Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Kong Xichang stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the peach blossoms outside the window.

A gust of wind blew by, scattering petals and ruffling his robes.

His thoughts drifted far away.

My mood was exceptionally pleasant.

After waiting for so long, we can finally get started.

It was his turn to make a name for himself!

We all share the surname Kong, so why can't the Duke Yansheng inherit the throne himself?

Why can't I become the Duke Yansheng?

Aside from his relatively fortunate background, in what other aspect could Kong Xixue surpass himself?
He's far inferior to me!

This time, I will personally obtain the title of Duke Yansheng, and make Zhu Yuanzhang my weapon!

To use for one's own benefit.

As for the turmoil that will occur in Shandong after we take action, and the Confucius Mansion will suffer some calamities as a result, that's fine.

Anyway, if the sky falls, there's someone tall enough to hold it up.

Regardless of who caused the trouble, Kong Xixue, the Duke of Yansheng, and his lineage are all to blame!
He must be punished.

With Kong Xixue gone and his branch of the family gone, the position of Duke Yansheng naturally became vacant.

In this land survey, the ultimate winner can only be oneself.

Everyone else is just doing the work for themselves!

Many things are only for those with talent like myself.

……

"My lord, something has happened, my lord!"

Someone rushed over to Wu Yin and said to him repeatedly, sounding hurried.

Looking panicked.

Upon hearing what this person said, Wu Yin felt neither worried nor nervous.

On the contrary, I suddenly felt invigorated.

What happened?

What happened?
he asked aloud.

People then prepared for battle.

Having been here for so long, the land survey has been conducted without any major errors.

It went quite smoothly.

He, who had been holding back his energy, seemed somewhat disappointed.

It's that time of year when my hands are itching to get started.

How could one not be excited to hear such a statement now?
"It was in Qufu that some people gathered together and openly obstructed the land survey, killing two people who were surveying the land."

Not only that, but in Qufu, numerous posters opposing the land survey were posted overnight. The posters contained blasphemous statements, tantamount to rebellion!

Wu Yin, who was already excited, was overjoyed upon hearing the man's report.

it is good!
It was so good!

The Kong family really has guts!
he likes!
It is said that when he led his men to Shandong to clear obstacles, Duke Yansheng Kong Xixue behaved exceptionally well and was extremely respectful.

She took the initiative to contact him and said a lot of nice things.

He could rest assured about the land survey; the Kong family would definitely provide strong support.

There will absolutely be no trouble in the imperial court.

The Kong family will fully cooperate, and so on.

And indeed, just as Kong Xixue had said, the subsequent land survey did not cause any trouble.

This made Wu Yin feel uncomfortable.

I originally thought that this matter was over and there would be no further changes.

But who could have imagined that such a big surprise would suddenly happen!

He immediately took the petition that the man had brought.

Hold it in your hand and look at it.

After glancing at it quickly, he flew into a rage.

He slammed his hand on the table.

"The Kong family are two-faced, they're truly despicable!"

They're plotting a rebellion!

They actually dared to call on everyone in the land to oppose the land survey—what audacity!

He roared angrily, his voice sharp and fierce, filled with boundless rage.

In truth, I was filled with excitement.

In truth, he understood to some extent that this matter had nothing to do with the Duke of Yansheng.

The submissiveness that Kong Xixue displayed did not seem feigned.

There is a high possibility that there are some conspiracies and tricks behind this, and that someone is framing him.

However, he didn't want to know too much about these inside stories.

The incident occurred in Qufu, and those people acted in the name of the Confucius family.

Furthermore, this notice was issued in the name of the Confucius family.

Then this matter concerns the Kong family.

Moreover, the first to bear the brunt was Duke Yansheng, Kong Xixue!
Whether it's him or not, he won't have an easy time either!
"How dare they! The Kong family has such audacity!"
The Confucian family, with its thousand-year-old tradition of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, has produced such disloyal and unfilial individuals!

Wu Yin's expression darkened, and he shouted a rebuke.

Then, he immediately ordered his troops to be mustered and marched directly to Qufu.

They went to suppress the rebellion.

That's right, it was about suppressing a rebellion.

The Kong family has done such a thing, what else could it be but a rebellion?
Others may fear the Kong family and avoid their sharp edge, but he doesn't!

