Chapter 421: Demolition Squad Captain—Zhu Youxiao

Because of Zhu Youxiao's indulgence, news from the court could hardly be kept secret.

Hearing that His Majesty was going to build houses for everyone, the court was excited all at once, and these past days had been spent discussing the matter. This made the whole Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere livelier, and everyone was very pleased.

However, whispers also circulated about where the houses would be built. After all, land in the capital was tight—since houses were to be built, it would certainly require large-scale use of land. It wouldn't be easy to manage inside the city.

Some said the houses would be built outside the capital walls.

The moment this news came out, many people were deeply troubled. Building houses outside the capital meant having to enter the city every day to report to the yamen—how early would one have to rise? How far would one have to travel? That simply wouldn't do.

Others said the houses would be built in the northwest corner of the palace, with His Majesty setting aside a plot of land.

But that was also improper—that area was the imperial gardens, His Majesty's own property. How could a corner be carved out of it?

Still others said all the academies should be moved out of the city, and houses built on the original academy grounds.

This proposal won quite a few people's approval, since it was the only one that sounded plausible.

Amidst such public discussion, the capital welcomed another major event—the Southern Branch of the Kong family entered the city, meaning the new Duke Yansheng had arrived.

In an instant, the capital was astir, and countless scholars began rushing toward the city gates, preparing to welcome the new Duke Yansheng.

It was said that the new Duke Yansheng was also the head of the Imperial Academy, which gave scholars across the realm a sense of reassurance.

Although the Kong family held no real power, they carried such prestige—their symbolic significance was simply too pronounced.

His Majesty's willingness to employ the Duke Yansheng represented a certain political inclination on His Majesty's part. That was enough for the scholars.

When Kong Shangqian arrived at the capital, he hadn't expected so many people to come welcome him.

Gazing at the sea of heads before him, Kong Shangqian felt his heart stir with excitement.

After all, this trip to Beijing was a gamble of everything—he had sold off all his family's farmland and property. Those were estates accumulated over several generations of his clan, a fortune amassed over centuries, and now it was all gone. But there was no choice—when His Majesty orders you to sell, you must sell.

Along the entire journey, Kong Shangqian had worried about how his family would survive once they reached the capital. Rely on an official salary? Wouldn't they starve to death?

After worrying the whole way, seeing so many scholars come to welcome him put Kong Shangqian's mind at ease considerably.

With so many people coming to greet his family upon arrival, it seemed he had underestimated what the title of Duke Yansheng could bring. With these things, his family should be able to live well.

The procession moved very slowly, with Shuntian Prefecture personnel merely maintaining order. Clearly, the court intended to publicize the Duke Yansheng's entry into the capital.

As the procession passed through, the capital grew considerably livelier.

The Ministry of Rites also dispatched officials to receive him. Arrangements for settling the Kong family had long been prepared.

As for Kong Shangqian himself, he was to enter the palace to meet His Majesty.

Walking into the palace, Kong Shangqian remained deep in thought, cautious and careful.

After all, his family was not the Shandong Kong clan—they held great reverence for the imperial house. The current His Majesty had even disposed of the Shandong Kong family, so what chance would his own family have?

Stepping inside, Kong Shangqian kept his eyes straight ahead, his bearing proper and composed.

Seeing the Duke Yansheng arrive, a plump, fair-skinned eunuch came forward with a brilliant smile, clasped his hands toward Kong Shangqian, and said with a laugh: "I am Chen Hong, sent by His Majesty's decree to welcome the Duke Yansheng."

"I am indebted to your kindness, Eunuch." Kong Shangqian hurriedly replied.

Though he had no foundation in the capital, the status of Duke Yansheng stood for itself, and Kong Shangqian was no fool—before entering the capital, he had already sent people ahead.

These people were to prepare the way on one hand, and on the other, to build connections and gather intelligence.

Kong Shangqian already had dossiers on many of the court's high officials—Chen Hong before him, for instance, could be called the eunuch most favored by the current His Majesty.

A brush-holder in the Directorate of Ceremonial, he attended His Majesty personally at all times. Such a figure was not someone Kong Shangqian, a newly arrived Duke Yansheng, could afford to offend.

So Kong Shangqian was very courteous, and even took out a jade pendant to press into Chen Hong's hand, saying with a smile: "A trinket I picked up on the road—do keep it for amusement, Eunuch Chen."

