Zhu Youtang received Liu Jian's affirmation and couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction.
It seems that Zhu Youtang was not completely sure that Zhang Zhou would pass the Jinshi examination, which was equivalent to leaving a back door for Zhang Zhou.
"I have one more thing to do, that is, regarding Zhang Zhou, I want to record the contribution of the mighty gunpowder to him. If he makes any meritorious service to the court in the future, he will be included in it. What do you think? ?”
Zhu Youtang works step by step.
After hearing this suggestion, Zhang Mao felt that there was no problem at all.
Anyway, he has begun to be bound to Zhang Zhou, and Zhang Mao doesn't think that Zhang Zhou is the kind of martial artist who leads troops and will not threaten the status of the British government.
When the three civil servants heard this, they felt as if nails had been driven into their hearts.
Why does it sound so uncomfortable? If you have merit, remember it first? Then asking him to pay tribute and serve as an official was not considered a reward based on merit?
Xie Qian said: "Your Majesty, will Zhang Gongsheng become an official in the future, or join the army to serve the court?"
At the same time, we want Zhang Zhou to serve as an official, and at the same time, we also record his military achievements... Your Majesty, are we going a little too far?
Zhu Youtang said: "Is there such a clear distinction between civil servants and military honors in the imperial court? Can't he have military exploits as a civil servant? I don't want to reward him rashly, but just write it down for him first. Even this won't work? "
Xie Qian wanted to say something else, but seeing that neither Liu Jian nor Ma Wensheng said anything, he stopped mentioning it.
This kind of thing...
When the emperor really wanted to award Zhang Zhou a reward, it would not be too late to fight.
Everyone in the court is not familiar with Zhang Zhou now.
Xie Qian was also thinking that he only had the chance to meet this boy once, and he was fooled by his careless appearance. Now it seems that the first thing he prophesied, about the battle in the northwest, turned out as he expected.
But the second thing...about Peng Quan...could it be what he said?
Doesn't that mean that the second oldest child in the Zhang family is going to be unlucky?
"Since the ministers have no objections, let's leave this matter as it is." Zhu Youtang said, "Later, let the Ministry of War record his meritorious deeds. There is no need to announce it to the world."
Ma Wensheng arched his hands and said, "Yes."
…
…
This is the end of the inner court meeting.
Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng each gave the emperor face.
Now they seemed to be cheering up and arguing with the emperor about the upcoming issue of conferring titles to Wang Yue and Zhu Feng.
But the emperor seemed to have forgotten about this, and nodded and said: "Today I talked about this with several ministers, and went to call Duke Cheng in. I will give him a few instructions regarding the use of troops in the northwest."
Several ministers were very curious.
Is this... over?
Shouldn’t the matter of Wang Yue and Zhu Feng’s titles be focused on?
Xie Qian reminded: "Your Majesty, is there... anything missing?"
Zhu Youtang was still giving instructions to Dai Yi in a low voice. Hearing this, he turned to look at Xie Qian and said, "Xie Ge always talks about Wang Weining and Zhu Zhijie? Let's discuss that later in court."
Now a few people seemed to understand.
The emperor "cheated" Wang Yue and Zhu Feng into coming to the inner court in the name of negotiating to give them official positions and titles, but in the end they only talked about Zhang Zhou becoming an official, recording meritorious service, and Zhu Fu, Duke of Cheng, going to the northwest.
They seem to want to understand now.
As for Wang Yue and Zhu Feng, whether they get a title or not, the emperor really doesn't care at all!
The titles of the Ming Dynasty are so worthless, do they have to be rewarded one by one?
What the emperor cares about most is Zhang Bingkuan, whom he loves!
Too careless.
I thought that a little concession on Zhang Zhou's issue would allow the emperor to relax on the issue of Wang Yue and Zhu Feng, but it turned out that the emperor didn't want to talk to us about Wang Yue and Zhu Feng at all.
We all have the same goal, but we didn’t find the right target! ?
"Guys, please let me escort you out of the palace. There is no need to publicize today's proceedings. Please come." Zhu Youtang directly issued an eviction order.
…
…
The four of them walked out from Qianqing Palace, and the person who led them was just a serving internal official who was studying in the Bureau of Ceremonies. He was young and did not recognize the four of them.
"What do you think?"
On the way out of the palace, Xie Qian directly asked Ma Wensheng beside him.
Xie Qian wanted to discuss something with Liu Jian. He would have a lot of time after returning to the cabinet for duty, and only during this time could he communicate more with Ma Wensheng.
Ma Wensheng said: "Yu Qiao, tell me."
Xie Qian smiled. He talked a lot and was straightforward, so he said with a smile: "Your Majesty values Zhang Gongsheng, not Wang Weining. Is that what you mean?"
Ma Wensheng nodded slightly, seeming to agree with this statement.
"Wang Weining will have a noble title in the future and will not have much contact with me and others. However, after Zhang Gongsheng entered the court, he became my colleague and was below me, but his opinions could be heard directly by heaven. It was a bit like the imperial court. It means setting up advisors in addition."
Xie Qian sighed.
