In just a few days, the work report from the Ministry of Personnel was almost done. There was also news from Emperor Jiayou, who not only raised Wang Zhong's rank up one level, but also promoted Wang Zhong from a court official to a full fifth rank. The middle minister also ordered Wang Zhong to appoint the Quanzhou Shipping Department to be responsible for the preparation of the Fuzhou Shipping Department. The commander-in-chief was of a suitable size. He also gave Wang Zhong the title of deputy commander of the Xinghua Army.
The key is not the title of deputy capital commander, but the power of deputy capital commander. This gives Wang Zhong the right to be upright and recruit personal guards.
The salt business involved nearly one-third of the imperial court's wealth, and the implications were wide-ranging. The salt-drying method invented by Wang Zhong undoubtedly affected the jobs of salt merchants in Huaihe, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Those salt merchants had piles of gold and silver in their homes. Shanmahai was also deeply involved with officials in the DPRK, was powerful, and was a salt merchant. Which one was a good person? The reason why Emperor Jiayou made such an arrangement showed that he valued Wang Zhong.
For officials below the fifth rank, the Ministry of Civil Affairs can allocate them on their own, but for officials above the fifth rank, they must report to the Ming Emperor.
When Wang Zhong reported the method of drying salt to the court, his rank had already been mentioned from the fifth rank. Therefore, after this promotion, Emperor Jiayou even issued an imperial edict. Except for the reward, the rest of the tasks remained as before. .
In just five years, Wang Zhong rose from a low-level official of the sixth rank to a local official of the fifth rank. He also held great power and was deeply relied upon by Emperor Jiayou. In addition to the salt affairs in Quanzhou , and even asked Wang Zhong to mention Quanzhou Shipbuilding Department!
Even Chen Jun, the governor of the state, was promoted by half a rank. This was because Emperor Jiayou saw that Chen Jun cooperated well with Wang Zhong in Quanzhou, so he specifically let Chen Jun be re-elected. After only three years, Quanzhou was further stabilized and it was time for the assessment. , it is estimated that Chen Jun will return to Tokyo to become an official.
After Sheng Hong learned the news, he was stunned for a long time before he came back to his senses, but he still couldn't believe it. He spent nearly twenty years and held many positions, working hard and cautiously, and did not dare to slack off for a moment. , only then reached the fifth rank, but Wang Zhong had only been an official for five years, and when he was sent out for the first time, he was promoted several levels. Not only was his rank the same as him, but his actual power was far beyond him.
Moreover, the situation in Quanzhou is now very good. As long as the Shipping Department is established, it will be another great achievement.
When you work as an official, don’t you just want credit? As for Wang Zhong's opportunity, even Sheng Hong, Wang Zhong's future father-in-law, was jealous.
Although Sheng Hong knew that if someone else really sat in Wang Zhong's position, he might not be able to achieve such dazzling results as Wang Zhong.
But this world is unreasonable.
Soon, the memorial to impeach Wang Zhong flew to Emperor Jiayou's desk like snowflakes.
When a person is at the forefront of the storm, his various behaviors and past will be infinitely magnified. Those who are jealous and hot-tempered will not want to find faults.
Some originally trivial errors and omissions will be infinitely magnified, and even go beyond the outline and rise to a certain height.
For example, Wang Zhongnai was a local official. After completing his work report, he did not leave Tokyo immediately and return to Quanzhou, but instead stayed in Tokyo to make friends with officials. What was his purpose?
Another example is that Wang Zhong and Chen Jun, the magistrate of Quanzhou, transferred the soldiers of the Xinghua Army to work and were responsible for the construction of saltworks and docks. They were suspected of overstepping their bounds, and so on, for various reasons.
Seeing that the censors were furious, they also started to impeach Wang Zhong one after another. Fortunately, these were just some of the voices. There were many people in the court who spoke for Wang Zhong, and some who were upright and courageous. They said that this was a trivial matter, and the most important thing at the moment was , it is a matter of adopting a clan son and establishing him as his heir.
Emperor Jiayou seemed to intend to let Wang Zhong help draw out the firepower of the courtiers. He did not make a decision for a long time, and allowed the imperial censors to impeach Wang Zhong. He allowed those who helped Wang Zhong to explain, but all the memorials were reported. Pressed down, no decision was made, no punishment was given, not even a reprimand, and the incident was allowed to continue to ferment.
