It was almost evening. Zhang Mingwei had been busy and finally carried out the preliminary resettlement of the refugees. Further measures should be taken tomorrow. The faster the action, the easier it would be to solve the refugee problem.
Taking stock of these things, he returned to Zhang Mansion under the protection of Li Ruolian and Zhou Yuji.
At this time, Princess Kunxing had returned to Zhang Mansion. After hearing the sound, she immediately led everyone in the mansion to greet her and met in the front yard.
"Huh?" Zhang Mingwei was a little surprised when he saw that behind Zhu Yuyao, there was a group of female soldiers in uniform, all of them heroic.
However, he quickly came back to his senses, looked at the tall woman in front of him, then turned to Zhou Yuji and asked, "Is this Madam-in-law?"
Zhou Yuji nodded and said, "It is the humble concubine Liu who came here to protect the master and the princess."
The deputy commander-in-chief and his wife were guarding a foreign minister together. Even the chief assistant could not receive such treatment. It was too shocking. Just like the princess in the Zhang Mansion, it would arouse the astonishment of the world. Therefore, Mrs. Liu led her female soldiers in through the back door and stationed themselves in the inner courtyard of Zhang's Mansion, trying to be as quiet as possible.
As for going out, he will be escorted by Jin Yiwei commander Li Ruolian and deputy commander Zhou Yuji. Of course, it is mainly Zhou Yuji who will protect him, so it is safe enough. This was the arrangement that Emperor Chongzhen made personally after learning about Zhang Mingwei's situation.
At this time, after Zhang Mingwei heard Zhou Yuji's answer, he said politely: "That's really troublesome for you and your wife!"
Under normal circumstances, it would really be troublesome and reluctant.
But at this time, Mrs. Liu had already met Princess Kunxing, and Zhou Yuji unexpectedly discovered that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was among Zhang Mingwei's entourage. This discovery refreshed their knowledge. Therefore, by this time, they had nothing to be reluctant to do. After all, even the prince and princess were here.
What's more, Zhang Mingwei's two notices have been spread throughout the capital, and they also admire Zhang Mingwei's character.
"You're welcome, sir!" After hearing this, Zhou Yuji and his wife quickly returned the gesture with fists clasped.
Zhang Mingwei's kindness made Zhou Liu very fond of him, so he spoke more politely.
At this time, Zhang Mingwei was still thinking about things, so he said to Zhu Yu'ao: "The prince and I will go to discuss things first and help me get some food. I have been busy all day and haven't eaten anything. I'm starving to death!"
Zhu Aao was shocked when she heard this and quickly urged people to prepare food.
Zhang Mingwei led the people to the front yard. When he was about to enter, he turned around and said to the crowd behind him: "You guys, wait a moment. I have something to say to the prince alone."
Zhu Cixiang, who was originally excited to leave the palace, became somewhat silent after what he saw and heard in the refugee camp outside the city. When I heard him say this, I knew that the husband was probably going to say something about future generations, so he quickly told the others: "No one is allowed to come near!"
When other people saw this posture, of course they wouldn't go in, but it was unavoidable that they were a little curious.
The door to the lobby was closed, and under the setting sun, it was no longer so bright inside.
Seeing this, Zhang Mingwei looked at Zhu Cixiang and said seriously: "The prince has to rush back to the palace, so I will keep the story short."
"Sir, please give me some advice!" Zhu Cihong listened and replied seriously.
"If we want to revive the Ming Dynasty, the most basic condition is for the people to live and work in peace and contentment." Zhang Mingwei said to him seriously, "But you should have seen that there are so many refugees at the feet of the emperor, struggling for life and death. But even so, There are also corrupt officials who want to make a fortune from them. This is forcing the people to survive and either starve to death or freeze to death, or become thieves and rebel..."
Zhu Cixi listened carefully with a very serious expression.
In the past, although he had heard that it was not peaceful outside, to be honest, he really didn't have much idea of what it was like. But this time I went around with Zhang Mingwei, and I really got to see it.
"Do you know why many people in later generations have a favorable impression of Ming Dynasty?"
"During the two hundred and seventy-six years of the Ming Dynasty, there was no marriage, no indemnity, no land cession, no tribute. The emperor guarded the country, and the king died in the country." Zhang Mingwei did not wait for Zhu Cixiang to answer, and gave the answer directly, and then said seriously He continued to Zhu Cixiang, "The current situation is serious, I believe you have some idea. Your father and I will always stick to the north. If nothing happens, at least you will be in the south."
When Zhu Cixiang heard this, his eyes turned a little red. My husband and my father really fought hard for the Ming Dynasty! But as the prince of the Ming Dynasty and the future emperor, he had to flee to the south...
Thinking of this, he opened his mouth to speak.
Zhang Mingwei guessed what he wanted to say and said first: "What you are going to do in the south is also very important. And this is why I want to talk to you alone."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cixiang immediately stopped talking and listened carefully.
"Have you seen that corpse today? Once their interests may be harmed, such murders can be done." Zhang Mingwei said seriously, "You are going to the south to collect the debt. , as for Jiangnan, they are equally reluctant to see you go. Therefore, you must be vigilant and follow the advice of Li Ruolian and Sun Yingyuan. Others cannot trust it, including the nobles from Jiangnan, etc., and cannot go out. Do you understand accidents? In the Jiangnan water town, falling into the water is normal."
After hearing this, Zhu Cixiang finally realized that his southern tour would never be so easy. But fear does not exist. The newborn calf is not afraid of tigers, but it makes him excited.
Zhang Mingwei continued to explain to him: "After you return to the palace, go see His Majesty. I have officially started a war with those corrupt officials. I'm not sure what trouble they will cause. But I already have Zhou Yuji and his wife to protect me, so there won't be anything." Things. I am worried about the palace. The matters that Wang Chengen was asked to investigate secretly must be investigated as soon as possible. And the palace must sort out the Wang Dehua matter again and again to ensure the safety of the palace! "
Zhu Cihong knew that Zhang Mingwei had previously speculated that his fifth brother might have been murdered. Therefore, he was even more alert to Zhang Mingwei's reminder at this time and what he saw and heard in the refugee camp, and he quickly nodded solemnly in agreement. .
Zhang Mingwei then raised his head and looked at the sky. Knowing that it was getting late, he went over to open the door, and then told Li Ruolian seriously: "When you escort the prince south, you must pay attention to the prince's safety. Don't underestimate the ruthlessness of those people in the south." Hot. Although it is not an open rebellion, once the prince harms their interests, they have to guard against causing an accident to harm the prince. For example, falling into the water, for example, a fire..."
Li Ruolian didn't expect that Zhang Mingwei would say such a serious statement when he opened his mouth. His expression immediately became serious and he listened carefully. After Zhang Mingwei finished speaking, he immediately promised: "Don't worry, sir. As the crown prince's guard, even if I die, I will not die." Nothing will happen to the prince!"
After hearing this, Zhang Mingwei nodded and said, "I have Marshal Zhou here, so everything will be fine. Just escort the prince back to the palace!"
After hearing this, Li Ruolian turned to look at the prince, then looked at Zhou Yuji, and then said seriously to Zhou Yuji: "Sir's safety, I leave it to you!"
After hearing this, Zhu Cixiang also said: "You must protect your husband carefully, and nothing will happen to you!"
Zhou Yuji had already received instructions from Emperor Chongzhen, but now there were two more people, one of whom was the prince. To be honest, he suddenly felt the pressure on his shoulders increase again, and he quickly replied seriously: "Don't worry. , as long as my wife and I are here, nothing will happen."
