Not long after I walked out of the house, I still had to meet the prince today to see how things were arranged in the East Palace.
On the busy streets of Dongshi, early morning is always the busiest.
Spring is a good time to supplement fruits, vegetables, eggs, and milk. The Medicine Classic says that liver qi is in season, and it is a good time of the year to nourish the liver.
"Auntie, save some duck eggs for me." Zhang Yang smiled and handed over ten cents.
"You have to be an official today and you want us to save vegetables for you. You really know how to plan." Auntie joked, and then said to the uncle selling vegetables on the side: "Save some bitter vegetables for Zhang Xiaozi. This guy loves it." eat."
The vegetable seller laughed and said: "An official comes to buy vegetables by himself. Who is an official without one or two followers?"
The aunt looked at Zhang Yang with a smile, "Your uncle is always talking nonsense and smells like alcohol in the morning."
"You can also choose the fresh ones you buy yourself. The conditions at home are not good. The salary in the court is only so small. Wherever there is money, there are still followers."
"Xiao Zhang is still sensible." Auntie said with a smile on her face, "Auntie will look after it and come pick it up in the afternoon."
"Thank you Auntie."
I have been getting along with the vendors here for some years, and everyone knows each other well. It would be helpful if they can help. The favors gained from long-term business are still beneficial.
Walking out of the East Market is Suzaku Street, where people coming and going are busy working for a day's livelihood.
There are no entertainment projects, and there are not many activities on normal days. Everyone wakes up very early.
Passing by a bookstall, I caught a glimpse of a volume from the corner of my eye.
Turning around and walking back to the bookstall, Zhang Yang picked up the Red Mansion on the bookstall and read through it.
The bookseller whispered: "This brother has a good eye, and now this red building is in high demand."
While talking, the bookseller was still copying books, also from Red Mansion.
Now that printing technology has not become popular, most books circulated by people rely on manual copying.
Zhang Yang asked: "How many rolls of this Red House can you sell in one day?"
The bookseller wiped his hands and said, "I can sell ten volumes a day. A volume of Red Mansion here sells for thirty cents. I copied them all myself and earned some hard-earned money."
"You can earn three hundred cents by buying ten volumes a day?"
"There are also people who will counter-offer, saying that it is thirty cents for a volume, but it still needs to be negotiated before selling it." The bookseller said with emotion: "We who are just literate and have no talent are just trying to make a living. I have been there before. Hongwen Guan transcribes books, so don’t worry, Brother Xingwen, even people from Hongwen Guan still come to me to copy.”
Is there Hongwen Museum as an endorsement? This is a trick. You really can't underestimate the wisdom of the ancients. If you can enter the Hongwen Museum, your worth will be much higher.
Zhang Yang pretended to be suspicious and said, "I remember that there is also the original Red Mansion outside."
The hawker came closer and whispered: "Brother, do you know the original of the Red Mansion outside, and how much money the hundreds of copies of The Red Mansion have changed hands for?"
Putting down the scroll of Red Mansion in his hand, Zhang Yang put his hands in his hands and asked, "How much money?"
The vendor stretched out his palm and gestured, "It's five hundred pieces per scroll, and the printing font is Mr. Ouyang Xun's. How can the price be lower? We ordinary people dare not even think about it."
"The price has been so high?"
"Speculated like this?" The vendor smiled and said, "Speculated? This is an interesting statement."
While talking, I happened to bump into Cheng Chumo passing by. This guy was sleepy and swaying as he walked. Did he get up early and not wash his face?
Zhang Yang reached out and grabbed him, "Brother Chu Mo!"
Cheng Chumo was stunned for a moment, "Aren't you going to be on duty at court?"
"I was about to go. It's not that I didn't bring enough money with me. Help me pay for the books."
"Where do you have so much money at home?"
"My wife is in charge of the money at home, so I have no money to buy groceries."
Cheng Chumo dropped a bunch of money very coolly, "Why did you buy the Red Mansion? Didn't you write this yourself?"
Zhang Yang cupped his hands and said: "Brother Chu Mo, first of all, I didn't write this Red Mansion. Secondly, I want to support other people's careers. You said that these days, transportation is all about walking, spreading news is all about shouting, and the spread of books is also all about them. Man, it’s not easy.”
Cheng Chumo scratched his ears and said, "I don't understand these principles. I have to go to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Affairs. The matter of food has not been settled yet."
Seeing Cheng Chumo leave, Zhang Yang patted the bookseller on the shoulder and said, "Come on, work hard."
The bookseller slowly raised his head, and the people in front of him also left. Was the Red Mansion by him? Why did he buy his own book?
Feeling inexplicably moved in his heart, the bookseller bowed to Zhang Yang's back.
This world is neither good nor bad.
Living standards need to be improved, and a moderately prosperous life is still far away.
The development of the printing industry lagged behind, and bulky engraving printing was not flexible enough for batch printing.
Aristocratic families and wealthy families control book resources to control scholars.
Most books are distributed through these booksellers.
