Zhu Youtang didn’t even inform Xiao Jing and others about this plan.
Even though Zhu Youtang did not fully know the attitude of Xiao Jing and others, he also understood that some matters still had to be "discussed privately" with Zhang Zhou to ensure that the news was not leaked. Of course, it was not that no third party knew about the matter at all. To bring in an "innocent bystander", Qintian Supervisor Zheng Wu Hao.
Zhu Youtang stayed with Zhang Zhou to have dinner in the palace that night.
Not only the prince Zhu Houzhao was called, but also Queen Zhang and Zhu Xiurong. It was like a family to receive the guests.
This made Zhang Zhou feel a little embarrassed.
"Queen, look at Bingkuan, he has not lost much weight. It seems that the food in Liaodong is not bad." Zhu Youtang was in a good mood and even joked about Zhang Zhou's weight.
Queen Zhang smiled and said: "Yes, it seems that Bingkuan didn't have much hard work. Could it be that the hard work was done by others?"
Zhang Zhou said: "The Queen smiled. In fact, I have done a lot of things, but in terms of hard work, it is especially hard for Uncle Xin Xin and Tang Yin. They have been tortured quite a lot by me."
"Haha." Zhu Youtang laughed, "A capable minister is a capable minister, and there must be Bole to discover them, and there must be Bole to bring out their potential. Just like Wang Bo'an and Tang Bohu, these two are just newcomers. I would never have thought that the Jinshi of Jin could be so capable at any time. It is better for you, Bingkuan, to be a bole."
Empress Zhang looked at her husband with a flattering look on her face and said with admiration and adoration: "Isn't it because Your Majesty discovered Bingkuan? Your Majesty is the Bole with the most unique vision in Ming Dynasty."
"Really?" Zhu Youtang said with a smile, "It made me feel so happy that I almost thought it was the truth. When it comes to understanding people, I am still not as good as Bingkuan..."
…
Zhu Youtang complimented Zhang Zhou there, and he didn't even hesitate to use any kind words.
Zhu Houzhao on the side was holding a job bowl, and his eyes when he looked over were a little cynical.
These two shameless people...even the queen mother joined them? What are they talking about? Bole Bole, can't you praise me for who I was? When I first saw the man named Zhang, I thought he was extremely talented, and I was the one who was the best!
"Prince, Bingkuan has some time recently. I asked him to give you a lecture. He will give lectures when the officials are not available." Zhu Youtang thought of the plan he had arranged with Zhang Zhou, and then thought that Zhang Zhou might welcome him soon. Take some time off.
Of course, he also did not forget to let Zhang Zhou continue to shine and teach Zhu Houzhao. It was Zhu Youtang who could think of the reason why Zhang Zhou frequently came in and out of the palace.
Using Zhang Zhou as an excuse to teach the prince, the minister would not make irresponsible remarks.
Can't I just invite a private gentleman back for the prince?
Zhu Houzhao protested: "Why is it not the time to give lectures? I only have a few days of rest time every month, and he still has to occupy it?"
Zhu Youtang looked unhappy and said, "You don't want it?"
"I just want to change the time. For example, let the lecturer leave first one day, or let him speak for a while... I am also very busy." Zhu Houzhao was a little aggrieved.
I have known Zhang Zhou for two years, and nothing seems to have changed.
He will always be the one bullied by his father, and Zhang Zhou is the accomplice. And he, Zhu Houzhao, has gradually entered the period of youth rebellion and has more and more opinions.
Zhu Youtang said coldly: "There is no need to discuss, this is all for your own good. If you don't comply, it depends on how I deal with you. Bingkuan, teach him well, and punish him as he needs to. Strict teachers produce good disciples, and you are him You’re half a father, so don’t show mercy.”
"Hiss..." Zhu Houzhao suddenly felt a chill on his butt.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I should do my best."
Queen Zhang asked: "After Bingkuan returns to the court, there are so many things waiting for him. Will he have time to teach the prince?"
"Haha." Zhu Youtang said with a calm smile, "There will be."
…
…
Just when Zhang Zhou was having dinner with Zhu Youtang's family of four.
In the supervisor's room, Chen Kuan informed Xiao Jing of the news he had just learned.
Xiao Jing asked curiously: "You mean, your Majesty was talking and laughing today, but he didn't talk at all about the minister's participation in the impeachment of Zhang Bingkuan?"
"Yes." Chen Kuan said, "Surprisingly, Your Majesty seems to be sure of victory."
