Chapter 87: The fierce battle in the court, three days of clarity, and decision
Life and Death [Added update for the simplest boss]
Kyoto of the Great Wei Dynasty.
With the appearance of two startling rainbow lights, both the Imperial Palace and Wen Palace received news from Nanyu Mansion.
The most intense one is Wen Gong.
Yan Ru's articles came first, and most of the literati were stunned by the content.
Some angry voices also sounded.
"You are really arrogant! Arrogant! How dare a mere Confucian scholar be so arrogant! Do you want to destroy our holy will and humiliate us as corrupt Confucians?"
"Since Zhu Sheng, all scholars in the world have come up with Zhu Sheng. Xu Qingxiao is so arrogant that he dares to insult us. Isn't this an insult to the saint?"
"I thought that Nanyu Mansion would produce a great talent, but I never thought that an eternal mad student would emerge! What an eternal mad student."
"This man has despised the holy will. This is a heinous crime. No scholar in the world will let him go."
There were bursts of roars, all from the scholars in the Wen Palace, and there were many great scholars among them who were full of voices.
But there are also a small number of great scholars who have doubts.
"I have met Xu Qingxiao, and he is not such an arrogant person. Maybe there is some misunderstanding?"
"No one in heaven and earth dares to say such wild talk. Perhaps it is indeed a misunderstanding."
There were voices that came to Xu Qingxiao's aid, such as Chen Xin Daru, who had met Xu Qingxiao and had a good opinion of him.
So I don't think Xu Qingxiao dares to be so arrogant.
Some people also think that the great talents in the world are arrogant, but even if they are arrogant, they cannot slander the saints. This may be a bit exaggerated.
But most Confucian scholars do not think so. After all, the person who conveyed the article was Yan Lei, a great Confucian who established the meaning of Zhu Sheng.
At this level, if we don't have different ideas and mutually exclusive intentions, it's basically impossible to target talented people.
This is not necessary. If so, how can the literary world cultivate new talents?
Confucianism and officialdom are not the same.
Otherwise, why is Confucianism and Taoism recognized by heaven and earth, but official Taoism cannot be recognized?
However, just when some people were speaking out for Xu Qingxiao, a second startling rainbow appeared in an instant.
This is Xu Qingxiao’s article.
As soon as this article came out, the entire Wei Palace fell silent.
The Confucian scholar who had just spoken out for Xu Qingxiao was completely silent. Even Confucian scholar Chen Xin couldn't help but fall silent when he saw this scene.
quite a while!
"Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! You are really arrogant!!!! Such a crazy person actually humiliated me, a scholar of the Wei Dynasty, so arrogant!"
"It's a bit too much to let him Yan Lei, but after all, he is a great Confucian and a senior scholar. Five hundred years later, he may be called a sage by the world. Xu Qingxiao's article intends to punish him and destroy his name!!!
!”
"A good sentence is that a rat has skin, a good sentence is that a rat has teeth, and a good sentence is that a rat has a body. These three sentences are enough to nail Yan Lei to the pillar of shame. Xu Qingxiao, crazy! Crazy!"
There were bursts of anger.
At first, when everyone saw Yan Leizhi's article, they just felt that Xu Qingxiao was a bit arrogant for humiliating the saint, but they were not really angry.
But after this article appeared, everyone couldn't bear it anymore.
Yan Lei is a great Confucian.
Among them are also great Confucians.
And they all regard Zhu Sheng as the ultimate goal of life, that is, people of the same lineage agree with Confucianism.
The relationship was already very good, but Xu Qingxiao's article was too intense. A scholar angrily denounced the great Confucian, saying he wanted to rebel!
"Come here, draft an edict and send it to Nanyu Mansion for me to ask the Lord of Nanyu Mansion to arrest Xu Qingxiao. Such a crazy life will make people and gods angry. If he is not caught and imprisoned, all the scholars in the world will be dissatisfied."
A great scholar said that he wanted to draft the decree of the Wen Palace and arrest Xu Qingxiao. This was an internal matter for the scholars, so they had the power to draft the decree. If it were someone else, they would not have the power.
However, at this moment.
A voice sounded.
"Report! Dear scholars, there is public dissatisfaction in Nanyu Mansion. The whole government is making noise. People are walking in the streets all over the city. Nanyu Mansion has rushed to increase the number of troops by 50,000."
A piece of news reached the Wen Palace of Wei Dynasty.
The faces of the great scholars who were still aggrieved changed instantly at this moment.
People complained and paraded in the streets.
This is no small matter, especially for a country. If public dissatisfaction arises, if it is not controlled well, it will lead to catastrophic disasters.
"Xu Qingxiao is indeed the cause of trouble. He angrily criticized the great scholar and caused public resentment. It seems that he will pay the price for this without me taking action."
A voice sounded, and the tone became even more angry, thinking that Xu Qingxiao was the source of the public grievances.
However, the next moment, the latter's voice sounded.
"no."
"Back to Daru, the people's grievances in Nanyu Prefecture originated from Xu Qingxiao. It's good, but the people took to the streets to avenge Xu Qingxiao. Now the people's grievances in Nanyu Prefecture are very deep."
"News has come from Tianji Tower. These public grievances must not be underestimated. Li Guangxin, the prince of Nanyu Mansion, has burned incense and brought the file. I hope all the great scholars can take a look at it."
