Chapter 413: Stripping Scholarly Titles

This question was truly difficult to answer. The key issue was that this affair had blown up far too big, and if handled poorly, it could implicate them all.

Who knew whether those people were pulling strings behind the scenes? His Majesty was probably suspicious too. Among those present, the only one who could extricate himself cleanly was probably Xu Guangqi.

Xu Guangqi's own position differed from Han Kuang and the others from the start, and he wasn't a member of the Donglin Faction. On the contrary, he was the most steadfast man at His Majesty's side, so His Majesty would surely trust him.

The most worried man present was Han Kuang, after all, he came from a Donglin background.

But this affair was fraught with strangeness at every turn. How things would ultimately play out, no one could say, and for the moment there was no good solution.

Yet since His Majesty had asked, they couldn't very well stay silent. Han Kuang and the others all sank into thought.

Xu Guangqi glanced at Han Kuang and the other man, knowing that neither of them would likely speak up.

So Xu Guangqi said, "Your Majesty, this matter may require careful deliberation. Though these men have gone too far and committed grave crimes, and indeed deserve harsh punishment, the public outcry outside is now so fierce that it truly is difficult to handle."

In his heart, Xu Guangqi was actually quite worried, afraid that His Majesty would resort to mass slaughter.

Xu Guangqi still had some understanding of His Majesty's character.

Decisive and resolute, clear in his thinking, and able to actively accept others' advice — these were all virtues of the current His Majesty.

But His Majesty was young, prone to acting impulsively, and showed no mercy when killing. This was what worried Xu Guangqi most.

Once contradictions were inflamed, matters would only become harder to handle.

For the Great Ming to grow wealthy and strong in arms, it needed the support of many people. It wasn't as simple as killing off all who opposed. If everyone were killed off, alienating hearts and minds, then when real trouble came, there would be no one left to use.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Xu Guangqi and said with a smile, "I am angry, true, but I haven't reached the point of drawing blades."

"My dear minister, there's no need to speak in circles. Today, only we sovereign and subjects are here. You are all my most trusted ministers — speak freely without worry; I trust nothing will leak out."

As he said this, Zhu Youxiao was looking at Han Kuang.

That single glance alone made Han Kuang's heart quail.

Xu Guangqi nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be handled with appeasement. Of course, the most important thing isn't the people before us. Those who opposed the Academy reform can be severely punished."

"The urgent task is to build confidence, to give those who support the Academy reform a sense of security."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "My dear minister speaks sensibly. But how does my minister think we can give them confidence?"

Hearing this, Xu Guangqi breathed a sigh of relief, raised his head to look at Zhu Youxiao, and said directly, "Your Majesty, I believe we should confer ennoblement upon the Kong family."

After Xu Guangqi's words fell, the room fell silent at once, even the sound of breathing grew noticeably softer.

Since returning from Shandong, countless people had raised the matter of ennobling the Kong family. Everyone hoped His Majesty would re-confer the title upon the Kong family.

This matter had never succeeded, mainly because His Majesty opposed it. On this issue, His Majesty's attitude was extremely firm — clearly, what the Kong family had done before had provoked His Majesty's intense disgust.

To bring up the Kong family at a time like this — was he afraid His Majesty wouldn't get angry?

Han Kuang looked at Xu Guangqi, feeling that Xu Guangqi must have taken the wrong medicine.

Those people were raising such a ruckus right now, and at this moment he wanted His Majesty to ennoble the Kong family? What was he thinking?

"Your Majesty, I believe we should not only ennoble the Kong family — ideally, we should have them preside over the Academy reform. In this way, it would be perfectly legitimate, and the scholars of the realm would have no rebellious sentiments. Should anyone cause trouble, others would naturally condemn them."

Zhu Youxiao looked at Xu Guangqi, who was speaking with such eloquence, and sighed inwardly.

In fact, this was Zhu Youxiao's own idea — he had already considered ennobling the Kong family. He simply didn't want to use this move unless absolutely necessary.

This was Zhu Youxiao's Plan B. He wanted to test whether he could manage without Confucius.

But the current situation was that those scholars were indeed causing trouble.

Without a leader, everything descends into chaos.

If Zhu Youxiao ennobled the Kong family, this problem would resolve itself. After all, those scholars couldn't very well deny being disciples of the Kong family, could they?

With imperial authority and the Kong family pressing down, no one would dare leap out; if anyone did leap out anyway, they would be unwelcome to the imperial house and unwelcome to the Kong family alike.

Of course, that was just one way of putting it. In truth, it merely gave those who surrendered a justification.

