the government.

Now he wants to persuade the red people, but Ge Cheng despises him. He calls himself the people, but he does so only to satisfy his own empty moral consciousness.

He violated the law with force and disrupted the law with words, and became a "scholar-knight" who was hated by everyone.

After sticking to classical theories for decades, I suddenly felt so confused and at a loss when I plunged into practice.

He Xinyin stood beside Ge Cheng, speechless for a long time.

After a while, He Xinyin sighed in his heart and accepted all the lessons.

Don’t look up at the sky and don’t touch the ground with your feet. The road may be long and difficult, but if you keep walking you will reach your destination.

After a little encouragement, He Xinyin finally took action.

He approached Ge Cheng, his lips slightly parted, and he spoke in a voice as soft as a mosquito: "I wonder which sect General Ge is your friend from?"

The voice sounded vaguely in Ge Cheng's ears, causing him to frown slightly.

Ge Cheng turned his head and glanced at He Xinyin, wondering whether this hero He understood what he meant and why he suddenly wanted to establish a friendship with him.
The so-called road refers to the Green Forest Road.

Most of the people on the street are gangsters, but they are also synonymous with chivalrous people.

He Xinyin is naturally a well-known figure in the underworld.

Over the years, he has "changed his name many times, lurked in the martial arts world, and traveled all over the world". At the same time, because of his humble background, he despised the powerful and the wealthy, and only cared about the common people, which made him respected by the heroes on the road for many years.

To use Wang Shizhen's conclusion when writing history, He Xinyin and Shao Chuxiu were both great heroes.

Ge Cheng thought for a moment, turned around and waved his hand, signaling the key members not to come closer.

Ignoring the dissatisfied gaze behind him, Ge Cheng turned sideways and responded to He Xinyin expressionlessly: "I was born on the side of the mountain, and grew up on the sunny side. Now Xiao Xiao is a water roller, and has been running wild in the Jishui River for many years."

"I am honored to be valued by my fellow villagers and to shoulder the responsibility for today's event."

Since He Xinyin asked about the origins of the sect, Ge Cheng naturally responded in code.

"Tiger Gold Stand." He Xinyin took another half step towards Ge Cheng, almost leaning against him.

This is He Xinyin's real surname, the slang for the surname Liang. As a man in the underworld, Ge Cheng naturally knows it very well.

This seems to be the meaning of introducing each other's family background.

Ge Cheng hesitated for a moment, then said in a muffled voice: "There are too many vines, so I won't report it."

He Xinyin looked at Ge Cheng in surprise when he heard this. This meant that there were too many pseudonyms - it was obvious that the name Ge Cheng was also a pseudonym.

"Wade through the chain?"

People in the underworld value reputation, and unless they have a case, they will not change their appearance frequently.

Ge Cheng had a blank expression on his face: "I've lost my way a few times. Last time I stepped on a big one, and even my friends couldn't clean it up even after helping me."

"To meet the God of Wealth?"

"Justice."

He Xinyin seemed to be thinking about something.

People in the underworld are spread all over the world and each has his own way, so it is inevitable that they will encounter situations like the one now where they come into conflict with their friends in the underworld.

In order to avoid infighting and destroying the brotherhood of the underworld, a set of underworld rules was created early on.

Before a conflict occurs, the two sides will first speak a secret code, performing the etiquette of "those who know a hero respect a hero" in order to find out where the other side came from from their words - that is, Nanchun Beidian, which combined into one is called Chundian.

If the two sides can connect, they will give each other face and follow the rules of the world; if they cannot connect, then naturally there will be no mercy and they will become heartless.

As the saying goes, all the roots of the world are relatives, and all the eight styles of the world are one family. As long as you speak like a friend, it won’t make a difference no matter how far you go.

According to the underworld, bodyguards are called "xianggua", which means "occupying a line of land"; security guards are called "neigua", which means "occupying a tower of land"; and "lulin" means "friends".

The two of them were just talking back and forth, asking and answering each other, and they were just talking to each other as friends.

For example, when asking about the origin, the east is the facing side and the south is the sunny side. Another example is walking on a chain means going to jail, welcoming the God of Wealth means kidnapping for wealth, and seeking justice means settling grudges in the martial arts world.

There are so many different things.

The two of them asked and answered each other, and even up to this point, they still looked like they were talking about their origins and trying to establish a friendship.

But then, He Xinyin suddenly raised his head and stared at Ge Cheng: "I can give a sincere response to the matter of land reclamation, but does General Ge really want to hear it?"

