The great grandson of the Ming Dynasty's supervising emperor is getting married!
Just like the solar term in late autumn, Yingtian City changed drastically overnight, with a festive atmosphere everywhere.
As everyone from the Duke of Xinguo's Mansion and the Marquis of Xiping's Mansion entered the capital yesterday, the people of Yingtian City all knew that the grandson's wedding was approaching.
In the past two years, the public has spoken highly of the royal family, which is almost the highest level of praise since the founding of the Ming Dynasty.
Yingtian City, as the land of the capital and the most virtuous place, has the greatest push to spread the grain between farmers and officials and the gentry, and correspondingly, the people of Yingtian Mansion feel the most intense changes in their lives.
The granary at home began to have surplus grain. The rice vat was no longer bottomless, and it no longer contained old rice that still smelled bad even after cooking, but white new rice exuding the aroma of rice.
Overnight, most of the streets and alleys in Yingtian City were washed clean by water. Without the instructions of the officials, the people in the city spontaneously wanted to keep this clean until after their grandson's wedding.
Also overnight, the streets and alleys of Yingtian City were decorated with festive red. When people turn a corner, their eyes will suddenly light up.
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Mu Ying, who had just returned to Beijing yesterday, stayed in the palace at night and had a long talk with Zhu Yuanzhang to express the love between father and son. Early this morning, she bathed, burned incense, changed clothes, and went out of the city to climb Shenlie Mountain to worship Empress Huang Kao Xiaoci.
After leaving the city from Chaoyang Gate, Mu Ying and Zhu Yunxi walked side by side on the street outside Chaoyang Gate. They looked at the rows of private houses extending out on both sides of the street and the red silk hanging on the door of each courtyard, and a smile appeared on their faces.
"The aspirations of the people are all due to God's kindness to the people. Seeing Ying Tiancheng dressed in red today shows that our Ming Dynasty monarchs and people are united. From now on, the land tax reform will get twice the result with half the effort."
Zhu Yunxi did not speak immediately, but looked at Sun Cheng who was accompanying him as a guard.
Sun Cheng understood and immediately drove his horse to follow. When he arrived at Zhu Yunxi's side, he whispered: "It's not arranged by the government, it's all done spontaneously by the people."
Zhu Yunxi finally breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that it was not arranged by officials from the DPRK and China, which had recently changed drastically.
He looked back at Mu Ying, who had already raised her head and looked at Shenlie Mountain, which was not too tall.
Zhu Yunxi turned to Sun Cheng and whispered: "Check with the people in Shangyuan and Jiangning counties to find out how many households there are in and around Yingtian City. On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, each household will send one or two taels of wedding money from the inside of Taisun Mansion. Kude."
Sun Cheng's eyes were stunned. Yingtian Mansion did not include other counties. There were more than 100,000 households in and around Yingtian City alone. This casual statement meant that more than 100,000 taels of silver went out.
Just to return the favor?
Zhu Yunxi thought about it for a moment, and then warned: "Tell the people in Shangyuan and Jiangning counties that this money was given to the people by the palace."
After instructing him to return the gift, Zhu Yunxi couldn't help but sigh slightly.
The imperial household department and the palace's internal funds have become richer and richer in the past two years, but he does not have much money and food.
The proceeds from the restructuring of the post station were basically used to support the Ministry of Household Affairs and the maintenance of the wounded in the army.
The output of gold and silver mines in the Japanese country went directly into the purse of the Ministry of Revenue.
Most of the income from the Jiaozhi Road in the south is mainly in kind, which is used for freight circulation and the court's north-south dispatch. ….
If I hadn't taken advantage of the discussion about the martial arts martial arts students' group fights a few days ago and took advantage of the opportunity to organize the Cuju competition and handicap, I would probably be the poorest grandson of the emperor in the history of the dynasty.
Zhu Yunxi had just arranged to return gifts to the people, and Mu Ying in front had already dismounted.
Mu Ying stood in front of the Shinto at the foot of Shenlie Mountain and looked back at Zhu Yunxi: "Let's walk up the mountain from here."
Zhu Yunxi happily obeyed the order and dismounted.
Xiaoling Mausoleum on Shenlie Mountain (Purple Mountain) was built in the 14th year of Hongwu. Empress Xiaoci passed away in August of the fifteenth year of Hongwu and was buried in Xiaoling Mausoleum in September.
However, over the years, Xiaoling Mausoleum has been under continuous construction.
The entire Xiaoling Mausoleum is built on the mountain after the imperial mausoleums of the Tang and Song Dynasties, with a square tomb as a circular mound.
because
There were Xiaoling Guards guarding both the upper and lower parts of Shenlie Mountain. Sun Cheng was the only one who accompanied Zhu Yunxi up the mountain.
