At dawn, the red sun rises in the sky, suddenly appears above the horizon, and the light gradually turns white.
Lying on the bank of the Yellow River, Kaifeng City, the ancient capital and thoroughfare city of several dynasties, was as silent as death.
In the distance outside the city, a few wisps of black smoke were still flying for several days, but they still refused to come to an end. They seemed to still be telling the return journey of the thieves before the prosperous age.
Under the city gate, several prefecture and county officials huddled lazily under the shed, rolling up their cotton clothes. It was always cool in the early morning. At this time, even if the emperor comes, the servants will not move at all.
If it weren't for the army still mopping up the remnants outside, these people would have returned home long ago, telling their wives, children and neighbors about their great achievements in defending the city a few days ago and their unafraid demeanor in the face of the enemy.
That was confirmed by His Royal Highness the Emperor Taisun himself.
Their names are on the merit book of the Ming Dynasty.
In the city, the streets are quiet. Even the most industrious people in the past are unwilling to go out of their homes at this time. They would rather hug their wives at home and lie in bed with their eyes open for a long time, counting the days of peace and stability. What time.
In the northwest corner of the city, next to the huge swampy lake near the Zhou Prince's Mansion, sits the villa named after the Prince's Mansion.
In the backyard, there is a water pavilion garden from the former Song Dynasty. Under the corner, the branches and leaves are piled with dew that has accumulated in the middle of the night in the summer morning.
A gust of wind blew.
The branches and leaves swayed a bit, and the drop of dew hanging on the tip of the leaf finally couldn't hold on and dripped down.
Tick.
"The Duke of Liang has returned from wiping out the remnants of the rebels in Henan Province. I would like to invite you to the city. I would like to ask you to see His Royal Highness the Grandson of the Emperor. What do you think of His Majesty?"
The young chief minister, holding a white cloth tie with his right index finger, sat behind a small eucalyptus and took out a memorial. He held a pen with his fingers and hung it on the memorial. His appearance was slightly funny because of that finger.
The equally young Prince Yan was sitting on the other side, with his head bowed and the ink pen in his hand never stopping. One after another, articles and memorials about the promotion of reforms in Henan Province and the establishment of tax department branches were gradually taking shape in his pen.
Zhu Yunxi was holding a bowl of white porridge sprinkled with a few salty beans, rolled up a piece of pancake, and chewed slowly and carefully. It seemed that this simple breakfast was the most delicious in the world.
Suck.
A mouthful of white porridge went into my mouth, mixed with cooking cakes.
Zhu Yunxi raised his head and said: "Repeat, the people in Kaifeng City are out of danger. The imperial court cannot bear the troops and horses to disturb the people. The troops and horses of all parties are not allowed to enter Kaifeng without orders and armor. The army retreats thirty miles and sets up camp, waiting for the imperial court's decree. Liang Guogong pacifies the rebellion in Henan. For your hard work, you will be given wine and meat to comfort the soldiers for the time being, and your military achievements will be left to be examined by the judge."
Pei Benzhi lowered his head and moved the corners of his eyes. The emperor's grandson only said that Liang Guo was fair and worked hard, but he did not mention military merit. This statement had profound meaning.
However, he truthfully left Taisun's teachings in the memorial sent to the city by the Duke of Liang, waiting for an official to send it back to the Duke of Liang.
After a while, Pei Benzhi said again: "The Marquis of Xiping Muying camped thirty miles outside the city. He wrote to ask for military supplies from Henan Road, and the army marched back to the capital, so as not to stay in the place for a long time and make the people uneasy and panic. The Marquis of Xiping wrote again, Ruo Huang If His Highness Taisun is summoned, he can be ordered to come to see you within an hour."
Zhu Yunxi pondered for a moment.
Zhu Gaochi on the side quietly raised his head and glanced at him.
Zhu Yunxi opened his mouth and said: "Come back, all the troops in the capital are working hard in each camp, and there are commanders who test their merits and judge their merits according to heaven. The Marquis of Xiping is loyal and courageous, and he will do what he asks for. However, the military affairs of the armies are complicated, and there are hundreds of roads in Henan. It’s useless to wait for prosperity, so there is no need to invite you.”
Pei Benzhi flicked the finger that had been tightly bandaged by the emperor's grandson himself, and while writing sentence by sentence, replying to the memorial of Marquis Xiping, he thought about it in his heart.
The two memorials written by the Duke of Liang and the Marquis of Xiping are roughly the same, but completely different. The emperor's grandson's reply seemed to be the same, but it was completely different.
It was also hard work, but Marquis Xiping received a loyal and courageous reply.