Ge Cheng turned his head in surprise.

He Xinyin didn't give Ge Cheng time to think, and reached out and grabbed Ge Cheng's wrist.

The former lowered his voice, clenching his teeth tightly: "General Ge, according to the rules of the martial arts world, give me a definite answer!"

No wonder He Xinyin brought out the rules of the underworld and took advantage of his seniority.

He couldn't figure out Ge Cheng's intentions, and faced with his ambiguous attitude, he simply went straight to the point.

What does it mean to really want to listen?

Was it because he saw injustice and wanted to stand up for the people, or was it because he was asked by others to deliberately make things difficult for the land survey?

Is it really as he said, that he cares about his people and is willing to negotiate sincerely even at the risk of his life in order to find a way out; or is he trying to fish in troubled waters and use the peace talks to increase his prestige and get rid of the control of these key members around him?

This directly determined He Xinyin's response - whether to follow Ge Cheng's rhythm and sincerely analyze the pros and cons of major policies for the people, or to simply take back the initiative and play the game of coercion and inducement to the Confucian hero.

Of course, the rules of the underworld may not always work, but if you get close to someone, it is hard to fake his reaction.

He Xinyin stared at Ge Cheng with burning eyes, observing the emotions revealed in every wrinkle on his face.

Ge Cheng was not afraid at all and met He Xinyin's gaze directly.

At this time, the two of them were shoulder to shoulder and whispering to each other, which seemed very wrong in the eyes of outsiders.

The subordinates just thought that He Xinyin had committed some mischief and was preparing to coerce their own leader.

Before Ge Cheng could reply, someone in the room could no longer sit still, staring with wide eyes and shouting angrily: "Why are you holding on so tightly, old man! Why don't you let my brother go!"

The backbone members in the Buddhist temple were already anxious when they saw their leader being affectionate with an outsider for a long time, fearing that the two would make peace and go against the orders of their master.

The opportunity finally came. Several people seized the moment and quickly walked forward from the Buddhist hall.

One of them squeezed in between the two men, turned his head and forced a stiff smile at Ge Cheng: "General Ge, the public discussion between the enemy and us just now is under the watch of the brothers. If you have anything to say, you should speak openly. Let's listen and discuss together."

As soon as the words were spoken, several voices of agreement were heard.

"That makes sense. Since He Xinyin has become a lackey of the imperial court, it is better for the general to stay away from him, lest he suddenly attacks and hurts others."

"Isn't it? What words can't your brothers hear? Just whispering can easily destroy your brothers' trust."

A few people chatted with each other, and in a blink of an eye, they separated He Xinyin and surrounded Ge Cheng in the middle.

He Xinyin had no choice but to have his hands pried apart from Ge Cheng's. He had no choice but to look past these key members and stare at Ge Cheng intently.

at this time.

Snapped!Snapped!Snapped!
There were three slaps in succession.

Everyone looked up.

Ge Cheng raised his hands and pressed them together slowly and carefully.

"Mr. He just asked me in various ways why I took the responsibility for this matter. Was it to kill people and set fires to seek amnesty, or was it to be so bold as to rebel? What benefit did I want to gain from this?"

A loud voice echoed in the venue, accompanied by clapping of hands.

Ge Cheng held his strong arms in front of his chest, and with his slender waist and tiger back, he easily pushed away a backbone member who was blocking his way and walked to the focus of everyone's attention again.

His heroic spirit, sensational words, and unrestrained demeanor are simply the behavior of a living thief leader.

Ge Cheng looked around and said, "Negotiations must be conducted with sincerity."

"Someone asked the question first. Hero He should have answered it in a proper way, responded to our dissatisfaction, and demonstrated his sincerity in the negotiation, so that the matter can continue."

"But since I'm a gangster, I have to take the initiative in front of officials, heroes, and seniors. I have to accept it." "In this case, I will show my sincerity first."

A series of familiar movements demonstrated his rich experience in the world over the years.

In the blink of an eye, he seized the initiative again.

The noise outside the hall slowly died down. Several key members were suppressed to the point that they had no sense of existence. The tribesmen's eager gazes were full of conviction.

"Mr. He asked me why I took the initiative to do this. It's actually very simple."

"I have always been against the government."

As Ge Cheng spoke, he pushed aside a few key members and sat down on the doorstep.

"I have been in the underworld for many years and have witnessed many disputes between officials and the public, and have lost countless lives as a result."

