It’s already the end of April in a blink of an eye.
On this day, artillery training was taking place in the western suburbs of the city. As the chief instructor, Zhang Zhou stood on the top of the hill with binoculars in his hands.
Next to him, Zhu Houzhao stood on a small bench and looked out with a telescope from the observation port of the battlements where he was observing the ceremony.
Next to them stood Wang Qiong, Wang Shouren, Zhu Feng, and Tang Yin. These four people were all transferred to the Yanwu Hall by Zhang Zhou to help. Next to them were Xiao Jing, Mou Bin, Liu Jin, Gao Feng and other eunuchs.
There are also two ancestors and grandsons of the British Duke Zhang Mao and Zhang Lun.
Next to them are a large number of Jin Yiwei.
"Boom boom boom!"
Another round of cannon fire.
In the distance, smoke of different colors rose from the school shooting position, accompanied by fireworks.
This is actually an "examination question" for the person responsible for presiding over the artillery fire. Different smoke and fireworks represent different enemy situations, such as the enemy cavalry charging in a concentrated manner, charging in a dispersed manner, or forming camps on the spot, etc., and every time there will be Different numbers of scarecrows use different situations as targets.
The final test score is based on whether the target can reach the circle of the ruler, the number of scarecrows that the artillery has dispersed, or the number of remaining targets set up.
Basically, as long as the cannonball lands in the right place, it is considered qualified. It does not necessarily mean that all targets must be knocked down.
"boom!"
Along with the fire, there was a roar in the distance. The target areas were blown up violently, and the stone formations used as rulers were also blown apart.
"Wow!"
Zhu Houzhao, who was standing on the small bench, was so excited that he jumped on the spot.
Liu Jin quickly grabbed Zhu Houzhao's arm to prevent him from falling off the bench. The kid seemed to have forgotten that there was a height difference next to the bench and did not take his eyes away from the telescope.
"Your Highness, be careful."
"It's amazing! Mr. Zhang, is this the Shenwei long-range cannon? How far does it hit?" Zhu Houzhao shouted excitedly.
Zhang Zhou ignored Zhu Houzhao's question and said to Tang Yin, who was in charge of recording next to him: "The two-point target position did not hit the area. In the next round... blue fireworks will be set off to remind the cavalry to attack!"
Tang Yin immediately issued an order to the herald next to him.
First, on the viewing platform, after the examiner Zhang Zhou gave a prompt, blue fireworks were raised, and black smoke also rose in the distance. After the artillery below was lit, it was fired again.
"Boom boom boom!"
The same three guns, three shots.
"Suppress the opponent and charge forward. Do you understand what suppression means? Where did these three shots go? How can we suppress them when they are so scattered? The flanks of the Tatar cavalry are not even close yet... Who is in charge of commanding now?" Zhang Zhou Like a strict examiner, he shouted to Zhu Feng next to him.
Zhu Feng looked down the hillside and said with a wry smile: "It's Shouning Hou!"
Zhang Zhou and others are actually not far from the launch point, but the height difference is very large. The advantage of this is that the elevation angle of the artillery cannot reach such a high level. Unless a group of people carry the artillery to shoot upwards, if the angle of the artillery carriage alone is used to fire the Not coming up.
This will ensure that no one will turn around and fire at the chairman's auditorium, thus ensuring the safety of the people on the auditorium to the greatest extent.
Even so, Zhang Zhou still had people build battlements on the viewing platform to ensure that no bullets would burst out.
"Sure enough, it's him again! No matter how many times I teach him, he just can't remember it!"
Zhang Zhou was very angry.
I'll probably have to find Zhang Heling to settle the score later.
"Three o'clock positions are unqualified! Remember!" Zhang Zhou couldn't help but said sharply when he saw that Tang Yin was still dazed.
Tang Yin nodded with a wry smile and took up a pen to record on the report card.
This is Tang Yin's daily work after arriving at Yanwu Hall.
He himself was also very depressed. Before, he was overseeing politics at the Ministry of Industry and didn't get into trouble that much. Now that he was transferred to the Yanwu Hall, his salary seemed to have been improved. He could gain respect from others wherever he went. But the problem was ... Is this a fucking human life?
He even thought more than once, what on earth am I doing with Zhang Zhou?
Zhu Houzhao was overjoyed and said in a mocking tone: "My uncle, let him direct the cannon fire? I really don't know what my father thinks. He can't learn it even if he studies for a hundred years. Liu Jin, have you learned it?"
Liu Jin responded with a smile: "My slave understands that if the Tatar cavalry is charging, it is natural to fire at the frontmost part of the opponent's cavalry formation to suppress their momentum, and then to attack each other..."
