The group of people marched toward the palace gate.
Many people along the way came out to watch. As a martial artist, Zhang Zhou had to ride a horse, while the civil servants either rode in sedans or carriages.
All the way to the Huitong Pavilion, when it was time to settle Li Yi, Lin Han called Zhang Zhou aside and explained to Zhang Zhou what he knew: "Be careful these days. The officials in the court have a lot of opinions about you."
Zhang Zhou pretended to be confused and asked curiously: "Could it be that the officials think that I am interfering in North Korea's internal affairs? Liaodong has made meritorious service, do they have any opinions?"
Lin Han just sighed, but he didn't know how to discuss it further.
Are you telling Zhang Zhou that everyone is planning to impeach you together, and even want me to join the gang?
Before the chat started here, Shen Lu came over on behalf of Xu Qiong to invite Zhang Zhou to one side. Shen Lu smiled and said: "You have had a hard journey, Duke Lai Guo. After you enter the palace, I will accompany you. There are people on the way." It’s easy to say it clearly. It’s all things Xu Shangshu wants to say but can’t bring up the issue openly.”
Lin Han didn't move away either. He probably heard the conversation and glanced over.
Zhang Zhou deliberately raised his voice so that Lao Lin could hear what he was saying: "If you are a man who sits up straight and is not afraid of others' criticism, then I'll take the trouble to lead the way."
…
…
Xu Qiong, as the Minister of Rites, seemed to be enthusiastic about Zhang Zhou, but he would not do many things in person that required a direct statement. Shen Lu was probably Xu Qiong's mouthpiece, representing Xu Qiong's opinions.
Zhang Zhou and Shen Lu entered the palace. Although they were both foreign ministers, one was a close minister trusted by the emperor and the other was Empress Zhang's "uncle". They were not considered outsiders in the palace. Even the eunuchs who led the way could only stay away. Separated, afraid of disturbing the conversation between the two.
"Does Duke Lai Guogong know that Minister Lin is going to be the Minister of Rites?" Shen Lu asked with a smile.
"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded, "I have heard a little bit about it, but this matter has not yet been discussed by the court, so I'm afraid it won't be done accurately."
Shen Lu said: "Since His Majesty approves it, there is not much difference in the outcome of the court discussion. The court is convinced of Hengda's character and ability. But I don't know what kind of errands Your Majesty wants to arrange for you?"
Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Is it my errand? Didn't we all agree that I will be impeached and treated as an idler?"
"ah?"
Shen Lu originally wanted to lean on his elders and try to make a circle with Zhang Zhou, but Zhang Zhou pointed it out and he seemed very uncomfortable with it.
"Shen Yintai, if you have something to say, just say it." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
Shen Lu considered the words for a while and said: "I heard that there has been a lot of criticism against you in the court recently. You were born in the imperial examination, but you entered the palace with alchemy. Whenever you use things, you often use weird words first. To gain His Majesty’s trust is considered to be the root of chaos in the country, so don’t blame them for being harsh on you.”
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Then I should accept their criticism calmly?"
Shen Lu was startled. He also found that talking to Zhang Zhou was not like talking to those traditional civil servants, who needed to be precise and precise. But what he had been used to all his life was the tortuous things that civil servants did. It was very uncomfortable for him to have his turn now. adapt.
Zhang Zhou said: "Don't worry Shen Yintai. If others think that I am in the government and opposition parties and blocking their way, then I will retreat bravely."
"What?"
Shen Lu was shocked.
You kid actually wants to "retreat bravely"? This is not our intention. Unfortunately, we still regard you as a benchmark and prepare to use you to form a new faction and follow your lead.
But you kid wants to avoid it?
No... who achieves today's status but wants to avoid war?
"Uh... Duke Lai Guo, you should know that as an official in the court, if you don't advance, you will retreat. If you take a step back, there may be an abyss behind you." Shen Lu was reminding Zhang Zhou that you have to fight to the death. .
The emperor supports you, and now even the civil servants faction has us twisting a rope for you. Who says we can't pull you up?
As long as you gain power, the order of the government and the opposition will change. How many people want to see this? Those who have been suppressed by traditional civil servants for half their lives finally have a chance to rise to the top.
