The twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month.
Royal Palace, in front of Qingning Palace.
Zhang Zhou entered the palace that day, and Yang Peng accompanied him to attend the completion ceremony.
"Master Zhang Xian, look at this Qingning Palace. It is much more grand than before. The newly built palace is also connected with copper pipes. It has been tested in the past two days. After running the hot water, the room is as warm as spring."
Yang Peng knew that he would not be able to stay in the position of Royal Horse Supervisor and Eunuch for long, and he would probably not be able to stay in Dongchang. He was now trying his best to curry favor with Zhang Zhou.
But Zhang Zhou was very principled and refused to accept his gifts. He hinted several times that he would help Zhang Zhou meet with merchants in the city, and also said that there was no need to worry about taking their money, but Zhang Zhou still did not let go.
Zhang Zhou said: "Very good."
Zhang Zhou stood in front of Qingning Palace and did not enter the palace.
He is not a palace servant, but a man outside the palace. After the palace was repaired, the real owner has not yet moved in, so wandering in by himself is obviously not a good choice.
Besides, this was not the main purpose of his entering the palace today. After the completion ceremony, he would go to Qianqing Palace to meet the emperor.
At that time, Ma Wensheng, the Minister of War, Wang Yue, the left minister of the Ministry of War, and Zhang Mao, the British Duke, will all go.
He looked up at the lightning rod erected on the palace. In order to show that it was a deterrent to the gods, the upper end of the lightning rod was specially made into a dragon and phoenix pattern.
Yang Peng smiled and said: "According to what you said, the copper wires below are used to connect to the ground. They go to the shady part of the inner wall and not to the yang part."
"Um."
Zhang Zhou nodded with satisfaction.
With the lightning rod, it will be almost impossible to cause a fire with sky fire next time.
The imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty had been hit by fire from heaven many times over the past few hundred years. Zhang Zhou really couldn't add lightning rods to all of them in sequence. It was neither realistic nor necessary.
But since Qingning Palace was built and built under his supervision, it must be added.
Just as he was talking, the fasting ceremony over there was about to end, and it was time for the Taoist priest to leave the palace after finishing the work at hand.
"Master Zhang Xian, Eunuch Xiao is already waiting and said you can go to Qianqing Palace."
Someone came to deliver a message.
Only then did Zhang Zhou see Xiao Jing standing not far away, still smiling at him.
Then Zhang Zhou went over and walked to Qianqing Palace with Xiao Jing.
…
…
"Mr. Zhang, there is something I shouldn't mention. Don't get too close to Yang Peng."
Xiao Jing obviously wanted to take action against Yang Peng, but he was afraid that Zhang Zhou just refused to accept the gift temporarily and might want to use Yang Peng's connections to make money later, so he wanted to test Zhang Zhou's tone first.
In fact, there is no need to test it.
The more Zhang Zhou said that he valued Yang Peng, the more jealous Xiao Jing would be, and the fate of Yang Peng would be even worse. Now that Yang Peng is still a royal eunuch, he may be asked to guard the imperial mausoleum later.
Zhang Zhou said: "Eunuch Xiao is right to remind you. Eunuch Yang is too scheming. He wants to give me gifts and drag me into trouble. But when doing things for the palace, everything should be done with self-denial and courtesy. How can I be bewitched by him? But this When someone does something for me, I still can’t just avoid it...it’s so difficult.”
Xiao Jing heard this.
You, Zhang Zhou, really understand the rules of the palace. This... not only shows your attitude of refusing to accept gifts and conduct yourself in the palace, but also defines your relationship with Yang Peng, right?
Xiao Jing wanted to push Yang Peng down earlier, not because Yang Peng didn't know how to do things, but mainly because Yang Peng was hanging around Zhang Zhou. Xiao Jing was afraid that Yang Peng would lead Zhang Zhou astray, and he was also afraid that Yang Peng would rob him. Jing's limelight, if Zhang Zhou turns around and mentions to the emperor, let Yang Peng take charge of the East Factory...
Xiao Jing wants to nip something in the bud.
But when he listened to Zhang Zhou's words, he suddenly seemed to understand that his worries were unnecessary.
Because Zhang Zhou will not be easily corrupted by Yang Peng, and Zhang Zhou is very aware of Yang Peng's "danger" and only recognizes Yang Peng's ability.
"Eunuch Xiao, are there any personnel arrangements for Eunuch Yang in the palace? Don't mind, I won't interfere in any way." Zhang Zhou reminded with a smile.
It means that you love the things in your palace.
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Since he can handle things, let him help Mr. Zhang more, but Mr. Zhang must be careful."
"Oh." Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "I won't need him a few times. After the construction of Qingning Palace, it's still unclear whether we will have a chance to meet him in the future. Eunuch Xiao, don't we have to leave quickly? This is getting slower and slower."
Only then did Xiao Jing come to his senses and said with a smile: "Sir, you are right. Let's go quickly. Don't keep His Majesty waiting."
…
…
Outside Qianqing Palace.
