Beijing, in a small single-story building in the backyard of Tongchun Building in Xila Hutong.
Wei Zhice poured a cup of herbal tea and brought it to Zhang Cheng to take it and drink it. He suppressed the feeling of alcohol rising in his chest and said, "It's just that each of us takes what he needs. He treats me as an outside aid, and I treat him as an inside." aid,
As for what will happen next, who can say clearly?
Perhaps among them there are also confidants of the general, and they can become my capable generals in the future. However, I still need to continue to observe and see their performance. I will definitely reward those who serve the general loyally! "
After Zhang Cheng finished speaking, he turned back to Wei Zhice and said: "Zhice, we want to build a powerful army to suppress the bandits internally and defend the powerful captives externally. It is absolutely impossible to do it alone. We need strong support in both the palace and the court.
In the past two days, in addition to Mr. Yang Ge, you have also prepared a generous gift for Xue Shoufu's house in the middle of the court. The recommendation you just discussed during the banquet will probably be settled on Xue Shoufu's side, and you will also send a gift to Governor Chen's house. Share it,
In addition, when I was visiting the king last time, I met Wang Dehua and Wang Chengen several times in the palace. You can prepare gifts for me and send them to me. They don't need to be too expensive, but they must be more elegant.
Alas, when I came to Beijing this time, I became a money-splitting boy! "
Zhang Cheng knew that the money was destined not to be lost in vain, but now that he was still in his early stages, it was indeed a bit unbearable to give it away like this. He thought to himself that he still had to find a way to make money.
Wei Zhice listened carefully to Zhang Cheng's instructions. Although the gift was not his own money, doing these things for Zhang Cheng was a serious crime of colluding with ministers and court officials.
But he knew in his heart that even if he had surrendered to Zhang Cheng, he could not only consider his personal safety. In the Ming Dynasty, which foreign official and military general would not fawn over these eunuchs and ministers in the court. As the saying goes, it is better if there are people in the court. Be an official!
Wei Zhice agreed and said, "Yes, Zhice will remember the general's instructions and will get things done in the next few days."
"Oh, by the way, General, I have to go to the Ministry of War before noon tomorrow to pick up personal belongings and official uniforms. Also, someone from the Wu Mansion just sent word that Miss Ji's family will go to the house tomorrow to teach Miss Wu's needlepoint skills. ,
Mrs. Wu said she would like the general to come over tomorrow afternoon to pay her a visit! "
"Well, what is supposed to come has finally come. Let's go meet this future wife tomorrow!"
Zhang Cheng felt a little drunk, so he went into the back room to rest. Wei Zhice didn't drink much, so he left to buy the gifts.
…………
At the same time, Xuanfu Town and Yongning City.
Zhang Guowei, the deputy commander-in-chief of the branch who was stationed in Yongning, was also receiving a guest. There were only two of them in the room, and even the waiters were sent out, as if they were having a secret conversation.
"Zhang Cheng, a narrow-minded and diligent king, prided himself on his power and was extremely arrogant and domineering. Although he had only been in office for a short period of time, there were already complaints on Shangbei Road. His subordinates only offered a few bitter words of advice before being ruthlessly suppressed by him.
Now, he is even more blatantly seizing the land of the Kaiping Guards, enslaving military households, and privately occupying warehouses. If the officials of the Guards are dissatisfied, he will fabricate accusations, lynch and arrest them indiscriminately.
What's more, under the pretext of recruiting and training troops, Zhang Cheng eliminated the garrison troops, deducted military pay, and enriched his own pockets. He actually turned his attention to the servants of Kaiping Guard officers and generals, and wanted to take over our subordinates and own them for himself. ,
If Zhang Cheng acted like this and allowed him to fully dominate the North Road, it would be detrimental to the country and the lord. It was for the sake of the dynasty and the lord that he had the courage to come to Yongning and tell the truth to the lord.
I hope you will make the decision for your subordinates and for me, the general who suffered the martyrdom on Shangbei Road! "
Zhang Guowei's face was as calm as water. He took a sip of tea slowly and did not express his position in a hurry. Instead, he used the corner of his eyes to squint at Xue Liangqing, the commander of the Kaiping Guards beside him.
Deputy Commander-in-Chief Zhang Guowei has been in Yongning for a long time. He has been in close contact with the guards of Kaiping, Longmen, Yanqing, Huailai and Security on Xuanfu East Road and North Road all year round.
And this Xue Liangqing is the group of people who pay more tribute every year, so he is closer to Zhang Guowei. Even so, Zhang Guowei will not take risks for Xue Liangqing.
Regarding this point, Xue Liangqing actually knew very well that the purpose of his coming here was not to ask Zhang Guowei to give him much help at this time.
He is here to deal with the aftermath. If everything goes well, if such a big thing happens, Xue Liangqing and Wu Youlu will not be able to deal with the aftermath. There must be someone more capable than them to promote the aftermath.
In his opinion, although Zhang Cheng was respected by the emperor, cabinet minister Yang Sichang, governor Chen Xinjia, etc., and was also loved by Fu minister Liu Yongzhao and commander-in-chief Yang Guozhu, so what!
What if Zhang Cheng died inexplicably?
When the time comes, if a few more bandits are introduced to bear the charge, Zhang Cheng will cut off the banditry as soon as he arrives at the North Road. Isn't this just asking for death?
Seeing that Zhang Guowei did not spit for a long time, Xue Liangqing sighed in his heart. He knew that it would not be possible without heavy bleeding. He endured the heartache and leaned forward again, saying:
"Sir, Liangqing has always followed your guidance, and relied on your support along the way, so that he can reach the official position today. He has already regarded you as his parents. If you don't give up, I am willing to follow you until my death.
Liangqing also bought hundreds of acres of fertile land in Baoan Prefecture. He always wanted to honor you, your lord. If you don’t give up, he will bring the land certificates of Baoan Prefecture when he comes back to express his gratitude for your support and care. ! "
Zhang Guowei's eyelids rolled up slightly. It was only then that he raised his eyes to look at Xue Liangqing. After a while, he said softly: "Liangqing, you and I are both the emperor's ministers, guarding the border areas of Xuan Town for the emperor." , you should devote yourself to national affairs,
You have always been capable and calm. I know this. I have mentioned your name to Liu Fuchen many times. Liu Fuchen also praised you very much. You must do your best in the future and don't be cold. It hurts my face. "
Xue Liangqing listened quietly, but Zhang Guowei didn't mention a word about Zhang Cheng, but it made him feel a little impatient. He was about to increase the pressure again, but he heard Zhang Guowei say again:
"As for General Zhang, he is the general who was appointed to guard the North Road today. He has won the trust of the governor, Fuchen and Yang Shuai. But after all, he is young and young, and the new officer is eager to serve today. The grace of knowing and encountering me,
You do things too quickly and are eager for success, but you are still loyal to the emperor and the court. You are also an old man on Shangbei Road, so you should act like an old man, and you should also care for Zhang Cheng, the new general. Of. "
Zhang Guowei's words made Xue Liangqing confused and confused as to what he meant. Just as he was about to ask further questions, he heard him continue:
"Alas, things are unpredictable. Liangqing, you must remind Zhang Cheng that although the bandits have been eliminated, we must guard against the remaining bandits seeking revenge. You should also pay more attention to personal safety."