Kong Kangda was an ancestor of Kong Taichang, deeply respected by scholars across the land.
During the previous dynasty, a Family Head of the Kong Family disregarded the Kong Family rules and supported Prince Yun, who was then a commoner's son, in his quest for the throne. He even aided and abetted in committing several atrocious deeds, including the persecution of some officials and scholars.
At that time, Prince Yun was notorious among both scholars and the common populace. Scholars and students throughout the land were extremely opposed to Prince Yun's rise to power. To remove any obstacles for Prince Yun, that Family Head of the Kong Family went as far as to launch a literary persecution, wrongfully condemning and killing many scholars.
Driven by his ambition, the Family Head of the Kong Family forced the scholars to accept and acknowledge Prince Yun, killing anyone who opposed him. At that time, nearly all the scholars and students in the capital were arrested.