Zhang Zhou said: "Abyss? You mean, some people still want to put me to death?"
Shen Lu hesitated for a moment and said: "Death may not be possible, but it is not impossible to exile you somewhere else and make it difficult to face the saint in the future, and even use the imperial edict to hold you accountable for those alchemy words..."
Zhang Zhou smiled, his expression indifferent.
He was thinking that this was really the same as the history of civil servants and military officials uniting to deal with the "Eight Tigers" when Zhu Houzhao first came to the throne.
But everyone has seen the result.
Even though Zhu Houzhao was just a young man with a junior throne, he still had the upper hand in the battle between the imperial power and his ministers, not to mention that now Zhu Youtang has thoroughly studied the imperial power.
Want to solve the problem by directly admonishing the offender... Perhaps the civil servants don't know what the emperor fears most about his ministers.
Zhang Zhou said: "Then I should be more careful. Advances and retreats are often not decided by me. I should decide after I meet the saint."
"you……"
Shen Lu originally wanted to talk to Zhang Zhou about the alliance, but seeing Zhang Zhou's "careless" look, he didn't even care about being impeached and attacked, and he didn't seem to realize that "a big disaster was coming." "Generally, this made Shen Lu both anxious and wondering if he had chosen the wrong person?
…
…
Outside Qianqing Palace.
Zhu Youtang arrived at the entrance of the palace early. He was anxious to meet Zhang Zhou and did not sit and wait inside.
"Your Majesty, it was reported earlier that Duke Lai Guo has entered the palace. Why not go back to the palace and wait. It's a bit hot." Xiao Jing advised from the side.
Zhu Youtang said: "I'm not standing in the sun, and I don't feel how hot it is. Is that Bingkuan?"
Xiao Jing looked up and said, "No, it should be someone passing by."
"Send someone to take a look..."
Zhu Youtang was anxious.
Xiao Jing hurriedly sent a young eunuch to greet him at Fengtian Hall, so as to know as soon as possible when Zhang Zhou would arrive.
Finally, despite the endless calls, Zhang Zhou and Shen Lu arrived. Zhu Youtang walked down the steps and took the initiative to greet the guests.
"Your Majesty, Zhang Zhou, comes to see you." Zhang Zhou saluted.
Zhu Youtang said hurriedly: "Bingkuan, we are already here, why are you so polite? Are you at Shen Qing's house too? Let's go."
As he said that, Zhu Youtang came over to pull the person away.
Shen Lu had never seen the emperor in this form, and he was a little stunned. Before, he was still doubting whether he had chosen the wrong comrade in the alliance. At this moment, he seemed to feel that he had really chosen the right person in choosing Zhang Zhou.
The person who can shake up the power of traditional civil servants must be Zhang Zhou.
…
…
In the Qianqing Palace.
Zhang Zhou first explained to the emperor the detailed process of his journey north, focusing on the details of the iron mine opening in Yongping Prefecture.
After hearing this, Zhu Youtang was very satisfied and said: "I have also seen that the local government reported that you have been there for less than half a year, and even only worked there for a month or two, and you were able to increase Ming's pig iron production by almost Double...I never expected that with such a capable minister, why worry about the uneven grassland and the unrest in our country?"
"Your Majesty is so complimentary." Zhang Zhou seemed very humble.
Shen Lu on the side was a little confused.
Didn’t it mean that Zhang Zhou went to Liaodong to fight? By the way, it also solved a problem in North Korea's internal affairs. Why did the conversation change now and directly mention mining?
Iron ore...nearly doubled...what is this concept?
One person produces a Ming Dynasty's iron?
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "The war in Liaodong is not important. You have been there for so long, but you are always delaying. People say you are delaying the war. I don't even bother to fight with them. I have agreed with you a long time ago. , this Liaodong must be fought steadily, and must not be rushed. As you expected, the Jurchens are now retreating steadily, and most of them have surrendered. The rest depends on how Uncle Xin Xin ends up."
Shen Lu said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, Duke Lai Guo deserves a generous reward for his meritorious service."