Xiao Jing paced back and forth. It was obvious that Xiao Jing was too closely tied to the ministers in the court who were involved in the impeachment of Zhang Zhou on this matter. It seemed that he had no way out.
"Zhang Bingkuan's actions were extraordinary, and the matter caused quite a stir. Even if he didn't know anything when he returned to the capital, it's impossible for His Majesty to not know about it. Whether it was Yang Peng, Lin Han or Xu Qiong, it was possible that he would be informed of the news, so that He was on guard. In this matter, none of these people participated in the joint signature." When Xiao Jing said this, he suddenly thought of another person and said, "By the way, there is Shen Lu."
Chen Kuan said: "Does your Majesty think that this impeachment meeting will go to waste?"
Xiao Jing shook his head.
The emperor discussed with Zhang Zhou alone, which shows that the emperor gradually lost trust in the eunuchs around him, and Xiao Jing did not feel that this was his fault.
When Dai Yi became the censor of ceremonies, the overt and covert struggle with Zhang Zhou had actually begun. This was also the inevitable result of the emperor's favor and trust in Zhang Zhou.
Xiao Jing's eyes were glaring and he said: "If you want to send someone, keep an eye on Zhang Bingkuan to see what his recent movements are. If Yang Peng doesn't obey the orders in Dongchang, ask for help from the people from the Governor's Mansion and the people from the Five Cities Military and Horse Division." We can also help.”
"This..." Chen Kuan wanted to say that the noise was a bit loud.
Although it is just to keep an eye on people, the more yamen are transferred, the more it appears that Xiao Jing has overstepped his authority.
Xiao Jing said: "It only takes a few days. In these two days, His Majesty will first meet with the leader of North Korea, and then talk about the change of ministers in the DPRK. He must also put the matter of impeachment of Zhang Bingkuan on hold until the senior officials in the DPRK meet." With all the troops retreating, who do you expect to check and balance him? Hurry up!"
…
…
After the dinner that day, Zhu Youtang and Zhang Zhou walked on the way out of the palace together.
Zhu Youtang is going to see his "little wife", the "imperial concubine" Xiaolian who is about to enter the palace outside the palace.
Xiaolian was conceived after the autumn of the first year, which was almost exactly the due date. This is also related to the fact that there are only twenty-nine to thirty days in each month of the lunar calendar. It would be more accurate to use the lunar calendar to calculate the pregnancy in October.
"Bingkuan, I haven't given your child a name yet. Do you have any favorite name?" Zhu Youtang knew that Zhang Zhou was going back to reunite with his family and would see his newborn son, so he was naturally concerned. Ask.
Zhang Zhouxin said.
I agreed that you would give me a name, so why are you asking me what my plans are?
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, please give me a name."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "I have been thinking about it for a long time. I have to give my child a name, but also give it to yours...it's a bit of a headache."
Zhu Youtang was really stumped by the naming thing.
It is not difficult in itself, but the problem is that Zhu Youtang is very superstitious, and even thinks that Zhu Houwei's death is related to a bad name, so the name should not only be loud, but also allow his son to live for a few more years, and the best thing is for him to be born. His son...of course it could also be his daughter, the not so good one is for the Zhang Zhou family...
"How about that, how about calling me Zhang Lin?" Zhu Youtang asked with a smile.
Zhang Zhou frowned.
This is the same as Zhu Feng and his eldest brother. They both have the same character as Lin. Is your emperor so incompetent in naming?
But when I think about my eldest nephew's name being Zhang Ping, it doesn't seem to matter anymore... On the contrary, it's Zhang Jun's boy's name, which sounds better... but it's actually half a dozen.
"Thank you for the name, Your Majesty." Zhang Zhou held his hand.
"Hahaha..." Zhu Youtang said with great satisfaction, as if he had accomplished a difficult task that was hanging in his mind, "In a few days, after my beloved concubine gives birth, I can feel at ease. By the way, Bingkuan, you Now can I test whether it is a boy or a girl?"
This is also the issue that Zhu Youtang is most concerned about.
The child has not been born, and she hopes to have another son to ensure the stability of the imperial succession, but she is afraid that she will give birth to a daughter and let her joy be in vain.
We will have to work hard then... Zhu Youtang is obviously not a diligent old cow when it comes to "farming".
Zhang Zhou said truthfully: "Your Majesty, what I want to say is that your prince or princess is not in the destiny. It can be said that he is the dragon heir brought by your Majesty after he changed his destiny. So I can't do anything." Use heaven’s secrets to calculate.”
"Yeah?"
If someone else said this, Zhu Youtang would hit me with a slap in the face. Why are you trying to fool me?
