Xu Guangqi and others arrived soon.
After entering the hall, they felt that the atmosphere in the hall was a bit solemn.
They have been with Zhu Youxiao for such a long time that they more or less understand the emperor's temper.
Looking at Zhu Youxiao's gloomy expression at this time, they understood that something had happened.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."
After seeing Zhu Youxiao, Xu Guangqi and others hurriedly bowed and saluted. Although they had something on their mind and knew that the matter was serious, they still had to show proper etiquette and could not be disrespectful.
Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "My dear ministers, please excuse me."
After Xu Guangqi and the others stood up, Zhu Youxiao said directly: "I called you all here today mainly because I have something I want to discuss with you."
"The Imperial Guards have made a breakthrough regarding the reselling of disaster relief grain."
Zhu Youxiao took out the evidence on the table and said, "Everyone, take it and have a look. After you have read it, we will talk."
Chen Hong hurriedly came to Xu Guangqi and others with the confession and handed it to Xu Guangqi.
Xu Guangqi took the confession with both hands, unfolded it and read it quickly.
After reading it, Xu Guangqi's expression turned bad and his heart sank to the bottom.
Originally, Xu Guangqi thought that even if the case was exposed, there would be no big fuss. For Xu Guangqi, making a big fuss was not a good thing.
But after seeing this confession, Xu Guangqi knew that it was impossible not to start a war.
This confession detailed the Kong family's infiltration of the entire Shandong province, and even several surrounding provinces, from the governor's office down to every county government office, from high-ranking officials like the governor to lowly clerks.
After so many years of development, the Kong family has spread all over Shandong. It is only because of the existence of the Prince of Lu's Mansion that it occupies a part of it. Otherwise, it would have been entirely the Kong family. Even so, the Kong family still has the final say in official circles.
Under such circumstances, Xu Guangqi knew that this had touched His Majesty's reverse scale. This time, His Majesty was determined to take action against the Kong family. If he didn't, the situation would become even more troublesome. Moreover, His Majesty could not tolerate such a situation and must take action.
After handing the confession in his hand to Huang Kezun beside him, Xu Guangqi stood there without saying a word.
Xu Guangqi had to wait until these two people finished reading the confession before discussing the matter with Zhu Youxiao.
After taking a look at Huang Kezun, his expression turned grim. However, he also followed Xu Guangqi's example and stood aside, saying nothing. Instead, he handed the confession in his hand to Zhang Weixian and waited for him to finish reading it.
Zhang Weixian also took the confession and read it, but without saying anything, he returned it to Chen Hong.
"Have you finished reading it?"
Zhu Youxiao's eyes swept over the faces of Xu Guangqi and others, and asked, "Now that you've finished reading it, tell me what to do next."
"Your Majesty, I don't think it's easy to start a war over this matter." After thinking about it, Xu Guangqi took a step forward and said with gritted teeth.
"Oh, really? My dear Xu, please continue." Zhu Youxiao looked at Xu Guangqi and said expressionlessly.
Xu Guangqi knew that his words might have angered His Majesty. If his subsequent explanation could not satisfy His Majesty, his situation would become dire. However, Xu Guangqi thought so in his heart, and he also felt that doing so was the best for the Ming Dynasty.
Xu Guangqi continued, "Your Majesty, natural disasters are aplenty right now. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the land is in turmoil. Internally, there are rebels like the White Lotus, and externally, there are the Wild Boar Skin and the Tartars. The imperial court is short of funds, with revenues exceeding expenditures. Land annexation is rampant, refugees are everywhere, and the people are starving. Under these circumstances, it is truly inappropriate to resort to war."
"If we start a war, I'm afraid it will give some people an opportunity to take advantage of us and cause internal unrest. The gains really don't outweigh the losses. Therefore, I believe that we should prioritize caution for now."
After saying this, Xu Guangqi bowed to the ground and said, "This is what I really think, Your Majesty, please understand!"
Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "My dear minister, please excuse me. I summoned you here today because I wanted to discuss this with you and listen to your opinions. Since it's a discussion, I will naturally listen to you. If not, I won't consult with you."
After saying this, Zhu Youxiao smiled and said softly, "So, my dear, do you mean to let the Kong family go?"
"That's not what I meant." Xu Guangqi said quickly.
The previous words can still be said, His Majesty will not blame me. But if I say to let the Kong family go, then I will be finished.
Although I am a confidant promoted by His Majesty and a talent favored by His Majesty, if I really want to protect the Kong family, then I will have no chance at all.
His Majesty seemed to be very good at employing people and was very honest with them. He did things without worrying about retaliation or being implicated. However, Xu Guangqi also understood that this was actually His Majesty's imperial technique.
If you really think that His Majesty is an honest and easy-going emperor, then you are not far from death. The current His Majesty has a very cruel and ruthless side.
Many times, if you don't challenge your Majesty's bottom line, then everything can be negotiated; if you challenge your Majesty's bottom line, then those who obey me will prosper and those who defy me will perish.
This time, the Kong family's incident clearly challenged His Majesty's bottom line. Under such circumstances, anyone who dared to say they would protect the Kong family would be regarded by His Majesty as an accomplice of the Kong family, and their fate would definitely not be good.
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