Wang Qiong, Wang Shouren and others couldn't help but look at Liu Jin.
In fact, it's quite a simple truth. Even Liu Jin, who was watching the show, could figure it out. Why didn't Shouning Hou understand it?
Zhu Houzhao said: "Mr. Zhang, is that so?"
"This is the truth, but what is the elevation angle of the artillery, how to adjust the orientation of the three guns, setting the ignition speed of the artillery, and estimating the charging speed of the enemy's cavalry, etc. These all need to be learned." Zhang Zhou said, "Don't think that you This uncle has no skills at all. At least he has learned all the basic knowledge, but he has always failed in simulation exercises."
"No matter how good you are in theory, if you can't do it in actual combat, it will still be embarrassing? Mr. Zhang, please stop speaking for my uncle."
Zhu Houzhao seemed to know what the eldest son of the Zhang family was like.
At this time, even the lecturers nearby couldn't help but sigh secretly.
It seems that the incompetence of the Zhang brothers has left their shame to grandma's house. Even the prince knows what you are like. It seems that even if you wait until the young prince ascends the throne, you will have no chance of making a fortune.
…
…
The first round of artillery simulation drills ended.
Three guns completed the artillery sealing.
That is to say, all three cannons were pulled away, and then the "candidates" below walked up the slope.
The leader is Baoguo Gong Zhu Hui. He is the admiral of the Shenji Battalion in the Beijing Camp and is equivalent to the commander of the entire Beijing Guard Artillery Battalion. His status in the Beijing Camp is second only to Zhang Mao.
Behind him is Shouning Hou Zhang Heling. Because Zhu Fu, the Duke of Chengguo, has not returned to the capital from Yansui, they are the only two of the nobles currently studying.
Among the remaining generals, there are Xu Nai, the commander of the Henan capital and the commander of the capital of Jingcao, Hu Zhong, the commander of the Liaodong capital, Qin Xuan, the commander of the right guard of Wanquan, Li Qin, the commander of the Liaodong capital in Beiyuyilucheng, The deputy commander of Xuanfu's assistant army commanded Tongzhi Han Yu, and the Xuanfu commanded Qian Shi Baiyu.
In addition to these six who were transferred from outside by the emperor's special order, there were also three generals under Zhu Hui's own Shenji Camp in Beijing.
There is another person, Peng Quan, the commander of the Jianchang Guard who was sent to Piantou Pass for guarding because he reported Zhang Yanling.
Peng Quan and Zhang Yanling were treated differently. Zhang Yanling had the opportunity to go to Liaodong and make meritorious deeds, while Peng Quan had no meritorious service in the Piantou Pass. Instead, he was ostracized by his colleagues... Even though Zhang Yanling was the one everyone in the capital was clamoring for, but In the hearts of the border army officers and soldiers, those relatives are unattainable and powerful. Who can get good results if they offend their relatives?
As a result, Peng Quan was ostracized wherever he went. In the end, the emperor still remembered this unfortunate guy and transferred him back to the capital to study with Zhang Zhou.
Among all the people, Peng Quan seemed to learn the fastest.
For no other reason...if others can't learn well, they can go back to their own duties at most, but if he can't learn well...this life is basically over.
"See His Highness the Crown Prince!"
When everyone came up, Zhu Hui recognized Zhu Houzhao and quickly saluted and greeted him.
Only then did the rest of the people realize that it was the prince in front of them, and they quickly knelt down and saluted.
Only Zhang Heling saw his nephew from afar, but he didn't speak.
Zhu Houzhao put up a posture and said: "Excuse me, sir. Today, I am here to supervise the academic performance of the students in the Yanwu Hall on the order of my father. Mr. Zhang has already judged your achievements. I will lead you." Go back and show it to your father, so that he will know better."
"ah?"
All the "candidates" present could not help but stare.
Today is not a final exam, isn't it just an ordinary mock exam?
Besides, there was no one here to guide us today, so we were left to follow the prompts to fire. Why did we bring Da Tian to listen?
The so-called mock practice exam this time was simply worse than the grades in the graduation exam.
The generals below did not dare to say anything, and the prince did whatever he said.
Zhu Hui and Zhang Heling came over. Zhu Hui leaned on his old age and smiled at Zhu Houzhao with his square face, and asked: "Your Highness, I wonder how the old minister is doing?"
"Bao Guo Gong, right? You seem to have asked the wrong person, right?" Zhu Houzhao said to Zhang Zhounu, "He is the examiner."
