September 11th.
On the day of the Nanjing Cultural Conference.
On the banks of Mochou Lake in the west of Nanjing, scholars gathered together. Debates were being held at this time, and the protagonist of the day was the Lingnan School who had been "invited" by Zhang Zhou to come to Jiangnan for a literary competition. He is a leader of the Lingnan School.
Zhang Zhou was not in a hurry to go to the meeting that day. The people accompanying him did not include his colleagues from the Sixth Department, because everyone else from the Sixth Department had to work on errands except him.
Yin Wuxiong of Yingtian Prefecture and Cheng Minzheng, who is about to go north to serve as the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, will go with him as the nominal sponsors of this cultural meeting. At the same time, there will be another person, Wei Guogong Xu, who is a garrison minister in Nanjing and is in charge of the military governor's office.俌.
"I never thought that Duke Lai Guo, you are not only majestic and heroic, you can kill enemies and serve your country on the battlefield, but you are also the number one scholar. It is really admirable and admirable."
From the moment Xu Er met Zhang Zhou, he kept complimenting Zhang Zhou.
Because Xu You also knew that Zhu Fu, Duke of Chengguo, had completed his training. The emperor would send Zhu Fu back to Nanjing at any time to serve as a garrison minister, and Xu You wanted to return to the capital. As for his next errand, it no longer depended on the minister. The discussion seemed to be the emperor's decision, but in fact the emperor was most willing to adopt Zhang Zhou's opinion.
It seems that both of them are Dukes of the country and their status is equal. He, Xu Yan, even has the upper hand in terms of seniority and prestige.
But in fact, Xu Yan also knew that considering his current status in the Ming Dynasty, he was not worthy of carrying Zhang Zhou's shoes.
Zhang Zhou and Xu Chu finally left the city and asked with a smile: "I heard that Wei Guogong recently petitioned to remove his armor and return to his fields due to the disaster."
Xu Yan sighed: "That's it. I have spent half my life in the army, and it's time for me to cultivate my moral character. I think I haven't accomplished much in the past few years in the south, but I'm still being criticized for being incompetent, saying that I'm old and stupid. All the disasters are caused by me, and I am truly ashamed of Your Majesty, my colleagues, and the people, so I want to return to the capital to enjoy my life well."
What about taking care of yourself for the rest of your life?
People with power want to hold on to their power until they die. How many people give up their power voluntarily?
Let's put it nicely... Actually, Xu Yan is just about to say it. In fact, I want to continue to defend Nanjing, or hold an important position, but others don't agree. Why don't you help me talk about it?
Zhang Zhou said: "Does the Duke of Wei know that the little Tatar prince has repeatedly committed crimes recently?"
"I heard that in Ningxia, the little Tatar prince invaded repeatedly. I heard that Qin Lao, the leader of the three sides, made the platform, but was unable to mobilize troops. I heard that Zhijie also went there?" Xu Ru mentioned Zhu Feng, It was as if he was mentioning his own nephew.
In fact, the two families of Wei Guogong and Cheng Guogong were still on good terms. When Zhu Feng was still in Nanjing, he often visited and studied at Wei Guogong's house.
Zhang Zhou said: "I wonder if Wei Guogong has any good strategies to defend against the enemy?"
"Ahem, no."
When Xu Yan heard this, he wanted me to go to the northwest to fight?
There would be no benefit in going to that bitter cold place, and losing would be even more fatal. You might even lose your title, but you can avoid it if you can.
But he couldn't say that I didn't want to serve the country with loyalty to the Ming Dynasty. Naturally, he had to find an excuse to shirk it. ! Ha, the autumn air is crisp and the scenery is pleasant."
Zhang Zhouyi saw Xu Ru's appearance and knew that such a person would not be responsible.
However, he is only fifty years old, but he no longer has the courage to go into battle to kill the enemy. He looks like a greasy old man.
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, the Ming Dynasty has such fat ministers who do not practice the art of war or pay attention to the training of soldiers. Such people can't even talk about war on paper when they go to the battlefield... It's no wonder that in the middle and late period of Hongzhi in history, In the early stage of Zhengde, the Ming border will always be passively beaten.
…
…
Mochou Lake.
Zhu Houzhao also dressed up to attend the event that day. He was in good spirits that day because Zhang Zhou said that this wedding was held for him alone.
He came to the literary conference just to show off his talents. By the way, Cheng Minzheng also announced in public that the three poems were composed by him... The young man liked this kind of pretentious moment in front of others the most, so much so that he even forgot to come to the literary conference. What is it supposed to do.