"A few years ago, after a prefect named Zhuang Ji left office in Zhejiang, he seized the salt fields of a local rich farmer. The farmer came to me for help, and I, seeing the injustice, coaxed the prefect to the sea, sliced ​​him into hundreds of pieces, and pickled them in the salt fields."

"Before that, there was an imperial censor named Yang. Because his servant was a young boy and was clumsy, he threw the boy into the snow and froze him to death. After I heard about it, I found an opportunity to stab Imperial censor Yang to death in a brothel."

"Oh, yes. This year, Hangzhou Prefecture has exposed another old injustice. Someone went out to work and had no news for several years. The government determined that he was murdered and found a murderer to be executed by slow slicing. This year, the 'dead' has returned home, but the government still refuses to overturn the case."

"I was so angry that I took advantage of the time when our Cao Gang was delivering goods at the beginning of the year to go to Hangzhou. I also took the opportunity to tie up the detective Nie who was investigating the case and brought him back to the boat. Unfortunately, he only confessed that he attacked Pangu during the creation of the world, and then he died. His confession is still kept in this temple."

When Ge Cheng said this, he turned around and pointed towards the Buddha statue.

He spread his hands and looked at He Xinyin seriously: "I am different from Hero He. I have nothing to do with those high-ranking officials in the court, and I don't know how to fight for power and profit. I only do the simplest things when I travel around the world, helping the weak and suppressing the strong!"

“This time, it’s the same.”

The words are earnest and the tone is sincere.

He Xinyin listened quietly and couldn't help being moved.

Especially after hearing the phrase "help the weak and punish the strong", He Xinyin pursed her lips and nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Ge Cheng felt relieved and smiled.

He really didn't want He Xinyin to misunderstand and regard him as a scheming person who was calculating and scheming just for money, or the kind of person who wanted to be an official in Zhao'an.

Ge Cheng dumped all the old cases out there just in the hope that He Xinyin would understand that he was a true man of the world.

The people in the underworld are consistent with the story in the book, which is nothing more than forming gangs and fighting and killing each other.

At the same time, it is different from the beautified processing of "staying away from court affairs and claiming to be unified". Basically, it is difficult for it to exist apart from politics.

In other words, whether or not one can participate in political affairs has always been the criterion for being a "hero".

All the famous heroes in the world implement their own will and exert influence on the government.

When Lan Daoxing plotted against Yan Song, when Shao Chuxiu planned for Gao Gong to "restore the position of prime minister" during the Longqing period, and when Wang Zhi proclaimed himself king and established the system with the sole purpose of trade, it was all the same.

As for the important figures in a province, they often set up gangs and factions, set up checkpoints to collect taxes, and work together with local gentry and government officials.

For example, the Zhang family of Taicang, who recruited fugitives, and even the Cao Gang, where Ge Cheng had been living for many years thanks to the Zhang family's relationship, were mostly in this situation.

Those who fare the worst are the lone travelers who have no connection with power.

He can only fight alone, claiming to be a hero but actually robbing the rich to help the poor, and that's what Ge Cheng is like.

Although the Shandong incident this time was secretly instigated by the Zhang family of Taicang, they were actually willing to take the lead.

However, this time was different from the past, as he met He Xinyin, a gangster hero who held a completely opposite stance to his own.

The more unknown the knight is, the more he admires the heroes who manipulate the situation and shake up the world.

Ge Cheng has always respected He Xinyin.

Killing corrupt officials and resisting heavy taxes, scheming against the treacherous prime minister Yan Song, traveling around the world preaching, and posting letters to advise the emperor...it's simply a legend.

It is not a pleasant experience when the legend stands on the opposite side.

It even made Ge Cheng doubt himself at one point.

Was it He Xinyin who betrayed the moral code of the martial arts world, or was it Ge Chengxing who made a mistake?

The ambiguity that He Xinyin sensed probably came from this.

Because even Ge Cheng himself was really hesitant.

He just wanted to have a clear discussion with the contemporary hero in front of him about who was wrong.

Ge Cheng just sat on the doorstep, saying things that could cost him his life as if no one was around.

"I am not afraid to raise the flag of rebellion."

When talking about this moment, it can be said to be shocking to others.

Not only did the key members behind Ge Cheng change color, but the red people in the courtyard were also startled and shrank their necks together.

Ge Cheng turned a blind eye and raised his voice three points higher: "In the 32nd year of Jiajing, Shi Shangzhao led a mere 300 hungry people to revolt. Within a few months, he had tens of thousands of soldiers and fought in three provinces. He destroyed dozens of prefectures, states, and counties and killed tens of thousands of government troops. I am not necessarily less capable than Shi Shangzhao. It is not difficult for me to gain a reputation before I die."