Zhang Mao, Ma Wensheng, and Wang Yue were standing there waiting. There was not a word between the three of them. Judging from the gap between them, it was clear that none of the three looked down upon the other.
Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue were the same age, both in their seventies. They were both Jinshi in the same discipline and in the military and political system, but they had a deep hatred.
Zhang Mao is younger and is about to reach his sixtieth year.
Three old guys, they don't even have enough time to sing in one play. If you let them sing freely, they will probably be able to sing in three or four plays.
It's because there are too many grievances between these three people.
Zhang Zhou didn't come, and the emperor never summoned them. The thing to be discussed this time was naturally the use of troops around Xuanfu in February, and the main thing involved was the Piantou Pass.
In the Ming Dynasty, Piantou Pass did not belong to the three sides. It was close to Datong and Xuanfu towns. It was generally controlled by Governor Xuan. Wang Yue had previously only been the general control of Shaanxi, Yansui and other places, which is equivalent to saying Wang Yue's transfer from Sanbian to Xuanda University involves some personnel arrangements. We cannot wait until February to discuss them, or even wait until next year.
To prepare for a war, even if it is not made public, two months in advance is already considered a rush.
The three of them have always been curious.
Who is the emperor still waiting for?
The three of us, who are the backbone of the civil service and military affairs, are just waiting here without saying who we are waiting for!
Just as he was thinking about it, Xiao Jing brought Zhang Zhou over on the other side and passed by the steps.
Zhang Zhou came from the Qingning Palace and took a look down from above. It was incredible to see three old men from the Ming Dynasty standing straight below, and he could look down at them from a high position.
The three old men also noticed his presence and looked up at him.
Ma Wensheng didn't know who this was yet.
"please!"
Zhang Zhou didn't need to pass the news, he was directly invited into Qianqing Palace by Xiao Jing in front of the three old men.
…
…
"Bingkuan, are you here?"
Zhu Youtang was still discussing the contents of Zhu's batch with Dai Yi. He was not satisfied with the draft of the cabinet-related affairs. When he saw Zhang Zhou coming in, he immediately put down what he was doing.
Prepare to start discussions on the use of troops in the northwest.
Zhang Zhou saluted and said, "See Your Majesty."
"Why are you so polite? I haven't seen you for a long time, but you still look good. I'll give you a seat!" Zhu Youtang didn't treat Zhang Zhou as an outsider at all.
Dai Yi hurriedly reminded: "Your Majesty, the British Duke, Ma Bu Tang and Wang Bu Tang are still waiting outside."
This is to remind the emperor that if you give Zhang Zhou a seat now, when the three old men come in and see a young man Zhang Zhou sitting there, will they still have no objection?
In order for Zhang Zhou to be able to hang out in the civil service circle in the future, he should not be treated too highly in front of others, otherwise it would be easy for him to get into trouble.
Zhu Youtang said: "Go and invite the few people waiting outside."
"Yes!" Xiao Jing then went out to let the three old men in.
…
…
Three pillar officials of the Ming Dynasty, plus Zhang Zhou, stood in the Qianqing Palace.
Zhu Youtang sat back behind the desk.
After the simple ceremony between the monarch and his ministers, Zhu Youtang also pointed out the purpose of today: "...I want to discuss with all the noble families. In early February next year, troops will be used at Piantou Pass and other places. This matter is of great importance, except for everyone present. Otherwise, please do not express it to others."
Ma Wensheng heard it.
Use troops in the northwest? !
Let’s not talk about the scale of the use of troops.
This matter alone is really life-threatening. The emperor didn't mention it in court, didn't notify the cabinet, and just discussed it behind closed doors with a few of them?
"Your Majesty, no!" Ma Wensheng is a traditional civil servant after all, so he naturally believes that all matters should be discussed in the court.
No matter how important the matter discussed behind closed doors is, it is against the rules.
Zhu Youtang raised his hand to interrupt Ma Wensheng and said: "Ma Qing family, I know what you are worried about, but the use of troops in the northwest this time is all due to Bingkuan... that is, the disaster in the Qingning palace was predicted before, as well as in Henan. The man who caused the earthquake... He predicted that in February of next year, the Tatars would plunder our Daming Piantou Pass and other places, so as to take precautions in advance and not to alert others!"
Ma Wensheng couldn't help but glance sideways at Zhang Zhou.
It's okay if the emperor doesn't mention this, but if he does...
Ma Wensheng felt that the situation was serious.
When it comes to fires, earthquakes, etc., it's okay to just listen to an alchemist. Do we have to listen to an alchemist now even when we use troops in the northwest? Is this going to harm the country and the people?
That boy named Zhang Zhou really dared to mention it, and the emperor really dared to believe it!
Wang Yue saw that Ma Wensheng was already a little angry, so he couldn't help but remind him: "Negative map, in fact, your Majesty's intention is to prepare the Piantou Pass and other places for defense. If the Tatars really intend to invade, they cannot be allowed to take advantage, but if not Come... It’s okay to just strengthen preparations for war! I’d rather believe that this kind of thing happens!”
