Huangming

Chapter 122 Young Scholars Charge into Battle, Scholars Clash

Outside the Donglin Guild Hall.

Wang Ji raised an eyebrow, clearly interested in the method Sun Wei used to sabotage the Huangming Daily.

“Chunyu, tell me quickly.”

Sun Wei looked around at the people coming and going and said, "This is not the place to talk."

"Where are we going?"

Sun Wei smiled mysteriously and said, "Shoushan Academy!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ji seemed to know what Sun Wei's method was.

The two of them rode together in a sedan chair to the Shoushan Academy.

Shoushan Academy is located inside Xuanwumen in the inner city of Beijing, next to the Catholic Church and across the street from the Elephant House.

The area was a residential area for scholars and officials, about 3 li from the Imperial College and less than 2 li from the Examination Hall, and was a necessary passage for candidates and students of the Imperial College to travel to and from Beijing.

This academy was established by Donglin Party members such as Zou Yuanbiao, and Donglin scholars such as Zou Yuanbiao and Feng Congwu often lectured here.

Scholars and students from the Imperial Academy who were going to the capital often lingered in this place.

Wang Ji was a great Confucian scholar who often lectured here and had many followers.

Upon entering the Shoushan Academy, Sun Wei chose a private room. After closing the door, the two sat facing each other.

"Chunyu, there's no one here. Can you speak frankly?"

Upon arriving at this place, Sun Wei no longer concealed anything and immediately said, "Brother Weili, have you not heard of the strategy of 'drawing the firewood from under the cauldron'?"
The woodblocks, paper, and ink used in the Huangming Daily all relied on supplies from Jiangnan.
The Gu family of Suzhou controlled pine soot ink, and the Wu family of Huizhou monopolized Chengxintang paper. Both families had deep ties with Donglin Academy.

"Just one secret letter."

Sun Wei revealed a smug look on his face, and then said, "Let Jiangnan cut off the supply of raw materials, and then incite the students of the Imperial Academy to petition for the abolition of the printing bureau of the Directorate of Ceremonial under the pretext of 'banning false reports'. At that time, would His Majesty still be willing to make enemies of the scholars of the world for a few pieces of waste paper?"

If we're talking about who's the easiest to incite and who's the easiest to get carried away in this world.

There's only one answer: young, bookish people!

Young intellectuals are most easily swayed because they are often hot-blooded and inexperienced in the ways of the world. They hold a pure and unwavering commitment to their ideals but lack a deep understanding of the complexities of society.

They have not yet experienced the trials of reality and are easily swayed by impassioned rhetoric. They simply apply the moral principles from books to real life, and thus, under the guidance of instigators, they indiscriminately throw themselves into actions that seem righteous.

In addition, the gathering of scholars in academies, the Imperial College, and other similar places allowed them to influence each other, and their emotions could easily spread, forming waves of collective action.

"Brother Wei Li has a high reputation among these students and scholars. They believe what you say. As long as you incite them, they will surely run for justice. At that time, with the students of the Imperial Academy and the students who have come to the capital for the imperial examinations leading the charge, and us supporting them from behind, what can His Majesty do? Are you suggesting that he kill all these students and scholars?"

Wang Ji couldn't help but take a deep breath when he heard the last part.

Sun Wei's plan is truly a vicious scheme!

They used those naive and inexperienced students to deal with the emperor.

In this way, they don't need to take any risks while they are behind.

Even if the emperor were furious, he would kill these people, not them.

Once things succeed, they can step out and claim the main credit.

wonderful!
Wonderful!

"Brother Chunyu, you really have a great idea!"

Wang Ji's eyes flashed, and he immediately said, "I'll go and call over my few favorite students right now!"

He has many students, and Wang Ji already has a list of candidates in mind who are capable and courageous enough to work for him.

Wang Ji pondered for a moment, then left the secret room and instructed his attendants: "Go and invite Zhao Mingyuan, Chen Ziyu, and Zheng Shixiang here."

Before long, three young scholars strode into the private room, all dressed in blue robes and scholar's caps, their brows revealing a sharp spirit.

Zhao Mingyuan was tall and handsome, and was the most quick-witted of the three. He once caused a sensation at the Imperial Academy with his essay "On the New Policies". Chen Ziyu was calm and reserved, but his writing was sharp. He was especially good at policy essays, and his family had considerable property in Jiangnan. Zheng Shixiang was a little older and decisive. Because his ancestors had produced Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), he was extremely eager for fame and fortune.

The three men were feeling frustrated and unfulfilled because the imperial examinations had been postponed due to the death of Emperor Taichang. When they saw Wang Ji summoning them, a glimmer of expectation flashed in their eyes.

