The first snow in Jiajing’s fifth year came much earlier than in Jiajing’s fourth year.
At this time last year, Tang Shu and others could still bet that the canal would not freeze so early and take a boat north to take the exam in the winter months.
But it has just entered the twelfth lunar month, and snow has begun to fall in the capital.
In the Wuying Hall, the banquet for Wu Jinshi and the top ten generals has ended, and now the military affairs meeting continues to discuss the military situation in Shuozhou and the defense of the border town.
The people in the palace didn't know that it was snowing outside. It was Huang Jin who came in and said with a happy face: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! It's snowing. It must be cold in Shanxi, so the Tatars have to retreat. !”
Zhu Houcong stood up and asked, "Seriously!"
"Absolutely true!"
"Open the palace door!"
The door of Wuying Hall was opened, and a gust of cold wind poured in. Everyone saw the snowflakes slowly falling to the ground.
"God bless the Ming Dynasty!" Yang Yiqing was well aware of the impact of weather changes on the battle situation. The snow fell so early this winter, and the Tatar cavalry had to worry a lot more.
These days, Shuozhou's military situation affects Zhu Houcong's heart every day.
There are not only foreign enemies there, but also internal worries.
Although Wang Xian went to the governor's office as Minister of War, he was no better than Yang Yiqing. One had long been in charge of the three frontiers and had great prestige in the frontiers; Wang Xian had only been the governor of Datong for a short time.
Zhu Houcong had not yet expected the report of retreating the enemy, but the weather turned cold and it started to snow.
He was only happy for a moment, and then he slowly sat down with some sadness: "Beijing is surrounded by bandits, and the emperor and his ministers have to rely on the weather to ease their worries."
This sentence caused some silence in the hall, Huang Jin was a little at a loss, and Yang Yiqing was also slightly embarrassed because he blurted out "God bless the Ming Dynasty".
After looking at each other with Wang Shouren, Yang Yiqing saluted and said: "Your Majesty has inherited the great power, and the weather will protect you; Shuozhou has the advantage of facing the enemy; now that the martial arts competition and the general competition have been completed, we are more harmonious. The Tatars are destined to be here. Those who can be repulsed, now I will assist your Majesty in planning carefully. In time, the Northern Captives will no longer be in trouble. After the Jisi Incident, the border defense has been suffering for nearly a hundred years, so there is no need for your Majesty to worry too much."
Zhu Houcong nodded: "I am just speaking from my feelings. I am aware of the difficulty of the border town. Wang Xian is announcing the university, let's wait until the military intelligence report arrives. Close the palace door and continue to discuss this round of provinces. Let’s reorganize the army and appoint these generals.”
There were a total of 108 people on the main and deputy lists of the martial arts examination. There were nearly 100 hardcore warriors who came to Beijing to participate in the competition. They were all people who had come into the emperor's sight, and they were divided into two echelons: those with experience in military command and those without.
Now, the martial arts champion Yu Dayou is being discussed, because the "Ming Pao" on December 1st published the final results of the martial arts examination.
This is the first fierce general in the Ming Dynasty to have the title of serious martial arts champion, and the news of the Tatar bandits has also spread in the capital.
"In my opinion, it was the exercises in the Beijing camp and the military champion selected by the imperial court that made the Tatars think that we were preparing to fight them."
"It's nonsense! It's so shameless! Without these things in the past few years, wouldn't the Tatars have a border? The opening of military examinations and military training in the capital are all His Majesty's orders. You don't have to beat around the bush, you might as well speak clearly."
"...I just pity the people of Shanxi."
Yu Dayou was braving the snow and heading to Wang Shenzhong's house.
After he became the top scholar in martial arts in high school, he did not return to his hometown like some people. These days, there have been many invitations to the families of Duke Jingguo, Marquis of Xianning, Uncle Xiangcheng and other distinguished ministers. Yu Dayou suddenly stood at the center of the stage, unable to shirk away.
Nowadays, there are many doubts in his mind, and Wang Shenzhong often meets the emperor in the imperial study. Today, he even made an appointment with Lin Xiyuan, Gong Yongqing and other fellow villagers. Yu Dayou wanted to ask for advice.
Yu Dayou still didn't fully understand what the emperor said to him in the Yangxin Palace after the banquet given by Wuying Palace that day.
Halfway through the journey, I heard someone arguing like this in a street tea shop.
Many people know his name, but few people know him.
Yu Dayou had not yet been officially appointed, so he only brought his "personal bodyguard" Bao Zhengchuan with him.
