But when he established his rule over the world, the situation was different.
Before the Ming Dynasty, although imperial power was strong, the scholar-official class still enjoyed a certain degree of personal independence. 'Hermits' were not only tolerated, but even respected.
When the Hongwu Emperor ascended the throne, he declared, "Under the whole land, all are subjects of the king. If any scholar-official in the realm does not serve the ruler, he is alienating himself from the teachings of the king. To execute him and confiscate his family's property is not a fault." Not serving the ruler was a crime, which was also a characteristic of the Hongwu Emperor.
In the early Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor) did not kill many scholars because the Ming Dynasty lacked officials. However, by the mid-Hongwu period, the country was already very stable. Although scholars were still needed to govern the country, there were scholars everywhere, so even if he killed them, there would be no shortage of people.
Old Zhu no longer concealed his fear and suppression of scholars.
Zhu Yunying looked at the assembled officials and asked, "The Emperor Emeritus once decreed that everyone was permitted to speak frankly, except for students. Do you gentlemen still remember this?"
Many civil and military officials exchanged bewildered glances, but they all understood that Emperor Yingshi was no longer hiding anything and was about to launch an attack.
Emperor Hongwu did indeed issue an edict that many political matters could be discussed by everyone, except for some scholars.
This decree was once interpreted as a reflection of the fact that at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, many scholars within its borders either chose to retire to their homes or chose to surrender to the Northern Yuan and become loyal subjects of the Yuan.
This is revenge; this is Emperor Hongwu's revenge on those scholars from back then.
Zhu Yunying's face was ashen as he slowly said, "In my early years, the Emperor Emeritus taught me that governing the world should be about saving the people and bringing peace to the country. However, I have also heard the Emperor Emeritus say that I am somewhat pedantic, only knowing one side of the story and not the other. I use the past to criticize the present, without knowing how to assess the situation. This trend is still prevalent in the officialdom."
Many civil officials looked displeased, because Emperor Ying Shi was making no attempt to conceal his criticism of some scholars.
This is not just a simple criticism of some intellectuals; it can actually be described as a denigration, an undisguised denigration and ridicule of some intellectuals.
Zhu Yunying smiled faintly and looked at Ru Chang, asking, "Minister Ru, you have served me for a long time. Explain to me why the *Zhou Li* is considered a classic of rites and morality, and why emperors throughout history did not govern the country according to the *Zhou Li*?"
Ru Chang had no choice but to leave his post. Covered in sweat, he could only kneel on the ground and say, "Your Majesty, my knowledge is limited."
Zhu Yunying said with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, then I understand a little. The emperors of the previous dynasty did not follow the rites of Zhou, which led to the downfall of their kingdoms. My dear ministers, is this not the reason?"
Before Ru Chang could speak, Chen Di stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe the previous dynasties fell for different reasons. They cannot be judged by the rites of Zhou..."
"Then, in your opinion, how about governing the country according to the rites of Zhou?" Zhu Yunying interrupted Chen Di and said directly, "At that time, our Great Ming will be a land of etiquette, and the teachings of rites and music will prevail throughout the world. What do you think, my dear minister?"
What could Chen Di say at this point? He could only obediently kneel down. Everyone could hear the emperor's sarcasm.
Moreover, those standing in the imperial court are all intelligent people, and the idea of spreading education through rites and music throughout the land is naturally something some people dream of. But in reality, anyone with a modicum of common sense knows that this is unrealistic.
Zhu Yunying slowly rose and said in a loud voice, "Ritual is the principle of Heaven and the righteousness of Earth; it is the most important order and rule between Heaven and Earth. Music is the beautiful sound between Heaven and Earth, and it is the manifestation of morality. Ritual governs Heaven and Earth, and music harmonizes with Heaven and Earth; what a magnificent spirit! Great music is in harmony with Heaven and Earth, and great ritual is in harmony with Heaven and Earth!"
Zhu Yunying looked at the kneeling civil and military officials and continued, "In my opinion, the reason why the ancient sage kings governed the people, and why the sages of later generations taught the people, is simply because of the word 'rites'. In ancient times, humans lived alongside beasts. After they were distinguished from beasts, sages arose and taught people rites, enabling them to be courteous!"
Many scholars wanted to weep. The emperor's words made sense, as they were all theories recorded in ancient books or derived from them. But the problem lay in the emperor's tone; it was undisguised sarcasm.
Moreover, what the emperor said seemed reasonable at first glance. But who would dare to actually govern the country like that? It was practically teaching the emperor to lose his empire!
Some things are only meant to be talked about and heard; to actually believe them is truly foolish and shows malicious intent.
Looking at the silent civil and military officials, Zhu Yunying slowly asked, "My dear ministers, I have a question. Why did the ancient sage rulers lose their empires? Did the ancient sages not govern with propriety? Confucius traveled to various states, so why was it the First Emperor who ultimately unified the world?"
A civil official mustered his courage and said, "Qin lost its country due to tyranny and perished after only two generations!"
Zhu Yunying nodded slowly, then asked, "Indeed, it perished after only two generations. Did the Liu Han dynasty govern with propriety or seize the throne through propriety? My dear ministers, why did the Khitan, Jurchen, and Mongols trample on the Central Plains? Indeed, you may say that barbarians do not understand propriety and can only cause trouble for a time and dominate a region. But why did the two Song dynasties perish? Were they also ignorant of civilization?"
"You are all so well-versed in etiquette and morality, why don't you offer advice and guidance to those uncivilized people?" Zhu Yunying said with a sarcastic expression. "How about this, let Huang Zicheng and Fang Xiaoru discuss the Dao in the Jinshen Hall, what do you all think?"
Huang Zicheng?
Fang Xiaoru?
Could it be that His Majesty is launching this attack now because of those two people?!
Zhu Yunying slowly said, "These two are indeed capable, serving as officials of the Ming Dynasty and knowing how to serve the court. They held a banquet at the Imperial Academy with the students to discuss strategies for governing the country. Whether they are in high positions at court or far from home, they both have a heart full of patriotism!"
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