Wang Ji smiled slightly and said, "I have summoned you all here today because I have important matters to discuss."

Sun Wei picked up the conversation, his eyes shining: "All three of you are outstanding individuals. At present, the court is rife with treacherous officials and false reports are rampant. We need people of ambition to set things right."

Zhao Mingyuan's eyes flashed, and he cupped his hands, saying, "If you have any requests, sir, I will gladly die for you!"

Chen Ziyu and Zheng Shixiang echoed in unison.

"The same goes for students."

Wang Ji's gaze was intense as he surveyed the three men. He said in a deep voice, "Do you all know what this *Huangming Daily* is? On the surface, it promotes the new policies, but in reality, it harbors treacherous intentions! It violates ancestral rules and arbitrarily alters the teachings of the sages. If allowed to run rampant, it will surely be used by the eunuch faction in the future, becoming a weapon to eliminate loyal officials!"

He slammed his hand on the table, his voice growing increasingly impassioned: "You are all learned men, you should know the weight of the four words 'literature carries the Way.' If you can stand up today and stop such treacherous acts, you will not only save the nation, but also be remembered in history! His Majesty will then know of your loyalty and righteousness, and scholars throughout the land will take you as role models!"

A fighting spirit ignited in Zhao Mingyuan's eyes. He cupped his hands and said, "I will remember your teachings, sir! Such acts of treason must not be tolerated!"

Chen Ziyu also solemnly replied, "This student is willing to emulate the sages of the past to set the record straight!"

Zheng Shixiang was so excited that his face turned red: "If we can use this to make a name for ourselves and bring glory to our family, that is exactly what we seek! Please give your instructions, sir!"

Wang Ji stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction: "Good! Tomorrow you will lead the crowd to the Huangming Daily bookstore and, in the name of 'pure opinion and rectifying customs,' plead for the people! Remember, this is not a simple disturbance, but a magnificent act of upholding justice and making a name for ourselves for all time!"

Wang Ji's words ignited the passion of Zhao Mingyuan, Chen Ziyu, and Zheng Shixiang.

Zhao Mingyuan immediately said, "I will go and tell the other students of the Imperial Academy to petition together to abolish the Huangming Daily!"

At this opportune moment, Sun Wei reminded them, asking, "Relying solely on the students of the Imperial Academy might not be enough. Do you know any of the candidates who have come to the capital for the imperial examinations?"

Chen Ziyu stepped forward and said, “Sir, I know many people who came to the capital from all over the country to participate in the imperial examination. However, because the examination was delayed, many impoverished candidates have exhausted their travel expenses and are staying at Fayuan Temple and Baiyun Temple, relying on copying scriptures to exchange for food. They are currently feeling resentful.”

If we were to pin the blame for the postponement of the imperial examinations on the Directorate of Ceremonial, and tell them that as long as we defeat a few eunuchs within the Directorate of Ceremonial, His Majesty could hold the examinations ahead of schedule, these people would surely be at our beck and call.

In the first year of the Taichang reign, the new emperor passed away, and the imperial examination was postponed. Even today, the date for the imperial examination has not been set.

Living in the capital is not easy.

Many of the candidates who were stranded in the capital were in dire straits.

These scholars, who had studied diligently for years, relied on the limited funds their families had raised to travel to the capital for the imperial examinations. Some of them came from poor families and had to carefully budget their travel expenses.

With the imperial examinations now indefinitely postponed, many have exhausted their money and can barely afford their inn rooms. Some candidates have been forced to sell their books, writing implements, and even pawn their winter clothes; the more destitute have to squeeze into dilapidated temples or guild halls, relying on the charity of their fellow villagers to survive.

They were unwilling to return to their hometowns, yet unable to stay indefinitely. They lingered outside the examination hall every day, inquiring about news, their hearts filled with anxiety but utterly helpless.

These are the people who are easiest to manipulate right now.

Sun Wei gave this person a rather unusual look, his eyes full of admiration.

Chen Ziyu is not old, but he already has the ability to be ruthless and cunning.

This person is destined for great things!
"good!"

After listening to Chen Ziyu's words, Wang Ji said, "Here are one thousand taels of silver notes. Take them and use them. If you need more, come and get more. If this matter is accomplished, and I become the chief examiner for next year's imperial examination, it's not impossible."

The renowned scholar from Donglin Academy took out a banknote from a Jiangnan money shop from his sleeve, and his hesitant words made the three students of the Imperial Academy gasp for breath.

This is a silent reminder.