Moreover, he was just waiting for the Kong family to make their move!
It is said that Qufu is the most important place in this land survey.

Why doesn't he, who has already made a name for himself in Jiangxi by overseeing the land survey, stay in Confucius City?

It was to give them a chance to see if anyone would make a move at this time.

As expected, someone has taken action, and he was not disappointed!
Meanwhile, Wu Yin led his men in a massive attack on Qufu.

The Confucius Mansion was already in complete chaos.

In particular, the Duke Yansheng, Kong Xixue, was the most shocked and nervous, his face extremely ugly.

It's even uglier than the death of a child.

For a moment, I felt like the sky had fallen!

"Investigate! Investigate immediately! Find out the truth and get to the bottom of it!"

Arrest every single one of these rebels!
No one can be spared!

We need to find out who's behind this!

He, who was always gentle and refined, seemingly in complete control and calm, was now completely flustered.

Gone was his usual composure; he was like a raging lion.

This is a really big deal. Yes.

For them, that would be fatal!

He was already so careful and cautious in everything he did.

They dared not cause even the slightest trouble.

As a result, such a huge mess still occurred!

This is even bigger than the chaos that broke out in Jiangxi!

It was so big that he simply couldn't accept it and was terrified of it!

"Among you, is there anyone acting in secret?"
If so, step forward, and I will go to see the imperial envoy to explain the situation to you.

There is still a chance to get lenient treatment and turn a major issue into a minor one.

I must not let things jeopardize my Kong family.

It won't affect you too much.

The Confucian family is a unified entity; one should not harbor any improper thoughts.

Otherwise, it would be a catastrophic disaster for our entire Kong family!
When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact? I think you should understand this principle.

Anyone who wants to become the Duke of Yansheng doesn't need to go through all this trouble.

Just tell me, and I'll give it to him.

These methods are intended to destroy our entire Kong family!

He looked at everyone present, spoke up, and said earnestly.

Towards the end, his voice became increasingly stern.

The power and prestige belonging to the Duke of Yansheng were clearly evident.

His eyes were fixed on everyone present, as if he could see right through them. "Brother, this... you're mistaken."

We, the Kong family, are one. Who would dare to be so rebellious and do such a thing?
"Wouldn't they be struck by lightning?"

"Yes, you deserve the title of Duke Yansheng."

"My elder brother is of exceptional learning and character; if not you, then who could be the Duke Yansheng?"

After hearing Kong Xixue's words, everyone present spoke up.

They were all filled with righteous indignation.

They felt that Kong Xixue had indeed overthought the matter.

How could the Kong family resort to such despicable means?
“Brother, we all know the gravity of this matter. Who would dare to act recklessly?”
I fear there are other people with ulterior motives who cannot bear to see the Kong family prosper.

So they took this opportunity to use underhanded tricks to frame and harm my Kong family.

Yes, that's for sure.

In this matter, who in my Kong family doesn't know how crucial it is?
How could they possibly act recklessly?

This matter concerns the very survival of our Kong family, and my elder brother has already explained it all clearly beforehand.

"Our Kong family has always been of one mind; we would never have such an arrogant, despicable, and shameless person doing such a thing."

"This time, all of us followed our brother's instructions without any negligence."

They were all utterly loyal and cooperated with the imperial court in surveying and registering the land.

As soon as Kong Xixue finished speaking, the place erupted into chaos.

Everyone spoke up to prove their innocence.

Some people are genuinely anxious.

They felt that the Duke Yansheng was spouting complete nonsense.

But some people know what's going on.

But he deliberately acted anxious in order to clear himself of suspicion.

“Brother, do you think... Wu Yin did this on purpose?”
Unable to find any trouble for my Kong family, they resorted to such shameless tricks, crying "stop thief!" and framing my Kong family?

Someone couldn't help but speak up and voice this consideration.

These words immediately drew a lot of agreement from others.

I think that's very likely the case.

Such a thing is something that Wu Yin and his ilk, who are so ruthless and inhuman, are not impossible for them to do.

Kong Xixue's face also darkened.

He withdrew his piercing gaze from the Kong family members present.

He didn't say anything else.

I don't know if they believed what these people said, that there were no traitors on the Kong family's side.

They still believed what they said, that it was Wu Yin who was crying wolf.

