Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 167 Old Zhu: Zhang Biao, I think we understand you a little better now [Bonus Chapter 5 for Monthly Tickets]

"Have you heard? The Emperor has decreed that a new 'Appeal Drum' and 'Grievance Drum' have been set up outside the Meridian Gate! You can go there to file any grievances! You can even report old cases from Shaanxi and matters concerning the Crown Prince!"

"Really? If I sue, will they really not pursue the matter?"

"His Majesty's word is law! He even said there will be a reward for reporting the truth! Damn it, Old Man Wang next door was ruined by that corrupt official, now he has a chance!"

"Shh... Keep your voice down! Who knows if this is a trap? Don't risk your life before you even get a chance to file a complaint!"

"That's right, let's wait and see if anyone dares to go!"

In teahouses, taverns, and alleyways, countless eyes lit up, yet were filled with doubt and fear.

But without a doubt, seeds of hatred or greed have been sown, waiting for the right opportunity to sprout.

Old Zhu's move directly transformed the one-sided public opinion offensive of "the people pleading for justice" into a chaotic battle of "the people accusing each other," making all the enemies hiding in the shadows feel like they had a thorn in their side.

Meanwhile, Wang Laowu, one of the most talked-about figures, was making his last stand.

He was wearing an old, patched-up uniform, faded from washing, with one empty trouser leg swaying slightly in the cold wind.

He lost one of his legs on the battlefield during the Northern Expedition many years ago.

At this moment, he was leaning on a smooth wooden stick, his body trembling slightly, not because of the cold, but because of the extreme struggle and fear in his heart.

In his hand, he tightly clutched a small cloth bag containing his last few copper coins and a crumpled receipt for receiving pension silver stamped with the official seal of Shuntian Prefecture.

Yesterday, based on this, he went to Liu, the clerk of Shuntian Prefecture, to collect his pension for the month, but was kicked out by the clerk on the grounds that "the accounts are unclear and need to be reviewed for three days".

He knew that the clerk Liu was taking advantage of his crippled and old age to try and evade the money, or at least to delay until he starved to death.

"To sue...or not to sue?"

Wang Laowu was torn between his inner thoughts and his own.

If we win the lawsuit, we might be able to get our life savings back.

If you lose the case, or anger the officials, you might get a beating, or even disappear without a trace.

He had seen too many similar things.

The whispers of those around him drifted into his ears.

"They'll really sue us? They're not just trying to trick us into going so they can arrest us, are they?"

"I heard there's a reward for winning the case!"

"A reward? Is life more important or money? Are those officials easy to deal with?"

"Look, that old cripple seems to want to go..."

Wang Laowu felt countless gazes falling on him, like needles pricking him.

He lowered his head, looking at his empty trouser legs, and thought of his brothers who died on the battlefield, and his old wife and grandson at home who were waiting for rice to cook. A surge of anger mixed with despair and humiliation suddenly rushed to his head.

[Damn it! I've already sold one of my legs to the government! What's another life to me?!]

He suddenly raised his head, and a kind of reckless madness burst forth in his cloudy eyes.

Without further hesitation, he used his one leg and a wooden stick to forcefully push through the crowd, limping but with extraordinary determination as he charged toward the grievance drum.

The crowd parted automatically to make way, and everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the old cripple.

Wang Laowu rushed to the drum, looked at the drumsticks that were taller than him, gritted his teeth, threw away the wooden sticks, and used all his strength to lift the heavy drumsticks with both hands.

"Boom--!"

A deep, yet highly penetrating drumbeat suddenly exploded.

It broke the silence of the early morning and seemed to strike the hearts of every onlooker.

As the drumbeats echoed, Wang Laowu seemed to have all his strength drained away. He collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, but his eyes remained fixed on the eunuchs on duty.

The leading eunuch frowned and gestured.

A clerk stepped forward and asked coldly, "Who is beating the drum? What is the matter?"

