Fengtian Palace, Great Dynasty.
That day was the day of the Autumn Sacrifice, and many nobles came in costumes, because after the dynasty ended, they would go to the Temple of Heaven and Earth to participate in the sacrifice.
On the civil service side, each yamen only had to send representatives, but Wu Xun basically went wherever he could.
At this time, matters were also being discussed in the court.
Since the sacrifice is about to take place, the discussion should be kept simple.
Dai Yi was reporting something: "...Wang Yue, the former left minister of the Ministry of War, Shaanxi Yan and other military affairs departments, has set out from Xuanfu Town a few days ago. He is on his way back to Beijing. If the journey goes smoothly, he may be able to return within five or six days. Arrive in the capital."
Wang Yue is coming back.
This made the civil servants very uncomfortable, because in their view, Wang Yue was not a positive character. How could a man who gained power by befriending internal officials and was dismissed from his post and seize a title for bribery and other crimes be any better?
Moreover, they urgently need a scapegoat for Li Guang's case. It seems that Wang Yue and Li Guang are very close, so he is the most suitable to take the blame.
For Wang Yue to return to the capital and serve as the confidential left minister of the Ministry of War, it would definitely disturb the normal order of the court.
Non-my family, its heart must be different.
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "Have the Northwestern Tatars disappeared now?"
Dai Yi looked at the ministers present. He was not only replying to the emperor's words, but also telling the ministers present: "There is currently no Tatar movement in the northwest."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Okay, let's come here today and get ready. I will also go to the ceremony with all the ministers today. Each of the six departments and other yamen will send a minister, and the rest will also make preparations. It will start before noon. .”
…
…
The court meeting was dissolved.
The three cabinet ministers walked out together. Xie Qian said in a strange tone: "In normal years, Your Majesty would send someone to offer sacrifices on his behalf. Why do you have to go there this year?"
Obviously no one could answer this question for him.
The emperor's intentions are the hardest to guess. The emperor should have gone in person, so it is unreasonable to send someone to offer sacrifices on his behalf. You, Xie Yuqiao, shouldn't ask.
Li Dongyang seemed to be thoughtful and said: "Your Majesty's complexion has improved a lot recently."
This sentence made Liu Jian and Xie Qian think for a moment, and even Liu Jian had to nod to agree with this statement.
Xie Qian said: "I heard that someone in the palace is treating His Majesty. Could it be because of this?"
Still a question no one can answer.
Just as he was talking, several officials quickly approached. Shi Lin, the right minister of the Ministry of Industry, said: "Wang Shichang is going back to Beijing. Shouldn't I do something while I wait?"
The three cabinet ministers all heard that the civil servants had great opinions on Wang Yue, to the point where they could not help but him.
Shi Lin was filled with indignation and said: "This Wang Shichang is a sycophant. He never understands common sense in marching. He mostly advances with light troops and has repeatedly reported false military achievements. Now that the eunuch Li Guang is dead, he once publicly bribed Li Guang." , it’s okay to say what happened to others, but do we have to tolerate a person who openly fawns over Li Guang? Or even let him cause trouble to the imperial court? "
At this time, Yuan Shouzhi also came out to help: "If this person doesn't go, how can the order of the court be maintained?"
The question was put in front of Liu Jian.
But it was obvious that none of the three cabinet members wanted to be involved in the impeachment of Wang Yue.
Tu Tong came over to persuade and said: "Everyone, if you have any ideas, just tell me directly. There is no need to ask the three pavilion elders for instructions. Please leave!"
Others also had great opinions on Tu Feng, because before Wang Yue returned to the court, Tu Feng was the primary target of impeachment by Ke Dao Yanguan regarding Li Guang's case.
A group of people left amid discussions.
Any autumn festival is nothing in their eyes.
Their official purpose was to expel Wang Yue from the court or even punish him.
Xie Qian looked at the backs of these people and sighed as if thinking: "Wang Shichang is buried half-body, and he can't even rest in peace."
…
…
That day was not only the day of the Autumn Annals, but also the day when a fasting ceremony was held in the inner garden of the palace, and the wife came into the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.
As the "supervisor" of this fasting ceremony, Zhang Zhou was not responsible for the performance of the fasting ceremony, because Zhang Zhou also said that he did not know how to do this. The emperor and the Queen Mother Zhou only asked him to be a supervisor on the side to see where it was. There is a problem with the process, and by the way, let’s check the feng shui of the palace.
It's easy.
However, before going to Qin'an Hall where the fasting ceremony was held, he had to follow Xiao Jing to see the emperor.
"...Bingkuan, I will not go to the palace garden with you today. I will ask Xiao Jing to accompany you. In addition, no matter what the imperial grandmother's request is, try not to disobey her. She is already old, so don't let her have any disadvantages. Things that go your way.”
Zhu Youtang's filial piety is well reflected.
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, since you don't want to displease the old lady, why don't you consider the matter of taking a concubine?
You yourself are causing trouble for her.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I have some suggestions regarding the prince's daily behavior."
"Prince?"
