Chapter 024 Ming Literary Sage
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Chen Cao's "A Chinese Ghost Story" was a big hit, with 100,000 copies published by Zhili in the north and south. Chen Cao earned 230,000 taels in silver alone. Common people couldn't afford it. Various pirated books appeared, and the prices were the lowest. Even if it reaches five cents of silver, it is sold out. Most people will buy the genuine book with the Juxianju watermark printed on it. The reason is due to Chen Cao's hungry marketing.
The most popular thing about Nalan Rongruo these days is not the novel, but the article published a few days ago - "Cai Gen Tan"
As soon as this article came out, it immediately shocked Southern Zhili. Qin Wei, who was studying politics in Nanjing, even cried out that God was unfair because Chen Cao was born in a military family. Scholars in Southern Zhili all lamented Nalan Rongruo's literary talent, knowing that Nalan Rongruo Even Chen Cao's people rushed to Chenjiazhuang outside Zhengyang Gate, wanting to see Chen Cao and discuss literature with Nalan Rongruo.
On another four days, "Cai Gen Tan" arrived in the capital. The next day, it shocked the capital. Within ten days, it spread throughout Beizhili. Senior officials such as Zhang Wenda, the Minister of Personnel, Sun Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, and He Zongyan, the cabinet scholar, praised it one after another. , and then the court held a meeting, Emperor Tianqi issued an order to announce that Chen Cao, the author of "Cai Gen Tan", would come to Beijing to give a speech.
There are many jealous people, not only in Northern Zhili, but also in Southern Zhili. Some people think that Chen Cao cannot write such a good article at the age of seventeen, so many people are watching Chen Cao's performance in Beijing this time. result.
Chen Cao was not afraid at all. He had memorized Cai Gentan's annotations thoroughly for this incident. This was a premeditated matter, so naturally he could not reveal his faults. He could explain every sentence of annotations quickly and in detail, just like a teacher. .
Inside the White House
Chen Cao was a guest again, this time in casual clothes, but unlike the last time, he was treated better this time.
"My daughter has read Mr. Wang's masterpieces. He is such a talented person. Not even Mr. Yangming can write such articles." Bai Mengsheng still looked at Chen Cao with a smile: "I don't know if Mr. Song and Fu were also mentioned last time. Very powerful?"
"Is the girl married?" Chen Cao asked seriously.
Bai Mengsheng shook his head very indifferently: "No."
"Then I'll give you a song," Chen Cao was a top performer on campus back then. Even after working, he was a singing star in his workplace. He drank tea, cleared his throat, and sang, "If you don't have any precautions, you'll be fine." Without any worries, you just appeared in my world, bringing me surprises and I couldn’t help myself... In my dreams, in my heart, in my singing..."
After singing and calling it a day, Chen Cao drank the last of the tea and asked before Bai Mengsheng could speak, "Dare you ask the girl her name?"
Bai Mengsheng was stunned on the spot. Chen Cao expressed his admiration for her in every word of the song he sang to her. Moreover, this man who was versatile in both civil and military affairs was tall, good-looking, and a handsome man. He didn't know why, but he suddenly said: "Jade...Magnolia..."
"Magnolia?" Chen Cao thought about it for a moment: "Magnolia is a beautiful flower, pure and white, and worthy of you. I'll say goodbye..."
My face turned completely red...my heart was filled with excitement...
Chen Cao went to Beijing according to the order. Before leaving, Xu Hongji invited some of his best friends to hire prostitutes to see Chen Cao off. Only then did Chen Cao discover that Wei Guogong was also a young man. His nature was so unrestrained. Maybe he had always been there before. Under the control of the old housekeeper Wei Zhong, the depressed young man also needs stimulation.
Xu Xianchun also gave Chen Cao some instructions and let Chen Cao leave. Chen Cao hurried to the capital.
...
Twelve days later, Chen Cao arrived in the heart of the Ming Dynasty, the city of Beijing...
It was relatively leisurely along the way, so I brought Xu Kaixian and Han Shizhong with me, plus a Jin Yiwei from the General Flag Department.
The first thing Chen Cao did was to see the commander Luo Sigong. Of course, the most important thing was to send money. Chen Cao was not short of money now, so he sent another 50,000 taels of silver to Luo Sigong. The old guy praised Chen Cao unusually after receiving the money. With his character and literary talents, he told Chen Cao to perform well in the court battle in the future and try to add more glory to himself. After all, the Jin Yiwei has always been regarded as a hawk and a lackey, and they are all useless warriors.
Chen Cao immediately thought of two things that bothered him. The first thing was the marriage proposal, and the second thing was also about the marriage proposal...
