Wang Shouren's march into the grassland was completed with almost no knowledge at all in the court.
Even the court officials of the Ming Dynasty did not know, let alone the grassland tribes. When Wang Shouren marched 150 miles a day and entered the grasslands, the Eastern Mongolian pastures were cleared by the troops from Jizhou, Liaodong led by Lu Wan and Wang Xian last year. The Duoyan Sanwei tribe Withdrawing westward, Wang Shouren did not even see the shadow of the grassland tribes within six to seven hundred miles of the grassland.
And in Nanjing.
A grand meeting on academic theory is about to begin, and Zhu Houzhao is still showing off his knowledge everywhere. However, while he has become famous recently, he has also encountered "troublesome things."
"Master Zhu, after your poem was read to outsiders, most people did not believe that it was written by a ten-year-old boy. Some people even claimed that this poem was written by him. No less than four or five people admitted that it was written by him. He wrote it himself, and someone actually came forward to testify, saying that he had heard that he had composed this poem at literary conferences in various places more than a month ago."
"Some people say that the young master is deceiving the world and stealing his reputation. They also say that they want to compete with you on the spot to show your face... no, they say they want to reveal your true face."
Hu Feng rejoined this small group, and recently there were a few people who always followed Zhu Houzhao out.
It's not that they admire Zhu Houzhao's talent and learning, but that Zhu Houzhao was very generous when he invited guests to dinner. Then these scholars from Jiangnan not only served as guides to guide Zhu Houzhao to eat well and play well, but also made a fuss about him. He said he wanted to make Zhu Houzhao famous.
Zhu Houzhao didn't know how to save, and he felt... it was so "cheap" to eat, drink and have fun in Jiangnan. After being out for so long, he only spent four or five hundred taels, which was much more affordable than asking Liu Jin and the others to buy something. .
He has no idea about money. He just spends the money he has, and he doesn't have to work hard to earn it.
Zhu Houzhao said angrily: "That's what I wrote, do they still want to show their respect?"
Saying this, Zhu Houzhao actually felt a little guilty in his heart. He was also thinking that Mr. Zhang would not really use other people's poems and claim them as mine, and let me go out to gain fame, or even let me use the power of the prince to Do you keep these three poems as your own?
Then I thought again.
Will not.
Mr. Zhang is too talented to do such a thing. If he wants to help me become famous, he must write poems for me.
Sun Che said: "Master Zhu, look at this poetry competition, should we accept it?"
"Fuck you!" Zhu Houzhao said angrily, "What's the comparison then? Can they come up with better poems? What I write is mine, who can snatch it away?"
"But……"
Sun Che was also a little confused, "Actually, this is all simple truth. They all see you as a ten-year-old boy and think you have no background. Not only do you have no background in the government, you don't even have any background in the school. At most, you are just scattered in various places." I'm just a student here. If your husband is famous, he can come out and speak for you."
Now Sun Che and the others are sincerely helping Zhu Houzhao find a solution.
They also don't quite believe what others say that the poem was written a few months ago... If this is the case, then those people were the first to write it, not Zhu Houzhao.
After Zhu Houzhao presented the poem, they said this again, as if they knew that Zhu Houzhao was easy to bully and deliberately targeted him.
Gong Yeping said from the side: "It's strange that these three poems quickly caused a sensation in Nanjing, comparable to the song "Huanxisha·Gambling Books Dissipate the Fragrance of Tea" that spread in the south of the Yangtze River the first year. Moreover, your poem You have published only three songs, and outsiders are jealous of this reputation. Young Master, you are new here, not many people know you, and you have no real reputation in the literary world, or it is because your background is not very strong. "
"My young master doesn't have a strong background?"
Liu Jin on the side was so angry that he almost wanted to declare his family status and fight those people.
As the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, the prince managed to write three poems. How dare someone steal it and say it was written by them? How many heads do they have enough to chop off?
Zhu Houzhao glanced at Liu Jin and said: "Let them fight, a bunch of people who don't know whether to live or die, do they really think they can go to heaven? I haven't made a move yet."
Sun Che said: "That means you accepted this poetry competition?"
"No!" Zhu Houzhao said, "I have written three songs, but there is nothing better at the moment."
Hu Feng sighed: "Master Zhu, you really have such good poems. You publish them one at a time to let people know your ability, and then take them out little by little. How can you write them all at once... It's hard to explain. . Although we have argued hard for you and used the advantage of being the first mover to say that they are just talking nonsense, it is... many of them have great backgrounds and cannot be compared."
