The matter became more and more serious, and after only an hour, the news had spread throughout the capital.
Everyone already knew about the kneeling protest in Xiyuan, and also knew that the emperor's attitude at the gate of Xiyuan was very firm.
So under such circumstances, public opinion began to show a variety of trends.
Zhu Youxiao had anticipated this situation long ago, so he brought Chen Hong to his presence.
After taking a look at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said, "I have something for you to do."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong said quickly.
Zhu Youxiao felt helpless as he looked at Chen Hong's respectful attitude. Apparently, his actions this time had made many people realize one thing: he was an emperor who could do anything.
This has both advantages and disadvantages.
The benefit was that they would fear him even more. Authority came from power and then power. His authority as emperor had already been established, albeit through violence.
As for the downside, it would only make them more distant from me. This wasn't something they could do just by wanting to, but rather a subconscious reaction.
When faced with a dangerous thing, people will subconsciously want to stay away from it. And I am now this dangerous thing.
Glancing at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said, "Arrange some people to go to the capital to gather information. Also, spread some news, saying that these people are forcing the emperor to abdicate, which is a violation of their duties as ministers."
"Whatever their thoughts or opinions, they shouldn't be treated this way. They should go through the normal channels, submitting memorials or admonishing them at the morning court."
Zhu Youxiao's practice has a very well-known name in later generations, which is called comment control.
This is what Zhu Youxiao had to do, to guide public opinion in a direction that was favorable to him. Although the effect might not be very good, if he did not do it, he would definitely allow public opinion to develop in a direction that was unfavorable to him.
Therefore, no matter what the effect of public opinion guidance is, we must do it.
Chen Hong quickly said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will arrange for someone right away."
This matter was not particularly difficult for Chen Hong because it was not the first time he had done such a thing before, and the Jinyiwei already had such personnel.
In the capital, there are many people of all sizes who are supported, so this matter is easy to do.
Chen Hong turned around and went out to do his errand.
After Chen Hong left, Zhu Youxiao leaned back in his chair, looking at the lake in the distance, and suddenly felt a little cold.
It looks like autumn is really coming. Yes, September is almost here.
It’s been more than half a year in the blink of an eye, and I have done a lot.
Autumn is coming, it is the harvest season, and I have also reaped some rewards.
When Zhu Youxiao was feeling somewhat melancholy about the passing of time, the atmosphere in the cabinet was somewhat depressing, even with a bit of autumnal solemnity.
After the four cabinet ministers returned from the gate of Xiyuan, the atmosphere in the cabinet became even more weird.
Everyone knows that this incident has become a big deal, and the four cabinet ministers are likely to face considerable criticism.
No one dared to say anything at this time, for fear of angering someone and being dealt with by them.
However, unlike the others who were cautious, the atmosphere among the four cabinet ministers was quite peaceful. The reason was simple: they were now on the same boat.
Although there are many dirty things between them, everyone has different ideas, and behind each of them stands a group of people representing different interests, but this time they have the same goal.
After the four people entered the duty room, they sat down and tea and snacks were served.
After the four of them had a few sips of tea, Han Yu was the first to speak. He glanced at the other three and said, "Let the people below do their work. It's not good to just sit there and watch the fun."
The other three nodded and said, "We'll pass it on later."
The meaning is very clear. They want their subordinates to step forward and impeach those who are causing trouble. To put it bluntly, they are setting the tone.
This will reduce the public pressure on the cabinet and lay the groundwork for the cabinet's future work.
"Also, handle Zhang Juzheng's affairs as quickly as possible and don't overlook anything." Han Yu added another instruction.
The three of them nodded again.
This was an agreement they had reached long ago, so there would naturally be no problem in implementing it.
Today, the ministers made such a fuss in front of Your Majesty, and Your Majesty said those words to the four of them. Reform is inevitable.
This is equivalent to the four of them making a promise in front of His Majesty, and if they don't do it, they will suffer the consequences.
"Don't pay too much attention to other things, just go about your own business." Han Yu said this at last, which put a characterization on the matter and completely concluded the relationship.
By the afternoon, public opinion began to shift.
In the capital, countless people began to spread the news that Xiyuan was beating people with sticks, and that there were fights due to different opinions.
For a while, public opinion was in chaos.
However, in the court, the direction was very unified. Everyone was condemning the way those people were doing things, criticizing them for forcing the emperor to abdicate.
At the same time, some people submitted memorials demanding severe punishment for those people. Among them, Cui Chengxiu from the Censorate was the most vocal.
Compared with the four cabinet ministers, Cui Chengxiu has fewer concerns and is more outspoken.
However, everyone can see clearly that although these people are making a lot of noise and public opinion is quite chaotic, things will eventually have to have an outcome.
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