Sure enough, before Chen Cao could sit down, Li Maohui's servants came to the inn. After receiving the news, Chen Cao rushed straight to Li Maohui's mansion in the capital.
"Junior Chen Cao, I have met Mr. Li..."
Old God Li Maohui looked at Chen Cao, nodded with satisfaction, and then suddenly stared at Chen Cao seriously and said: "How can you, a bastard who has only read "The University", write such an article that understands the meaning of the saint? If you say you are making nonsense, I have read it carefully and it is easy to understand, and I even think that what I have learned in the past is not even close to one point. Tell me, did you plagiarize this Cai Gentan?"
Chen Cao felt funny, but he didn't dare to talk back to his future father-in-law, so he smiled awkwardly and said, "Does Mr. Li think that this junior's name of 'Jinling Nalan Rongruo' was made up of nonsense?"
"You bastard...you..." Li Maohui was left speechless by Chen Cao, but this sentence was also true. Chen Cao's name as Nalan Rongruo was too famous. Now that Cai Gentan has come out, Who in the entire Ming Dynasty does not know Nalan Rongruo.
"Chen Cao..."
With a sweet cry, Chen Cao turned around to look, but it was Li Xiang who walked into the lobby and saw Chen Cao there with a look of surprise on his face.
Li Xiang walked into the lobby and glared when he saw Li Maohui blowing his beard, and immediately said: "Dad, are you bullying Chen Cao again?"
Lao Litou looked confused and shouted that he was wronged, but Li Xiang didn't see him. He stepped forward and took Chen Cao's hand in front of Lao Litou: "Chen Cao, you are here to propose marriage to my father. No? Is my father giving you a hard time? "
"Nonsense..." Li Maohui took off the crown on his head, revealing his bun, and drank a cup of tea in a big gulp.
Chen Cao looked embarrassed. Now that the tide has risen, Li Xiang loves him even more. Otherwise, he would not hold his hand in front of his father: "Xiang'er, you must know that your Majesty summoned me. It’s right to go to Beijing to report. There have been a lot of things going on in the Yamen recently, so I didn’t prepare a betrothal gift for going to Beijing this time... Hehe..."
Li Xiang was stunned for a moment, then looked lonely: "It doesn't matter...it doesn't matter..."
When Li Maohui saw his daughter's expression, he immediately became unhappy: "Damn girl, you are so rude even before you have even been hired as a matchmaker. Some people think that my Li family's tutoring is not strict..."
Chen Cao quickly spoke: "Sir, please don't be angry. Don't be angry. It's my fault. When Xiang'er left Nanjing, I promised her. When I came to Beijing, I came to your house to propose marriage. Today, I broke my promise." Seeing Li Xiang's lonely expression, Chen Cao felt uncomfortable in his heart: "Xiang'er, don't be angry. You must also know about the incident in Beijing. The article is too shocking. People will be jealous if it is written. If you can't satisfy those cabinet bachelors, I'm afraid you'll be accused of bullying the emperor, and I don't want to implicate you."
"Hmph..." Li Maohui breathed out from his nose: "You bastard, you still know how to shock the world. As soon as your article came out, you defeated a large number of people. I am afraid that all the scholars of Ming Dynasty think that today's education is not as good as yours." , if your boy's true talent and learning cannot keep up with the article you wrote when the report was made, I'm afraid it won't be as simple as deceiving the emperor."
Li Xiang became anxious when he heard this, and was stopped by Li Maohui: "Chen Cao, if you are really a talented person with both civil and military skills, I will make your marriage with Xiang'er happen. If not...hehe... Don't blame me for playing tricks on you when you play..."
The old guy has a dark heart...
"Dad..." Li Xiang looked anxiously, and Chen Cao comforted him for a few words before leaving. He still had important things to do.
After seeing Li Xiang here, Chen Cao had one more important thing to do. He had to go to Li Mansion to see Li Waner, who was keeping his filial piety.
After Li Rubai's death, the title was withdrawn because he had no heirs. The emperor was lenient. In addition to the posthumous title, he actually gave Li Waner the title of Lord of Tieling Township. Because of the Li family, Li Waner's three years of staying in Beijing to observe mourning were equivalent to being detained. He became a hostage in the capital.
The plaque read "Tieling Township Monarch's Mansion". Chen Cao came to the door with a man dressed in casual clothes. Fortunately, the gatekeeper had seen Chen Cao a few months ago and hurried in to pass the news. From time to time, Li Waner personally greeted him.
