Huangming

Chapter 516 Capturing the Rebel and Rebirth, The Transformation of Confucianism and Taoism
The wind in Beizhili carried a hint of bleakness as it swept past the vermilion gates of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Thousand-Household Office. Inside, the main hall was brightly lit by candlelight, making the four large characters "Sujing Jianpi" (meaning "pacify traitors") on the wall appear even more menacing.

Lu Jianxing, dressed in a flying fish robe and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist, stood in the main seat of the hall, his brows gleaming with the sharpness honed from the battlefields of Liaodong and Datong.

That was the ruthlessness of someone who had witnessed mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the composure of someone who had been through countless intelligence and manhunts.

His Imperial Guards were all elites, handpicked from the best of the best. They stood solemnly below the hall, not daring to breathe, their very breath tense.

"The list was cleared in less than ten days!"

Lu Jianxing's voice was loud and clear, causing the beams and pillars in the hall to creak slightly.

"These scoundrels, while enjoying the imperial court's favors and engaging in lucrative businesses, are secretly colluding with rebels, betting on both sides. Do they really think the Embroidered Uniform Guard is blind?"

He slammed the roster he was holding onto the table, and as the papers fluttered, they revealed a dense array of names and addresses.

"Since they dared to join the bandits, they should have expected the extermination of their entire clan! They fled to Beizhili, thinking they could hide their identities and live in obscurity, but little did they know that from the moment they stepped into this territory, they had been right under our noses!"

Standing beside him was Jin Yichuan, also dressed in a smart outfit, his face radiating undisguised confidence.

He had followed Lu Jianxing in pursuing and suppressing Jurchen spies in Liaodong and quelling border rebellions in Datong, and was already adept at the task of apprehending criminals.

"Brother is right!"

"These people disguised themselves as merchants fleeing from disaster or scholars seeking refuge from chaos. Some even bribed local officials to build manors in the suburbs and buy houses in the city, where they drank, made merry, and befriended officials."

We've been secretly monitoring them for half a month, and we've found out exactly where they are, their associates, and even the secret vaults where they hide their silver!

Lu Jianxing nodded approvingly, his gaze sweeping over the four centurions and the group of captains below, his eyes sharp as knives:

"Although there are many people involved in the case on the list, the ringleaders must be brought to justice! We will first take action against the thirteen companies with conclusive evidence of their crimes, and then deal with the rest one by one in the future."

Arresting these thirteen families will both serve as a warning to others and provide an explanation to His Majesty!

He knew that taking action now might alert the enemy, but these thirteen families were the most deeply connected to the rebels and the wealthiest. Each family held at least 100,000 taels of silver, and some even held hundreds of thousands of taels. These were the people's hard-earned money and the rebels' "money bags".

All of this silver must be returned to the national treasury.

"Xi Benguang, son of Xi Zuoyuan, a cloth merchant in Suzhou Prefecture, lives in seclusion in his manor in the east of the city. He keeps more than twenty martial arts practitioners in his manor and is extremely vigilant."

Lu Jianxing turned his gaze to Jin Yichuan beside him.

"Third brother, go and arrest him. Remember, this man is very cunning. Make sure to catch him red-handed and don't let him leak a single word."

"Yes!"

Jin Yichuan immediately clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

Although he was only a captain, he held a superior position in the Thousand-Household Office due to Lu Jianxing's trust and promotion. He was second only to Lu Jianxing and Shen Lian. Even several centurions had to show him respect on a daily basis.

Upon receiving the order, he immediately turned around, placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and looked ready to pounce.

"Wu Zun, son of Wu Nanpo, a silk merchant from Huizhou, hides in a private room on the third floor of Zuixianlou in the city, spending his days mingling with some retired officials and playboys, actually using drinking as a pretext to pass on messages."

Lu Jianxing's gaze shifted to a dark-skinned centurion on his left.

"Commander Zhao, take a team and surround the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Do not disturb the innocent people inside, but you must not let Wu Zun escape."
This man is fluent in multiple languages; if he were to infiltrate a Western merchant caravan, capturing him would be extremely difficult.

"The general will obey the order!"

Commander Zhao stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the order in a steady and powerful voice.

He knew the rules of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's arrests well: either they didn't act at all, or when they did, it was with thunderous force, allowing no room for error.

Lu Jianxing continued assigning tasks, his tone crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation:
"Shen Qing, the grandson of Shen Wantang, a salt merchant from Zhejiang, is hiding in a dilapidated temple in the western suburbs. He has three guards who are all remnants of the rebels and are quite skilled. Commander Li, take more men with you and be careful."

Wang Chengye, the manager of the Jiaxing prefecture's money exchange, is staying at an inn in the south of the city. He carries a secret letter and account books with him. Commander Liu, you will personally search him. The account books must not be damaged in the slightest..."

