After all, Zhang Mao is not like Yang Peng. He is different from the Duke of Chengguo who just gives money as a thank you gift when he comes up.
To be able to get to the top of the Ming Dynasty, Old Man Zhang's methods are also extraordinary.
If you want to bind, you must bind deeply. You cannot bind half and half loose. Make your intentions clear for the position of admiral of the capital, and set out the conditions to help Zhang Zhou integrate into the court...
This kind of transaction.
It would be difficult for Zhang Zhou to refuse.
The banquet at the British government's house is over.
Zhang Zhou finally brought Jiang Dezhong out of the house, and old man Jiang still thought it was such a glorious thing.
"Wonderful son-in-law, do you think I can get along with others? The British government has not embarrassed you!"
Jiang Dezhong was proud of himself.
"Dad!" Jiang Shanquan on the side pulled him, and the son couldn't listen anymore.
Zhang Zhou said: "You can do business with the Governor's Mansion, but you have to leave it to others."
The smile on Jiang Dezhong's face froze and he asked: "Xianxiang, do you have a grudge against Yinzi?"
"I have no grudge against Yinzi, but I want to save my own life. Do you know who Li Guang is?" Zhang Zhou said.
Jiang Dezhong thought about it for a while, and even looked at his son who was looking troubled, and felt that something was not right.
"Is that the Imperial Master with great magical powers? I heard that he knows astronomy and geography, and the emperor has great trust in him..."
After all, Jiang Dezhong still had some knowledge. When he arrived in the capital, he found out everything that needed to be asked.
Zhang Zhou said: "Do you know how he died?"
Jiang Dezhong shook his head.
"He was corrupt and perverted the law. Finally, because of the fire in Qingning Palace, His Majesty thought it was a sign from heaven. He committed suicide in fear and died. Father-in-law, you don't want to follow in his footsteps, right?" Zhang Zhou said.
Jiang Dezhong smiled and said: "Don't scare me with these things, I don't understand those things... Uh, virtuous son-in-law, you mean... you are Li Guang, right?"
"Father, let's stop talking. Do you know what the Zhang family said to us after they detained you? We must bring Bingkuan to see you, otherwise we will not let you go. Your previous business in the capital warehouse has been destroyed. It was seized by people from the Dudu Mansion..."
Jiang Dezhong thought he had been entertained and his face was bright.
Only now did he realize that his rash advance had put him in danger.
If it weren't for Zhang Zhoulai today, he might not even be able to leave the British government palace.
Zhang Zhou said: "Father-in-law, it's good that you know what's appropriate. I won't stop you from doing business with the Dudu Mansion, but I said that you must find an agent and get rid of this matter completely. I don't want to go there again next time. Why did the government take you out? The British father and I have common interests, so we can discuss it well. If you fall into the hands of some people... I'm afraid... the gods can't protect you."
Zhang Zhou did not scare Chiang Kai-shek on this point.
Zhang Mao is very familiar with the rules and knows how to deal with sycophants, but if it were the two Zhang brothers, there would be no room for negotiation.
It's easy to bankrupt your family, but not every time a big family like the Zhou family can make the emperor afraid, and that's only under the premise that the Queen Mother Zhou is not dead.
"I drank too much. Go back and have a good sleep. Dear son-in-law, let's talk later. Let's talk later..."
Jiang Dezhong felt that his outlook on life had collapsed.
Obviously his son-in-law reminded him to stay away from the powerful, but he didn't listen. Now he almost got into trouble, and he still has to rely on his son-in-law to make money...
I feel like I have lost all my dignity.
Afraid of being embarrassed in front of his son-in-law, he pretended that he had drunk too much and asked his son to send him away.
"Bingkuan, you..." Jiang Shanquan put his father into the carriage first, then looked back at Zhang Zhou, meaning that I brought you here and I must send you back first.