"Brother Zhu, please slow down."
In recent days, Sun Che and others have always been brothers to Zhu Houzhao.
They also felt that this ten-year-old young master only looked ordinary, but in fact he had a very strong background, with a government background, and he was a high-ranking official in the court.
Zhu Houzhao pointed to a large platform by Mochou Lake and said, "What is that?"
"That's Shuiting, an island on the lake, but only those who are invited can enter. Anyone who competes in the literary world today will still enter." Gong Yeping said, looking back, "Don't look at Nanjing recently. There are many scholars from the city, but in fact only those students from Lingnan will be taken seriously. After all, the name of this literary meeting is actually the result of the debate between Bachelor Zhang and the Lingnan School."
Zhu Houzhao said excitedly: "Then I also want to go in and listen."
Hu Feng said: "I went to the government office in advance, but they didn't give me a pass. They said that people who are not invited can't get in unless they have an official certificate with them."
"Official ultimatum?" Zhu Houzhao didn't quite understand these things.
Hu Feng explained: "It is the certificate for being an official. Those with official qualifications can pass it on their own."
Zhu Houzhao muttered: "What grade am I considered to be?"
Liu Jin came over and said, "Sir, you are not an official."
"Hey, that's right." Zhu Houzhao said with a smile, "But I'm better than them."
Sun Che smiled and said: "Young Master, you are very talented. You don't necessarily need to be an official to leave a name in history. Those three poems are also fine. But today Bachelor Cheng will be here. If he says in public that those three poems were written by him, , I'm afraid you...will still suffer the consequences of being dumb."
"Go and call Yang Peng." Zhu Houzhao said to Liu Jin.
"yes."
Yang Peng was responsible for protecting Zhu Houzhao that day.
Before, Yang Peng was under secret protection, but after Zhu Houzhao moved into the palace, Yang Peng's identity could also be made public.
With Yang Peng, the boss of Dongchangchang, Zhu Houzhao knew that he could walk sideways today and go wherever he wanted.
…
…
"Who is that?"
Gong Yeping and others looked at Yang Peng coming over. Yang Peng was accompanied by a few capable men. Because Zhu Houzhao needed to be protected that day, and there were many people, although Yang Peng ordered the accompanying Jinyi guards not to wear official uniforms, but their weapons Everything is still well prepared.
When Sun Che and the others saw the posture of the people brought by Yang Peng, they felt that the other party was unusual.
"Master." Yang Peng came over and saluted Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao said: "Where's my pass? I'm going to the water pavilion. Arrange the best seat for me."
"Yes." Yang Peng greeted, "Escort the young master to the water."
There are three wooden bridges connecting the water pavilion of Mochou Lake to the shore.
The wooden bridge was actually blocked that day, with officers and soldiers holding the hand, and those without passes were not allowed to pass. However, with Yang Peng leading the way, it would be easy for them to pass the wooden bridge.
Sun Che asked in a low voice: "Brother Zhu, I see that man is dressed in an extraordinary way, but is he working in the government?"
Zhu Houzhao said: "My husband brought it here."
"That gentleman of yours is so proud that even the government officials have to give him some respect." Sun Che actually wanted to ask, would he still be a student?
A few of us also want to worship such an awesome gentleman.
Gong Yeping asked: "I wonder what the young master's reputation is?"
Zhu Houzhao had previously refused to reveal Zhang Zhou's identity or the government office he worked for. When asked about his title this time, he said, "Look at him and you will know that he is a Jinshi."
"No wonder." Gong Yeping said with envy on his face, "You are already a Jinshi at a young age, and you are still working as an errand in the Nanjing Yamen. I think you are at least the head of the Six Ministries in Nanjing. Wherever you go..."
"hehe."
Zhu Houzhao thought about it and realized that he, Mr. Zhang, was indeed serving as an errand in the Sixth Ministry of Nanjing, but his role was not as a principal, but as the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing.
I guess Gong Yeping was right.
Went to Tingzhou.
There are still many people.
But unlike the sophisticated people on the shore who claim to be scholars, but most of them just join in the fun, the scholars here are obviously of a higher rank.
Soldiers from Shuntian Prefecture and the Nanjing Military and Horse Division have long guarded the stage, and different schools of thought have their own seats.
Yang Peng said: "Young master, wait here for Master Zhang to come. What do you think?"
"Okay." Zhu Houzhao said, "Find me a chair and prepare some for them. We don't belong to any school of thought. We can just watch the fun on the side."
Yang Peng quickly arranged for people to move the chairs.