The person who reported it did not dare to criticize the scholar, but the facts were like this, and he had to say it.
As soon as this statement came out.
All the Confucian scholars in the Wen Palace were stunned.
The public grievances come from Xu Qingxiao? But they are all about redressing Xu Qingxiao’s injustice?
This this!
"Wen Gong gathers together."
At this moment, a majestic voice sounded and spread throughout the literary palace. In an instant, all the Confucian students started to move, including the great Confucian.
Walk towards the interior of Wen Palace.
In contrast to the fierce reaction of the Wen Palace, the Wei palace seemed extremely quiet.
In the Hall of Nourishing Heart.
The empress of the Wei Dynasty quietly listened to the maid's report about the affairs of Nanyu Mansion, appearing silent.
"Your Majesty, Wan'er has investigated the entire matter."
"After the article about the intention was published, the students of Tianming Academy went to Nanyu Mansion and wanted to talk to Xu Qingxiao about the idea. However, Xu Qingxiao did not appear in the past few days and was not received."
"Tianming Academy has defeated Nanyu Prefecture for thirty-five consecutive years, so Xu Qingxiao did not go to the appointment, which aroused the anger of everyone in Tianming Academy. Wan Anguo, a later sixth-rank scholar, came in person to teach the students a lesson."
"But this made the students even more irritated, so they made wild remarks in major restaurants in Nanyu Prefecture, which made the people unhappy. Later, because Xu Qingxiao was covered in dust, the people mistakenly thought that she was being chased."
"After causing a misunderstanding, the students of Tianming Academy were besieged by hundreds of people. After this incident, the Lord of Nanyu Mansion immediately controlled the main personnel. It happened that Yan Ru came to Nanyu Mansion in person to advocate this matter and act strictly according to law."
"So the Lord of Nanyu Mansion arrested all the people related to it. Overnight, the number of criminals increased to 472. The people were frightened and everyone was in danger. Then the Nanyu Mansion House Banquet was held."
"Xu Qingxiao wrote ancient parallel prose during the banquet in the building, and then angrily denounced the great Confucianists, saying that he had made new ideas, and even said that the gods would be holy and the corrupt Confucians would be destroyed."
"Yan Lei, a great scholar, scolded the world with his writings, but he never thought that Xu Qingxiao also had literary utensils and wrote poems about rats, which made Yan Ru faint to death."
Wan'er knelt on the ground and carefully told the Empress of Wei the details.
The whole thing was like this. She didn't favor anyone, nor did she help anyone. From bottom to top, there was no partiality, she was just stating the facts.
It is a grave sin to deceive the Holy King, and no one dares to play any tricks in it.
Enter Long Luan.
The Empress of Wei read two articles.
One was when Yan Lei scolded Xu Qingxiao.
One was when Xu Qingxiao scolded Yan Lei.
The two of them were almost fighting to the death.
However, what surprised her was that Xu Qingxiao was able to achieve this level, reaching the level of heaven.
You must know that Xu Qingxiao is just an eighth-grade Confucian scholar.
But soon, the Empress of Wei frowned slightly.
Xu Qingxiao made up her mind.
This was something she hadn't even considered.
Why did she tell the world that the article written by Xu Qingxiao was an unparalleled article?
Its purpose is to protect Xu Qingxiao.
The Wei Dynasty had no shortage of ideas, and Zhu Sheng’s intention was there, so what if there were new ideas?
Even if this idea is the intention of the new saint, so what? Let’s not talk about anything else. Whether it can be passed down is a question, and whether anyone will believe it is a question.
Confucianism and Taoism compete for meaning, and religion competes for incense. It has the same purpose but different approaches. There is Buddhism and Taoism. Even if a new Buddhism comes out later, what will happen?
Will it have an impact on the world situation?
Not a big impact.
But does it have any impact on Buddhism?
It has a huge impact.
What does it have to do with her emperor?
She is an emperor, and she only cares about the interests of the country. Whether the people can have enough to eat, and whether the people can live and work in peace and contentment are what she cares about.
She just hopes that the world will be peaceful and the people will live happily. Does anyone else hope that?
Of course I don't want to.
It is even said that there are a group of people in this court who do not want the Wei Dynasty to enter a period of rest.
Why?
Isn’t it for profit?
Therefore, if she declares the world, the article written by Xu Qingxiao is a national policy, which can make the Wei Dynasty prosperous and make the Wei Dynasty rich and powerful.
Then Xu Qingxiao's troubles would be even greater.
If the Confucian scholars won't say anything, will the forces in the DPRK and China allow it?
Conservatives and radicals were the first to object. Which of these officials is not a leader?
There are people who are dedicated to serving the country, and there are a lot of them. But the problem is that as long as it involves the dispute over the country, these people will be worried about whether it will be a pilot test at that time, or they will take their time.
Wait thirty or fifty years before we talk.
Can the Wei Dynasty afford to wait? It can't afford to wait.
So she couldn't say it, otherwise, Xu Qingxiao would not be facing a Confucian scholar.
Fighting with literati and scholars has at least one advantage. Everything is on the surface. As long as you keep a low profile and talk less, these Confucian scholars will not dare to do anything.
And if she were to fight against the forces in the DPRK, Xu Qingxiao had no background and would die without knowing how.
