Chapter 118: Zhang Yi, you deceived me; the script was not supposed to go like this.

When Kong Ne began his research on the Taoist temple’s restroom, Zhang Yi’s article was finally finished.

He handed the article over to Kong Ne, who eagerly began to read it.

In truth, Zhang Yi’s article wasn’t particularly remarkable in content; it was primarily a defense of Xu Cunren.

First, it portrayed Xu Cunren’s actions as entirely patriotic and selfless...

This was meant to establish in the emperor’s mind an image of Xu as someone who targeted issues, not people, thereby softening Zhu Yuanzhang’s resentment toward Xu’s actions against him.

But that alone wasn’t enough. Zhang Yi also enumerated potential pitfalls of the eight-legged essay reform, the most significant being its failure to select capable officials, which could further corrupt the bureaucracy...

Of course, this was originally Zhu Yuanzhang’s intention in reforming the system, but this double-edged sword must not be shown only for its benefits to the emperor. He needed to see how it could also harm the Zhu family’s interests.

At last came Kong Ne’s heartfelt performance, providing the emperor a graceful way to back down.

Upon reading the article, Kong Ne found the writing style lacking, yet every point was logically sound.

His emotions stirred; Zhang Yi could not have written this himself—not due to mere writing skill, but because he lacked Zhang Yi’s godlike perspective analyzing the pros and cons of the imperial examination reform.

Kong Ne put away the article and took a deep breath.

“Teacher’s matter, I entrust it to you!”

Zhang Yi handed him another small note and said, “These are the phrases I designed. Memorize them—just grasp the principles...”

Kong Ne’s face flushed bright red with excitement. Although he’d impulsively agreed earlier, he was still nervous.

“Tell me, if I refuse, whom will you turn to?”

“Liu Ji!”

Zhang Yi seemed to anticipate this question and answered promptly.

“Remember the official we bumped into outside the Xu residence? I asked Madam Xu—it turns out he is Liu Bowen!”

Since deciding to save Xu Cunren, Zhang Yi had planned to seek an audience with Liu Bowen, but persuading such a legendary statesman would likely require exposing some of the time traveler’s abilities.

By comparison, Kong Ne was far more cost-effective.

“Good. I’ll rewrite a copy and tomorrow go to see the Crown Prince.”

With the task set, Zhang Yi bowed to Kong Ne.

The latter nodded and turned to leave.

The next day,

Outside the palace gates, Zhu Biao was surprised to hear that Kong Ne sought an audience.

The young man from the Kong family had been walking on eggshells in Nanjing these days, cautious and wary.

For him to take the initiative to see Zhu Biao was a rare occurrence.

When they finally met, Kong Ne handed over the article, and Zhu Biao was full of astonishment.

“You want to save Master Xu?”

From Zhu Biao’s understanding of Kong Ne and the Kong family’s precarious situation, he himself barely kept safe, let alone stand up for others.

Kong Ne replied calmly, “Yes!”

As he admitted this, sweat soaked through his back.

“Very well!”

Zhu Biao’s gaze changed as he looked at Kong Ne.

“Seems the Kong family still has men of spirit!”

Those words struck Kong Ne’s heart deeply. He looked at the Crown Prince, seeing a completely different man than before.

Zhu Biao’s attitude now was one of open admiration, unlike the polite affection he had feigned in the past.

Kong Ne vaguely understood that if the previous Zhu Biao had been merely trying to win him over, this genuine goodwill began at this moment.

“Spirit?”

Kong Ne whispered the word, feeling his own blood heat up.

“That man was right...”

He clenched his small fists tightly.

“Since you have the heart, I will support you. Rise, come with me!”

Zhu Biao stood and led Kong Ne toward the East Pavilion.

“Which Kong Ne? The one from the Duke of Yansheng’s household?”

When Zhu Biao brought Kong Ne to the East Pavilion’s entrance, some officials were already gathered outside.

Most were high-ranking ministers, either coming for Xu Cunren’s case or summoned by the emperor to discuss state affairs.

Kong Ne’s presence there was an anomaly.

Yet all who saw him acted with a respect Kong Ne had never before experienced.

This subtle change nearly brought tears to the young boy’s eyes.

He took a deep breath, knelt slowly, and bowed before the study’s door.

Inside the imperial study, silence reigned.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s work rhythm was disrupted by the actions of Kong Ne and Zhu Biao.

“I never expected the Kong family to still harbor such spirit! Xu Cunren is a lucky old man.”

Sitting with Zhu Yuanzhang was Li Shanchang, the Left Chancellor, discussing state matters.

A dark, inscrutable aura hung on the emperor’s face, making others reluctant to speak casually.

Yet Li Shanchang’s candid praise caught the emperor’s attention.

Xu Cunren hailed from Jinhua; by usual bureaucratic practice of regional alliances, Xu would presumably be aligned with Liu Ji.

But Li Shanchang still advocated for Kong Ne; Zhu Yuanzhang sensed something different.

Xu Cunren’s reputation was decent, and he had kept largely aloof from court intrigues.

Perhaps Li Shanchang’s commendation was more for Kong Ne himself.

This somewhat honest, slightly awkward boy was ultimately unlike his father and grandfather.

“A young blood not yet cooled, knowing to respect teachers and honor the way—at least this much, he surpasses his grandfather and father by far!”

