Throughout February, Zhu Houzhao should have had nothing to do. Although Jizhou, Datong, Shaanxi and the northwest were in full swing, he was tight on the outside and loose on the inside. As the emperor, he had basically arranged everything he could.
Except for the rebellion in Shanxi.
Although he had made complete preparations and trusted Wang Shouren to control the situation, he was not big enough to treat the rebellion as a trivial matter.
He had an expectation in his mind that if those who should enter Beijing did not enter Beijing by mid-to-late February, then he would take measures. For now, let the people below jump around first.
In comparison, most of the news coming from Jizhou is good news. With the help of the steel knife, measuring the land is not that difficult.
With the Qingtun affairs reaching this level, no one in the court would continue to bother Zhu Houzhao. In any case, the legitimacy of clearing the military cantons was sufficient.
The country maintained stability under the strong control of the emperor.
After February, when the weather got warmer, Zhu Houzhao started to take up "outdoor" activities again. When the weather was good, he would play Cuju with Mei Huaigu and Shenwuwei commander Xu Guan and others.
The Shenwuwei responsible for his protection are now being led step by step to become "big masters". These people are in better health and will easily become idle if they are idle every day.
Based on this consideration, Zhu Houzhao initially organized a tug-of-war competition, and later a running competition. In the end, he felt that he was not happy, so he simply let them fight with swords and guns, and then conducted a competition for the top three winners. Monetary rewards.
In addition to individuals, there are groups. After all, the military camp is not a place where individual heroism is emphasized.
If the weather was bad, the emperor would set up a brazier in the room and sit with people from the Hanlin Academy and academies to discuss matters. On the one hand, he was concerned about the situation of the imperial court's talent pool, and on the other hand, it was also to kill time.
As for most of the regular government affairs, he has left them to Yang Yiqing and Wang Hao to discuss and handle them. They can make up their minds and report to the emperor. For this kind of government affairs, Zhu Houzhao and Zhu Zhu approved the most: Got it.
Some are equivalent to the word "read" in later generations.
For example, if a snow disaster is reported in a county in Henan, these matters no longer require the emperor and the cabinet ministers to discuss how to provide disaster relief and who to send to provide disaster relief. The cabinet will prepare a response plan and submit it to Zhu Hou, who will take a look at it and know it.
When the country is peaceful and the people are safe, the emperor feels relaxed.
With the extra time, Zhu Houzhao started to play with knives and guns!
That day, he had a drink with Wang Shouren that made his blood boil, and he was determined to conquer it himself.
So you still need to master the basic three-legged cat kung fu twice. Life-saving is the second priority. If it is reduced to life-saving, then it is too much. The main thing is to inspire people and give him a sense of participation.
In the previous martial arts competition, the top three were Gao Pan, Huang Sanhe and Zhang Jian. They were both very tall and mighty men, but the emperor Zhu Houzhao was one shoulder narrower than theirs.
So it is impossible to become a master, just get started.
Sometimes after sweating all over, taking a hot bath is still soothing.
The harem was as peaceful as usual, but that day when the emperor was playing with his daughter, his biological mother, Concubine Shen Shu, suddenly knelt down to apologize.
Zhu Houzhao always kept her in mind.
It had been several months, and no matter what happened in Ningxia, it was time for her to hear about it.
So he kept waiting, but fortunately Shen Shufei said it herself.
The matter is quite simple. The relatives of the imperial concubine in the palace used their noble status to obstruct the clearing of the farmland in Ningxia. She was about to give birth at the time. Zhu Houzhao suppressed the matter and imprisoned the family. They are probably released now. .
The daughter in his arms didn't know what was going on. She was babbling and she was tender and playful. "I said it was your cousin's house. It scared the local officials and my imperial envoy so much that they didn't dare to do anything."
"My concubine deserves death!"
The emperor has majesty, but he just doesn't usually show off his majesty in the harem.
"Did you know in advance?" Zhu Houzhao was still teasing his daughter with his index finger.
"I dare not hide it from Your Majesty. His Majesty has repeatedly told me, and I have already explained it to my family. As for this matter, I really didn't know about it before."
Zhu Houzhao raised his daughter high. In fact, he was in a good mood. He only replied, "He who doesn't know is not guilty. You should restrain your family and don't do it again."
Although the emperor spoke lightly, Concubine Shen Shu had indeed visited her bed less often than others in the past few months.
At first she didn't understand why, but now that she knew it, she was particularly worried about some relative at home.
