Kong Hongxu couldn't even walk.

Emperor Hongzhi resigned from the sedan chair and had people carry him out of the palace.

The accompanying eunuch on the side also said warmly in Kong Hongxu's ear: "Confucius is not in good health, and your Majesty is always concerned about him."

"Now I am even more considerate of Master and personally gave you the sedan chair."

"Being able to sit in a sedan chair from His Majesty all the way to the palace gate is an honor that only Mrs. Kong can have."

"I really envy others."

The accompanying eunuch just complimented him as usual, fearing that Kong Hongxu would be bored after such a long journey.

However, these words were extremely harsh to Kong Hongxu's ears.

His mouth was filled with bitterness, and his eyelids were drooped as he looked at the person carrying the chariot in front of him, seemingly unable to see clearly.

Emperor Hongzhi said that their status was irreplaceable. Wasn't this a clear blow to him?

Irreplaceable...

That means he already has a replacement option.

As long as they listen to the words above, they can safely sit in their current position.

When he was summoned today, he had no choice at all.

He doesn't understand.

Emperor Hongzhi, who had always been courteous to virtuous officials, why did he suddenly become a different person?

Then he thought of that person who also looked polite and courteous, but made him feel like he had fallen into an ice cave.

Kong Hongxu's throat rolled, and finally he could only silently swallow the bitter water.

...

After Kong Hongxu left, Emperor Hongzhi looked at the information investigated by the Jin Yiwei in front of him with an unclear expression.

This is the first time since he came to the throne that he has used consultation but forced the people below to do things.

Unexpectedly, it was unexpectedly refreshing...

"The orthodox successor of Confucius is in the south..."

Emperor Hongzhi laughed.

"Uncle Yong Xibo also said that only with competition can progress be achieved."

"If Confucius and his family are not willing to be obedient, let me go and welcome back Nan Kong's family."

"Even if you don't reveal the original truth to the world, as long as you give them a sense of oppression, what you want to do will naturally be accomplished."

"Now it seems that even if Nan Kong's lineage does not welcome me back, Kong Fuzi and the others will have to help me."

Emperor Hongzhi shook his fist.

He has also checked a lot of history books in the past few days.

There were also several reforms in the previous dynasty.

Reformers basically want to clear the land and make the country rich and powerful.

However, the reform failed because it touched the interests of most of the upper class.

But why was Emperor Taizu able to withstand the pressure of the people of the world, complete the land clearing, and implement various new policies?

Because Emperor Taizu was decisive in killing and had a tough attitude.

He is not afraid of offending anyone or any class.

Moreover, he has mastered the mouths of the world's literati, and no matter what he does, he can make these literati famous as masters.

Now the Ming Dynasty has been in my hands for so long, and it has also been resting and recuperating for so long.

It would take a lot of time to implement the New Deal, and Emperor Hongzhi didn't know if he could complete it while he was still in office.

At least before he abdicates, he must help his son solve the most difficult problems first and pave the way forward.

...

Just as he was thinking about it, Zhu Houzhao over there hurriedly entered the Nuan Pavilion.

"Father, Confucius is gone?"

Emperor Hongzhi looked at him and covered the memorial in his hand.

"Well, let's go."

Zhu Houzhao let out an "ouch" and walked to his side unhappily.

The thick stack of paper in his hand was put aside directly, making a moderate noise.

"This is the "Book of Filial Piety" that the father asked his sons and ministers to copy."

"I copied it overnight, but Father, you didn't wait for me."

Emperor Hongzhi smiled, surprisingly not caring about his impoliteness.

"This matter has not been determined yet. Even if you don't hear about it today, it won't be a problem."

Zhu Houzhao curled his lips unhappily.

"My father also said that he wanted his sons and ministers to help with political affairs, but he did not let his sons and ministers listen in."

"They will punish you for copying."

Emperor Hongzhi raised his eyebrows slightly and turned over the paper next to him.

The handwriting looked similar, but he could tell at a glance that it was not written by his son.

He didn't expose it and directly stroked Zhu Houzhao's hair.

"My son copied it quite seriously this time."

Zhu Houzhao glanced sideways at the pile of white paper and blushed slightly.

The top two pieces of paper were written by him, and the rest were copied by others for him.

But since his father couldn't see it, of course he wouldn't say it.

Zhu Houzhao laughed a few times and took the opportunity to claim credit.

"If the father wants his son to copy it, he will naturally complete it seriously."

"Then when father discusses political affairs, he must bring his sons and ministers with him!"

It’s not that Zhu Houzhao really wanted to deal with political affairs that much.

Mainly because of what Zhao Ce said before about the Kong family lineage, and the reason really made him scratch his head and heart.

He wanted to send someone to investigate, but he was afraid of stirring up trouble and spoiling the good thing.

So Zhu Houzhao could only hold on to curiosity and think about it day and night, but he couldn't figure it out.

Emperor Hongzhi said "hmm".

"Of course I have to take you with me."

Zhu Houzhao was then happy and asked someone to bring some food in.

"You have no joke, but you are not allowed to make changes day and night."

"By the way, when we went to Uncle Yongxi's Mansion earlier, Mrs. Yongxibo gave us some fresh food."

"After I tasted it, I thought it was pretty good."

"Today, I made some people learn the method given by Mrs. Yongxibo."

"I gave some to my mother as a gift. Father, do you want to try it too?"

Fresh food?

Emperor Hongzhi happened to be a little hungry, so he stood up after hearing this.

The two father and son sat opposite each other, and the palace servants arranged the dishes in the same way.

Looking at the pile of unseen food in front of him, Emperor Hongzhi asked curiously: "What are these?"

Zhu Houzhao proudly introduced: "This is roasted sweet potato."

"This is sweet potato, this is sweet potato pancake, this is sweet potato porridge..."

A table full of sweet potato feast.

Emperor Hongzhi heard the name and asked curiously: "Sweet potato? I seem to have never heard of this thing?"

"Both Yong Xibo brought these from his hometown. After several breedings, we have enough output to eat."

“I heard they are all new varieties!”

"Father, please try it quickly."

Emperor Hongzhi took a small golden spoon and took a bite of roasted sweet potato.
To be continued...