So Xu Guangqi decisively denied it.
"What does Xu Aiqing mean?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Xu Guangqi and asked with a smile.
"The crimes committed by the Kong family are truly heinous. Although they are descendants of Confucius, their crimes are still unforgivable. Therefore, I believe that the Kong family will be severely punished. They will be ordered to return the land, provide grain for disaster relief, and confiscate a portion of their property."
"As for Duke Yansheng, he has failed to discipline his children and has no ability to manage his family. He is no longer worthy of being Duke Yansheng. Order him to apologize and resign the title. It will be up to Your Majesty to decide who else to give the title to."
After saying this, Xu Guangqi stopped talking.
Zhu Youxiao nodded, roughly understanding Xu Guangqi's meaning. It was nothing more than punishing them as they should. But he replaced his own punishment with the Kong family's apology, saving them some face.
At the same time, he gave face to the scholars of the world and let them know that he, as the emperor, still stood with them.
This will soothe people's hearts and will not cause too much shock, which can be considered a very good way of handling the matter.
Zhu Youxiao then turned to look at Huang Kezun and said, "What do you think, my dear Huang?"
Huang Kezun's heart skipped a beat when he heard Zhu Youxiao's words. He took a step forward and said with a stiff upper lip, "Your Majesty, I think Lord Xu is right."
Zhu Youxiao nodded again and his gaze fell on Zhang Weixian at the back.
"What does the Duke of England think?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Zhang Weixian and said.
"Your Majesty, I don't think this matter should be handled as Lord Xu has said." Zhang Weixian took a step forward and said in a deep voice, "The Kong family has committed heinous crimes. Should we let them go just because they are members of the Kong family? I think not. It is precisely because they are members of the Kong family that we must punish them severely."
"They are smearing Confucius and bringing shame to scholars across the world. How can anything they do align with what Confucius taught them? Although I haven't read much, I understand what loyalty, righteousness, integrity, and shame mean. But what about the Confucius family? They passed down the teachings of the sages, yet they've become like this. How can such people not be severely punished? Without severe punishment, it won't quell public anger, nor will it serve as a warning to others."
"Therefore, I believe that not only should the perpetrators be severely punished, but the entire world should be informed. This way, we can deter the scoundrels and make those who are disloyal feel guilty and tremble in fear. Let everyone in the world see and understand that anyone who dares to do such a thing will be severely punished."
After hearing this, Xu Guangqi and Huang Kezun were both stunned. Is this something the Duke of England could say?
Doesn't he feel guilty when he says these words?
However, the two of them also understood that the Duke of England probably said this to guess what His Majesty was thinking. To put it bluntly, he was just flattering the Emperor.
After all, if what we just said was in line with His Majesty's wishes, His Majesty would not have asked the Duke of England again. This has already made His Majesty's attitude clear: His Majesty is determined to punish severely.
Under such circumstances, the two of them had already expressed their opinions enough to displease His Majesty. However, they also admired the Duke of England's courage for saying such things.
Zhu Youxiao glanced at Zhang Weixian, stood up, and said, "Duke Yingguo is right. I agree. After I arrived in Shandong this time, I found it truly shocking. The people are struggling to survive, and the Ming Dynasty is no longer a flourishing country, but a crumbling edifice."
"Even the Kong family is like this, how can we expect others to do the same? This time, I will punish the Kong family and tell everyone in the world: don't try to steal, or you will be caught; don't take bribes, or you will be killed."
"I will leave the trial of this case to you three, my dear ministers. Remember, every investigation must be conducted with utmost severity and strictness, and there must be absolutely no favoritism or abuse of power. I will have the Imperial Guard cooperate with you, and absolutely no mistakes can be made."
"After you return, prepare and begin arresting people immediately. Arrest all Kong family personnel in various prefectures and counties in Shandong, and seize all the food provided for disaster relief. I will have Qi Jin send a group of troops directly to the Kong Mansion to seal it off."
"Besides that, your title of Duke Yansheng will be stripped and you will be imprisoned immediately."
Upon hearing this, the three men quickly bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. We obey your command."
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