Morning next day.
Zhu Feng and Zhang Zhou were both on the court that day, and Wu Xun seemed to be particularly proud because of Zhu Feng's return to the capital. With Zhu Feng's return, matters related to the "Yanwu Hall" will also be officially implemented.
"...I have ordered several local military generals to come to Beijing. They have not arrived yet, but the military generals or honorable ministers in Beijing can order them at any time. Within these two days, let the Zhang Qing family and Zhu Qing family, Go to the school and give a preliminary demonstration. As I decided before, the learning period for each class is three months. If there is no success in what they have learned, they will not serve as officials of the Shenji Battalion..."
Zhu Youtang's plan seems to be perfect.
Studying here at Zhang Zhou does not mean that you will get a "graduation certificate" after completing your studies, but that you must pass the exam.
His official position was not promoted after graduation, otherwise he would be impeached by civil servants, saying that Zhang Zhou used this to gain real power and seek personal gain. The method used was that whoever learned the art of artillery, nitroglycerin, and firecrackers would be able to Serve as the general of the Shenji Battalion and be responsible for this aspect from now on.
In the Ming Dynasty, the Shenji Battalion was a special army. Even without the support of Zhang Zhou's new firearms, no one could serve in the Shenji Battalion.
Now that there are new weapons, whoever leads the Shenji Battalion will be close to becoming the emperor's legion in the future, whether it is a noble minister with a title or a military general, why don't you grab your head?
Li Dongyang came out and said: "Your Majesty, if it is based on academic achievement, who will determine the standards? If we use this to determine someone's position in the army, I am afraid it will be suspected of nepotism."
Just say, Your Majesty, you are condoning Zhang Zhou's cultivation of private parties.
Zhu Youtang said: "Mr. Li Ge, I dare to ask, if you learn nothing, then what do you do with it? Shouldn't there be a standard for academic success? Or do you think you should return to your original job after completing your studies? But you can’t even touch firearms, shouldn’t you apply what you have learned?”
The emperor actually had very good reasons.
Let those people learn how to use firearms. After learning, they will be sent back to their original positions. They may not even be able to touch firearms, so why should they learn?
Study for nothing, go back and put your diploma away?
Li Dongyang continued: "Maybe the generals in the Shenji Battalion can study the artillery warfare methods, and the difficulties may be easily solved."
Civil servants also have ideas.
Your Majesty, you want to send some special people to learn from Zhang Zhou, and let them lead the Shenji camp after they have learned it. This is a private teaching, and it is easy for Zhang Zhou to cultivate people who are close to the party.
Then it would be better for us to use the original admirals and generals of the Shenji Battalion to further their studies, then we would have no objection.
Zhu Youtang said coldly: "I have made a final decision. It is not up to the Zhang Qing family to decide who will learn and who will not. It is up to me to select the candidates. Could it be that all the Qing families have opinions on this?"
Li Dongyang looked helpless. After looking towards Zhang Zhou, he had no choice but to go back.
…
…
Although Zhang Zhou was on duty, he did not speak that day.
However, Zhu Feng also came out to tell a story about the Battle of Liaodong, but he didn't make a long speech. He just explained that now that the three Duoyan guards had retreated, there was still the risk of committing another crime.
When Zhang Zhou heard Li Dongyang's advice, he suddenly felt that he was actually still a civil servant, and it was easy to think about issues from the perspective of a civil servant. He even felt that Li Dongyang's proposal itself was correct.
The emperor opened a military school to study artillery, but he had to dispatch people to study according to his own preferences. After studying, he used these people in confidential military camps and positions. Can this be said to be that the Yanwu Hall is just a marginal yamen? I'm afraid that everyone in the court and the military generals want to come in to get the emperor's attention.
However, the selection criteria are not yet transparent.
This means that whoever the emperor asks will come.
But in fact, except for the first batch of personnel, some of whom were appointed by the emperor himself, the rest were recommended by the governor's office or selected by Zhang Zhoulai.
In this way, it is actually equivalent to forming a system that competes with the civil servants. This is what the civil servants are nervous about.
Zhang Zhou thought.
Lao Li, you have a very deep strategy, but the question is, can you see that the emperor just wants to be nepotistic?
You civil servants have suppressed the emperor's power. Now the emperor wants to rely on the Yanwu Hall to turn around. It is a process of one ebb and flow, and your resistance is in vain.
Besides, whoever learns the use of new artillery, muskets and other firearms first is equivalent to mastering the most advanced weapons and tactics of this era. Is it possible that the emperor will let those who are not close to him have this kind of strength? Aren't you afraid of these people's rebellion?