Wang Laowu struggled to his feet, knelt on the ground, and held up the crumpled receipt with both hands, shouting in a hoarse but clear voice:

"Your Honor! I, Wang Laowu, originally from Fengyang, was wounded in the leg during the Northern Expedition in the eighth year of the Hongwu reign and lost my leg! I am filing a complaint against Liu Neng, a clerk in the Shuntian Prefecture's Household Department!"

"He embezzled the pension funds meant for the unworthy, cutting off their livelihood! We beg you, Your Honor, to do justice for this unworthy man!"

His voice was choked with sobs, yet it also carried an undeniable air of grief and indignation.

There was silence.

Everyone's ears pricked up.

The clerk took notes, his face expressionless.

The leading eunuch squinted at Wang Laowu, then glanced at the receipt, and waved his hand: "Understood, wait over there."

They didn't arrest him immediately, nor did they reprimand him; they just told him to wait.

This caused a stir among the onlookers.

What's going on? Could there be something going on?!

The ensuing wait was long and agonizing.

Wang Laowu knelt on the cold ground, his single leg aching from the pressure, but he remained motionless, like a stone statue.

More and more people gathered around, and the discussions grew louder and louder.

About an hour later, just as some people were starting to get impatient and thought there might be no follow-up—

“Da da da da—!”

A rapid and rhythmic sound of horses' hooves approached from afar.

A squad of Imperial Guards, gleaming in their armor and exuding a murderous aura, rushed to the Meridian Gate like a whirlwind.

The leading officer reined in his horse, his sharp gaze sweeping across the entire area before finally settling on the kneeling Wang Laowu, and then looking at the eunuch on duty.

The eunuch quickly stepped forward and whispered a few words of report.

The junior officer nodded, then suddenly waved his hand: "Arrest them!"

About an hour later, the Imperial Guards dragged a middle-aged man dressed in official robes, with a pale face and trembling body, to the Meridian Gate.

It was Liu Neng, the clerk of Shuntian Prefecture.

"Liu Neng! You have embezzled the pension funds for wounded and disabled veterans, and you have been caught red-handed! What else do you have to say?!" the junior officer shouted sternly.

Liu Neng was terrified, his crotch instantly became wet, and he begged for mercy incoherently:
"My lord, spare my life! I... I was just confused for a moment! The silver... the silver is still with me! I'll return it right away! I'll return it right away!"

Wow——!
The crowd erupted!

They really arrested him! And it was the Embroidered Uniform Guard themselves who made the move!?

When Wang Laowu saw Liu Neng being arrested, he was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and he kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Your Honor! Thank you, Your Honor!"

The junior officer didn't even glance at Liu Neng, and went straight to Wang Laowu:
"Old soldier Wang Laowu, your accusation is true! The Emperor's decree: Anyone who embezzles the pensions of the wounded and disabled will be punished more severely! Liu Neng, remove him from his post, give him eighty strokes of the military rod, and exile him three thousand li away! His family property will be confiscated!"

Having said that, he pulled out a snow-white ingot of official silver from his pocket, weighing a full ten taels, and threw it in front of Wang Laowu with a clang:

"Here's a reward for you! Take it!"

Ten taels of silver!

Enough for an average family to eat for a year!
Under the sunlight, the silver ingot gleamed with an alluring light, burning the eyes of every onlooker.

Wang Laowu trembled as he picked up the silver, as if it were a priceless treasure, and cried so hard he almost fainted.

Meanwhile, Liu Neng had been pinned to the ground and was being relentlessly beaten with the scabbard of his embroidered spring knife, his screams echoing throughout the Meridian Gate.

quiet!
Deathly silence!

Then came a deafening roar and incredulous gasps.

"What a generous reward! Ten taels! Ten taels of silver!"

"Liu the clerk has really been arrested! And he's going to be exiled!"

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is serious! He's not lying!"

At this moment, all hesitation, all fear, was shattered by the vivid, bloody reality before them.

It's unclear who was the first to react, but they rushed towards the grievance drum like madmen.

Then came the second, the third...

"Your Honor! I must file a complaint! I must accuse Vice Minister Zhao of the Ministry of War of allowing his servants to forcibly buy my family's fertile land!"