During this period, as Yu Dayou came in and out of the Duke's mansion, Bao Zhengchuan's chest became higher and higher as he walked.
He was following the promising Wu champion, how could he not be proud?
"General, don't pay attention to those idiots." Bao Zhengchuan glanced disdainfully at some of the people who said something like, "The scholar, the number one scholar, and the number one scholar will retreat if he wants to." They are all idle men with little knowledge. I don’t know, I didn’t see what the newspaper said about the rounds of martial arts tests?
Yu Dayou naturally ignored these, but he did feel the emperor's unusual expectations for him these days, so he felt a little guilty.
I was thinking about something, and then I heard the rapid sound of horse hooves and the shouts of joy coming from the distance.
This was within the capital, and the sound of horses galloping arrogantly made Yu Dayou subconsciously think of something, and he looked over with awe.
It must be a military intelligence report! And it should be Lubu Feijie!
The sound of horseshoes came faster than the sound of people. When Yu Dayou looked over, he saw several people on the other side holding down the horseshoes, holding up some cloth in the middle of the street.
"Great victory in Shanxi! Encircling the bandits in Datong Town, beheading one hundred and thirty-seven levels, killing more than a thousand enemies, the Ming Dynasty is victorious!"
"good!"
People who deliver good news have always been like this. They should be in high spirits and stop for a moment at every place they pass by to announce it loudly.
What is boasted about is not only the successful military exploits, but also the strategic planning of the emperor and the princes in the court.
Yu Dayou looked at them passing by, but his expression became more solemn.
There was no mention of annihilating all the enemy forces, so naturally the encirclement could not be considered a complete success. It is indeed difficult to really encircle and annihilate the Mongolian cavalry in the wild.
Being able to reach one hundred and thirty-seven levels in beheading is indeed a great victory.
For the Ming Dynasty, it was a great victory, but for the Tatars, it would be a great humiliation.
Since the First World War in Yingzhou, have the Tatars ever suffered a loss again?
What's more, today's captive chieftains are no longer the Dayan Khans they once were. For them, this is their first defeat against the Ming Dynasty.
On the grassland, the captive chieftain who lost to the Ming Dynasty... must regain his position for the sake of prestige.
The good news reached the palace, and the good news arrived as promised. This time, Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren looked solemn.
What Yu Dayou could think of, how could they not think of it?
"Your Majesty, Shuozhou is a great victory. It's not a big deal to reward the officers and soldiers. I'm afraid there will be a big war next year!" Wang Shouren said solemnly, "I'm young, energetic and ambitious, and the Great Khan of the Northern Yuan Dynasty has many concerns about him. The Tumote Department We must save face.”
At this time, Zhu Houcong smiled instead: "Although I boasted a little when I exposed the cloth, it was a great victory after all. A great victory is a good thing. As you are concerned, I know that Datong Town should not be touched lightly. Secondly, it is not a small burden to prepare money and food. The troubles of the Northern Territories cannot be avoided. In this case, it is better to prepare for the war with victory and then strike again. After this strike, I will make the Northern Territory of the Ming Dynasty stable for at least ten years. !”
"...Ten years of stability?"
Yang Yiqing's head hurts, so what kind of victory can he achieve? How big of a war would that be?
"Money and food must be prepared first, and more importantly, strategy." Zhu Houcong pondered for a moment, and then made up his mind and raised his head: "I have a bold idea, please discuss it with me!"
…
After finishing the exercise, Tang Shunzhi felt a little more relaxed.
The enemy soldiers in Shuozhou retreated, and the work of the Ministry of War became much easier.
Like a year ago, this time he is really starting to prepare for the exam - the exam in February next year.
Now, the first level is to enter the volume.
According to requirements, the registration must be completed before the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month this year.
By the end of the twelfth lunar month, people who can enter Beijing to take part in the examination will be notified. After the policy test on February 16th, those who pass the test will take part in the imperial examination.
Tang Shunzhi's strategies had naturally been prepared a long time ago, but after participating in the exercise and knowing the situation on the border in Shuozhou and the current results of the war, he felt that it was necessary to replace one of them.
With the convenience of being in the Department of War, Tang Shunzhi was able to understand many of the situation and border defense arrangements in Beiyuan.
But it's clearly not enough.
So he thought of Lu Bing. After becoming a martial artist, he also went to Miyun.
Tang Shunzhi noticed that when Lu Bing participated in the discussion about the Shuozhou war situation, he said some things about the situation in the Northern Yuan Dynasty that he did not know.
So he invited Lu Bing after his duty and asked directly during the dinner: "What is your identity? General Staff Yang and Da Sima have known about you for a long time."