Zhu Houzhao didn't want to vent his temper on women.
It's just that the harem is not a simple private harem after all. Emotions are needed, but rules are also indispensable.
The reason why Shen Shufei was slightly ignored was not because he was angry with her, but because he wanted to show the rules to others.
In this way, starting from Queen Xia, everyone should know where the emperor's bottom line is.
Wait until the heat is almost over, then return to the normal state, so gentle and drizzle, but at the same time the rules are enforced.
In fact, the concubines Jing and Xian were more favored by the emperor during this period.
After all, Queen Xia is pregnant, and now her belly is getting bigger, making many things inconvenient.
Concubine Xian has a demure personality and Concubine Jing is in great shape. Apart from looking at his daughter, he is still around these two most of the time.
By February 20th, officials from various places began to enter Beijing one after another.
The threshold of the cabinet and the six ministries and nine ministers will also be crossed.
Even the people in the attendant's room couldn't stay idle.
The earliest attendant, Fengxi, is now the governor of Fujian. Guo Shangkun was first sent to participate in politics in Yingtian Mansion. Three years later, Zhu Houzhao transferred him to Guangdong and became the chief envoy.
There is another person - Wang Xian. His external position is not elsewhere, but he has been cooperating with the officials of the Shaofu in matters such as the housing resettlement of the new people entering the capital.
Wang Xian was promoted to Shaofu Langzhong at the end of the second year of Zhengde. A project parallel to the North-South Zhili Avenue project was the construction of private houses in the capital, and this was what he was doing as a doctor.
In the early years, many refugees poured into the capital, and wooden houses were built haphazardly, causing huge safety hazards, so the imperial court was determined to solve this problem.
After several years of work, Nancheng surrounding the Book Garden has become a mature functional area with complete residential buildings, private schools, and commercial streets.
It's a pity that the earliest Jin Gui has been kept by the emperor's side, and he is reluctant to let him go.
Because Jin Gui worked carefully, he kept all kinds of documents and memorials in order. The main thing was that he remembered that she was almost Zhu Houzhao's "mother". If such a person left, the emperor would be a little uncomfortable.
So when it comes to its importance, it’s really hard to say.
Of course it is a smooth road to be sent out to serve as a governor, but if an emperor cannot do without someone, how can he be worse?
In addition, Jin Gui himself is the oldest (47 years old), and he passed the exam in the third year of Hongzhi earlier than others. He was also the first batch to enter the attendant's room, so when these people get together, he is always the leader.
Jin Gui was also particular about asking everyone to invite him to dinner. In the end, he simply invited all of them to his home.
As soon as he opened his mouth, it was hard for others to refuse.
So it was arranged that on the evening of February 24th, Jin Mansion would open its doors to welcome guests.
Jing Yang attached great importance to this. He had already put on his official uniform, but he still had to go home and ask the people in the house to tidy it up carefully.
Because his wife was familiar with his routine, she had already made fish soup for him to drink at midnight, but she didn't need it now.
Jing Yang's father was an official in Guangzhou and was well-matched. His wife was also the daughter of an official. Not only did she have an excellent temperament, but she also understood the world. Before he set off, he encouraged him: "Although my husband is talented and famous, he also has the Imperial Academy and the attendants." It’s hard for anyone to have an experience like this, but tonight, my husband is the newest newcomer, and those old people will be very useful to the emperor in the future, and they may work together in the court for decades.”
There is a reason for Mrs. Jing to say this.
Because Jing Yang was rarely talented and famous, and was related to his father, his articles were commented on by some big figures in the dynasty. It is said that both Liang Chu and Cheng Minzheng at the time praised him, and he was awarded Jinshi in his twenties. .
So Jing Yang is actually a very proud person. If he is not proud, he will not have the temperament to work without sleeping. He does this just to strive for the best.
"My husband knows it. Jin Gui has the emperor's trust, and Fengxi has made great achievements in opening up the sea. They both admire him from the bottom of their hearts."
The implication is that Wang Xian, Guo Shangkun and others have not done anything remarkable. As for Xie Pi, he is Xie Qian's son, not to mention.
This is what Mrs. Jing is worried about, "Others are also very talented. Do you doubt the emperor's vision?"
Jing Yang smiled and said, "Don't worry, even if I have something on my mind, am I still a stupid person who just says it without thinking about it? It's not difficult to say polite words to welcome them."
Mrs. Jing rolled her eyes at him, and then said: "But your husband's idea is still right. There are only benefits and no disadvantages in being on good terms with them."
