Next to the Wenhua Hall, in front of the Shangtingchu Diange.
Zhu Youtang personally brought Zhang Zhou here to visit. By the way, Zhu Youtang also called Li Rong over and informed him that a major earthquake might occur in Shaanxi and asked him to inform Shaanxi.
"Bingkuan, this is for you."
In front of Zhang Zhou, Zhu Youtang didn't need to cover up at all, "After you return to the capital, you should rest for a few days and come here as an errand every day. I will summon you at any time if something happens. If you have time, go over and keep an eye on the prince's face." As for schoolwork, he must have delayed a lot of homework during his trip out. I can’t give you any advice at any time, so I’ll leave it to you.”
Have parents handed over their children's homework to the class teacher?
Zhang Zhou thought that he had to run to check on Zhu Houzhao's class every time. This was really no different from the class teacher.
But Zhang Zhou has been engaged in the education industry for two lifetimes, so this is not unfamiliar to him.
"Also, I am going to let you meet someone."
Zhu Youtang seemed to be playing a riddle.
Zhang Zhou was wondering, was he meeting Ning Tong who was treating Zhu Houxuan in the palace? Or meet the Concubine Xian and her son? Or when I went to see Queen Mother Zhou.
But not far away, a little girl came jumping up and down. In the snow, this girl, wrapped like a little meat ball, looked particularly agile, just like a ray of sunshine reflected in the snow. There was a place for her. It will produce this kind of brilliance.
Zhang Zhou has met Zhu Xiurong a few times. After all, he doesn't have dinner with Zhu Youtang's family more than once or twice. But when he sees Zhu Xiurong again, he will still feel the innocence of this girl.
"coming."
When Zhu Youtang saw his daughter coming, his face was filled with the unique love of a father, which was completely different from when he saw Zhu Houzhao.
Zhang Zhou thought about it and realized that when he saw Zhang Jun, he felt the same thing. But when he saw his daughter Suisui, he felt tenderness in his heart.
"My son, I would like to send my regards to my father."
Zhu Xiurong's voice was very clear as he saluted Zhu Youtang. His cheeks were flushed from the cold due to the snowy weather, which made him look even more delicate.
Zhu Youtang said: "This is Mr. Zhang, come here to salute."
"Student Xiurong, I have met Mr. Zhang." Zhu Xiurong seemed to have known for a long time that he wanted to become a disciple, so he didn't feel shy at all when he saluted Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou returned the courtesy: "I have met Her Royal Highness the Princess."
"Bingkuan, you don't have to be polite. I originally wanted to invite a female teacher for her, but it's really hard to choose, so I thought of asking you to teach the prince while giving her more guidance." Zhu Youtang said with a kind look on his face. , "She has grown up. It was you who saved her life and allowed her to stand here. She is very naughty now. The inner courtyard of the palace can no longer contain her. Even when I go to court, I will run out to see her. , I will give her enough space in the future so that she can come to the listening place."
Zhang Zhouxin said.
It's really irritating to see people compare to each other.
Zhu Houzhao left the Wenhua Palace, and if his father found out, he would be punished.
Now Zhu Xiurong can run around the palace as he pleases... The difference in treatment between his son and daughter is indeed extraordinary.
Zhang Zhou said: "The little princess is still young, and I am afraid of damaging the princess' reputation."
In this era, feudal ethics still need to be avoided. It is inappropriate to invite a male husband to a girl, let alone letting the little princess run around in the palace.
If someone were to attack Zhang Zhou and accuse him of plotting evil against the little princess or doing something disrespectful, he wouldn't be able to escape even if he jumped into the Yellow River.
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Bingkuan, you are worrying too much. Just because she is young, I want her to see more things. She told me that she wants to learn medicine... You can give her some advice and let her think about it later. If you have learned it, you should also mention it. When she gets some inspiration from you, she can learn it on her own after she returns. As for female filial piety, etc., you don’t need to worry about those things, there will be people in the palace who will teach her."
They are teachers and students in name, but in fact, what Zhang Zhou teaches is "miscellaneous".
In other words, there is no need for him, a "learned scholar", to worry about those basic things. Besides, can Zhang Zhou really teach the contents of "The Classic of Female Filial Piety"? Does he have a deep understanding of that stuff?
"Sir, I will study hard." Zhu Xiurong knew that he was going to have a very "powerful" husband soon. He seemed very happy and looked at Zhang Zhou with hope.
