Zhang Zhou, Zhu Houzhao and his party successfully passed through Linqing Prefecture and then entered the ground of Beizhili.
The local campaign to suppress mountain bandits had just begun, and Zhang Zhou had made a good start in the name of Zhu Houzhao. As a result, even the Shandong Dusi and the Chief Envoy had to send people to assist, and Pingshan Guards commanded them. Cao Bao suddenly became a popular figure on the ground in Shandong.
The group went north to Qingxian County, and the reinforcements led by brothers Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling arrived belatedly.
Zhang Zhouguang just calculated the marching speed of these two guys and knew that these two people must have done nothing good on the road... In the past, they did not have the opportunity to directly lead the army, but now they are given the power without supervision, and they have been blackmailed by them along the way. There must be many local officials and gentry who have harmed him.
"Mr. Zhang, just be fine. We two brothers are still worried that you are trapped by those thieves. Why don't we even bring cannons to you? Why don't we go south and defeat those thieves?"
Zhang Heling was very enthusiastic when he saw Zhang Zhou.
He also thought that he would go back to Yanwu Hall to "re-study" soon, so Zhang Heling had to establish a good relationship with the principal first.
Zhang Yanling on the side was rolling his eyes, probably looking down on his brother's groveling attitude.
Zhang Zhou asked people to continue marching, and seemed to have no intention of paying attention to the two brothers.
Zhu Houzhao came out from behind and said with a smile: "Two uncles, long time no see?"
Zhang Heling originally had a smile on his face, but when he saw Zhu Houzhao, the smile on his face froze instantly... The psychological shadow Zhu Houzhao brought to the two brothers was too great. Let's just say that this time Zhu Houzhao took advantage of them. When they went to the south to find Zhang Zhou, no one else received any punishment. On the contrary, his two brothers were banned for more than two months.
If the emperor hadn't given the two brothers a chance by sending cannons this time, maybe the two brothers would have been stuck in the capital recently...
Of course, this is their own subjective opinion.
It is said that they are banned. In the past two months, the two brothers have caused trouble in the capital. Zhu Youtang asked them to come out to deliver the cannons. In fact, he wanted them to "avoid the limelight" because the two brothers-in-law were too noisy. The capital probably Not their place to be.
"Prince, you...are well too." Zhang Heling swallowed and said.
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said: "You have made a lot of money along the way, right? Take two and spend your money on it?"
Zhang Heling subconsciously wanted to cover his wallet. This kid was not only evil, but also very greedy for money. He seemed to be able to find their weaknesses every time.
Zhang Heling said: "The prince is joking. I led my troops south. I traveled day and night and did not dare to delay the important task entrusted by His Majesty... Second brother, why are you quarreling with me?"
Zhang Yanling pulled his brother aside and said: "Boss, you haven't understood yet? What you say is wrong, so you'd better shut up!"
"That's how you call your eldest brother? Do you have any sense of superiority?" Zhang Heling was very dissatisfied with his younger brother's disrespect.
Zhu Houzhao curled his lips and said: "Okay, looking at your fat-headed looks, I know that you have tricked local officials a lot along the way. It's best that you didn't do anything to burn, kill, and loot! Now all the bandits on the ground in Shandong have been defeated by this prince. !”
"What?" Brothers Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling were stunned at the same time.
Where is this guy bragging?
Of course Zhu Houzhao was bragging, but it was true that he personally fought in the battle of Zhong Twelve.
Zhu Houzhao was not happy on the battlefield, but the result was in line with his expectations. Moreover, Zhang Zhou was too lazy to tell him about his contribution to suppressing the bandits, so now Zhu Houzhao is the "coach" of this war, which means that this boy has the first credit. On the body.
"Huh? Don't you believe it? I never had a chance to take action before, but this time I beat the crap out of the thieves and even captured their family members. If you don't believe me, ask...Eunuch Yang!"
Zhu Houzhao originally wanted to ask Mr. Zhang.
But he thought that maybe Zhang Zhou wouldn't tolerate his faults, and if he tried to cause trouble, he wouldn't be able to refute him.
So find Yang Peng, who is "knowledgeable" to come out and brag about it.
Yang Peng smiled and said: "That's it. Under the leadership of the prince, the thieves' lair was destroyed in one fell swoop, and a large number of thieves were captured."
"How?" Zhu Houzhao said with a stern look on his face, extending his hand, "So all the gold, silver and jewelry you got along the way under my banner and in the name of exterminating bandits can be given to me! "
Zhang Heling said: "No... nothing..."