"Haha, Bingkuan, look at me..."
Zhu Hui usually looks down on Zhang Zhou, or feels that Zhang Zhou is vaguely in the same party with Zhang Mao and old man Zhang, and Zhang Mao and Zhu Hui don't deal with each other... Xungui's internal involvement has been involved. Here comes the trick.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I will record Bao Guo Gong's achievements truthfully."
Zhu Hui looked embarrassed.
Am I asking whether this was recorded truthfully? The question was obviously about my grades!
Do you mean to keep it a secret?
Zhang Heling said with a smile: "I am the best performer. You see, every time I fight, there is still one intact person in the haystack?"
"Uncle, who gave you the confidence? How can you be so shameless?" Zhu Houzhao laughed, not giving Zhang Heling any face.
Even though Zhang Heling was thick-skinned, he couldn't help but look at the people around him with an embarrassed expression after hearing this, and suddenly felt that everyone was laughing at him.
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said: "Every time it's your turn, I find that it's a routine. Just shoot forward. It's not you who fires the cannon. Does this mean that this tactic will work with or without you?"
"Uh..." Zhang Heling argued forcefully, "The so-called firing is to frighten the enemy. If you don't fire forward, how about firing backward?"
Originally, some people had no expectations for Zhang Heling, and now they couldn't help but look at him with contempt.
Zhu Houzhao said with a smile: "Recently, I have been writing articles based on Mencius. There is a topic called 'Madame must insult herself, and then others will insult her.' Is that you?"
"Hahaha..." Zhang Mao couldn't help laughing.
Zhang Heling frowned and said, "What do you mean?"
People around him couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh. This guy didn't even learn the Four Books and Five Classics, but he thought he was awesome. How could such a person have the nerve to hang out in the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty?
Zhu Houzhao did not explain, but stretched out his hand towards Tang Yinyi and said: "Bring the results and send them to my father when I return to the palace."
"yes."
Tang Yin respectfully closed the transcript and presented it to Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao had an expression on his face that said, "I have taken control of your destiny." He looked very proud and was about to go back to the city with his transcript in hand.
It's not that he doesn't want to stay, it's that he has no choice. He knows that if he doesn't leave, he will have no chance to come see the excitement next time.
"Mr. Zhang, as promised, you will definitely bring me here next time!" When leaving, he did not forget to ask Zhang Zhou to step aside as a reminder.
…
…
After a simple school examination, Zhang Zhou was ready to return to the city.
Originally, he planned to have a good talk with Wang Shouren, but Wang Shouren is... a very special person. To put it bluntly, he is a bit "aloof and arrogant" and is very indifferent to everything. The two of them had a comparison except when Wang Shouren first arrived at Yanwu Hall. In an in-depth conversation, Zhang Zhou explained the significance of the founding of the Yanwu Hall, leaving him no chance to be alone.
This is also because Zhang Zhou's mission is not simply to train the martial arts hall and teach these people how to fire cannons.
His usual work is too busy.
He didn't have the intention to talk to Wang Shouren in any more depth.
Maybe it was because he didn't have a close relationship with Wang Shouren, but he became Wang Shouren's "boss". In addition, Zhang Zhou's reputation among civil servants was not very good, and Zhang Zhou also knew that everything should not be rushed.
He wanted to invite Wang Shouren to the city for tea that day, but Wang Shouren politely declined.
About the meaning.
Business is business.
If anything happens in Yanwu Hall, you can just give the order directly. Leaving Yanwu Hall is equivalent to leaving get off work. Subordinates should not have too much contact with their superiors to avoid being said that I am currying favor with you.
"Mr. Zhang."
Wang Qiong was very polite.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Wang Langzhong has been very tired in Yanwu Hall recently, right? However, the first batch of students should be taught soon, much faster than expected. The next batch of people will be transferred, and there will be no first batch." So much, I will teach you more theoretical knowledge in the future. I will rely more on Mr. Wang to win you over."
"Wherever I go, I will do my best." Wang Qiong said with a smile.
Historically, it was Wang Qiong who appreciated and cultivated Wang Shouren. Wang Qiong was equivalent to Wang Shouren's Bole.
This time, Zhang Zhou, together with Bole and Chollima, came together. As a result, Chollima seemed to be a little resistant, but Bole himself was very sensible.
This is the effect Zhang Zhou wants to achieve.
Regardless of your ability, being able to speak is the most important thing. If you are a traditional civil servant, like Yang Tinghe, Wang Hua, and Yang Yiqing, can you communicate with them?