The emperor engaged in some nepotism in the matter of Yanwu Hall in order to consolidate his rule. What else do you object to?
…
…
The meeting ended.
Everything is going in the planned direction.
At present, there is almost no way for civil servants to deal with the martial arts hall, or the martial arts system.
In the Qianqing Palace.
Zhang Zhou and Zhu Feng stood before their Highnesses, while Zhu Youtang enthusiastically came down from behind the desk and had close contact with Zhang Zhou and Zhu Feng.
"Zhijie, I haven't seen you for a long time. I saw that you fought two battles. You are still very different from before. You are more majestic and heroic, and you have more tenacity!"
Zhu Youtang squeezed Zhu Feng's shoulder with his hand, as if to test his arm strength.
Zhu Feng stretched her body as much as possible to make herself look more majestic.
But actually...
Zhang Zhouxin said, Your Majesty, do you believe what you say? This guy... has to be tall but not tall, and has muscles but not muscles. There is nothing wrong with calling him a little white rabbit. Is he related to "majestic and heroic" for a penny?
"When you come back, help Bingkuan properly. I won't send you out recently. You are already the Marquis of Anbian. After my father returns to Beijing, he will also be allowed to enter the Yanwu Hall!"
"ah?"
Although Zhu Feng was holding back, he couldn't help but exclaimed when he heard the news.
"Haha!" Zhu Youtang disagreed and said with a smile, "Why can't the son tell his father about the use of artillery? You are better at using it than him. Sometimes, I even think that you are braver than him."
Zhu Feng looked at Zhang Zhou with aggrieved expression, as if all his "bravery" was given by Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty, you can't say that. Although Zhijie has made great contributions, he is more like a newborn calf who is not afraid of tigers. How can he compare with Duke Cheng?"
"Yeah. Haha."
Zhu Youtang is smiling.
In front of other people's sons, it is better to save some face for me. After all, letting a father learn from his son still violates the rules of filial piety and etiquette of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Youtang said again: "Zhijie, you have been promoted to a marquis now and will open your own mansion in the future. I heard that you and your brother have no heirs yet, but you have to work hard."
"Thank you...Your Majesty for your concern."
Zhu Feng looked aggrieved again.
Just like a little pitiful person.
Zhang Zhou also hinted at Zhu Youtang with his eyes, meaning that we can't bring up any pot without opening it. This guy made peace with his wife yesterday, and it's my fault for not mentioning it to Your Majesty.
"There will be imperial edicts and so on in the future, and there is also Bingkuan. It's time to give your wife a imperial edict."
Although Zhang Zhou is now just a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, he failed to pass the Beijing Examination and took the exam for less than three years, but now he has the title of Vice-President of the First-grade Governor's Mansion. If it is a gift from the emperor, then Jiang Pingyu will have to Of course, being a "first-class lady" is only the most ideal situation. In fact, the imperial edict system of the Ming Dynasty was much more complicated, and it mainly depended on the official position and rank examination.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty, I am not in a hurry here. But I know the truth. He just reconciled with his wife yesterday."
"Why?"
Zhu Youtang was very surprised.
Zhu Feng originally wanted to hide himself, but he was directly exposed by Zhang Zhou. He felt that he was a little embarrassed in front of the emperor.
Zhang Zhou said: "Zhijie, please tell me the reason."
"This... back to Your Majesty, it is... like this..."
Zhu Feng didn't meet many saints, and he didn't have as good a mental quality as Zhang Zhou. He was sweating profusely. After all, the problem before him was worrying him.
He hesitated and said: "There are some private matters between the minister... and my wife... that cannot be resolved..."
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Is it because your wife has something to do with her...forget it, your elders are the same, so they don't pay more attention to this kind of thing? You are not in the capital..."
Zhu Youtang originally thought that there might be someone outside Ning Tong, but he didn't say much because there were some situations... even the emperor knew about them.
Is Zhu Feng considered a man?
Zhang Zhou said: "Every family has sutras that are difficult to recite."
"yes."
Zhu Youtang responded with emotion on his face.
Originally they were still talking about Zhu Feng's personal relationship issues, but suddenly it seemed to involve a common problem among men, which was the issue of the stability of the inner house. Then Zhu Youtang and Zhu Feng simultaneously set their sights on Zhang Zhou.
For nothing else.
Among the three people present, only Zhang Zhou seems to be able to take care of his backyard in order. It can also be said that everyone is doing their job.
Even if Zhu Youtang is the emperor, he has to worry about matters in the palace garden.
