Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 113 What kind of bullshit saint is this? Cut him to pieces! (9.4k views)

There are no factions in the court; all sorts of strange and eccentric people exist.

For a force as powerful as Confucianism.

It would be extremely abnormal if there were no acts of forming cliques and engaging in self-serving activities.

However, in a certain sense...

The scope of Confucianism is too broad; almost anyone can be associated with it.

That's why it doesn't seem so outstanding.

Most people probably never even thought that a specific Confucian organization existed in the Ming Dynasty.

But Chen Xinjia knew.

In the capital city today, there truly exists a powerful yet inconspicuous Confucian force.

That's why it's said to have extremely strong energy.

This is because many officials in the Ming Dynasty today have some connection with this force.

Even Chen Xinjia himself went there to listen to lectures twice.

Because this so-called power actually exists in the form of an academy.

Well known.

In the Ming Dynasty, if you wanted to become an official, you had to study; and if you wanted to study, you had to go to an academy.

And the academies in the capital.

Its largest and most renowned institution was the Beilu Academy, located near the Imperial College.

The headmaster of Beilu Academy was named Kong Qingzong.

This surname alone suggests that he is not a person of ordinary status.

Kong Qingzong himself did indeed have some connection with that sage.

However, he is not a direct descendant of the current Duke Yansheng, but rather a member of a collateral branch.

Although he was from a collateral branch, Kong Qingzong's influence should not be underestimated.

He spent more than ten years writing books and establishing his scholarship in the capital.

Many officials in the court today have heard Kong Qingzong lecture.

Even some ordinary people were enlightened by it when they were young.

This is also why Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian left him until last and didn't touch him easily.

It would be simpler to drag him out and kill him directly.

But here's the thing.

Kong Qingzong was indeed a man of considerable reputation, and a reputation for integrity.

At least in the capital.

I've never heard of him doing anything like bullying men or women, or embezzling or accepting bribes.

He himself always wore coarse linen clothes and worn-out cloth shoes.

He often publicly declared that his family's annual expenses would not exceed fifty taels.

Therefore, killing them easily would have a negative impact.

Therefore, regarding the question of how to deal with Kong Qingzong.

After much deliberation, Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian decided to follow the method suggested by His Majesty.

If they want to maintain a dignified appearance, then everyone is happy; if they don't, then help them maintain a dignified appearance.

But that's what they say.

In fact, Chen Xinjia relayed their idea of ​​reforming education in the capital to Kong Qingzong.

Kong Qingzong's attitude clearly shows that he is unwilling to be dignified.

Not only are they unwilling to be dignified.

They even seemed to intend to escalate the situation.

So Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian hurriedly went to the Qianqing Palace again.

Although they knew that His Majesty had been busy and hardworking in the past few days, it was best not to disturb His Majesty's rest unless it was something important.

However, the matter was far too important for the two of them to avoid coming to His Majesty.

What if that old codger Kong Qingzong really stirs up some trouble in the capital?

Then you definitely can't just stab him with a knife.

Otherwise, educational reforms will inevitably be greatly affected.

The two knew that His Majesty's reforms to education were essentially a strategic move to prepare for the future.

Therefore, this matter absolutely must be handled perfectly; there can be no carelessness whatsoever.

Therefore, after considering various factors, the two had no choice but to seek out Zhu Youjian.

at the same time.

At Beilu Academy.

Kong Qingzong, dressed in coarse linen clothes, sat calmly in a simply furnished room, sipping tea from the broken tea leaves on the table.

Gently spitting out the tea leaves from his mouth, Kong Qingzong, who was over sixty years old, narrowed his eyes slightly and a barely perceptible sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Thinking back on what had just happened, he couldn't help but find it absurd and hilarious.

What kind of damn royalist party is this? They actually dared to come to him and say they wanted to carry out educational reforms in the capital.

Not only that.

Those people also said they hoped he would cooperate and take the lead in supporting this action.

Thinking about what just happened...

Kong Qingzong was so angry that he laughed instead.

