Zhang Zhou took a boat across the river and arrived at Nanjing on August 11th.
It has been two years since he came to Daming... Looking back... he found that his life had changed, and even the reception standards after arriving in Nanjing were different...
Duke of Ming Dynasty, Minister of War in Nanjing...
Gain the emperor's trust more deeply.
He even escaped unscathed from a previous internal fight among civil servants, or it could be said to be a complete victory.
Wu Xiong, the governor of Yingtian Mansion, came to the ferry to greet him... He was still the same person from Yingtian Mansion... When Zhang Zhou saw Wu Xiong's red face, as if he was very excited, he felt like he was in front of him. It was like the chili pepper that was forced into the old boy's mouth... The old boy probably felt uncomfortable all over, but he still had to put on a warm and welcoming smile.
Next to Wu Xiong, there was also a person sent by the Nanjing Ministry of War to receive him. He was Pan Fan, the right minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War.
"I've met Lord Lai Guo."
Seeing Zhang Zhoulai, nearly 20 officials accompanying him came forward. All of them were wearing official uniforms and blocked the ferry. It seemed that the people were unable to live normally if they came to visit. .
There were many soldiers and yamen around, and many temporarily transferred river patrol soldiers blocked the road, but they still couldn't stop the enthusiasm of the people not far away who were watching.
When ordinary officials come and engage in this kind of behavior, the people have to curse, but "Zhang Banxian", who was born and raised in Nanjing, returns to his hometown. Instead of complaining, the people not only do not complain, but also try to join in the fun. This reflects Zhang Zhou's popularity among the people of Nanjing. lofty status.
There is no way... Our great figures from Nanjing are still rising from small figures, and they are definitely inspirational examples.
The ordinary people in the market regard Zhang Zhou as their idol.
Wu Xiong, as the Yin of Yingtian Prefecture, knew Zhang Zhou after all, and it was in line with his identity and position for him to come to greet him. This did not surprise Zhang Zhou, because Wu Xiong occupied the position of Yin Tianfu Yin in history. He did work for a long time. It was not until the 17th year of Hongzhi that he was replaced by Lu Heng.
Moreover, Wu Xiong was credited with "discovering Zhang Zhou" and "jointly treating acne and epidemics". Wu Xiong was considered a capable person in the eyes of the emperor, but he had not been transferred from his post in Nanjing for the time being. That was because the traditional civil servants in the DPRK and China had already Wu Xiong, a stubborn old boy, became a member of Zhang Zhou's faction.
Wu Xiong is a mute who eats coptis. He clearly despised Zhang Zhou at first, but because he knew Zhang Zhou and "prepared medicine" together to treat acne and plague, he was beaten into a member of Zhang's party.
He was now forcibly tied to Zhang Zhou's boat.
"This is Pan Fan, the right minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War." Wu Xiong introduced him.
The Six Ministries of Nanjing did not have a Zuo Shilang. Under the Nanjing Minister of War, there was a Right Minister. After Ni Yue, the Minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War, was transferred to the capital as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the affairs of the Nanjing Ministry of War were all handled by Pan Fan.
When this person was a Jinshi, he said that his surname was Zhong. He might have adopted it to another family, but later restored his surname to Pan. As for the specific reason, Zhang Zhou did not know. Pan Fan later served as the right minister of the Nanjing Ministry of War, Nanjing He was the right minister of the Ministry of Justice and replaced Liu Daxia as the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi military affairs more than a year later. Due to some remaining issues, he had a bad relationship with Liu Daxia, and he later offended Liu Jin, making his officialdom very unsatisfactory.
But this man was a drinker, and in his later years he could only rent other people's houses to live in. He often drank among flowers and dew, and his later years were miserable.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said hello.
In the eyes of others, as the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, he has a "high and powerful position" and came to Nanjing to hold power. But in fact, some people think that with Zhang Zhou's status, there is no need to achieve anything in Nanjing. He came to Nanjing to gild the officialdom, so that he could return to Beijing to serve as the Minister of the Sixth Ministry of Finance.
So Zhang Zhou felt very peaceful when he met these Nanjing colleagues.
But in the eyes of outsiders, there is a kind of arrogance that "cannot eat the fireworks of the world".
…
…
Wu Xiongben set up a reception banquet for Zhang Zhou in Yingtian Mansion.
However, Zhang Zhou refused Wu Xiong's kindness on the grounds that the emperor advocated frugality. He first explained that he wanted to find a place to stay, that is, he would first go to the Nanjing Ministry of War to hand over the personnel and settle down all the personnel, and then go to Yingtian Mansion. It was to "say goodbye" to Wu Xiong.