"It's a pity that I can't read tonight."
The last time the emperor asked him to talk about the prosperous Tang Dynasty, because it was sudden and without any preparation in advance, there was actually nothing wrong with the speech. However, when he thought about it after he came down, he felt that it was not good enough, so he started to make self-destructive demands again.
Now he studies every day when he comes home.
"Today's things are also important. It doesn't matter if you miss one night of study. Husband, just go."
For Mrs. Jing, this is a peaceful life with husband and children.
Jing Yang had a great reputation and was a servant. He was summoned by the emperor every day. He had no traitors in the court and no strong enemies outside. This was a rare and prosperous situation for many years.
She herself is also a trustworthy person.
Bang!
People in the courtyard can see fireworks rising outside.
Before every imperial meeting, it is the busiest time in Beijing.
"Mom, we've packed everything!"
The ones who walked out of the house were her two children, the elder brother, fifteen years old, and the younger sister, fourteen years old.
Today Jing Yang allowed them to go to the city that never sleeps and have some fun.
The lights in the city that never sleeps are even brighter, and the lanterns hanging in the corners are all connected into a network.
At this time of year, it is almost the busiest time, because although officials from all walks of life cannot bring their families with them when they come to Beijing, they still need some entourage. And after several years of development, in addition to officials, some businessmen have also begun to join in. On the one hand, there are many business opportunities in the excitement of the court meeting, and on the other hand, we also want to get the latest news. Emperor Zhengde has promulgated many new policies, and many people have made a fortune by following the right steps.
So what the Jing family and his entourage saw when they entered the city that never sleeps was really crowded and lively, with fire-breathing buskers repeatedly reminding passers-by to stay back.
In addition to these things to play, there are many novel things in the city that never sleeps.
One of the overseas exhibition halls is Meifu's property. It mainly displays overseas things and things encountered during navigation.
Because of the huge profits from sea trade, Ming Dynasty, a small-scale peasant economy, was able to create a high demand for sea trade among the upper class. To meet this demand, there must be people. How can we find people?
Of course, it is a multi-pronged approach to increase mainland people's understanding of the world and stimulate their interest.
The overseas exhibition hall has a total of four floors, including models of ships and artillery, as well as some books introducing the situation of the outer islands, and some paintings. The people in the paintings have deep eyes and high noses, and the ocean in the paintings is endless.
Mrs. Jing was okay, she had been here before, and so had her son, but this was the first time for her little daughter Jing Wan, who lived in seclusion and was raised in her boudoir, to see it.
At this sight, I was deeply attracted.
"If my sister wants to read it, then read this "Overseas Picture Chronicles". It took a lot of effort and hired many painters to draw it. All the islands mentioned in it have pictures."
Jing Wan immediately took it into his hand, "How much is it?"
This question made her brother laugh, "This is for display only, not for sale."
Jingwan was disappointed and asked, "Why not sell it?"
"It is not easy to produce so many illustrations. It takes a lot of effort to make just one book. And in order for more people to see it, it cannot be bought by one or two people."
Jingwan felt something was wrong, "If you want more people to see it, you should sell it. Not everyone has the opportunity to come to the capital and the city that never sleeps."
"Hmm... It seems so. Whatever it is, you should finish reading it first."
Jingwan only felt that he was in another world. Many of the things mentioned above were different from those in the Ming Dynasty. They were very novel and interesting.
It's a pity that she couldn't stay too long and had to follow her mother down.
Passing by a snack shop, you can look up and see three or five "Kangsheng" drinking and talking on the opposite side of the restaurant on the second floor.
In the past, she wasn't very interested, but after hearing that they were talking about overseas affairs, she asked her mother to find a table on the second floor of this snack shop and sit down.
Nowadays, the city that never sleeps is amazing. The shops on both sides of the street were originally located parallel to the street, but now suspended wooden arch bridges have been built in appropriate places, and lanterns are hung on them, so people can walk. It is really prosperous.
This lively place is indispensable for wanton young people.
The fireworks in the sky illuminated the arrogance of these people. Jing Wan was sitting opposite and heard someone say: "The Emperor has something to say. Since we are the supreme kingdom, why should we be afraid of contact with overseas countries? Since we are implementing benevolent government, why should we be afraid of the people being deceived by it? ? The people of the region do not rely on the boundaries of the frontier, and the country does not rely on the dangers of mountains and rivers to consolidate the country. Our vast country is superior to others in every aspect. With such a grand scene, do we need to say more about the support of the people? "
Ah, it’s actually a bit shocking to hear this on the street. If anyone were to advocate this before the sea was opened, they would definitely be defeated.