She can protect Xu Qingxiao, but she can't protect her for a lifetime, and a true emperor also has to make trade-offs.
If Xu Qingxiao is really talented and can implement the national security plan, she can protect him.
But what if it’s just talk on paper?
Although An Guo Ce is a peerless article, its implementation is a problem, and its solution is another problem. There are too many details that Xu Qingxiao has not revealed, and there are too many problems that need to be solved.
She was waiting for Xu Qingxiao.
But looking at the situation now, we can’t wait any longer.
In the eyes of the empress, Xu Qingxiao was just angry for a moment, so she made mistakes, took the initiative to admit that she had made new ideas, and even caused such a thing.
If he doesn't take action, he will be in real trouble.
"I understand my intention."
"Let's talk about it in court tomorrow."
The Empress of Wei spoke, but at this moment, a voice sounded outside.
"Report! Your Majesty, Nanyu Prefecture has aroused public resentment. People have taken to the streets to protest against Xu Qingxiao. Li Guangxin, the ruler of Nanyu Prefecture, has sent urgent documents for your Majesty's review."
As the voice sounded, Wan'er, who was kneeling in the hall, immediately stood up, took the document, and then quickly came to Long Luan and handed the envelope to the Empress of Wei.
The latter took the envelope, opened it and looked at it.
After a while.
She still looked calm.
"Stay back, we can wait until tomorrow to go to court to discuss everything."
As soon as she said this, Wan'er retreated, and the empress was the only one left in the hall.
Enter Long Luan.
The empress looked at the envelope in her hand, her eyes calm, but she saw everything in an instant.
"Li Guangxin, you have gone to great lengths to keep Xu Qingxiao safe."
"If it weren't for Xu Qingxiao's need, based on your behavior, I would not be the king of the mansion."
On the dragon's head, the empress was thinking in her mind.
As the envelope arrived, she instantly understood what had happened.
The civil uprising in Nanyu Mansion was not something that Xu Qingxiao could do. It was even said that no one could do it. Only the prince of the Mansion, Li Guangxin, could do it.
By using the strict laws of Confucianism, people were panicked and resented. At critical moments, they were provoked and responded to by hundreds of people, creating the current situation.
And Li Guangxin did this to protect Xu Qingxiao.
Challenging a great Confucian scholar is not a trivial matter, but Li Guangxin pitted public opinion against Confucianism. Compared with the two, Confucianism was naturally inferior.
After all, the people are the foundation of everything in the world, and the common people are the foundation of the world. Even a saint is not worth a penny if he is abandoned by the world.
But this approach touched the bottom line of imperial power.
At any time, no matter what his purpose was, she would not spare Li Guangxin.
But for this matter, she really couldn't punish Li Guangxin.
Because this matter has a lot to do with her.
But her original intention was to protect Xu Qingxiao, but fate played tricks on people. This is how everything changes.
That’s all.
The Empress of Wei put the envelope aside and waited for the court meeting tomorrow.
She knew that the meeting tomorrow would be a fierce battle.
This day.
Everyone in the capital of the Wei Dynasty heard about this matter, and almost everyone in Kyoto was discussing it.
In contrast, the people in Kyoto were more rational and did not fully recognize Yan Lei, but they also did not fully recognize Xu Qingxiao. However, Xu Qingxiao won the favor of the people in Kyoto for redressing their grievances.
No matter what, those who serve the people win their hearts and minds.
The major government offices are also discussing this matter.
Everyone knows that there will be a quarrel in the court tomorrow morning.
But most people felt that Xu Qingxiao was in danger this time.
Angrily rebuking the great Confucian and establishing new ideas, both of which would bring huge trouble to Xu Qingxiao.
At the same time, more and more people gathered in Nanyu Mansion. They remained silent. Dark clouds covered the sky in Nanyu Mansion, and the rain did not stop.
The gloomy sky is not only in the sky, but also in the hearts of the people.
All the common people and literati have calmed down. They were silent in the rain, waiting for the court to give an explanation.
All the surrounding governments were shocked when they heard about this incident. In the eyes of the people, Xu Qingxiao defended the people's injustice and naturally won a lot of good words.
In the eyes of literati, the polarization is serious. Some people think that Xu Qingxiao is indeed arrogant and even incites public opinion. However, some literati believe that Xu Qingxiao is a true gentleman because he dares to act bravely and pleads for the people.
As for the intention, there has not been much discussion. After all, whether the intention will be successful is still unknown.
Moreover, among the world’s literati, Zhu Sheng is not a saint.
Besides, even if Xu Qingxiao succeeds in her intention and vetoes Zhu Sheng's intention, so what?
It can only be said that the disciples of Zhu Sheng account for the largest number among the literati in the world. After all, the saints from five hundred years ago had great influence.
But there are still some people who believe in other saints, and these people don't hate Xu Qingxiao.
To put it ten thousand steps back, there is no such thing as being intentional or not under the seventh rank. You have no clear intention, and you are not even qualified to participate in this matter.
To put it simply, those below the seventh level of Confucianism and Taoism belong to scholars and do not have any camp. Even if you have read Zhu Sheng’s books since childhood, worship Zhu Sheng, and make Zhu Sheng the ultimate goal of your life.
But only when you reach the seventh rank, can you officially say that you are a disciple of Zhu Sheng, otherwise it will be just a cold shoulder.