When Zhang Zhou arrived at Yingtian Mansion, Wu Xiong was very polite when entertaining Zhang Zhou. He wished he could bring out all the officials from Yingtian Mansion and introduce them to Zhang Zhou so that they could be used by Zhang Zhou.
"Wu Fuyin, let me take a moment to speak."
Zhang Zhou made the invitation with a smile, and then Wu Xiong took Zhang Zhou into the back hall of Yingtian Mansion and screened everyone away.
Wu Xiong said: "Dong Lai Guo is going to pay homage to his ancestors first, right? There have been gentry in Nanjing for a long time. They rebuilt the ancestral hall for your Zhang Mansion and even rebuilt the family tree. However, the place where the ancestors lived has not been changed." If you dare to disturb me, if you want to go, just let me know in advance and I will send someone to arrange it for you, and I guarantee it will be a smooth sailing."
Zhang Zhou smiled.
The last time I saw Wu Xiong, that old face looked like someone owed him hundreds of taels of silver. Now he was so enthusiastic, which made Zhang Zhou uncomfortable.
In his impression, Wu Xiong should be the kind of upright minister who refuses to accept any soft words. Who would have thought that when they met now, he would become such an insincere sycophant? !
Zhang Zhou sighed and said, "When it comes to paying homage to your ancestors, let's do it first and then, don't be in a hurry."
"What? Not in a hurry? You..."
When Wu Xiong heard this, he thought this was wrong.
The Ming Dynasty values filial piety and etiquette the most. After you passed the Jinshi examination and obtained the title of Duke of the country by accumulating military merits, shouldn't the first thing you do when you return to your hometown to visit relatives is to arrange the funeral arrangements to show that you know filial piety better than others?
Zhang Zhou said: "With the emperor's orders, important things must be completed first."
"Oh, that's right, that's right." When Wu Xiong heard this, he felt it was reasonable again.
Of course, if there is an emperor's order, the emperor's order must be carried out first. Worshiping the mountain tombs where the ancestors' bones are buried can be put later. The emperor's needs are greater than the needs of personal filial piety and etiquette.
"I wonder what kind of errand it is? Can I, the lower official, help me?" Wu Xiong probably understood that Zhang Zhou's so-called borrowing a step to speak was to assign work to him.
It is definitely inappropriate for the Minister of War in Nanjing to directly assign work to Ying Tianfu Yin, but Wu Xiong seems to have no control over this. Who asked Zhang Zhou to use the guise of "the emperor's life"? Even if others question me later, I can still say that it was Zhang Bingkuan who bullied others and pressured me with the emperor's life. I had no choice but to do so.
Zhang Zhou said: "Wu Fuyin can really help a little bit. In fact, he just wants to try not to disturb me when I am working in Nanjing."
"ah?"
Wu Xiong didn't understand for a moment.
All I can do to help is not to disturb you? You don't want to say that I am a stumbling block on your way to the emperor's mission, right?
Zhang Zhou sighed: "That's it. Everything I do involves the secrets of the DPRK. Once the manpower is mobilized, I mean... it may also be people from Dongchang and Jinyiwei. They may use some unconventional methods." This method may cause some disputes with the government, and I hope Wu Fuyin can be accommodating."
"this……"
Wu Xiong looked confused, "Mr. Lai Guo, may I ask, are you here to check for pirates and smugglers along the coast, and are there any smuggling and trafficking at the guard station?"
Zhang Zhou said: "No. But it can be possible."
"Huh?" Wu Xiong didn't understand.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I came to Jiangnan to investigate some illegal things. If it involves smuggling and selling, it is not a bad idea to check it out on the way, but my main errand is not here, and I can't explain to Wu Fuyin for a while. More. Wu Fuyin better not embarrass me."
"Understood, it's all entrusted by your Majesty. Duke Lai Guo has won the trust of your Majesty. What you want to do is also related to the stability of the Ming Dynasty. If you are a low-ranking official with few talents, you may not be able to help much. Whenever necessary, you can rush to Wherever you are, you just give orders."
Wu Xiong seemed very polite.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Wu Fuyin and I worked together to prepare medicines and solved the acne epidemic in various parts of the Ming Dynasty. You and I complement each other. Wu Fuyin doesn't have to be humble. There is always something that needs your help."
"well!"
Wu Xiong looked embarrassed.
Two years ago, he didn't know what the "dispensing" stuff was, but today, no matter how stupid he is, he knows what it is.
