In the main hall of Zhangjia.
Wang Yue sat in the guest seat and was very respectful to Zhang Zhou. Zhang Zhou finally saw Wang Yue's sincere flattery towards his favored ministers.
"How can Shilang Wang come to this humble residence? Our palace is shabby. We just moved here not long ago and we have never received an important member of the court like Shilang Wang." Zhang Zhou smiled.
It means that in your capacity, there is no need to visit in person. If you want to tell the story, you can send someone to notify him.
Wang Yue said: "I heard that your Majesty and the Crown Prince have also visited your residence."
"oh."
Zhang Zhouyi understood it immediately.
Wang Yue has opened the "line between heaven and earth", and someone in the palace has already spread rumors about him.
It's just that the information he got is not very accurate. It's just that Zhu Houzhao came here and had a mud fight with his son here. The emperor was just waiting to meet him at the street corner.
Since we even knew that Zhu Youtang and his son had been here, we should have found out everything else.
"Wang Shilang, if you have anything to say, speak directly." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
Wang Yue saw Zhang Zhou's easy-going smile and examined Zhang Zhou for a long time, but he couldn't get a good idea of Zhang Zhou's pulse.
He looks like a scholar but not like a scholar, like an alchemist but not like an alchemist. He is obviously favored by the Holy Spirit, but he still seems so easy-going and low-key.
It's hard for him to speak when he doesn't understand something.
Zhang Zhou said: "When I came in, I saw a carriage carrying valuables at the door. Is Wang Shilang here to give a gift? Or does Wang Shilang have something to hide, such as a request? You might as well say it bluntly."
Wang Yue was startled.
Then he thought that Zhang Zhou was an alchemist. According to Xiao Jing, this person could even predict when the sky fire would come, so deliberately hiding it in front of Zhang Zhou was deceiving himself.
Based on Wang Yue's more than seventy years of life experience, alchemists are excellent people and know best how to understand the world.
"I did come to visit Mr. Zhang and gave him some small gifts, but he didn't ask for anything. I just came to thank him for saving my life."
Wang Yue still wanted to hold on tight.
But Zhang Zhou understood Wang Yue's implication from Wang Yue's change in self-proclaimed status, that is, from "below" to "old and old".
I am old, about to die, and have even died once, just to get back what once belonged to me.
Zhang Zhou sighed: "Wang Weining is very famous in the northwest. Everyone on the grassland is frightened when they hear this name. Some people compare Wang Weining to the champion."
"Don't dare."
Wang Yue said hurriedly, "The past is nothing."
Zhang Zhou said: "Then what is the purpose of Minister Wang? Do you want to be the Minister of the Ministry of War in the future? Haha, please forgive me for speaking frankly. If you are an ordinary minister, being the Minister of the Ministry of War is the highest goal for an official. But for Minister Wang... I’m afraid your vision won’t be so short-sighted, right?”
What Zhang Zhou said made Wang Yue feel ashamed.
Wang Yue's goal is of course not to become the Minister of War.
He wanted to take out Count Weining's title.
In the 16th year of Chenghua, he was granted the title of Wei Ning Bo and a World Certificate for his achievements in the Battle of Wei Ninghai.
In the Ming Dynasty, there were two types of titles, one with a certificate and one without a certificate. The difference was that one could be hereditary and the other could not.
For Wang Yue, he is an old man and naturally knows that being a minister of the Ministry of War is no different from Wei Ningbo who has no world certificate.
But the key point is that he once worked as a wealthy Weining Bo for three years. He was deprived of his knighthood after Wang Zhi was convicted just because of traffic. When he enjoyed such a high position, he could still pass on the glory from generation to generation. If you go on, how can you still be willing to be the Minister of the Ministry of War?
Wang Yue saw that Zhang Zhou was so straightforward, so he stopped covering up and sighed: "I thought I could achieve some achievements in the northwest. In the battle of Helan Mountain, I tried my best, but Di Yi didn't confront our Ming soldiers and horses. The confrontation, even the pursuit, has not achieved very practical results. I may not have much time left, I am afraid... I will regret this life. "
It seems that he is complaining about missing a good opportunity.
In fact, he was asking Zhang Zhou.
You see, Mr. Zhang is being favored by the emperor now. Can you go and tell me that with the victory in Helan Mountain, I can return Uncle Weining to me? Then I will die without regrets.
Zhang Zhou sighed: "Wang Shilang, the results of the battle at Helan Mountain are indeed slightly inferior to those you achieved during the Chenghua period."
When Wang Yue heard this, he immediately felt disappointed.
This tone is almost exactly the same as when the emperor commented on his "Great Victory at Helan Mountain".
They all felt that his victory in this battle was not as good as his victory in Chenghua years.
In fact, the meaning is very obvious.
You originally obtained the title of Count Weining due to merit, but it was later taken away from you. If you want to regain it, you should achieve similar achievements. Only then will the emperor feel confident when he tells the ministers, and he will even speak for you.
