Even landlords like Zheng Yuanjin have seen it, but those "righteous" literati officials are still unaware of it. They think that their absence from the court is a loss to the court and that the emperor is incompetent and has been deceived. Do they have any shame?

Zheng Shaokang suddenly remembered something and asked, "Father, my uncle wants to open a weaving workshop and sell the cotton cloth he weaves to sea merchants. I originally thought I could invest in it, but the situation is unclear now. Is it possible..."

Zheng Yuanjin stroked his beard and pondered for a long moment before saying, "Opening a workshop shouldn't be a problem. Judging from the newspaper reports, the Emperor is pleased with it. With insufficient farmland, finding a way for the refugees to make a living is a good thing."

Zheng Shaokang thought for a moment and said, "Then let's do as my uncle said. Our family will provide half of the funds."

Zheng Yuanjin nodded slightly and said thoughtfully, "Let me think about it carefully. This workshop may be an opportunity for our Zheng family to rise to prominence."

……………………

"Integrity-minded censors were repeatedly suppressed, upright officials were frequently dismissed, the imperial guards were rampant, and the court was filled with profit-seeking and flattering villains..."

Wu Changshi blinked his eyes and looked at the passionate Zhang Pu in a daze.

Zhang Pu, whose courtesy name was Tianru and pseudonym was Ximing, was a native of Taicang Prefecture, Suzhou Prefecture, South Zhili. He was studious since childhood and was known as a child prodigy.

In history, he was the founder of the famous Fushe Society. The Fushe Society's influence shook the government and the country, and was known as "a gathering of the Spring and Autumn Period, with the streets filled with well-dressed people" and "everyone in the city who went out to see it was unaware of the Fushe Society."

Moreover, the Fushe should be the continuation of the Donglin Party, whose influence extends to provinces in the north and south, and is a very prestigious organization.

Only after Zhang Pu finished speaking did he roll his eyes, showing neither much excitement nor anger, and ask weakly, "You said you wanted to form a society to comment on current affairs?"

"Indeed!" Zhang Pu replied, "The name is Yingshe, which means taking the imperial examination. Usually, we meet friends through literature and also discuss current affairs."

Seeing Wu Changshi still didn't react much, Zhang Pu continued, "I have already contacted Zhang Cai, Yang Yi, Gu Menglin, Zhu Wei and others. If Brother Wu joins, it will be even more talented."

Wu Changshi gave a wry smile and said, "It's probably inappropriate to comment on current affairs. Even Mr. Donglin has retired to seclusion. We..."

In the Li Sancai corruption case, the emperor slapped the faces of a group of upright gentlemen, and did not show any care for Gu Xiancheng, who was famous throughout the court and the country. Instead, he was even more cruel.

Gu Xiancheng was also criticized for his unconventional behavior, and his reputation was greatly damaged. He was also a respectable person, living in seclusion and writing books, and no longer gave public lectures.

The officials and gentry who originally sponsored the Donglin Academy also noticed the direction of the court. Who would dare to risk angering the court?

Zhang Pu interrupted Wu Changshi and said generously, "Brother Wu, there's no need to belittle yourself. I'm not talented, but you, Zhang Cai, Yang Yi, Gu Menglin, and others are all famous scholars in the county. Wouldn't it be easy for you to gain prestige?"

Wu Changshi knew that Zhang Pu was being modest. In terms of reputation, Zhang Pu was as famous as his fellow townsman Zhang Cai, and they were collectively known as the "Two Zhangs of Loudong". Zhang Pu was much better than him.

But he had been frightened and became extremely cautious. He didn't care about the Imperial Examination Society or the Imperial Examination Reexamination Society. He stayed away from anyone who commented on current affairs or sang against the emperor.

Zhang Pu still didn't know what crimes those people who were beheaded in the capital had committed. The scope of their false rumors was very large, and he didn't know much about what was going on behind the scenes.

Wu Changshi was unwilling to say more. He took out a recent newspaper and pointed it at Zhang Pu. "Brother Zhang, the court's attitude towards students is worrying. It is extremely inappropriate to form an association at this time. In my opinion, we should wait for a while and see which way the wind blows."

A look of contempt flashed across Zhang Pu's face. He didn't expect Wu Changshi to become so timid and completely lose his former generosity and arrogance.

Wu Changshi was still talking to himself, "You see, the more decadent the customs are, the more powerful the men who can make noises in the crowd, the young men who can roll up the hall, and the hermits who can scold others, the higher officials will fear them and treat them like spoiled children."

"Also, gathering people to advocate for their opinions is good, but being biased and inciting others to form a group is a bad habit..."

Zhang Pu rolled his eyes, listened patiently, and said indifferently, "Since Brother Wu has such concerns, I will not force you. I have friends to visit, so I will take my leave now and not bother you any more."

Wu Changshi hurriedly said, "Since you have something to do, please go ahead, Brother Zhang. I will not keep you here any longer."

Distinguished guest? Distinguished guest, you're so precious.

Zhang Pu left Wu's house, looked back, spat fiercely, and then left.

……………………