Books carry knowledge, and disseminating them is also a top priority.
Communication is also a science, and human communication behavior is always changing. The communication media these days relies entirely on word of mouth, and most governments that control communication channels just post a notice.
While thinking about it, he came to the door of Zhuque and saw Zhang Daan.
This boy was standing at the door, devouring a piece of cake.
Zhang Yang stepped forward and said, "Didn't you have breakfast?"
Just as he was about to speak, he seemed to be swallowed again and kept patting his chest.
Zhang Yang said discouraged: "Straighten your back and jump."
After jumping on the spot twice, Zhang Daan finally regained his breath and said, "I came in a hurry, so I'm eating cake in front of the door. It's rude."
"It's okay, have you gone to see the teacher?"
Zhang Daan nodded, "I stayed in the village last night. I got up before dawn and came to Chang'an City for fear of missing the time."
The distance from Lishan to Chang'an really requires getting up before dawn. When we arrived at Chang'an City, it was already dawn, and it happened to be the time when the city gates opened and it was time for the morning dynasty.
This is how Shangguan Yi came to work in Hongwen Hall before.
Looking at Zhang Daan's embarrassed look, Zhang Yang smiled and said: "Why are you still wearing such coarse clothes? You should dress appropriately when serving in the East Palace."
Zhang Daan cupped his hands and said: "Father said that I am a stupid person with no great abilities. I should look like myself. I cannot compare with other children. Their abilities are much greater than mine."
Seeing that there was still half a piece of cake in his hand, Zhang Yang said melancholy: "Eat this piece of cake first before going in."
Zhang Daan smiled and put the cake into his arms, "Go in now. I think it's time for the prince to go to court. I can eat this half of the cake when I'm hungry."
Zhang Yang laughed and shook his head. Stupid children are always kind. The teacher taught Daan well. Although such children will be bullied, at least they will not go astray.
Following him towards the East Palace, Zhang Yang asked again: "I will also serve in the East Palace in the future. What should I pay attention to in the East Palace?"
Zhang Daan added: "In the past, when Mr. Li Gang was here, the prince could not be disturbed while he was listening to the lectures. Now that the old man is gone, everything is done according to the prince's instructions."
Looking at Zhang Daan's expression again, this guy was still smiling innocently.
When he walked into the East Palace, Li Chengqian was already here, and there was another person here. At first glance, he seemed to have seen him before.
Li Chengqian stood up quickly and said: "Father has already issued a decree to appoint you as the benefactor of the East Palace."
Zhang Yang nodded and said: "As the servant of the East Palace, I will be in charge of the ceremony of farewell to the East Palace, and I will be responsible for accepting orders and asking questions. From now on, whenever His Highness the Crown Prince does something wrong, he must criticize His Highness."
Li Chengqian smiled heartily, "That's natural, and this is Changsun Chong."
Zhang Yang saluted politely, "I have met Mr. Changsun."
While talking, Zhang Yang looked at Zhang Daan again. He was already cleaning up the chores in the East Palace.
Li Chengqian explained: "Da'an is a warm-hearted person, and he will help with all the complicated things in the East Palace."
Zhang Yang whispered: "Da'an is the teacher's child. He often says that he is stupid. I really admire his pragmatic spirit."
"pragmatic?"
Zhang Yang nodded and said: "Do something practical and effective."
Changsun Chong said: "You mean Hua Zerong, but I don't know the truth. Please be pragmatic?"
"Young Master Changsun is very knowledgeable and I admire him."
Seeing how polite Zhang Yang was, Changsun Chong had no choice but to give up what he wanted to say.
It is said that reading the classics of saints is not as much as that of the children of these families. After all, they grew up reading these books.
Li Chengqian sat down again and said, "Back then, Gao Qingcheng made his own decision in the Ministry of Rites and sent envoys to Tibet to make friends with Songtsan Gampo. I didn't expect that something like this would happen."
Zhang Yang stood aside and whispered: "Master Gao Xingyi's starting point is good. It is also for the sake of the country and the peace of the border."
Changsun Chong took two steps with his hands behind his back, "It would be good if the envoy was detained. Now we have arranged for spies in Tubo to come and report that they want to ask the Tang Dynasty for the princess."
Listening to the discussion between Li Chengqian and Changsun Chong, Zhang Yang thought that the entanglement between Tang Dynasty and Tubo began as early as when Li Yuan came to the throne. Tuyuhun and Tubo people often invaded and harassed Hexi and Longyou.
Fortunately, after the Central Plains was pacified, the DPRK was able to free up its hands and feet to rectify the border and pacify Liangzhou and Yumen Pass, thus stabilizing the border.
Zhang Yang said unconsciously: "Tubo is planning to come and ask for the princess so soon?"
Changsun Chong said: "There have always been matters of peace with the Turks and other border countries. Now there is only news that Songtsen Gampo and Ludongtsen are talking about it. However, everyone in the court thinks that this will happen sooner or later."