He also understood why Zhang Zhou refused to tell him exactly how to prepare the medicine. Even today, the imperial court does not dare to clearly state the material of the cowpox that ordinary people are vaccinated with. This is because ordinary people are too superstitious and think that things on cows are It will make people grow hair or even tails, turning them into monsters that are neither human nor cows.
Wu Dazhong said, did you ask me to help? This is purely taking advantage of me.
"Wu Fuyin, I just arrived in Nanjing. I heard that I will be arriving soon, which has caused a lot of trouble for you and the officials below." Zhang Zhou changed the subject with a smile.
"Nowhere, Nanjing's academic community has not been so lively for a long time. This year is not the year of the provincial examination competition, but students from all over the country are gathered together. They are all literati. Whether they are giving lectures or doing literary gatherings, they all abide by etiquette and do not let the government too much. Embarrassed." Wu Xiong's words were obviously a bit off.
It is precisely because scholars gather together to discuss and preach the school's knowledge that disputes arise everywhere in Nanjing.
Scholars can't be hit or scolded, they will be said to be insulting to the gentlemen. What's even worse is that nearly half of the people who come here have the honor of being a student, and there are also a lot of candidates and tribute students. This gives The government caused great trouble.
They are all a group of middle- and upper-class scholars who insist on coming to Nanjing to cause trouble... Can't you just change places? Do you have to come to my ground to come to Huo Huo?
Of course, Wu Xiong was embarrassed to say this in front of Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou said: "By the way, I also want to use Ying Tianfu to help mobilize and convene. Before the weather gets cold in October, we will hold a few more academic forums in Nanjing to regulate the students in Nanjing and determine the location for normal academic discussions. and scope to prevent any impact on the daily security of Nanjing City."
"You... are really thoughtful." Wu Xiong looked embarrassed.
Not only did they not drive people away, but they also let the government coordinate and organize them. People who are not emotionally involved are yours?
Everyone in the government has their own errands. Once this is done, there will not be enough manpower for other errands. In the end, you will use it as free labor?
Zhang Zhou said: "I may have to meet Duke Wei once in these two days, so I'd like to ask Wu Fuyin to make arrangements for him."
"You... don't go in person?" Wu Xiong was also surprised.
As the Duke of Lai, if you want to see Duke Xu Yan of Wei, you can just go and meet him. Why should I introduce him?
Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "I have a civil service and serve in the Governor's Mansion. Sometimes it is really inconvenient, so I would like to ask Wu Fuyin to show my friendship as a landlord. I am very grateful."
Wu Xiong secretly thought that I would be responsible for any troubles in relationships.
Sure enough, "Zhang Dang" is not easy to do.
But the problem is, I don't want to join your "Zhang Party", so why do others regard me as your supporter?
…
…
After Zhang Zhou left Yingtian Mansion, he returned to his residence in the Yamen of the Ministry of War in Nanjing.
When serving as an official in Nanjing, especially when serving as Minister of War in Nanjing, the official residence is also equivalent to a private residence, and ordinary officials are not allowed to live outside. This is the same as the placement of local officials. The office space is also a place of residence, which is convenient for the court at any time. Serve.
But Zhang Zhou himself had a "private residence" in Nanjing. Of course, the mansion belonged to Zhang Ye, and the former villa was also sold by Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou's return this time is also a "revisit to his old place". Since he wants to rectify the vassal and prepare for shipbuilding and other matters on the southeast coast, he cannot always live in the Nanjing War Department Yamen, otherwise who will come to see him and come in and out? Too much of an eyesore.
Turning around, the Admiral of Dongchang was in Nanjing, and he ran to the Nanjing Military Department Yamen without any problems. The big guys in the capital knew they had to cause trouble.
The place to live... is naturally the other courtyard where he once lived... For Zhang Zhou, this is actually a "journey to find his roots."
"Master, do you want to buy back our old house?" Jiang Pingyu was still decorating the new house with the woman in the house, when she learned about this rather whimsical plan from Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Yes, wherever you fall, you get up again. It is natural for me to buy back the house that was once sold from me."
Han Qing asked from the side: "What if they don't want to sell it back?"
"Hehe." Zhang Zhou smiled, "Let's try it."
It is not appropriate to say that you are going to use your power to oppress people, but Zhang Zhou knew that it was used to pay off debts before, and it was taken back and no one could live in it properly. To say that it was the "former residence of Lai Guogong" was not a good idea. It's a bit far-fetched, because what outsiders recognize is the Zhang family's mansion, which is the one where Zhang Ye lives.