One by one, names were called out and tasks were assigned. The officers below received their orders in turn, their expressions solemn yet unable to hide their excitement.

When the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigates cases, they value efficiency and merit above all else. Taking down these thirteen families would be an immense achievement, and no one would want to miss out on it.

Soon, the task of capturing the twelve families was assigned, and everyone in the hall was eager to get started, waiting for Lu Jianxing's order to launch a swift and decisive attack.

Only Shen Lian, sitting in the left corner of the hall, remained silent.

He was also dressed in a flying fish robe, but he had a more world-weary air about him than others, with a hint of aloofness in his eyes, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him.

At this moment, Lu Jianxing's gaze finally fell on him, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly quieted down, with everyone's eyes focused on the two of them.

"Second brother, I'm leaving one last task to you."

Yan Junbin, from Songjiang Prefecture, frequents the Nuanxiang Pavilion, indulging in debauchery and revelry. His whereabouts are quite regular. Go and arrest him.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian's face turned deathly pale. His lips moved slightly, and his voice was tinged with barely concealed difficulty:
"Brother, I haven't been feeling well lately, and I'm not in good spirits. Could this task be delegated to one of the other brothers?"

He lowered his head, not daring to look Lu Jianxing in the eye.

"Discomfort?"

Lu Jianxing snorted coldly, his voice suddenly turning sharp, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze instantly.

"Shen Lian, you and I, brothers, have risked our lives together in Liaodong. Even the hail of swords and arrows in Datong didn't make you complain of being tired. Now, you're saying you're not comfortable with this job as a fugitive?"

"This is an imperial mission, concerning the purge of the remnants of the rebels. It's not something you can accept or refuse at will!"

Anger gradually appeared on Lu Jianxing's face. He knew Shen Lian's weakness, but he also hated that Shen Lian's affections had interfered with his important business.

He waved his hand, his tone resolute: "Get to work! Tonight, all the criminals must be apprehended. If anyone makes a mistake or lets a criminal escape, don't blame me for punishing them according to family law. Even if His Majesty were to intervene, I wouldn't be able to protect them!"

Seeing this, the centurions and captains below dared not delay any longer.

Lu Jianxing was truly enraged. No one wanted to be caught in the crossfire, so they all bowed and accepted the order, quickly leaving the main hall, gathering their men, and heading towards the target.

Shen Lian stood there, his face full of bitterness; he was the last to leave.

Just as he reached the entrance of the hall, Lu Jianxing's faint voice came from behind him, tinged with heartache and helplessness:
"A man should know what to do and what not to do. To drive yourself to this point for a prostitute, disregarding the laws of the court and brotherhood, are you even a man?"

Shen Lian's steps suddenly stopped, his back stiffening ramrod straight.

"Whether Yan Junbin is arrested or released is entirely up to you."

Lu Jianxing's voice was filled with deep weariness.

"But second brother, I hope you can make the right choice. If this task is messed up, both of us brothers will be implicated. At best, we'll lose our positions; at worst... it could be a capital offense. You'd better think carefully."

These words struck Shen Lian like a hammer blow. He gritted his teeth, didn't turn around, and strode out of the Thousand Household Office.

The night was as dark as ink, casting a long shadow of him, full of struggle and heaviness.

That night, the streets of Beizhili remained bustling.

Nuanxiang Pavilion, as the most famous place of pleasure in the city, was brightly lit and bustling with noise.

Red lanterns hung from the eaves of the pavilion, and candlelight shone through the window lattices, revealing a luxurious scene of elegant women inside.

The sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, mingled with the charming invitations of women, the laughter of men, and the sounds of drinking games, creating a scene of decadent luxury.

Since His Majesty implemented the new policies, the people's lives have become increasingly prosperous, the establishment of banks has revitalized trade routes, and the commodity economy has become increasingly prosperous.

With extra money in hand, many merchants and scholars thought of seeking pleasure, and places like Nuanxiang Pavilion naturally became their first choice, making business several times more booming than before.

The girls inside the pavilion were dressed in fine silks and satins, with pearl flowers in their hair. Their charming smiles attracted the guests to flock to them, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of wine and cosmetics.

However, this excitement did not last long.

A series of orderly footsteps broke the hustle and bustle of the street. Shen Lian, dressed in a flying fish robe and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist, walked at the forefront with a cold expression.

Behind him, two hundred elite guards and strongmen, dressed in uniform tight-fitting clothes and holding sharp blades, moved with steady steps and a murderous aura, like a black torrent, quickly surrounding the Warm Fragrance Pavilion.

The imperial guards moved swiftly, quickly securing the front and back gates and side alleys of Nuanxiang Pavilion. With swords drawn and bows nocked, their cold gazes swept over the onlookers, instantly silencing the once bustling street. The people retreated to the side, their faces filled with fear and curiosity.