But I was thinking in my heart, is it so easy to destroy the bandits? Is the war over before we even arrive? Then where can we continue the extortion?
"You are dishonest at first glance. After I return to Beijing, I will definitely report to my father, saying that you delayed the fight and almost caused me to be trapped and killed in a den of thieves. When the time comes..."
Zhu Houzhao seemed to have made great progress in threatening people, and he would adapt measures to local conditions and target the weaknesses of his two uncles.
As he spoke, the man turned around and headed towards the carriage.
Zhang Heling hurriedly chased after him and said as he chased: "Your Highness, we have something to discuss. I do have some gadgets. If you don't mind, I will send them to the palace for you!"
…
…
Zhang Zhou arrived in the capital on the first day of December.
The time had been planned a long time ago. This day was originally the day when the emperor "visited the sacrifices". The officials had not originally planned to go together, but they happened to coincide with each other at the right time.
In this way, it is equivalent to saying that the emperor and all officials welcomed Zhang Zhou.
The sacrificial ceremony was carried out first, and Zhang Zhou had not arrived yet. After it was over, Zhu Youtang did not want the officials to delay the farewell between him and Zhang Zhou, so he directly ordered the officials to return to the city early. At this time, snowflakes began to fall in the sky.
"Ruixue."
Zhu Youtang looked pleased.
Zhang Zhou was asked to calculate the day when it would snow, and it happened to snow on that day. It also snowed on the day when he came out to offer sacrifices. Although this was not a ceremony to pray for rain and snow, it was a prayer for God's protection, and God gave him a direct result. Snow has a very good meaning.
Xiao Jing and Li Rong walked towards Xue, and everyone also changed into thicker clothes.
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Your Majesty, news has been sent that the prince and Cai Guogong are driving, and they are less than ten miles away."
"quick!"
Zhu Youtang looked very happy and said, "Get Luan Jia ready, I will go to greet him personally. Clean up Luan Jia."
"yes."
Xiao Jing quickly made arrangements.
It snowed on the days when the emperor was out on patrol, which was a very good sign. Even the faces of these old eunuchs were filled with joy.
Because the weather was already very cold at this time, almost all the snow fell to the ground and was stored directly, and soon there was a silver layer on the ground.
When Zhu Youtang got on the road, he said with emotion: "This year's first snow came a little late, but it is just the right time. Take the Yu Ruyi I brought out and the box of things I picked up." , and send it to Bingkuan's house later."
"yes."
Xiao Jing felt unspeakable envy in his heart.
…
…
In order to meet Zhang Zhou, Zhu Youtang traveled ten miles outside the city.
As Jinwu Guards and Jinyi Guards walked along the way, the people stopped and watched from a distance, which seemed to indicate that the emperor was going on a long trip.
But when Zhang Zhou's group met with Luan Jia's group, Zhu Youtang immediately asked the driver to turn around, and he got out of the car himself and went to see Zhang Zhou... He had no enthusiasm for his son Zhu Houzhao.
"Bingkuan."
Zhu Youtang looked very happy when he saw Zhang Zhou.
"Father..." Zhu Houzhao felt that he was being left out and quickly went up to show his presence.
"Send him back first!" Zhu Youtang said with a straight face.
Zhu Houzhao was startled.
what's going on?
Didn’t my father come out to greet me? I am still feeling emotional, my father really cares about me, why is the painting style not right?
"Your Highness, please." Li Rong went over to invite.
"Who are you?" Zhu Houzhao shouted towards Li Rong.
Xiao Jing introduced: "This is Eunuch Li Rong, who will be responsible for the affairs of the East Palace from now on."
"Hey, who is responsible for you? Liu Jin, keep this person away. It's a little annoying to see him. Father, can we go together? I want to sit in your court." Zhu Houzhao looked like he was not seeing anyone else.
Zhu Youtang gave Zhu Houzhao a hard look, with a stern look that said, "I'll deal with you when I get back." Then he ignored his son and took Zhang Zhou's hand in the direction of Luanjia.
"Bingkuan, tell me what you have experienced along the way. Look at the snow. Next year should be a good year, right?"
"Back to Your Majesty, it's hard to say."
"Why don't you just say a few perfunctory words to make me feel better? You have to be so straightforward."
"Yes, Your Majesty, next year will definitely be a good year, and the weather will be smooth everywhere."
"Haha! I feel so relieved to hear these words from Bingkuan."