Zhu Houzhao sneered: "The so-called big background is just a group of people working together to talk nonsense, right?"
"Ahem!" Hu Feng coughed twice, not knowing what to say.
…
…
The discussion that day ended on bad terms.
After Sun Che and the others saw Zhu Houzhao come out, Sun Che seemed to recall something and said: "I saw Mr. Zhu's husband that day. I felt that his clothes were extraordinary. I think he is famous in Nanjing. When he came, , Mr. Zhu wrote poems..."
Gong Yeping said: "What do you mean?"
Hu Feng sighed: "There are many high-ranking officials and dignitaries around Yingtian Mansion. It is not uncommon even if they are talented and famous. No matter how powerful they are, they are no more than officials. Now, helping Mr. Zhu find someone who can support him is the right way."
"Do you have any idea?" Sun Che looked over and asked.
Hu Feng said: "Today Xu Jing, a famous scholar from Jiangyin, is holding a literary party in the Huainan Building to entertain guests from all over the world, especially those who admire the study of mind. I want to give it a try and see if I can get his support."
Sun Che shook his head and said: "The one who was involved in the exam questions in the first year and was even deprived of participating in the examination?"
Hu Feng said: "You may not know that in the past two years, he has been working under the name of Zhang Xueshi, who is Lai Guogong of the Ming Dynasty. I heard that he also followed the envoy to North Korea. This person is now considered a number one figure."
Gong Yeping also sang the opposite tune beside him and said: "Forget it, if you get close to him, you may not be in a good position. On the contrary, it may affect your reputation. People in the world have high requirements for Qingyi. Don't think that he can give Duke Lai Guo If he obeys orders from the front and back, he will gain the respect of the world. If he is capable, his reputation will not be lost."
"If you don't go, I'll try!"
Hu Feng was originally an opportunistic person, which was his cunning side. At this time, he hoped to find an opportunity to curry favor with Xu Jing in order to get closer to Zhang Zhou's power.
Little did he know that he had even met Zhang Zhou himself, and Zhang Zhou even told him "I admire you very much" in person.
If he knew about it, he would probably go straight to the Nanjing Military Department Yamen to pay his respects.
…
…
Zhu Houzhao said he didn't care, but he was so angry that he didn't go out for group activities with Sun Che and his group that day. Instead, he took advantage of the night and asked Liu Jin to drive him in a carriage to see Zhang Zhou.
The backyard of the Nanjing Military Department Yamen.
Zhu Houzhao was waiting at the door, but Jin Yiwei had already followed him.
In the past, the protection of Zhu Houzhao had to be hidden, but now it is almost semi-open. Zhu Houzhao's request to this group of people is just not to disturb him when he goes out to play. Even if he hangs in front of him, he no longer feels like an eyesore.
Anyway, if you don't go back to the capital, you can protect yourself... it's better.
Tang Yin came out and took Zhu Houzhao into the yamen, and met him in Zhang Zhou's study.
"Bohu, you go out first, I have something to discuss with the prince." Zhang Zhou said.
"Um."
Tang Yin glanced at Zhu Houzhao.
The crown prince of the Ming Dynasty was like a little crazy kid, playing around in the south of the Yangtze River. As a minister trusted by the emperor, Zhang Zhou actually allowed the prince to do this. For a man with traditional literati concepts like Tang Yin, it was simply incomprehensible. .
After Zhu Houzhao waited for Tang Yin to go out, he said anxiously: "Sir, some people are so shameless that they actually said those three poems were composed by them. Give the students a few more poems, and the students will go out and silence them."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Do you know what I said about the crime of holding a jade?"
"ah?"
Zhu Houzhao blinked, then thought of something, sat down depressedly and said, "Have you expected the feelings a long time ago? No way... those three poems were really written by outsiders?"
Zhu Houzhao is very smart.
He felt that since Zhang Zhou could predict this in advance, could it be that you really stole it and asked me to fight for the right to authorize it?
Zhang Zhou said: "I didn't even care about my own reputation. I gave you the poem so that you would be less punished and to make His Majesty look good. Do you actually think that I would use those unorthodox methods?"
"Then... don't be surprised, sir." Zhu Houzhao said with a depressed look, "After all, I really didn't write the poem, so I am also uneasy."
