Travel back in time and become Chongzhen, watch me turn the tide

Chongzhen really never expected to meet so many talented people here.

The people present were truly exceptional among Nanjing's young intellectuals. He hadn't expected that a single notice published in the Jinling Evening News would attract so many talented individuals. This was truly beyond his expectations.

Yet, upon closer reflection, this wasn't entirely surprising. These individuals, whether the Four Young Masters or Huang Zongxi, had all suffered brutal oppression at Ruan Dacheng's hands during this period. Some were forced to flee, wandering the land; others were even imprisoned, suffering immensely. Zhang Huangyan and Zheng Chenggong were still young, having yet to establish themselves in the literary and official circles. As for Xia Wanchun, he was a naive teenager of only thirteen or fourteen, yet to make his mark.

They were all young, talented individuals filled with passion and enthusiasm. A newspaper where they could freely express their opinions naturally attracted them like a magnet. This was undoubtedly a great blessing for Chongzhen. He had originally planned to summon these people for a special meeting later, but now that they were all gathered here, it saved him the trouble of searching for talent everywhere. It was truly a godsend.

After this exchange of pleasantries, aside from Hou Fangyu, who felt that Emperor Chongzhen's excitement was a bit excessive, no one else noticed anything unusual. At most, someone as perceptive as Zhang Huangyan might have thought Chongzhen was a bit overly enthusiastic, perhaps even a bit too passionate.

Everyone took their seats one after another and continued the topic that had been interrupted before, discussing it enthusiastically.

"What are the people?" Huang Zongxi spoke first, continuing to elaborate on his point. "In the Book of Songs, Da Ya, Yi, it says, 'Be honest with the people, be cautious in your conduct, and be on guard against the unexpected.' In my opinion, the people are the common people."

"According to this statement, isn't Your Majesty's 'Long live the people' the same as 'Long live the common people'?" a student from the Imperial College said immediately, "In that case, wouldn't the common people be considered equals to the emperor? This seems a bit unreasonable, both morally and logically."

"I think this is just that the emperor values ​​the people." Mao Xiang thought for a moment and said slowly.

"But no matter how much we value it, shouting "Long live the emperor" is still a bit..." Fang Yizhi frowned slightly and said with a puzzled look on his face.

"Your Majesty's words, 'Long live the people,' upon entering the city, deeply moved everyone," Hou Fangyu added, "This topic has been discussed many times. Huang Zongxi wanted to discuss it in depth in the evening paper, but others are still concerned, worried it might cause unnecessary trouble."

"Oh?" Chongzhen nodded slightly after hearing this. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I think this issue is not suitable for public discussion..."

"I think so too." Hou Fangyu quickly nodded in agreement and said, "I'll talk to them about it in a bit. Let's end this topic here and don't discuss it any further."

Although he didn't know why Emperor Chongzhen had shouted the unique slogan "Long Live the People," he knew that matters involving the emperor's words were not to be discussed casually. If he could divine the emperor's intentions, that would be great; but if he misunderstood, a single mistake could lead to imprisonment, or even bring disaster upon himself and his family.

"Chaozong, you've misunderstood me. This statement isn't absolutely off-limits to discussion, but its definition must remain unchanged." Chongzhen pondered for a moment, then said solemnly, "How about this? I'll arrange a suitable time. The four of you, bring Huang Zongxi, Zhang Huangyan, Zheng Sen... and Xia Wanchun with you. I'll have a detailed discussion with them in person to clarify this matter."

"As you wish." Hou Fangyu's heart suddenly moved, and he quickly responded in a low voice with an extremely respectful attitude.

"My lords, since the Emperor has said, 'Long live the people,' there must be profound meaning behind this. As for the meaning of the word 'people,' I think simply understanding it as referring to the common people would be a bit biased." Chongzhen smiled and said, "Scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans are the foundation of the nation. I believe the term 'people' doesn't just refer to the common people, but should encompass all classes of people..."

"Everyone?" Zheng Sen asked, "Doesn't this mean that scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans are all equal? ​​Doesn't that mean that there's no distinction between noble and humble people? This seems to contradict common sense."