Zhang Zhou pointed to Sun Shangqi and others who were still waiting, and said: "You don't have to worry about me. When you get to the capital, you can persuade my old father-in-law and don't cause any more trouble. I'm just a government official now. The ground is difficult to move!"
…
…
Zhang Zhou went home and just made simple arrangements before entering the palace.
In addition to reporting to the emperor on his ore prospecting process this time when he entered the palace, there was another matter that involved Zhang Zhou's vital interests, and that was the tribute selection specially prepared for him two years ago.
In the Qianqing Palace.
Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang had a very pleasant conversation.
Zhu Youtang had not seen Zhang Zhou for some days and seemed very enthusiastic. If he hadn't missed Zhang Zhou just returning to the capital, he might have asked Zhang Zhou to stay in the palace and hold candlelight talks at night.
"...My complexion and body have been much better recently. The conditioning methods you gave me, Bingkuan, are really useful."
Zhu Youtang's complexion became much rosier and he felt more confident in speaking.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "That's because Your Majesty is blessed by God."
Zhu Youtang raised his hand and said: "Stop saying those cliche words. You are not that kind of person, and I don't want to trap you with those rules. Now that you have found the mineral veins, I will ask Dongchang to cooperate with you when it comes to opening the mining kiln." ...When I let you meet someone, please be polite!"
The person Zhu Youtang wanted Zhang Zhou to see.
It was Lin Han, the prince of the Imperial Academy, offering wine.
Lin Han appeared in the Qianqing Palace with a dark face. Originally, it was a very honorable thing to meet the Holy Spirit under the imperial edict.
But because he knew that he was here to report the results of the selection on behalf of the Imperial Academy, and Zhang Zhou was still in first place, he was very unhappy. After meeting Zhang Zhou, he wanted to find a way to find a way out, and the more he felt, the more No bottom, the protective shield on the face becomes more obvious.
His whole body seemed to be exuding black energy.
"The result is as I expected, but this matter does not need to be announced to the public yet. We will wait until Chun Wei has the result."
As Zhu Youtang spoke, he looked at Zhang Zhou with a smile.
No matter how confused Lin Han was, he suddenly came to his senses. No wonder he couldn't pull Zhang Zhou down no matter how hard he tried. The so-called selection of love was just for Zhang Zhou.
The emperor had already spoken out. Whether it was the Hanlin Academy or Xiao Jing who was the leader, how could Lin Han get his wish?
Lin Han said: "Your Majesty, Zhang Gongsheng was born as an alchemist and should not accept such selection to enter the court."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "You are wrong about Lin Qing's family. He was not an alchemist. He was a Gongsheng student, and he was Jieyuan in the Tianfu Township Examination. Later he did some things that the alchemists did, but he was just forced by the situation. , he still has to take the imperial examination and enter the court on the right path."
Lin Han was angry.
Since he is going to take the imperial examination, why provide him with such a backdoor?
Are you here specifically to tease me? Are there any tributes from the Imperial College to participate in the examination?
"Lin Qing's family, I heard that Bingkuan had a bet with you when he went to the Imperial Academy to accept the tribute recommendation?" Zhu Youtang asked with a smile.
Lin Han was still angry at first, but when he heard this, he was shocked.
The emperor even knew this...
Zhang Zhou smiled and cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this is just a joke between me and Mr. Lin."
Zhu Youtang said: "It's okay to laugh and talk, but Lin Qing's family shouldn't be the kind of people who talk casually. Lin Qing's family, don't you think so?"
"I shall abide by my agreement."
When Lin Han spoke, his hands were shaking slightly.
Zhu Youtang said again: "Then Bingkuan, what do you need from Lin Qing's family? Let's tell it to you face to face. Do you want to study in Beiyong? Or do you want Lin Qing's family to give you more guidance in the future?"
Zhang Zhou heard that the emperor still wanted to help him get some benefits from Lin Han.
Whether it's knowledge or fame, having an Imperial College minister to help you can get twice the result with half the effort.