"hehe."
Zhang Zhou smiled.
"Prince, you have grown up."
"What?"
Zhu Houzhao was angry. What does this have to do with whether I grow up or not?
"At least you know the honor and disgrace. Do you know why you were always unable to make up your mind to study before? It's because studying will not bring about changes in your status and honor. On the contrary, it seems to you to be a burden. You are not like those children from poor families. Same, you need to study to get ahead.”
Zhang Zhou taught Zhu Houzhao seriously.
Zhu Houzhao said: "Does it matter?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Do you know why Your Majesty studied hard and became a wise king?"
Zhu Houzhao scratched his head and said, "Because my father knows honor and disgrace?"
"You are really right." Zhang Zhou said, "Do you know what His Majesty has experienced in his adulthood? During the reign of the late Emperor, Wan Guifei was favored by the Sixth Palace, and His Majesty's mother, the Empress Dowager Xiaomu, died young. Although Your Majesty was established as the Crown Prince, But every step you take, you have to be careful.”
Zhu Houzhao's expression changed, obviously he didn't like hearing this kind of story.
He came to Zhang Zhou with a very strong purpose... Can't you write three poems? For the next three songs, I slapped those people in their faces to let them know how awesome I am.
Zhang Zhou seemed not to know Zhu Houzhao's mentality and was still teaching his class: "Now you at least know the honor and disgrace brought by fame in the literary world, which means that you should also know the motivation for learning."
Zhu Houzhao was obviously impatient and shouted: "No matter how well I study, I can't write the poems you gave me."
Zhang Zhou said: "Don't worry, I've shown those poems of yours to Scholar Cheng, and he will help you spread them among the learned scholars in Nanjing. Soon the world will know that those poems were actually written by Scholar Cheng, and no one will know anymore." You dare to pretend to be someone else."
"What?" Zhu Houzhao stood up and looked at Zhang Zhoudao with incredulous eyes, "Sure enough, it wasn't written by Mr. Cheng? If it is Bachelor Cheng...then I won't be embarrassed?"
Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Scholar Cheng is just trying to block you, so that Xiaoxiao doesn't dare to come out and pretend to be famous. He will return your reputation to you. The literary meeting will be hosted by Bachelor Cheng, and he will explain the situation in public."
"That's right..."
When Zhu Houzhao heard this, he immediately smiled brightly, his little eyes and nose squeezed together, and he felt comfortable and said, "I said, sir, you have a great idea, I shouldn't worry. Sir, do you have any more poems? Give me one or two more, I'll stay with you."
"Gone."
"You stingy man, sir, you have so many plans, how can you give it to me all at once? How about we discuss it and give it to me!"
Zhang Zhou stood up and said, "Go back if you have nothing to do. I have some entertainment tonight."
"Whoever is entertaining, I'll go too." Zhu Houzhao smiled.
Obviously, Zhu Houzhao had a pretty good stay in the inn before, and felt that he could feel the fireworks of the world. However, as time went by, the novelty of the inn was no longer enough. Thinking of the luxurious life in the palace... and then think about it After seeing the scenery after entering the Nanjing Military Department Yamen, he naturally did not want to go back to live in the cramped small space of the inn.
Zhang Zhou said: "If you don't want to stay in the inn, I'll have someone tidy up a house for you. There are so many people coming in and out here, it's very inconvenient. There are people in the Nanjing officialdom who have met you."
Zhu Houzhao crossed his legs and said with a smile: "It's okay, I won't go out. I'll live where you live. I'll learn from you by the way."
Zhang Zhou shook his head and said, "I don't usually live here. This is just my office, and I have my family around, so it's inconvenient."
"Is that that boy Zhang Jun? I just have itchy hands and want to discuss with him." Zhu Houzhao seemed to want to rely on Zhang Zhou and live in Zhang Zhou's house.
"snort!"
Zhang Zhou said, "If you feel that your trip to the south of the Yangtze River is not interesting, I will send you back to the capital at any time. Letting you go to the market is a training for you!"
Zhu Houzhao knew at a glance that his father was not around, but there was a husband.
Although this gentleman is open-minded, he is not much different from his father when it comes to being "unreasonable".
"No, I'd better go back. How about you quickly arrange a big house for me and I can live in it. It's very inconvenient to live in an inn recently. Even the bath water is not supplied in time, and the food...how should I say, how many meals can I eat? It’s pretty good, but after eating too much it feels boring, and I want to find a few more people to serve me..."