Zhu Youtang thought that he had heard wrongly and that today was the day of sacrifice. Zhang Zhou had no suggestion about this and actually asked him about the prince's teachings and the code of conduct.
Zhang Zhou handed over his hand: "Yes, I believe that the prince is still too neglectful in discipline. He should formulate a strict daily life system, list it on paper, and set rewards and punishments. If he continues to indulge, it will be regarded as the prince's indulgence." Geniuses are bound to have deviations.”
"oh."
Zhu Youtang thought for a while, felt it made sense, and nodded, "Leave it to you."
Zhang Zhou said: "How do I have the qualifications to regulate the prince's behavior? This matter must be done by your majesty! Moreover, the prince is naughty by nature and likes to play a lot. Only if your majesty often supervises him will he restrain his temper."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "This is actually not bad. Every time I go there, I see that he is quite well-behaved..."
Zhang Zhou smiled bitterly.
The general meaning is that you only know one but not the other.
"Is something wrong?" Zhu Youtang saw some signs.
Zhang Zhou didn't answer, but looked at Dai Yi beside him.
You mean, this is not a good thing for me to say, right?
Zhu Youtang also followed Zhang Zhou's gaze and looked at each other sharply: "If you have anything to say, just tell me!"
Dai Yi had no choice but to say with a grimace: "Your Majesty, actually... I have always heard that the prince asked people to keep an eye on him outside the palace. Once His Majesty goes... then... go in and inform him, and then …”
"Who is so bold? Ahem..."
Zhu Youtang was so angry that he almost coughed out his lungs.
After he recovered for a long time and Zhu Youtang's breathing became smoother, Dai Yicai said: "It's from the prince's side... a man named Liu Jin."
"Liu Jin?"
Zhu Youtang had murderous look in his eyes.
Zhang Zhou said: "I hope that your majesty can restrain the regular attendants in the East Palace. If your majesty is going to go, you can also ask people to stop the people who are following you in advance. Then when you watch in person, you can see the prince's daily behavior. "
"Well." Zhu Youtang said coldly, "Okay, I'll go today! After returning from the Temple of Heaven and Earth, no one is allowed to inform, Xiao Jing, don't accompany Bingkuan, go with me. Find someone to accompany Bingkuan. Gonghouyuan! That’s all!”
Zhu Youtang looked angry.
There are actually eunuchs in the East Palace who join forces with the prince to play tricks on the emperor?
You are living impatiently.
…
…
When Zhang Zhou went to the imperial garden, he was accompanied by Yang Peng, who was called by Xiao Jing.
Compared with Xiao Jingdong's status as the owner of the factory, Yang Peng is now only an eunuch in the Royal Horse Prison, not even a eunuch, and his status is far from high. In the past, he mostly relied on working for Li Guang, and others They were all afraid of him, even Xiao Jing had to show courtesy to him.
Now he is eager to find a big tree.
While he was giving gifts to Xiao Jing, he was fawning over Zhang Zhou.
Walk all the way through the palace, come out from Kunning Gate, and go to the back garden of the palace.
But at this time, there were many tables and chairs in the palace garden. The wife who entered the palace had not yet arrived, but there were many eunuchs and maids helping to clean up.
Yang Peng said: "If Master Zhang Xian, the Taoist priest in charge of the Zhaijiao ceremony today, has any instructions, just let me know and they will be ready to help. Someone has already said hello to them."
"good."
Zhang Zhou looked around.
Although there are quite a lot of flowers and plants in the garden, it is actually a bit desolate, but the scenery is much better than outside.
Just as I was thinking about it, there were already female family members entering the palace opposite. The first ones to come were the family members of the civil servants. They were all elderly women, many of whom were first-grade men. Their posture was different at first glance.
On that day, civil servants' wives and Wu Xun's married women were admitted in batches. In theory, Wu Xun's married woman had a higher status because she was a Spyker, but in fact... the civil servants looked down on Wu Xun, so much so that Wu Xun's family The married woman will also be looked down upon.
But the civil servants, who are always loyal to the imperial court, are proud today and have returned to their hometowns to serve as officials. This kind of thing of entering the palace to pay tribute has disappeared, but Wu Xun has always been there, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. .
"Eunuch Yang."
Yang Peng accompanied Zhang Zhou into the Qin'an Hall, where all the utensils used for the Zhaijiao ceremony had been laid out.
There was an old Taoist priest and a large group of young Taoist priests making preparations.
The old Taoist priest saluted Yang Peng as soon as he came up.
Yang Peng said: "Master Luo, you have a good eye. You will listen to Master Zhang Xian on everything today."
"Master Zhang Xian? He... Pindao has met Master Zhang Xian..."
The Taoist priest surnamed Luo had participated in this kind of fasting ceremony many times at first glance, but Li Guang was there before, so it was obvious that Li Guang was responsible for everything, and Yang Peng was a general under Li Guang, so he naturally fawned over Yang Peng. That’s it.
Now that Li Guang is dead, no matter who this "Master Zhang" is, it goes without saying that he is the person to replace Li Guang.
The Taoist priest surnamed Luo didn't ask Zhang Zhou what he did. It was always right to flatter him first.