The three of them walked on the Shinto, entered from Xiamafang, passed through the Golden Gate, the Stone Shinto, Lingxing Gate, Yuhe Bridge, Wenwu Square Gate, Stele Hall, and all the way to the Xiaoling Baoding, Minglou, and Xiangdian in front of the square city. .
In the middle of the Hall of Enjoyment, the shrine of Empress Xiaoci of the Ming Dynasty is now enshrined.
The statue of the god with kind eyebrows, kind eyes, grace and splendor hangs high behind the throne.
Just a glance.
Mu Ying's eyes were filled with tears, and she knelt heavily on the mat in front of her.
"The unfilial son is back."
Just one sentence made Mu Ying burst into tears.
Zhu Yunxi silently joined his hands and stood aside, allowing Mu Ying to vent her emotions at the moment.
Although Mu Ying has returned to Yingtian City several times over the years, she always came and went in a hurry.
When Queen Xiaoci passed away in the fifteenth year of Hongwu, he was in Yunnan, accompanying Lan Yu in the expedition to western Yunnan. In July, he returned to Dianchi Lake and joined forces with Fu Youde to conquer Wusa, Dongchuan and other places.
When Empress Xiaoci passed away in August, he was still leading troops in Yunnan. He almost fainted in front of the battle after hearing the reports from the imperial palace.
In September, Queen Xiaoci was buried in Xiaoling, and Mu Ying and Fu Youde led troops to continue the expedition to the Yunnan border areas. Yang Ju, a native, conspired to rebel and gathered 200,000 rebels to attack Kunming. Mu Ying led his troops back to defend and pacify Kunming.
In the sixteenth year, Fu Youde and Lan Yu were ordered to return to the imperial court, but Mu Ying was officially ordered to guard Yunnan.
Waiting, from the 17th, 18th, and 19th years of Hongwu until the 22nd year of Hongwu, Mu Yingcai returned to Beijing eight years after leaving Yingtian.
Zhu Yuanzhang accepted him as his adopted son, taught him writing and martial arts, and entrusted him with important responsibilities. But Queen Xiaoci always kindly prepared food, clothing, housing and transportation for them, and taught them how to be upright and good sons.
Like a loving mother, Mu Ying cannot serve her when she is leaving.
This is the regret he has kept deep in his heart for so many years.
After a long time, when Mu Ying's wails gradually subsided, Zhu Yunxi slowly stepped forward and knelt beside Mu Ying, facing the throne and statue of Queen Xiaoci.
After three bows and nine kowtows.
A smile appeared on Zhu Yunxi's face: "Grandma, my grandson is getting married. Grandpa has arranged a marriage for his grandson. The grandson's concubine is Tang Queqing, the eldest granddaughter of the Xinguo family, and the concubine is Mu Caiyun, the youngest daughter of the Yingbo family. They are all good-looking women, and now they are all going to be married home by their grandchildren.”….
"My grandson is accompanying Uncle Ying to pay homage today. Firstly, it relieves Uncle Ying's worries for many years. Secondly, the grandson wants to explain his grandson's marriage to his grandmother. May my grandma enjoy endless happiness and longevity in heaven, and bless her grandson and the Ming Dynasty."
After finishing speaking, Zhu Yunxi kowtowed three times again.
Mu Ying silently watched Zhu Yunxi's prayer, then looked up seriously at the statue of Queen Xiaoci, and kowtowed three times.
A few moments.
The two walked out of Xiangdian.
Mu Ying let out a long breath: "Civil officials can't be trusted."
The sudden words made Zhu Yunxi's expression tremble, and he looked sideways at Mu Ying, who was looking calmly at Yingtian City at the foot of the mountain. He didn't know why the other party said this at this time.
Mu Ying turned to look at Zhu Yunxi, with a smile on her face: "The meritorious generals of the Ming Dynasty, and the honor and disgrace of the family are all tied to the will of your majesty. But the civil servants...their power comes from your majesty, but their name is derived from Confucianism and originated in the countryside. . If you want to reform the Ming Dynasty, remove the impurities and retain the essence, and dig out the carrion, the civil servants will have countless means waiting for you."
This is no longer something you would say in a normal relationship.
It's something that only true sons-in-law and son-in-law would talk about.
Zhu Yunxi nodded: "With Uncle Ying in Beijing, my nephew will have nothing to worry about."
Mu Ying smiled and shook her head: "Last night in the palace, when I was serving the emperor, I saw that His Majesty's temples were all gray and his strength was no longer what it used to be. Your Majesty told me last night that after your wedding, Jingwei..."
Suddenly, Mu Ying closed her mouth, and her eyes jumped over Zhu Yunxi's shoulder and looked behind him.