Ma Wensheng didn't want to pay attention to Wang Yue.
How much do you, Wang Shichang, flatter the emperor and the powerful, and pretend that others don't know?
An alchemist is just a young man. In your eyes, he is not already an expert who can do calculations, right?
Don't others know that you want to take this opportunity to regain your title?
Ma Wensheng said sternly: "Your Majesty, the military and political affairs in the northwest should be discussed in a long-term manner. Regardless of whether the Di Yi intends to invade the border, even if they do, they should show the Ming Dynasty's tight defense posture and make them retreat instead of inviting them to invade. Your Majesty made it clear in the court, and he must tell the world, so that Di Yi will have some scruples!"
Wang Yue heard Ma Wensheng's disdain for him, and he said coldly: "If it is made public, it will be a warning. If the Tatars do not attack the Piantou Pass and attack elsewhere, if they attack the weak defense, I am afraid that they will be killed." Are you going to lose your life?"
"you!"
Ma Wensheng glared at Wang Yue.
Dai Yi hurriedly came out to make peace: "Both of you are my loyal ministers of the Ming Dynasty. Why should we argue? They are both for the stability of the north of the Ming Dynasty and the country of the Ming Dynasty!"
Zhang Mao on the side was snickering.
He felt so happy when he saw the two senior civil servants biting each other.
You usually like to suppress Wu Xun when you have nothing to do, but now there is a dispute among you about whether to send troops, right?
It depends on who the emperor listens to. Anyway, he doesn’t listen to you two. Zhang Gongsheng next to him hasn’t spoken yet! That's my grandson's husband...even if it's temporary!
Zhu Youtang obviously didn't like to see the quarrel between Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue. He said with a solemn expression: "I can understand the mood of the two of you. Looking at the situation in the northwest, I think Zhang Bingkuan is not Pointless."
Ma Wensheng glared at Zhang Zhou and retorted: "Your Majesty, when will the Ming Dynasty use troops in the northwest to listen to a descendant?"
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Ma Shangshu, listen to Eunuch Dai and be patient. I didn't say that the Tatars will definitely come!"
"What?"
This time not only Ma Wensheng was surprised, but even the emperor, Wang Yue and others felt that Zhang Zhou was playing with fire.
They all listened to you and thought that the Tatars were going to attack the border in February next year. They were discussing a military operation, but you actually said that they might not come?
Zhang Zhou said: "As I know, there is an annexation war going on on the grassland. The young Mongolian prince Batu Mengke, known as Dayan Khan, has attempted to annex various tribes in the grassland in recent years. This has caused the tribes to The living space between them is seriously insufficient.”
Ma Wensheng said nothing.
What Zhang Zhou said was not a secret.
It would not be surprising if the emperor informed him.
"This time, it will not be Dayan Khan's people, but the troops of the Mongolian right wing. And in the coming year... Dayan Khan will take the opportunity to annex the Mongolian right wing, and then the situation in the grassland will be even more volatile. Yungui!" Zhang Zhou said.
"you……"
This time Ma Wensheng didn't know what to say.
Saying that this was a method of using alchemists to measure the sky, Zhang Zhou analyzed the grassland situation.
Dayan Khan's next step was to annex the Mongolian right wing. Many veterans of the Ministry of War even discussed it, but no accurate answer was given, because no one knew what Dayan Khan's next goal was.
Now Zhang Zhou can tell the results that even the Ministry of War has calculated, and he can say it with both nose and eyes.
But this is not nonsense...
Dai Yi asked: "Mr. Zhang, since you have said it, this Di Yi is about to invade our border. Why is no one sure?"
Zhang Zhou said: "I am only good at calculating some heavenly secrets, not worldly affairs! The area covered by the Mongolian right wing is not just one area. If we really want to prepare for war in a big way, the Tatars may not come, but the Mongolians A battle between the right wing and the Dayan Khan tribe will definitely begin in the coming year."
"In the past year, due to the wars in Shaanxi, Guyuan, Hetao and other places, as well as Wang Shilang's battle in Helan Mountain, the Tatar vitality has been severely damaged, and the horse market in the northwest has basically stagnated. It is said that Batu Monk has played many times. Requesting to reopen Xuanda and other horse markets also shows that the grassland tribes are actively preparing for war. What they are preparing for is not a battle with our Ming Dynasty, but a battle within them to win the grassland!"
Ma Wensheng was very angry, but after listening to Zhang Zhou's words, it still made him think.
The most intuitive thought in his mind...
Where did this kid know this?
For Zhang Zhou, this is just something that has happened in history. Dayan Khan annexed the Mongolian right wing in the thirteenth year of Hongzhi, and the honeymoon period between the Ming Dynasty and the grassland after Tumubao was also in the thirteenth year of Hongzhi. It ended after the Ming Dynasty sent troops to Ordos, and border trade was completely cut off. It was not until the Jiajing period that the horse market reopened.
For people in this era, the future is still uncertain.
Listening to it is like listening to heavenly scriptures.
(End of chapter)