"Your Majesty! This humble subject wants to report the commander of the Tongzhou Guard, who forcibly seized farmland and beat my father to death!"

"This servant...this servant wants to report the eunuch from the former Imperial Palace's Food Bureau. He...he embezzled funds and used inferior ingredients!"

"The guilty people...the guilty people want to accuse the adopted son of Duke Lan Yu of Liang, they have conspired..."

Outside the Meridian Gate, chaos erupted instantly.

Countless hands reached for the drumsticks, and countless voices cried out for justice.

The situation was almost out of control.

Wang Laowu was helped to the side by two kind passersby.

He clutched the life-saving silver ingot tightly, gazing at the scene before him like a burst dam, tears streaming from his clouded eyes, muttering repeatedly:

"Your Majesty is wise... Your Majesty is truly wise..."

This scene, like the most vivid drama, spread throughout Yingtian Prefecture at an astonishing speed through countless eyes and mouths.

Those high-ranking officials from the six ministries who are still sitting in their duty rooms have long lost their former glory.

They were all restless and on tenterhooks, their ears perked up, trying to catch any sound from outside.

Those officials, especially those with shady dealings or those who had connections with Fu Youwen, Ru Chang, and others, turned ashen-faced and broke out in a cold sweat.

They didn't know if, at any moment, a member of the Imperial Guard would rush in, carrying a petition from outside the Meridian Gate, and arrest them.

"Lord Wang... have you heard? The old servant from the Li family who was kicked out went to beat the grievance drum early this morning..."

"It seems like...it seems like the batch of grain tribute that Manager Zhang handled last year..."

"It's over...it's all over...this is even more terrifying than the Empty Seal Case of the Thirteenth Year of Hongwu!"

Whispers, sighs, and fearful gasps filled every corner.

An atmosphere of fear and insecurity spread rapidly through officialdom like a plague.

Some of those who had previously joined in the clamor demanding Zhang Biao's execution now wished they could shrink into the ground, fearing they would be swept up in this wave of complaints.

Even those nobles who were usually arrogant and thought they had deep roots couldn't sit still this time.

Old Zhu's decree clearly encouraged 'informing' without distinguishing right from wrong.

Who knows how many old grievances those peasants, or those disgraced collateral branches and former servants, will dig up?
The nobles' retainers and advisors moved back and forth, whispering about countermeasures or urgently dealing with old matters that might give others a handle to use against them.

"Quick! Double-check the land deed for that manor in the south of the city. Don't you know how it came about in the first place?"

"Go tell everyone below to keep a low profile and behave themselves! Anyone who dares to cause trouble at this time will be punished according to family rules!"

"Those old acquaintances who know too much... those who need to be sent away should be sent away immediately!"

A silent purge and panic were quietly taking place within the elite circles.

For the first time, they felt so clearly that there was no real safe haven under imperial power.

Fear began to truly and deeply take root in the hearts of every official and nobleman with a guilty conscience.

Hope and madness ignited countless long-suppressed souls.

Old Zhu achieved his goal.

But only this one goal was achieved.

……

the other side.

Compared to the bustling crowds and nearly collapsed grievance drum at the Meridian Gate, another area not far away appeared unusually quiet and awkward.

The group of scholars, led by Fang Xiaoru, remained kneeling in place.

However, the tragic atmosphere of 'speaking out for the people and defending the orthodox tradition' that they had previously created has been completely shattered.

Instead of the clear-cut discussions and support from the righteous, the air was filled with deafening cries of injustice, sobs, and the shouts of the Imperial Guards as they arrested criminals.

What they saw were no longer sympathetic or curious people, but a tide of all kinds of people surging toward the grievance drum. No one even glanced at the group of kneeling scholars anymore.

They seemed to have become a forgotten corner, a self-directed and self-acted, out-of-place farce.

A profound sense of bewilderment and loss enveloped the hearts of many scholars.

"Fang...Brother Fang..."

A young student couldn't hold back any longer; his voice trembled with tears and confusion:
"Are we... are we still supposed to kneel here? It seems... it seems like nobody cares about us..."

"Yes, Brother Fang, look over there... It seems the Emperor is really listening to the people's grievances."