The music inside the Warm Fragrance Pavilion abruptly stopped, the girls' laughter froze on their faces, and the guests noticed the commotion outside, peeking out to investigate.

Shen Lian looked up at the pavilion in Nuanxiang Pavilion, which was covered with red lanterns. A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute expression.

He raised his hand and said in a deep voice, "Surround the attic! Do not let a single person escape! Anyone who resists will be killed without exception!"

Before the words were even finished, the imperial guards charged into the Warm Fragrance Pavilion like tigers descending a mountain, and a series of exclamations and chaotic footsteps instantly filled the pavilion.

"What are you doing? How dare you cause trouble in Nuanxiang Pavilion? Do you know whose territory this is?"

The madam rushed out, her face powder slightly smudged from her anger, followed by a dozen thugs wielding sticks, each looking fierce and menacing.

The noble people behind Nuanxiang Pavilion are quite influential in Beizhili, and even ordinary officials have to give them some face. Who would have thought that someone would dare to barge in directly?

Shen Lian stood before the pavilion gate, his face expressionless as a cold stone, an imperial invitation scroll unfurled in his hand, his voice as cold as ice:

"By order of the Emperor, we are to apprehend the traitor. Anyone who dares to obstruct us will be punished as an accomplice!"

The vermilion imperial seal on the travel document gleamed dazzlingly under the lamplight; it was a symbol of imperial power and could not be desecrated in the slightest.

The madam's arrogance froze instantly. She reached out to touch the driver's pass, but was forced back by the fierce look in Shen Lian's eyes.

The thugs looked at each other, and the sticks in their hands unconsciously drooped.

The words "Imperial Decree" carry the weight of Heaven's authority; who would dare to truly disobey?

They're just trying to make a living; it's not worth risking their lives for their employer.

The madam's lips trembled a few times, but she eventually led her men to retreat to the side, watching helplessly as the imperial guards stormed into the Warm Fragrance Pavilion as if it were their own backyard.

The noise inside the pavilion had long since subsided. The guests huddled in a corner, their faces pale with fright. Only in the room of Zhou Miaotong, the top courtesan on the third floor, the zither and flute played in harmony, their clear and melodious sounds shutting out the chaos downstairs.

The room was filled with the delicate fragrance of orchids, and the soft glow of red lanterns cast a gentle light on the carved dressing table.

Zhou Miaotong, dressed in a moon-white gauze dress, gently stroked the strings of the zither with her slender hands, her eyes and brows filled with tenderness.

Across from her stood Yan Junbin, dressed in a blue robe, holding a jade flute. The flute's melody intertwined with the zither's, creating a poignant and lingering atmosphere.

Their eyes met, filled with tender affection, as if they were the only two people left in the world.

The song ended, and the lingering sound lingered.

Zhou Miaotong slowly got up, walked to Yan Junbin's side, and gently leaned against him, her voice soft and sweet with a hint of grievance:

"Yan Lang, when will you finally redeem me?"
No matter how wonderful this fragrant boudoir is, it's still a place of pleasure. I don't want to force a smile and serve other men anymore; I only want to stay with you.

Yan Junbin held the soft body in his arms tightly, let out a long sigh, his tone full of bitterness and helplessness:

“Miaotong, how could I not want to redeem you? It’s just… my current situation doesn’t allow for any ostentation.”

He ran his fingertips through Zhou Miaotong's hair, a shadow of gloom flashing in his eyes.

He already knew that his father, Yan Kuan, had died as a thief. The Yan family had fallen into complete ruin, and he had become a "descendant of a thief" that everyone hated.

After a long period of despair, it was Zhou Miaotong's companionship that helped him regain his spirits. However, during his time living in anonymity, every step he took was like walking on thin ice.

"I risked my life to meet you, and I have already risked my life. Now I only want to rebuild our family business as soon as possible. Once things have calmed down, I will marry you in a grand and glorious way and make you the rightful wife of the Yan family."

The light in Zhou Miaotong's eyes dimmed slightly, but she still nodded obediently and reached out to wrap her arms around his neck:
"I believe you."

She was silent for a moment, as if she remembered something, then got up and walked to the bedside, bent down and took out a small pear wood box from a hidden compartment under the bed.

The moment the box was opened, its glittering jewels illuminated half the room.

It was filled with gold bars, silver ingots, and various pearls, jade, and agate—all her savings accumulated over the years.

"Yan Lang, rebuilding the family business requires money. Take these first, and I'll find another way if it's not enough."

Yan Junbin felt a warmth in his heart as he looked at the chest full of gold and silver jewelry, but he still shook his head and pushed the chest back.
"Miaotong, I appreciate your kindness, but how can I use your hard-earned money?"

"It's not that I'm short of money, it's just that I lack a reliable way to make money. But I've already got a lead. I'm planning to buy a merchant ship and go back to my old trade as a cloth merchant. With my skills, I'll definitely be able to make your life better in less than three years."