This also reminds Ma Wensheng that Zhang Zhou will have greater influence on the court in the future than Wang Weining.
Otherwise, why is Wang Weining fawning over Zhang Zhou, rather than Zhang Zhou fawning over Wang Weining?
Ma Wensheng first looked at Liu Jian and saw that Liu Jian was walking with his head sullenly, only listening but not wanting to express his opinions. He then said: "In all dynasties, it has been difficult to eradicate close ministers. If the close ministers were born in Confucianism, they did not do anything that would harm the court's laws." In fact, it is not necessary to guard against it. It is better to block it than to open it up."
Xie Qian smiled and said, "How about you come to Mabu Hall?"
He just said that it was easy to put it lightly.
Feelings: You are the Minister of the Ministry of War and have great power. You are not the emperor's adviser, right?
But we, the cabinet members, may sound nice to call us, such as central minister, auxiliary minister, or hidden prime minister, but can we compare with the previous prime ministers? We are the emperor's advisors!
Zhang Zhou's status as a close minister and staff member of the emperor has the most direct impact on our cabinet.
You, the Minister of War, can't stand and talk without back pain, right?
Liu Jian could see that Xie Qian was making excuses, so he said: "Zhang Bingkuan has not officially entered the court yet, and it is too early to talk about his influence on court affairs. It is better to wait until the results of this spring... I didn’t ask about Jianchangbo and Jianchangwei’s commander Peng Quan.”
Xie Qian smiled and said: "Peng Quan will be taken to Beijing in a few days. He will probably be sent to prison to be with relatives of the Zhang family."
Just saying.
Two people came over from the opposite side. The one leading the way was the eunuch, and the one following was the Duke of Cheng, Zhu Fu.
The two parties did not meet formally, but only said hello from a distance.
Xie Qian said: "The first son joined the army, and then the father went into battle. The lineage of Duke Cheng is going to fight with father and son in the army, and they will be wrapped in horse leather!"
Zhang Mao and Ma Wensheng looked at Xie Qian at the same time.
That look seemed to say, thank you Yu Qiao for saying so much.
…
…
Inside Qingning Palace.
Zhu Youtang took Zhang Zhou to greet Empress Dowager Zhou. Zhu Youtang did not let Zhang Zhou come alone because he was afraid that Empress Dowager Zhou would mention the matter of taking a concubine to Zhang Zhou alone.
"Very good. Gongyuan came out and felt much more energetic. It seems that high school is in sight."
Queen Mother Zhou looked at Zhang Zhou with a smile.
Zhang Zhou quickly humbled himself and said, "I don't dare to ask for things like high school."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Emperor Grandma, even if Bingkuan is not selected as a Jinshi, I have discussed with the ministers to let him enter the Hanlin Academy and be given the post of review, so that he can have the opportunity to serve the imperial court."
"Hanlin review? Very good." Empress Dowager Zhou also supported this.
It's just a matter of passing on officials.
Starting from the Chenghua period, it has become the emperor's prerogative to grant officials to anyone. It is considered polite to give an official to anyone and give the minister a few words of notice.
"But if you can enter the court as a Jinshi, you can still calm other people's opinions." Empress Dowager Zhou reminded, "This should also be your wish, the emperor, right?"
"yes."
Zhu Youtang nodded.
A review by the Imperial Academy revealed that Zhang Zhou was always just a judge. If he wanted to be promoted in the future, it would inevitably involve wrangling and other things. Once he reached a certain level, he could no longer be promoted.
Even if you give it to an official, there will be a problem of high starting point but low expectations.
Do you expect people to become Hanlin bachelors? Or be a cabinet minister? There are always limitations to appointing people to official positions.
"But Imperial Grandmother, I feel that if Bingkuan fails the examination this time, it would be a pity to ask him to wait another three years." Zhu Youtang also made it clear.
This is just a stopgap measure.
Empress Dowager Zhou smiled and nodded, and then said: "Emperor, I heard that many of the nobles have become very close to Bingkuan recently. Previously, the Ai family also wanted the Zhou family to come with him more, but I heard that the Ai family The two nephews just went there once and never went back, is that right?"
Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou, who obviously didn't know about this.
Zhang Zhou said: "Yes, the Empress Dowager."
"It's too shameful. They are using troops in the northwest. They can miss such a good training opportunity." The Queen Mother Zhou was angry when she heard that Zhu Feng was incompetent. She followed Wang Yue to the northwest and became famous. .
How can it be the same if a relative gets a knighthood and if a martial artist gets a knighthood?
Empress Dowager Zhou said: "The Ai family is old. I only hope that the emperor can remember the Zhou family."
"yes."
Zhu Youtang agreed, but he didn't think so in his heart.
The emperor was still very cautious about the use of his relatives. Although Zhu Feng was out of tune, he was still a child of the Chengguo family. Going into battle to kill the enemy with all his strength was a matter for the children of the Wu Xun family.
"Okay, Bingkuan, if you have time, go and see Uncle Chang Ning. I won't say much more. The Ai family is going to pay homage to the Buddha!"