"Shen Qing's family, how can I not know Bingkuan's meritorious service? But now that he is the Duke of the country, how can I reward him?" Zhu Youtang took out something and said, "I have asked people to search around the capital recently. We will check if there is any suitable land for you. There are 400 hectares of fertile land around Shuntian Mansion, and 1,400 hectares of land around Yongping Mansion will also be given to you."
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I feel ashamed to receive this."
"Why are you still ashamed? I feel ashamed of you. For such a great contribution, you are only rewarded with a few acres. Is this a big reward?" Zhu Youtang seemed very polite.
Shen Lu on the side almost cried.
More than a thousand hectares of fields were brought up. This method of reward had only been seen by two people before. It happened that those two people also had the surname Zhang.
Zhu Youtang said: "In addition, I have prepared tens of thousands of yin for Lianghuai and Changlu salty yin for you, which can be regarded as your expense."
Not even talking about rewards, I just said it would be used as expenses for you, which is probably the same as giving it to you to supplement your household income.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, as a minister, if you do that thing of occupying a nest, I am afraid that you will be criticized by the officials in the court, and you will definitely be impeached."
"I don't give much, so why not? Others want it, but I won't give it to them!" When Zhu Youtang heard the words about others wanting to participate in the impeachment, he immediately got angry.
Shen Lu said with a smile: "Mr. Lai Guo, this is your Majesty's grace. Just thank you."
Zhang Zhou said: "Then I will accept it first."
Hey.
Very polite.
I told you to accept it, but did you really accept it?
…
…
Then Zhu Youtang had another family dinner with Zhang Zhou.
Just as he said that he would keep Zhang Zhou in the palace that night to discuss something, Shen Lu cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have completed my errand, so I will take my leave now."
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "As for the Shen Qing family, I will talk to you in detail later."
Nothing was revealed in detail, but it seemed that Zhu Youtang had some communication with Shen Lu. In Zhang Zhou's view, this may be related to the large-scale involvement of ministers in the DPRK and China in impeaching him.
After Shen Lu resigned, Zhu Youtang and even Xiao Jing and others also resigned.
Now Zhang Zhou also saw what Zhu Youtang meant, and it was time to get to the point.
"Bingkuan." Zhu Youtang walked out from behind the desk, went to the chair below, and sat on the seat given to Shen Lu. The two of them were considered equals, "There was a newspaper in the market that slandered you. I'm here to tell you. I ordered Dongchang to investigate and found out that it might be related to the clan. Then the news leaked out. I also heard that some people in the court wanted to use the folk rumors as an excuse to impeach. You are not the only one who participated in the impeachment. , and it involves many people that I have used in the past few years.”
"Alas! What they said is that I use alchemists to govern the country and mess up the foundation of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Youtang's face was gloomy, and he wanted to discuss with Zhang Zhou how to counterattack.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, if everyone agrees, then I have nothing to say."
Zhu Youtang sighed: "You should also know why this happened today. It is also because in the past few years, there have been few changes in the ministers of the Zhongzhongtang Hall, and this year a group of people are old and have completed their six-year examination." At this time. At this time, they are targeting you just to prevent their followers from being affected by my high regard for you."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I can understand their actions. In the past two years, your majesty has indeed valued me more than ordinary ministers."
"That's because of your outstanding ability. If any of them can do so many things for me and Ming Dynasty like you, I can also value and cultivate them, right?" Zhu Youtang was very angry.
Targeting Zhang Zhou is targeting me as the emperor.
"Bingkuan, I want to scare the monkeys and find out those who are corrupt and bend the law among the civil servants. You will take the lead in the investigation. I have some clues here before. As long as I can find some people and intimidate some people, then I can do it. Define this in court as a criticism of you by a young person to prevent corruption and perversion of the law from being exposed." Zhu Youtang revealed his own strategy.
To put it bluntly, it is to continue to give Zhang Zhou power and let the ministers know that Zhang Zhou is irreplaceable.
To Zhang Zhou, it sounded pretty good.
But Zhang Zhou also understood that if this happened, the conflict between Zhang Zhou and traditional civil servants would become a fire and water, and it would not be easy to have any room for maneuver in the future.
And there will be a problem... Zhang Zhou can never replace the Ming Dynasty's bureaucracy. No matter how much the emperor trusts him now, there will always be a time when he and the emperor are alienated, and then there will be a situation where three people become tigers.