Another scholar whispered, "The fact that we're kneeling like this, begging for the 'execution of the traitors,' isn't... isn't it a bit..."

He couldn't continue, but his meaning was clear.

Compared to the real injustice done to the people, their 'righteous' demand to execute a death row inmate seems so hollow and pale.

The emperor told them in the most brutal way.

What is the most pressing public outrage right now?!

The crowd began to stir, the whispers grew louder, and many people showed signs of backing down.

The unwavering belief began to crumble under the immense impact of reality.

Just then, several official sedan chairs slowly approached and stopped in front of the scholars.

The sedan curtain was lifted, and stepping out were Grand Secretary Liu Sanwu, who had been ordered to come and persuade the matter, along with several veteran censors who were known for their integrity in the Censorate.

Looking at the group of haggard, bewildered young scholars before him, Liu Sanwu felt a mix of emotions.

He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound gentle and persuasive: "Fellow gentlemen, please hear what I have to say."

The scene gradually quieted down, and all eyes were focused on these important court officials.

"His Majesty has added the Drum for Petitioning and the Drum for Crying Out Grievances, opening up channels for public opinion and listening to the grievances of the people. This is a move by the Holy Emperor to comfort the people and also a thunderous means to rectify official corruption."

Liu Sanwu spoke slowly. He first affirmed the emperor's actions, silencing any potential criticism, then acknowledged the scholars' "deathbed remonstrance," and finally calmed their emotions:

“You kneel here to remonstrate, your hearts are also loyal to the emperor and love the country, and you are worried about the state. The emperor knows this heart, and so do I.”

Then, his tone shifted abruptly, becoming extremely heavy:

"However, the current situation is no longer simply about Zhang Biao's case. Countless grievances urgently need to be redressed, and countless corrupt officials urgently need to be eliminated!"

"This is a matter of utmost importance, concerning the very foundation of the nation and the lives of hundreds of millions of people!"

He pointed towards the bustling crowd at the Meridian Gate: "His Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, and his energy is being wasted here. What good does it do for the country to kneel here? What benefit does it bring to the people's livelihood?"

"If we are fixated on the life or death of one person and delay the resolution of countless injustices, wouldn't that be putting the greater good before the lesser, and betraying the fundamental principle of 'putting the people first' that we scholars should uphold?"

"What Lord Liu said is absolutely right!"

An old censor chimed in, "His Majesty has already issued a clear decree that the Zhang Biao case will be decided fairly, and the decree will be issued to the world soon."

"If you disperse now, His Majesty will forgive your past transgressions, considering your youthful passion. But if you persist, not only will it be of no use, but you may also incur His Majesty's wrath, bringing disaster upon yourselves and even your sects!"

These words combined soft and hard tactics, offering a way out while also highlighting the stakes involved.

Sure enough, many scholars who were already wavering were moved.

Looking at the desolate scene of kneeling remonstrances on one side, and then at the surging tide of complaints on the other, the scales in their hearts tipped completely.

"This student...this student was confused! Thank you, Lord Liu, and thank you all for your guidance!"

"We will disperse now and will no longer cause trouble for the court!"

"May His Majesty soon rectify the corrupt practices of the bureaucracy and bring peace to the people's hearts!"

One by one, scholars stood up, bowed to Liu Sanwu and the others, and then left with expressions of shame or relief.

The kneeling queue had visibly thinned out by more than half.

Liu Sanwu felt slightly relieved and looked at Fang Xiaoru, who was still kneeling on the spot and not moving, as well as the dozens of most steadfast scholars remaining beside him.

Among them were several middle-aged men dressed in scholar's robes, exuding an extraordinary air.

They are representatives of the Confucius family in Qufu! And several doctors and students from the Imperial Academy, known for their stubbornness and solid scholarship.

"Xizhi..."

Liu Sanwu walked up to Fang Xiaoru and said earnestly, "The situation has changed. Why be so persistent? It would be wise to go back for now and wait for the right opportunity!"

Fang Xiaoru slowly raised his head. His face was pale from hunger and exhaustion, but his eyes were frighteningly bright, burning with an almost obsessive flame.