He was enthusiastically envisioning the future, describing their peaceful life together, when a sudden, urgent knocking on the door shattered the warmth inside.

Zhou Miaotong frowned slightly, feeling a little puzzled.

At this hour, the madam would never easily disturb her.

"who is it?"

"Miaotong, it's me!"

A flustered voice came from outside the door.

Despite her doubts, Zhou Miaotong got up, walked to the door, and gently opened it.

The moment the door opened, all the color drained from her face, her pupils contracted sharply, and she was so shocked that she couldn't speak.

The corridor outside was densely packed with Imperial Guards dressed in flying fish robes and wearing embroidered spring knives at their waists. Each of them had a cold expression and sharp eyes like hawks, exuding a chilling murderous aura.

The leading imperial guard's gaze was piercing, fixed directly on Yan Junbin inside the room, and he said in a deep voice:

"Yan Junbin, you are ordered by the Emperor to apprehend the traitor. Surrender now!"

"Don't touch him!"

As soon as the guards finished speaking, Zhou Miaotong's face turned deathly pale, and the tenderness in her eyes was instantly replaced by fear.

Without a second thought, she spread her arms wide, like a mother bird protecting her chicks, blocking the doorway. Her slender figure appeared exceptionally fragile yet resolute amidst the menacing aura of the Imperial Guards.

"You can't arrest him! He's innocent!"

At the same time, she turned her head sharply and shouted at Yan Junbin inside the room:

"Yan Lang, run! Jump out the back window, quick!"

But how could a weak woman like her, who had no strength to even kill a chicken, possibly withstand the fierce and ruthless Imperial Guards?
A hint of impatience flashed in the eyes of the leading captain, and he raised his hand to shove her away forcefully.

Zhou Miaotong staggered back a few steps and crashed heavily into the carved dressing table. The pearl hairpins at her temples fell to the ground with a crisp cracking sound, and tears instantly filled her eyes.

Without any obstruction, the guards surged into the room like a tidal wave, their chains clanging as they pinned Yan Junbin down before he could react.

Cold iron chains locked his wrists, and rough hemp ropes bound his waist. No matter how much he struggled, the guards only pressed him down harder, and the sharp pain in his shoulder blades made him groan.

"Let him go! Let Yan Lang go!"

Zhou Miaotong struggled to her feet, ignoring the pain in her body, and rushed forward again, trying to pry open the hands of the guards.

However, she was too weak and was pushed back by another guard, falling heavily to the side of the bed. Her forehead hit the edge of the bed and instantly became red and swollen.

"Tong'er, don't be impulsive!"

Yan Junbin stopped struggling and looked at Zhou Miaotong, who had fallen to the ground, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"It's no use. They are the Embroidered Uniform Guard, sent by the Emperor. I can't escape."

He knew better than anyone that his father had died with the thieves, and he himself, as a "descendant of thieves," was implicated in the crime under an assumed name. If the charge of treason was proven, he would be executed by slow slicing, with no chance of survival.

He looked at Zhou Miaotong's tear-streaked face, his voice slightly hoarse and gentle:
"Live a good life, forget about me, find a good family, and live out the rest of your life in peace. Don't stay here in this warm and fragrant pavilion anymore."

"no I do not!"

Zhou Miaotong shook her head, crying, tears mingling with her makeup as they streamed down her face; she looked disheveled yet resolute.

"Yan Lang, I'll go with you. If we die, we'll die together!"

She tried to struggle to get up, but the guards held her shoulders down, preventing her from moving.

Just then, Shen Lian slowly stepped into the room.

He was dressed in a flying fish robe, with an embroidered spring knife at his waist. His face was so cold that no emotion could be seen, but deep in his eyes, there was a complex turmoil.

Looking at the two people embracing and weeping in the room, bidding each other a final farewell, he felt as if something was blocking his chest, making him feel suffocated and anxious.

There was a time when he also thought he was the one who could protect her.

He spent lavishly on her, dealt with powerful figures for her, withstood pressure at the garrison for her, and even disobeyed his elder brother's orders.

But now it seems that he was nothing more than a complete outsider, a laughable bystander.

I shouldn't be in the room; I should be under the bed.
My brother is right. Zhou Miaotong has never had him in her heart. Her tenderness and dependence on me were just her way of taking advantage of me.

In her eyes, the love he poured his heart into was ultimately no match for his life-and-death bond with another man.

Shen Lian's gaze fell on the open pear wood chest beside the bed, its contents of gold and silver jewels gleaming coldly in the dim light.

His gaze settled on a warm jade pendant.
Last year, on his birthday, he searched all over the most famous jewelry shops in the capital and spent one hundred taels of silver to find a piece of superior warm jade. When he personally delivered it to her, she smiled and said, "Lord Shen is so thoughtful." The tenderness in her eyes moved him deeply.

