A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

Zhu Youcheng inquired about the Ministry of Rites' examination scandal during a meeting with ministers. The absence of evidence led to the imprisonment of Tang Yin and Xu Jing, raising concerns about legal principles. Bai Ang advocated for strict legalism, supported by several ministers, while others, including Jiao Fang, called for a thorough investigation. The debate highlighted internal power struggles and the fear of unjust imprisonment among scholars. Ultimately, Ma Wensheng opposed the idea of imprisoning individuals without solid evidence, emphasizing the need for truth before judgment. This division among ministers reflected the complexities of governance during the Hongzhi era.

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