Zhang Zhou smiled and nodded: "I'm not a Taoist. You're welcome. I just came to take a look."
"Well……"
This answer.
Why can't you understand?
The Taoist priest surnamed Luo glanced at Yang Peng aside, as if to say, Eunuch Yang, can you explain what it means? Since he is some kind of immortal master, he is still walking around in the palace, and his status is higher than yours, so he actually says he doesn’t understand?
He doesn't understand why he is here to supervise us?
"He was sent by His Majesty." Yang Peng said impatiently, "The Empress Dowager also has great respect for Master Zhang Xian. Just remember to obey the orders. If there is anything that makes Master Zhang Xian dissatisfied today, don't say it is to enter the palace in the future. Just Daolu Division General You are removed!"
"Don't dare!"
The man named Luo also understood.
This is an imperial envoy and cannot be offended.
No matter what you do, just obey and do things.
…
…
There are more and more married women outside.
The eunuchs and maids were also busy. Everyone came from Bei'anmen. Carriages and sedan chairs stopped in front of Xuanwumen and then entered the palace through Xuanwumen.
Women are not qualified to go through the main entrance or the east and west gates.
After they entered the palace, they were also divided into civil and military groups, and their seats were divided according to rank, age, faction, etc.
Generally speaking, the elderly will receive preferential treatment, and according to the rules, all married women over sixty years old are exempted from going to court, and those over fifty years old who are sick do not need to come... In fact, all those who can move will come. .
Women also need to show off.
There are only a few opportunities to enter the palace in a year, especially for civil servants. It may only be three or two times in a lifetime. It is not easy to have such a large-scale social event. Who doesn't want to join in the fun?
The Taoist priests in Qin'an Hall were busy preparing for the fasting ceremony, while Zhang Zhou stood at the door and watched the scene.
No one looks good at the scenery.
The number of married women who came... there were two to three hundred people, ranging from old to young, because Empress Dowager Zhou had ordered that every family should bring their young ladies who had not yet left the palace to pay their respects, so among them there were about ten years old. The little girl jumped up and down, adding a lot of vitality to the scene.
Therefore, the scene was very lively. These women usually seemed to be well-behaved, but on this occasion, they showed their social nature and chattered endlessly.
Zhang Zhouxin said.
These three women are a drama. With so many women and so many combinations, how many dramas can be considered?
…
…
the other side.
The Empress Dowager Zhou is receiving individual greetings from some of the princes, noble ministers, civil servants and other ladies.
This is a courtesy.
Empress Dowager Zhou greeted these people with a smile, and asked Jiang Lu to make arrangements. Every time a pregnant woman came to say hello, she would be taken out and assigned to the designated seats, with tea and some simple needlework. , books on female filial piety and other rewards.
It’s not worth the money, it’s light on etiquette but heavy on affection.
If you can get some rewards from the palace, it will be very useful for the education of your own women in the future.
It sounds pretty when you say it.
"The Empress Dowager, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the family members of the Imperial Academy are also here. I heard that they also brought a girl who has not left the palace. Can you please call her in?" Jiang Lu received the order and met the beautiful girls brought by each family. The unmarried girl was stared at and called over to show her.
Even if Lin Han has not yet reached the first level, as long as he meets the requirements of Empress Dowager Zhou, he can make special exceptions.
"Um."
Queen Mother Zhou nodded.
Then Lin Han's wife Ruan came in with the support of her non-biological daughter Lin Yi.
Mrs. Ruan is over sixty years old, while Lin Yi has just grown hair, just like a granddaughter supporting her grandmother. This pairing is also very strange.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager." After all, this was not the first time Ruan had visited the palace to congratulate her, and she knew the rules very well.
But it was Lin Yi's first time here and she was very nervous.
More importantly, she didn't know why she was here.
The Empress Dowager Zhou fell in love with Lin Yi at a glance, and after some thought, she had a scholarly family background, the daughter of Ming Dynasty’s old man Lin Yi, who was as beautiful as a flower, knowledgeable and courteous...
"Go and call Bingkuan!"
Empress Dowager Zhou immediately said to Jiang Lu.
Jiang Lu didn't hesitate and hurried to call Zhang Zhou.
…
On the other side, Zhang Zhou was still leaning against the door and looking at the scenery.
Many young girls and wives below also discovered Zhang Zhou. They thought they would meet well-behaved people after entering the palace, but instead they saw a man like a swinger standing at the door of the palace and smiling at them. .
They couldn't help but point fingers at Zhang Zhou.
"Mr. Zhang, it's not appropriate to look too much." Yang Peng came over to remind.
What a serious occasion this is, why are you here to see the women?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "If you don't see this kind of scenery here, you will never see it anywhere else in your life. It's a pity. It's a pity."
Yang Peng became nervous and asked, "What's the pity?"
Zhang Zhou sighed: "I originally thought that in addition to being dignified and decent, all ladies must be talented and beautiful, but after reading so many things, I concluded... It turns out that there are too few beautiful ladies from wealthy families. No wonder the ministers of civil and military affairs Most of them are concerned about court affairs rather than family."
(End of chapter)