Before Li Chengqian could speak, Changsun Chong said again: "Tubo used 200,000 troops to attack Tuyuhun. Even if these 200,000 troops were used by the Tang Dynasty, it would be a tough battle in the future, and the DPRK would definitely seek peace. "
Listening to the discussion between the two, Zhang Yang stood aside and thought quietly, with Tubo's current situation and population, can it pull out an army of 200,000 people?
It is said that there are 200,000 troops, and there should be a lot of moisture in them.
Changsun Chong was still talking to Li Chengqian about the current situation and the arrangements for border troops, looking like a minister of the dynasty.
If you want to pretend, let you pretend. If you are strong, you can be strong. The breeze blows on the hills. You can do whatever you want. I will shine on the river since the bright moon.
After talking for an hour, Changsun Chong finally left with his head held high, as if he felt that what he said made sense.
It is not a good thing for young people to show off too much. This inexplicable sense of exclusion makes people very uncomfortable.
It's a pity that I have long outlived my youth and vitality. As I gain more experience, I will keep a low profile after suffering a loss.
Li Chengqian said: "What do you think of Changsun Chong's words?"
Seeing that Changsun Chong had already walked away, Zhang Yang saluted and said, "I admire Master Changsun's true knowledge and insights."
Li Chengqian lowered his face and sighed: "That's not how true knowledge and insights are used. I feel like you weren't even listening to Chang Sun Chong's long speech."
Zhang Yang smiled in astonishment, "I made the prince laugh. In fact, I was just thinking about what to cook when I get home, such as fried poached eggs with scallions."
"Poached eggs? Are they delicious?"
Zhang Yang nodded heavily, "It's delicious. Prince, do you want to try it?"
Li Chengqian waved his hand and said: "I thought that when discussing affairs in the East Palace, state affairs should be the most important thing."
After taking a look at the sky, Zhang Yang sighed: "It's time for lunch. I think the prince is also hungry. Why don't I cook two dishes for the prince."
"It doesn't matter, I'm tired of being alone."
You have to be careful when talking to the prince. Li Shimin has to deal with so many government affairs all day long. He is somewhat lax in teaching his son, but he wants to teach the prince and get involved in the government affairs? This kind of thing is too risky.
Donggong Sheren is just here to give advice, so don't take yourself too seriously. Being too arrogant can lead to bad luck, and being an official in the Tang Dynasty is too risky.
The power of life and death is in the hands of the emperor. If he is not happy, he will chop you into pieces.
It's nice to be like Zhang Da'an, who has no sense of presence. I feel in my heart that the teacher has really good intentions.
Zhang Yang walked outside the palace and said, "Da'an, how do you cook in the East Palace?"
Zhang Daan pointed to the iron pot on the side, "It's all on that pot, and there are pottery bowls over there that can also be used for cooking."
"It's really simple."
Zhang Daan explained: "Donggong has always been frugal."
Skillfully lighting a fire to cook, filling two pottery bowls with millet rice. Here, under the disbelieving eyes of the palace maid, she skillfully cut off some animal fat and put it into the pot. This is the fat of the deer.
A man from the East Palace was an official after all, so he started cooking in the East Palace.
I fried two poached eggs for the prince, and fried some pieces of camphor meat. I didn't expect that there was pepper in the east palace.
Finally, sprinkle with pepper and bring the two dishes into the hall.
Li Chengqian looked at the pepper on the deer meat, "Did you even use pepper?"
Zhang Yang wiped his hands, "I will use the ready-made pepper. Your Highness, please remember to wash your hands before eating."
Li Chengqian picked up his chopsticks and hesitated to speak. He hesitated to put down his chopsticks and sighed: "Actually, I plan to eat this pepper on a good day. This is the only thing left in the East Palace, and I have been reluctant to part with it."
"Yes...really?" Zhang Yang was stunned. Although pepper is expensive, he wouldn't be reluctant to use such a small amount of pepper. Is the life in the East Palace so difficult?
Seeing that Li Chengqian tasted delicious, Zhang Yang took Zhang Daan and left the East Palace.
The Hall of Manna was very quiet with only a few maids and eunuchs standing there.
Seeing that it was Li Junxian who had arrived, Li Shimin asked, "This is Zhang Yang's first day as the hostess of the East Palace. What did he do in the East Palace?"
Li Junxian replied: "When Zhang Yang arrived at the East Palace, he first listened to the eldest grandson and the prince discussing today's government affairs."
"Talk about government affairs? Did Zhang Yang also talk about it?"
"Back to Your Majesty, the people in the East Palace said that Zhang Yang just listened to the eldest grandson and the prince talking about government affairs. He stood quietly without interrupting or having any opinions. He only said a few words when the prince asked him. However, before leaving, he made two remarks to the prince. Just one dish and left."
"that's it?"
"only these."
After reviewing a memorial, Li Shimin snorted coldly: "You only cooked two dishes and left? You don't dare to talk about government affairs. He said he is young and energetic, but he knows his own weight."
(End of chapter)