"I deeply appreciate Mr. Liu's kindness."

His voice was somewhat hoarse, but unusually firm: "However, what I did was not for my own selfish reasons, nor was it merely for the life or death of a prisoner."

His gaze swept over his comrades who remained beside him, his voice rising a few decibels, carrying a martyr-like resolve:
"What the students are fighting for is not about right and wrong, but about the teachings of the sages!"

"Zhang Biao's outrageous statement to 'abolish Confucianism' is an act of uprooting the very foundation of Chinese civilization!"

"If this trend is not stopped, Confucianism can be abolished today, and moral principles can be destroyed tomorrow! If this continues, the country will cease to be a country, and the people will cease to be people!"

A representative from the Kong family also solemnly spoke up: "Lord Liu, what Mr. Fang said is very true. The Confucian way is the foundation of the nation. We deeply admire His Majesty's efforts to eliminate corruption and wickedness."

"However, upholding the moral tradition and punishing corruption are not contradictory, but rather more fundamental! If the moral tradition is lost, even if the government is clean and efficient, the world will lose its soul!"

"That's right! We do not intend to oppose the Emperor!"

A scholar from the Imperial Academy said excitedly:
"On the contrary, it is precisely to help His Majesty purify this evil atmosphere that confuses right and wrong and shakes the foundation of the country!"

"If we retreat today, the evil ones will become even more unscrupulous in the future! Our heads may be severed, but our will cannot be taken away!"

These remarks elevated their actions to the level of 'defending the foundations of civilization,' making them appear incredibly noble and tragic.

Liu Sanwu and several other veteran censors felt their scalps tingle and inwardly groan.

What kind of time is this? Why are you still clinging to the "traditional doctrines"?
The emperor is clearly going to use that 'mad knife' to clean up the festering sores of the Ming Dynasty. Who has time to discuss metaphysical issues of 'orthodoxy' with you?
But they knew that talking about practical benefits and disadvantages with someone like Fang Xiaoru was like casting pearls before swine.

Once he's made up his mind, nothing can change it.

Liu Sanwu sighed deeply, knowing that further persuasion would be futile, and could only shake his head helplessly: "Since that's the case... you all... take care of yourselves."

He turned around, and led several equally helpless old censors, walking heavily toward the official sedan chair.

They could already foresee the outcome of returning to report.

Behind them, Fang Xiaoru and the others straightened their backs again, kneeling even more upright, as if they wanted to use their frail flesh and blood to resist the impact of the torrent of the entire era.

Their figures stood out so lonely, yet so glaring, outside the bustling Meridian Gate.

……

Meanwhile, at the Huagai Hall.

Old Zhu seemed to be a tireless 'judgment machine'.

The documents on the emperor's desk piled up and then decreased at an alarming rate.

Jiang Huan and Yun Ming shuttled back and forth, delivering the latest summaries of the complaints and verification reports.

Old Zhu's approach was simple and efficient:
[The evidence against this county magistrate for embezzling river repair funds is irrefutable. He should be executed immediately, his property confiscated, and his wife and daughters sent to the brothel.]

[This garrison commander was embezzling pay and mistreating his soldiers! He should be skinned alive, stuffed with straw, and his head displayed throughout the nine border regions as a warning to others.]

[Oh? This retired vice minister once accompanied the crown prince to Shaanxi, and he secretly kept a hundred taels of gold at home? This is suspicious and must be thoroughly investigated!]

[The assistant commander who accused the King of Qin of condoning his subordinates' encroachment on military farms... Lock him up first, keep him under close guard, and we'll talk about it when we see the second prince...]

After dealing with this, Old Zhu paused slightly, a complex, cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Behind every verdict lies the bloodshed of heads falling and families being wiped out.

The emperor's will, through a series of cold decrees, transformed into a terrifying storm that swept through the entire bureaucratic and noble class.

He wasn't just investigating a case; it was more like conducting a thorough, indiscriminate 'detoxification,' using the most ruthless methods to maintain his absolute control over the empire.