"Your Majesty, I believe that this will make me uncomfortable in the court, which is not advisable." Zhang Zhou said.
Zhu Youtang smiled bitterly and said: "You still want to live in harmony with those people? From the time you entered the court, you haven't noticed that no matter what you do, whether it is right or wrong, they will always regard you as an alchemist instead of an alchemist." Become a Jinshi? No matter how much credit you have made, they will always find various reasons to deny your credit. Now they are uniting the government and the public to impeach you. No matter how much you give in, you can't win their sincerity. Treat each other."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Then it's better to take a step back."
"oh?"
Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou curiously.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have calculated with my fingers. In the next few days, there will be a hailstorm near the capital of the Ming Dynasty. This intention will definitely become a topic for others to talk about the disaster. It is better to inform the officials in advance with Qin Tianjian and let them This is how you use it to impeach me."
"Bingkuan..." Zhu Youtang was speechless.
You kid really don't know how dangerous the world is.
Even if you don't defend yourself, you actually want others to attack you with the disaster you speculated?
Zhang Zhou said: "I have basically completed everything I should do in the past two years. In fact, in the next few years, I will have time to chat and play chess with His Majesty, and even discuss health care together, and then teach the prince some lessons." Knowledge, whether you have an official title or not, doesn't mean much."
Zhu Youtang thought for a while.
It seems quite reasonable.
"Bingkuan, you don't want to back down, do you?" Zhu Youtang asked.
Zhang Zhou said with a look of admiration on his face: "Your Majesty, don't you think that if you continue to let me serve as an official like this and others don't say anything about their opinions, you will still be at the forefront of the storm?"
Zhu Youtang said: "Then you can't follow their wishes. Even if you want to be idle, you absolutely can't let them criticize you. This will make the world think that I really hired the wrong person."
Zhang Zhou said: "If you let me continue to advance, or even if I don't advance or retreat, they will treat me as a thorn in their flesh. Then why not let me help your majesty do more things secretly?"
"secretly?"
Zhu Youtang didn't understand.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have many unfinished things, such as seizing the vassal, building ships, and making firearms. I don't have to use my current official position to complete it."
Zhu Youtang waved his hands and said: "No! If there is war again in the towns after you leave, who will I go to? With your power, even the Tatars will not dare to invade again."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I didn't say I was leaving. In fact, there is one more thing I didn't say. If my calculations are correct, there may be an earthquake around Shuntian Mansion in less than a month..."
"What?"
Zhu Youtang stood up.
An earthquake occurred in Shuntian Mansion. Such an unusual event could be said to be a great warning to the emperor.
Even if the ground only shakes, the emperor will punish himself.
Zhang Zhou spread his hands and said, "If by then, Your Majesty is still arguing with ministers about ministers' matters, I'm afraid that both Your Majesty and ministers will be very passive by then."
"you……"
Zhu Youtang thought for a while.
It really is.
If the emperor and his ministers were arguing over whether Zhang Zhou should go or stay, and there was an earthquake in the capital, then the ministers would have something to say.
The emperor would have to obey the wishes of those ministers and suppress Zhang Zhou even if he was forced to do so. This would be different from Zhang Zhou taking the initiative to retreat.
Zhu Youtang suddenly seemed to understand something and said: "Bingkuan, see if this can be done. You can retreat in order to advance. I agreed to your last resignation letter and let you rest for a period of time. But at this time, something happened When the earthquake happened, I said it was God not wanting me to let down my capable ministers, and it was God’s warning to me. What do you think?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, wouldn't this... be bad?"
"It's okay." Zhu Youtang said, "I actually know that they just want to use those disasters and do things to confuse people's hearts so that I will no longer value you. But they forgot that you are the one who can know God's will. Then do the opposite, and I will attack them with disasters."
Zhang Zhou looked confused: "Your Majesty, I can stay idle for a while longer, there is no need to make things so tense."
Zhu Youtang said coldly: "No matter how much I do, I can't do it as well as they did! Since they thought of jointly submitting a report and putting pressure on me, they should think of the consequences of doing so! For the specific details, you and I I will discuss it carefully, and you and I will use this hailstorm and earthquake to make a good fuss!"
(End of chapter)
