The censors, having witnessed the signal from their chief, knew they shouldn't intervene at this moment. Even Liu Wenshan, renowned for his integrity and impartiality, chose not to intervene.
They knew that if they spoke out at this time, they would undoubtedly get themselves into trouble. Therefore, no censor dared to stand up and express their views.
However, not everyone agreed that Chu Fan's actions were out of kindness. When no one among the imperial censors dared to stand up and refute the emperor, a lecturer from the Hanlin Academy bravely stood up and said to His Majesty:
"Your Majesty, our Wei State has been a nation of propriety since ancient times. Now that the enemy has chosen to surrender, we should treat them with courtesy, not force them into hard labor. Such an approach would not only damage our international reputation, but also run counter to the benevolent government that we advocate for."
Chu Fan was deeply impressed by the figure before him. He was one of the teachers of many princes of his generation, a true master of Confucianism. Confucianism existed in this world as well, though it differed somewhat from the Confucian classic "The Analects" on Blue Star. However, as on other worlds, after centuries of evolution and development, Confucianism here had diverged significantly from its original form.
Chu Fan thought silently in his heart. His brothers did not go astray because of the teachings of such a corrupt scholar. This was indeed a kind of luck to some extent.
Chu Fan, facing the lecturer from the Hanlin Academy with a serious and earnest attitude, raised his question: "Teacher Kong, have you witnessed with your own eyes the profound suffering endured by the people of Wei at the border? Do you truly understand the various crimes committed by the Xiongnu in Wei?
All I did was to allow them to do some work in Wei, and we provided them with food and shelter. However, not only do you not support my decision, but you also ask me to treat these captives with courtesy? So, I would like to ask you, how do you think we should treat these captives?
Kong Wenzhe, a lecturer at the Hanlin Academy, did not realize the deeper meaning implied in Chu Fan's words. Instead, he complacently believed that the Emperor was asking him for advice on strategies for governing the country.
It wasn't that Kong Wenzhe from the Hanlin Academy lacked the ability to distinguish between the primary and the secondary, but rather that in their minds, Chu Fan was no different from the other princes, all of them his students. He could criticize and guide them without scruples, just like treating his own children.
His experience teaching His Majesty and several other princes became something he could boast about in front of outsiders. He firmly believed that with his profound attainments in Confucianism and unique insights into state affairs, he would be able to provide His Majesty with some valuable advice.
Kong Wenzhe took a deep breath and then spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, I believe that when dealing with prisoners, we should prioritize benevolence and righteousness. Although they have committed crimes, if we respond to violence with violence, wouldn't that be no different from them? We should treat them with tolerance and win them over with virtue. This will not only demonstrate our country's civilization and progress, but also establish a good image among other countries."
Kong Wenzhe's words directly angered the generals. They thought that they had worked so hard to defend their country and sacrificed so many soldiers, but they had to treat these prisoners with courtesy? There was no such thing in the world.
They believe that we should fight our enemies with an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Only in this way can we let the enemy know how powerful we are and prevent them from committing the same offense again.
Chu Fan frowned slightly after hearing this, but soon relaxed again when he thought that the other party was a Confucian. He gestured for Kong Wenzhe to continue. He wanted to hear what kind of suggestions Kong Wenzhe would come up with next, and what other surprising words he would say.
Seeing this, Kong Wenzhe expressed his views more confidently: "Your Majesty, benevolent governance lies not only in internal governance, but also in tolerance abroad. We should let these captives feel the kindness of Wei, so that when they return home, they can become ambassadors of goodness for Wei and spread our benevolent governance."
He continued, "In this way, we can conquer the enemy without fighting and win them over with virtue, thereby invisibly expanding our country's influence and allowing more countries and people to recognize the tolerance and greatness of the Wei State."
This statement not only angered the generals in the court, but also the nine princes in the Royal Government Office. They all stood up to refute Kong Wenzhe's point of view, believing that Wei's failure to actively invade other countries was the greatest kindness to these countries.
A general said angrily: "Our Wei army is invincible. We rely on strength and courage, not so-called benevolence and righteousness, to gain the recognition of other countries!"
Another general echoed, "Kong Wenzhe, you are misleading His Majesty. Benevolent governance is certainly important, but in troubled times, without the backing of powerful military force, benevolent governance is nothing but a castle in the air, and can be destroyed at any time."
The Huns once approached Kaifeng City. If Mu Yunfeng had not successfully recovered the lost territory, Kaifeng City might still be fighting a fierce defense battle.
Even so, there are still people who want to give preferential treatment to the captives who invaded our country. Where did the late emperor find such a strange person to serve as a teacher for Your Majesty and the other princes? Isn't he worried that such a person would mislead Your Majesty's thinking and influence the princes' three views and lead them astray from the right path?
In the court, the princes must abide by the established rules. Although they also want to scold Kong Wenzhe, it is His Majesty who is asking questions and Kong Wenzhe is answering. If they interrupt, they will exceed their duties and violate the etiquette of the court. They are different from many ministers in the court. They have royal blood, so they need to pay more attention to the difference between the monarch and the ministers in the court.
Chu Fan nodded slightly, musing to himself. This was exactly the kind of corrupt scholar often depicted in historical novels. If a country were still relatively weak, faced with war and prisoners, perhaps it could win the other side's sympathy by treating them well.
In this way, perhaps we can gain a more relaxed breathing space for our country and create favorable conditions for future development.
However, Wei was already a powerful state, its military might strong enough to inspire awe in neighboring states. Overemphasizing benevolent governance in this situation could be seen as weakness, and could even arouse the ambitions of other states, who would perceive Wei as easily invaded with impunity, potentially making it a target of covetousness and attack.
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