Chapter 460 One Should Die to Advise
As March arrived, the number of scholars in the capital city increased significantly.
The imperial examinations will be held at the end of April, and most scholars choose to arrive in the capital early, find an inn to stay in, and familiarize themselves with the environment in advance.
With two months to go before the imperial examinations, most scholars would go to teahouses to drink tea or to restaurants to listen to storytelling.
The news first spread from some restaurant, though it's unclear which one.
"Have you heard? It turns out that when the Northern Rong attacked Great Wei thirteen years ago, it was the Lu family army that repelled the Northern Rong, not the Marquis of Anding."
"I heard that when Marquis Anding arrived, the Lu family army had already won. Not only did Marquis Anding not help, he also killed the Duke of Zhenguo and the Lu family army."
"Heavens! Marquis An Ding is killing innocent people and claiming credit for it!"
"Not only did he kill innocent people and claim credit for them, but I also heard that he kept saying he was acting on His Majesty's orders."
"His Majesty's instructions? How is that possible?"
"Who knows? There's no smoke without fire. If the person above really didn't give such an instruction, would the Marquis of Anding dare to fabricate an imperial edict?"
"The Duke of Zhenguo's family has guarded the border for generations, protecting the peace of the border people. He is also a meritorious official from the former residence of the prince. If that is the case, wouldn't it be killing a meritorious official?"
"It's more than that; it's like the saying, 'When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked.'"
The news spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of the capital.
More and more scholars and intellectuals gathered privately to discuss the matter.
The more they discussed it, the more indignant they became.
"The purpose of studying is to become a sage, not merely to pass the imperial examinations. When serving as an official, one should have the emperor and the country in mind, not concern oneself with personal gain or loss. Do we study to be loyal to such a ruler?"
"If this is truly the case, we should demand justice for the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and for the Lu family army."
At this point, someone suggested, "We are willing to petition in blood to return the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and give the Lu family army justice."
"Yes, severely punish the Marquis of Anding who killed innocent people and claimed credit for them, and restore justice to the Lu family."
Some people looked hesitant.
"Have you heard? The great Confucian scholar, Mr. Mei Xuwen, came to the city today and hung a white cloth at the entrance of the Imperial College."
Mr. Mei said that anyone willing to seek justice for the Lu family army could press their handprint on the white cloth.
Everyone gasped.
"What? Mr. Mei has also heard about this? It seems it's true."
"That was the most famous Confucian scholar of this dynasty, a veteran of three reigns, and the current emperor's mentor."
"Let's go take a look."
Everyone rushed towards the Imperial College.
Sure enough, a white cloth more than ten feet long was hanging at the entrance, and an old man with white hair and beard was standing in front of the table, writing furiously.
"It really is Mr. Mei Xuwen."
"Sir, you must be nearly eighty years old. I've heard that you've been living in seclusion in the mountains outside the city for some time now. May I ask why you've come to the city this time?"
Mr. Mei put down his pen, slowly raised his head, and looked solemn.
"I have come to the city because I have heard of a shocking and unjust case that has been wronged for centuries, and I have come here to speak out for justice."
The expressions on everyone's faces changed slightly.
"Are you perhaps referring to the Marquis of Anding killing innocent people and claiming credit for them? I wonder what your opinion is on this matter?"
Mr. Mei stroked his gray hair and said in a deep voice:
"I have lived through three dynasties and have met three generations of the Duke of Zhenguo's family. They are a family of fine young men who protect their country."
Marquis Zhou Qi of Anding was born into the Lu family army and was trained by the Lu family, yet he climbed his way up by stepping on the blood and flesh of the Lu family army. How is such behavior any different from that of a beast?
"If such a beast in human form is not brought to justice, the world will surely descend into chaos."
Everyone's expression changed drastically.
Mr. Mei was a highly respected Confucian scholar.
He himself admitted it, so it must be true.
Someone couldn't help but ask again, "Mr. Mei, the Marquis of Anding claims he was acting on imperial orders. What if it really was His Majesty's instruction?"
Mr. Mei looked solemn.
"To seize the world and protect the people by meritorious officials, and then kill them after the world is settled, is an immoral act."
"If this was truly ordered by His Majesty, it would be a breach of the monarch's moral character."
"When treacherous ministers are in power and the ruler loses his virtue, it is a sign of a chaotic world. As subjects, we must do our utmost to remonstrate, even at the cost of our lives."
The phrase "I will die to remonstrate" was spoken with such force and conviction that it instantly moved people.
"Yes, we should remonstrate with our lives."
"We are willing to follow Mr. Mei and remonstrate with our lives."
Everyone stepped forward and pressed their bloody handprints onto the white cloth.
Mr. Mei took a step back, straightened his clothes and composed himself, and solemnly bowed to everyone.
“You all have clear principles and a strong sense of right and wrong, which is admirable. Please accept my bow.”
Everyone was shocked and quickly returned the greeting.
Mr. Mei is a renowned Confucian scholar, yet he bowed to them.
It's clear they really did the right thing.
The scholars and students couldn't help but straighten their backs, their expressions firm and composed.
The second-floor window of the teahouse opposite the Imperial College was open.
Pei Yuan and Shen Chu stood silently by the window, bowing respectfully to the person opposite them.
Mr. Mei's gaze swept over the crowd and met Pei Yuan's gaze in the air. He nodded slightly, his expression completely calm.
Pei Yuan withdrew his gaze and slowly closed the window.
Shen Chu said, "Old Master Mei is His Majesty's mentor. With him taking the lead, this fire will surely burn very brightly."
He remained silent, looking surprised. "I didn't expect Mr. Mei to agree to step in."
They were truly apprehensive when they went up the mountain to ask for help.
Mr. Mei is nearly eighty years old. At this age, even if he doesn't care about worldly affairs, no one will criticize him.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Mei agreed without saying a word after meeting them.
Pei Yuan said, "Thirteen years ago, when my aunt, Consort Yu, was investigating the truth behind the massacre in Liangzhou, she sought help from Elder Mei."
My aunt wanted Mr. Mei to come forward and request an investigation into the matter, but Mr. Mei fell seriously ill at that time.
By the time he recovered, his aunt had already passed away, and the matter was considered closed. However, the old gentleman never truly let go of this matter.
That's why I agreed to it as soon as I asked.
It turns out there's such a connection behind it.
Shen Chu and Shen Mo exchanged a glance, both feeling a pang of sadness.
Just then, an inspiring shout came from outside.
"I am willing to accompany the old gentleman to the palace gate to petition."
"Let's set off now."
A group of people carrying white cloths walked in a grand procession toward the palace gate.
Shen Chu looked at the silence.
"Hey buddy, are you ready?"
He nodded silently. "Ready? Let's go."
Shen Chu glanced at Chen Mo, then at Pei Yuan.
"Remember not to confront them head-on; your safety is the most important thing."
Pei Yuan suddenly reached out and hugged her, his voice low and husky.
"Today is going to be a tough battle; we might not even be able to leave the palace. If we really can't get out, then let Sun Yan take you with your master to Nan Yue..."
“No.” Shen Chu shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere, so you all must be safe and sound and make it out of the palace alive.”
She paused, gritted her teeth, and finally couldn't hold back, speaking her mind.
“If you don’t get out, I will rebel and storm the palace.”
Pei Yuan smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair.
"Silly girl, it hasn't come to that yet. Don't worry, we'll be fine."
Shen Chu watched as Mo Chen and Pei Yuan went downstairs, took a deep breath, and quickly calmed herself down.
She couldn't just wait idly outside the palace; she had many things to arrange.
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