Before they could sit down, some local scholars from Nanjing came over. They had obviously heard of Zhu Houzhao's existence and had seen Zhu Houzhao himself. One of them said, "Isn't this the great scholar Zhu Shou?"
Zhu Houzhao looked over and said, "Who are you?"
"I, Li Ying, am an insignificant scholar in Nanjing City." The other party said, "You claim to be proficient in mental studies and can also compose poems. You boasted about Haikou at a young age and feel that you are extraordinary. How can you be here today?"
Sun Che and others felt very embarrassed.
Because they also felt that Zhu Houzhao had gone too far and boasted too much, which would bring shame to them as well.
Zhu Houzhao said with a disapproving look on his face: "It's okay. I'm thick-skinned. If I feel extraordinary, I should be extraordinary. If you don't accept it, go back and discuss it above to see who is more knowledgeable."
Li Ying looked sarcastic, and a group of people walked away with smiles on their faces.
It seems that they don't even bother to get close to Zhu Houzhao.
After they left, Sun Che reminded: "Brother Zhu, now we are weaker than others, and the matter of those three poems is very detrimental to you. Don't have that meaningless argument today."
"No, I'm here to make a name for myself today." Zhu Houzhao looked confident.
"I'm coming!"
Someone was shouting not far away.
But on a separate wooden trestle, a group of people wearing official uniforms came. Among them were Cheng Minzheng, Wu Xiong, Zhang Zhou, Xu Yan and others who had just arrived, as well as people from the Nanjing Hanlin Academy. many people.
The scholars became excited.
"It seems there is Duke Lai."
The crowd was getting closer and closer.
Hu Feng was about to run up to join in the fun, but he was pulled back by Gong Yeping, and Sun Che took back his steps...
Gong Yeping asked: "Have you seen it the day before yesterday?"
Hu Feng also suddenly came over, squinted his eyes and took a closer look, and said: "It's not really clear, but it seems like..."
They had seen all three of the four senior officials who came. Even if one of them didn't see clearly, when the three of them were together, they all understood.
It turns out that Zhu Houzhao dared to come today because he is from the "organizer". Doesn't that mean... this guy is not bragging, he is really here to "make a name for himself"?
…
…
It is different from Zhu Houzhao and others who went to Tingzhou.
At the same time, the two brothers Li Zhaoxian and Li Jue who came from the capital to participate in this grand event, as well as the people who came with them, had no chance to go to the island until now.
"Brother Li, after asking, the other party did not believe that you are the son of a great scholar, so..."
There were also many people around Li Zhaoxian, all of whom were known as "masters" in studying the mind. They were either Li Zhaoxian's classmates in the Imperial College or friends he had made.
"It's about to begin! I seem to see Duke Lai Guo." someone said.
Zhang Zhou had appeared in front of people many times in the capital, and had even participated in competitions in the literary world. There were actually many people who knew Zhang Zhou.
Li Zhaoxian said: "Follow me and tell me your father's name, I won't believe you can't go up!"
When several people arrived at the bridge, they announced their homes to each other, but the official didn't even look at them.
"Which yamen are you from?" Most of the people who came with Li Zhaoxian were also the children of officials, so naturally they were very dissatisfied with the behavior of the officers and soldiers.
Li Jue was bright-eyed and gave his brother a hand. Li Zhaoxian frowned and looked at his sister.
Li Jue said: "They are from Jinyiwei."
Li Zhaoxian then observed carefully and discovered that, as his sister said, although these people were wearing ordinary official uniforms on the outside, they were wearing Jin Yiwei's flying fish suit on the inside.
When Li Zhaoxian realized that this group of people was not easy to deal with, he quickly pulled several of his companions aside.
"Brother Li, are we not going up?" Some people were still dissatisfied.
Li Zhaoxian said: "Where are you not looking? I can't hear clearly from here, but I can still see what's going on on the stage from a distance, right here."
The people walking next to me were still complaining: "Who knew that Yingtian Mansion would be arranged in such a place... What a disappointment! Wouldn't it be better to find a more open place? There are so many places in Yingtian Mansion that are suitable for hosting literary conferences. Are you deliberately not giving us a chance to perform?"
…
…
In the center of the cultural venue.
It was arranged by Zhang Zhou and the main stage was decorated.
The location of the main podium is relatively high and there is a certain distance from the viewing podium opposite.
After a few people arrived, they took their seats in no hurry.
"Bang bang bang..."
On Tingzhou, the sound of cannons was heard.
The surrounding soldiers were frightened, but in fact, what was released was a blank bullet, and it was just a shot.