Today is different from the past. Lu Bing already has a background as a martial arts scholar, and he is seventeenth on the official list and thirteenth on the imperial examination.
So he grinned and said, "Your Majesty and I grew up together, and Jia Ci was your Majesty's wet nurse."
Tang Shunzhi couldn't help but be stunned.
They guessed that Lu Bing's origin was extraordinary, but he didn't expect that his origin was so extraordinary.
"...His Majesty kept you alive for six years?"
Lu Bing sighed: "Yes, I will finally turn eighteen next year."
Tang Shunzhi was stunned again, and then realized how young Lu Bing was. To be able to rank thirteenth in that difficult martial arts examination, even if some people knew his identity, he still had to have real ability.
Recalling that when he first talked to me, he could directly become the apprentice of the Five Mountains of the Military Academy, you can imagine what kind of "cultivation" he has experienced over the years.
"You and I got to know each other so quickly." Tang Shunzhi looked at him deeply.
Lu Bing continued to grin: "Which of us is following whom? If you come to me and say what you want to say, just say it."
Tang Shunzhi hesitated for a moment, and then asked: "When we were in Miyun, you said that Bodi Khan in the Beiyuan Khan Court had done protons in the Tumote Department. How did you know?"
Lu Bing's later success was not entirely due to Jiajing's trustworthiness.
Now he asked: "Are you guessing the questions in the computer science subject? Do you want to cheat?"
"..." Tang Shunzhi replied angrily, "This is also a plan for the country! To relieve your worries! I want to change a policy essay just to get into the exam. Can it be called cheating?"
"Hey, I'm kidding you." Lu Bing looked at him for a while, and then said, "Don't guess too much. I'm afraid you don't know. After you enter the Imperial College, there will be brothers in the Wei who will pay attention to you. You are here You're hanging around Huangming University. I was ordered by my father to 'feel like old friends at first sight' with you. However, I didn't expect Brother Tang to be so talented, so I'm convinced..."
The smartest person like Tang Shunzhi, when he heard this and saw his emotional expression, how could he not know that he was also serving His Majesty?
As soon as he entered the Imperial Academy, there were guards staring at him... Tang Shunzhi suddenly felt a chill running down his spine.
Why?
Hearing Lu Bing's hint, his heart couldn't help but beat violently: "What do you mean... I don't have to guess?"
Lu Bing sighed distressedly: "Commander Luo, Commander Wang, He Qianshi, Yan Qianshi, Factory Supervisor Zhang, Military Academy... I have too many husbands. You must know very well that Your Majesty hopes that I will be able to do this in the future. You are in charge of the royal guards. You are also the person His Majesty likes. Anyway, you have real materials. If you cheat, just cheat. If you want to know, I can go and ask for the order, and then ask the Zhang Factory Supervisor to find out."
Tang Shunzhi: "..."
Isn't this bad?
Now the situation is clear.
As His Majesty's brother-in-law, and as someone whom His Majesty expects to be able to take charge of the Imperial Guards and play a big role in the future, his teachers in the past six years have been some of the strongest. He knew the situation in Beiyuan better than others because his father and Zhang Bor, the governor's internal and external inspector, were both former ministers and brothers of Qiandi.
But some information should be secret, and you shouldn't ask about it, right?
How could he be so sure that after asking His Majesty for an order, His Majesty would approve it?
"...I just thought that Brother Lu had read some books and knew some secrets. I just wanted to ask you for advice."
"That's fine, you ask and I'll answer." Lu Bing grinned again, "When you enter the State Palace in the future, just don't bother me with some things. I'm not afraid to tell you today. Anyway, I will keep an eye on you in the future. .”
"..."
Tang Shunzhi felt that the friendship had deteriorated.
Yes, he will serve in Jinyiwei in the future. As the emperor's eyes and ears, one of the hundreds of officials will naturally be on his radar.
Not knowing how to speak for a moment, he asked again: "Is it true that the Jin Yiwei paid attention to me as soon as I came to Beijing? You were ordered by your Majesty..."
"It's not harmful to you!" Lu Bing said plausibly, "Your Majesty, a divine man, came to this world. If I had known you were an extraordinary talent, don't brag about it everywhere. If you think about the subject, you still have to rely on your ability! What relationship do I have with your Majesty? I have been suffering for six years. Do you know how I have spent these six years?"
Tang Shunzhi felt complicated.
Anyway, after getting to know you, I often see you drinking tea by the Shicha Lake, looking very leisurely.