As for this confidence, I only gained it in the past two or three years.
Time is still short, so some people insist on the old tradition, "Since we are superior to others in every way, why do we need to interact with them? The overseas barbarians do not know how to educate and are always talking about profit. What is the benefit of having too many interactions with such people?"
"It's okay if we don't interact with each other. It's okay to give us money to buy our things, hahaha!"
Jingwan found it interesting after hearing this, at least it was more interesting than her working as a female worker at home every day.
So she thought she could ask her cheap brother to find more of these things for her to see. The scenery outside is beautiful and shocking. Wouldn't it be a pity if we couldn't see it?
…
…
Jin Mansion is also very lively tonight.
After the land distribution in Northern Zhili, hundreds of thousands of households and millions of people could once again live a life of sunrise and sunset.
In fact, when people live a decent life, they will have meat to eat.
This is a rule. If the war is in chaos and everyone is chewing tree bark, which family will raise chickens and ducks? But the people's lives have improved, and every household has a chicken pen.
It's easy to raise, and it can also lay eggs. The eggs it lays are another sum of money.
From another perspective, the original refugees have become workers, and they will reap rewards after working.
So the mobility of a society is like this.
By the fifth year of Zhengde, even Jin Gui, who had always been honest, could entertain guests with chicken and fish, and the plates were full of oil.
There was a banquet in the courtyard and fireworks outside.
Fengxi sat in a wheelchair and looked up, feeling as if he was in another world. "The capital, it looks better than last year."
"Yuanxue (Fengxi), wait until you see it in two years. You will know what is better when you see the people in Gyeonggi planting sweet potatoes. At that scene, even if the poet comes, you have to ask him to read one more sentence: Rice The greasy corn is white, and both the public and private barns are abundant!"
The speaker was Wang Xian, and he was very happy to see Fengxi, whom he had not seen for a long time.
Fengxi could only sit down because of his bad legs and feet. "I've also heard about sweet potatoes. It's said that an old farmer from Fujian brought them back. But is it really that magical?"
"Ha, is it really that miraculous? You can't go out and ask about the original theory of this, otherwise someone will laugh at you. Last year, His Majesty harvested a test field of sweet potatoes. Do you know how many times the yield is that of ordinary rice? Seven times!"
Guo Shangkun also arrived. He was further away in Guangdong, but he had heard about this while writing letters to friends, "It's true. When sweet potatoes are popularized, I guess the first two lines of the poem you read will have to be changed."
"Change it to what?"
"Of course it was changed to 'Recalling the Day of the Heyday of Zhengde'."
"Hahaha."
A young young man walked out of the corridor. Among this group of middle-aged people, Xie Pi, a twenty-five-year-old boy, suddenly stood out from the crowd.
That face is so tender.
"I've met three seniors."
"Oh, Yizhong is here." Wang Xian came forward and said politely, "Is Mr. Yu Qiao (Xie Qian) okay?"
"Wei Gong is thinking about me when I'm tired. My father is still strong and healthy." Xie Pi was thinking about the person following behind him and continued: "Three seniors, in the first month of this year, His Majesty decreed to select a new attendant."
Jing Yang emerged from the shadows of the corridor and saluted respectfully in front of the three of them, "Jing Yang, you are polite."
"There is no need to be polite. I know that Brother Jing was the third flower of the first year of Zhengde. He is a great talent and has a good reputation. That's why he is so important to the emperor."
Just as Jing Yang expected, when these people meet, there will be a polite exchange of compliments and a bit of excitement.
But when Jin Gui took the throne, it became quiet again. This 'leading brother' worked carefully and had a calm personality.
At first in Zhan Shifu, Jin Gui gave the impression that he talked little. No matter how impetuous he was outside, he was always as calm as water.
The eldest brother is like this, and the others are also a little restrained.
"...Years ago, Wei Zhong was demoted to Guizhou due to some wrongdoings, so there is still one person missing today."
When Jin Gui mentioned this, there was still a layer of haze in everyone's mind. No matter how favored he was, he could never get carried away.
In fact, he didn't mean to dampen everyone's interest, but he had to say this to show that he would not forget Yan Song's intention.
"It seems that His Majesty is very angry." Fengxi said.