But because Wang Qiong is very good at officialdom and socializing, she speaks very clearly and is very relaxed in handling affairs, especially in handover and communication.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have to go back to the city first, so I won't talk to Wang Langzhong any more. Please!"
"please!"
…
…
Zhang Zhou has been very "busy" recently.
His main task is to teach the prince, and he is usually most concerned about the Xishan Coal Mine. Now the coal mine has achieved initial results. Old Man Jiang has opened the coal mine and has produced coal. Recently, two batches have been transported back to the city. Zhang Zhou was very satisfied.
But what's a bit troublesome is that in addition to these things, he also has to go to the Hanlin Academy to check on the progress of the "Da Ming Huidian". Recently, in order to reduce his own pressure, that is, he no longer has to worry about the book revision. He thought of a way.
I am going to use the most direct method to prepare the semi-finished draft of "Da Ming Huidian", add my own understanding of history, and summary, etc., and after repairing it, turn it into a "finished draft" and submit it to the emperor.
To compile this kind of classic, Zhang Zhou alone is not enough. Zhang Zhou also knows that he cannot memorize the entire "Da Ming Huidian", but the "Da Ming Huidian" itself is only a professional work. It talks about institutional rules, including professional content such as "In charge of various departments", "Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty", "Collection of Rites of the Ming Dynasty", "Records of Filial Piety and Compassion", "Laws of the Ming Dynasty" and so on.
Zhang Zhou directly used Wanli's revised version as the final draft, and made a "one-time finalization" of it as soon as it was ready.
Zhang Zhou also knew very well that in history, although the first edition of the "Da Ming Huidian" was compiled in the fifteenth year of Hongzhi, it was not published until the death of Emperor Hongzhi in the eighteenth year of Hongzhi.
Later in the fourth year of Zhengde, Emperor Zhengde ordered that Li Dongyang, who was the chief assistant at the time, re-edit it and publish it for the first time in the sixth year of Zhengde.
The writing of "Da Ming Huidian" can also be said to be a great regret of Hongzhi Emperor Zhu Youtang before his death.
Zhang Zhou came to Ming Dynasty for another purpose, which was not to leave any regrets to history.
Didn't Yang Tinghe and others demonstrate their abilities by compiling the "Da Ming Huidian"? Zhang Zhou felt that as long as I am here, nothing will happen to you. I will handle it myself, lest you think that I am a mediocre person who can't do anything and only knows how to please the emperor.
Let you know what true talent and practical learning means.
So he has nothing to do recently, and has been secretly revising the book. At most, some things are not perfect. He relies on some first drafts for detailed proofreading, and makes some additions and changes based on some legal and humanistic changes in the Hongzhi period and the Wanli period.
"Brother Zhang, you still have the ability."
After going down the mountain, before getting on the carriage, Zhu Feng looked at Zhang Zhou with envy.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Know your integrity, don't belittle yourself. It's not that I have the ability, everyone has the ability, but you may not be aware of some of your abilities yet. Why are you feeling so emotional?"
Have the ability?
Zhang Zhou wanted to say, I have many abilities, but I don’t know which one you are feeling.
Zhu Feng said: "The prince is usually stubborn, but you can make him docile. I'm afraid even your majesty can't teach the prince like this."
Others didn't see it, but Zhu Feng might have gotten along with Zhu Houzhao a lot, and gradually discovered that Zhang Zhou was the only one who could control Zhu Houzhao, and even Zhu Youtang, the father, might not be able to do it.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Zhijie, what do you need?"
"I need to……"
Zhu Feng was asked.
Even he himself doesn't know what he needs.
"You don't need fame and fortune, because you already have it, and you don't need women. Don't you need friends? Or, there are beautiful things in this world, and you won't pursue them?" Zhang Zhou's question made Zhu Feng was stunned.
Then Zhu Feng nodded mechanically.
Zhang Zhou said: "I know the needs of the prince, so he will accept some of my teachings. If one day in the future, he finds that I can no longer give him what he needs, try it, he may fall out faster than reading a book! "
Zhu Feng asked in confusion: "What does the prince need?"
Zhang Zhou smiled and said nothing.
Even if I tell you what the prince needs, can you satisfy him?
"Brother Zhang, my father will return to the capital today and tomorrow. He has written in advance, saying that he wants to talk to you..." Seeing that Zhang Zhou was leaving, Zhu Feng hurriedly reminded him.
Zhang Zhou said: "No, your Majesty has ordered your Majesty to enter the Yanwu Hall. If it's for this, you don't need to come and tell me. If it's for your family's affairs, including your marriage, there's no need to come and ask me. I Always the outsider.”
(End of chapter)