Tang Shunzhi's mood became even more complicated when he thought that he might be "idle" because he knew that he had left the Imperial College and was going there.
Suddenly, I felt that there was a pair of eyes behind me, looking at me meaningfully.
It's His Majesty's eyes.
After winning the top prize, Tang Shunzhi felt a little guilty for the first time.
What kind of talent am I really?
…
In the house rented by Wang Shenzhong in the capital, several fellow villagers gathered together.
"Zhifu, I didn't expect that you have been studying the art of war and enjoying martial arts for the past few years, and you ended up here." Gong Yongqing looked at Yu Dayou with complicated eyes, "I haven't congratulated you for being the top martial arts champion in high school."
It was not the first time to make an appointment with him, so everyone knew that Yu Dayou had been visiting these days at the invitation of many princes, chief ministers Yang, and Wang Shangshu.
Soaring to success.
According to the previously announced salary, the Wu Jinshi will study and train at the Military Academy of Huangming University for three years as Beijing camp generals, and then they can be awarded positions ranging from the fifth rank to the fourth rank.
As a martial arts champion, there is no doubt that he started at the fourth level.
What's more, there are so many honorable ministers and important officials in the court who want to interact with each other?
"It was an accident, it was a fluke." Yu Dayou modestly looked at Lin Xiyuan and Wang Shenzhong, "Daosi, after the banquet given by Wuying Palace, His Majesty called me to Yangxin Palace for questioning, and you were there at that time. In my heart I have a lot of doubts, and I wanted to ask you for advice today."
The envy in Gong Yongqing's eyes could not be concealed.
There was also a separate summons, and the emperor made an exception and held the martial arts examination. It was obvious how much he valued the martial arts champion.
And what about him? He is only conferred the title of Seventh Rank Secretary of the Ministry of Etiquette - this year he will make an exception and will no longer be conferred directly to the Hanlin Academy. Except for a few people, the rest of those who participated in the palace examination were awarded the title of Duoli Shijing, starting from the seventh rank.
As for the selection of the Prince Consort, which has been rumored for a long time, there has been no news!
After hearing Yu Dayou's words, Wang Shenzhong was silent for a moment, and then spoke: "Your Majesty asked you about your plans, and you said you still want to take the exam. Although Your Majesty encouraged you a lot, in my opinion, you should directly be commissioned and enlisted in the army. It’s good.”
"...You all know that what I have learned most is the art of war. I have prepared the strategies to be included in the papers for more than half a year. Now, all the recommenders have been invited."
Wang Shenzhong said solemnly: "You have to think clearly. Only those below the sixth rank are allowed to participate in this system subject. If you want to take the system subject, you have to make an exception now and be awarded the military rank, and you can only be awarded the military rank of the sixth rank. I know you If you want to get a chance to be awarded the title of uncle, but only one person can be awarded the title of uncle in each of the civil and military subjects, you will naturally have to take the Jingguo military strategy subject. Let me tell you, Tang Shunzhi of Changshu wanted to take this subject. He is now in charge of the Ministry of War Chief Fang is actually a disciple of General Staff Yang and Wang Shangshu in the art of war and strategy!"
Yu Dayou was stunned at first, and then became a little angry.
What happened to Wen Zhuangyuan? Does the Wen Zhuangyuan definitely have a better chance of passing the examination for the head of the martial arts department of Jingguo than himself?
"What? Tang Yingde is going to take the Jingguo Martial Arts Examination?" Gong Yongqing asked, and then regretted it for a while.
If I had known this, I would not have given up and would have tried Dingguoanci.
"...I have also seen this Chief Tang in Miyun." Yu Dayou understood Gong Yongqing's reaction and couldn't help but ask, "Is he... also very accomplished in the art of war and strategy?"
"The end of the roll is approaching, so I told you, this is the first one. I am in the imperial study room, and I know that His Majesty has a favor for you, and hopes that you will make achievements as soon as possible. This is the second one. Beilu once again A large-scale attack on the border. Now that the king's army has won, the Tatars will not give in. There will probably be a big war in the next few years. The achievements are promising. This is the third one. Tang Yingde..."
Wang Shenzhong paused for a moment, then glanced at Gong Yongqing: "We are in the same class as him. This person's knowledge and talent can only be said to be..."
Gong Yongqing sighed after hearing this: "Since Yu is born, how can Liang be born..."
Lin Xiyuan was speechless: Why are you still using sentences from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" that is being serialized in "Ming Pao"? This sentence was added by His Majesty during the review, but it seems that you, Gong Yongqing and Tang Shunzhi, can't call Shi Yuliang, right?