To find this Confucian successor to oppose Confucianism?
And you even made him take the lead in supporting it?
How is this any different from having members of the royalist party lead an uprising against the emperor?
Are these royalists out of their minds, or is the emperor himself out of his mind?!
Honestly.

Kong Qingzong was increasingly convinced that the emperor had gone mad after being traumatized upon returning to the capital.

From any perspective, the emperor should not do something that even a fool wouldn't do.

In essence, Confucianism supports imperial power.

Regardless of whether they actually submitted a petition to the emperor in practice, they did theoretically support it.

Therefore, if the emperor coerces him.

He could understand to some extent speaking out against those turbulent provinces.

They even praised the emperor for his political acumen.

But now the entire Ming Dynasty has been in rebellion.

Why would the emperor choose not to win him over at this time, but instead think of creating another powerful enemy for himself?

This is insane!

Moreover, Kong Qingzong really couldn't understand where the emperor got the audacity to undertake any educational reforms.

How dare a mere emperor attempt to challenge the teachings of the sages?

It's like an ant trying to shake a tree—laughable and utterly ridiculous!

Your Zhu family's throne has only lasted for two hundred years, while my Kong family has been in power for almost two thousand years!

Throughout history, has any monarch ever dared to covet the Confucian family?!

Thinking about these things, Kong Qingzong's sneer deepened.

now.

Seeing Kong Qingzong's mocking expression, several middle-aged scholars in the room exchanged glances and then stepped forward with great concern, saying:
"Teacher, although I don't know why the emperor suddenly wants to reform the very foundation of education, he seems to have gone mad. If you refuse him at this time, I'm afraid..."

Kong Qingzong composed himself and glanced at the people below the hall.

"Are you afraid that the emperor will execute me without distinguishing right from wrong?"

After a moment's hesitation, they nodded.

In their view, the emperor has now completely abandoned all regard for the consequences.

Anyone who opposes him will be slaughtered on the spot, without any regard for the consequences.

The execution of Huang Liji and others by slow slicing a few days ago is the best proof of this.

Although they were also Confucian scholars and successors of Kong Qingzong.

Faced with the executioner's blade, the first thing they did was to slide to their knees.

no way.

Betraying a saint will at most result in being scolded and criticized behind one's back.

But in this situation, disobeying the emperor could really mean death!

Hearing the concerns of those below, Kong Qingzong merely let out a disdainful sneer, and then spoke:
"You don't need to worry about anything. Go and make preparations now. Gather the students in the academy at the gate of the Imperial College tomorrow. I will take the lead in explaining the righteous cause then, so you don't need to step forward."

"The Confucian tradition will absolutely not be broken by me, and I will never allow those strange and frivolous skills to set foot in Beilu Academy."

"As for the emperor wanting my life, then so be it."

"We'll see then whether he's qualified to take the life of this descendant of the Kong family."

Hearing these resolute words, the group hesitated for a long time before finally gritting their teeth and saying:
“The student understands, then the student will go and prepare now.”

Because these people had vested interests with Kong Qingzong, although they were worried and fearful, they could not truly disobey him.

Anyway, they'll just stand aside tomorrow and try not to make a sound.

In this way, the emperor would no longer be able to turn his sword against them.

After exchanging greetings, the group quickly left.

After the group left, Kong Qingzong took out a letter, looked at a mute old servant beside him, and continued to give instructions:

"Go and deliver this letter home for me now. Remember, make sure it's done carefully."

The old servant took the letter, nodded solemnly, and then quickly left.

After everyone had left, Kong Qingzong closed his eyes, looking completely calm and collected.

He had already guessed what the emperor would do.

It's simply a matter of killing him if he disagrees.

But for that.

Kong Qingzong was not afraid; in fact, he was quite looking forward to it.

Life is what I desire, and righteousness is also what I desire.

One cannot have both; one must choose righteousness over life.

of course.

The righteousness that Kong Qingzong believed in was not the noble righteousness of risking one's life to defend Confucianism.

