Ming Dynasty: The Jingnan Rebellion has just been successful, and Zhu Yuanzhang has been resurrected

Chapter 122: Bearing the infamy and giving the world's scholars a glimmer of hope

"Oh? What do you mean?" Zhu Yunhuan looked at Jingwei.

In the 15th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang selected elite soldiers from the army to form the Jinyiwei in order to monitor all officials.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was directly under the imperial power and served as the emperor's eyes and ears.

The nature of this army was determined from the beginning. They were very strong, but not good at large-scale legion combat.

For the Jinyiwei, their strongest point is fighting alone or on a small scale.

If we use modern terms to describe the Jinyiwei, we can regard them as an intelligence agency.

As a time traveler, Zhu Yunhuan was well aware of the importance of intelligence. Therefore, he had been considering expanding the size of the Jinyiwei so that they would not only serve as the emperor's eyes and ears, but also play a role in the army and on the battlefield.

Unexpectedly, before he could implement it, something happened to the Jinyiwei.

"I recently discovered that Jiang Li sometimes goes to a courtyard in the city from time to time. Out of curiosity, I followed him once. However, there were many Jinyiwei spies around the courtyard. I was afraid of alerting the enemy, so I did not act rashly." Jingwei said.

"Okay, I understand this." Zhu Yunhuan nodded.

Jingwei bowed, turned around and walked away.

Zhu Yunhuan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and a smile appeared on his face. He said, "That's right. Although I am of legitimate status, I led the troops into Yingtian Prefecture. It's impossible for everyone to surrender."

At the end of his words, a cold light flashed in his eyes.

It's normal to hide things from him, it's normal to be hostile to him, and it's also normal to want to kill him. However, there's one thing you need to understand: once he finds out, you have to be prepared to bear the consequences.

"Sanbao!" Zhu Yunhuan waved to Ma Sanbao not far away.

"Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?" Ma Sanbao came trotting over.

Other people may not have noticed it recently, but as someone who has been with Zhu Yunhuan day and night for three years, he can feel it clearly. Zhu Yunhuan's imperial majesty is becoming more and more powerful, and his every move is terrifying.

"Go and call Jiang Li over." Zhu Yunhuan said softly.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ma Sanbao nodded, turned around and walked away.

Ying Tianfu!
What happened in the court quickly spread throughout Yingtian Prefecture, causing everyone to talk about it.

"I never expected that Lord Fang, as the leader of the scholars, would take the initiative to ask His Majesty to abolish the preferential treatment for the gentry."

"Yes, who would have thought that? However, if it weren't for this, Lord Fang wouldn't have entered the cabinet, right? He sold out the interests of the scholars and received a reward from His Majesty."

"Who says it's not true? I don't know what Lord Fang is thinking. Although His Majesty said that he would appoint a Prime Minister, his status is unlikely to make him a Prime Minister."

"Actually, this matter doesn't really have much to do with Lord Fang. Abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry is His Majesty's intention, and no one can stop it."

"That's true, but if it weren't for Lord Fang, the preferential treatment for gentry wouldn't be abolished so easily."

"Your Majesty, what exactly is your plan? Without the preferential treatment for the gentry, I'm afraid the number of scholars in our Ming Dynasty will decrease significantly in the future."

"That's true. Many people held their breath just to pass the imperial examinations and never pay taxes or tribute again. Now that these preferential treatments have been abolished, I guess many people will give up studying."

"Actually, I feel there's nothing wrong with abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry. It may seem very attractive, but the number of people admitted each year is fixed. Most people endure their entire lives, but not only do they fail to pass the exam, their families are also bankrupt."

"The cabinet has officially been announced. What do you think, among the several Grand Secretaries, who will eventually become the Prime Minister?"

"That's hard to say. Anyone who can be appointed as a Grand Secretary by His Majesty is probably very capable. Only Lord Fang is slightly weaker. By the way, have you noticed that there seems to be no military commanders in the cabinet? I wonder how His Majesty will place the generals."