The emperor finished, then snorted coldly.

He bellowed outside the study:

“You, insolent child, get in here!”

Hearing the emperor call him, Zhu Biao hurried inside.

“Greetings, Master Li, greetings, honored ministers!”

“Were you the one who brought Kong Ne here?”

The emperor could not afford to show displeasure openly toward Zhu Biao in front of the court.

Zhu Biao solemnly replied:

“Kong Ne, the fifty-seventh generation descendant of the Kong family, came to plead on behalf of his teacher. I believe in his sincerity, so I brought him here! Father, here is Kong Ne’s memorial; please examine it!”

Zhu Yuanzhang took the document but pressed it down on the desk without reading, continuing to discuss state affairs with Li Shanchang.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao knew the emperor was still angry and dared not speak further, quietly observing.

After Li Shanchang departed, the emperor summoned other officials for discussion.

Kong Ne remained kneeling outside the study, watching officials come and go.

Each passed by him with either a new respect or a slight bow.

Though suffering, he felt an unprecedented comfort.

Zhang Yi was right—the Kong family’s breakthrough lay here.

As the officials dwindled, Kong Ne’s knees ached sharply.

He began to faint from weakness when a eunuch came out to support him.

“The emperor wishes to see you!”

After enduring so long, finally summoned by the emperor, Kong Ne felt not joy but fear.

The first impression Zhu Yuanzhang gave him was too deeply etched, and his father’s warnings in Qufu weighed heavily.

He gritted his teeth and entered the study, kneeling before the Son of Heaven.

Inside, only the emperor, Zhu Biao, and the kneeling Kong Ne remained.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face was expressionless as he read aloud the article word by word.

Each word struck Kong Ne like a hammer, cold sweat pouring down as he listened.

“Hmph!

Xu Cunren taught a good student. That old man dared to curse me to my face, and now his student does the same.

Kong Ne, do you think because you bear the blood of the Duke of Yansheng, I dare not touch you?”

The emperor’s words nearly made Kong Ne soil himself, but recalling Zhang Yi’s instructions, he steadied himself.

He replied:

“I dare not, Your Majesty! Every word I speak is sincere and carries no insult to Your Majesty, nor did Master Xu...

The teacher and I only wish Your Majesty would cease reforms that endanger the foundation of the state.

The master and I have discussed these matters—he never intended to clash with Your Majesty.

At first, he planned only to retire quietly, out of sight, out of mind.

If Your Majesty doubts, ask the other officials at the National Academy; is this not so?

But after deep reflection, the master could not bear to see the great Ming walk the path of no return, so he chose death to admonish.

Your Majesty, though the master may have offended you, it was out of concern for the Ming!”

Kong Ne’s words momentarily stunned Zhu Yuanzhang.

He had heard of Xu Cunren’s retirement plans later on.

This world was not short of villains who kicked people when down; after Xu’s imprisonment, some pleaded for him, others denounced him.

To retire in the year of the emperor’s ascension was a capital offense in old Zhu’s eyes.

Yet Zhang Yi’s carefully crafted speech transformed this into a highlight.

Xu need not have died, but chose to out of unwillingness to harm the state’s foundation.

Though true, whether the emperor accepted this was crucial.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s mistrust of officials came from seeing the world’s ugliness.

Yet those who witness such darkness also cherish rare beauty.

The emperor’s murderous intent wavered for the first time in these words.

But he was Zhu Yuanzhang; swaying his will was no simple matter.

“What about the drawbacks of the imperial examination reform—are they your views or your teacher’s?

Are you stealthily insulting me, thinking I wouldn’t notice?”

Kong Ne relaxed, speaking more fluently:

“These are my views and my teacher’s.

Whether right or wrong is not important...”

Zhu Yuanzhang did not expect such an answer, and his anger lacked a place to vent.

“I believe a minister who draws his salary from the sovereign and bears his worries must bravely offer honest counsel for the emperor to decide!

Whether it pleases or displeases is for the sovereign to judge, not the minister’s concern!

If one merely guesses the imperial will, afraid to speak, flattering and sucking up, what use is that to the realm?

Whether my teacher and I are right or wrong, Your Majesty will decide, but if we choose silence out of fear of death, we betray the emperor’s grace!”

Kong Ne did not dwell on correctness, but insisted on the minister’s duty.

A minister serves as the emperor’s ears, mouth, hands, and feet.

Though unspoken, this truth moved old Zhu deeply.

His recent actions stemmed from distrust of officials.

Yet Kong Ne’s words made him realize: if he killed men like Xu Cunren who dared speak truth, would any minister dare speak honestly again?

He was displeased when others deceived him.

What then if they spoke truth?

Looking at the kneeling boy, only ten years old, recently acquainted with Xu Cunren...

Yet the Kong family was here pleading for him.

Xu Cunren’s worth exceeded his expectations.

“Have I succeeded?”

Kong Ne glanced up at the pensive emperor, seeing Crown Prince Zhu Biao watching him as well.

Their eyes met; Zhu Biao smiled slightly, easing Kong Ne’s heart.

Zhang Yi’s strategy was right!

“Take Kong Ne to prison, along with his teacher...”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s words caught Kong Ne off guard.

How could this be?

This was not what Zhang Yi had said.

Had he been deceived again?

(End of chapter)