But now, the jade pendant he cherished and gave her is being carelessly tossed among a box full of valuables, which she intends to give to another man.

It turns out that all the affection was fake, and all the promises were just empty words.

Shen Lian slowly walked forward, bent down, and picked up the jade pendant from the box.

The jade pendant felt warm to the touch, yet was chillingly cold, much like his current state of mind.

He ran his fingertips along the delicate patterns on the jade pendant, his heart filled with mixed emotions, which ultimately turned into a silent sigh.

That's it, that's it.

In the end, it was just a one-sided, delusional dream. Now that the dream is over, it's time to let it go completely.

"Take them away!"

Shen Lian's voice was low and hoarse, as if squeezed out from between his teeth. The last trace of warmth in his eyes was completely covered by ice, leaving only a cold, businesslike demeanor. He no longer looked at Zhou Miaotong's tearful eyes, nor did he look back at Yan Junbin, who was being held down by the imperial guards.

"Yes!"

The guards responded in unison, and dragged Yan Junbin, who was bound by chains, out.

Yan Junbin struggled to turn around, looking at Zhou Miaotong who was slumped on the ground. His eyes were full of reluctance and despair. He made a hoarse sob in his throat, but he couldn't say a word. In the end, he was forcibly dragged out of the room, and the sound of footsteps and chains dragging on the ground gradually faded away.

Shen Lian turned to leave, but his feet were suddenly grabbed tightly by a force.

He looked down and saw that Zhou Miaotong had crawled over at some point and was tightly hugging his thigh with both hands.

"Brother Shen! Please, save Young Master Yan!"

Her voice was hoarse and broken, filled with a desperate plea.

"I know you're a good person. You used to treat me so well. You must have a way. Please, spare his life!"

Shen Lian froze, looking down at the woman he once cherished, who was now begging him so humbly for another man.

His heart felt like it was being repeatedly cut by a dull knife, a dense, throbbing pain, yet his face remained cold and expressionless.

“He has committed treason, a crime that will implicate nine generations of his family. His crime is unforgivable. Even if His Majesty were to come in person, there would be no way to pardon him. I am powerless to do anything about it.”

Only then did Zhou Miaotong belatedly realize that Shen Lian, dressed in the official robes of a hundred-household commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist, was the leader of this arrest operation.

As if grasping at a last straw, she quickly crawled a few steps, looked up at him, and a desperate glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes:

"Brother Shen, I'm willing to do anything as long as you save Young Master Yan! I'll do anything you want, please, save him!"

Shen Lian slowly turned his head, his gaze falling on her tear-streaked face. The face that had once haunted his dreams now only showed a distorted pleading.

A self-deprecating smile curled at the corner of his lips.

"Are you willing to do anything?"

"Yes! I'm willing to do anything!"

Zhou Miaotong nodded repeatedly, as if she had grasped a glimmer of hope. Her hands instinctively reached out to tear at her clothes, and the neckline of her moon-white gauze dress was ripped open, revealing her slender neck and shoulders.

"Brother Shen, I know you've always liked me. As long as you save Yan Lang, I'll stay with you tonight and only be good to you from now on!"

"No need."

Shen Lian abruptly turned his head away, his voice trembling slightly.

"What I want, you can't give me."

"I can give! I can give anything!"

Zhou Miaotong cried out and tried to continue undressing, but Shen Lian grabbed her hand.

He looked down at her, his eyes churning with pain, and said, word by word:

"What I want is your heart, not your body. But your heart has already been given to him, and you can never give it to me again."

He suddenly broke free from her grasp, the force of which caused Zhou Miaotong to stagger and fall to the ground.

Shen Lian strode to the door without pausing, leaving behind only a cold warning that echoed in the empty room:

"If you continue to pester me, don't blame me for treating you as an accomplice of a traitor and throwing you into the imperial prison."

"In the imperial prison, one can neither live nor die; you should know what kind of place that is."

After saying that, he walked out of the room without looking back, slammed the door shut, and locked his heart-wrenching cries and his remaining obsessions inside the decadent and fragrant pavilion.

The moment the door closed, the last glimmer of light in Zhou Miaotong's eyes went out completely.

She stared at the closed door, recalling how Shen Lian used to dote on her.

He spent lavishly on her, chased away the playboys who harassed her, and quietly took care of everything for her. But now, this man who was once so gentle and kind to her has become so heartless.

Overwhelmed by despair and regret, she could no longer hold on. Her vision went black, and she collapsed to the ground, crying herself to death and fainting.

Outside the door, Shen Lian stood in the corridor, listening to the muffled thuds coming from inside the room, his fists clenched tightly.

He took a deep breath, suppressing all his emotions, and turned to the waiting guards outside, coldly saying:
"Close the team!"

After a while.