"You here, immediately do as I say, and arrest all the murderers and all the troublemakers and bring them to justice."

All the posters were collected.

We need to find out who's behind this!
We must minimize any suspicion against my Kong family.

This matter cannot be delayed!

Otherwise, you might very well die!
Not just me, and not just my branch.

Our entire Kong family is highly likely to suffer a terrible misfortune.

No one comes out on top.

His Majesty today is different from others.

That was truly ruthless and decisive; he was truly capable of taking such actions.

They've always disliked the Kong family.

His actions, such as abolishing the imperial examinations and establishing new schools, reveal his growing impatience with Confucianism.

Even if we sit here and do nothing, he still wants to cause trouble. We can't just walk into a dead end and give him a handle to use against us.

This time, his land survey was more than just a simple land survey.

It's not without the intention of using this opportunity to severely suppress my Kong family.

Kong Xixue's expression was serious.

The rest of the Kong family members present also responded that they understood.

It was particularly serious, and also filled with righteous indignation.

Kong Xixue left the Kong family residence.

The journey was extremely rushed.

He went to see Wu Yin to explain the matter clearly.

This matter must be explained clearly. If it isn't explained clearly, he might be in serious trouble this time!
It will definitely be a tough fight, like shedding a layer of skin.

At this point, it doesn't matter who secretly made the move, whether it was the Kong family or someone else.

Even if Wu Yin framed him, as the Duke of Yansheng, he cannot escape responsibility.

At this moment, what he hoped for most was that this matter was not orchestrated by Wu Yin's side, but rather a frame-up.

If that happens, it proves that Wu Yin's side intends to kill them.

Therefore, they will definitely not have a good ending here.

If it was someone from the Kong family, or someone else, who did it, once it's investigated, their innocence can be cleared.

Things aren't too serious yet.

It's just a matter of losing a few more things.

As the Duke Yansheng, he still has some influence.

……

"Lord Wu, I wonder which treacherous villain is behind this incident, trying to frame my Kong family."

Our Kong family has always been loyal to His Majesty and grateful for the Emperor's grace. We have never dared to do anything reckless.

I have always shown them exceptional respect.

The work of surveying and measuring land was carried out without any slackening.

Such a thing is absolutely not something my Kong family would do!
How incredibly stupid must my Kong family have been to cause such a mess?

With the Zhang family of Longhu Mountain setting an example, who wouldn't know how to proceed?

When Kong Xixue met Wu Yin, he spoke up to explain, and his attitude was exceptionally respectful.

Previously, given his status and position, there was no need for him to do this when meeting Wu Yin.

But now, who told the Kong family to get into trouble?

"Duke Yansheng, Qufu is the home of your Confucius family."

The trouble started from your area.

Those people also acted in the name of your Kong family.

All of this points to your Kong family.

You come here to talk to me about these things at this time, making excuses and saying it's all clean and straightforward, as if it has nothing to do with your Kong family.

This isn't your Kong family's business. Could it be that someone else couldn't do it?

Who would believe that?

Wu Yin spoke sternly, showing no respect whatsoever to Kong Xixue, the Duke of Yansheng.

"Lord Wu, it does seem a little hard to believe that such a thing has been told."

However, that is the reality.

Lord Wu, you understand my attitude towards the land survey.

After it was decided to conduct a land survey in Shandong, they went to great lengths to reach out to various parties.

In Shandong, people were instructed to fully support the imperial court's land survey.

Even the numerous land deeds belonging to my Kong family have been voluntarily handed over; how could we possibly do such a thing?

Wu Yin sneered: "Who knows if you're just using a pretense to deceive others while secretly plotting something else, saying one thing to their face and another behind their back?"

Having said that, he did not give Kong Xixue another chance to speak.

They immediately ordered Kong Xixue to be arrested.

……

In Qufu, Kong Xichang's expression was no different from that of the others.

They were also busy with this matter, handling numerous other tasks.

They seemed eager to quell the situation quickly.

But actually, I was incredibly excited inside.

This incident will only affect Kong Xixue and his family; the rest of the Kong family will not be implicated.

As a result, just as he was thinking this...

With a loud bang, the gate was violently kicked open, and a large contingent of soldiers poured in… (End of Chapter)