"However, it was a natural disaster at that time. Countless people starved to death. The relief warehouses left by Taizu were empty. The relief silver became the luxurious jewelry of corrupt officials. The people really had no way to survive."

"It's a man-made disaster now. The court and the gentry are fighting, forcing us to stop farming and stop trading, pay taxes and return the land. Although we are facing ruin and death, at least our way is not completely blocked."

When Ge Cheng said this, he turned his head and his eyes moved back and forth between the key members and He Xinyin.

He paused, then slowly stood up from the threshold, facing the gang members in the courtyard, and said decisively and meaningfully: "I am not asking for money or an official position, but I just don't want to see my fellow villagers become ants who die in vain in the battle between gods and immortals!"

"I'm going to give you a promise here. If you guys promise me a way to live, I'll sell my life for you!"

……

When writing this scene.

He Xinyin was filled with emotion and the pen in his hand paused.

A kerosene lamp was lit in the dim house.

Writing a biography is not something that can be done in one go. It is also necessary to organize what you have seen and heard on that day and compile them into appendices.

However, as an eyewitness, the sense of immersion was too strong. Every time He Xinyin wrote a sentence, he felt that the scenes at that time appeared before his eyes one by one.

He Xinyin took a deep breath, prepared to relieve his unnecessary emotions, and continued writing.

at this time.

He suddenly stopped writing, slowly raised his head and looked outside the house.

Creators often avoid being disturbed, but if there is any disturbance, their thoughts will stop. He Xinyin's reaction clearly shows that there is a guest outside the house.

as predicted.

A respectful greeting, along with a knock on the door, came into the room: "Sir, there's a message from the county government."

He Xinyin's mind was suddenly brought back to reality. He put down his pen, stood up, and walked to the door in three or two steps.

He Xinyin opened the door and saw the face of the visitor clearly in the thin moonlight outside. He smiled and said, "It's Zhonghao. Come in and talk."

Feng Congwu followed He Xinyin's advice and entered the house.

The countryside is different from the city. Although the houses are simple, they are not narrow and are more than enough for two people to stand side by side.

He Xinyin sat back at his desk, looking at the calm student in front of him, and couldn't help but sigh: "Others feel that the houses of ordinary people are bitter and cold, and don't want to set foot there, so I'd better be content."

The "others" mentioned here are naturally the other disciples under the tutelage.

Compared with others, this student named Feng Congwu, although he has studied under the tutelage for the shortest time, is the one who believes in the true teachings the most.

Feng Congwu bowed modestly, but he did not forget his business: "Sir, Minister Shen and Governor Yu are going to the Confucius Mansion tomorrow, and they wrote to ask you to go with them."

He Xinyin was startled: "Yu Butang is going to the Confucius Mansion?"

There had been turmoil in Qufu County for several days, but Governor Yu Youding had disappeared without a trace. It seemed that the dust was almost settling, so why did he get involved in this trouble for the Kong family?
Feng Congwu carefully explained, "I heard from the county government that Yuan Fu passed through Shandong the other day and saw the civil unrest. He was very dissatisfied and "mobilized" in Jining before continuing north."

He Xinyin heard the truth and suddenly realized it.

No wonder the civil unrest in all counties of Yanzhou, except Qufu County, was quickly quelled. It turned out that Zhang Juzheng had exerted pressure.

Most of the local officials are like monks who ring bells. It is too much to ask them to disregard their own safety and personally come forward to persuade the rioters.

If there was no pressure from superiors, I'm afraid the situation would have to be "remotely controlled" in the yamen to calm down naturally.

He Xinyin couldn't help but sigh: "Hegemony is not completely useless."

He met and discussed with Zhang Juzheng in his early years. Although he did not like Zhang Juzheng's power-hungry personality, he had to admit that he was capable and courageous.

Shen Li, as an official from outside the capital, does not have such prestige, and local officials such as Yin Shidan and Yu Youding have no idea what they are thinking and always hold back when doing things.

Only someone like Zhang Juzheng could come forward and achieve immediate results.

Feng Congwu was not very old, only 24, but because he came from a prominent family, he always had his own views on the affairs of the court and the public: "The pressure from the Prime Minister forced the local officials to act rather rudely. After all, they are not as kind and righteous as you, who loves the people and is gentle and caring."

When there was chaos in Yanzhou Prefecture, Qufu was the most peaceful.

The rest of the places still use the old routine of killing some, arresting some, and releasing some, which can hardly be called a benevolent policy.