In Kong Qingzong's eyes, this kind of ethereal and illusory thing was utterly ridiculous.

As a member of a prestigious family like the Kong family, which has a history of over a thousand years, Kong Qingzong naturally viewed things from a different perspective than others.

From Kong Qingzong's perspective.

Where do so many moral guardians who sacrifice themselves for the greater good come from?
It's simply that ordinary people can't see the underlying logic.

It's like the proverb "Two peaches kill three warriors".

Did the three warriors really want to die?

From a personal perspective, I definitely wouldn't want to.

But if he thought that his death would allow his descendants to divide the Jin state into three separate families, then he would be more willing to face death without hesitation.

The same applies to Kong Qingzong.

he died.

However, his children and grandchildren can obtain more benefits.

In that case, his death was worthwhile.

My incorruptibility, integrity, and simple clothes do not mean that my descendants will not enjoy wealth and luxury.

The two are not in conflict.

As for what exactly was written in that secret letter...

On the one hand, it's to remind the family.

Tell your family that the emperor dared to extend his reach to the very foundations of Confucianism and attempted to reform education, so that your family can prepare in advance.

The best course of action would be to unite with other powerful families and quickly replace the emperor.

If such an emperor stays for even one more day, he might just cause more trouble.

On the other hand, it's about telling your family.

Kong Qingzong wanted to use his death to deliver a blow to the emperor's desire to reform education in the capital.

Let that arrogant emperor go back to where he came from.

The core message is: he made a great contribution to the Confucius family, and the Confucius family should never forget his contribution.

What Kong Qingzong had to do was actually quite simple.

Tomorrow, he will lead the trouble at the gate of the Imperial College.

It will inevitably attract a large crowd of onlookers.

He was in this situation.

He shouted the words of the sage while simultaneously smashing his head against a wall and killing himself.

Thinking about what I need to do.

A sense of satisfaction at taking revenge on the emperor couldn't help but surface on Kong Qingzong's face.

In front of a crowd of students and common people, he forced a renowned Confucian scholar in the capital to his death. The only thing this scholar wanted was to uphold the teachings of the sages.

Thus.

With people's hearts in turmoil, how many will genuinely implement and learn from your so-called educational reforms?
Given enough time, and with a little external pressure, everything will crumble on its own.

All he paid for all this was his old life.

This would both deliver a crushing blow to the emperor's morale and bring great fame to his branch of the family.

In Kong Qingzong's view, this deal was an absolute bargain.

Simultaneously.

Then he thought about how his children and grandchildren would also gain more benefits from his actions in the capital.

Kong Qingzong's expression then became even more intriguing.

Although his children and grandchildren already own hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land in Shandong,

Although his children and grandchildren had over a thousand servants,

Although his children and grandchildren acted recklessly in the area and no one dared to interfere.
But this is far from enough for Kong Qingzong.

Who would complain about having too much fertile land?
Throughout his life, Kong Qingzong only considered the well-being of his children and grandchildren.

This is why he persisted in living the life of an ascetic in the capital.

If a chastity memorial arch is erected, future generations can enjoy the benefits, right?
Thinking about these things, Kong Qingzong tapped his thin knuckles on the table with a relaxed expression.

He was clearly indifferent to the fact that he would be dying the next day.

at the same time.

In the Qianqing Palace.

After Zhang Weixian and Chen Xinjia arrived at the palace.

Seeing His Majesty's expression as he diligently perused the maps and geomancy, the two of them couldn't bear to disturb him.

But there was no other way; it was a matter of great importance, and I simply couldn't remain silent.

After a pause, Chen Xinjia spoke first: "Your Majesty, we have just spoken to Kong Qingzong of Beilu Academy about the matter of reforming education."

"But Kong Qingzong was unwilling to cooperate, and not only that, he also seemed to intend to stir up trouble in the capital."

Kong Qingzong was well-known in the capital, and many officials and ordinary people had heard him lecture. Moreover, he was over sixty years old.