Sheng Hong was worried about Wang Zhong's affairs, but Wang Zhong himself still looked calm and calm, as if he didn't know that he was being impeached.
"Isn't Zihou not worried at all?" Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong and asked with worry and confusion.
Wang Chong said with a smile: "There is no need to worry. Today's officials are rare virtuous and sage kings. Moreover, in the past few years, Quanzhou's wealth has doubled every year, the treasury is full, and the people live a happy and prosperous life. This is an ironclad fact. , how can it be erased with a few words? Officials can naturally distinguish right from wrong."
"Three people become tigers, what people say is terrifying!" The worry on Sheng Hong's face has not diminished by half: "Besides, the officials have never expressed their stance, could it be..."
Wang Zhong smiled casually and said: "Uncle, you are worrying too much! I am just a small Quanzhou general magistrate, a fifth-grade official posted outside. Besides, I have a clear conscience, let alone some groundless impeachment. If you find mistakes and omissions by nit-picking, what if you take it seriously?"
Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong who was calm and smiling, and couldn't help but laugh: "It seems that I am unfounded."
"Uncle is devoted to serious consideration and deep feelings!" Wang Zhong bowed his hands and said in a sincere tone: "The memorial is a serious matter of arguing, so I have to trouble my uncle to run around a lot!"
Sheng Hong said doubtfully: "Zi Hou has a clear conscience, so why should he argue again? You must know that those who are clear will be clear themselves. If you argue blindly, I am afraid it will cause others to misunderstand."
Wang Zhongdao: "Uncle, do you know why the housekeeper suppressed this matter and didn't express his position for so long?"
"This..." In just a moment, Sheng Hong's mind was full of twists and turns. He thought about it a lot, but he still didn't have a definite answer. "Is it for the school entrance examination and to hone his talents?"
Wang Zhong shook his head: "It may be possible, but it is by no means the main thing."
"Oh?" Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong, his eyes full of questions.
Wang Zhongdao: "The dispute over the establishment of an heir is getting more and more intense at present. Not many people have expressed their opinions on which of the two to choose. However, a group of important officials in the court, headed by Han DaXiangong, are urging officials to adopt an heir. The voices of Cai DaXiangong are still alive." The contrast between the times has not weakened at all, but has become stronger. However, the official’s delay in making a decision must also be due to official considerations.”
Sheng Hong said tentatively: "Are you saying that the officials deliberately let this matter ferment so that the courtiers' attention would shift from the establishment of an heir to this matter?"
Wang Zhong said: "Maybe it is possible."
The emperor's heart is unpredictable, and who can say for sure what Emperor Jiayou was thinking.
Sheng Hong didn't know what to say, blame Emperor Jiayou? How could it be possible? No matter who was wrong, Emperor Jiayou couldn't be wrong. Under the influence of the Confucian monarch-father mentality of kings and ministers, fathers, fathers and sons, no one would come up with such an idea.
Do you blame those who are envious of the king's promotion and the bright future?
Wang Zhong took a sip of tea, then changed his tone and asked, "I heard that a nanny came to the house in the past few days to teach the younger sisters in the family some rules?"
Sheng Hong's heart trembled, and he raised the corners of his mouth slightly in a smile, and the two pear dimples on both sides of his cheeks also appeared: "That's Aunt Kong, an old acquaintance of the old lady in the palace. She worked in the palace's clothing bureau. When I was on duty, I taught many noble people. The old lady thought that her granddaughters were young and immature, so she specially invited them to her home! She taught them some etiquette such as illustrating and ordering tea, and tempered their temperament along the way."
Wang Zhong nodded and said: "It's good to learn some rules. Although these rules are not of use now, they will be useful in the future! The old lady thinks about the long term, which saves the uncle and the eldest lady."
Sheng Hong heard the flattery behind Wang Zhong's words, and the smile on his face became brighter: "To be honest, although these girls have only studied with Grandma Kong for a few days, they are indeed very well-behaved. "
Wang Zhongdao: "It's great for the sisters to have mama teach them the rules, but now that the exam is approaching, my uncle must be more careful about Zicheng and the others!"