The momentum is sufficient.
Then Cheng Minzheng stepped onto the podium and announced in public: "I, Cheng Minzheng, have deeply received the emperor's grace. I appreciate the virtues of God, and the emperor's grace has spread throughout the world... Today, a literary gathering was held in Yingtian Mansion, inviting Lai Guogong, Wei Guogong, and Ying Guogong. Tianfu Yin and several colleagues from the Southern Hanlin Academy witnessed the academic discussions in the academic circles. I hope that the scholars in the world will take it as their own responsibility to help the country. Please give a speech by Lai Guogong!"
As Cheng Minzheng finished speaking.
Zhang Zhou walked towards the main stage from the side.
The people watching the excitement below were very excited when they saw Zhang Zhou. As the saying goes, he is a person living in the story.
In the past, Zhang Zhou's reputation was too great, and his reputation was also left behind in the literary world, both in "Da Ming Huidian" and "Xinxue Classics", not to mention Zhang Zhou's almost heaven-defying ability to control wind and rain in the past two years.
Suddenly seeing a living person is no different from meeting a semi-immortal.
But the most stunned people present were actually the people around Zhu Houzhao.
Only then did they realize...it turned out that the "sir" of young master Zhu Shou was actually the famous Duke Lai Guo?
"He he he he..." Hu Feng tugged on Zhu Houzhao's clothes and stuttered.
Zhu Houzhao shook off his hand, glared at him and said, "Listen to Mr. Zhang!"
Just as he was talking, Yang Peng had already brought over the Jin Yiwei who were wearing serious flying fish uniforms and embroidered spring knives. The place here happened to be empty, and Zhu Houzhao and others were directly surrounded in the middle.
Zhang Zhou, who was on the stage, also spoke: "I, Zhang Zhou, whose cursive character is Bingkuan, have received the imperial edict to go to the south of the Yangtze River to counsel on military affairs. I will escort the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty here! Please come on stage, His Royal Highness!"
"Wow!"
The whole of Tingzhou was in a state of shock.
Along with the shore, word soon spread.
Zhu Houzhao, escorted by Yang Peng and others, strode towards the steps of the stage.
When he walked onto the stage and stood in front of Zhang Zhou, the three people who came with him, Sun Che, refused to take a step to the stage. They were now in a state of confusion.
Not only Sun Che and the others, but also Zhan Ruoshui and other representatives of the Lingnan School opposite, as well as other representatives of the Jiangxi-Ganxi, Weinan, and Zhejiang Schools, were all so surprised that it was difficult to calm down. There was an extreme thought swirling in everyone's heart. A horrifying thought... The one who got together with Zhang Zhou was actually the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty?
"See Your Highness the Crown Prince." Zhang Zhou bowed his hands to Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said: "Mr. Zhang, you're welcome. I'm here today just to attend a grand gathering of Jiangnan literary circles. I apologize for disturbing you."
Someone below pointed to the stage and said from a distance: "Then... isn't that talking about Zhu Shou who wrote poetry?"
"Is that the prince?"
"Those three poems were written by the prince?"
"It's fatal!"
Originally, there were people who were planning to pat Cheng Minzheng's rainbow fart in advance, such as: Master Cheng, you are good at writing poems, your poems are unparalleled in the world and can be compared to Li Du... But now they suddenly realized that whoever belongs to him belongs to a ten-year-old boy Lang's treasure cannot be snatched away by ordinary people.
Zhang Zhoudao: "I know that the prince wrote three poems based on his feelings on his way south. After arriving in the south of the Yangtze River, they were revealed to the world. I, Cheng Shilang and others read them on my behalf, expressing my gratitude for the prince's profound knowledge, unique insights and love of talents. I am very sincere and grateful. I also asked the prince to write this poem for the world’s scholars in public, to show the prince’s expectations for the world’s scholars.”
"good!"
Zhu Houzhao was very proud.
By the way, he also took a look at those people under the stage who once looked down on him.
Let each of you say something about "hurting Zhongyong". Today, I will let them see what it means to use power to suppress others and what it means to be unshakable.
Cheng Minzheng came out in person, put a paperweight on Zhu Houzhao, and also helped Zhu Houzhao grind his ink.
Zhu Houzhao made a big stroke.
Start writing down his three poems on the paper one by one.
After Zhu Houzhao finished writing, Zhang Zhou said: "I'll invite Nanyong to offer wine later, and send this calligraphy over to frame it and use it as a warning to the world."
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "It's up to you how Mr. Zhang arranges it!"
(End of chapter)