He Xinyin shook his head. In the past, he would probably have had the same thoughts.

But since my last discussion with the emperor, I have gained some new perspectives.

The imperial court did not have the ability to govern so meticulously, nor could it send out another He Xinyin. Many times it could only choose between very bad and not so bad.

The Yanzhou civil unrest could not wait for He Xinyin to resolve it one county at a time. If he could not cut the Gordian knot quickly, Yanzhou would probably continue to be in chaos for a while.

Now that we are going to visit the Confucius Mansion, it only means that the situation has been settled and it is time to continue with the land survey.

I don’t know whether the thousand-year-old family will surrender to being killed after all the trouble.

Thinking of this, He Xinyin said seriously: "There are only a few households missing in the village. I will get up early tomorrow to record these households and then report to the county government."

When Feng Congwu received the letter, he bowed and left.

He Xinyin did not let Feng Congwu leave immediately.

He waved his hand and called the latter to stop him: "Don't worry, since you are here, please help me write."

After saying that, he rubbed his eyes and pulled Feng Congwu to the table.

At this age, he no longer has the money to chisel a hole in the wall to borrow light. Even if it is a little dim, reading and writing are quite difficult. Reading and writing with disciples is also a common practice for teachers.

Feng Congwu was dragged to the desk and seemed a little at a loss.

Writing is often a job that direct disciples have to handle.

Feng Congwu's teacher came from a famous family and received family education since childhood. He became a disciple of He Xinyin just to mix the ideas of various schools. At best, he was just a name on the list.

Now that He Xinyin was acting so friendly, he didn't know how to strike the right balance.

But having said that, Feng Congwu hesitated for a moment, then bowed and sat down at the table.

He Xinyin was tidying up the table for Feng Congwu, muttering to himself.

"Zhong Hao, your father is a famous scholar of Guanxue, and your family has a long history of learning. You have learned the essentials of Guanxue since you were young, and when you were older, you went to study in Chang'an, first worshipping Xiao Jiuqing, and then studying under Shen Zhi."

"Since entering the Imperial College, I have studied with Gu Xiancheng, sought truth from Xu Fuyuan, and also studied the new teachings of several masters."

"You have learned a lot and have a broad understanding of the truth. Now that you are my disciple, and have experienced some worldly affairs, do you have any different understandings?"

This is a daily test.

Feng Congwu picked up the pen and paused in mid-air: "In reply to your words, sir, I don't have much understanding, but I have a deeper understanding of the saints' teachings."

He Xinyin took the initiative to put down the papers on the table, looked at the young face of his student, and waited curiously for the next words.

Feng Congwu lowered his head and said, "Awaken the people to the way."

He Xinyin was stunned when he heard this, then he clapped his hands and laughed.

"How virtuous! Zhong is so good!"

This is a very important compliment, which shows He Xinyin's satisfaction with this disciple.

But this praise did not make Feng Congwu smile. Instead, he stared at the table without saying a word.

After a while.

Feng Congwu looked at the manuscript on the table and changed the subject without leaving any trace: "Is this what the teacher experienced that day? Did the teacher want the students to read it or write it down?"

Most of the manuscript has been written, and there are many corrections on it.

Reading and writing is naturally to finish writing, and transcribing is to copy it neatly in preparation for rubbing the woodblock.

He Xinyin sighed inwardly when he saw Feng Congwu didn't respond.

He is already sixty-four years old, and to be frank, he doesn't have many years left to live.

Among the true disciples, Hu Shizhong was famous for his poetry and prose, and Lü Guangwu was a master of both literary and military strategy, and he founded the Yangwang Society, both of which were the best of the time.

Only the inheritance of Confucian classics has nothing to rely on.

It was only because a group of disciples were not rebellious enough and still adhered to the idea of ​​"getting a king to practice virtue", but Feng Congwu, who joined later, had already embarked on the path of "awakening the people to practice virtue" and believed in the true teachings.

However, although he wanted to pass on his teachings, there was no reason for him to do so in a hurry.

Well, long-term matters cannot be rushed.

He Xinyin shook his head, suppressed his thoughts and returned to the business at hand: "I will just dictate it, please embellish it a little."

Feng Congwu sat upright, writing in his hand and listening attentively.

He Xinyin pondered for a moment, sorted out his thoughts, and then began to tell the story: "At that time, Ge Cheng was very confident that he wanted to find a way to survive for the common people..."

Under the dim light, words are recited and written down into books.

The scene at that moment continued to unfold.

(End of this chapter)