Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 115: Kill as Many as Come (6k)

After wiping the blood off the blade in his hand.

Xiao Hongzi, along with a squad of Shenwei Battalion guards, left the cold noodle stall as if nothing had happened.

I've been rushing to Dongjiang Town recently.

Otherwise, it's just this bunch of bastards.

Do you have to peel off all the pieces before asking, "What's your purpose in asking me how many bowls of noodles I ate?"
Who instructed you to ask this? What are you trying to overthrow?
Where is your family's household registration book? Bring it all to me according to the list! Otherwise, people outside will say we're randomly arresting people!

As for the consequences of doing so, Xiao Hongzi didn't care at all.

He only acts according to His Majesty's orders.

His Majesty ordered him to eliminate anyone who dared to stand in his way, and he would carry it out without hesitation.

Consequences? Fuck you! Go talk to the knife in my hand!
Finally, spitting on the ground, Xiao Hongzi returned to the imperial carriage and reported what had just happened to Zhu Youjian.

After listening, Zhu Youjian nodded slightly and continued to give instructions:
"If we encounter these roadblocks again on the road, we can use them to train the new recruits."

For Zhu Youjian, this was a golden opportunity to train his troops, one he absolutely could not miss.

Xiao Hongzi's expression hardened: "This servant understands!"

soon.

The imperial procession left the prefectural city and continued towards Dongjiang Town.

at the same time.

The emperor's personal guards indiscriminately slaughtered hundreds of Confucian scholars who were seeking justice for the common people in the city.

The news spread throughout the city in an instant.

As the entire capital of Qingzhou was abuzz with excitement, the news spread even faster to other places.

Not long after this incident occurred.

Inside the residence of the Duke of Yansheng.

Kong Yinchang also received the news.

After listening to his subordinate's report, Kong Yinchang went into the ancestral hall and told his elder brother Kong Yinzhi about the matter with some urgency.

After listening to her younger brother's story.

Kong Yinzhi still had a faint smile on his face, and his hands never stopped pruning the flowers and plants.

With each scissor movement, Kong Yinzhi displayed an air of complete confidence.

But Kong Yinchang couldn't help but frown: "Brother, I didn't expect His Majesty to be as ruthless as the rumors say."

"I originally thought that the guards would at most just start a fight and kill a few people, but I never expected such a tragedy to occur."

"The fact that even His Majesty's personal guards are so ruthless is just a glimpse into the bigger picture!"

Kong Yinzhi smiled calmly: "Isn't this just right?"

Hear the words.

Kong Yinchang's furrowed brows relaxed involuntarily.

Murder is nothing.

Even if you give a starving little beggar a piece of bread, he'll still dare to kill him in a fit of rage.

But can you, the emperor, bear the consequences of murder?
To kill a hundred Confucian scholars in such a cruel way, who were merely seeking justice for ordinary people.
The consequences of this in a place like Shandong are self-evident.

it's here.

However, many moralists want to erect a "chastity arch" for themselves.

Just as Kong Yinchang was pondering, Kong Yinzhi spoke up again in a low voice:

"The situation that follows will likely be even more turbulent than I anticipated."

"Yinchang, do you know what you should do afterward?"

Kong Yinchang's mind raced.

My brother's question at this time is definitely not unfounded.

Clearly, he had taken the Zhu family emperors as his touchstone.

I want to hone my skills in this incident.

Therefore, I need to think carefully about my next answer.

My elder brother just said that.

Because the emperor's methods were too ruthless, even more Confucian scholars would gather.

Kong Yinchang originally thought that he could gather a thousand or so people with this matter, which would be quite good.

But looking at it now, it's not impossible that there are more possibilities!
If these people manage to block the emperor's procession, they will surely die within three to five days.

And what should I do at this point?!
Thinking room.

Kong Yinchang looked up and suddenly saw the most conspicuous plaque in the ancestral hall—"High Mountain to Look Up To."

A sudden inspiration struck me.

"Brother, is it time to prepare the congratulatory message for the new emperor now?"