…
…
Luan Jia and his party were walking on the way back to Beijing.
Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang rode together, while Zhu Houzhao was stuffed into the carriage, and his mood was very different.
"... I have read your report on the suppression of bandits on the ground in Shandong. The prince is still too wild and you should not follow his wishes. However, I also understand that sometimes I let him have a little contact with military and political matters. , let him understand that even life matters can change rapidly on this battlefield."
When Zhu Youtang mentioned this, his words were filled with vicissitudes of life.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, it was my negligence."
"No, no, I definitely don't mean to blame you. In fact, I am also afraid that if something happens to your health in the past few years, and the prince is still so young, it is really difficult for him to establish the foundation of the country with his nature. If you can control it, Apart from me, I’m afraid the only one he has is you, Bingkuan.”
Zhu Youtang had high hopes for Zhang Zhou again.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty is in his prime, why do you say these things?"
Zhu Youtang coughed twice and said: "Originally I didn't want to ask you about Tianshou and other matters, but who doesn't want to know? If you say that, I might be able to feel relieved a little, even if God thinks that I am ashamed of the Ming Dynasty royal family My ancestors waited until the prince came of age before accepting me, and gave me a few years to level the grassland, so I have no regrets."
Saying this made Zhang Zhou feel that this emperor, who was known for his benevolence and filial piety, seemed very open-minded in this regard.
If I didn’t say it, I would just be attached to it and not want to die.
It is difficult for people with power to be so generous with life.
"Bingkuan, how is the going to sea going?" Zhu Youtang immediately became concerned about this topic.
Because it involves searching for fairy grass overseas and other matters, Zhu Youtang probably has a kind of meaning, even if I am open-minded about life, I also want to live forever.
Zhang Zhou said: "It will take some time to build the ship. Tang Yin stayed in the south of the Yangtze River and Wei Guogong coordinated the matter. The ships sent to Nanyang can return in about four months, but if they wait until the next year or the year after, they go to sea to find new land. It will take more than half a year.”
"What can Nanyang bring back?" Zhu Youtang was also curious.
Many small countries in Southeast Asia have commercial relations with the Ming Dynasty. It stands to reason that goods can be exchanged and there will be no need to send people alone to rob or purchase them.
But Zhang Zhou seemed to be very concerned about this trip to Nanyang.
Zhang Zhou gave Zhu Youtang a rough plan, indicating that many things needed to come from Nanyang, but these things were not valued by Nanyang people.
"What Bingkuan means is that if Ming Dynasty wants to be better in armaments in the future, it will need to purchase large quantities of the materials you mentioned from Nanyang?" Zhu Youtang was somewhat confused after hearing this.
"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded.
Zhu Youtang sighed: "But I'm afraid that outsiders don't realize it. If Nanyang is really so important, it's not impossible to send troops to occupy all of Nanyang. All the lands in the four seas are the land of the Ming Dynasty, but it is easy to conquer. In the future It’s not easy to abide by the rules, Bingkuan, I’m afraid this will require you to work harder!”
…
…
The king and his ministers discussed matters on Luan Jia.
Luan Jia and his party went directly from Zhengyangmen to Damingmen.
And unlike the ministers who had to dismount their horses when they arrived at Daming Gate, this time the emperor directly had to carry Zhang Zhou into the palace with a luan.
Many ministers had just returned. It was snowing here, and the ministers themselves did not want to go out. However, there were rumors that the emperor had returned with Zhang Bingkuan and went straight to Daming Gate. Naturally, someone would come out to find out.
When they saw Luan Jia entering the palace without even stopping, and when they learned that Zhang Zhou was on top, the six departments and other yamen were already in a panic.
"What kind of treatment is this?"
Ji Zhong, the Minister of Household Affairs, personally went to Lin Han, the Minister of Etiquette, and asked Lin Han to sort out the etiquette matters.
After learning about this, Lin Han seemed very calm and said: "Don't be impatient, your majesty has a gift, even riding a horse in the Forbidden City, or your majesty feels that the weather is too cold and it is still snowing, it is a kindness to the ministers Woolen cloth?"
Zhu Youtang was famous for his benevolence and righteousness. He was never harsh on his ministers and made them very convenient, especially when attending court every day. If it was cold, he would move to a place with a roof to cover his head. Sometimes, he would even move to a place with a roof to cover his head. If the wind is strong, the court meeting will be canceled directly... After the court meeting has passed, a banquet will be given in the palace and the food will be taken care of.