"It's natural!" Sheng Hong couldn't help but nod, but as soon as he said the words, facing Wang Zhong's meaningful gaze, Sheng Hong suddenly felt a chill in his heart and realized: "Is there something in Zi Hou's words?"
Wang Zhongdao: "Zhong Huai knows that I won't be able to stay in Tokyo for too long. A few days ago, Zhong Huai invited me to go to Guangyuntai for a drink. I never expected that I would meet Brother Chang Feng in the building."
"Guangyuntai?" The smile on Sheng Hong's face stopped abruptly.
Wang Zhongdao: "Brother Changfeng has a bold temperament and does not stick to trivial matters. He drank very happily during the dinner. He said that Zhuang Xuexue praised him for writing excellent articles. He also said that he would definitely pass the high school in this scientific examination. In his words, he was full of confidence. , I must have studied hard with Zhuang Xuejun in the past few years, and got the true inheritance of Xue Xue!"
The more Sheng Hong listened, the uglier his face became, and he said angrily: "This traitor, at this time, still dares to go out and mess around!"
Wang Zhong said: "Perhaps because the exam is approaching, Brother Chang Feng feels pressured and goes out to relax and relax!"
"Zi Hou doesn't have to explain for him!" Sheng Hong still looked angry: "This traitor is so proud and complacent when he thinks he has some achievements, and he even talks about how he will win this time! Hmph!"
"Brother Chang Feng is a boy, unlike several sisters who are boudoir girls. Now the fight between the two kings in Tokyo is getting more and more intense. Under the seemingly calm surface, there is a turbulent undercurrent hidden deep inside. At this moment , the officials must be paying attention to the reactions of the courtiers all the time, the Imperial City Secretary is not a free man, uncle must be more careful."
Wang Zhong's words made Sheng Hong's heart tremble. Just as Wang Zhong said, Chang Feng is the son of the Sheng family. Unlike Minglan and the others, who live in the backyard most of the time, if they have any business trip, Wrong, what will be the consequences if someone catches the painful foot, or if it reaches the ears of Emperor Jiayou?
Just thinking about it made Sheng Hong shudder.
It was almost noon, and Minglan and the others' classes were almost over. Wang Zhong came to the kitchen of Shou'an Hall and cooked himself, preparing several home-cooked dishes for Mrs. Sheng and Minglan.
The dishes are almost ready and Minglan is back.
"Brother Zihou?" Knowing that Wang Zhong was cooking in the small kitchen, Minglan hurried over to help, secretly cooking along the way.
This girl Minglan is really smart. She can learn everything quickly except writing and needlework, but she is a bit lazy. Only in cooking, she has worked hard and had Wang Zhong's personal guidance. The cook in the kitchen is not as good as her, but in some of her favorite dishes, her skills are much better than those of the cook.
"Sixth sister is back!" Wang Zhong held a pot and spoon, wore an apron, and greeted Minglan with a smile.
"It smells so good!" Minglan straightened her nose, sniffed a few times, looked at Wang Zhong and said, "Brother Zihou, why do I think your craftsmanship has improved again?"
"That's because you haven't eaten my food for a long time!" Wang Zhong smiled and stretched out his finger to lightly flick Minglan's forehead. Minglan's skin was so delicate. With just a flick, A red mark appeared.
"Hiss! It hurts so much!" Minglan immediately grimaced in pain, took a breath, then rubbed her forehead and shouted softly, and stamped her feet, with a hint of coquettishness in her tone.
"Brother Zihou!"
"Hahaha!"
Minglan's reaction made Wang Zhong burst into laughter: "Okay, okay! You go out and wash up first, the food will be ready soon!"
Speaking of dishes, smelling the aroma that filled the small kitchen, Minglan's smile instantly returned to her face, as if she was resurrected with blood: "Brother Zihou, hurry up!"
Not long after, the three of them sat around the dining table. There were only five dishes, one soup, and six dishes on the table. It was already the twelfth lunar month, and it was freezing outside. If there were too many dishes, the dishes at the back were not ready yet, and the dishes at the front were not ready yet. It's already cold when it's done, so there aren't many dishes.