"Rest assured, sir, we will certainly handle this matter well!"

The three were energized and full of fighting spirit, and immediately left the secret room.
Chen Ziyu said to Zhao Mingyuan and Zheng Shixiang, "You two go to the Minglun Hall of the Imperial Academy and mobilize all the students. I will go find those candidates who are going to the capital to take the imperial examinations."

Zhao Mingyuan and Zheng Shixiang immediately nodded and said, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard has too many eyes and ears. We need to act quickly, otherwise, we may fail at the last minute!"

Chen Ziyu nodded emphatically.

Today was his day to make a name for himself, and he naturally didn't want the Embroidered Uniform Guard to ruin it.

The three moved quickly and left the Shoushan Academy immediately.

As dusk settled, Chen Ziyu moved swiftly, stepping first into the dilapidated guild hall in the south of the city. The damp, musty smell mixed with the stench of cheap lamp oil hit him.

Inside the guild hall, several thinly dressed scholars were huddled around a small oil lamp, copying down current events. When they saw him enter in his fine clothes and jade belt, they all looked up warily.

"We are all of the same age."

Chen Ziyu bowed respectfully, his voice clear yet deliberately lowered.

"I am a student of the Imperial Academy and the Shoushan Academy. My teacher is Wang Ji, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate."

When Chen Ziyu introduced himself, the candidates still looked puzzled.

What brings you here, sir? Are you here to mock us?

As soon as this person opened his mouth, Chen Ziyu knew that they were extremely frustrated, and their words were full of hostility.

He chuckled and said, "I had no intention of joking. I just have a question for you all: have you ever considered why the exam seems so far away?"

The old scholar, coughing and panting in the corner, suddenly looked up: "You mean the postponement of the provincial examination was due to someone sabotaging it?"

"Exactly!"

Chen Ziyu slammed his palm onto the "Four Books and Chapters," causing the lamp flame to shake violently.

"Wei the eunuch deliberately delayed the imperial examinations to starve the poor scholars of the land!"

He suddenly took out a stack of ten-tael silver notes from his sleeve and placed them on the desk.

The silver note immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the room.

There was greed, there was desire.
Many of them had not eaten meat for days.

With this money, I can really improve my life!

Chen Ziyu was very satisfied with everyone's reaction. He said with a smile, "I know your difficulties. Tomorrow at dawn, as long as you join us in writing a petition to seek justice, this small amount of money will be your reward."

“But that’s the property of the Directorate of Ceremonial,” someone muttered.

"What are you afraid of!"

Chen Ziyu sneered and stepped onto the bench.

"With hundreds of us scholars jointly submitting this petition, does His Majesty expect him to protect a few eunuchs who print books?"

He bent down and ignited the flames in everyone's eyes, then gave them a reason they couldn't refuse.

"Once this is accomplished, my master will personally recommend you all to study at the Shoushan Academy!"

The oil lamp popped and sparked, casting flickering light on the thirsty faces throughout the room.

Someone grabbed the silver notes first, and said in a hoarse voice, "Let's go!"

Seeing this, the others nodded in agreement.

"Let's go together!"

If you have money, you can enter the academy and have the opportunity to obtain the examination questions.

Then what's there to consider?

On the other side, dusk was falling.

The Minglun Hall of the Imperial College was brightly lit.

Zhao Mingyuan, dressed in a blue robe, stood on the stone steps, clutching the "Huangming Daily" in his hand. Suddenly, with a "rip," he tore the newspaper in half.

"Please look, everyone!"

He flung the shredded paper into the crowd, and the pieces flew like snowflakes.

"This newspaper outwardly promotes the new policies, but in reality, it harbors treacherous intentions! It violates ancestral rules and arbitrarily alters the teachings of sages. If allowed to run rampant, it will surely be used by the eunuch faction in the future, becoming a weapon to eliminate loyal and virtuous officials!"

Someone handed him a lantern at just the right moment, and the light illuminated Zhao Mingyuan's indignant face, making it appear and disappear intermittently.

"What's even more hateful is that it is precisely because of these treacherous officials who misled the emperor that the imperial examination was delayed!"

He deliberately presented Wang Ji's implication that "he might be used by the eunuch faction" as a fact, and the breathing of more than 300 students immediately became heavy.

From the shadows, a thin, frail student asked in a trembling voice, "Then... what should we do?"

Chen Ziyu suddenly drew his jade pendant from his waist and smashed it on the ground, scattering jade fragments everywhere: "Gentlemen, submit a petition to His Majesty, requesting that he abolish the Huangming Daily!"

(End of this chapter)