Kong Yinzhi looked at his younger brother, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Real, concrete experiences are the best way to develop a person's talents.

My younger brother has made great progress in his work these past few days.

In this way, the Ming emperors did not end up making a wasted trip to Shandong.

"Yinchang, you have indeed grown up."

After praising him, Kong Yinzhi offered a few more words of encouragement before continuing to ask:

"Yinchang, what is the movement of His Majesty's procession? Is it staying in Qingzhou Prefecture to handle the aftermath, or is it heading straight for the Kong family in Qufu?"

Kong Yinchang replied, "Brother, the imperial procession neither stayed where it was nor headed towards Qufu, but instead proceeded towards the sea."

Hear this.

Kong Yinzhi paused involuntarily as he trimmed the potted plants.

The imperial procession has headed towards the seaside?!
What was the emperor doing at the beach?!

It's no wonder that Kong Yinzhi was somewhat surprised by this answer.

In his vision.

After dealing with the troublemakers, the emperor remained in place to prepare for the aftermath.

Or perhaps he realized that someone was behind this, and he led his men directly to Qufu in one fell swoop, all of which was within Kong Yinzhi's expectations.

Kong Yinzhi had also prepared contingency plans for the other reactions in advance.

But this move to the seaside really caught Kong Yinzhi off guard.

Could it be that the Emperor sees the Ming Dynasty as unstable and difficult to control?

Are they planning to just take their people and run away by sea, abandoning the Ming Dynasty altogether?!

But here's the thing.

Even if he goes out to sea, he can't escape.

Just how rampant was the maritime trade power of the Ming Dynasty?

Others might not know, but how could he, as one of the high-ranking members of a prominent family, not know?

The emperor's move was something that Kong Yinzhi really couldn't understand.

But even though he didn't understand it, Kong Yinzhi didn't dwell on it too much.

No matter which direction the emperor ran in, as long as they could slow him down, that was enough for them.

It was only because of this incomprehensible move that Kong Yinzhi became more wary.

After a pause.

He said, "Yinchang, you go and keep an eye on this matter in secret. Although I don't know why the emperor is heading to the seaside, I feel there's something fishy about it."

Kong Yinchang was taken aback: "Since you are worried, brother, then I will go there myself."

Kong Yinzhi nodded.

Upon seeing this, Kong Yinchang also gave a cold smile and quickly left.

With him pulling the strings behind the scenes, it's likely that this time, two or three thousand Confucian scholars could be gathered to obstruct the emperor's journey.

Even if the emperor was incredibly capable, he was powerless to reverse the situation.

Within the Shandong region, two or three thousand disciples of the sage gathered here in a state of panic.

Even if the God of Literature were to fall to earth, he would have to stop for this!
Moreover, this mere emperor, who had only been on the throne for two months, had already forced emperors across the country to rebel.
Even if you have a knife in your hand.

Facing so many disciples of a sage, would you dare raise your sword even an inch?!
Kong Yinchang strode out of the ancestral hall and headed straight for the direction the imperial procession was heading.

Two or three more days passed.

The imperial procession is still steadily advancing towards Dongjiang Town.

Over the past few days, I haven't encountered any more people blocking my way.

Xiao Hongzi was also quite surprised by this.

what happened?

Isn't Shandong said to be the birthplace of Confucianism?
We dug up Confucian graves in the capital, and a few days ago we slapped Confucianism hard in the face. Why haven't we seen anyone come along the way?

If they don't come, what will happen to the training of new recruits that His Majesty ordered?!

If it weren't for the fact that the primary task was to immediately head to Dongjiang Military Town, Xiao Hongzi would have even considered sending someone to cause trouble.

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

Just as he was looking forward to it.

In the city ahead, more than two thousand Confucian scholars who had come from all over the country had already gathered.

now.

Within the city walls.

More than two thousand Confucian scholars almost completely blocked the city streets.

For a time, the not-so-large city was bustling with noise and excitement.

The reason these people gathered here was because of what happened in Qingzhou Prefecture a few days ago.