But when Zhang Zhou said this, Zhu Youtang felt a kind of "fear" from the bottom of his heart. It was a kind of "fear" that was clearly determined by his fate, but with Zhang Zhou's help, he changed his fate and the future... Inversely It is a blessing to say that God changes your destiny, but there will also be retribution when God fails to fulfill people's wishes.
What superstitious people fear most is some kind of disaster brought upon them by God.
"Your Majesty, as we are about to reach the palace gate, I will not accompany you there," Zhang Zhou said.
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "Go and see Wu Hao. If he doesn't know the truth, I will kick him out of the palace tomorrow! The supervisor of Qintian Prison has done nothing in the past two years. This This is a rare occasion for me to ask him to do something for me. Bingkuan, it’s up to you!”
…
…
The king and his ministers parted ways.
Zhang Zhou went to see Wu Hao, and Zhu Youtang went to see his little wife.
At night, Zhang Zhou came to Wu Hao's mansion. When Wu Hao heard from his servants that Zhang Zhou was coming in person, he was so frightened that he didn't even put on his shoes, so he hurried out to meet him.
"Wu Jianzheng, let's be polite and go in to talk." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
"Mr. Lai Guo, do you have something important to do?" Wu Hao even dared not contact Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou knew why without guessing. At his insistence, the two of them went to the west wing of Wu Hao's courtyard together. After sitting down, Wu Hao even replaced the tung oil lamp with a candle.
This way the room can be brighter.
"Everyone, please step aside. I have guests today. No one is allowed to come and disturb us," Wu Hao said.
The old servant went out and closed the door.
Zhang Zhou said: "Wu Jianzheng has encountered a lot of troubles recently, right?"
"Ah? No, no..." Wu Hao quickly wanted to deny it.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I just returned to the capital and heard that many people have visited you recently, and they all seem to be waiting for an opportunity."
"A... opportunity?" Wu Hao was still confused by Zhang Zhouxian.
When he understood what was going on, he hurriedly denied: "It's nothing... Duke Lai Guo, you should know that I am just an ordinary Imperial Supervisor. My ability is not as good as yours, and I can't achieve God's will. At most, if there are changes in the stars, they will be reported truthfully. There is really nothing or tampering... No, it is the ability to guess God's will."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Isn't this why I'm here to discuss things about God's will with you? I don't know if my calculation is accurate."
"You...are you thinking something big will happen again? Then you..."
Wu Hao wanted to say, you can figure it out and mention it to His Majesty.
What do you mean by telling me? Do you think I have the ability to help you with the details? Your ability... is beyond my reach.
Zhang Zhou said: "To tell the truth, I have also heard that some people want to use God's will and disasters to criticize me and want me to step down from the government. Today I also resigned from Your Majesty, and I have thought about it. A few days of peace and quiet.”
Wu Hao: "..."
The most capable minister of the Ming Dynasty, Lai Guogong, who was omnipotent and could even understand the will of heaven, actually didn't want to be an official?
"My heart is tired," Zhang Zhou said, "I am just an idle person. Before I passed the Jinshi exam, I wrote a poem. I wonder if Wu Jianzheng has heard of it?"
Wu Hao asked: "You plant peach trees under the Peach Blossom Mountain and pick peach blossoms in exchange for wine money?"
"Look, even Wu Jianzheng knows about my useless ambition. Speaking of which, I don't know why." Zhang Zhou said.
Wu Hao looked embarrassed and said: "Perhaps people who reach heaven are protected by immortals, and they are looking for a comfortable and contented life in paradise. If they return to their original nature, they will be able to enter the fairyland in the future. I understand."
Zhang Zhou smiled.
I haven’t understood it myself yet. You, Wu Hao, have understood it for me?
Zhang Zhou said: "I don't like to argue with the ministers of the DPRK. Now since they want me to retreat, I will retreat first. I plan to search for fairy grass and elixirs everywhere in the south of the Yangtze River. Even if I don't ask for them, I will retreat." I want to live forever, and I also wish to extend my life. I can also help His Majesty fulfill his wish of extending his life and strengthening his body."
When Wu Hao heard this, he stared and said, "Dong Lai Guo, do you really... think so?"
"Yes." Zhang Zhou said, "Wu Jianzheng, you can be considered a Taoist priest, right? Do you think we as Taoists should retreat and seek peace when faced with attacks from others, or should we fight to the death?"
"Well……"
Wu Hao compared his feelings and sighed, "That should be avoided. Besides, with your current power, even if you step down from the court, you are still a duke with a title and can win the trust of His Majesty."