"The military commanders will probably become nobles, but they will definitely have a place in the court. I just don't know how His Majesty will arrange it."

"Your Majesty may look young, but he's truly a man of great courage. Do you know who Yao Guangxiao, the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, is? He's the Prince of Yan's confidant, yet Your Majesty dared to appoint him directly."

"What? The Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion is actually the confidant of the Prince of Yan? Is this true?"

"Of course it's true. I heard that Yao Guangxiao was a monk, but he eventually became a disciple of a Taoist priest and learned the art of Yin and Yang. The reason why the Prince of Yan was so eager to seize the throne was because of this person's instigation."

"."

The people were talking and discussing what was happening in the court.

Whether it was Fang Xiaoru's initiative to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry, the promotion of the cabinet minister, or the origin of Yao Guangxiao, these things were all things that people talked about with relish, and when mentioned, they would attract a large group of people to discuss.

"What a despicable Fang Xiaoru!"

"Fang Xiaoru, you are not worthy of representing us scholars in our protest. How can such a person enter the cabinet?"

"Fang Laogou, you really deserve to die! Give me back the privilege of not paying taxes or grain!"

"Fang Xiaoru, you have truly disappointed us scholars. You are a sinner!"

"."

Unlike the common people who were just watching the fun, the scholars whose core interests were touched suddenly went crazy and criticized and cursed Fang Xiaoru in various ways.

For a while, Fang Xiaoru became a rat crossing the street among the scholars, and everyone who came would curse him.

What was strange was that, except for a group of young scholars, the other groups within the gentry group seemed to have agreed on this and no one stood up to speak.

Fang Mansion!

Fang Xiaoru locked himself in the study, his expression full of bitterness.

Although he had made corresponding preparations in his heart when he agreed to Li Jinglong, the ferocity of the backlash still made him very uncomfortable.

He knew very well that most of the scholars who were shouting and insulting him were instigated by others.

Now he is the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and has the right to meet Zhu Yunhuan directly. Apart from those ignorant and fearless young scholars, who dares to offend him openly?
They did not dare to offend him directly, but were jealous of his proposal to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry. Therefore, they could only instigate these young and fearless scholars to disgust him and vent their anger.

Ever since the news spread, his house has never been quiet, and the young students outside the house have been shouting and cursing non-stop.

"Master, why don't you tell the Military Affairs Department that those people are going too far. It's His Majesty's intention to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry. You are just going along with it. If they really have the ability, they can go and make trouble for His Majesty." Zheng came to Fang Xiaoru with an angry face.

"Madam, please calm down first. They are just a group of young students who have been bewitched. Why do you have to argue with them?" Fang Xiaoru comforted his wife Zheng with a smile.

Although he felt very upset, he never thought of arresting the scholars who were causing trouble outside the mansion. In fact, after seeing this scene, he felt that he had done nothing wrong in proposing to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry.

If he had not taken the initiative to stand up, these ignorant young students would probably have gathered together to cause trouble.

Zhu Yunhuan’s attitude was very clear: whoever makes trouble will die.

Therefore, these young scholars may not even know how they died.

"Hmph, master, you are too easy to talk to, so they can get away with it." Zheng said angrily.

Fang Xiaoru smiled bitterly and said, "Let them make a fuss and vent their anger. They have been bewitched."

Zheng hesitated for a moment and said, "Master, you gave up so much for a cabinet position this time. Is it really worth it?"

She knew very well that Fang Xiaoru had a tainted background, so it was highly likely that he would not be able to sit on the position of Prime Minister in the future.

Although the title of Cabinet Grand Secretary is very impressive, it is still some distance away from what Fang Xiaoru lost.

If Fang Xiaoru had not advised Zhu Yunhuan in the Fengtian Hall to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry, he would still be a leader in the eyes of scholars all over the world and a frequent guest in the homes of civil officials.

What about now? Fang Xiaoru became a cabinet minister, but in the eyes of many people, he became a traitor.