"Knowing the rules, I will talk to you later. If you don't understand anything, ask Bingkuan. The prince also mentioned you to me before and talked about your experience as a guard in the East Palace before Bingkuan came to the capital. He also misses you very much, go over and see him. I will let Bingkuan go over later."
What Zhu Youtang means is that your Zhu Feng mission has been completed and you can go see the prince first.
"I accept the decree."
Zhu Feng accepted the order, but she was still full of doubts. Why should I go to see the prince when I enter the palace?
That naughty kid...
Tsk tsk.
Everyone is sad.
…
…
"Zhijie, he is still too reserved and can't let go." Zhu Youtang asked Zhang Zhou to come to Danbi, meaning that he had something to show Zhang Zhou.
He asked smoothly: "Do you know why I asked him to see the prince?"
Zhu Youtang said: "This reflects His Majesty's trust in him."
"Haha... This is too cliché. Please elaborate more." Zhu Youtang smiled, as if he was testing Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou also smiled and said, "Don't His Majesty appreciate him? Now that he is close to the prince, this also tells him that whether now or in the future, he will be valued and qualified to serve as a member of the Ming Dynasty." Make great achievements.”
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Why don't you say something else or are you more informal?"
"I have actually deliberately avoided talking about it."
Zhang Zhou still didn't think so.
If I say it harshly, it means that after Your Majesty, you are ready to die, so that this kid Zhu Feng can also have a chance to show his talents.
Otherwise, why should we meet the emperor first and then the prince?
"You all should step back first." Zhu Youtang suddenly said to Dai Yi and others.
When Dai Yi and others saw this posture, they realized that there was a big secret to be discussed between the monarch and his ministers. Even our supervisor of rituals couldn't be present?
They still took the order and retreated.
After everyone left, Zhu Youtang unfolded the things on the table, but there was nothing special about it. It was just a military map that Zhang Zhou had drawn before.
"Bingkuan, guess again, why I let you see this." Zhu Youtang pretended to be mysterious.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty shows this to me, probably because he wants to use it to make a fuss and make a difference. Could it be that your Majesty wants to invade the grassland?"
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Do you think I am that reckless?"
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, in the eyes of the ministers, you are just a mediocre person. Historically, you were also Xiaozong. Your reputation also said that you are good at keeping things in order and have no ambition.
But sorry, I am a time traveler, and what you do is not a secret to me.
In history, Zhu Youtang did have the intention of conquering the imperial army personally. It was in the fifteenth year of Hongzhi. At that time, Dayan Khan Batu Meng was rising and the Mongolian right wing was struggling to resist. At that time, Zhu Youtang adopted the eunuch Miao. Kui's opinion is that he is ready to conquer personally.
When he inquired about the opinion of Liu Daxia, the Minister of War, he said: "...asked: 'Taizong often goes out of the fortress, why not now?' He replied: 'Your Majesty's strength cannot be strong enough to follow Taizong, and the generals and soldiers are far away from arresting him. And the Duke of Qi State It is a small violation of restraint, and hundreds of thousands of people are sent to the desert, but it is easy to say. The best policy for this day is to keep your ears." Daishan, the censor of the capital, also praised the decision from the side, and the emperor suddenly said: "Wei Qing Cao, I made a few mistakes." Therefore, the teacher will not come out."
Liu Daxia said it politely at the time.
It is said that your majesty, although your divine power is not behind Taizong, that is, Zhu Di, but the soldiers and horses are not.
I don’t have the nerve to say, Your Majesty, have you forgotten the disaster during the Tumubao Incident?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty, what do you say? Perhaps Your Majesty has the heart to level the grassland, so he asked me to plan the border affairs. Since Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, who, no matter the emperor or minister, has not wanted to completely solve the problem in the north?"
"Yes." Zhu Youtang sighed with emotion, "As a king, how can you allow the Mongols to sleep peacefully beside you? If we destroy them in one fell swoop, the waste on the Ming Dynasty's frontiers can be reduced by half!"
Zhang Zhou heard this and thought to himself, the purpose of this emperor's expedition to the grassland was just to save money?
Maybe it's just part of the reason.
It's really frugal, but I have never thought about how much it would cost to pacify the grassland? Have you forgotten the allusion about Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty going on a military rampage?
Zhang Zhou said: "If we want to level the grassland, we will definitely need a long time of preparation. We need to cultivate a lot of generals, cast more artillery, and need more advanced firearms. By then, when people talk about grassland people, they will no longer be brave. He is good at fighting, but he is also good at dancing!"
"oh?"