According to convention, these four words are used together. But now it is obvious that the Marquis of Xiping is loyal, brave and measured. Speaking separately, he is far superior to Liang Guogong.
Wait until the memorials from the two noble princes are completed.
Pei Benzhi added: "Previously, Henan Province sent a petition to the imperial court to approve the filling of official vacancies. The head of the Literary and Selection Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs sent a letter to reply. In the near future, candidates for official positions and Jinshi to observe politics will be sent to Henan Province."
"Is it Bai Yuxiu's letter?"
Zhu Gaochi, who had been silent until now, suddenly opened his mouth and asked Pei Benzhi. Then he turned his eyes and looked silently at Zhu Yunxi, who was drinking porridge with his head down.
Pei Benzhi flipped through the memorial, then raised his head and said, "This is Bai Yuxiu, the new head of the Literary Selection Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. I have heard about him. It seems that he has been in office not long ago."
After finishing speaking, Pei Benzhi paused and turned to look at the emperor's grandson who had finished drinking the porridge.
Something seems wrong.
Pei Benzhi muttered for no reason.
It turned out that the Yellow River burst, causing disasters in Henan Province and causing local chaos. Si Yamen, the chief envoy, reported to the court several times, asking the Ministry of Civil Affairs to appoint officials to fill the official vacancies in Henan Province. However, there was never a reply from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Why is it that now the Ministry of Civil Affairs has changed its head to another person in charge of the Literary and Selection Department? Not only has he started processing petitions from Henan Province, he has even sent a letter specifically explaining it.
Over the years, the imperial court seemed to have tens of thousands of officials, but the Ming Dynasty was so big that it needed manpower to manage every aspect. Not only did the local government complain about being poor every year, but they also complained about being homeless every year.
Official vacancies had long been a common occurrence in the Hongwu Dynasty.
When will the officials specifically explain to the local authorities: Ah, I know your affairs, and don't worry, I will take care of them all for you.
This is not common sense.
After Zhu Gaochi confirmed it, he smiled faintly and continued to lower his head and write his seemingly endless innovation memorial.
Zhu Yunxi didn't say anything, just wiped his mouth and motioned for Pei Benzhi to continue.
The study room in Bieyuan under the name of Prince Zhou's Mansion suddenly became quiet.
…
Zhang Zhiyuan, who was wearing armor and stomach, was obviously silent around him, but he felt that there was a strange noise in his ears all the time, which made him unable to calm down for a long time.
In front of him, there were generals from Ma Junying who followed him south from Dusi Yamen in Peiping, and generals from Dusi Yamen in Shandong.
The Shandong Daodu commander did not come. Ever since Zhang Zhiyuan took more than ten thousand officers and soldiers of the Peiping Dusi south to Shandong, the Dusi said he was sick and could not leave the house.
】
Tang Keke, who was sitting among the generals, looked left and right and coughed lightly: "The rebellion in Henan Road has been put down."
In the hall, no one spoke, but everyone couldn't help but glance at Zhang Zhiyuan, who had temporarily taken over the military affairs of Shandong Road.
Tang Keke said again: "How long will it take to clear out the traitors in Shandong Road!"
Everyone's eyes were still looking at Zhang Zhiyuan, but no one was willing to speak.
Zhang Zhiyuan's face was a little gloomy. He placed it on the table and clenched his hands tightly into fists hidden in his sleeves.
He missed this year's nine-border northern expedition and went south from Beiping City to Shandong Road. He commanded more than 10,000 cavalry and led the troops and horses of various guard posts below the Dusi Yamen of Shandong Road for less than half a month.
However, Zhang Zhiyuan has no clue about the rebellion in Shandong Road, and there has been no substantial progress until now.
The rebels are still there. The soldiers and horses of Shandong Road have not yet been dispatched. They just received military orders. These rebels have already dispersed in a swarm. No matter how you search, they will be difficult to find.
The rebellions in Shandong Road and Henan Road were completely different, presenting two completely different situations. The rebels in Henan Province gathered in large groups, waiting for opportunities, and even dared to besiege Kaifeng City.
However, the rebels on Shandong Road never occupied the city and became independent. They only looted official warehouses and ransacked the people. The most troublesome thing was blocking the canal water transportation, making it impossible for cargo ships heading north to move forward.
It seems that the rebels in Shandong Road just want to show what they can do and what kind of influence and pressure they can bring to the Shandong Road Sansi Yamen and the court.
Zhang Zhiyuan glanced at Tang Keke, who was a little angry, and did not express his displeasure at being shouted at here.
Others present did not know, but Zhang Zhiyuan knew very well that since he arrived at Shandong Road with his army and horses, Tang Keke had invited them to conduct a secret investigation.