And you now...
The great victory at Helan Mountain was just that, and you were impeached by so many civil servants because of the traffic incident involving Li Guang.
Even if the emperor doesn't investigate your fault, he is being very polite to you. You actually have the nerve to ask me to help you apply for a title based on the results of the Battle of Helan Mountain?
To put it nicely, you are forcing yourself to make things difficult for others!
It's not nice to say it, you are so shameless!
Wang Yue sighed: "I also know that this battle is indeed not as good as before. However, the situation on the grassland is now different from before. It will be... difficult to achieve such achievements again."
When Wang Yue achieved results, it happened to be the decades when the grassland people were most successful.
After the Battle of Tumubao in the Ming Dynasty, the grassland had the idea of reoccupying the Central Plains, and they often mobilized in full force. At that time, the heroes on the grassland were divided and no one would submit to anyone. When they harassed the borders of the Ming Dynasty, they would take as many people as they could.
Although the Ming Dynasty's frontiers suffered greatly, it also gave opportunities to people like Wang Yue who were good at using soldiers.
but now……
The grassland is weak, and they naturally know that it will not be easy to plunder the Ming Dynasty. In addition, Wang Weining's reputation is indeed shocking in the grassland. When they heard that he was coming, who would dare to confront him head-on?
Zhang Zhou said: "But I heard that in the past few years, a force has been rising on the grassland, and it seems that the grassland has a tendency to be reunited."
"oh?"
Wang Yue was surprised when he heard this.
You know this as well?
Aren't you a scholar or an alchemist? Do you also know about the situation on the grassland?
Zhang Zhoukan said: "As far as I know, this man's name is Dayan Khan. He has a better bloodline than the previous little Tatar princes. In the past few years, he has annexed many grassland tribes, and many tribes are also willing to return." Its rule, and those marginal tribes can no longer obtain rich pastures from the grasslands, so they can only migrate in the direction of the Ming Dynasty, even into Hetao and other places."
"this……"
Wang Yue wanted to ask, how did you know these things?
It was only after I went to the Northwest that I vaguely inquired and analyzed it.
There was a huge information barrier between the Ming Dynasty and the grassland, which even the emperor might not be aware of.
Zhang Zhou said: "In recent years, the border areas of the Ming Dynasty have been harassed a lot. That's why those grassland tribes are likely to harass the border areas in the next few years, and they all just plunder and leave... How can I say this? , even if there are many people coming, they will leave quickly.”
When Wang Yue heard this, he was extremely excited.
Wang Yue asked: "Can Mr. Zhang estimate when they will arrive?"
Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Shilang Wang actually thinks that I can figure out their marching movements? I'm just a scholar."
Wang Yue smiled bitterly and said: "I have experienced too many things in my life, and I have to believe many things. Just like Mr. Zhang's ability, even His Majesty, the Crown Prince and all the nobles in the palace admire him so much. Naturally, I firmly believe it."
Zhang Zhou finally understood.
Wang Yue said that after going through a lot, I found that some problems could not be solved by manpower alone. Anyway, it was just a gamble.
The older you get, the more superstitious you become, that’s probably what it means.
"Haha. Wang Shilang actually asked me to calculate when will the Tatars invade the south again?" Zhang Zhou laughed.
"Yes." Wang Yue said, "I don't ask for your strategic help. As long as I can calculate when they will invade the south, I will ask your Majesty for orders and take precautions in advance, and I will definitely gain military exploits!"
Wang Yue was very confident in his military command ability.
He felt that as long as there was a chance to fight the main force of the Tatars, his military success would be guaranteed, and his title of Earl of Weining would basically be back by then.
The key is that we don’t know when the Tatars will come.
Zhang Zhou laughed and asked, "Then why didn't Wang Shilang apply to His Majesty and take the initiative?"
Wang Yue was pushed back by Zhang Zhou and said helplessly: "I'm afraid this can't be done. The Ming Dynasty's northern defense has always been defensive and hastily sent out troops. If there is no result, I'm afraid... Mr. Zhang should know that the civil servants and generals of the DPRK I won’t agree to it either.”
This means that we cannot attack and can only wait for the Tatars to come.
But the Tatars are so shrewd and cunning, they must attack wherever they are weak. Who knows when and where they will attack next?
Zhang Zhou said: "Then I'll do the hard work and help you figure it out later. But I have to prepare for the national exam recently, so time is a bit tight..."
Wang Yue had a heart disease. After hearing this, he was so excited that he almost stopped.
I originally thought that I could only rely on trust relationships to get the title back, but now it seems... I still have a chance to confront the Tatars on the battlefield and get the title with my true skills...
That was what he had dreamed of.
The two chatted for a while.
Wang Yue was very sensible and didn't mention it any more for fear of offending Zhang Zhou.
When the two of them walked out of the main hall together, he was still thanking Zhang Zhou for saving his life.
"Zhang Lun, come here." Zhang Zhou smiled and said to Zhang Lun.
