And New Confucianism was Great Chu's true mainstream faith, something almost every commoner followed. It was like the classical age: people might believe in Buddhism or Daoism, but most were still Confucian to the bone.
That alone made it something no one could mock! And that was before considering Emperor Mingde's immense prestige, or the vast influence the Imperial Family wielded behind the scenes.
Since Tang Changsheng was speaking for the Imperial Family, words that had grated on many ears a moment ago now seemed perfectly ordinary.
After all, this was the Imperial Family!
To be honest, even Tang Changsheng was surprised. He had not expected Emperor Mingde to endorse his speech!
And from the look of it, the emperor had given the order long ago. He had even anticipated this very situation.
In fact, Tang Changsheng had foreseen this possibility from the moment he began speaking. He had not cared, and Elder Yuan and the other powerful figures had clearly arranged everything behind the scenes.
He would not have minded being a pawn that crossed the river. At worst, he would have endured a few boos. Tang Changsheng was deeply wary of Holy Salt, and if he could help ban it, he was more than willing!
He had not expected Emperor Mingde to put the Imperial Family's weight behind him... Though in truth, most of the Imperial Family's prestige and power to intimidate rested with Emperor Mingde himself.
The entire hall fell silent as a grave. Only then did Elder Yuan smile with satisfaction and say to Tang Changsheng, "Mr. Tang, please continue your speech..."
Tang Changsheng nodded and resumed. His voice carried through the hall, and this time everyone listened with solemn attention.
For nearly five or six years, the Imperial Family had made no direct statement on