"I heard that Aunt Kong has very strict rules. Sister Six must eat more so that she has the strength to go to Aunt Kong's class!" As he said this, Wang Zhong used serving chopsticks to pick up two pieces of chicken for Minglan.
"Thank you, brother Zihou!" Minglan was very polite.
Seeing this scene, Mrs. Sheng couldn't help but raise the corner of her mouth.
"By the way, Sixth Sister needs to be careful these days. I just sued Brother Changfeng in front of my uncle. I'm afraid that Fourth Sister will blame this matter on Sixth Sister! It will cause trouble for Sixth Sister."
"Ah?" Minglan was stunned, and the expression on her face froze. It was obvious that this incident caught her off guard.
Wang Zhong said truthfully: "Spring is coming soon. Brother Changfeng was not at home studying hard, but he was drinking and having fun with others outside. I caught him. The imperial examination is a major event in life. Since I saw it, naturally I can't help brother Changfeng." hide."
Mrs. Sheng had already frowned, and Minglan was also a little surprised: "Why is the third brother so ignorant?"
Wang Zhongdao: "Brother Changfeng is not bad in talent. He won the exam at a young age, but his temper is a bit too proud. Maybe it is because he was young and lacked tempering, and his character is not as good as Zicheng. If he fails this time, what will happen to him?" I’m afraid the blow won’t be too small.”
Minglan was just a little regretful after hearing this, but Mrs. Sheng took it seriously.
In the case of Mo Lan, even if she made a mistake, Old Mrs. Sheng would not care. After all, Mo Lan is a woman and has Wang, the head of the family, to take care of her. But Chang Feng is different.
After the meal, Wang Zhong left, and Mrs. Sheng asked someone to call Sheng Hong over.
"What's going on with Chang Feng?" As soon as Sheng Hong entered the door and had just given Mrs. Sheng a gift, she was directly questioned by the old lady.
Sheng Hong's heart skipped a beat: "Does mother know about it too?"
"Hmph!" Old Mrs. Sheng snorted heavily: "The good son you raised, spring is coming soon. He is not at home studying hard, but he goes out to drink and have fun with those dandy boys, hang out in the Qin Tower and Chu Pavilion, and is still outside when he is drunk. Is it okay to say something so arrogant that this imperial examination will definitely lead to high school?"
Sheng Hong also looked angry: "My son has already scolded the rebellious son, but the imperial examination is about to take place, so it is not easy to beat him, so my son just kept him in Linqi Pavilion and was not allowed to go out."
Mrs. Sheng looked at Sheng Hong and said, "How old is Chang Feng? It's not surprising that he can't control himself at his age, but you parents should discipline him carefully."
Sheng Hong quickly admitted his mistake: "What my mother taught me was that my son was negligent!"
Old Mrs. Sheng was stunned by Sheng Hong's words. She raised her eyes and stared at Sheng Hong for a while before saying, "I don't care if you really don't understand or you are pretending to be confused here."
After saying that, Old Mrs. Sheng withdrew her gaze, picked up the bowl, took two sips of the sweet soup, wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and then said: "Don't blame my old lady for not reminding you of something! Chang Feng is a man, and Mo Lan Rulan and other girls are different, if Chang Feng makes a mistake outside, the entire Sheng family will be implicated."
"My son must be disciplined strictly in the future!" Sheng Hong bowed and bowed his hands. At least he was respectful. Even if Aunt Kong came, she couldn't fault him.
Listening to Sheng Hong's perfunctory words, Mrs. Sheng was a little discouraged, but when she thought of Minglan and Changbai, as well as Changdong, Hualan, and Rulan's grandchildren, she couldn't help but sigh quietly in her heart, He said: "Nowadays, the dispute over the throne has reached a very hot stage. At this time, we have to be more cautious and cautious. You have been in the official career for most of your life. Don't you still understand this?"
"Changbai has a steady and down-to-earth temperament, and he is a responsible person. I am not worried. Changdong is still young, but he has just learned a few words, so there is no need to worry. But Changfeng is different. He has already won the exam. Every word and every word he said outside represented our Sheng family.