Zhang Lun saluted Wang Yue.
Wang Yue said: "Who is he?"
Zhang Zhou introduced: "The eldest grandson of the British Duke. Recently, the British Duke asked him to follow me, but I have nothing to learn here, and I don't know what the British Duke thinks."
When Wang Yue heard this, he thought, "Is this really a big deal?" Even Zhang Mao, a stingy old man, was willing to send his grandson over. It seemed that he made the move earlier than he did.
Zhang Lun said hurriedly: "Mr. Zhang was kind to my father for saving his life."
Wang Yue smiled and said: "My dear nephew, Mr. Zhang is also helpful in saving lives for old people. You should learn from Mr. Zhang."
"Yes." Zhang Lun was still very respectful to Wang Yue.
Although Zhang Mao was very powerful, he only had a hereditary title, while Wang Yue relied on his ability to make a living.
Otherwise, why would the emperor think of using Wang Yue when there was military turmoil in the northwest? Because the name "Wang Weining" is enough to scare the Tatars.
However, the emperor and ministers did not say that they wanted to help Wang Yue get a military title. The court wanted the Tatars to run away when they saw Wang Yue's army.
Wang Yue knew very well that if he wanted to get a title, he couldn't rely on civil servants. It would be good if they didn't add insult to injury. If he wanted to get a title, he had to curry favor with the ministers around the emperor.
It's not only his habit, but also his way of sizing up the situation.
It's just that he made the wrong bet before. Who knew that when Li Guang was at the height of his power, he would be killed by Yu Xiuting and a fire?
Now Wang Yue seems to have finally seen the light.
There isn't much time left for him.
…
…
"gone?"
When Zhang Zhou saw Old Jiang in the side hall, Old Jiang couldn't help but look outside.
Zhang Zhou nodded: "Let's go."
Jiang Dezhong asked nervously: "What is he here for?"
"Gift-giver." Zhang Zhou said, "When he was in the northwest, I asked His Majesty to give him medicine. Don't think too much, it was chest pain. It saved his life on his way back to Beijing."
Jiang Dezhong was surprised and said: "How did you do it?"
Zhang Zhou picked up the snacks on the table and ate them. When he tasted them, it was Han Qing's craftsmanship. He thought it would be a pity for an old guy like you to eat them. I'll put some in my stomach first.
"I figured it out. Father-in-law, don't just run to me when you have nothing to do. I don't support your idea of doing business with the Governor's Mansion. If you want to do it, just don't come to me if something happens later!"
"Hey, you kid, you even know the Minister of War, and you are talking about this with me?"
…
…
Wang Yue went out and quickly asked someone to carry Zhang Zhou's things inside.
Then he took a carriage back to his temporary residence in the capital, which was the official residence of his left minister of war.
He does not have a private residence in the capital.
Then he asked someone to call his eldest son Wang Chun.
Wang Chun was a member of the Jinyi Guard Qianhu, who sent him a salary, and he was returned when the emperor appointed him this time.
"Go and send someone to collect all the money the family can gather!"
Wang Yue made up his mind.
He wanted to give Zhang Zhou a gift that would cost him everything.
Even if he is not favored by Zhang Zhou, he still wants to be able to figure out the movements of the Tatars.
After all, Wang Chun was nearly fifty years old, about the same age as Jiang Dezhong. He was very opposed to his father's habit of making friends with internal officials. He said, "You haven't seen it yet? There was Wang Zhi first, and then Li Guang, if you continue to give gifts like this, nothing will be left in the family, and I'm afraid you will be charged again. I was in Beijing recently, and I heard that Yan Guan is going to impeach you again!"
Wang Yue said: "Do you have any insight?"
Wang Chun looked very stubborn and said: "My son always believes that his father should not be like this."
Wang Yue said with a straight face: "In this situation, if my father doesn't do this, do you think there is another choice?"
Because of his father's anger, Wang Chunli remained silent there.
"Associating with ministers is arousing criticism, but do any of those civil servants like being a father? What about the saints in their eyes? To be a chief minister? A minister? Is that ambition comparable to that of my Wang family? Have you ever seen the members of my Wang family? As for the scenery, I think you can see it further than others!"
Wang Chundao said: "But father, the family does not have much property, and you are not allowed to accept bribes in the army. Where do you get the property to give gifts?"
Wang Yue said: "That is to improve military discipline!"
Wang Yue was really not a corrupt official in the army. His reputation in history was very good. He could not only win the hearts and minds of the army based on his merits, but also be able to help the poor and do good deeds...
If he was greedy for money and unrighteous in the army, it would be difficult to consolidate military morale and become a famous general in the Ming Dynasty.
Only the one thing about making friends with internal officials is criticized by others.
"Go back to your hometown, sell the old house, see if the Wang family has any remaining wealth, and bring it with you. I am not going to die soon. If I leave, I am counting on you... I am afraid that the Wang family will have no hope. Victory or failure depends on this. "
(End of chapter)