His eyes were full of curiosity.
Zhang Zhou said: "I can only say that I will do my best."
Zhu Youtang patted Zhang Zhou on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Teach her how you want. In fact, what I want to say is that this child has many similarities with the prince, and they can't sit still. But she is a girl, so it seems He is very delicate and cute, not like a prince... I want to beat him up when I see him."
Zhang Zhouxin said that he really felt the same way.
They are both children, and they are also naughty and mischievous, but daughters can be treated with more tolerance than sons.
…
…
The listening room is fully prepared.
After Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang entered, even Zhu Xiurong ran in.
Zhu Xiurong asked: "Father, will I have classes here from now on? Where will I sit?"
Zhu Youtang said: "This is where the Shangting Office conducts errands. Your guest house is not here. I will have someone prepare a place for you in the Wenhua Hall. When you want to go to class, you will go to class with your imperial brother. Occasionally you can also attend the lectures given by lecturers from the East Palace."
"oh."
Zhu Xiurong still doesn't understand so many rules.
She just wants to be a normal "female student" now. Naturally, she doesn't know how much "torture" her imperial brother Zhu Houzhao has experienced in order to attend classes in the past few years.
For Zhu Xiurong, being a student is still something worth looking forward to.
Maybe after she takes classes for a period of time, she will realize how desirable it is as a child to be able to play as she pleases.
"Bingkuan, speaking of officials in the East Palace, I recently want to promote Wang Hao and Wang Qing's family to the cabinet. What do you think?" Zhu Youtang sat on the throne prepared for him and chatted with Zhang Zhou as usual.
Zhang Zhou said: "I don't want to discuss this matter casually."
Zhu Youtang said: "It is precisely because I think you should participate in the discussion that I tell you... Maochun, please step aside first and let me talk to Bingkuan."
"yes."
Li Rong also felt that it might be inappropriate for him to overhear such confidential matters.
After receiving the emperor's order, he quickly exited the palace.
However, Zhu Xiurong at the side did not leave. He was still sitting on a stool, listening carefully to the conversation between his father and his teacher.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, as I see it, it is not appropriate to add ministers to the cabinet now."
"Why?" Zhu Youtang asked.
"The three ministers are highly respected. With their presiding, all major affairs in the court can basically be properly handled. The most I can do is give advice to His Majesty on military matters. Even the daily court discussions may be affected by what I see. There were some ideological differences, which led to some disputes with colleagues in the DPRK and China," Zhang Zhou said.
Zhu Youtang said: "If there is a dispute, wouldn't it be nice for one more person in the cabinet to speak for you?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I really don't want to ruin the stability of the court. This will not help to pacify the grassland in the future."
The implication is, what’s the point of fighting over and over again?
Now after fighting for a long time, the minister's impeachment of me has stopped, and it is "justifiable" for me to be the minister of the Ministry of War. Then everyone in the court can perform their duties. There is really no need to fight for the sake of fighting. As for adding a minister Minister, outsiders will know that it is against the cabinet, and His Majesty is also trying to help me. Then the three cabinet members will put more energy into targeting me.
Zhu Youtang sighed: "Actually, the three cabinet elders have resigned many times recently, and I have considered replacing one or two of them. But for some reason, I feel that the three of them are indispensable, so I I just want to add one more person.”
Zhang Zhouxin said, you really didn’t feel wrong.
It is precisely because the iron triangle of Liu Jian, Li Dongyang and Xie Qian in the cabinet was of great help to you during the middle and late stages of your rule, making you feel that they are all indispensable, which made this iron triangle continue until your son ascended the throne. .
It doesn't make you think that any of the three of them can be replaced just because of me.
This also shows that Liu Jian and the others played an irreplaceable role during the Hongzhi period and helped stabilize the imperial court.
But it is precisely because they are too stable that they create shackles on the court structure. After your son ascends the throne, a fight between eunuchs and civil servants breaks the stable structure you have worked so hard to create... Don't stick to the rules all the time. It’s about choosing to change when the time is right.
Not now.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, as the Minister of the Ministry of War, I want to focus more on military and political affairs."
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "It's rare that you don't argue, but I also feel that you are still too isolated and helpless in the court. Cheng Minzheng can actually join the cabinet, but he is easy to be criticized... I always feel that he lacks shortcomings What."