Now that Zi Hou is on the cusp of the storm, if he is a little careless and Chang Feng says the wrong thing again and is caught in pain, do you still want to stay in Tokyo and be an official in peace? "
Sheng Hong's expression finally changed: "What mother taught me is that my son must remember that he will strictly teach Chang Feng in the future and will not allow him to go out and wander around again."
"You need to love your children deeply and teach them strictly. The Sheng family is small. In the future, the Sheng family will have to rely on Changbai, Changfeng and the other brothers to support it. Lin is Changfeng's biological mother. Although she loves Changfeng, Changfeng has become what she is today. This situation has nothing to do with her, but it is understandable for a mother to dote on her children, but Chang Feng can no longer live in Lin Qige in the future.
The Sheng family is a scholarly family, a serious family, not a small family with no rules. Changfeng had already moved out, but Mrs. Lin begged in front of you, and you gave in again and again. He moved back to Linqige. "
"That's all. I've talked too much and you don't want to hear it. I'm tired. You can go back!" Old Mrs. Sheng really didn't want to talk about these things with Sheng Hong. It would be fine if Sheng Hong was a sensible person. Mrs. Sheng was also willing to mention a few more words, but Sheng Hong was always so confused when it came to Lin's affairs. Now that the topic had been discussed, Mrs. Sheng really didn't want to waste any more words.
Some people talk too much, which makes Sheng Hong tired.
Old Mrs. Sheng is not Sheng Hong's biological mother, but just a legitimate mother. Although in terms of etiquette, Old Mrs. Sheng is Sheng Hong's mother, but Old Mrs. Sheng ate too much from Sheng Hong's biological father in the first half of her life. Unfortunately, I really don’t want to control too much or too much.
Sheng Hong finally listened to Mrs. Sheng's words, and asked Chang Feng to move out of Linqige the next day, live next to Chang Bai, and asked Chang Bai to supervise Chang Feng's studies.
I have to say that Sheng Hong's method is really good. Chang Bai is upright and a bit old-fashioned. He has a bit of seriousness in his bones. When he doesn't speak, he has a straight face and is quite dignified. Chang Feng usually In front of Changbai, everyone was very restrained.
In the evening, Gu Er seemed to be in a bad mood and came over to have a drink with Wang Zhong. In the past, when Gu Er came here, he would bring his two sons to play with Brother Xu and Sister Qian, but today he only brought a stone.
"What happened?" Wang Zhong asked after drinking a few glasses of wine.
"Hey!" Gu Er sighed, holding up the wine glass, looking with his eyes, as if he was in a trance: "Zihou, what do you think is going on in this world? The elder brother framed the younger brother, the uncle framed the nephew, and the cousins also went there Throw dirty water on my cousin!"
Wang Zhongdao: "The bustle in the world is all for the benefit of coming, and the hustle and bustle of the world is for the benefit of the going!"
"What do you mean?" Gu Er is not a fool. On the contrary, he is very smart and naturally knows the meaning of these words. He just doesn't understand why Wang Zhong said this.
Wang Zhong did not answer Gu Er's question directly, but asked instead: "Is there any enmity between uncles, nephews and brothers?"
"Where does the hatred come from!" Gu Er raised his head and drank another gulp, his tone full of confusion, helplessness and sigh.
Wang Zhong picked up the pot and added wine, and said: "There is no enmity, what is left is only profit!"
Gu Er was stunned: "Profit?"
Wang Zhong said: "If that's not the case, is there any other reason? It can't be that he was born to be disliked by others, and that when people see him, they want to kill him, right?"
Gu Er was excited: "But what kind of benefits can make them treat a blood relative like this!"
Wang Zhongdao: "It's nothing more than fame, wealth, and power!"
"But I'm not the eldest son, so why..." Gu suddenly froze mid-sentence, his eyes widened, and his eyes slowly revealed a look of disbelief.
Wang Zhongdao: "Although Zhong Huai is not the eldest son, he is the second son of the Marquis of Ningyuan. I heard that your brother has been suffering from serious diseases since he was a child. I have called in countless imperial doctors and local famous doctors, but they are all helpless. Your lord, Lord Gu, is now in his prime." , the Spring and Autumn Period is at its peak, if we don’t keep it together, who will be at the forefront, and your brother has no heirs, to whom will the title of Marquis Ningyuan fall back in the future?"