Zhu Youtang was startled. After he figured it out, he couldn't help laughing and said, "Okay, okay. What I need is a foreigner who is good at singing and dancing. Bingkuan, you understand my heart."
Zhang Zhou shook his head and said: "It is not a good thing to speculate on the holy will."
"Haha." Zhu Youtang was very happy, especially because Zhang Zhou showed him a very bright future, "Bingkuan, except for Bao Guogong and Cheng Guogong, the trainees of Yanwu Hall that I have chosen this time are In addition, the other princes, uncles, generals, etc. are all people who I think can help the Ming Dynasty level the grassland."
Zhang Zhou asked: "In your Majesty's opinion, Duke Baoguo and Duke Cheng are not good enough?"
Zhu Youtang nodded seriously: "It's really not possible."
Hey.
Zhang Zhou wanted to say, I speak directly, and His Majesty also learned the lesson.
"It's not that I look down on them, it's because these princes have long lost their enterprising spirit. In the past few years, they have not made any meritorious service in the border wars. Instead, they have been repeatedly impeached by officials. I want to The most important thing is young people, especially people like Zhijie. I also asked Shouning Hou to further his studies, but you don’t have to have high expectations for him. I’m just here to deal with the queen."
Very direct words again.
Zhang Heling also wanted to study, but he was an "auditor".
"Who among them can be of great use, or who do you think can be entrusted with important tasks? Just tell me." Zhu Youtang said.
Zhang Zhou cupped his hands and said: "Since your Majesty said so, I really have something else to ask for. I think there are two people who can be used."
"Say." Zhu Youtang said.
Zhang Zhoudao said: "Wang Qiong, a doctor in the household department, went to Liaodong as a grain supervisor. He played a large role in the First World War in Liaodong, and he was also very knowledgeable about artillery matters. I would like to ask him to come to Yanwu Hall as well. Serve as an official and assist me in teaching. After all... I am very busy at ordinary times and cannot always be there."
What Zhang Zhou actually wants is to be the principal himself. Why should he be a lecturer?
Regarding the specific lectures, do you expect Zhu Feng?
It is better to find someone who has prestige and can fight in the future.
But if it is a minister who is too upright, it is inappropriate for the times, just like Yang Yiqing. No matter how powerful he is, would he dare to use it?
Look at Wang Qiong again... that's extraordinary.
Wang Qiong's biggest characteristic is actually very similar to Wang Yue, that is... he is good at socializing.
To put it mildly, he is someone who knows how to assess the situation; to put it mildly, he is just a flatterer.
Historically, Wang Qiong's behavior during the Zhengde period was very bad. Although he promoted Wang Shouren, knew how to make good use of people, and took great credit in quelling the chaos in the country or the rebellion in the northwest, this was due to his deliberate flattery and direct confrontation with others. Fawning over the emperor instead of discussing major affairs of the court with the civil officials...
After he, Yang Tinghe, and Peng Ze became hostile forces, after Jiajing ascended the throne, Yang Tinghe easily used his power to bring him down.
But who dares to deny Wang Dehua's ability?
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "Before, I was still thinking about how to reward him. I wanted to promote him to be a minister, because I was afraid that he was not qualified enough. But if he was transferred to another place, he would not be able to use his talents. I was still thinking about whether to use him as a minister. The imperial censor of the capital will go to the northwest to serve as a governor... Since you proposed it, let him stay in the capital. You said there is another person, who is it?"
Zhang Zhou said: "I am a little embarrassed to say this."
"Is it Tang Yin?" Zhu Youtang asked with a smile.
Zhang Zhou shook his head seriously: "No."
"Oh? Who is that?"
Zhu Youtang also expressed interest.
Nominally, Tang Yin is already Zhang Zhou's junior brother, but recently, Tang Yin has not gone to formally become a disciple, or to become a senior brother, due to his identity.
Zhang Zhoudao: "He is the undergraduate Jinshi, Wang Shouren. He is the son of Wang Hua, the imperial scholar."
"This person? What has he done?" Zhu Youtang didn't quite understand.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I also learned from Marquis Weining that he has outstanding talents. I have seen his articles, found his ambition and military strategy, and thought he could be of great use. I also want to transfer him... After all, now he is Just being in Guanzheng and serving in the Yanwu Hall will not affect his future transfer to the six departments or places."
"Yeah." Zhu Youtang nodded.
He is just an ordinary Jinshi. He can be transferred at any time as long as Zhang Zhou needs it.
After all, this is a major matter related to his ideals.
"Just tell me who you want to use. As long as they are young and capable, I can transfer them to the Yanwu Hall!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
(End of chapter)