"Thieves..." Li Waner's first words out of the gate made Chen Cao helpless: "How long has it been since you came to see me?"
"You won't let me in?"
The maid led Chen Cao in. After Li Rubai's death, Li Rubai's wife and concubines lived here. Except for the close servants of the Li family, there were only a few men.
"How about it? The capital is much more lively than Shenyang, right?" Chen Cao talked to Li Waner as he walked: "It's quite good to live here all the time."
"When will you marry me..."
Li Waner's sudden words made Chen Cao confused and didn't know how to answer: "What?"
"When will you marry me?"
Chen Cao couldn't take advantage of any loopholes: "Well, I have to tell you something carefully. Don't be angry after hearing this."
Bang...
Li Waner pulled out her sword from behind the screen and looked at Chen Cao murderously: "You have to think clearly about the consequences of making me angry..."
The scene was highly tense. Chen Cao didn't want to die under Li Waner's sword, but thinking that Li Waner would no longer be his wife in the future, this arrogant woman would definitely kill him. Besides, he was indeed sorry for her, but if he didn't confess to this situation now, it would definitely explode in the future. ,The consequences could be disastrous.
So Chen Cao said seriously: "I, the Ming Dynasty, rule the world with filial piety. Wan'er, you are observing filial piety now for three years. When the three years are over, I, Chen Cao, will marry a matchmaker. I will carry you back in eight sedan chairs."
"It's still a human word." Li Waner took back her sword.
Chen Cao continued: "But..."
"Huh?" Li Waner immediately put the sword next to Chen Cao's neck: "Are you hiding something from me? If you don't tell me clearly, this sword will be stained with blood today."
"You have to say it even if it's bloody, I don't want you to be sad in the future." Chen Cao began to show his superb acting skills: "I am not married and have no engagement, but in Liaodong..."
Chen Cao told everything about himself and Li Xiang in a sonorous manner, and by the way, he also said that he went back to marry a concubine. After finishing speaking, he said: "Do it, I am sorry for you, but I don't want you to be sad in the future and think that I am I lied to you, so I would rather be chopped by you than make you sad, because I like you..."
In Chen Cao's time, these words were the most accurate way to flirt with girls. After all, Li Waner was also an adolescent girl. She was stimulated by Chen Cao's words, especially the last sentence, and finally cried, and then slowly let go. Chang Jian only whispered "Get lost" and left on his own.
Chen Cao's greatest advantage is that he knows current affairs, so when he saw this, he immediately ran away with Xu Kaixian.
When they returned to the inn, there was already a group of people waiting inside. In addition to the people from Jin Yiwei, there were also a few eunuchs leading the way.
A middle-aged eunuch came around, Chen Cao took a closer look, hey, old acquaintance: "Chen Cao has met Eunuch Wu..."
"Oh, Mr. Chen can't do anything now. You are the literary saint of my Ming Dynasty..." Wu Chun also quickly returned the greeting.
"Literary Sage..." Chen Cao was stunned, and then said: "I can't afford it, I can't afford it..."
"This is what His Majesty told his ancestors personally before. His Majesty said, 'Chen Cao's articles seem to be simpler than the teachings of those old scholars, but they are also profound. Although they cannot be compared with Zhu Sage, they are also the literary sages of the Ming Dynasty.' ..." Wu Chun imitated in a decent manner: "Oh, I almost forgot about business. Tomorrow Master Chen will be in front of you, but our family has important things to do here today. I have to teach you the rules of the palace..."
Newcomers have to learn the rules when meeting a saint. This is also a rule. After the business was done, Chen Cao quickly pulled Wu Chun aside and said with a smile: "It's not a big deal, please accept it with my father-in-law's smile..."
There were ten thousand taels in the packet, which was not a small amount. Chen Cao didn’t know if the eunuch’s skill in finding money in the packet was innate, but Wu Chun did find out the amount. That smile was amazing: “Oh, Mr. Chen. , thank you so much, we don’t know how to thank you..."
"Then please do me a favor, father-in-law?"
Wu Chun patted his chest and said, "Master Chen, just ask, we will definitely do whatever we can do."
"It's a small matter," Chen Cao took out another envelope: "This is a tribute to Eunuch Wei. Please pass it on to Eunuch Wei..."
Wu Chun smiled happily, took the envelope and said, "No wonder our ancestors read it right. Mr. Chen will be blessed in the future. Do you have anything to convey to our family?"
Chen Cao: "Please, father-in-law..."
On the fifth day of the Great Dynasty, all officials below the fifth rank consecrate themselves in the square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Those above the fifth rank are closest to the emperor. Only those closest to the emperor can hear clearly.