But Zhang Zhou was thinking in his heart, Your Majesty, is it really okay for you to just force Old Man Lin to do something he doesn't want to do and make it impossible for him to step down? It really pushed me towards the opposite side of civil servants and scholars.
"Your Majesty, I have a small request, but I don't know if Mr. Lin will accept the offer of wine."
"explain!"
This time it was Lin Han who took the initiative.
Pour out any bad news you have, don't bother others, just do what you promise, and there will be nothing to do with it in the future anyway.
When Zhu Youtang saw that Lin Han was so eager to ask Zhang Zhou to make conditions, he also smiled and reminded: "Bingkuan, there is no harm in speaking out."
Zhang Zhoudao: "I published a collection of poems a year ago, in which I used a poem by Lin Jijiu's daughter, which gave her some fame. However, it was Lin Jijiu who thought it was insulting to the family tradition and sent her back to her ancestral home in Fujian. I don't want to Because of what I did, I harmed this Miss Lin, and I want Lin Jijiu to send someone to bring her back."
Lin Han frowned when he heard this.
What do my family affairs have to do with you?
Zhu Youtang thought for a while and sighed: "It is a good thing to become famous through poetry. Why would Lin Qing's family think it is an insult to the family tradition?"
Lin Han said: "I don't think it is an insult to the family tradition."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Don't hide it, Lin Jijiu. Before my wife left, she wrote a letter scolding me, thinking that I had caused her life-long event. Your Majesty, that's it. Because Miss Lin is going to be sent back to Fujian, she will probably It delayed her marriage, so Miss Lin thinks that I have delayed her life. I only saw this letter after I returned to the capital, and I feel very sorry for it."
When Lin Han heard this, he became furious.
His daughter actually corresponds with a strange man?
Is this strange man still the sinner who ruined her family tradition?
Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "If this is the case, you really shouldn't be like this in Lin Qing's family. Why not just listen to Bingkuan and take him back. You should be cautious about marriage."
Lin Han hesitated for a moment.
Originally, no one else could interfere with your own family affairs.
I can go wherever I want my daughter to go, get married if I want her to, and be an old girl for the rest of her life, that's what I'm happy with.
but now……
There was a bet with Zhang Zhou first, and the emperor came forward to speak, which was to force him to change his principles.
"Yes." Lin Han gritted his teeth and agreed.
But in my heart I hated Zhang Zhou with all my heart.
Zhu Youtang saw that Lin Han was so understanding and smiled and said: "Well, if Lin Qing's family has any doubts about your daughter's marriage, I can make arrangements for her. Bingkuan, do you have anything else to ask?"
Lin Han almost wanted to say, isn't it the same thing? Your Majesty, we can't take advantage of this.
If I continue to mention this, won’t I have to be controlled by this kid in the future?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "No more."
Zhu Youtang felt a little regretful that Zhang Zhou didn't ask Lin Han to become his teacher or ask Lin Han to help him become famous.
After talking for a long time, Zhang Zhou didn’t seem to be fighting for anything!
"Bingkuan, you are talented and knowledgeable, and you are also sensible. You know that you have wronged the Lin family daughter and interceded for her... By the way, was that word really written by the Lin family daughter?" Zhu Youtang suddenly asked with a smile.
Zhang Zhou was surprised and said: "Your Majesty, I don't know what you mean."
"Haha. Okay, I won't ask anymore. Lin Qing's family, Bingkuan is a talented person. He will not disgrace Beiyong's reputation in Beiyong. In the future, you can discuss more knowledge, take my reward and give it to Lin Qing's family. .”
Zhu Youtang is not unreasonable.
He knew that this time he might be embarrassing Lin Han, so he specially prepared a gift from the emperor, hoping to heal Old Lin's inner trauma.
…
…
Zhang Zhou and Lin Han left the palace together, with Xiao Jing leading the way.