"Somebody come!"

Old Zhu rubbed his slightly sore temples and suddenly spoke:

"Tell Jiang Huan to strengthen surveillance over all key government offices, especially the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Transmission. Record any attempts to destroy documents or transmit messages!"

"Send another order to Song Zhong, instructing him to reopen the investigation. Tell him that we discovered many suspicious points while handling the 'complaints from the people,' and that our previous conclusions may not have been accurate! Make sure he investigates thoroughly, especially the officials accompanying the Crown Prince!"

"in addition!"

He paused, then said in a chilling tone, "Go tell Zhang Biao that we've shown our 'sincerity.' Now, it's his turn to show some 'sincerity.'"

"promise!"

No sooner had Old Zhu finished speaking than someone stepped forward to take the order.

Old Zhu's gaze fell once again on the summary of the complaint and the investigation report on the desk, and he muttered to himself:
"Is this the Ming Dynasty we've ruled for thirty years? How come it's regressing more and more with each passing year?"

At this moment, an unprecedented exhaustion spread throughout his body.

However, just as he was about to fall into a state of confusion, another announcement came through: "Your Majesty, Hanlin Academician Liu Sanwu requests an audience!"

Old Zhu was slightly taken aback, but then immediately perked up, and his previous confusion and helplessness vanished.

But then he said calmly and authoritatively, "Let him in!"

Soon, Liu Sanwu walked in respectfully, ready to bow.

"No need for formalities, just tell me, how did things go?"

Old Zhu raised his hand to interrupt Liu Sanwu's bow, his tone filled with extreme domineering and unquestionable authority.

"Reporting to Your Majesty..."

Liu Sanwu bowed and reported the whole process of persuasion to Zhu, especially the almost stubborn reactions of Fang Xiaoru, the Kong family representative, and those obstinate scholars.

He spoke cautiously, trying to avoid personal bias, but the lingering helplessness and worry between his brows could not escape Old Zhu's notice.

Old Zhu listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the rosewood armrest, producing a dull 'tap-tap' sound.

His face was expressionless, showing neither anger at Fang Xiaoru and the others for being 'unappreciative,' nor dissatisfaction with Liu Sanwu's incompetence, as if he were listening to a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.

After Liu Sanwu finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

After a long silence, Old Zhu finally spoke, his voice eerily calm, yet carrying a chilling, all-knowing quality:

"The Confucius family has gotten involved too? Ha, they certainly know how to pick their timing! Are they trying to tell the world that their Confucius family is the true lineage, and even we, the emperor, have to defer to them?"

Liu Sanwu's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The people from the Kong family are just..."

Old Zhu waved his hand, interrupting him: "We're not angry."

He slightly raised his eyelids, and a sharp glint flashed in his deep-set eyes, like a hawk in the dark night.
"What Fang Xiaoru wanted to fight for was 'right and wrong,' and 'the orthodoxy of the sages'? That sounds nice!"

"In his eyes, is our emperor also part of his 'orthodox tradition' that needs to be rectified?"

These words are extremely hurtful!

Liu Sanwu was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat and dared not reply.

Old Zhu, however, seemed not to need his answer and continued speaking to himself, his tone carrying a condescending analytical quality:

"Scholars, especially those like Fang Xiaoru, value their reputation more than their lives!"

"They are not afraid of death, but they are afraid of dying silently and without a trace, and they are afraid that their 'way' will not be recognized."

“If we arrest and kill them now, it will only enhance their reputation for ‘loyalty and righteousness’ and make them famous in history, while it will only confirm that we are a foolish and tyrannical ruler.”

"At that time, scholars all over the world will condemn us. Even if we kill everyone, we won't be able to silence the public. This deal is not worth it."

Liu Sanwu was terrified; the emperor had seen right through Fang Xiaoru's thoughts.

"Then... what does His Majesty mean?" Liu Sanwu asked cautiously.

Old Zhu's lips curled into an extremely cold, even slightly mocking, smile:

"They want to kneel, don't they? They want to show their integrity, don't they? Let them kneel all they want!"