Yu Dayou looked at their reactions and frowned: Is this Tang Shunzhi really that strong?
Wang Shenzhong gave him a critical blow: "Even with martial arts, I'm afraid you won't be able to defeat him."
Yu Dayou really opened his mouth now: Is that Tang Shunzhi wearing the green robe of a civil servant in Miyun House?
Wang Shenzhong continued to hit hard: "He is one of the Five Mountains in the Military Academy who was worshiped by Lu Bing as his teacher. He has only practiced for more than a year. Lu Bing is no longer able to defeat him. He also got the top score in the exam. If he is allowed to practice again, In a year or two, he will definitely become the number one scholar in martial arts easily."
Gong Yongqing lowered his head in shame: I was just sighing because I was originally the top seed player.
But he is a double champion level monster.
Literary talent, practical work, miscellaneous knowledge, martial arts, art of war, connections... Gong Yongqing felt like crying.
Otherwise, why do you think that everyone thinks that he will pass the national security and civil science examination, and most of the other people in the same subject have given up the idea?
"...Lu Bing?" Yu Dayou's focus was on Lu Bing.
Of course he knew that Lu Bing, although he was a defeated general and was only thirteen, but if he could defeat Lu Bing after only practicing martial arts for more than a year... Is there really such a despairingly gifted and versatile person in the world?
During the martial arts test, I felt that Lu Bing seemed to know a lot of information and should have some background.
But he didn't expect that Lu Bing and Tang Shunzhi were still good friends...
Wang Shenzhong looked at them and then at Lin Xiyuan: "Maozhen, do you think... we can talk about this matter? Your Majesty did not avoid us when he saw him."
"...He has already won the Martial Arts Award, so it should be fine, right? We will all know soon."
Gong Yongqing looked at them blankly.
Wang Shenzhong nodded and said solemnly: "No matter where you are an official in the future, you must not create any quarrel with Lu Bing. We only found out a few days ago that the Queen Mother heard that Lu Bing had won the title of Wu Jinshi and summoned him to the palace. Your Majesty first chatted with him. , we found out that he was the son of Lu Qianshi, the commander of the Royal Guards, and his majesty’s brother-in-law. They grew up together. This man will definitely be the commander of the Royal Guards in the future, and there is a major event now, which I am afraid will be revealed in the near future. "
"...What's the big deal?"
"Why did you summon Lu Bing when you were the Queen Mother?"
Gong Yongqing's pupils shrank when he heard this.
An old man from Qiandi, a high school martial arts scholar at the age of seventeen, His Majesty's breast brother...
His eyes were slightly dark: Is this last hope gone?
Yu Dayou was already paralyzed: Tang Shunzhi had already dealt a critical blow to him, but the background of Lu Bing turned out to be so scary.
With this identity and the background of Wu Jinshi, maybe he will soon appear in front of the government and the public as a prince-level consort and commander of the Jinyi Guards.
The official promotion may not be that fast, but that position will be his sooner or later.
Bao Zhengchuan, Yu Dayou's "personal bodyguard", trembled.
Since they were companions, Yu Dayou cultivated trust and tacit understanding between the two of them by not avoiding him.
Now Bao Zhengchuan started to tremble when he spoke: "General... during the martial arts test... although he lost... I... beat him hard... twice..."
"...That's the palace trial and martial arts trial. What are you afraid of?"
Can Bao Zhengchuan not be afraid? Who knows if Lu Bingji doesn't hold a grudge? Although he defeated himself in that match, he received two punches and did not fight in the next match. His bodyguards lost.
After Yu Dayou finished speaking, he was silent for a moment, and then saluted Wang Shenzhong and the others: "Maozhen, Daosi, Mingzhi, you are familiar with Tang Yingde. I wonder if you can make an invitation for me. I would like to have a discussion with him."
"...You are the top scholar in martial arts. Wouldn't it be great if you sent me a message to pay me a visit?"
Yu Dayou was stunned for a moment, and then laughed: "Yes."
It turned out that I was a little timid at that moment, so I subconsciously felt that having friends present would make me more courageous.
But since you want to be a general, how can you be timid?
No matter how great a person Tang Yingde was, he still had to pay a visit and have a discussion before he could make a decision.
If it is true that the position of earl cannot be obtained directly to comfort his late father, then he should go into battle early to kill the enemy and gain it through merit.
Lin Xiyuan's eyes lit up: "Bingxu's top civil and military champions are competing against each other on martial arts and strategy? Good news!"
Are the civil and military champions fighting? Then the newspaper must not be sold out?
(End of chapter)