Therefore, it is correct to be an enemy of scholars all over the world, but it is just an adjective. If we must be precise, it should be to be an enemy of the disciples of Zhusheng all over the world.
Therefore, there are also many literati who appreciate Xu Qingxiao. Of course, there are not many of them, and even if they appreciate it, they will not show it.
After all, Zhu Sheng's disciples are too powerful, and no one will have enough to do and make enemies for themselves.
Inside the prison of Nanyu Mansion.
Xu Qingxiao was still in the process of enlightenment.
He said that three days to clarify one's mind is to give oneself confidence and to gather one's energy and spirit.
But whether the three days will be clear is still unknown.
Late at night, the rain stopped.
It was a dark night, and the gloom in the hearts of the people of Nanyu Mansion had not dissipated.
A few hours later.
Kyoto of the Great Wei Dynasty.
As the sun rose in the east, the palace gate opened, and all the civil and military officials of the Wei Dynasty also entered the palace one after another.
From the palace gate to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, you have to go through several processes.
From the palace gate to Jinqiao, there are censors guarding the palace. Any inappropriate behavior by the officials will be recorded one by one. Even who walked with such and such will also be recorded.
After arriving at Jinqiao, they could walk five hundred meters to His Highness the Hall of Supreme Harmony. They could only walk towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony until the eunuch spoke.
At this time, the entrance to the palace gate.
Hundreds of officials poured in, seemingly in one group, but they were invisibly divided into four groups.
Wearing unicorn military robes, they are first-grade princes. They all move like dragons and tigers, and speak loudly. Regardless of their image, most of them are older, and some middle-aged military attachés stand behind them, representing the power of military generals.
Headed by the Duke of Zhenguo.
The other group of people wearing blue and white robes were Confucian officials. The official positions in the Wei Dynasty were divided into military generals and civil servants.
Because of Confucianism and Taoism, civil servants and Confucian officials are separated. Confucian officials in the Wei Dynasty must at least be in the seventh grade to understand their meaning. If they don't understand their meaning, how can they be officials?
That is Confucianism.
The leaders were also all white-haired, but they were full of energy and kept silent from beginning to end. They were very self-disciplined and looked high-spirited. They were completely different from the generals beside them.
The head of the Confucian officials was Chen Zhengru, the Minister of Civil Affairs.
There is also a group with the largest number of people, in groups of three to five, constantly whispering. These are the great civil servants of the Wei Dynasty, who can also be said to be the most powerful beings. All major national affairs are handled by them.
As long as the military commanders and Confucian officials agree, they will be the ones to implement it.
Before Emperor Wu, they were the largest force in the court. After Emperor Wu came to the throne, the power of civil servants declined a lot, but now that the new emperor has come to power, they have united once again.
There is no other reason than the national situation.
If there was no Northern Expedition, they would basically be responsible for all matters in the court, large and small. However, the Northern Expedition allowed military generals to unite their fronts and Confucian officials to unite their fronts. These two forces united together.
Then all things have to be put aside.
The head of the civil servants was Gu Yan, the minister of Dali Temple.
At the same time, the two ministers, the Minister of Hubu and the Minister of Punishment, were also the heads of civil servants. They formed the Dongminghui to assist the country in admonishing the country.
The last force is a bit embarrassing, with only six or seven people. It is in stark contrast to the three forces and is somewhat lonely. The leader of this force is Li Yanlong, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, who advocates recuperation and recuperation.
No one supports them, especially the military commanders, who are unwilling to even look at them.
Often every morning, they would cause trouble for them. As soon as they spoke, the generals would scold them immediately. The Confucian officials and Dongminghui officials would not help, and they did not want to directly offend the military generals.
Not necessary unless it involves yourself.
All the officials went to court, and everyone knew that something big would happen in the morning.
"Qi Chao."
When the officials arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the eunuch guarding the door suddenly spoke, a sharp voice sounded, and the officials speeded up their pace slightly.
Change your shoes and walk into the main hall.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is extremely spacious, with eighteen pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes standing around it.
The officials stood in their respective positions, looked at the Empress of Wei on the dragon throne, and then said in unison.
"Long live my emperor, long live me."
A loud voice sounded, this is the basic process.
"Everyone loves you for your peace of mind."
The Queen's voice sounded, and the next moment all the officials stood up and shouted again.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
But the process is not over yet.
The six ministers spoke one after another and brought up the current national affairs. After the discussion was over, the basic process was considered over.
Regardless of any personal matters or other matters, the first half of the hour was spent discussing national affairs.
People come first.
Country first.
Even if you hear that so-and-so has done extremely evil things, you cannot speak directly, because these things are minor matters, personal issues, or local issues.
You can only talk about these things after the important national affairs have been discussed.
Finally, at this moment, someone among the Confucian officials spoke up.
"Your Majesty, I have this memorial."
As the voice of the Confucian official came, the expressions of all civil and military officials in the court changed, but they soon returned to normal and listened attentively.
"Xuan."
The empress's voice remained calm.
"Your Majesty, it's April 25th, Wuchang Year 1."
"An appalling incident happened in Nanyu Mansion in Changping County. Xu Qingxiao, a mad student, begged Yan Lei for extrajudicial mercy because of the suffering of his friend, but was rejected. Then he angrily rebuked Yan Lei at a banquet in the Nanyu Mansion.