I saw a young layman with hair, wearing a washed white robe.
A simple monk wearing a simple robe and standing with his hands hanging down is in the corner outside the Hall of Enjoyment.
Mu Ying was a little surprised.
The Xiaoling Mausoleum is always guarded by officers and soldiers of the Guards Station, and is maintained by the Zongren Mansion on weekdays. There are no monks or Taoists worshiping on the mountain.
But now a layman appeared outside Xiangdian.
Being here can only mean that this person is known and approved by the palace.
Zhu Yunxi raised his eyebrows slightly and turned his head in confusion.
But under the corridor in the southeast corner of the Xiang Hall, Xu Miaojin's formerly full head of hair was now restrained by a light blue-grey square hat. His plain green monk's robe was straight down, and his hands were put together. The appearance of an outsider.
When Xu Miaojin saw Zhu Yunxi looking at her, she silently nodded and bowed.
Then, before Zhu Yunxi could speak, he already moved sideways and hid behind the Xiang Palace.
Mu Ying had doubts on her face: "This layman is..."
Zhu Yunxi couldn't help feeling embarrassed, and whispered: "Miaojin, the third daughter of King Wuning of Zhongshan, is now enshrining her grandmother in Xiaoling to pray for the Ming Dynasty."
After explaining something, Zhu Yunxi walked down the mountain in order to avoid losing words.
Mu Ying stopped where she was, glanced at the direction Xu Miaojin disappeared, and then looked at Zhu Yunxi's back. Her eyes flickered for a few times before she caught up with the steps going down the mountain.
…
Peng!
"Who is plotting to kill me!"
In the Libu Yamen, a shout came from the official room of Lord Shangshu, and the officials of the Libu who passed by couldn't avoid it. They didn't dare to stay for a while, for fear that they would get burned.
In the public room, Zhai Shan's face was filled with anger and helplessness.
I was attacked from behind! ….
Zhai Shan, who was sitting on the chair, had his eyes widened. He never imagined that one day he would be in such a situation.
I just took charge of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and I didn't even have time to warm up the seat under my buttocks. Do these people think that they really have time to do those things?
I am crazy to choose this time to show my intention to go to His Majesty and get rid of the long-standing abuses in the imperial court. All appointments of officials will be based on the Jiaozhi Road official selection and assessment system.
Zhai Shan's face was gloomy. He didn't say a word about the official selection and assessment system of Jiaozhi Road. But now the officials from all departments in the imperial court were discussing this matter, and they all stated with great enthusiasm that he was How much I admire this.
Now, I am worse than that rat crossing the street.
The mouse still knew that everyone was shouting to be beaten. But now, I have no idea who could have spread such rumors.
"Come here!"
Zhai Shan, who didn't think about it for a while, raised his head and shouted outside the public room.
Immediately, a junior official working in the Ministry of Personnel pushed the door in and came to Zhai Shan respectfully.
"Shang Shu."
Zhai Shan frowned and said in a deep voice: "I'm going to ask the Minister of Rites and the Minister of War to come to the Ministry of Personnel and tell me that I have a new tea and I want to invite them to evaluate it together."
The clerk didn't dare to ask any more questions. After hearing Zhai Shan's request clearly, he bowed his head and bowed out.
But the more Zhai Shan thought about it, the more depressed he became.
Nowadays, when I walk in front of the yamen of various ministries in Dongcheng, everyone feels that I am trying to get their official title, and they want to remonstrate and implement the Jiaozhi Road official selection and assessment system.
Even in the Libu Yamen, there were also many people secretly cursing at themselves, the newly appointed Minister of Libu.
The more I think about it, the more depressed I become.
Zhai Shan stood up awkwardly, thought for a moment, sighed, turned around and took down a box containing tea leaves from the bookshelf behind him. Then, he started boiling water with a cast iron kettle.
A few moments.
When the pure fragrance of tea came from the official room of the Minister of Civil Affairs, Ren Hengtai and Ru Yu arrived late with doubts.
Zhai Shan, who had just ironed the tea set, was happy when he saw the two people arriving. He was about to stand up to greet them, but after thinking about it, he stopped thinking and sat down in his seat.
He looked up at the two of them.
"You two are just here by chance. I have just ironed the tea set."
As he spoke, Zhai Shan poured hot water into the tea bowl.
Because it was the first time to brew the tea, the tea was very flavorful. Without waiting for long, Zhai Shan divided the tea soup into tea cups, and then divided it into three tea cups.
"Just right, the first tea brewed."
Ren Hengtai and Ru Yu looked at each other, and they both saw the confusion in each other's eyes.
After the two of them sat down separately, they looked calm and composed, and carefully evaluated the tea.
Zhai Shan took his time and prepared the second cup of tea.