"Your majestic prince, if you can't bear the hardship, don't come out anymore!"
"No, I can endure hardship, but some hardships are just not worth it. Speaking of which, I really miss my father and mother. You can send me back later... No, we will go back together. Then I'll leave first! "
"see a visitor out!"
Zhang Zhou was not used to it either.
Do you think that since you are the prince, I have to be obedient to you? Even if you become the emperor, I will still suppress you.
Hit the snake seven inches, who let me basically grasp your kid's weakness?
…
…
Zhang Zhou asked Tang Yin to send Zhu Houzhao away.
When Tang Yin came back, he looked puzzled and said: "The prince has been away for a long time, why didn't he be escorted back to the capital safely earlier?"
"There's no rush." Zhang Zhou said.
Tang Yin asked Zhang Zhou no more questions.
Not long after, there was a knock on the door, but it was Yang Peng who arrived. When Yang Peng saw that Tang Yin was there, he originally wanted to avoid it, but Zhang Zhou said: "Just speak up."
Yang Peng said: "As Mr. expected, there are many people from the royal family along the river, lords from various places, and people who do not follow the law. There are even official ships purchased by them in various parts of Yingtian Mansion, bringing large quantities of food and rare treasures, etc., to Send them away after purchasing. I have questioned those people... In addition to having the background of a feudal lord and the support of the government, even if ordinary merchants and farmers are exploited, most of them dare to be angry and dare not speak out."
Zhang Zhou nodded and said: "Using power to suppress others is the norm in Jiangnan, isn't it the same in the capital?"
Yang Peng smiled and said: "The capital has actually been much better in the past few years. In the past, when Li Yu became powerful, there were also Shouning Hou and Jianchang Bo. The big merchants in the capital were indeed on tenterhooks. I guess it was also because the land south of the Yangtze River was far away from the capital. Besides, the number of sects here is indeed large."
The royal relatives use their power to exploit and squeeze the resources that ordinary people use to do business and survive, annex land, and do things that monopolize and bully the market...
This is not surprising at all.
Zhang Zhou himself came out of Yingtian Mansion, so Zhang Zhou knew this clearly.
It's like when he helped Zhu Feng, the second son of Duke Chengguo, do business... Is Zhu Feng really that material for doing business?
By the way... the imperial court prohibits vassals from engaging in local business and other matters, but no one has trouble with money. Monetizing power is a characteristic of the feudal era. You can't just look for white gloves... It doesn't matter where you put it.
It's just that because the sky is high and the emperor is far away in Nanjing, this situation is more obvious.
On the contrary, in the land of the capital, the dignitaries have actually restrained themselves. Just like the two brothers of the Zhang family, although they were domineering in the first few years, every time they committed a crime, there were a lot of people involved in impeaching them.
On the other hand, in Nanjing, there are dignitaries who bully and dominate the market, but most of them turn a blind eye.
Tang Yin said: "Did Duke Lai Guo come to Jiangnan to rectify the government? Or... to correct the vassal's mistakes?"
Zhang Zhou shook his head and said: "Whether they bully the market or not, I can't control, or I can't control it for the time being. My mission is just to ensure that what they do does not threaten the stability of the Ming Dynasty."
Tang Yin thought to himself, we still need to rectify it. Why did you say it so beautifully?
"Have you checked the local sects in Jiangxi?" Zhang Zhou asked.
Yang Peng said: "As Master Zhang expected, the successor King Ning in the first year had already made purchases in the south of the Yangtze River, and he was very close to the vassals in Jiangxi, Gansu and other places. However, because Nanchang Mansion is too far away from here, It is not yet known whether there were any other illegal acts."
"Prince Ning?" Tang Yin frowned, "What does this have to do with us?"
Zhang Zhou glanced at him, his expression a bit narrow.
This person has little to do with us, but he will have a lot to do with you in the future. Of course... because I am here, whether you will still have a relationship in the future is another matter.
"The war in the north requires money and food, as well as shipbuilding. If we don't start with the vassals, where can we start from?"
"Of course, we must abide by the law in everything and cannot do anything arbitrarily. Eunuch Yang, you have been a little busier recently and run around more."
Yang Peng hurriedly accepted the order and said: "Young man, I'm at your disposal."
(End of chapter)