Belittling the saints, such behavior has no regard for the king's laws, disrespects the emperor's power, disrespects the holy will, and is like an animal."
"He even punched and kicked the scholars at the banquet in the building, and even incited the people of Nanyu Prefecture in an attempt to create a civil uprising."
"I beseech your Majesty, for the crime of gross disrespect, send the mad student Xu Qingxiao to the border area, and then use the power of the literary palace to reduce his talents and deprive him of his fame, as a warning to others."
The person who spoke was a seventh-grade Mingyi Confucian official.
His words were so sharp that just three points were enough to make Xu Qingxiao die without a burial place.
Disrespect the imperial power! Disrespect the holy will! Incite the people!
If I were anyone else, if I was put on any hat, I'm afraid this life would be over.
It can be said that every word kills people.
And this kind of words are obviously not words that a seventh-grade Mingyi Confucian scholar can say. Behind his back, he is naturally from the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty.
But the reason for letting him come forward instead of letting the great Confucian come forward is very simple. Let an ordinary Confucian official give advice and see the emperor's attitude. If the emperor's attitude is to let them do whatever they want, then follow this.
If the emperor does not agree, then these great scholars can speak out. Otherwise, if the great scholars appear at the beginning, it will easily make the situation too tense.
The Confucian official's voice sounded.
In the main hall.
The Empress of Wei glanced at the other party, and Wan'er presented the memorial.
After receiving the memorial, the empress almost glanced at it and then slowly closed it.
Everyone in the civil and military dynasties knew about this matter, so there was no need to pretend not to know.
"I already knew about this matter yesterday."
"What do you think, dear friends?"
The Empress of Wei spoke.
Very peaceful.
There was no anger or any emotion, just asking the ministers for their opinions.
As soon as these words were said.
At that moment, among the civil servants, someone slowly walked out.
"Your Majesty, the Military Aircraft Department, Zhao Yan, has a different opinion."
The figure appeared and spoke slowly.
The empress didn't speak, just looked at the other party.
And the latter immediately spoke.
"I already knew about this matter yesterday, but I also got some other information."
"It is somewhat inconsistent with what Mr. Wang Jingwang said."
"Xu Qingxiao is not standing up for her friends, but for some innocent people."
"Furthermore, when I denounced the great Confucian, according to the news, it was the great Confucian Yan Lei who failed to be selfless and was at fault first. Of course, Xu Qingxiao was indeed arrogant and wrong. However, I believe that both sides of the matter were guilty.
fault."
"As for inciting public opinion, it is even more nonsense. It is nothing more than a misunderstanding caused by people's ignorance."
Zhao Yan from the Military Aircraft Department spoke.
He took the initiative to stand up and defend Xu Qingxiao, not to protect Xu Qingxiao, nor to like Xu Qingxiao.
The reason is very simple. He is a military attache, and he is like a Confucian official.
This is what happens in the court. After you have the power of a party, no matter whether you are right or wrong, I must impeach you for whatever you propose. It is impossible for you to say what you say, right?
Regardless of whether I am disgusted or angry with you, I cannot let you have the final say.
As soon as he said this, Wang Jing frowned a little.
"Mr. Zhao, the evidence for this matter is solid. Confucian scholars denounced great Confucian scholars. How come it is just a trivial matter in your mouth?"
He spoke, a little unhappy, but he also knew that the other person's existence was just to cause trouble for him.
This is normal, civil and military affairs are like fire and water, and they often make trouble for military attachés, which is just a habit.
"Master Wang, no matter how you say this, it is just a misunderstanding."
"Your Majesty, I feel that Xu Qingxiao is a great talent, so it would be better to give him a small punishment and a big warning, and leave it at that."
Zhao Yan opened his mouth and fought for a lighter sentence for Xu Qingxiao.
However, Wang Jing looked at the empress and continued to speak.
"Your Majesty, I think this statement is wrong. Whether Yan Ru was wrong can be discussed separately. Even if he was really wrong and there are laws to punish him, Xu Qingxiao was extremely arrogant, criticized the great Confucian, and disrespected his elders. This is unfilial."
"To scorn the saints and disrespect the holy will is unkind! To be lawless means to ignore the imperial power and disrespect the emperor. This is unfaithful. But the people are not ignorant but have been seduced by others, so it is unjust."
"These are unfaithful, unkind, unjust and unfilial people."
"It is reasonable to deprive him of his fame, reduce his talent, and exile him to the border to set an example. I hope your Majesty will learn from it."
He continued to speak, as if he would not give up until Xu Qingxiao was killed.
This is unfaithful, unkind, unrighteous and unfilial.
Xu Qingxiao could be punished for any one of the four major crimes. It was really cruel.
However, the more the Confucian officials want to kill someone, the more the military attachés want to protect it. As long as the person is not involved in a heinous crime, they will speak out. Anyway, it is definitely a good thing to put forward different opinions.
The final decision is still in the hands of the emperor. If he listens to his own opinion, that is a good thing. If it disgusts the Confucian officials, if he does not listen to his own opinion, then it doesn't matter. He has nothing to lose.
As for making enemies? We are already incompatible with each other, so why should we be afraid of making enemies?
"Your Majesty, it is unfair to send such a great talent to the border for such a trivial matter."
"Furthermore, Xu Qingxiao is the first in the new imperial examination."