Now the emperor, out of "benevolence and righteousness", allowed Zhang Zhou to take a luan into the palace, and there was nothing wrong with him at all.
Seeing Lin Han's appearance, Zhong Zhong knew that Lin Han and Zhang Zhou were wearing the same pair of trousers. This etiquette matter was a bit confusing.
Seeing that Ji Zhong was angry, Lin Han also reminded: "If you feel that the etiquette is inconsistent, you can report it to the Ministry of Rites and have no objection to it. Or you can go to Honglu Temple to talk about it. After all, there is nothing to discuss today. How can Duke Cai Guo enter the palace? , the Ministry of Rites doesn’t want to ask any more questions!”
Love so much.
If you like to participate in the impeachment, go and participate in the impeachment. Zhang Bingkuan should be used to your irresponsible remarks anyway.
This was approved by the emperor. Are you trying to accuse Zhang Bingkuan of not knowing the rules? Or was the courtesy given to Zhang Bingkuan by Emperor Shen impeachment excessive?
…
…
After Zhang Zhou entered the palace, he followed Zhu Youtang directly to Qianqing Palace.
As for Zhu Houzhao, he was sent directly back to his East Palace and was banned as soon as he came back.
But this was already expected for Zhu Houzhao, so he didn't show much resistance... This time he went south and played for nearly five months. It was really fun for him, and he returned to the East Palace. On the contrary, everything feels fresh.
When a wanderer is away from home, he still loves his family to a certain extent.
But the emperor did not allow him to see Empress Zhang, Zhu Xiurong, Empress Dowager Zhou and others immediately.
"Bingkuan, since you have returned, you will officially take over the position of Minister of the Ministry of War." Zhu Youtang took out a new letter of appointment, "I have made it clear to you before, and I will also make it clear to them. Everything is a matter of course, and by the way, your position as a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy will also be retained, and the right army governor and the left governor..."
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
"Say." Zhu Youtang thought Zhang Zhou was going to say something about his position.
Zhang Zhou said: "I estimate that on the first day of spring next year, there will be an earthquake in Shaanxi and other places. The situation may be very serious, so I would like to ask your Majesty to issue an order early so that the local people can be prepared."
"Is the earthquake happening?" Zhu Youtang was a little confused, "Is it serious?"
How come it's because of the earthquake?
In the emperor's view, predicting earthquakes was already a matter of "last life". Times had changed and ministers were no longer allowed to use disasters to attack Zhang Zhou.
There is really no need for Zhang Zhou to use earthquakes to express himself.
If this kind of thing is not guessed, people will say nonsense again to confuse the public.
This point also means that Zhang Zhou is "responsible". In the past two years, he often cited natural and man-made disasters as an excuse, but in fact, the earthquakes in the past two years were not too serious.
On the contrary, the earthquake that occurred in Yan'an and Qingyang Prefectures of Shaanxi Province on the first day of the next spring turned out to be a fatal earthquake: "... (Gengxu, the first month of the fourteenth year of Hongzhi) Qingyang Second Prefecture, Tongguan, etc. in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province Wei, Tonghua and other prefectures, Xianyang, Chang'an and other counties were shaken with thunderous sounds from one day to the next, especially in Chaoyi County. From that day to the 17th, the earthquakes were frequent, knocking down city walls, towers and oars, damaging officials and civilians There were more than 5,400 cottages in total, and more than 160 men and women were crushed to death, and many animals were killed..."
From Zhang Zhou's point of view, he has used earthquakes to prop up his appearance many times before, so he can't do nothing in this kind of earthquake that causes great damage, right?
In any case, it can be regarded as a formal use of this kind of thing to do something for the people.
"Your Majesty, according to my inference, this earthquake may be serious and we have to take precautions in advance." Zhang Zhou handed over his hand.
Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "There is still one month, so we should hurry up. It will take about ten days for the news to reach Shaanxi, and then the government will arrange and prepare... the time will not seem rushed."
Zhang Zhou said: "I think so too. If it takes too long, the people will become lazy."
"Yeah." Zhu Youtang smiled, "You didn't want to say anything."
Zhang Zhou sighed: "Since I have this ability, why do I need to cover it up? Even if it doesn't happen, it can only be said that God has blessed the Ming Dynasty and saved the people from this disaster. If it happens and I don't say anything, then I will be a sinner. .”
"Okay, okay." Zhu Youtang said with emotion, "Bingkuan, if everyone in the government and the public can be like you, why worry about the Ming Dynasty not being prosperous?"
(End of chapter)