Hundreds of Confucian scholars were simply trying to seek justice for a street vendor.

They were all wiped out by the emperor's personal guards without a word?!
Is this okay? !
Not telling each other is not the way of the Ming Dynasty!

Those who do not speak out about this are not true citizens of the Ming Dynasty!

As for whether there was a misunderstanding involved.

For example, how many bowls of noodles did the emperor's personal guard eat, and how much money did he give them?

For example, what exactly was the cause, process, and outcome of the event?

Is there some force pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Nobody cared about any of this.

At least for the Confucian scholars gathered here today, they don't care.

In fact, if anyone dares to raise any questions about these issues, they will be attacked by the entire group.

Are you a disciple of a saint?!
What have you been doing with your Confucian classics?!

How can you say such things? Are you even a citizen of the Ming Dynasty?

You wouldn't happen to be a spy sent by the Later Jin dynasty, trying to steal our sage's teachings, would you?!
Call me!
A small group of people were seriously injured on the spot and thus left the group.

It can be said that these are the people who are now in the city.

To some extent, their faith is exceptionally firm.

When everyone witnessed the emperor's arbitrary killing of a hundred fellow disciples, they were filled with righteous indignation and wished they could kill them as soon as possible.

of course.

This so-called "kill them as soon as possible" was not directed at the emperor.

Confucian etiquette prevented them from openly expressing their resentment towards the emperor.

However, those around the emperor will have to bear his wrath!
Ever since.

Amidst the noisy crowd.

A middle-aged man in a dark blue long gown climbed onto a table and shouted towards the dark mass of people:

"Fellow disciples! I never imagined that such a horrific thing could happen in the land of Confucius and Mencius!" "No matter what we say today, we must seek justice for those fellow disciples who died tragically under the butcher's knife!"

"My name is Xie Yingdi, a Juren (successful candidate in the imperial examination) from last year. If His Majesty arrives later, I am willing to take the lead and speak frankly with His Majesty, even if it means facing execution!"

Now is the perfect opportunity to boost your reputation.

Some quick-thinking scholars, of course, would not silently follow the crowd at such a time.

Seize this opportunity, and you'll rise to great heights in the future.

as predicted.

As Xie Yingdi finished speaking, cheers erupted from the crowd.

Then immediately another young man found a high place, climbed up, and imitated him, saying:

"Brother Xie is right!"

"I am Zhang Hou from Qufu County! Although I have only just passed the county-level imperial examination, I have been studying diligently in the school established by the Duke of Yansheng for the past few years."

"Such a tragedy has occurred in the birthplace of Confucianism, and I certainly cannot sit idly by!"

"Since ancient times, the law has not applied to high-ranking officials, but now His Majesty is actually condoning his eunuchs to carry out acts of violence against us, the disciples of the Sage. This is simply intolerable!"

"I'm willing to join Brother Xie in this battle later! Let's fight for justice for our comrades!"

The crowd shouted again.

"Okay! Well said!"

"How dare a mere bunch of eunuch soldiers be so disrespectful to us! If this continues, where will our Confucian school find refuge within the Ming Dynasty?!"

"The emperor must execute the eunuchs to pay for the lives of our comrades!"

"Killing those eunuchs isn't enough! We also need to make the emperor issue an edict of self-reproach!!"

At this moment, another middle-aged man with a beard and an air of official authority raised his arm and shouted:
"I am Wang Xiang, a professor at the prefectural school in Qingzhou! I was watching from not far away when the emperor's personal guards slaughtered my colleagues that day!"

"At that time, I had already sternly rebuked them, but I never expected that those thieves would flee immediately after committing the crime!"

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, we must bring the thieves to justice! Only in this way can we restore a bright and just world to our Great Ming Dynasty!"

"Even if His Majesty intends to protect the thief, we, for the sake of justice and fairness, must rush into His Majesty's palace and drag the thief out to be executed by slow slicing!"

"Good! That's right! That's how we should do it!"

"."

As you and I chimed in.

This group of already indignant Confucian scholars has now descended into fanaticism.