Zhu Youtang wanted to use Cheng Minzheng, but after last year's proposal, Zhu Youtang actually lost confidence in Cheng Minzheng.
Let Cheng Minzheng continue to be the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, obviously because he wanted to develop Cheng Minzheng into the six ministers, and no longer planned to let him join the cabinet. On the contrary, Wang Hao, who had been diligent before, gained the emperor's appreciation more quickly.
"Bingkuan, you have to pay more attention to the court meetings every day from now on." Zhu Youtang said with a smile.
Zhang Zhou said: "Can I please ask for more private time?"
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "I know you don't want to go to court every day. In this way, I will give you certain conveniences. As you have other official duties, you are allowed to go to court every other day. If other ministers ask, I just said that you still need to supervise the construction of magical machines and firearms... By the way, I also want to hear your opinion on the candidate for the Minister of Industry."
The six ministers have almost changed, but the minister of the Ministry of Industry is still Xu Guan.
It is said that Xu Guandang will not last long, but it is about to last until the end of the year.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have no objection."
"Alas! You are still too cautious. I want to use more people who can help you, but I don't know who can help. This is my headache." Zhu Youtang said, "Recently I have to remove Lu Wan from Liaodong was transferred back, but the new governor of Liaodong has not yet been decided. These are all difficulties caused by me. Bingkuan, in fact, in many personnel matters, they think it is decided by you, but in fact they are all decided by me. "
"I don't want to spoil the big thing because of some decisions. I would like to listen to your opinions more. If you have any suitable candidates, you should always recommend them to me."
Zhang Zhou cupped his hands and said, "If I have a good candidate, I will definitely recommend it to Your Majesty."
…
…
Zhang Zhou also saw that the emperor's expectations for him were a bit too high.
He probably had the idea that everyone in the court wanted to adopt his opinion on everything. If that was the case, then he felt that there was nothing wrong with him becoming a trilateral general, or even becoming the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing.
At least he doesn't have to be a busy man like he did in Beijing. When he was in Nanjing, he had a lot of time to do his own things leisurely.
That day, Zhang Zhou had dinner with Zhu Youtang. He did not go to Kunning Palace, but he called Zhu Houzhao over and ate with Zhu Xiurong.
This meal was Zhu Youtang's official introduction to his children.
After dinner, Zhu Youtang asked Li Rong to escort Zhang Zhou out of the palace, and also told him that Li Rong was going to be the eunuch of the ceremonial department, eunuch Bingbi, and superintendent of the East Factory.
"... Cai Guogong, I hope you will give me more advice in the future." Li Rong seemed very humble in front of Zhang Zhou. Among the old eunuchs in the palace, he was more shrewd and capable than Dai Yi, although it seemed that these old eunuchs were inferior in character. They are all gentle and don't appear to be aggressive in any way.
But Zhang Zhou had already experienced the defensive and offensive physiques of Dai Yi and Xiao Jing, so he naturally knew that Li Rong was not easy to mess with.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Eunuch Li should give me more advice."
Li Rongdao: "I heard that Cai Guogong's family will not be able to return to Beijing for a few days. There should be no relatives in the house now. If Cai Guogong has no one to accompany him after he returns to the house, we might as well let our family make arrangements for you."
Zhang Zhouyi felt strange when he heard this.
My family is not in Beijing. You think I will be bored when I go back, and you actually want to make arrangements for me?
What to arrange?
Find me some women?
Zhang Zhou asked with a smile: "I don't quite understand what Eunuch Li means."
Li Rongdao: "Your Majesty spread the word that after Cai Guogong returns to the court, the Yanwu Hall will officially open classes to teach apprentices. There is an endless stream of generals from all over the country who have submitted memorials and requested to enter the Yanwu Hall, and many honorable ministers in Beijing also want to do something for them. Cai Guogong sent gifts to ensure that he could enter. They are all dedicated to the court and their personal achievements."
Zhang Zhou thought about it for a moment. Did Li Rong want to replace Yang Peng and become a professional middleman, sending other people's gifts to him?
"Even if someone wants to give a gift, I can't accept it." Zhang Zhou said, "Even if your Majesty wants me to cultivate some influence, as a minister, you must not ignore the rules."
Li Rong said with a smile: "Of course you have to be more careful about what is given by ordinary ministers, but if it is given by someone from the royal family, you can accept it."
Zhang Zhou frowned and said, "Such as?"