"If we act rashly, he might immediately attempt suicide, which would then cause public unrest."

"Given this situation, we fear that it might jeopardize Your Majesty's plans, so we dare not make a decision on our own and have come to seek Your Majesty's instructions."

Done.

Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian stood there with their hands at their sides, not daring to say anything more.

In their view.

It's not really impossible to deal with Kong Qingzong's matter.

But now there's a problem: there's not enough time.

Under normal circumstances, dealing with someone like Kong Qingzong would be quite simple.

You're unwilling to change Confucianism to science, yet you're not afraid of death, are you?

Alright, you, Kong Qingzong, have a reputation for being refined despite your coarse clothes, but surely you're not the only one living in your family?
Starting with your hometown of Shandong, I refuse to believe we can't find any evidence of your wrongdoing.

For the Ming Dynasty, which is now rotten to the core.

Those who can still serve as officials in the court and enjoy a good reputation under such circumstances are more or less problematic.

This is a truth that needs no thought to understand.

After all, before the emperor ascended the throne, there was a group of truly impoverished scholars in the Hanlin Academy who were on the verge of starvation.

Why doesn't anyone praise these people for their integrity?!
Therefore, as long as we can find evidence of Kong Qingzong's crimes, we will naturally have a way to exploit these evidence and make a fuss about it.

However, this method is no longer feasible.

His Majesty will be leaving the capital for Korea tomorrow.

Therefore, before His Majesty leaves the capital, it is necessary to completely eliminate the most representative Confucian faction, such as Kong Qingzong.

Otherwise, the longer we delay, the more difficult things will become.

The two were truly at a loss as to what to do, so they had no choice but to seek help from Zhu Youjian.

After listening to the two men's stories, Zhu Youjian put down the map and geomancy in his hand and nodded slightly.

For Confucian forces...

If they were willing to become harmless idols to cooperate with the work, then Zhu Youjian wouldn't necessarily be unable to tolerate them.

After all, if they were willing to cooperate, then with some additional measures, educational reform could achieve twice the result with half the effort. But now, there is no need for that.

Not only are they unwilling to become a harmless idol, but they are now trying to become a harmful idol to the empire.

How can an empire move forward if there is a saint who is never wrong always looming over it?

Since that's the case, let's remove this harmful statue in the capital first.

Zhu Youjian also knew.

Once the Confucian influence in the capital was eliminated.

As a result of a series of chain reactions, Shandong, where he was about to pass through, would become even more turbulent.

However, Zhu Youjian had already prepared for this and naturally didn't care.

After a pause, Zhu Youjian turned to the two men and asked, "Kong Qingzong is not afraid of death, but are the people around him afraid of death?"

Zhang Weixian and Chen Xinjia were taken aback, then seemed to realize something and quickly replied:

“Your Majesty, Kong Qingzong is over sixty years old and may have become indifferent to matters of life and death, but his disciples in the academy are still in their prime and naturally cannot be so nonchalant.”

Zhu Youjian nodded and bluntly ordered, "Then go and arrest those people in the academy and make them smear Kong Qingzong."

"Remember, the charges must not be fabricated too much, otherwise it will backfire."

"As for the focus, let's lean towards the descendants of Kong Qingzong."

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Weixian and Chen Xinjia instantly felt as if they had woken up from a dream.

Yes. Kong Qingzong is indeed not afraid of death, but his students must be.

With just a few simple tricks, we can get them to cooperate unconditionally in order to smear Kong Qingzong.

For ordinary people and students in the capital, the stigma against these people was a hundred times more credible than the charges leveled by the government.

Once Kong Qingzong's reputation is ruined...

Then the Confucian classics that he supposedly upholds can naturally be turned into a joke by inciting public opinion.

With such intense activity, educational reforms can be immediately implemented.

And what's most important?

By pinning the blame on Kong Qingzong's descendants, it would be difficult to verify the facts in a short period of time.

Even if the Kong family wanted to clarify this matter, it would take at least one or two months for them to go back and forth.