"I can't say that His Majesty is very angry," Jin Gui said, holding the steaming tea cup in his hand: "It's just that His Majesty has his own ideas for governing politics. I tell others that they don't understand, but you are all Your Majesty's attendants must understand. Occasionally, if something goes wrong, it is actually no big deal. The key is not to go against His Majesty's thinking. If the direction is wrong, Your Majesty will demote him to the ends of the earth even if he likes him."
Everyone nodded. This summary was quite quintessential. He was worthy of someone who had been with the emperor for so long.
Guo Shangkun said: "The words of Duke Chong Sui always remind me of Wang Bo'an's memorial to clean up the military camps. Wang Bo'an mentioned the current matter in the twelfth year of Hongzhi. Ten years ago and ten years later, His Majesty's attitude But it’s completely different.”
"Indeed."
Wang Xian asked one more question, "What do you think of Zhang Cong?"
As a result, as soon as he asked, Jin Gui stopped him, "A banquet is a banquet, let's not talk about others. If His Majesty wants to employ people, you can't stop him. If His Majesty wants to demote people, you can't stop them. Others have their own way. We have our own path, and we don’t want to talk about other people’s shortcomings behind our backs.”
Wang Xian was a little embarrassed, "Forgive me, Mr. Chong Sui. I've relaxed a little today, so I can't keep my mouth shut."
"It doesn't matter." Jin Gui didn't care at all. "It is said that the situation in Qingtun has become difficult to solve today. I would like to suggest to Your Majesty that Guangdong and Fujian are far away from the Central Plains. Why do we need brothers Feng and Guo?"
This is serious business.
The north is indeed the focus. On the other hand, Fujian and Guangdong are too far away from the capital, so the emperor doesn't care what happens.
Moreover, the emperor likes military affairs, but Fujian is an indisputable place for military strategists, so even though they are both governors, they are actually different.
Especially Guo Shangkun, who is still in Guangdong, "We are all His Majesty's confidants and fully understand His Majesty's intentions. If I were in Shanxi, we would have done it with those people!"
Fengxi teased him, "Wang Jing, the governor of Shanxi, is also a capable minister."
"A capable minister may not be effective. If others don't know, how can we not know? Your Majesty, these things must be fought with life. Did this capable minister risk his life?"
Jing Yang in the corner was greatly shocked. He had never known that these people talked like this before. Only after seeing them did he understand what it means to be a close minister of the emperor.
These people knew that they were deeply trusted by the emperor and were proud of it. They always had the attitude of "the emperor and I are considering a problem together" and spoke very forcefully.
But it's not simple and reckless.
What Wang Xian said just now seems to be wrong, but where is it actually wrong? A person who has served the emperor, who has been right in front of the king, will come to Jin's house and say something wrong?
How is it possible?
What does "I'm a little more relaxed today" mean? It's one of my own. After saying this, even he couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness in his heart. Madam said that these are all talented people, and it is true.
"After the Great Court Meeting, someone was transferred," Jin Gui pondered. "Looking at the current situation, His Majesty must have wanted to ask you two to go north. But it is easy to go up, but difficult to come down. This is not easy to do."
After a while, a servant from the mansion came closer with his head lowered, ready to say something in his ear.
Jin Gui dodged, "We are all our own people, so be louder."
"Yes! Master Qi, there is news about Shanxi. Shanxi Commander Tian Ze has rebelled."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked, "What?!"
Guo Shangkun wanted to slap himself, "Did I say something wrong about Wang Jing, saying that he no longer has this ability? Isn't the commander-in-chief one of his?"
Fengxi immediately thought of the palace and was a little worried, "Your Majesty will probably have another sleepless night."
In addition to the two of them, even the younger Xie Pi and Jing Yang were a little uneasy. It was so unlucky for such a thing to happen in such a busy place.
Only Jin Gui asked calmly: "Is it gone? It shouldn't be, right?"
"My master has some clever plans. The chaos has been settled, and it only takes two days."
"Uncle Wang is safe."
"Exactly."
"Go down."
Jin Gui glanced at the panicked and shocked eyes of everyone, and seemed to be at a loss. He curled his lips and said: "We are not the only ones growing, His Majesty is also growing. Mingzhi (characterized by Guo Shangkun) mentioned Hongzhi Twelve years... His Majesty is no longer the prince who had no generals or soldiers during the Hongzhi period."
Guo Shangkun patted his chest, "It was a false alarm. I thought it was a big deal. Now I just need to write a congratulatory form."
Everyone laughed, one general was incompetent and the three armies were exhausted. If it were the other way around, it would just be a matter of writing a congratulatory form.