Just in time.

Someone shouted, "News has come from outside the city that the Emperor's carriage is almost at the outskirts!"

After exchanging glances, the group of Confucian scholars immediately set off in a grand procession towards the city gates.

And after these people left.

Only then did the locals and merchants on both sides of the street dare to peek out, trembling, staring at the backs of these people, speechless for a long time.

Although those who enjoy watching a spectacle never mind making things worse.

But now things have escalated to this point, which is beyond what most people can accept.

It's best to stay home and not join in the fun.

Today's events are absolutely impossible to resolve amicably for either side.

It's better to stay away, so our blood doesn't splatter on us!

at the same time.

As the imperial procession advanced, scouts naturally relayed the movements ahead.

The scout approached Xiao Hongzi and reported with clasped hands:

"Lord Hong, a large number of Confucian scholars are approaching from the front. Judging from the numbers, there must be at least two or three thousand of them."

"These people came with great force. Even after I announced that I was His Majesty's personal guard, they still dared to plot against me!"

Listening to his subordinate's report, Xiao Hongzi narrowed his eyes.

These are no ordinary rebels; we must strike hard!

He leaped onto his warhorse and shouted to the soldiers in front, "Form ranks! Prepare to meet the enemy!"

"Yes!"

A unified response came from the team.

Xiao Hongzi looked at the figures of these people and nodded in satisfaction.

Only a small portion of the soldiers who would be fighting alongside him were the personal guards of the Divine Might Battalion; the majority of the rest were able-bodied men brought from the capital's garrison.

Although these people have no war experience, being in the presence of the emperor, they are not lacking in courage and morale.

Moreover, these people were extremely excited about the enemy that was about to arrive.

Because everyone is eagerly looking for an opportunity to prove their worth to His Majesty.

Now, we're just waiting for the thieves to arrive.

the other side.

Under the leadership of Wang Xiang, Zhang Hou, and Xie Ying.

Two or three thousand Confucian scholars, filled with righteous indignation, marched out of the city and headed towards the emperor's carriage.

but.

These people were genuinely taken aback when they first saw the imperial procession.

Because they found that the royal procession was not panicked at all, but instead seemed to be on high alert, as if they were just waiting for them to arrive.

But after only a moment of stunned silence, the two or three thousand Confucian scholars couldn't help but feel even greater anger.

These lowly soldiers dare to act so arrogantly in front of so many of us!
Our Great Ming Dynasty has always used civil officials to control the military!

Even a famous general like Qi Jiguang would have to kneel down obediently before a civil official of the same rank!
This group of people is absolutely depraved and unforgivable!

Wang Xiang, a seventh-rank official and professor at the prefectural school, was most enraged by this scene. He turned to look at his fellow students behind him:
"Gentlemen! Do not be afraid of these lowly soldiers. Thousands of disciples of the sage have gathered here. Even if the Great Ancestor Emperor were to be resurrected, he could not do anything to us!"

"Moreover! Heaven and earth, and the laws of propriety, are on our side; justice resides in the hearts of the people!"

The crowd responded instantly with raised arms, their morale soaring.

Xie Yingdi also faced the crowd behind him and shouted righteously:

"Floating clouds may obscure the moon, but they cannot obscure my vision! My heart remains as firm as iron, even unto death, in my pursuit of the Way!"

"Even if I have to pay a bloody price today, I will make sure those thieves are brought to justice!"

"Otherwise, all those years of studying the classics would have been for nothing!"

Zhang Hou's face flushed crimson. He tore at his clothes, raised his fist, and shouted, "The nation has nurtured scholars for 150 years! Today is the day to uphold justice and die for righteousness!!!"

"Slay the traitors! Reclaim my justice!"

As this slogan was shouted.

Two or three thousand Confucian scholars instantly shouted in unison: "Kill the traitors! Restore our justice!"

"Slay the traitors! Reclaim my justice!"

The morale of the group reached its peak.

They walked slowly forward, waving their fists and chanting slogans.

They did not directly attack the imperial procession.