Given His Majesty's style and speed of action, he would probably have already returned from Korea by then, within a month or two.

If we can defeat North Korea, then this matter is not a big deal at all.

If we lose, then there's even less to worry about.

The Ming Dynasty is gone, who cares about this anymore?!

Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian exchanged a glance, both somewhat excited.

Honestly.

They might be able to come up with this method in a day or two.

But by then it might be too late.

The current situation is one of nationwide rebellion.

No matter what you do, even being an hour late can have an irreversible impact on the overall situation.

Not to mention a day or two later.

Having realized this, the two dared not waste any more time, and knelt down, bowing their heads, saying, "We understand, and will now go and take care of this matter!"

Done.

Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian then quickly left the palace.

It didn't take long.

Under the control of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Kong Qingzong's several favorite students were arrested and taken to the yamen (government office).

What surprised everyone was that these people slid down to their knees at an astonishing speed.

They had just been brought into the yamen, and hadn't even been armed yet.

The group then cried and shouted:
"Don't kill me! Don't kill me! Kong Qingzong ordered everything! He wanted to gather a crowd to cause trouble at the Imperial Academy gate tomorrow to oppose His Majesty's educational reforms! I'll confess everything!"

Chen Xinjia looked at the group of people crying and wailing, feeling somewhat helpless.

Kong Qingzong usually wore coarse linen clothes, so how could he be regarded as a favorite student? From the outside perspective, he must have been extremely honest and upright.

Take Zhang Xiao, Kong Qingzong's eldest disciple, for example.

Zhang Xiaoyuan was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) during the Ming Dynasty.

After passing the imperial examination, he did not become an official, but instead resigned and became a disciple of Kong Qingzong, devoting himself to studying the words of the sages. He also gained considerable prestige among the people.

When traveling, one must quote the sayings of sages to prove one's noble character.

But now, Zhang Xiao is the first to stand up and attack Kong Qingzong.

Keep in mind, they haven't even said a single scare word yet!

What exactly does Kong Qingzong teach every day to produce such a bunch of worthless idiots?!
Looking at Zhang Xiao kneeling on the ground, Chen Xinjia couldn't help but speak up:

Confucius said: “When there is work to be done, the disciples should do the work; when there is food and drink, the elders should be served.”

"Confucianists have always treated their teachers as they would their fathers. You are disciples of Kong Qingzong, and I haven't even spoken to you yet, so why have you betrayed him?!"

Unfortunately, things went too smoothly, and Chen Xinjia suspected foul play.

But what Chen Xinjia didn't expect was what happened next.

Faced with his question, Zhang Xiao replied with a fawning expression, "I am a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) from the second year of the Tianqi reign, and a disciple of the Emperor!"

"If we're talking about mentors, it's Your Majesty who is truly my mentor!"

"I am willing to do anything to share the burdens of my sovereign, father, and teacher!"

Chen Xinjia:
Looking at Zhang Xiao's fawning face.

Chen Xinjia couldn't help but recall the disdain and arrogance Zhang Xiao displayed when he approached Kong Qingzong to ask for his help in reforming education.

He asked again, "Then why were you arrogant at first and then obsequious?"

Zhang Xiao lowered his head even further: "My previous arrogance was because I had a vested interest with that scoundrel Kong Qingzong, and I had no choice but to act that way."

"Hou Gong, it's just that I saw Your Majesty swinging the butcher's knife too fast, and I was afraid that my head would be cut off along with it, and my neck would be too cold."

This statement came out.

Not to mention Chen Xinjia, even the Imperial Guards standing nearby were truly disgusted.

What the hell are these damned Confucian scholars all about?!

Will you be sent to the Jurchens someday?

They make you wear their traditional rat-tail hairstyle, and you're supposed to say, "It just so happens my scalp was itchy"?

But then again.

His Majesty's methods are indeed effective. He doesn't care about this or that; as long as you disobey, you will definitely die.

In this way, it can indeed deter a large number of scoundrels.