Fang Xiaoru shook his head and said, "Madam, you are wrong. From the beginning, I never thought about becoming a cabinet minister. Finally, I was able to get a position as a cabinet minister. It is a pleasant surprise."

"Ah?" Zheng was stunned, her face filled with astonishment. "Master, you advised His Majesty to abolish the preferential treatment for gentry, wasn't it because of the quota for cabinet ministers?"

"No!" Fang Xiaoru shook his head.

"This..." Zheng was a little confused. She looked at Fang Xiaoru blankly and said, "Master, why are you doing this?"

She felt that she had lost out greatly by exchanging her reputation for the title of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Unexpectedly, Fang Xiaoru didn't even think about being a cabinet minister at the beginning. Was he purely helping Zhu Yunhuan?
Good people and good deeds?

When did Fang Xiaoru become so loyal to Zhu Yunhuan?
She had been married to Fang Xiaoru for more than 20 years and thought she knew him quite well. She knew very well that although Fang Xiaoru had no choice but to serve Zhu Yunhuan, it was debatable how loyal Fang Xiaoru was to Zhu Yunhuan.

"For the scholars of the world!" said Fang Xiaoru.

"Huh?" Zheng was stunned, a bit bewildered. "The preferential treatment for gentry will definitely be abolished. There's no doubt about that. Your Majesty's position is very clear. However, the gentry have held on to their interests for years, and they will definitely not be willing to give them up just like that. So, as you can see now, these young people may be instigated by those with ulterior motives and gather to cause trouble." Fang Xiaoru said calmly.

At this point, he paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued, "Your Majesty will not compromise, and is ready to take action."

Zheng was shocked when she heard this and said, "Master, there are so many people."

Fang Xiaoru's face showed a hint of bitterness. He looked at Zheng and said, "Madam, have you forgotten how His Majesty entered Yingtian Prefecture?"

Without waiting for Zheng's reply, he continued, "Your Majesty fought his way into Yingtian Prefecture. No one can threaten him. If you dare to cause trouble, there will be only one result: death!"

Zheng opened her mouth and was speechless for a while.

After a moment, she stepped forward and held Fang Xiaoru's hand, saying distressedly: "Master, you have done so much, and yet you are treated like this."

"It doesn't matter. I am the leader of scholars in the world. If I can save the lives of these young people, let alone lose some reputation, even if it costs my own life, what's the harm?" Fang Xiaoru said with a firm expression.

Faintly, Li Jinglong's words resurfaced in his mind, causing him to lose focus for a moment: "Your Majesty, can you truly make the Ming Dynasty's reading culture reach its peak?"

Outside Fang Mansion!
A group of young scholars, with angry faces, were shouting and cursing loudly.

"Fang Xiaoru, you traitor!"

"Fang Xiaoru, you destroyed the seeds of learning in the Ming Dynasty. You are a sinner!"

"Fang Xiaoru, you hypocritical villain, I was really blind to admire you so much before."

"."

Li Jinglong got off the carriage.

He heard the young student's insults clearly.

Instantly, Li Jinglong's expression darkened. He waved his hand at the guards beside him and said, "Go, tell these guys that if they dare to make a noise here again, I'll make them shut up for the rest of their lives."

Others don't know the inside story, but he knows it clearly.

There was no other reason. It was he who instigated Fang Xiaoru to stand up.

Now his goal was achieved, there was no major unrest in Yingtian Prefecture, and as he had expected, all the criticism was directed at Fang Xiaoru.

It would be fine if he didn't know, but now that he heard it clearly, he felt a little embarrassed.

"Yes, sir!" The guard nodded and stepped forward, scolding, "Listen carefully, my master wants you to leave immediately, otherwise, you will never speak again in your life."

"Who is so arrogant?"

"Arrogant, you want us to stay silent for the rest of our lives. Who do you think you are?"

"We won't leave, what can you do to us?"

"Who are you? What is your relationship with Old Dog Fang?"

"."

As soon as the guard opened his mouth, he was met with a barrage of scolding.

The students no longer cared about scolding Fang Xiaoru and turned to look at Li Jinglong.