"Is Zhai Shangshu troubled by the officials in the past two days...or is it because of the rumors about Zhai Shangshu? It is said that Zhai Shangshu wants to report to the court to implement the Jiaozhi Road official selection assessment system. Is it not Zhai Shangshu's doing?"
Rujun put down the tea cup and spoke directly.
He looked at Zhai Shan with a faint look on his face, who was obviously stunned. ….
Zhai Shan's eyes kept flickering, and then he sighed softly, looked at Ru Yu, and said with special emotion: "Brother Liangyu is the one who knows me!"
Ren Hengtai, who was on the side, glanced blankly, and then said softly: "So, this rumored matter was not done by Zhai Shangshu?"
Zhai Shan rolled his eyes: "Do people outside now think that this is spreading the news to the lower levels, so that they can see in advance how their colleagues in the DPRK and China will react, so that they can make plans?"
Ren Hengtai nodded and looked at Ru Yu beside him: "Government is like the art of war. It is not an exaggeration to say that Shangshu Zhai spread the rumors to find out the truth."
Ru Yun echoed from the side: "Nowadays, most of my colleagues in the DPRK think so."
Alas!
Zhai Shanwen couldn't help but feel a burst of resentment in his heart when he heard the words of Ru Yu and Ren Hengtai.
"This matter is actually not something I did, nor was it because I wanted to use the rumors to test my colleagues in the court." Zhai Shan explained to himself seriously.
Ru Yun said quietly: "Has Shangshu Zhai ever thought about the imperial court's implementation of the Jiaozhi Road official selection assessment system?"
Zhai Shan suddenly became speechless.
He opened his mouth, then closed it and continued making tea.
Rujun smiled, put the second cup of tea filled by Zhai Shan into her belly, and then said softly: "Shang Shu Zhai really wants to know where this rumor originated."
Zhai Shan raised his eyebrows and said, "I feel like I'm lost in a dark alley right now. Please give me some advice from Brother Liangyu."
Ru Yu shook her head: "Zhai Shangshu can think about it, who would be the most unlikely person?"
"Can it still be me..." Zhai Shan straightened up and suddenly closed his mouth with a twitch in the corner of his eye.
But he was already looking at Ru Ru with his eyes widened, as if he wanted to confirm something.
Ren Hengtai laughed and said: "The authorities are confused, and Shangshu Zhai is in trouble."
Zhai Shan suddenly felt weak all over and leaned softly on the chair, his eyes staring straight between the two of them.
"It seems that this rumor has really spread..."
…
"What's the news in the court now?"
Zhu Yuanzhang squatted on the ground, pressed his hands on the gray road in front of him, and looked sideways at Zhu Yunxi who was following him and asked.
Zhu Yunxi took a section of the cement road from Xie Jin and brought it to the old man: "My grandson thought that Zhai Shan should have realized what these things mean by this time. Grandpa, this is what Xie Jin and the others built." A cross section of a concrete road."
"So thick?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the ten-inch-thick section of cement road in his hand and couldn't help but exclaimed, and then said: "There is no rush for the affairs of the DPRK at the moment. Grandpa has plenty of time, and you are still young. We can take care of things now." Regarding your wedding, have a good time this year and give birth to some great-grandchildren for us next year."
Zhu Yunxi raised his head, looked at the concrete road that led straight to the horizon in the distance, and sighed: "It's not thick enough. The standard for this road is that it won't need major repairs in thirty years and will still be passable in fifty years. On weekdays, Just a little tinkering.”
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and stood up.
He put his hands on his hips and looked up to the end of the road like a grandson. Then he stomped his heels heavily on the cement road connecting Taiping Mansion Mine and Yingtian Mansion.
He repeatedly sighed: "This is a road we have never walked before."
Zhu Yunxi turned sideways and looked at Jie Jin.
At that moment, Xie Jin took a step forward: "Your Majesty, this road was built to accommodate steam locomotives. In the future, steam locomotives would carry heavy objects. Without this cement road, it would be very difficult. But if there is this road to help, You can arrive in the morning and evening.”
Zhu Yuanzhang naturally understood after hearing this.
Just like Guandao, if it encounters a flash flood, it only needs to be soaked for one night, and many places will be inaccessible to people, let alone cars.
but.
Zhu Yuanzhang searched the surrounding crowd. When he saw the figure he was looking for, he immediately waved and called: "Ying'er, come here."
Mu Ying, who was temporarily serving as Zhu Yuanzhang's personal bodyguard, immediately rushed over upon hearing the sound.
Zhu Yuanzhang pointed to the cement road under his feet and handed the ten-inch-thick slice into Mu Ying's hands.
"Look at it, what if this cement was used to build a city?"
Shredded Pork Rice Noodles