Zhang Zhou did not live in the other courtyard for a total of one year, and because Zhang Zhou's rise was still short, no one insisted on buying the courtyard where he lived to soak up the immortality.
Until now, the house is still empty and unoccupied.
"I asked Bohu to talk." Zhang Zhou said.
"Is it Mr. Tang?" Jiang Pingyu asked, "Isn't he out on business?"
"Mr. He is my junior brother. You don't need to be polite when we meet in the future. Just send him as you please. Bohu is quite down-to-earth." Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "I sent him out to do errands before, but after he finished, he After entrusting the matter to him, he rode south and just arrived today, so he had a job to do."
Tang Yin was originally ordered to protect Zhu Houzhao.
But Tang Yin still did not have the skills of Jin Yiwei. He was the "Governor of the Bohai Sea" and had the task of going south to raise money. After finding the whereabouts of Zhu Houzhao and handing over the protection task to Jin Yiwei, he had already set off south.
It was also because Zhu Houzhao had already known Tang Yin when he visited Yanwu Hall, and he was afraid that this boy would reveal the whereabouts of Jin Yiwei.
…
…
In a courtyard somewhere in the city.
Tang Yinzheng, dressed in casual clothes, accompanied by Xu Jing and several Jin Yiwei who were also in casual clothes, was discussing with the owner of the house about buying back the house.
"Master, please don't laugh. Is it Duke Lai who wants to redeem the house? There is no basis for what you say."
The proprietor is a businessman in his fifties, with some connections in government and business. He is low-key but a bit rich. He obviously does not believe that a guy like Tang Yin, who looks like a skinny old man, is a subordinate of the famous Duke Lai.
Tang Yin rolled his eyes and looked at Xu Jing again.
Xu Jing immediately understood and said loudly: "Why, you still look down on others? Do you know who this is? Do you know who I am?"
"Didn't you ask for advice?" The proprietor's eyes widened.
The seventh-ranking official in front of the prime minister's door, is it the turn of the people under Duke Lai to brag? It's like living in Nanjing city without ever seeing an official, and it's not uncommon for the prince to be a good person.
Xu Jingdao: "This is the governor of the Bohai Sea in the Ming Dynasty, and the censor of Youqiandu, Mr. Tang Yintang."
"ah?"
The proprietor looked Tang Yin up and down again and said, "Bohai Governor, I haven't... never heard of him."
Xu Jing was about to get angry when he was caught by Tang Yin. Tang Yin said: "It's okay if you don't want to sell it. I'll rent you for a few days. This is what Duke Lai Guo ordered. Just ask for the price. If you want to see him later, come visit at any time. When he sees him, It’s another thing not to see him. Bring the money.”
Immediately, a Jin Yiwei handed over a letter of silver, containing ten taels.
"Is it enough to live for a year?" Tang Yin asked.
"This... is not enough. Half a year is fine..." The proprietor thought for a while and realized that no matter what the identity of the other party was, Yin Zi would be more honest when speaking.
"Then I'll stay for half a year. I left before the year anyway. Father Heng, just say a few words and finish this matter quickly. I have other things to do. I've been too tired recently." Tang Yin could hardly open his eyes.
"Okay, this is really an adult, and he is also open-minded in his work."
The proprietor naturally felt that he had taken advantage of it.
Tang Yin turned around and was about to leave, but before he could take a few steps, he saw a group of Yingtian Mansion's government officials coming this way.
The Jin Yiwei brought by Tang Yin all pulled out their knives.
This shocked the owner of the house.
"Tang Zhongcheng, don't get me wrong. It was Wu Fuyin who sent us here. It was the shop owner who reported that you were here and sent someone to help you. But is there anyone who can help?"
The governor of Yingtian Mansion did not dare to confront Tang Yin.
Look at the Buddha's face without looking at the monk's face.
Zhang Zhou's power was too great, and Tang Yin, as Zhang Zhou's capable general, was also the only "celebrity" Zhang Zhou brought with him when he went south this time. Ying Tianfu naturally knew how to greet Tang Yin.
Tang Yin pointed at the host and said, "You said, I need to go back to the post house to rest first."
Someone in the yamen said: "My Lord Yin has prepared a banquet for you, and also specially prepared a house. Please come over. I heard that you will have a mission after arriving in Nanjing... This is what Lai Guogong mentioned. , if you have anything to do, just say hello to Ying Tianfu, anyone with connections can contact you."
Tang Yin heard this.
It just so happens that I need to raise money.
Zhang Zhou was really "taking good care of him", and even the channels for raising money were prepared for him.
(End of chapter)
