In any feudal dynasty, the people were ignorant.
This was not the people's fault, but was done intentionally by the imperial court and local officials.
They govern the people by keeping them ignorant.
Everything the people saw and heard was deliberately allowed to be seen and heard by the imperial court and local authorities.
The imperial court and local governments respected Confucius, and the people also respected Confucius.
As time goes by, Confucius and Confucianism have become a mountain in people's hearts.
Later dynasties maintained order and rule.
Continue to govern the country with Confucianism.
As a descendant of Confucius, Duke Yansheng was naturally respected.
The purpose of Chongzhen's anti-Confucianism campaign was not to directly overthrow Confucius and Confucianism.
It's not that he doesn't want to, but that he can't do it.
At that time, scholars and officials all grew up reading Confucian classics.
Confucius and Confucianism have dominated their three views.
It's difficult to change.
The only thing Chongzhen could do was to overthrow Duke Yansheng and, at the same time, throw mud on Confucius and Confucianism.
Like Yugong moving the mountain, shake the position of the mountain in people's hearts.
Although Duke Yansheng is dead, Duke Yansheng's Palace still exists.
Only by making the Yanshenggong Mansion disappear physically can the purpose of throwing dirty water be achieved.
Taking into account the particularity of Yanshenggong Mansion.
Chongzhen couldn't let the East Factory and the Embroidered Uniform Guard take action.
We must not let Zhu Cijiong and his soldiers take action.
He wants to use public opinion to achieve this goal.
......
Facing the accusations from Zhang Rong, the governor of the East Factory, Kong Xingxie, the eldest son of Duke Yansheng, blushed and veins popped out on his forehead.
He wanted to refute Zhang Rong, but didn't know what to say.
After all, what Zhang Rong said was true.
Not refuting is tantamount to consent.
It's even more disadvantageous to him.
In a hurry, Kong Xingxie clasped his hands towards Zhang Rong and said, "Your Excellency, you are wronged. My father definitely did not give money to the Jiannu."
Zhang Rong glared and pointed at Bo Luo in the distance and said, "Did you see that man?"
Kong Xingxie looked in the direction of Zhang Rong's finger and replied, "I saw it."
Zhang Rong snorted coldly, "That man is Aixinjuelu Bolo, the son of Abatai and grandson of Nurhaci. In the 17th year of our dynasty, he followed Duoduo southward into the pass to plunder. Do we need to call him over and confront him face to face?"
Kong Xingxie originally wanted to agree with Zhang Rong's suggestion.
But seeing Zhang Rong's confident look, Kong Xingxie became timid again.
Zhang Rong is the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Depot and would never do anything without confidence.
Since he dared to say so, he must have some substantial evidence.
Kong Xingxie had no choice but to lower his head again, speechless.
Just when he thought Zhang Rong was going to lose his temper, he heard Zhang Rong say in a soothing tone: "Master Kong is the eldest son of Duke Yansheng after all. He donated money to the rebels because he was threatened, not on purpose."
Kong Xingxie was confused by the contrast between Zhang Rong's before and after.
He frowned and thought quickly before whispering, "What the admiral said is true. It was not my intention to donate money to the rebels. As for my father's affairs, I was not aware of it. I hope the admiral will spare us for the loyalty of the Kong family."
Zhang Rong looked troubled: "I'm afraid this is a bit difficult."
Kong Xingxie thought Zhang Rong wanted to ask for a favor from him, so he lowered his voice and said, "It's not difficult. It's just a word from the admiral. After the matter is accomplished, there will be a generous reward."
Zhang Rong pretended to think about it, then nodded and said, "Okay, but I need to do one thing."
"What's up?"
"Explain this matter clearly in front of the people in the city, and call on the people to donate money and food to the government troops in the capital."
Kong Xingxie thought about it and didn't think it was inappropriate.
You have to know that this is Qufu.
The status of the Kong family in Qufu cannot be described in words.
The situation in which his father was beaten to death in the capital would never happen again in Qufu.
After Kong Xingxie agreed, the magistrate of Qufu immediately spread the news throughout the city.
The next morning.
Zhang Rong transferred the garrison out of the city for training as he had done before, and his men took over the city defense.
At the beginning of the Si hour, common people gathered outside the Qufu County government office.
Zhang Rong stood on a high place and shouted to everyone, "A few months ago, the rebels came to Qufu and raised a lot of money and food from you. This is a crime of aiding the enemy, and you should be executed according to the law."
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene fell into silence.
Zhang Rong raised his lips slightly, and continued, "But God is merciful, so today I will give you a chance to prove your innocence."
What he said was very insightful.
First, he sentenced everyone to death, which made everyone feel terrified.
Then he gave everyone a chance to get away with it, so that people would feel good about him.
Just two sentences gave people the feeling that Zhang Rong was not necessarily a bad person.
The people immediately responded, "Thank you, sir! We were all forced to do this. Please understand clearly, sir."
Zhang Rong stretched out his hands and pressed down: "Don't be impatient, everyone, listen to what Master Kong has to say first."
Under everyone's gaze, Kong Xingxie walked over to Zhang Rong.
He clasped his fists and bowed to the people around him, then spoke out all the words he had prepared in advance.
To sum it up in one sentence: he was forced to donate money.
When he finished speaking, Zhang Rong asked, "Master Kong, from what you said, you have always been loyal to the court and His Majesty?"
Kong Xingxie nodded vigorously: "That's right."
Zhang Rong smiled and asked, "Since you are loyal to the court, the government troops are short of money and food now. How much support can Lord Kong provide?"
Kong Xingxie gritted his teeth and said, "In order to support the court, the Yanshenggong Mansion is willing to provide 200,000 taels of silver to support the government troops."
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