"According to Mr. Wang, he is unfaithful, filial, benevolent and unjust. Is this insinuating something?"
Zhao Yan spoke, and Wang Jing's expression suddenly changed with this sentence.
"Zhao Yan, don't spit blood here. I have no intention of doing so. I just feel that Xu Qingxiao disrespects the holy will and the imperial power."
Wang Jing was immediately furious. Zhao Yan almost wanted to kill him with just one word.
Alluding to what?
Insinuating His Majesty? Saying His Majesty is fatuous? Blindly promoting an unfaithful, unfilial, benevolent and unjust person to be the first in the government examination?
He didn't accept the big hat, and he didn't dare to accept it.
Just this moment.
The empress just spoke slowly.
"Indeed, I ranked first in the imperial examination. If I am such an unfaithful, unjust, unkind and unfilial person, I'm afraid the whole world will laugh at me, right?"
The empress spoke, her tone extremely calm.
But this sentence frightened all the civil and military officials in the court to speak.
"Your Majesty, calm down."
This sentence is no joke. How could the emperor be wrong?
Even if there is a mistake, as long as it is not a big mistake, ministers can basically not say it. Of course, officials who are not afraid of death can.
After all, it is difficult to admit that the emperor was wrong.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Your Majesty, please calm down. I have no intention of doing so. I have no intention of doing so."
Wang Jing was a little frightened.
How did he know that Zhao Yan could be so sharp and force him into a dead end?
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Just at this moment.
A voice sounded, relatively loud.
"Your Majesty, Wang Jing's words have no such meaning. I believe that you chose Xu Qingxiao to be the first in the imperial examination because of his peerless writing."
"But peerless writing has nothing to do with character. Xu Qingxiao can write peerless writing, but it does not mean that he has character."
"Master Zhao has also read books, so he naturally understands this truth, right?"
The voice sounded.
He is a great scholar.
Sun Jing'an.
The Grand Bachelor of Taiwen Pavilion has a very high status, and he is also the most promising person to be promoted to a great scholar in the world within ten years.
Whether in the court or among the people, he has extremely high prestige.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Zhao Yan suddenly didn't dare to say anything nonsense.
"What Sun Daru said is absolutely true."
Zhao Yan responded and said nothing more.
It wasn't that he really didn't dare, the main reason was that even Sun Jing'an had spoken, so he naturally didn't dare to say anything.
This is a great scholar.
His status is higher than that of Yan Lei, so he has no problem dealing with Wang Jing, but when the great scholar comes out, he must retreat.
I can't say it, and I can't resist it either.
At this moment, the main hall became quiet again.
The voice of the empress continued to sound.
"Other dear friends, do you have any opinions on this matter?"
She asked again, not participating in the struggle from beginning to end, just simply asking.
But this is the art of emperors.
"The old minister has some opinions."
At this moment, an old man spoke.
Standing third among the generals is An Guogong.
The position of Duke has power over the government and the public. It is almost as if one person is under one person and over tens of thousands of people.
Compared with the great Confucians, Zhong Bo is no different.
"Your Majesty, the old minister believes that Xu Qingxiao's angrily denounced the great Confucianism is indeed disrespectful. However, scholars and Confucianism, especially the matters of their intentions, are inherently controversial. It is wrong to disrespect the superiors. It is also wrong to rely on the old and sell the old. Xu Qingxiao is more arrogant.
, it’s not considered unfilial.”
"He redressed the grievances of the people and the innocent. This matter was related to strict laws, but he was at fault. However, he should be taught earnestly, rather than dealt with by strict laws, and it is not considered disloyal."
"The grievances of the common people should be blamed on officials everywhere. Lao Chen would like to ask Sun Ru, why the common people would rather believe in Xu Qingxiao than the great Confucian? Don't say that Xu Qingxiao deceives people's hearts. What can a mere Confucian scholar do to deceive people's hearts? Is it possible?
The words of a great scholar are less useful than the words of a Confucian scholar? Is this unjust?"
"As for the theory of the Holy Will, Zhu Sheng said that he hopes that future generations will produce talents. Is it unkind to say a different intention?"
"Everything in heaven and earth goes round and round, and Zhu Sheng is not the best saint in the world. Even if a saint is alive, he still hopes to see more talented people born."
"Are Sun Ru's words and Wang Jing's words too extreme?"
In the main hall, An Guogong's voice was very calm, but he completely neutralized Sun Ru's attack and wiped Xu Qingxiao clean.
All the Confucian officials frowned. It was enough for Zhao Yan to come out to disrupt the situation. Unexpectedly, An Guogong also came out to disrupt the situation. These military attachés were really despicable.
I was just unhappy, and I couldn't show it in court. I could only wait for Sun Ru to speak.
After a while, Sun Jing'an's voice sounded again.
"I can understand what Duke An Guo said."
"But no matter what, you can't change it by contradicting the great Confucians, disrespecting the holy will, and disrespecting the imperial power."
Sun Jing'an spoke again, still focusing on these three points, and insisted on criticizing Xu Qingxiao.
However, Duke An Guo shook his head.
"Disrespecting the Holy Spirit is a bit harsh."
"Xu Qingxiao is also a scholar. If he really doesn't respect the Holy Will, how can he become a scholar? How can he write peerless articles?"