"Me?" Gu Er pointed at himself.
Wang Zhongdao: "Zhong Huai is no longer a child. Don't you understand the meaning of deep love and deep responsibility?"
"I..." Gu Er was already a little moved.
Wang Zhong asked again: "Among the brothers of the same generation as Zhong Huai in the entire Ningyuan Hou Mansion, who is like Zhong Huai, who has been taught martial arts and the art of war by Gu Hou himself since he was a child?"
"It's just me!" Gu Er said in a deep voice, but his heart was filled with turmoil.
"Parents who love their children have far-reaching plans!" Wang Zhong said: "Does Zhong Huai really think that Marquis Gu doesn't like Zhong Huai, or even hates Zhong Huai?"
"You need to be strict in disciplining your children, and you need to be harsh in testing your character. When Zhonghuai was a boy, he felt that Marquis Gu was treating you too harshly. At that time, he was young and careless, and he only wanted to go against Marquis Gu everywhere, so he wandered around in the Qin Tower and Chu Pavilion. But since returning from Yangzhou, he devoted himself to studying. He even went to Jiangzhou and went to Bailudong Academy to study hard. What he was thinking about was not to get ahead. He wanted Gu Hou to see that Zhonghuai had already changed his past. , isn’t he the careless young man he used to be?”
"I..." When Wang Zhong said the central issue, Gu Er didn't know how to speak.
"Let's not talk about knowledge, just martial arts. How does Zhong Huai think he compares with his brothers of the same generation in the Gu family?"
"How can a group of ignorant and ignorant dandies compare with me!" Gu Er was full of confidence in his disdain.
Wang Zhongdao: "Although your brother has been weak and sick since childhood, Zhonghuai also has a third younger brother, who is also the direct descendant of Guhou. He is only a few years younger than Zhonghuai. Why didn't Guhou just teach Zhonghuai martial arts and military arts in person? Where are you taking your younger brother with you?"
Gu Er was confused by Wang Zhong's question. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
"I have recently heard Zhong Huai say that the Gu family is a den of tigers and wolves. In my opinion, a den of tigers and wolves is at least a shelter from the wind and rain. Your brothers and uncles framed you and framed you, but what they brought to you is nothing but Gu Hou's. It's just a beating, but if you enter the court and face the intrigues and intrigues in the court, Zhong Huai thinks, what will happen?"
As he spoke, Wang Zhong gave Gu Er a glass of wine with a smile and said: "Tiger poison does not eat its seeds. Zhong Huai always said that whenever Gu Hou encountered something, he would always defend Zhong Huai, indiscriminately, and treat Zhong Huai A beating and scolding, but if we really go outside, will those outsiders who are eyeing Zhong Huai give Zhong Huai a chance to defend himself?"
After Gu Er was stunned for a long time, he murmured in disbelief: "My father is so harsh on me, is it all for my sake?"
Wang Chong said with a smile: "Actually, Zhong Huai knows these truths better than anyone else. If he were an outsider, how could Zhong Huai care about other people's opinions? But as a son, Zhong Huai couldn't help but yearn to feel his father's love from Marquis Gu. Loving and eager to be recognized by Gu Hou, people in the world are inevitably not as rational as they are when facing their closest relatives."
Seeing Gu Er stunned with shock on his face, unable to recover for a long time, Wang Zhong did not continue, but picked up the wine glass and said: "Zhong Huai, come, let's have another drink, we won't do it today." I won’t come back when I’m drunk!”
Smelling the aroma of the wine, Gu Er's heart was already in a mess. He picked up the wine glass with one hand, raised his head and drank it all in one gulp.
Wang Zhong said: "Come here, just bring the wine jar over and change it to a bigger bowl!"
Gu Er's mind was in a mess right now, and he just wanted to get drunk and soothe his sorrows.
Yu Chuer and Shitou hugged each other and chatted, adding wine to the two of them. The two of them were holding big bowls, and one mouthful was a big bowl.
The wine made me sad, and I didn't know if it could dispel the doubts in Gu Er's mind.
(End of chapter)