As soon as Shen Lian stepped out of the pavilion, he saw a familiar figure standing under the old locust tree by the street, wearing the same style of flying fish robe and with an embroidered spring knife at his waist. It was his elder brother, Commander Lu Jianxing.

"Big brother? What brings you here?"

Shen Lian was startled and stopped in his tracks.

He had thought his elder brother would be waiting for news at the Thousand Household Office, but he never expected him to come here in person.

Lu Jianxing slowly walked forward, his gaze first falling on Yan Junbin, who was being escorted by the imperial guards and looked dejected. Seeing that the man had been safely captured, a hearty smile finally appeared on his face.

He raised his hand and patted Shen Lian's shoulder firmly, with a hint of satisfaction:

"I came to see you, lad, because I'm afraid you might make a mistake and ruin important matters for the court, as well as your own life."

He glanced at Yan Junbin, who was being led away, then turned to look at Shen Lian, his tone carrying a hint of approval:

“That’s more like a man! There are plenty of good women in the world, many of them gentle, virtuous, and well-educated. It’s not worth getting hung up on a prostitute and getting entangled in someone who isn’t worth it.”

Looking at the concern in his elder brother's eyes, Shen Lian felt the lingering resentment in his heart gradually dissipate, and he sighed softly.

"Now that this matter is settled, you're right, brother. I was indeed too foolish before, taking pretense for real, and almost ruined the important business."

Seeing that his brother had finally come to his senses and stopped being stubborn, Lu Jianxing's smile grew even brighter, and even the fine lines around his eyes smoothed out.
"It's good that you've figured it out! Come on, let's go back to the garrison. I've prepared some good wine for you. Let's have a good drink together, and we won't leave until we're drunk!"

Besides, I know a few respectable girls from good families in the capital. They're well-educated, reasonable, and pretty. I'll introduce them to you later. If you get married, they might settle down and settle down.

"I'm fine with drinking, but I'd rather not introduce you to girls."

Shen Lian waved his hand, his eyes showing a hint of indulgence as he had just broken free from heartbreak, and his tone was somewhat joking.

“I’ve saved up some money. Instead of wasting it on romance, I might as well visit all the entertainment venues in the capital, try them out, and avoid being taken advantage of again.”

"You boy!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jianxing raised his hand and tapped Shen Lian's forehead, both angry and amused.

"You just stopped being so stubborn and stopped being such a sucker, so why are you going back to being a playboy?"

Looking at Shen Lian's nonchalant expression, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Previously, Shen Lian was so obsessed with Zhou Miaotong that he even dared to turn down his work. Now he seems to have come to terms with it, but this idea of ​​"frequenting the pleasure quarters" may not necessarily be a good thing.

But then I thought, Shen Lian had just come out of a relationship that was misplaced, so it was understandable that he would indulge himself a little for a while. It was better than keeping it bottled up inside and letting it become a knot in his heart.

Lu Jianxing shook his head, ultimately not offering any further advice, but simply patted Shen Lian on the back:
"Alright, let's go have a drink first! As for visiting brothels, just be careful not to neglect your duties or cause any trouble."

"Don't worry, brother, I will not delay the task."

Shen Lian grinned, the gloom in his eyes dissipating considerably, replaced by a more carefree demeanor.

As night deepened, the number of pedestrians on the street gradually decreased, with only the footsteps of the imperial guards escorting the prisoners and the conversation between the two brothers echoing in the empty streets.

Looking at Shen Lian walking side by side with him, Lu Jianxing felt a little worried about his indulgence, but more than that, he was gratified.

At least, his brother wasn't defeated by heartbreak and was able to recover, which is better than anything else.

As for whether Shen Lian can truly settle down in the future, that can only depend on his own fate.

the other side.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, the air is filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Kong Zhenyun, dressed in the official robes of a Hanlin Academy Five Classics Doctor, stood bowing beneath the imperial desk, holding a neatly copied scroll of silk paper in both hands, his expression respectful yet tinged with trepidation.

"Your Majesty, I have completed the draft of the editorial, which I have polished as instructed. I would appreciate Your Majesty's corrections."

Zhu Youxiao gestured for Wei Chao to take it, then placed it on the imperial desk and began to read it.

His gaze fell on the title, "The Key to the Development of Confucianism in the New Era."

He read it word by word, his brows furrowing and relaxing at times, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes when he read something particularly insightful.

Kong Zhenyun truly deserves to be called the leading figure of the Southern Confucian school. He was well-versed in poetry and literature, and his writing was vigorous and powerful. He laid out the framework of "Confucianism and Taoism reform" in a clear and logical manner, and his use of classical allusions was quite persuasive.

However, after reading the entire text, Zhu Youxiao still felt dissatisfied.

This article is too mild, revealing the inherent forbearance and compromise of Confucianism. Although it mentions "spreading Confucianism to the four barbarian tribes", it still emphasizes "civil virtue first", lacking the sharpness that Zhu Youxiao wanted.