This was no casually acquired item—it was something fine.

The Kong family's centuries of accumulated wealth naturally included many fine things. They might not have had much silver, but they had no shortage of various treasures.

The one given to Chen Hong was an exquisite jade pendant—warm to the touch, smooth in texture, and one could tell at a glance it was an old piece with years behind it.

Chen Hong promptly returned the pendant to Kong Shangqian, saying with a smile: "I dare not accept gifts from the Duke Yansheng. Serving at His Majesty's side requires knowing one's bounds—I cannot accept things carelessly."

This left Kong Shangqian stunned. Was this really a eunuch?

Everyone knew that palace eunuchs were notoriously greedy for money. Even if you didn't offer gifts, they might openly extort you. Now this one was refusing something handed to him—had the world changed?

Chen Hong wasn't about to explain himself to Kong Shangqian. He merely smiled and made a gesture of invitation, saying: "The Duke Yansheng should come along now—His Majesty is still waiting in the palace."

"I am indebted to you, Eunuch Chen!" Kong Shangqian said hurriedly.

The two walked in one after the other, and soon saw Zhu Youxiao in the great hall.

After performing the grand ceremonial kowtow, Kong Shangqian knelt silently, waiting for Zhu Youxiao to receive him.

Truth be told, this was Kong Shangqian's first time seeing this young emperor, and his heart was filled with fear.

His Majesty's reputation was simply too great, and there were many rumors about him outside. Though much of it was unreliable, one thing was certain—the emperor before him had strong convictions and acted with great decisiveness.

He very much hoped to leave a good impression on His Majesty during this visit.

Zhu Youxiao turned his head, glanced at Kong Shangqian, and broke into a brilliant smile, saying: "Duke Yansheng, no need for such formalities."

Hearing this, Kong Shangqian quickly rose to his feet.

Once Kong Shangqian stood up, Zhu Youxiao looked him over from head to toe.

Speaking of appearance, Kong Shangqian was rather handsome—a scholarly visage that matched people's ideal of a learned man. His features were well-proportioned, his gaze clear, a beard spreading across his chest, and the whole man radiated an air of righteousness.

Nodding lightly, Zhu Youxiao said: "The Southern Branch of the Kong family—I have always held deep admiration for your line. Had the barbarians not seized the realm back then, the title of Duke Yansheng would have belonged to your family. Now it can be said that proper order has been restored. Now that you have the title, do well—do not disappoint me."

Hearing His Majesty's words, Kong Shangqian felt somewhat comforted, and even moved.

How many people could understand the grievances his family had endured all these years?

To receive this one sentence from His Majesty was enough.

From now on, his family would be the ones in charge—no one could question that.

In this way, good days were ahead for his family.

Kong Shangqian said: "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace. From this day forward, your servant will devote himself wholeheartedly and will never disappoint Your Majesty's expectations."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said: "No need for such words. Come, step forward."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's summons, Kong Shangqian quickly advanced a few steps, coming directly before Zhu Youxiao, though he stopped more than a dozen paces away.

He could not advance any further—to do so would violate the bounds of a subject's duty.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Kong Shangqian but said nothing.

"Do you see this map?" Zhu Youxiao pointed at the map before him and said to Kong Shangqian with a smile: "Here, I plan to build a new city. In this spot will stand a brand-new Confucian Temple, and beside the temple will be the Duke Yansheng's Mansion."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, a look of shock appeared on Kong Shangqian's face.

Because the area His Majesty had marked out was truly not small at all.

That the Confucian Temple would be built on a grand scale—this Kong Shangqian could understand.

But the Duke Yansheng's Mansion beside it, judging from the scope His Majesty had drawn, was no small matter either.

His Majesty intended to build him a great mansion?!

Kong Shangqian's heart immediately stirred with excitement, yet some hesitation also crept in—His Majesty treating him so well, surely this could not bode entirely well, could it?

As the saying goes, one does not accept rewards without merit. If His Majesty treated him so generously, then the task he was being given was likely no easy one.

But this was the Emperor's favor—not only must one accept it, one must accept it with great joy.

Zhu Youxiao did not look at Kong Shangqian but continued: "To the east of the Confucian Temple, I will build an academy. This academy will be the largest academy in the Great Ming today."

"Aside from that, this side will be the academy for sons of the imperial clan, and beside it a military academy. As for this other side, another academy will also be newly built."