Why was it that after every dynasty's founding rebellion, the first family ennobled was always the Kong family? Even the Qing dynasty was no exception?

The reason was simple: the Kong family was the ancestral tablet of the literati.

As long as the Kong family chose to surrender, others would naturally have no psychological barrier to surrendering as well.

The Sage's household had already submitted; we disciples of the Sage naturally should follow.

Everyone thought this way — it served as a fig leaf.

So as long as Zhu Youxiao ennobled the Kong family and had them support the Academy reform, many problems would resolve themselves.

The scholars' worry that the Academy would not teach the way of the Sage would naturally be laid to rest. With the Kong family's people coming to the Academy, what else could the Academy possibly teach?

Zhu Youxiao looked at Xu Guangqi and said, "I hope these people will not disappoint my dear minister's earnest efforts."

The meaning of these words was quite clear: I agree to this matter, but the reason I agree is to give face to you, Xu Guangqi.

When these words came out, Han Kuang on the side felt a twinge of jealousy. His Majesty truly showered exceptional favor and trust upon this Lord Xu Guangqi.

"Let the Grand Secretariat draft the edict," Zhu Youxiao said. "Confer upon the current head of the Southern Branch of the Kong family the title of Duke Yansheng. He is to come to the capital immediately and serve as the headmaster of the Imperial Academy, presiding over the affairs of the Academy reform."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Hearing these words, Xu Guangqi was overjoyed.

This was a good thing for Xu Guangqi — with this merit of recommendation, the Kong family would surely grow closer to him.

Moreover, since the Kong family would now preside over the Academy reform, they would hold great sway in the Imperial Academy in the future. For Xu Guangqi to align himself with the Kong family was, in effect, a knife cut at Han Kuang.

Sure enough, Han Kuang's expression on the side turned somewhat ugly.

But at this moment, Han Kuang had no way to object. If he opposed this matter, word would get out and he would have no face to face the scholars of the realm.

"Then let it be done this way." After Zhu Youxiao said this, he continued, "As for those scholars causing trouble, don't have Wei Zhongxian interrogate them — deal with them directly."

"Opposing the Academy reform, gathering crowds to cause disturbances, assaulting court officials — these charges are all grave. Don't bother with other charges; directly strip them of their scholarly titles. Those without scholarly titles are forbidden from participating in the imperial examinations and barred from office for life." Zhu Youxiao said in a deep voice.

When these words came out, Han Kuang and the others were all startled.

This punishment could be said to be extremely severe — it directly cut off these men's official careers. They could never participate in the imperial examinations again in their lives, let alone hold office. For scholars, this was a death sentence.

But Han Kuang and the others could all see that His Majesty was in a very bad mood right now. Because of the Kong family matter, His Majesty had been forced into agreement.

Everyone knew in their hearts that they could not quibble over other matters now. The several men said no more and directly accepted this matter.

"Alright, you may go." Zhu Youxiao shook his head, rose to his feet, and walked toward the rear.

"Your servants respectfully see off Your Majesty." Han Kuang and the other two said hurriedly.

Only after Zhu Youxiao had left did Han Kuang and the other two finally let out a breath of relief, then rose and walked out.

After a few steps, Han Kuang said: "Grand Secretary Xu really has a way with things. That this matter could be resolved so well is all thanks to Grand Secretary Xu."

Xu Guangqi looked at Han Kuang and said with a smile: "Merely doing my utmost for the court."

Having said this, Xu Guangqi strode off.

Watching Xu Guangqi's departing figure, Han Kuang's expression turned grave.

This matter was going to be troublesome.

So Han Kuang said: "Spread the news. Let all who ought to know be informed."

Huang Kezuan nodded and said: "Rest assured, they will know soon enough."

In fact, the news did indeed spread quickly.

By the time Han Kuang and the others returned to the Grand Secretariat, the news had already gone out.

The court's handling of stripping those scholars of their examination status made many people shudder with fear and frightened quite a number of them. In their hearts they sighed with relief that they themselves hadn't gone.

Of course, this was also news that brought both joy and worry.

Your Majesty's enfeoffment of the Kong family was good news for everyone. This matter could finally be put to rest; the Kong family taking charge of the Imperial Academy was even more what everyone had hoped for.

The person happiest to hear this news was naturally Cui Chengxiu.

For Cui Chengxiu, the matter of reforming the Imperial Academy had finally been settled. The court's method of handling it also pointed him in a clear direction — if anyone dared to cause trouble again in the future, it would all be dealt with according to this precedent.

At the same time, the matter of the Shoushan Academy was also resolved. Your Majesty had already enfeoffed the Kong family, so Zhong Yuzheng naturally knew what he should do.