What he wanted was not a moral article to admonish the world, but a banner of public opinion to endorse the expansion of the Ming Dynasty.

With a "snap," Zhu Youxiao placed the silk paper on the table, picked up the wolf-hair brush, dipped it in thick ink, and the brush tip glided across the paper, making a rustling sound.

He ignored Kong Zhenyun and focused solely on making sweeping revisions:
The phrase "pacify distant peoples and transform them with virtue" was changed to "transform the barbarians with Chinese culture, and attack those who do not comply."

The phrase “Confucianism and Taoism are broad and inclusive” should be changed to “The Way of the Sage has no boundaries and is manifested through conquest”.

He then added the eight characters "Barbarians who do not submit will be met with war" after "spreading the scriptures and preaching the doctrines".

In the short span of half an incense stick's time, Zhu Youxiao made more than ten changes, each one hitting the nail on the head, completely turning the originally mild tone into a sharp and even blatantly provocative one.

He threw down his pen and said to Wei Chao, "Take this to Dr. Kong for a look."

Wei Chao bowed and accepted the silk paper, then quickly walked to Kong Zhenyun and handed it to him.

Kong Zhenyun took the document with both hands, his gaze falling on the revised text. His expression changed instantly, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead, soaking the collar of his official robe.

His Majesty has changed far more than just words and phrases; he has completely overturned the core concepts of Confucianism that have been upheld for thousands of years!
Phrases like "If they do not comply, we will attack them" and "We will follow them in arms" would certainly be condemned as "blasphemy" if they came from other people's mouths, but now they appear openly in an editorial published in the name of "Duke Yansheng".

Once this editorial is published in the Huangming Daily, it will surely cause a stir among scholars. Confucian scholars all over the world will probably rise up to attack him and accuse Kong Zhenyun of "deviant doctrine" and "aiding and abetting evil"!
"Your Majesty, this...this might invite criticism!"

Kong Zhenyun's voice trembled, and his hands holding the silk paper shook slightly.

"Confucian scholars have always advocated 'benevolence and forgiveness' and 'appeasement,' so such strong words are unlikely to be accepted by the world and may even shake the foundation of Confucianism..."

"Foundation?"

Zhu Youxiao chuckled, his tone tinged with mockery.

"The foundation of Confucianism and Taoism has never been outdated tolerance, but rather the distinction between Chinese and barbarians and the practice of the Great Way."

The Confucianism I seek is not the kind of pedantic scholars who merely engage in empty moralistic rhetoric, but a powerful tool that can help the Ming Dynasty expand its territory and establish its reputation throughout the world!

He paused, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Kong Zhenyun, his tone suddenly becoming authoritative:

"This editorial will be published in full in the Huangming Daily tomorrow, without any further revisions."

Furthermore, I have already approved your appointment as Duke Yansheng to the Cabinet, and an imperial edict will be issued in three days. At that time, you will be the new Duke Yansheng of the Kong family, presiding over the sacrificial rites at the Confucius Temple in Qufu.”

With a "boom," these words exploded in Kong Zhenyun's ears like a thunderclap, leaving him frozen in place.

This is both joy and fear.

Now that the die is cast, if he dares to disobey, the position of Duke Yansheng will vanish, and the century-old dream of the Southern Confucian Academy to take over the Northern Confucian Academy will be completely shattered.

However, if he complied, he would bear the infamy of being "heretical" and become the object of contempt by Confucian scholars all over the world.

Kong Zhenyun looked at the bright red imperial seal on the imperial desk, and then at the editorial in his hand that had been altered beyond recognition, feeling a mix of emotions.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his inner struggle, and slowly bowed, his voice heavy with a sense of resignation:
"I... obey your order."

Zhu Youxiao looked at his obedient appearance, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

This was exactly the effect he wanted: since Kong Zhenyun was the new Duke Yansheng, he should be used by the Ming Dynasty and endorse his imperial ambitions.

This editorial was Kong Zhenyun's pledge of loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and to him, and it was also the clarion call for the rise of Neo-Confucianism on the historical stage.

soon.

This editorial was then sent to the printing press for typesetting and printing.

Inside the Daming Printing Bureau, candlelight blazed and machines and manpower worked in tandem, creating a bustling scene.

Since the Huangming Daily became Zhu Youxiao's tool for controlling public opinion, the printing process had long been governed by strict regulations.

Engraving, typesetting, inking, and printing—each has its own specific function, and each step is interconnected.

One hundred thousand newspapers were printed and published in just half a day. Before the ink was even dry, they were packed into specially made oil paper bags and handed over by the Imperial Guards and post station workers to various places.

The first batch of daily newspapers was delivered to various government offices in the two capitals, and officials took them to read during their morning meetings.