Zhang Weixian gleaned key information from Zhang Xiao's words: "You just said you have a vested interest with Kong Qingzong, tell me more about it!"

Upon seeing this, Zhang Xiao quickly confessed everything.

Zhang Weixian and Chen Xinjia fell silent after hearing Zhang Xiao's words.

Kong Qingzong's children and grandchildren actually own hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land.

In this way, there's no need for stigma.

The only pity is that.

Kong Qingzong was a very secretive man, and they did not have any concrete evidence.

But for the two of them, that was no longer important.

The accusations made by Zhang Xiao and others are the best evidence.

Moreover, Zhang Xiao and his ilk had stockpiled tens of thousands of acres of fertile land in Shandong, and they carried these land deeds with them.

With these things, even if Kong Qingzong were to cause a huge upheaval tomorrow, he wouldn't be able to stir up any waves.

After dealing with the matter, Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian immediately informed Zhu Youjian.

After listening to their stories, Zhu Youjian calmly instructed, "In that case, let Kong Qingzong cause a great commotion tomorrow."

"Then forge another letter, saying that Kong Qingzong is preparing to secretly report to the Kong family to get rid of the emperor, and at the same time, he is preparing to use his own death to obstruct the reform."

"Let the people and students of tomorrow see for themselves what exactly the representatives of Confucianism are in the capital today."

Zhang Weixian and Chen Xinjia exchanged a glance. This was a move to completely destroy the Confucian school's influence in the capital.

Whether Kong Qingzong wrote this letter or not is not important; what matters is whether the emperor said he wrote it or not!
The two bowed and replied, "Your humble servants obey the decree."

After saying that, Zhu Youjian looked at Xiao Hongzi and said, "Tomorrow you will go with me and keep an eye on Kong Qingzong. If he tries to use his death to prove his innocence and get away with this, we must not let him have his way."

Xiao Hongzi's expression hardened: "This servant obeys the decree."

The next day.

At the gate of the Imperial College.

Kong Qingzong and a group of students from Beilu Academy had been making a ruckus here for quite some time, and a large crowd of ordinary people and students had gathered around them.

These people completely surrounded the large open space in front of the Imperial College.

Kong Qingzong was very dissatisfied with Zhang Xiao and others for deserting their posts.

But putting aside those few cowardly cowards, the smoothness of today's events still exceeded Kong Qingzong's expectations.

He originally thought that his behavior of gathering a crowd at the gate of the Imperial College would be stopped by the government.

But to everyone's surprise, not only did no officials come to drive them away, but more and more people and students gathered around.

Kong Qingzong had no suspicions, because there were many familiar faces among the crowd whom he had taught.

Seeing these people, Kong Qingzong no longer hesitated and stood at the entrance of the Imperial Academy, shouting loudly:

"When Emperor Taizu drove out the Tartars and restored China, he established the national policy of the Ming Dynasty to establish itself on Confucianism."

“We students study diligently every day, learning the words of the sages and the classics of Confucianism, so that we can uphold the legacy of the founding emperor and carry forward the glory of the Ming Dynasty.”

"But the current emperor disregards the very foundation of the Ming Dynasty and attempts to bring all sorts of low-class and bizarre techniques into schools."

"As the headmaster of the academy, I could not bear to see the moral order of the Ming Dynasty deteriorate, so I had no choice but to take such action."

"Gentlemen, please rest assured that after this matter is over, I will take the initiative to apologize to His Majesty. Even if I suffer the pain of being torn to pieces, I will not hesitate to do so for the sake of the Ming Dynasty!"

Kong Qingzong's words were naturally the result of his preparation, which he had spent the entire night rehearsing.

First, they use ancestral rules to suppress people.

Then I'll bring those students to my side—if you don't support me, it's like all the time you've spent studying the classics has been for nothing, and all your efforts have been in vain!

Then tell the people that His Majesty is trying to replace Confucian classics with some strange and ingenious skills!

Finally, the theme is elevated—everyone did it for the Ming Dynasty.