"Once this new city is completed, it will become the cultural and educational center of the Great Ming. The Duke Yansheng governs all the academies under heaven—how heavy that responsibility is, I need not elaborate. In time, you will understand, my dear minister."

"I am entrusting this matter to you, and I hope you will not disappoint my expectations."

Kong Shangqian was already stunned by Zhu Youxiao's plan.

So His Majesty intended to undertake something this grand? How much manpower and material resources would this require? How much money?

Truly a magnificent stroke!

Kong Shangqian hastily said: "Rest assured, Your Majesty—your servant will devote himself wholeheartedly to the task!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said: "That would be for the best. After your family arrived in the capital, a residence has already been arranged for you. Though it is not very large, it should be sufficient. Stay there for now. Once the Duke Yansheng's Mansion is completed, you can move in then—there is no rush."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Kong Shangqian promptly assented.

"Very well, there is nothing more here. You may withdraw. When you return, settle your household properly. If there is anything you need, you may raise it—I will resolve every matter for you one by one." Zhu Youxiao looked at Kong Shangqian, speaking in a gentle tone with a radiant smile.

Zhu Youxiao held Kong Shangqian in considerable regard—this was a man he would need to employ heavily in the period ahead.

The academy reforms were being implemented, and many problems had surfaced across the various regions; even routine memorials of impeachment were not few.

Among these, covert bribery and land encroachment were common occurrences; collusion between officials and merchants for hidden profit was also frequent; there were even officials and scholars secretly reaching toward the Imperial Academy, covertly forming factions and cliques in an attempt to preserve the old academy system.

Such matters had always existed, and Zhu Youxiao had always received secret reports of them—yet he had not acted.

The reason was simple: Zhu Youxiao was waiting for this matter to be completed. Only after the academy reforms were finished would it be time for him to make his move. Setting aside the later reckoning, adjusting the direction of policy would still require Kong Shangqian.

Now that Kong Shangqian had entered the capital, Zhu Youxiao's next step could be placed on the agenda.

Turning to look at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said: "Wasn't Bi Maokang requesting an audience a few days ago?"

This man who actually controlled the Great Ming Bureau of Crafts was fairly well-known at court, though he was still far from holding high position and great power.

But in Zhu Youxiao's heart, Bi Maokang was a talent he truly valued greatly. So when Bi Maokang had requested an audience, Zhu Youxiao had learned of it at once.

However, these past two days had been somewhat inconvenient. Upon learning that there was nothing particularly urgent, Zhu Youxiao had not received Bi Maokang.

But this time was different—Kong Shangqian had entered the capital, Zhu Youxiao's new city plan could now be scheduled, and it was time to see Bi Maokang.

Zhu Youxiao said: "Make the arrangements—I'll see him tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong promptly replied with deference.

As Kong Shangqian entered the palace to meet Zhu Youxiao, word of the new city spread abroad.

In an instant, the entire capital was abuzz with discussion—everyone was talking about this matter.

The scholars felt this was a grand occasion. A sacred site of Great Ming culture and education—who would not wish to witness such a place?

His Majesty's current devotion to promoting culture and education was truly unprecedented in ancient and modern times alike.

Those who opposed the academy reforms, those who had been jumping about in disruption during the reforms—they were truly harboring sinister intentions, and such people ought to be seized and beaten to death.

Such an environment of public opinion quickly took shape, mainly because there was no small number of paid internet trolls jumping up and down in the mix. These trolls were, naturally, people arranged by Zhu Youxiao.

These trolls' days could be described as fish in water—unlike the trolls of later generations. The trolls of later ages still had to brawl with others, but at this time they did not need to fight with anyone at all.

If anyone's words were particularly fierce, or if they committed some excessive act—apologies, but it was a one-day trip to the Eastern Depot.

Once taken in, if one could explain oneself clearly, all was well; if one could not explain clearly, then one would be punished—and if things went badly, one might even shed a layer of skin.

Under such circumstances, the trolls quickly seized control of the high ground, and the direction of public opinion shifted accordingly.

Two prongs advancing together, both hands gripping—both hands must be firm.

But more than these people, the nobles and the merchants had set their eyes on the land of the new city.

To put it plainly, that place would be an excellent spot for making one's fortune. Setting aside everything else, the academy students and the scholars converging there from all corners of the realm—they were all wealthy people.

The new city would inevitably be an excellent place for doing business.