What he wanted was for the emperor to submit to the majesty of the sage.

With so many Confucian scholars working together, they didn't believe the emperor could withstand the pressure and not hand over his personal guards!

What Wang Xiang said earlier was correct.

Even if Emperor Taizu were to be resurrected, he wouldn't dare to act rashly with such a display!

And within the imperial carriage.

Xiao Hongzi frowned as he watched the clamorous and frenzied procession of Confucian scholars slowly approaching him.

What are these things saying all this time?

He pointed his finger forward impatiently: "Leave no one alive."

"Yes!"

The guards roared in unison!

A column of fully armored cavalry, who had been unable to contain themselves for a long time, suddenly charged out and crashed into the crowd.

The Confucian scholars were also taken aback when they saw the cavalry charging out.

What is this for? !

Is the emperor planning to suppress us with brutal methods?!

We have two or three thousand disciples of the sage!
Wang Xiang, a professor at the Qingzhou Prefectural School, showed no fear at all when he saw the approaching cavalry. Instead, he strode forward to meet them.

"Don't be afraid, everyone! This is nothing more than these scoundrels trying to drive us away!"

"I will stand here today and see if they dare to wage war against our thousands of disciples of the Sage under the very eyes of Heaven!"

As Wang Xiang spoke, the remaining crowd chanted slogans again and marched forward.

Wang Xiang, seeing the cavalry getting closer and closer, let out a cold laugh and then roared:

"Come! I'll see if you dare to kill me today!"

The words are not finished yet.

A long spear had already pierced Wang Xiang's chest.

The advancing team stopped abruptly, staring in disbelief at Wang Xiang, who had been stabbed through the heart.

How dare these people?!
This is happening in front of two or three thousand Confucian scholars! This is in the hometown of Confucius and Mencius!

But there was simply no time for everyone to think.

now.

The cavalry had already charged into the crowd, and Zhang Hou, who was in front, was beheaded with a single stroke.

In the blink of an eye, another hundred or so people died under swords and horses' hooves.

Only then did the group of Confucian scholars truly react: "Run!!!"

But how can a person outrun a horse?
In addition, there was stampeding and pushing caused by panic.

The two or three thousand Confucian scholars from all over Shandong were completely thrown into disarray.

The group, who had originally sworn to seek justice for their fellow disciples, are now crying and begging for mercy, displaying their ugly side.

In order to survive, these people tried every means possible, even pushing those who had just agreed to die together with them to the executioner's blade.

And this was merely to prolong his life a few more seconds amidst the turmoil.

The words of sages, which were often quoted, have now been completely forgotten.

Countless people knelt down and begged for mercy, some even cursing the saint.

But since it was agreed that no one would be left alive, how could anyone possibly be left alive?
Now you're scared? Where were you before?!
As a result, in less than half an hour, the two or three thousand disciples of the sage were all slaughtered.

This was under the condition that Xiao Hongzi was intentionally training the new recruits.

If the Divine Might Battalion's personal guards were to be dispatched, it would probably take less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

At this moment, all that could be seen in front of them was a field of corpses.

Xiao Hongzi yawned, looking rather bored.

He rode up to Xie Yingdi, whose intestines had spilled onto the ground and who was barely clinging to life, and asked in utter bewilderment:
"We really don't understand how you dare to block our way with your bare hands?"

"At the very least, shouldn't we bring some swords and armor?"

Xie Yingdi was already barely breathing at this point, so how could he possibly have the strength to answer such a question?

Seeing that his questions were not being answered, Xiao Hongzi shook his head helplessly:
"In that case, we'll just have to kill as many of you as you come."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yingdi coughed up a mouthful of blood, it was unclear whether he died of anger or pain.

Xiao Hongzi shook his head again, spurred his horse over the corpse, and ignored it.

He pointed forward with his finger: "Keep going."

　I had some things to do today, so this should be the only chapter. I finished writing this part of the story before posting it to avoid any gaps in the story. Please give me a monthly vote or two!
　
(End of this chapter)