Then the results were equally unsatisfactory.
Countless clues have been found, but these clues will always disappear completely at a certain node.
This made Zhang Zhiyuan, who was accustomed to just leading his troops to charge where the enemy was most outside the Nine Border Fortress, as if he were stuck in a swamp, with his feet stuck in it and unable to extricate himself.
"What do the Chief Envoy Si Yamen and the Inspector General Si Yamen say? How many days have passed and we still haven't figured out who the rebel leaders are?"
Zhang Zhiyuan's lieutenant saw that General Tang Keke's confidant had spoken, and he looked at the Shandong Daodu Si Yamen generals sitting opposite with a gloomy face.
The problem cannot be solved for a while, but the pressure must be put on Shandong Dayousi Yamen.
The faces of the Shandong Dusi Yamen generals sitting opposite the Peking Dusi generals also looked a little ugly.
"The chief envoy Si Yamen promised that Shandong Dao will never delay, deduct, or shoddy any food and grass that the general needs."
"The Inspector-General's Yamen replied that there are rebels who are obstructing the investigation of the punishment name. Please allow the general a few days of grace until the Inspector-General makes a clear investigation."
The Shandong Dusi Yamen general who spoke at the scene actually said this to Zhang Zhiyuan.
However, Zhang Zhiyuan's face turned even more ugly.
Shandong Yousi Yamen looks very obedient, but in fact they don't contribute at all.
Ten thousand people may seem like a lot, but in the entire Shandong Road, it is not too much. Even if they live and eat in Shandong Road for a year, the Chief Envoy Si Yamen can afford it.
"Let's stop the discussion today."
Zhang Zhiyuan waved his hand, and his originally gloomy expression calmed down: "I still have to work hard, everyone, continue to send military and horse spies, and we must find out where the traitors are hiding as soon as possible."
"The last general takes orders."
All the generals stood up, bowed and clasped their fists towards Zhang Zhiyuan.
Zhang Zhiyuan stopped talking and just watched these people disperse. They also knew clearly in their hearts that the so-called taking orders only meant that they knew and would send out military spies. However, whether they could find the hiding place of the traitors or not was a matter of fate.
After everyone from Shandong Dusi Yamen had left, Zhang Zhiyuan looked at his colleagues from Beiping Dusi who had followed him south.
Zhang Zhiyuan cupped his hands and said: "Everyone, I know the current situation clearly. It may be impossible to rely on Shandong Road."
The deputy general was already angry, but now that the people from Shandong Road were gone, he could no longer hide it. He slapped his palm on the table with a bang, and his face was full of murderous intent: "This situation is not what they want to see! A He wants to give us a horse that can’t ride a horse and can’t lift a sword! General, in my opinion, they are up and down on Shandong Road, even..."
Tang Keke's face turned red from coughing, and then he stopped the deputy general's angry words.
The deputy general also reacted at this time, and most of the anger on his face disappeared instantly, and his eyes carefully glanced at Zhang Zhiyuan above him.
Even though everyone knows some words well, they still have to keep them in their stomachs and cannot say them out until they die.
Unless this matter has become a consensus among the court and the emperor has a clear attitude.
If not, it would be something more serious than the rebellions happening in Henan Province and Shandong Province today.
Zhang Zhiyuan closed his eyes slightly and said softly: "Let's all go. I have to ask you to take care of everything in the army."
The deputy general and other generals from Beiping Dusi looked at him and knew that Zhang Zhiyuan was holding fire in his heart at this moment, but his status as the commander-in-chief did not allow him to vent it easily.
Everyone stood up together and walked out holding hands.
Tang Keke was left at the end. While walking outside, he frequently looked back and looked inside.
Zhang Zhiyuan shook his head and whispered: "Just come over and say what you want to say."
Hey!
Tang Keke clapped his hands and turned around to approach Zhang Zhiyuan.
He looked at Zhang Zhiyuan, whose face was calm but whose eyes were bloodshot a few days ago, and whispered: "Are you really unable to do anything?"
Zhang Zhiyuan nodded, shook his head, looked at Tang Keke and said, "Do you have any explanation from your highness?"
Tang Keke shrugged: "Just what I told you last time."
"The saint has no fault, but the fault lies in the moment?" Zhang Zhiyuan muttered in a low voice, but his eyes gradually became sharper.
Tang Keke didn't know what he was thinking, and thought of the current situation in Shandong Road. He spoke several times but still felt that he shouldn't say it.
"Just say what you want to say, there are no outsiders here."
Zhang Zhiyuan's voice penetrated into Tang Keke's ears, making him tremble as he thought about the words he couldn't say.