Zhang Zhouxin said, it’s you Wu Hao who understands me.
Zhang Zhou said: "Wu Jianzheng, you really spoke to my heart. I think so too. I have calculated this. On the Wuzi day of July, there will be strong winds in the capital, and there will be disasters of rain and hail. It may be caused by heaven." You don’t want me, a cultivator, to serve the imperial court, so I’m specifically reminded to avoid it as soon as possible.”
"ah?"
Wu Hao was surprised again.
He counted with his fingers and asked: "Can you calculate what will happen in four or five days?"
Zhang Zhou said: "In ancient times, Zhuge Kongming was proficient in celestial phenomena and could predict the climate through celestial phenomena. Can't I do that?"
"No, no, no, that's not what I mean." Wu Hao said hurriedly, "What do you mean by telling me this? Such matters should be raised with His Majesty."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "If you don't tell Wu Jianzheng, why don't you ask me to tell the ministers of the DPRK? It can't be that I am impeaching myself, right?"
"this……"
Wu Hao felt that his brain was not enough.
Zhang Zhou said: "Could it be that Wu Jianzheng thought that I was just talking nonsense and said this on purpose so that it could not be verified and make the world think that I, Zhang, have ulterior motives?"
"No...no." Wu Hao indeed thought so.
You, Zhang Bingkuan, are so awesome that you can even predict hail disasters, why did you tell me? Speak for yourself. If others don’t admire your ability more, they will be even less afraid to impeach you?
Zhang Zhou said: "The purpose of what I said is to prevent and provide disaster relief, and also to enable myself to escape unscathed. Recently, I have requested your Majesty's orders to prepare for a trip to Jiangnan, which will probably take place in a few days." Ever since I won the first prize and even became the Duke of the country, I have never returned to Nanjing, not even to my ancestral graves, which is really unfilial."
"Ah?" Wu Hao thought.
What a filial son.
In order to go home to visit relatives and worship, he even resigned from the official position?
Wu Hao reminded: "Mr. Lai Guo, please make it clear that someone is trying to impeach you. If you put all the responsibility for natural disasters and phenomena on yourself, I'm afraid you won't even be able to keep your title."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "It's okay, Your Majesty will help me keep it. Besides, is it too childish to deprive me of my title because of a natural disaster?"
That's what he said, but Zhang Zhou knew that Wu Hao didn't lie. He thought that Cheng Minzheng was impeached because of the bad weather in the capital, and even lost his official position...
If Cheng Minzheng, who was in Nanjing, could say this, he would probably call Wu Jianzheng an expert.
Wu Hao thought for a while and nodded.
Zhang Zhou had the emperor's backing, so it was impossible for Zhang Zhou to lose the title he had earned through military service because of a hailstorm...
Zhang Zhou asked with a smile: "Wu Jianzheng, after you learn this news, who are you going to tell it to first? And how are you going to say it?"
"I……"
Wu Hao cried sadly.
You, Zhang, really give people problems.
Just tell me, as long as I keep your secret, you actually asked me to tell my people? What about disaster prevention and relief...you want to put me on the fire.
"Perhaps Wu Jianzheng has nothing to say about this hailstorm?" Zhang Zhou cupped his hands and said, "Xianyun Yehe's life in the next few years will all depend on Wu Jianzheng."
Wu Hao said: "Then I will go... talk to... Mr. Liu Ge?"
"Not good." Zhang Zhou said, "Wu Jianzheng should go to Tu Shangshu and tell him that he believes this very much, and you can't say it was me who said it. This is what His Majesty meant."
"What? Your Majesty... also knows?"
Wu Hao felt even more incredible.
Zhang Zhou said: "Of course I know, otherwise why would I come to you? I originally wanted Your Majesty to find someone to leak the news, and by the way, let me leave the court... But His Majesty said that such a disaster should be Early warning is the only way to prepare the people of the capital for disasters, but if anyone else were to say it, they would inevitably be said to be misleading the public with rumors of strange disasters."
"Then I..." Wu Hao wanted to say, let me tell you. If it didn't happen, wouldn't it be deceiving the public?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "But Wu Jianzheng, it will be different if you go and tell me. You are the Qintian Jianzheng. Shouldn't you be responsible for such errands? You have reported so many... celestial changes, this time it is just right." Here’s your chance.”
Wu Hao felt his face getting hot.
Said the heart.
You, Zhang Bingkuan, might as well say it directly, I've played so many things before that it's not accurate, so it won't be wrong this time, right?
This is simply a great humiliation to me.
(End of chapter)