Although Empress Dowager Zhou didn't say it explicitly.
But Zhang Zhou also heard that the Empress Dowager Zhou must have hinted at her brother Zhou Yu about finding a woman for the emperor.
Since we can't say it in front of the emperor, we have to go outside the palace and talk to Zhou Yu.
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, this old lady... is very deceitful!
…
…
On the morning of the second day after Zhang Zhou entered the palace, he still talked with the emperor for a long time. It was near noon that he was finally able to leave the palace.
Zhang Zhou didn't even have the time to think about gymnastics, having a lovely wife and a beautiful concubine, and having a wife and children on the hot bed.
He just had one thought right now.
Go home and sleep.
But leaving the palace is not just about walking alone, but also taking Zhu Fu with him. The emperor wanted Zhang Zhou to give Zhu Fu a "face-to-face instruction" on the way out of the palace. Obviously the emperor had no confidence in Zhu Fu.
"Mr. Zhang, His Majesty said before that he asked you to give more advice. You see..."
Zhu Fu was very respectful to Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou suddenly felt that this father seemed to be more humble than his son.
He and Zhu Feng could still treat each other as friends and brothers, chatting and talking, but when Zhu Fu saw him, it was like a subordinate meeting a superior, and the compliments that came from the bottom of his heart were not just fake.
Zhang Zhou forced a smile and said, "I don't have anything to offer you. I don't understand how to march and fight."
Zhu Fu was surprised. He didn't have much contact with Zhang Zhou, so he didn't know what was going on.
Xiao Jing, who was next to him, smiled and said: "Mr. Cheng Guo, you don't understand Mr. Zhang's character. He is like this. He clearly has a million soldiers in his chest, but he insists on saying that he is unable to do so. The same is true in front of His Majesty."
"ah?"
Zhu Fu was shocked.
Can it still be like this?
Others try their best to pretend to be awesome in front of the emperor, but this one likes to pretend to be a bear?
But thinking about it again, people have the capital to pretend to be bears.
"Mr. Zhang, just a few words from you can affect the will of God and the situation of the court. I just want your advice. Just say a few words, or you can benefit from it for life!" Zhu Fu continued to say in a flattering tone.
Zhang Zhou glanced at the old boy.
Thinking about the fact that Zhu Fu in history would kneel down when he saw Jiang Bin and other close sycophants, he also understood that it was rare for a man with too much backbone to be found in the Chengguo Palace.
Zhang Zhou was also thinking.
If I can be considered a near-sycophant, then who are those people during the Zhengde period?
"Let's keep it," Zhang Zhou said.
"Huh?" Zhu Fu asked confused, "What do you mean..."
Zhang Zhou had an indifferent look on his face: "Whether it is Chengguo Duke's Mansion or the situation in the northwest, isn't it a situation where we are all defending success at the moment? No faults are merits, what else can we do?"
"Uh... yes, yes." Zhu Fu was not a cultural person after all, so he had to think about it a little and think about whether there was a metaphor behind it.
Xiao Jing explained with a smile: "Mr. Zhang is reminding you that this is an errand that can be completed casually as long as you don't rush in and stay in the city. It doesn't matter whoever goes. It's because Your Majesty and Mr. Zhang treat you like a prince." You only have this opportunity because of the government's appreciation. You must be grateful and not let down His Majesty and Mr. Zhang's expectations of you."
Zhu Fu seemed to suddenly realize it and said: "Your Majesty's kindness to me, the Duke of Chengguo, I will never be able to repay in my lifetime. Mr. Zhang's advice to Quanzi and to me is also the rebirth of kindness."
Zhang Zhou frowned again after hearing this.
He thought about it and realized that Zhu Feng was more down-to-earth. This father was too hypocritical. Maybe it was because Zhu Feng had not been polished by the officialdom and still had a willful side.
Zhu Fu is just because his edges have been smoothed, and he is very familiar with the officialdom of dealing with flattery.
All the way to the palace gate.
Zhu Fu is about to go to the Governor's Mansion, while Zhang Zhou is going to take Dongchang's carriage home.
"Eunuch Xiao, please leave?" Zhang Zhougong held his hand.
Xiao Jing first smiled at Zhu Fu and said, "Mr. Cheng Guo, please."
Zhu Fu originally wanted to travel with Zhang Zhou for a while and listen to his teachings, but at this time he had to get into his own carriage.
Wait until he leaves.
Xiao Jingcai reminded Zhang Zhou: "There is something... not very good, related to Uncle Jian Chang. Last night, the queen invited our family to come over and asked our family to help spread the word... If this really happened, where did it happen? Please move and contact Uncle Jianchang to see if you can make peace..."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Haven't everything been made clear? If there is an earthquake, will Your Majesty send Uncle Jianchang to join the army in the northwest?"
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Although the decision has been finalized, it will not go out of the Qing Palace. No one dares to say anything about such matters in advance. The Queen actually has other things to do. In fact, I hope... you can take more care of me. Don't... there is any misunderstanding. The Queen has also specially asked Shouning Hou to send a gift of condolence when he comes back. Just be aware of it."
(End of chapter)