"Imperial decree: Since Fang Xiaoru and other teachers and students of the Imperial Academy, as well as the virtuous scholars of the Confucius family, are so concerned about national affairs and devoted to the orthodox tradition, we are very pleased!"

"He was granted special permission to kneel quietly outside the Meridian Gate to reflect on his actions, understand the people's plight, and comprehend the Emperor's heart. The Court of Imperial Sacrifices provided him with clean water and thin porridge every day to show our compassion for the people."

Liu Sanwu was stunned.

Isn't this...isn't this just a disguised form of house arrest and torture?

Use time and physical torture to wear down their will!
Moreover, placing them in such a noisy place as outside the Meridian Gate, forcing them to witness the people's plight and hear their grievances firsthand, is nothing short of mental torture!

"in addition!"

Old Zhu's voice remained calm, yet it carried a chilling undertone:

"Tell Jiang Huan to keep a close eye on Fang Xiaoru and his men!"

"But there's no need to interfere with their conversations or interactions."

"Aren't they trying to form alliances? Aren't they trying to discuss politics? Let them talk! Make sure we remember every word they say and every person they meet!"

"Let's see if they give up first, or if the people behind them will slip up first!"

Liu Sanwu instantly understood the emperor's deeper meaning.

This is to use Fang Xiaoru and others as bait to lure out the big fish that may be hiding in the literati and colluding with the princes or other forces!
Or at least figure out the background and structure of this 'pure stream' force!
The ruthlessness and machinations of emperors are truly astounding!
I won't kill you, but I'll wear you down in the most humiliating way.

I will not condemn you, but let every word you utter become evidence of your future crimes.

What appears to be lenient is actually an invisible and far more terrifying trap.

"besides!"

Old Zhu seemed to remember something, his tone carrying a hint of meaning:
"Go and find out which branch of the Kong family came this time, and who advocated getting involved in this matter?"

"Have there been any unusual changes in their land and population registers in Qufu recently? Have the Ministry of Revenue and the Embroidered Uniform Guard carefully verify them!"

Liu Sanwu's back was instantly soaked with cold sweat.

The emperor doesn't even trust the descendants of Confucius; he wants to use this opportunity to reprimand or even investigate the Confucius family.

This mindset, these methods...

"I...I obey your order!"

Liu Sanwu accepted the order with a trembling voice.

"Go."

Old Zhu waved his hand, closed his eyes again, as if he had just dealt with a trivial matter.

Liu Sanwu felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He bowed and left the main hall. Only after walking a long way did he feel his legs go weak, and he leaned against the palace wall, panting heavily.

He looked up at the gray sky, with only one thought in his mind:
[Fang Xiaoru, oh Fang Xiaoru, you think you are upholding the orthodox tradition, but you don't realize you have already become pawns in the Emperor's game, your life, death, honor, and disgrace all at the Emperor's mercy!]

The emperor's heart... is as deep as the sea!

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory, Old Zhu stood alone, the tapping of his fingers resounding once more, the rhythm steady yet carrying a cold indifference of absolute control.

[Fang Xiaoru, do you want to be an upright and outspoken official? We're giving you that opportunity.]

It all depends on whether your backbone can outlast our patience.

[And the Confucius family... You've enjoyed a thousand years of honor, shouldn't we also see if your foundation is truly clean?]

His gaze once again turned to the outside of the palace, as if piercing through layers of palace walls to see two completely different scenes outside the Meridian Gate.

On one side, there was a fervent outcry of "people lodge complaints," while on the other side, there were solitary scholars kneeling in silence.

[The abolition of Confucianism...we think we understand that bastard a little better now.]

However, you're still being too unrealistic.

We must acknowledge this lineage. But this empire still belongs to the Zhu family.

"Your Majesty!"

Just as Old Zhu was lost in thought, Yunming hurriedly walked in:
"The carriages of His Highnesses Jin, Qin, and Zhou have arrived at the post station thirty miles outside the capital, submitted their greetings, and are awaiting an audience."

Have they finally arrived? My dear sons.

A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu's eyes, but it disappeared in an instant.

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(End of this chapter)