Tianqi's hobby of carpentry was a hobby that only appeared in the middle period. It was only after the Manchus entered the country that the world knew about it. Many ministers close to him knew about it, but few people discussed it privately. The saying 'Don't slander your father'...
Chen Cao was very lucky. He was the envoy of Fusi Town in Zhengsi Pinnan Town. He should be on the high platform. However, he was a new face saint and should be at the back of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. However, he was a Jin Yiwei and was promoted by Luo Sigong. , immediately stood on the high platform, but in the last row of the ministries, the emperor would definitely not be heard clearly if he was absent.
The eunuch on duty is a middle-aged man with somewhat white hair and beard...
"The one who paid him back is a horse-faced person..." Chen Cao said softly.
"Hey, this lord doesn't like Eunuch Wei?"
Wei Zhongxian?
Chen Cao was shocked, and then whispered: "I'm talking about the one next to me."
The officials next to him were wearing the same scarlet robes as Chen Cao. They were all fourth-grade officials, but they were just civil servants. When they heard Chen Cao's push, they immediately became anxious and said, "Vulgar martial artist, I will decide later." I will give you a copy in front of His Majesty."
"Huh?" Chen Cao was not easy to deal with either. He knew that the civil servants of the Ming Dynasty were stingy and would be settled by the Queen in the future. He immediately said angrily: "You bastard, who is your name? Hurry up and tell me your name."
"I am Taichang Shaoqing Yang Dongming..."
"Too...Too...Too Changqing..." Chen Cao stuttered a little...
The fourth person in front of Yang Dongming was Chen Cao's future father-in-law, Li Maohui. Many people could hear their conversation clearly, including Li Maohui.
"Your Majesty has a decree, and if you have the foundation, you will have to declare it early. If you don't have the foundation, you will withdraw from the court..." Wei Zhongxian shouted at the top of his voice.
"I have something to report to the Ministry of War." Shangshu Huang Kezan walked out of the queue: "Your Majesty, I received an urgent report from Liaodong yesterday. Nurhaci, the leader of the slave thieves, broke through Shenyang and besieged Liaoyang. Yuan Yingtai, the commander of the army, wrote to request rescue."
"Why is the Liao affair so embarrassing?" The sixteen-year-old Emperor Tianqi's voice was not as rich as that of an adult: "This matter will be handed over to the Ministry of War for discussion, and the cabinet will draft a charter."
"I accept the decree..." Huang Kezan said and continued: "Your Majesty, there is one more thing. The Xuanfu guerrilla Ma Shilong has quelled the civil unrest in Shaanxi. I would like to ask for your Majesty's instructions on how to award the reward."
"Yi Ai Qing, please tell me."
Huang Kezan bowed: "I intend to promote Ma Shilong to the position of deputy commander-in-chief of Yongping."
"Accurate performance..."
After that, various ministries began to talk briefly, which lasted for nearly an hour. Chen Cao almost fell asleep while standing. Finally, the court meeting stopped, and Wei Zhongxian came out and loudly said: "Your Majesty has a decree, Xuan Jin Yi Wei Nan Town Fusi Town Governor Chen Cao comes to see..."
Chen Cao didn't want to get into trouble with Yang Dongming at this moment, so he followed Professor Wu Chun's etiquette and ran for a while. However, he was panicked by the gaze of the officials. He knelt down and knelt down and worshiped: "The last general will be Nanzhen Fusi." Governor Chen Cao, please pay homage to His Majesty the Emperor. Long live His Majesty..."
hey-hey...
The officials on both sides of the imperial road covered their mouths and snickered. Chen Cao heard the small laughter, but he didn't know where he was wrong, and he didn't dare to raise his head, so he just lay prone.
Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but laugh a few words, then coughed and said: "Ai Qing, stand up and speak."
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
Chen Cao stood up, and from the corner of his eye, he felt that many people were laughing at him. He secretly made up his mind to ask questions after going out, and then stood there with his hands down.
Sun Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, stood out of the queue, walked to the side of Emperor Tianqi's imperial desk, coughed, and the scene became quiet. Then he asked on behalf of the emperor: "Where is Chen Cao, His Highness's envoy?"
"The last general will be..." Chen Cao bowed and handed over his hands. This etiquette was taught by Wu Chun.
Then he asked: "Did you write the book "Cai Gen Tan"?"
He replied: "Your Majesty, it is exactly what the last general wrote."
He also asked: "You can't keep yesterday's wrongs... You can't hold on to today's right... What's the explanation?"
Answer: "Yesterday... today..."