"If Mr. Sun is not happy, you can ask your Majesty to draw up an imperial edict. After he comes to the capital, he can go to the Wen Palace of Wei to burn incense for the saint, which can be regarded as rectifying himself."
"As for contradicting the great Confucian, and then asking him to apologize in person, everyone is happy. It not only retains great talents, but also turns conflicts into friendship. Isn't it wonderful?"
"Your Majesty, what do you think?"
Duke An Guo laughed.
He repeatedly offered to help Xu Qingxiao for three reasons.
First, Xu Qingxiao is a great talent. Through the news from Tianjitai, Xu Qingxiao is ordered to lead the military expedition. Maybe he can become a military attache in the future, which can be regarded as sowing good fruits.
Secondly, it seems that the emperor does not want to cause too much trouble. Of course, this is just his own conjecture.
Thirdly, it is also a good thing to be disgusted by these Confucian officials. I can still remember how many times I was angered by Confucian officials during the Northern Expedition in the past few years.
So he kept making big things smaller and smaller things smaller.
And this court battle is to bring something up, and everyone comes up with their own ideas. If you don't want to solve it, then keep talking about it until it is necessary to solve it, and then solve it.
The solution is very simple, you take a step back, I take a step back, and things will be done.
An Guogong did not completely absolve Xu Qingxiao.
As I said just now, let Xu Qingxiao go to Yan Lei to apologize, so that big things can be reduced to trivial matters.
It can be regarded as not damaging Confucianism’s face.
It's like taking a step back.
As for whether to agree or not, it depends on Sun Jing'an's intention.
The Empress of the Wei Dynasty did not speak, but just cast her eyes on Sun Jing'an.
If he has no objections, just follow this.
If he has any objections, just listen to him.
Sun Jing'an slowly shook his head.
Then he looked at the empress and said.
"Your Majesty, Duke An Guo cherishes his talents. I understand and respect him, but if an apology is useful, why do we need laws?"
"Yan Ru is already so angry that he is bedridden. If he allows Xu Qingxiao to go again, won't it make his condition worse?"
"I believe that this person needs strict treatment. It may be a bit harsh to send him to the frontier. Considering his great talent, he will be deprived of his honors and will be imprisoned for ten years."
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Sun Jing'an spoke, he thought about it, and then he retreated.
As for An Guogong's solution, if you want to do it hastily, it won't work.
Xu Qingxiao must be punished, and it is an extremely serious punishment.
Just say this.
Duke An Guo spoke up again.
"It was such a misunderstanding."
"Sun Daru, do you think it is necessary?"
"After the Northern Expedition of the Wei Dynasty, there was a shortage of talents. As long as we didn't make big mistakes, we should be able to get by."
Duke An Guo said this.
But Sun Jing'an said slowly.
"Dong An Guo has fought all his life, and I admire him. However, Duke An Guo should not interfere in the affairs of scholars. Disrespecting a saint is a big deal for us, and is not a trivial matter in the eyes of the Duke."
Sun Jing'an didn't want to continue arguing with An Guogong.
What he said was very accurate, and even had some other meanings.
The voice sounded.
Duke An Guo couldn't help but sneer.
"Above the court, it's the court's business, so what's the difference between a scholar and a scholar?"
"Your Majesty, I believe that strict laws are too cruel and are really not conducive to the development of the Wei Dynasty. I suggest that small punishments and big warnings should be given, with teaching as the mainstay and punishment as a supplement."
Anguo spoke openly.
If you don't talk nicely, then continue to argue.
Anyway, it doesn't hurt me whether I win or lose.
"Your Majesty, this matter involves the world's literati. If we are not severely punished, it will be difficult to appease the world's literati."
"I hope your Majesty will learn from this!"
"Severely punish Xu Qingxiao."
Sun Jing'an spoke directly, then knelt on the ground and bowed to the empress with a firm attitude.
The next moment, almost half of the Confucian officials came out, knelt on the ground and shouted loudly.
"I hope your Majesty will learn from this."
They all spoke together and begged the emperor for orders.
As for the half who didn't come out, it's not that they support Xu Qingxiao, but it's the rule in the court that nothing can be revealed. If they really get into trouble, at least some people can be retained.
The entire army will not be wiped out.
"Your Majesty, not all scholars in the world are Zhu Sheng's disciples. Moreover, Xu Qingxiao did not make any big mistakes. Punishing him so harshly will hurt the hearts of the scholars in the world. Today, the Wei Dynasty is thirsty for talents. In extraordinary times, we treat them extremely
.”
"I sincerely ask Your Majesty to show mercy and give me a lenient sentence."
Duke An Guo also lost his temper. After saying something, he also knelt on the ground.
Soon, most of the military attachés also knelt down and imitated the situation.
The two sides were directly at odds.
But this is the norm. Even when Emperor Wu was alive, violence between the two sides happened.
"Insulting a saint is not a big mistake in the eyes of the Duke?"
Sun Jing'an looked at An Guogong and said in a cold tone.
"The will of a saint cannot be insulted, but Xu Qingxiao is not a disciple of Saint Zhu. He is about to make his intentions clear."
"To put it bluntly, if Xu Qingxiao's clear intention is successful and it is indeed not Zhu Sheng's intention, then there will be no words to insult the saint."