As Kong Qingzong spoke, whispers arose among the crowd.

As for Kong Qingzong's claim that strange and erotic techniques were being introduced into schools, the general public had only heard about it so far.

No one knows what these so-called strange and wonderful techniques actually refer to.

If it were in the past...

Upon hearing this, everyone would surely be filled with righteous indignation and wholeheartedly agree.

After all, apart from the Confucian classics, everything else is considered heretical and deviant, which is a widely accepted fact.

But now, since His Majesty ordered it to be done, there must be some reason behind it.

Listen to it again, don't rush to conclusions.

Seeing that public opinion had not responded to his words, Kong Qingzong frowned.

He was just about to add fuel to the fire when he saw Zhang Xiao and the others suddenly squeeze out from the crowd.

To his surprise, Zhang Xiao pointed at his nose and started cursing:

"Kong Qingzong, how dare you talk about the foundation of the nation?! Your eldest son alone owns 130,000 mu of fertile land in Shandong!"

"And you have three more sons like that! How dare you talk about the Ming Dynasty?!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent instantly.

Isn't Zhang Xiao Kong Qingzong's chief disciple? Why is he suddenly acting like this?!
And that bastard Kong Qingzong, that son of a concubine, actually owns tens of thousands of acres of fertile land?!

That shouldn't be the case. Kong Qingzong's usual integrity and frugality are well-known. Where would he have gotten so many acres of fertile land for his son?!
Could it be that you've been faking it all along?!
Looking at Zhang Xiao and the others, Kong Qingzong instantly realized that these people had been bribed by the emperor.

He immediately flicked his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and faced the crowd: "This is utter nonsense! If my family truly owned hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land, why would I have been eating coarse tea and plain food every day for decades?!"

Kong Qingzong was a tall and upright man. His posture of turning his back to the crowd actually fooled some of the students and common people.

Zhang Xiao, however, directly pulled out a stack of land deeds from his sleeve:
"Fellow villagers, you can see that these land deeds were used by Kong Qingzong to help us acquire land in Shandong."

"If what I said is false, then these land deeds can't be false, right?!"

As Zhang Xiao distributed these land deeds to the surrounding crowd, an uproar erupted.

At this moment, among the crowd...

And then, coincidentally, some Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) from who-knows-where stirred things up, saying, "Damn it, so all Confucian scholars are this kind of scum?"

"He spouts sage-like words all day long, but behind the scenes he condones his children and grandchildren's evil deeds! He deserves to die!"

In an instant, public opinion shifted to one side.

However, Kong Qingzong remained calm despite the fact that the situation was hopeless.

If he can just crash his head into this place and die today, then all his efforts will not have been in vain!
Kong Qingzong's heart tightened, and he shouted hoarsely at the crowd, "The new emperor is tyrannical and bloodthirsty, which is why there is unrest throughout the Ming Dynasty!"

"Now they are trying to shake the foundations of the nation! Moreover, they are resorting to any means to achieve their goals, even resorting to the despicable tactic of forcing people close to me to slander me!"

"Now that things have come to this, I have no will to argue. Only by proving my innocence with my death can I be worthy of my status as a descendant of a sage!"

After saying that, Kong Qingzong charged straight at the stone platform he had already aimed at.

But he had only taken two steps when he was stopped by Xiao Hongzi, who was disguised and hiding in the crowd.

Kong Qingzong was greatly alarmed.

He immediately went to retrieve the poison pill he had hidden beforehand, but found that his hands were already firmly clamped down!
And it happened at this time.

Zhang Xiao and the others pointed at his nose and started cursing again.

There was no other way; these people were desperate to survive, so they had no choice but to fight to the death to cut themselves apart.

"Kong Qingzong, over the years, the despicable things you've ordered us to do go far beyond these!"

"And you just said that His Majesty allowed strange and erotic techniques to enter the schools, but do you dare to say what exactly those so-called strange and erotic techniques are?!"

