The impact of Zhang Pu's arrest is immeasurable.
First of all, he is a leader in the literary world. He has been at the forefront of the limelight over the years and is worshiped as a god by countless literati.
Many people even believe that Zhang Pu is the only person who can teach the Ming Dynasty.
Now such a literary master is arrested and imprisoned, which directly shatters many people's illusions.
For a time, the literary world was in turmoil.
Countless literati and scholars stood up and criticized the government, and their words were vaguely directed at Chongzhen.
Even after so many years of changes and the Ming Dynasty suffered many hardships, just because Chongzhen killed the eunuchs, many people still regarded him as a wise king.
But this time, Chongzhen's image suffered an unprecedented blow. Especially among scholars, many people were alienated from him.
Secondly, what frightened Shihlin even more was that Zhang Pu was caught too smoothly.
The imagined scene of the people running around and shouting, raging and resisting the tyranny did not appear. Many people even spurned, insulted and hated Zhang Pu.
This scene made many scholars feel fear.
People like them always stand by their words. Build your reputation and gain public support by expressing your opinions.
But now the general public is disgusted and resentful of them, and they have lost the source of their power.
The thought that from now on they will not be able to respond to a hundred people's calls and be followed by thousands of people, no one will care about the articles they write, and no one will follow the poems they conceive, it is like the end of the world for these literati.
The third consequence is that Shandong’s ideas spread more and more widely.
Because of Zhang Pu's incident, more and more people are curious about what happened between him and Shandong.
If you want to know the truth, people must read the articles circulated in Shandong.
In this world, there is no doubt that scholars and landlords are only a very small part of the class.
And more people are ordinary people who are oppressed and exploited.
Zuo Menggeng's article abandons all the glamorous appearance and goes straight to the core and essence. For ordinary people, such articles are undoubtedly more down-to-earth and will not be difficult for them to understand.
And when ordinary people understand it, they will naturally think about today's difficulties and encounters.
Especially businessmen who were originally oppressed at the bottom can see the hope of change from articles like this.
Because of their attitude and interests, they will naturally side with Shandong.
Nothing can be seen from these yet, but when Shandong really begins to sweep the world in the near future, they will definitely become a potential boost.
Capital.
Because of the arrest of Zhang Pu, Chongzhen was under tremendous pressure.
Countless officials filled with righteous indignation gathered outside the palace gate, knocking on the que and complaining about their grievances. The momentum was as loud as that of Zuo Shunmen back then.
"Your Majesty, out of righteous indignation, many officials have not eaten or drank for three days and three nights. If this continues, I am afraid that something unspeakable will happen."
Above the imperial palace, Li Maofang made a speech and finally found an opportunity.
As a party member of Zhou Yanru, Li Maofang was in an extremely difficult situation after Zhou Yanru was dismissed from office. Repeatedly forced by Wen Tiren, Xue Guoguan and others, he was struggling.
As a result, this time Chongzhen issued an edict to arrest Zhang Pu, which caused an uproar. Li Maofang seized this opportunity and fought back desperately.
Chongzhen had already known what happened outside the palace gate. On the surface he was calm, but inside he was terrified.
He has always followed Taizu and Shizu as examples, eager to become a wise king and leave a name in history. And he took warning from the actions of emperors such as Jiajing and Wanli.
Nowadays, when officials and scholars imitate what Zuo Shunmen did, wouldn't they regard him as Jiajing?
Just when he was hesitant, Xue Guoguan stood up.
"It's nonsense. Zhang Pu is just a commoner, but he can get so many officials and scholars to cheer for him in the countryside. This is proof of his crime."
Chongzhen was refreshed, and Xue Guoguan's statement was in line with his psychology.
"What do officials from all walks of life want to do if they do not abide by their duties and interfere with the judiciary rashly? If these people do not disperse after the order is issued, they will be dismissed from their posts, deprived of their honors, and will never be used again. Those who stubbornly resist will be severely punished."
Immediately, a eunuch led the royal guards out and read Chongzhen's edict in public.
The officials and scholars gathered outside the palace gate were all desperate when they saw such a powerful emperor refusing to compromise.
These people cried loudly, wept with grief and anger, and then...
They all turned and left silently.
Are you kidding me?
It doesn't matter if the emperor plays the cards, they can still get a clear name.
But if you have to be dismissed from office and deprived of your honors, wouldn't that mean you're completely finished?
Everyone comes here to have fun, but they never want to play so big.
Although the storm had dissipated, for Chongzhen, it still left him feeling gloomy.
Of course he knew that what he did this time really chilled the hearts of many people.
But how to redeem it?
"Your Majesty, Dongjiang has been rebellious and has been escorted to the capital for a long time, and is awaiting trial. In my opinion, why not take the opportunity to reshape the rules and regulations and cheer up people's hearts?"
Chongzhen was overjoyed and admired Wen Tiren even more.
"These are mature and prudent words. I have love and support, so everything will be worry-free."
Since the arrest of Zhang Pu has aroused people's concerns, it would be better to use the sentence of Dongjiang rebels to divert attention.
"It is my will to order the three judicial divisions to merge for trial and make a public conviction. We must let everyone in the world understand that national law is ruthless and sins cannot be escaped."
Wen Tiren quickly agreed and went down to execute it.
Chongzhen was the only one left in the palace, staring blankly at the sky outside the palace gate.
However, there was no trace of light, only dark clouds covering the sky and the sun.
……………………
Tsushima Strait, clear sky.
Shandong's fleet can finally appear here openly.
This is the middle section of the strait, a certain distance from Busan and Tsushima.
At least standing on the shore, you can't see the fleet.
When both Busan and Tsushima are interested in smuggling, there will be no unexpected intruders in this sea area.
The three parties can conduct fair and aboveboard transactions here.
First came the North Koreans.
Quan Li personally led the team and came closer.
"Lord Shangguo, there is one more thing that we can discuss with you?"
After the delivery of the goods was completed, Quan Li looked embarrassed, hesitating and looking very ashamed.
Chonghua smiled and said: "General Quan, with our relationship, what else can't be said?"
Quan Li took a long breath and then spoke slowly.
"Your Excellency, you don't know. Our country, North Korea, is small and barren, and our wealth is limited. The goods delivered this time are extremely valuable. I wonder if... can I use other things as collateral?"
Chonghua understood.
North Korea does not have much money to purchase these goods and wants to change its methods.
"If General Quan doesn't have any good ideas?"
Quan Li cheered up and clapped his hands.
On the North Korean ship next to it, two North Korean soldiers worked together to open the hatch, revealing the mystery inside.
Chonghua only glanced at it and couldn't help being shocked.
"this……"
Inside the hatch, dozens of young North Korean women were seen tied up hand and foot and imprisoned.
At this time, he looked frightened and trembling, like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.