"The eldest princess Yongkang wants her Prince Consort to enter the Yanwu Hall, and she proposed to Your Majesty that she would send two maids from the palace to you..." Li Rong said, "In addition, there are also feudal lords from various places who want to be loyal to the country. They It also means a secret gift.”
"etc."
When Zhang Zhou heard this, he raised his hand and interrupted, "Eunuch Li, are you joking? I am a foreign minister, and you want me to accept the lord's gift? I know what's appropriate."
Li Rong smiled and said: "Who makes you the Duke of Cai? Your Majesty is using your hands to test the intentions of the feudal lords."
Zhang Zhouyi understood it immediately.
The emperor was not worried that he, Zhang Zhou, would assist those vassal kings to rebel... First of all, what benefits would he get if he assisted those people to rebel? Get the utmost trust? So for what the emperor and the prince and his son can already give, is it necessary for Zhang Zhou to fight for it again?
When the emperor was not worried about his dealings with those feudal lords, the emperor wanted to know who among those people was loyal to the royal family and who had hidden evil intentions.
This is probably the same reason that kings in the past dynasties wanted to cultivate a treacherous minister and let this treacherous minister win over and control the courtiers... Of course, Zhang Zhou, the treacherous minister, did not have the qualities of corruption and perversion of the law, and Zhu Youtang only took a fancy to his power. irreplaceable.
Zhang Zhou said: "Then how should I test it?"
Li Rong reminded: "As long as you accept all contributions from the feudal lords, you don't have to refuse their intentions. If anyone really wants to contribute to the Ming Dynasty's border war, let them do it. They want to study martial arts." Tang can also..."
Zhang Zhou said: "But what happened with King Zhongling set a very bad negative example."
"One King of Bell Ling is enough. Your Majesty wants to attack only the Ning Fan family. Mr. Cai Guo, you might as well think about it, are there many feudal lords in the world who have disloyal intentions? Or are there more lords who want to do things for the Ming Dynasty?" Li Rongdao.
"That's probably...more of the latter." Zhang Zhou replied.
Li Rong smiled and said: "If these feudal lords are sincerely serving the imperial court, and their descendants are willing to come to the capital to study and take you as their teacher, what do you think...why not?"
In the name of Yanwu Hall, let the feudal kings and feudal lords send their nephews to the capital as hostages...so that the emperor can better control the feudal clans in various places?
Zhang Zhou suddenly felt that Zhu Youtang's methods were more and more like those of a mature emperor.
And through a training hall, competition can be formed between various sects and sects, and internal friction can be completed...
…
…
At the palace gate, before Zhang Zhou could get on the carriage, he saw Ning Tong standing there in the distance, as if waiting for someone.
But when she saw him, Ning Tong walked towards him again, looking humble and respectful, giving the impression that she was a lady, or a demure woman.
Li Rong smiled and said, "Mr. Cai Guo, our family won't bother you anymore."
The implication is that you "have fun"!
Zhang Zhou glanced back. When he looked back, Ning Tong was already standing less than two meters away from him.
"A civilian woman has met Duke Cai Guo." Ning Tong saluted Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Long time no see, are you married?"
"Never." Ning Tong said, "Your Majesty registered the name of your wife so that civilian women can enter and leave the palace at any time. However, since you have been married as a married woman, you must restrain yourself and return to etiquette. Moreover, civilian women have been swept out of the Chengguo Palace. At that time, we had made an appointment, and apart from the gate of Cai Guogong's palace, there was no other place for the women to stay."
Zhang Zhou frowned and said, "Speak humanly."
Ning Tong rolled her eyes at Zhang Zhou, probably feeling annoyed that "I'm so polite to you but you're still so picky."
She said: "I thank Cai Guogong for everything he has done for me."
"For example?" Zhang Zhou asked.
Ning Tong said: "Such as assisting the Concubine Xian's pregnancy and diagnosing the illness of His Highness the Third Prince, I also have skills that can help me settle down in this world."
"Oh." Zhang Zhou nodded, "It's okay. I always like to help others. How do you want to repay me?"
Ning Tong said naturally: "I can serve you personally."
"No, let's find some other way to repay, such as working for me in the future. I want to open a medicine shop here, but I need a shopkeeper. I won't pay wages. Can you do it?"
"Do!"
"Okay, go back and report to my house, and also correct your bad habits. You are an apprentice to me as the shopkeeper, and I won't give her a good look!"
(End of chapter)
