As for some disturbances outside the palace, the court can pay attention to them if they want to; if they don’t want to pay attention to them, there is no need to pay any attention to them at all.

But it was because of Cui Chengxiu's stirring up trouble in the court that things became like this.

However, many people also know that this is actually what His Majesty meant.

This time, standing against Cui Chengxiu, the one he opposed was not only him, but His Majesty. The goal was not to get rid of Cui Chengxiu, but to make His Majesty change his mind.

So many people are waiting, and many people are making preparations.

"Your Majesty, I think this matter should be severely punished. Anyone who gives lectures privately will not be allowed; anyone who establishes an academy privately will be arrested and punished; all the existing academies in the world will be destroyed." Cui Chengxiu said in a resounding voice.

"Academies of lectures are the source of chaos. Why did the Song Dynasty fall? It was because of lectures!"

"Many people, with ill intentions, spread heretical doctrines through lectures; many more, through the establishment of academies, formed cliques and factions, and pursued their own interests, not only tyrannizing the local areas but also stirring up trouble in the court."

"These people appear to be righteous and moral, but they are actually thieves and prostitutes. At the same time, they abuse their power in the court. What they do is of no benefit to the country or the people, but only to themselves!" Cui Chengxiu spoke louder and louder, and became more and more excited.

"To put an end to this kind of thing, I believe we should cut it off at the root. Therefore, I believe we should strictly prohibit teaching and the establishment of academies. Only in this way can we achieve peace and order in the world! Let the people of the world do their jobs and maintain peace of mind!"

Zhu Youxiao looked at Cui Chengxiu, and this guy pointed the finger at the Donglin Party as he spoke.

On the surface, it seems that he is doing it for the country and for justice, but in fact, Cui Chengxiu is just eliminating dissidents and wants to step on everyone.

After Cui Chengxiu finished speaking, someone stood up next to him. It was Gao Panlong.

"Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate. Since ancient times, the spirit of teaching has been prevalent. Confucius once taught and had countless disciples. Today, the world is flourishing with learning. Isn't it also cultivating countless scholars for the Ming Dynasty? Where do Ming officials come from? Aren't they from among the scholars?"

"Wouldn't this be stifling the world's scholars? This would cause the court to lose the hearts of its scholars. Such behavior is profoundly inappropriate and unwise! I believe it is absolutely inappropriate!"

"As for those who teach and promote heretical doctrines, if we discover a case, we should punish it. How can we throw the baby out with the bathwater?"

"A few days ago, Chen Kedao lectured throughout the capital, spreading his heretical doctrines. This angered the scholars, and the capital was packed with them, nearly causing trouble. I believe this is a classic example. Severely punishing Chen Kedao will set an example for the world, and naturally no one will dare to do such a thing again."

"As for those who run rampant in the village, forming cliques and pursuing their own interests, they need education even more. Only by studying can one gain understanding, and understanding can save trouble. Far from stopping lectures and academies, we should support them even more."

"Therefore, I believe that severely punishing Chen Kedao, setting an example for the world and a warning to future generations, and at the same time encouraging scholars throughout the world to lecture and establish academies, is the best policy." Gao Panlong straightened his back, as if this would make him more right.

Zhu Youxiao looked at Gao Panlong meaningfully.

Gao Panlong's words contained a lot of personal opinions, which sounded very reasonable and lofty.

But when Zhu Youxiao thought about it carefully, it turned out that it was not the case at all. There was even a threat in what Gao Panlong said.

Losing the hearts of scholars all over the world, representing all scholars in the world, and using this momentum to suppress others, the Donglin Party has always done this.

Next, the pros and cons in the court, led by Cui Chengxiu and Gao Panlong respectively, began to discuss their respective arguments, refuting each other and refusing to give in. It can be said that the argument was fierce.

Zhu Youxiao didn't say anything and let the two sides argue.

When the two sides argued more and more fiercely, even on the verge of rolling up their sleeves and shaking their fists, Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said lightly: "Alright, this is the imperial court, not a vegetable market. You are all important officials of the court, not ordinary people."

"We are guilty." When everyone saw that their emperor had spoken, they bowed and said respectfully.

This is actually a routine. The more they argue, the more intense it becomes, which actually makes it clear that they are firm in their attitude and are waiting for His Majesty to make a decision.

It's not that they really want to convince each other, because they also know that neither can convince the other. The interests of both parties are different, and the starting points are also different. It is impossible to really make the other party obey.

Therefore, such quarrels only made His Majesty determined to deal with the other party, rather than really trying to persuade the other party.

Now that the emperor is gone, it means there is room for maneuver and everyone is listening.

Zhu Youxiao slowly spoke, "The truth becomes clearer the more it is argued. But you should be careful, this is the imperial court after all. Okay, no more formalities."

After Zhu Youxiao finished saying this, everyone raised their heads and stood up.

However, they understood what Zhu Youxiao said, which is that the truth becomes clearer the more it is debated, and this sentence was definitely not something His Majesty said casually.

What does this mean?

What does Your Majesty want us to argue about?

Several cabinet ministers on the side were a little anxious.

In their view, things have come to this point and a decision must be made. If the situation continues, it will affect the normal operation of the court, which is not worth the loss.

No matter which side you choose, you have to make a choice. This is more beneficial than continuing the quarrel. Even if choosing one side will offend the other, it is better than letting the two sides quarrel here. This is the thinking of the entire cabinet.

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