Looking up, Tang Keke saw Zhang Zhiyuan staring at him deeply.
He waved his hands and shook his head: "This is really not something we can do."
Zhang Zhiyuan snorted twice: "Then stop talking."
"Don't! Can't I say it?"
Tang Keke suddenly became anxious, and stood up after a while. He wanted to hold his head high, but he let out a sigh of relief, looked at Zhang Zhiyuan, and confirmed again: "Do you really want to listen? Don't betray me then. "
Zhang Zhiyuan rolled his eyes helplessly: "I don't like to talk."
After saying that, he waved his robe and stood up, making a gesture to leave.
Tang Keke could only pull Zhang Zhiyuan with a mournful face, and hurriedly said in a low voice: "Capture the thief first, capture the king! Where is the king of Shandong Road? Let's just take people there. I don't believe it. How can they really not panic when the army is approaching?" "
Zhang Zhiyuan's heart trembled when he heard this. He turned back to look at Tang Keke and said in surprise: "You want to surround the Kong family in Qufu?"
"I didn't say that!"
Tang Keke released Zhang Zhiyuan's hands with a swish, jumped back a long way with a bang, and faced Zhang Zhiyuan with an expression that said, "Don't let strangers get close to you. I have nothing to lose."
He was even eager to add: "You said this, not me. If something happens, it has nothing to do with me."
Zhang Zhiyuan sneered again and again, and the irritability that had been suppressed in his heart for several days seemed to be swept away at this moment. He stepped forward lightly and stretched out his hand to hug Tang Keke, who was already stiff: "Brother Tang, this strategy is really powerful. Throwing a mouse is not a weapon." Ah! Lure the snake out of its hole! I will definitely write down Brother Tang’s contribution in detail and present it in front of His Highness at that time. I will never let Brother Tang bleed and shed tears in front of this battle!”
Tang Keke's head was shaking like a rattle, his whole body was up and down, and his whole face was full of rejection.
However, Zhang Zhiyuan doesn't care about this.
Even though he had thought of such a method for a long time, no one had ever taken the initiative to point it out. Now that Tang Keke had dared to jump out, there was no reason for him to refuse.
Don't wait for Tang Keke to get out of panic.
Zhang Zhiyuan is already stepping out.
When Tang Keke's shoulders were released and his vision became empty, Zhang Zhiyuan's heroic and excited shouts could already be heard in his ears.
"Send the order to the entire army to move out immediately."
"The troops march into Qufu!"
"I would like to go and see if our Ming Dynasty can really have a family that will last for thousands of years?"
The military order came from Zhang Zhiyuan's mouth and blew to the entire army like a gust of wind.
The order to set off was conveyed layer by layer to every group, every flag officer, and finally to every officer and soldier.
In just two quarters of an hour, more than 10,000 cavalrymen from the Peking Du Sima Military Camp were ready to go and gathered outside the camp.
The border troops who were marching south had been held captive on Shandong Road for less than half a month. Suddenly, the whole camp moved in a big way, which immediately attracted the attention and interrogation of all the bureaus.
However, officials up and down Shandong Road did not get any useful information from anyone.
When Tang Keke was reluctantly dragged in front of the assembled army by Zhang Zhiyuan, his whole body was about to collapse. If he were not afraid that his image in the army would be affected, he felt that he would not be able to move his arms. Legs.
Zhang Zhiyuan is extremely passionate.
So what if it's a thousand-year-old family?
So what if it’s the family that held the title of mentor?
However, he did not recognize the swords in his subordinates' hands.
Zhang Zhiyuan raised his gun and mounted his horse, looking toward the southwest.
All the officials from Shandong Daoshan Si Yamen had arrived at this time. Even the commander of Shandong Province, Commander Si Du, who had been saying he was ill at home since Zhang Zhiyuan led his troops south to Shandong Road, rarely appeared in front of Zhang Zhiyuan.
"General Zhang suddenly mobilized his army today. Where are they going? But General Zhang has already found out where the rebels are?"
On horseback, Zhang Zhiyuan looked sideways at the commander of Shandong Daodu, who had not been seen for a long time.
He chuckled lightly, and then spoke loudly in full view of Shandong Dao officials.
"This general has received a report that there are rebels who intend to attack Qufu. The saint's family will be frightened. I will personally lead the troops to protect them."
After saying this, Zhang Zhiyuan no longer gave these Shandong officials who had long been estranged from the imperial court a chance to come forward and ask questions. With a wave of his spear, the flag-bearing officer behind him was already waving a big flag and pressing forward.
"All troops set out!"
………………
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