"I might as well tell you all here, my fellow villagers and students of the Great Ming Dynasty, that His Majesty sent someone to my Beilu Academy yesterday to discuss this matter in detail."

"What His Majesty approves of are all actions that benefit the military of our Great Ming Dynasty!"

"Why does it become some kind of strange skill or trick in your mouth?!"

"Kong Qingzong, how can you, a descendant of Confucius, act in such a way? What are your true intentions? Are you saying that your Kong family is rotten to the core?!"

Upon hearing this, Kong Qingzong was instantly thrown into disarray.

He's not afraid of death; what he's afraid of now is that he won't die!

Whether he lives or dies is not important. If he plants any harmful seeds about the Kong family in the hearts of these people, then everything will be over!
Even if the emperor is killed by the combined forces of the major clans a few days later, it will not make up for the enormous loss.

A saint cannot have even the slightest stain!

Just then, the voice of an unnamed member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard came from the crowd.

"The Ming Dynasty is currently beset by internal and external troubles. If we don't learn how to strengthen the country and how to improve our military, are we going to fight the enemy while holding the classics of the sages?!"

"It is all thanks to His Majesty that we enjoy such a good life now. But now the entire Ming Dynasty is in turmoil. If His Majesty loses, then our good days will be over!"

For an instant.

These words spread among the crowd, leaving Kong Qingzong with no chance to refute them.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd raised their arm and shouted, "Support education reform to repay His Majesty's grace!"

The crowd gathered at the entrance of the Imperial College immediately joined in, raising their arms and shouting the slogan.

Kong Qingzong was completely flustered by what he saw.

He never imagined things would develop this way, especially in the worst possible direction!
Not only did he fail to stop the emperor from shaking the foundations of Confucianism, he also enabled the emperor to successfully reform education!

Kong Qingzong trembled all over.

If that's the case, then he would become the sinner of the entire Kong family.

The wealth and honor that his children and grandchildren enjoy will surely be ruthlessly stripped away by the Kong family!
Just as Kong Qingzong was in a state of panic and shock.

Suddenly, a group of Divine Might Battalion guards carrying dragon banners appeared from not far away.

Upon seeing this, the crowd quickly quieted down and automatically made way for them.

The guard in the center held up a letter and came to Kong Qingzong, shouting, "Kong Qingzong, you wrote a letter to collude with the Kong family, attempting to frame His Majesty from within and without!"

"Furthermore, you stated in your letter that you intended to use your own life to obstruct His Majesty's reforms in education. Your crime is heinous and you should be executed by slow slicing!"

As the cavalryman shouted, Xiao Hongzi stared intently at Kong Qingzong's mouth.

If that old man dares to utter any words of rebuttal later, Xiao Hongzi will not hesitate to dislocate his jaw.

But what Xiao Hongzi didn't expect was...

In his panic, Kong Qingzong blurted out, "Impossible! This letter couldn't possibly have fallen into your hands! Even if he ate it, you wouldn't be able to find it!"

Xiao Hongzi was taken aback: His Majesty is indeed a brilliant strategist.

That old beast actually did it!
After Kong Qingzong finished speaking, he realized that he had said the wrong thing.

But these words were clearly heard by the surrounding people and students.
He was about to argue.

Xiao Hongzi's large, iron-like hand had already gripped his throat, preventing him from making a sound.

The matter was settled, and Xiao Hongzi no longer concealed his identity. He waved to the Shenwei Camp guards who had rushed over and said, "Take them away and execute them by slow slicing at Caishikou at noon."

Hearing the words of execution by slow slicing, Kong Qingzong, in a final burst of lucidity, let out a desperate roar:

"I am a descendant of a sage, how dare you!"

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Hongzi slapped him unconscious.

After finishing his cigarette, Xiao Hongzi spat in Kong Qingzong's face with disgust.

"What kind of fucking saint is this? Cut him to pieces!"

"Not only am I going to skin his descendants alive now, but in a while I'll also personally smash his temple!"

(End of this chapter)