Li Jinglong stepped forward with a gloomy face.

"Duke Cao Cao!"

"What's going on? Why is Duke Cao here?"

"Oh no, this is trouble!"

"."

When the students recognized Li Jinglong, their expressions suddenly changed. They lowered their heads and nodded in fear like little chicks.

"Whoever just scolded Old Dog Fang, stand up and slap yourself fifty times." Li Jinglong said indifferently.

"thump!"

A student knelt on the ground, looking terrified: "Duke Cao, I know I was wrong."

After saying that, he raised his hands high and slapped himself left and right.

"Why is Duke Cao here?"

"What bad luck! I should have left earlier if I had known."

"I never thought that Duke Cao and Fang Xiaoru had such a good relationship. I won't be able to scold him anymore."

"."

The students thought secretly in their hearts.

Unlike Fang Xiaoru, Li Jinglong was one of the top dignitaries in the Ming Dynasty. Although these students looked down on the nobles, they knew very well that the dignitaries in the Ming Dynasty were not people they could afford to offend.

Especially since Li Jinglong is still a big shot around Zhu Yunhuan. If you provoke Li Jinglong, you might die without knowing how.

Li Jinglong swept his gaze over the young students one by one, his eyes icy as he said, "No more causing trouble in front of the Fang Mansion. Do you all hear me?"

"We heard it!" the students replied.

Even if Li Jinglong didn't say it, they wouldn't dare to come again. It would have been fine if they didn't know before, but now that they know Li Jinglong is protecting Fang Xiaoru, if they still dare to come, they would be courting death.

"Haven't you eaten yet? Speak louder!" Li Jinglong shouted.

"I heard it!" The students shouted as loudly as they could.

"Hmph, get out of here!" Li Jinglong snorted coldly.

"Boom!"

Upon hearing this, the students did not dare to hesitate for a moment and fled in all directions. To them, the Fang Mansion had become a dangerous place.

"A bunch of fools." Li Jinglong shook his head.

Not long after the court meeting ended, these young students ran to the outside of Fang's house to cause trouble. It was obvious that someone was instigating this behind the scenes.

After calming himself down, Li Jinglong looked towards the Fang Mansion in front of him, a trace of regret on his face, and he said softly, "Fang Xiaoru is indeed worthy of being the leader of scholars. He deserves this title."

He clearly wanted to save the lives of these scholars, but in the end, he was severely insulted by these people. Most people would not be able to bear this.

Today, Fang Xiaoru is one of the six cabinet ministers and the undisputed new star of the court. He only needs to give a word and the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture will definitely arrest all these troublemaking scholars and throw them into jail and give them a good beating.

However, Fang Xiaoru did nothing and allowed the scholars whose lives he saved to curse him.

Taking a deep breath, Li Jinglong stepped into Fang Mansion.

Fang Mansion, in the study.

Li Jinglong looked lazy and said, "Well, Master Fang, do you regret it now?"

Fang Xiaoru smiled and shook his head, saying, "Duke Cao, what are you talking about? Why should I regret it?"

"Isn't it obvious? You saved those young students, but instead they ran to your house and yelled at you. Aren't you sad at all?" Li Jinglong looked up at Fang Xiaoru.

Fang Xiaoru was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said, "It was painful, but I don't regret it. If I were to choose again, I would still do the same thing."

Li Jinglong stared at Fang Xiaoru and suddenly said, "Master Fang, do you have any special hobbies?"

Fang Xiaoru was stunned when he heard this, somewhat confused about what Li Jinglong meant: "What special hobby do you have?"

Li Jinglong waved his hands and said, "Nothing, nothing."

Fang Xiaoru looked at Li Jinglong without hesitation and said with emotion, "Duke Cao, although I have said it before, I still want to say it again. I am very grateful to you for coming to me and giving me this opportunity."

Li Jinglong shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Forget about the thanks, as long as you don't blame me. After all, if I hadn't come to you about this matter, you would have been fine."

(End of this chapter)