But Xiao Jing was very ahead of the curve, allowing Zhang Zhou and Lin Han to communicate privately.
"Servant Lin, I'm sorry." Zhang Zhou smiled.
Lin Han said coldly: "Are you trying to show me what it means to be human and worldly?"
Zhang Zhou was still laughing.
It's good that you, Old Man Lin, have this level of consciousness.
Why do you want me to see sophistication in the world? Do you think you are awesome because you are the prince of the country? Don’t you know that the greatest human sophistication of the Ming Dynasty was the emperor?
"Why are you interfering in my family's affairs?" Lin Han asked angrily.
Zhang Zhou spread his hands and said, "Look at what Minister Lin said, I don't want to harm your daughter."
"Hmph!" Lin Han snorted coldly, meaning you are just nosy.
Zhang Zhou said: "It seems that Mr. Lin is not very aware of some things. Madam Ling...didn't she tell you that her wife entered the palace years ago, and her concubine also entered the palace, and was summoned by the Empress Dowager alone? What do you think of the Empress Dowager? What is the purpose?"
Lin Han originally thought Zhang Zhou was just looking for trouble.
After listening to Zhang Zhou's words, his expression suddenly changed from angry to solemn.
They all wear black faces, but black people also have different black methods.
Zhang Zhou continued: "The Empress Dowager told a dream before, saying that in the dream she saw a rootless tree next to the Jiaotai Hall, and the late Emperor sat on it and talked. Then this happened. Minister Lin must also be smart. Man, let me tell you frankly, the Empress Dowager wants to choose a concubine for Your Majesty."
Lin Han said coldly: "What's the matter with you?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Unfortunately, I was the one your Majesty asked to interpret the dream. I was also present when my concubine entered the palace, and the Empress Dowager also paid great attention to my suggestions. I was thinking, if the Empress Dowager consults me on this matter again in the future, What should I say? Is it the same as today? Ask Mr. Lin first what you mean?"
"you……"
Lin Han was originally full of anger.
After hearing this, I instantly felt like I was being manipulated by Zhang Zhou.
"Shilang Lin, do you want your concubine to enter the palace, or do you not?"
"..."
"If the Empress Dowager insists on doing this, will I be too deliberate if I say that Your Majesty is not suitable to have a concubine?"
"..."
Lin Han obviously knew that his wife brought her concubine and gave birth to a daughter into the palace. Although he didn't know about the Empress Dowager Zhou, after all, Ruan didn't see it with his own eyes, but he heard what Zhang Zhou said was reasonable and well-founded, and he didn't doubt that it was false.
Empress Dowager Zhou's thoughts are not a secret.
Even if he was worried about his daughter's marriage, he would never let her marry into the palace to compete with Queen Zhang for favor.
Lin Han is a very principled person and never wants to gain any benefits for himself through marriage. He is a very traditional and authoritarian father.
Zhang Zhou said: "Shilang Lin, I have a little personal opinion on this matter. In my opinion, it is a good thing for my daughter to go out more and meet more people. At least it will dispel the idea of the Empress Dowager." ...To be honest, I wrote that word, and I was helping her."
"you……"
Lin Han originally wanted to ask, since you want to help my daughter, why do you want her to stay in the capital?
Doesn’t this give the Queen Mother a chance?
Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Whether this can be done or not depends not on where your daughter is, but on the words of the Empress Dowager. Even if you send your daughter to the ends of the earth and the Empress Dowager orders her to come down, you still have to take her back? Do things deliberately. , it is better to be more easy-going and let your daughter be a talented woman in the capital, so that the men in the world can see her grace."
"Whether a strict family tradition is more important, or whether Miss Lin's talent and reputation are more important...or whether Shilang Lin's purpose is to let her enter the palace as a concubine...it all depends on Shilang Lin's personal choice. I am just telling you what I know and see, there is no other choice. I mean. Haha."
(End of chapter)