Then he asked: "Zhu Ziyun: Studying things leads to knowledge...what is the explanation?"
The answer is: "Studying things leads to knowledge..."
The whole memorial went on for almost an hour. Chen Cao had already anticipated what these people would ask Zhu Xi. Zhu Xi himself was quite a saint, so he said the phrase "Studying things to gain knowledge". Chen Cao had previewed it. He also asked some old scholars for advice, and they were able to answer Sun Shenxing's questions clearly.
However, most of what was correct was the original text of the book "Cai Gen Tan" plagiarized by Chen Cao. How could someone who memorize all the annotations make mistakes?
Sun Shenxing nodded with satisfaction, then turned around and handed over to Emperor Tianqi: "Your Majesty, this person is indeed truly talented and knowledgeable."
Zhu Youxiao said according to the pre-rehearsed words: "Chen Cao, I ask you, who taught you your knowledge?"
"Your Majesty, my father, Chen Fei, was originally a general in Liaodong. He died in the battle at Saarhu. My family comes from a military family. My father once found a traveling alchemist to teach the general, and he attended a private school in Nanjing. "The only articles from the sages that I have learned are "The Great Learning"." Chen Cao knelt down and said.
Zhu Youxiao asked again: "So you are self-taught?"
Answer: "Your Majesty, it all depends on the general who has traveled far and wide."
"Where are he, what is his name, and where is his place of origin?" Zhu Youxiao asked again. This was also a plan that had been arranged long ago.
Answer: "The master said that he was an expert from Huawai. He came from Sichuan. He only knew his surname, Ye. After he taught the generals, he took a boat to the west of Taipei with the missionaries."
This answer was impeccable. Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Wei Zhongxian. Wei Zhongxian nodded calmly. Zhu Youxiao said: "The Japanese pirates from Zhejiang are attacking. Are you the one who said 'no retreat'?"
"Your Majesty, you are the last general."
Zhu Youxiao looked very satisfied: "It is not easy for our Ming Dynasty to have people like you who are versatile in both civil and military affairs. I ask you, do you want to stay in military service or become a civil servant?"
Although being a civil official at this time is a way to get ahead, the military career is the only way to protect oneself wisely. Chen Cao said without hesitation: "Your Majesty, at the end of the world as a military general, you should become a military general. After all, he is a brave warrior, and literature is just a hobby. It’s just a hobby.”
Zhang Wenda next to him breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Chen Cao's nature well. If this guy became a civil servant, he would definitely be a disaster. Not only him, but also everyone else breathed a sigh of relief indirectly, but the reason was not Zhang Wenda. idea.
Zhu Youxiao said: "Well, our Ming Dynasty needs talents like you. Let's do this. I will retain your official position in Nanzhen Fusi, and you will still be the envoy of Nanzhen Fusi. I heard about your bravery in battle, If there is a vacancy at Nanjing’s right guard, you should serve as the commander of Nanjing’s right guard.”
"Your Majesty, you must not..." Zhao Nanxing, the censor of Zuodu, stood up and stopped him: "Chen Cao is already the governor of the Jinyi Guards. How can your majesty let him continue to serve as the commander of the guards?"
"Wei Daban, is there anyone in our court who holds both military and military positions? I mean someone like Chen Cao?" Zhu Youxiao turned around and asked.
Wei Zhongxian replied: "But there was one person, Jiang Bin, who was granted the title of Pinglupp during the reign of Lord Wu Zong. At that time, he was the commander-in-chief of the four towns, commanding the four armies and the 12th regiment camp outside the capital. He also wore a brocade uniform to guard the north town. The actual duties of the commander-in-chief of Fusi..."
Chen Cao didn't know how many times he scolded Wei Zhongxian in his heart. This horse-faced old guy is really uneducated. Who is he? It's not good to compare me with Jiang Bin. You are a thief. That guy is a sycophant. He was treated like this by you. Say, haven’t I become a sycophant?
Chen Cao's face turned blue at that moment. Everyone who heard Wei Zhongxian say these words lowered their heads and snickered, and looked at Chen Cao with very pitiful eyes...
Yes, that's right, it's a pitiful look.
When Zhao Nanxing heard this, he couldn't help laughing, and then said: "Your Majesty, I have disobeyed you. Please forgive me. Since Eunuch Wei has said this, I will not stop you. I will ask your Majesty to make a decision." .”
Wei Zhongxian's list of examples was all told to him by his eunuchs, and he was still complacent. Zhu Youxiao nodded: "Do you think my decision is inappropriate..."
"Your Majesty the Holy Ming..."
...