"So what?" Huang Zongxi said without hesitation, "When people are born, there is no distinction between noble and humble. The so-called noble and humble are just definitions imposed by people later in life! It's nothing but worldly prejudice and division."

"According to what you said, doesn't that mean that the emperor should be the same as the common people?" Although Xia Wanchun is young, he has a quick mind and sharp words, and his words are shocking.

"In ancient times, the empire was the master, and the emperor was the guest. Everything the emperor devoted his life to was for the benefit of the empire." Huang Zongxi said solemnly, "From this perspective, what is the essential difference between the emperor and the people? It's simply a matter of responsibilities and missions."

"Tai Chong, be careful with your words!" Hou Fangyu, listening nearby, broke out in a cold sweat, his back shivering. To say in front of the current emperor that he wasn't the ruler of the world, but rather worked for the people, was simply a blatant challenge to imperial authority. Wasn't that courting death?

But before he could speak to stop him, Mao Xiang, standing beside him, had already called out to Huang Zongxi, "Brother Taichong, today we are only discussing the concept of the people. Don't extend it any further, or you will make mistakes if you talk too much."

"Oh, yes, yes, yes." Huang Zongxi also realized at this moment that his words were a bit extreme, and hurriedly said with a hint of apology and regret in his tone.

"The Son of Heaven is supposed to be the servant of the people." Although Chongzhen knew Huang Zongxi was a renowned thinker from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, he hadn't anticipated his ideas were so advanced and avant-garde by then. It seemed that if the Ming dynasty hadn't been usurped by the Qing, constitutional monarchy might have been the first of its kind in China. He smiled and said, "Taichong's ideas are quite profound. We must discuss them in detail someday."

Chongzhen's words made Hou Fangyu, who was standing by, fall into deep confusion and bewilderment.

He wondered to himself: What on earth is going on? Someone has so bluntly told you that you are not the ruler of the world, and yet you still think they are right? This was truly incomprehensible to him, as if he were in a fog, unable to grasp the truth.

"Mr. Zhu's words are not as good as Taichong's." Huang Zongxi's eyes suddenly brightened when he heard Chongzhen's words. He was filled with admiration for Chongzhen's open-mindedness and wisdom. He bowed and said, "When I have time, I will definitely go to visit Mr. Zhu and listen to his teachings."

"Taichong, this Jinling Evening News fully demonstrates that the current emperor is a rare enlightened monarch," Fang Yizhi said. "Your Majesty has given us space for freedom of speech, but we must also know how to strike a balance. We can't just blurt out everything without scruples, otherwise we will only bring disaster upon ourselves."

"Yes, yes, yes." Although Hou Fangyu didn't understand why Chongzhen agreed with Huang Zongxi, he knew that if he continued discussing this topic, no one knew whether it would anger the emperor. He immediately said, "Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, a day for family reunion and celebration. How about we put aside state affairs for now and discuss poetry and songs? It would help ease the slightly tense atmosphere."

"Yes." Li Zhenli also spoke at the right time: "It's a rare occasion to have so many talented people gathered here today. You must all leave some calligraphy for me! It will also bring glory to this humble Meixiang Tower."

"Oh, we came at the right time." At this time, the door of the wing room was slowly opened, and a petite woman pushed the door open and came in.

"Xiangjun, you are late." Seeing the person coming, Li Zhenli hurriedly stood up to greet him and said with a smile.

Chongzhen looked up and saw Li Xiangjun, a petite and delicate figure with skin as white as mutton-fat jade, soft and delicate. Her small face and exquisite features were truly worthy of the name of the incense fan pendant. She was as beautiful as a fairy from a painting.

"I was delayed by something on the way." Although Li Xiangjun was smiling, Chongzhen was still keenly aware that her face was a little pale and there was a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"What's the matter? You don't look very well." Li Zhenli could tell at a glance that something was wrong with her expression, and asked hurriedly with concern.

"No...it's okay..." Li Xiangjun hesitated for a moment, a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, and she slowly said, "It's just that I met a nasty person..."

"Hahaha, I'm the one you're talking about." At this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open with great force, and a group of people rushed in. The first one laughed and said, "You ran quite fast! Did you think I couldn't find you?..."

Hou Fangyu looked up and when he saw who it was, he couldn't help but gasp, his face showing panic, and said, "Why is it you?"