"As for contradicting the great Confucians, it is even more nonsense. It is not Zhu Sheng's intention. To contradict is to contradict. Although I am not a Confucian scholar, I have read holy books. It seems that among all the books in the world, even the autobiographies of saints."
"You haven't said what the great Confucian said, so it must be right, right?"
An Guogong is also an old fox.
Find the flaw in it in an instant and give a counterattack.
After all, both parties are at fault in this matter.
Xu Qingxiao has problems, and Yan Lei also has problems.
It's just that Xu Qingxiao doesn't have the taste of a great Confucian and looks young. It's wrong to disrespect his elders.
But it is also wrong for Yan Lei to rely on his old age and sell himself off.
I told you so loudly and angrily, but you didn’t listen, right?
That's OK.
Simply put, since we are at odds over this matter, we have disliked each other for a long time.
Then just say it straight away, no need to beat around the bush.
You say Xu Qingxiao doesn’t respect saints? Doesn’t respect great Confucians?
But if Xu Qingxiao did not follow Zhu Sheng's wishes, this statement would not be valid.
Then there will be no punishment.
As soon as this statement came out.
Sun Jing'an continued to speak.
"What An Guogong said is absolutely true. If Xu Qingxiao's intention is not Zhu Sheng's, and his intention is not Zhu Sheng's, it is indeed empty talk."
"But how could Duke An know that Xu Qingxiao did not intend to establish Zhusheng?"
Sun Jing'an shot back.
As soon as he said this, An Guogong became a little silent.
But soon, An Guogong continued to speak.
"I heard that Xu Qingxiao said that it takes three days to clarify his intention. Three days is not long, so why not wait and see if Xu Qingxiao can clarify his intention."
Duke An Guo replied.
But Sun Jing'an shook his head and said.
"He has just been promoted to the eighth rank. He has three days of clarity. It is impossible. It is just nonsense."
Sun Jing'an said this.
I don’t think Xu Qingxiao can do it.
"What if?"
"Is there anything impossible in this world? Isn't Sun Daru a little too conceited?"
Duke An Guo said calmly.
"You are already messing around and I won't tell you."
Sun Jing'an didn't want to talk to Duke An, but looked at the empress and said.
"Your Majesty, Xu Qingxiao's evil is extremely vicious. If he is not severely punished, all scholars in the world will not accept it."
"Your Majesty, please punish me severely."
Sun Jing'an still demanded that Xu Qingxiao be severely punished.
Be severely punished no matter what.
"Your Majesty, I don't agree with this. As I said just now, this matter is just a misunderstanding. To say the least, it's really not a misunderstanding. So what?"
"His promise to Qingxiao is not what Zhu Sheng meant. All the previous mistakes are not considered big mistakes."
"I suggest that we give Xu Qingxiao three days to see if he can make his mind clear. If he can make his mind clear in three days, the matter will be over."
"If it's not possible, we'll discuss it later. It's not impossible."
Duke An Guo said this and looked at the empress.
The forces of both sides are completely at odds.
But in the end, it still depends on the emperor's decision.
"allow!"
quite a while.
The Queen's voice sounded.
Just one word decided the matter.
"Your Majesty, you can't. This matter concerns the world's intellectuals and the power of the saints."
"I hope your Majesty will think twice. If Xu Qingxiao is not severely punished, how can I face the world's scholars? Face Zhu Sheng's disciples?"
"If this is the case, it is better to retire and return home to avoid being ridiculed by the world's literati."
Sun Jing'an spoke.
At this point, he directly enlarged his moves.
Force the emperor to resign and return home.
This is also what all Confucian officials like to do since ancient times.
"presumptuous."
Now.
The voice of the empress sounded.
With these two simple words, all civil and military officials in the court knelt down, not daring to say a word.
Sun Jing'an is too radical.
It's really a bit radical to threaten the emperor with this.
"His Majesty!"
"My lord, I am doing this for the world's intellectuals and for the Wei Dynasty. If anyone insults the saint, he will not be punished."
"The rituals and music are broken!"
Sun Jing'an said loudly.
He was determined to punish Xu Qingxiao severely.
The main hall is quiet.
The officials were silent.
The empress was silent.
At this time, Xu Qingxiao's An Guo policy came to her mind.
"Within three days, let's see if Xu Qingxiao can understand."
"If the intention can be made clear, as An Guogong said, Xu Qingxiao is not Zhu Sheng's intention, and the matter ends here!"
"If after the intention is made clear, it is the intention of Zhu Sheng, then it is an insult to the saint and shall be dealt with according to law."
"If you can't make it clear, we'll make a decision again after three days."
"Retreat from the court."
The empress opened her mouth, and her words were simply horrifying.
Sun Jing'an wanted to say something more, but he also realized that when His Majesty opened his mouth, he could not force anything.
"Long live my emperor, long live me."
The officials shouted loudly, then stood up and retreated.
This fight had no result, but everyone knew that huge pressure fell on Xu Qingxiao. Duke An Guo had done a lot for Xu Qingxiao, but could he really help Xu Qingxiao?
It still depends on whether Xu Qingxiao can succeed in her intention.
At this moment, when the officials were about to leave the palace gate, the Queen's voice slowly sounded again.
"If Xu Qingxiao Ming's intention is not Zhu Sheng's intention, Sun Aiqing can indeed consider resigning and returning home."
The voice sounded.
The officials were stunned, and the faces of all the Confucian officials changed.