Without the slightest hesitation, Cui Chengxiu went straight to the Shoushan Academy.

By the time Cui Chengxiu arrived at the Shoushan Academy, the atmosphere there had indeed lightened considerably.

Wang Linsheng smiled and welcomed Cui Chengxiu inside.

Cui Chengxiu already knew of Wang Linsheng's identity. He asked: "Wang Linsheng, nothing has gone wrong here, has it? If you have any news, you may tell me, and in the future I will surely reward you handsomely."

Upon hearing this, Wang Linsheng said with a smile: "Nothing. All is going smoothly. Magistrate Cui, please look after us in the future. Once the academy reform is complete, we shall become students of the academy. Studying diligently here, one day we will set foot in officialdom, and when that time comes, Magistrate Cui must remember me."

Someone like Wang Linsheng, Cui Chengxiu could befriend, but he would never take him into his inner circle.

Cui Chengxiu was after all someone from the palace, and he knew that Wang Linsheng's purpose in entering the Shoushan Academy was certainly not to study any books — he was most likely here as a spy.

This made Cui Chengxiu somewhat nervous, wondering whether there were others like him around. Everything he did was probably within the palace's grasp.

It seemed he would need to be doubly careful from now on; otherwise, if any slip occurred, it could not be remedied.

Cui Chengxiu said with a smile: "Rest assured, if that day truly comes, this official will certainly take good care of you."

"Then I thank Magistrate Cui in advance." Wang Linsheng said with a smile.

Chatting and laughing together, the two walked into the Shoushan Academy.

Zhong Yuzheng had already received the news and was waiting here together with Ruan Dacheng.

Upon seeing Cui Chengxiu, Zhong Yuzheng wasted no words. After a few pleasantries, he took out the routine memorial and said directly: "Magistrate Cui, I already know of Your Majesty's enfeoffment of the Kong family. With that, naturally there are no more taboos. This is the routine memorial from the Shoushan Academy requesting reform. I ask Magistrate Cui to present it to Your Majesty on our behalf."

Cui Chengxiu took the routine memorial with a smile and said: "That would be excellent. You are so understanding of the greater good. You may serve as a model for all scholars under heaven. I believe Your Majesty will surely have rewards for you."

"All I seek is a clear conscience." Zhong Yuzheng said with a solemn expression: "Merely fighting for a quiet desk for the scholars of the world — it does not deserve Your Majesty's reward."

"Promoting by merit alone — that too is Your Majesty's way of employing people." Cui Chengxiu said with a smile: "This Shoushan Academy has consumed all of your efforts. Cui will recommend you before Your Majesty, to make you the headmaster of the Shoushan Academy. I hope you will cultivate many talents for the nation."

"Rest assured, Magistrate Cui, I know what to do." Zhong Yuzheng said.

Slowly nodding, Cui Chengxiu glanced at Ruan Dacheng and said: "As for Ruan Dacheng, I will petition Your Majesty regarding your contributions, to have you serve at my side and participate in this academy reform. Once all the academy reforms are complete, I believe your prospects will also be boundless."

"Many thanks to Magistrate Cui for your patronage." Ruan Dacheng hurriedly bowed and said.

"Then let it be so for now." Cui Chengxiu nodded, turned, and walked out.

After stepping out the door, he finally let out a breath of relief.

Glancing at the routine memorial in his hand, Cui Chengxiu nodded with satisfaction.

The matter was finally complete.

In the following days, the reform of the academies in the capital progressed rapidly.

Of course, not every academy had the qualification to be reformed — only a few of the larger academies had such qualifications.

Aside from the original Imperial Academy, the capital reformed three more, making a total of four Imperial Academies! From then on, they could also be called the Four Great Academies of the capital to the outside world.

After completing the academy reform in the capital, it naturally needed to spread outward. The reform of academies throughout the realm then unfolded with great vigor. In the localities, there was not as much need for caution as in the capital.

Within the palace, Zhu Youxiao looked at Chen Hong, listening to his continuous reports.

The expression on Zhu Youxiao's face never changed from beginning to end.

In the capital, Cui Chengxiu and the others still had some scruples. Once they went down to the localities, it could be said they had no scruples at all, and their actions became even more unbridled.

Those who agreed to the academy reform would be reformed; those who did not agree would simply be shut down, after which they would go find the owner of the land deed and have him hand over that deed.

On the surface, they said they would buy it at a fair price, but in reality, who would dare to actually let them pay?

If that money were taken home, it would truly be a hot potato.

Those owners of the land were also very sensible, obediently donating the money to show their support for the construction of the Imperial Academies.