Subsequently, students from the Imperial Academy and the National Academy eagerly circulated the newspaper, and major taverns in the capital posted it in prominent places, attracting diners to gather around and discuss it.

Meanwhile, couriers were on horseback, delivering the newspaper to various provinces and prefectures. Thanks to the extensive postal system of the Ming Dynasty, this subversive editorial was spreading throughout the country at an astonishing speed.

The news caused a stir in both the government and the public.

The officials held newspapers, their expressions varying.

Some were amazed by the radicalism of "Neo-Confucianism," some worried about the turmoil in the scholar-official class, and some glimpsed His Majesty's ambition for expansion.

Inside the Imperial Academy, the students were arguing endlessly. Some denounced it as "heretical" while others echoed "the reform of the sacred way." The usually gentle and refined scholars were now red-faced and unwilling to give in to each other.

Meanwhile, in an inn in the capital, the three brothers Kong Yinzhen, Kong Yinsi, and Kong Yinxiang, members of a branch of the Northern Kong family, sat around a table, their copies of the "Huangming Daily" crumpled in their hands. Their faces were ashen, and their brows were filled with suppressed anger.

"Big brother, look!"

Kong Yinxiang, the youngest and most fiery, pointed to the signature on the front page of the newspaper, his voice trembling with excitement.

"The author of this editorial is Kong Zhenyun! Look at the first three characters of his name!"

Kong Yinzhen suddenly leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the signature area.

"Duke Yansheng Kong Zhenyun".

The five words struck him like five heavy hammer blows.

His fingers trembled as he traced the three words, his face turning deathly pale before flushing crimson.

"Duke Yansheng? He's just a scholar of the Five Classics from the Southern Confucian Academy, does he even deserve to be called Duke Yansheng?"

Kong Yinzhi clenched his teeth, his voice tinged with resentment.

“Our Northern Confucian school guards the sacred land of Qufu and has inherited the position of Duke Yansheng for generations. Although the direct line has dwindled, it is not the turn of the Southern Confucian school to usurp our place!”

How could Your Majesty be so foolish as to bestow the legitimate line of the Holy Descendants upon a collateral branch that migrated south?

All three were from a branch of the Northern Confucian lineage. Although they were not qualified to inherit the title, they considered themselves "legitimate descendants of the sages" from childhood.

In their hearts, the Southern Confucian school had long been considered a "pseudo-branch" due to the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty and the interruption of its titles. It was only because of the court's pity that it was granted the title of Five Classics Doctor. Now, it had risen to the top in one step and taken away the title of Duke Yansheng that the Northern Confucian school had guarded for generations. How could they tolerate this?

What enraged them even more was the content of the editorial.

Kong Yinzhen took a deep breath, suppressing his anger as he continued reading, his face growing increasingly grim with each word.

Phrases such as "using Chinese culture to transform barbarians, those who do not comply will be attacked" and "the way of the sage has no boundaries, and conquest is used to demonstrate it" are like sharp knives, piercing through the bottom line of "benevolence and forgiveness" that Confucianism has upheld for thousands of years.

"Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!"

Kong Yinxiang slammed his hand on the table, splashing tea all over it.

"He's only just taken the throne of Duke Yansheng, yet he dares to bark so arrogantly! What Neo-Confucianism? In my opinion, he's simply blinded by lust for power and has gone mad!"

“Abandoning the teachings of Confucius and advocating conquest and slaughter, how can this be Confucianism?”

This is clearly the brutality of Legalism and the tyranny of the military!

Kong Yinzhi was heartbroken.

"By doing this, he is destroying the foundation of Confucianism and making the world laugh at us, the descendants of Confucius!"

Kong Yinzhen remained silent for a long time, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes:
"Such an arrogant and unruly person must not be allowed to remain in the position of Duke Yansheng!"

Qufu is the foundation of the Northern Confucian school. How can the sacrificial rites at the temple be presided over by a heretical disciple of the Southern Confucian school?

We must submit a memorial to the imperial court, impeach Kong Zhenyun, and expose his true colors!

"Big brother is right!"

Kong Yinxiang immediately echoed.

“Our Northern Confucian disciples are scattered all over the country. As long as we jointly submit a petition and contact the ministers in the court who support the orthodoxy, we will surely be able to persuade His Majesty to rescind his decree and remove this Southern Confucian traitor who has usurped the title from the throne!”

The anger inside the inn was so intense it almost burst through the roof. The three brothers spoke one after another, every word revealing their hatred for Kong Zhenyun.

The Huangming Daily in their hands was crumpled beyond recognition, and ink stains stained their fingers, but they were completely unaware.

In their view, Kong Zhenyun not only stole the glory of the Northern Confucian school, but also tarnished the sacred way of Confucianism. This debt should not be left unresolved.

Kong Zhenyun, I will ruin your reputation and see how you secure your position as Duke Yansheng!
PS:

A long chapter of 10,000 words!

(End of this chapter)