"What, is there such a thing? Zhang Gandu actually wants to check the quota of privileges and exemptions for officials and gentry, and also wants to collect back taxes? Is he crazy?"
"Of course it's true. The emperor has made it known to the world. Haha, the promotion is quick, but I don't know how long this official will last!"
"You don't know. It is said that Zhang Qiandu and Wu Laizhi have been plotting this for a long time. They first built up their reputation so that the queens in the palace would look up to them and teach the prince lessons. In this way, they can keep their position in the new dynasty With the power of following the dragon, he would have no worries after his death! Then, after the emperor returned, the two of them went to see him together, expressed their loyalty to the emperor, and raised these two matters. It is said that the emperor praised them both. The eunuchs sweeping the floor outside the palace gate can hear it clearly!"
"Is this really happening? Are the two of them crazy for wanting to be officials? Aren't they going to wait for a few years and have to step on other colleagues to climb up?"
"Haha, in fact, this is not surprising at all. Don't you take a look, what is Zhang Gandu's origin? He was born to a humble maid, and he is not an only son, ranking eighth. Therefore, he is not valued by the clan, especially his family members. He was rude, made trouble, and even called him a bad boy to his face. Do you know what this means? It means that he was born of a lowly person and will never make a difference. That's why he has seven Lu Qifen’s madness, wanting to be an official, wanting to make a fortune, that’s crazy!”
"..."
Zhang Gandu is Zhang Pu. He originally came from a humble background, but then worked hard and had a legend of seven records and seven burns, showing his side as a child prodigy since childhood. However, once he hated most of the officials and gentry, the discussion about him completely changed.
Of course, a small number of these rumors were spread quietly by Emperor Chongzhen's Dongchang fanmen. That is to say, Zhang Pu and Wu Changshi took the initiative to mention these two things, and as for the others, they are all true. This true and false rumor makes people feel especially true.
At least the eunuchs and maids waiting outside the hall could vaguely hear the emperor's voice praising them both inside the hall. Of course, it would be an exaggeration to say that the eunuchs sweeping the floor outside the palace gate could hear it. However, Chinese people have always had this problem with their speech, and no one cares, as long as this happens.
In fact, the fact that Zhang Pu wanted to be an official and make a career out of his mind was not necessarily an injustice to him.
During the Tianqi years, he organized riots, stormed government offices, and set fire to the city. In the sixth year of Tianqi, when Wei Zhongxian's power was almost at its peak, he ignored it. Not only did he participate in the Suzhou anti-tax riot, but he also wrote "The Tombstone of Five People" in which he denounced the eunuchs and became famous all over the world. Most people can't do this kind of thing.
In the tenth year of Chongzhen, that is, before Emperor Chongzhen traveled through time, he and Wu Changshi jointly recommended Zhou Yanru to re-enter the cabinet. In the original history, it was not until the fourteenth year of Chongzhen that the recommendation was successful, and Zhou Yanru was appointed as the chief minister of the cabinet.
Do you know why he is so active? Nominally, Zhou Yanru was his mentor, but in fact, he was holding Zhou Yanru's hand.
On one occasion, Zhang Pu even directly gave Zhou Yanru a booklet full of names of people, some of whom wanted to be promoted, and some who wanted to be dismissed from office. However, Zhou Yanru actually complied with all the orders and did not dare to disobey at all. At this time, Zhang Pu was not the chief minister, but he was better than the chief minister. His power and prestige had reached the pinnacle of his life.
Are people like Zhang Pu crazy? Absolutely crazy!
Therefore, in the current situation, his past was picked out piece by piece by his former colleagues and social friends. When they looked at it again, they naturally discovered that Zhang Pu was really desperate for power.
I originally thought that he was so desperate because of his ambition and to fight against the eunuchs. He was the most admired by all of them. But now that I have come to such a conclusion, I suddenly feel how crazy I was before and how disappointed I am now.
Zhang Pu's reputation was already ruined in society and official circles. The decree had just been announced and he didn't even have time to react.
As for Wu Changshi, it was similar. However, because Zhang Pu was the leader of Fushe and his reputation was originally higher than that of Wu Changshi, at this time, he was only ranked second when he was hated by his colleagues.
After knowing this situation, Wu Changshi didn't know whether he should be happy or sad!
When the two of them first heard this rumor, they wanted to explain it. It was said that the emperor raised these two matters and asked them to investigate. However, in a very short period of time, everyone was shouting and beating the two of them, and no one would listen to their explanation. Even if someone listens patiently, they will still question them, are there any things the emperor praised you for? Is it because you brought up these two things that the emperor praised you?
In this regard, the two of them really wanted to drag the emperor over to confront him. However, that is the emperor, not a cat or a dog. Can you just pull him over if you want? Besides, even if the emperor comes, do you want to make the emperor angry by saying this in front of him?
The two of them have already experienced the emperor's methods. When it is time to be powerful, he will never be merciful. Didn’t enough people be killed in the previous rebellion case?
Under such circumstances, Zhang Pu stayed up all night, thinking about how to solve this problem.
Not to mention, Zhang Pu's talent and learning were indeed well-deserved, and he actually thought of a trick.
At this time, of course he didn't want to do these two things seriously. The method he thought of was to create an objective reason that made him want to do these two things but was unable to do so.
In this way, he can explain to the emperor that it's not that he doesn't want to, but that he really can't do it. As for those colleagues, it turned out that they didn’t do it. Then there is room for explanation, right?
Zhang Pu believed that with the prestige he had accumulated in the past, under such a premise, he should be able to listen to his explanation.
As for the reason, there are many ways to do this. As long as you are ruthless enough, there will be absolutely no problem.
Of course, he also remembered that the emperor had also threatened him at that time, so he pretended to be sick at home like Fang Feng Nian did before. This kind of trick didn't work, and he wouldn't use it.
After thinking about this, Zhang Pu had two panda eyes, but he was in high spirits. He immediately called his confidant, the absolutely loyal Zhang Zonglie.
Just inside the study, Zhang Zonglie was even asked to check if there was anyone outside before closing the door, and he was strict with others not to come near the study.
Seeing this situation, Zhang Zonglie was also a little surprised. The master was so mysterious. Could it be related to the errands the master had to do?
He has ears, so of course he also heard about yesterday's turmoil about his master. As far as he is concerned, he actually hopes that the master will do it sincerely and let the officials and wealthy people also abide by the rules. After all, he is a domestic servant, a servant, and of course he will not sit on those officials and gentry.
For this reason, he felt that he had some strength, so he stayed with the concierge. If anyone dares to cause trouble without knowing the truth, he will never be polite.
At this time, Zhang Zonglie saw that the master was so mysterious, and he felt that the master was asking him to quietly do some preliminary work, right? After all, before doing big things in the past, Zhang Pu often asked him to make some preliminary preparations, or to act as a supporter, or to encourage others to do things.
Thinking like this, he couldn't help but be more dedicated than ever before. This was the most tangible manifestation of the master's service to the country and the people. Other officials who claim to serve the people are actually a bunch of hypocrites.
To be honest, this kind of official has seen too much. When I have to interact with them, I often have gatherings and talk there, as if they are the most honest and upright people in the world, and everyone else is a disaster for the country and the people. Now that I think about it, it’s as disgusting as it gets.
"Zong Lie, how do you usually treat me?" After Zhang Pu sat back in his seat, he stared at Zhang Zong Lie seriously and asked.
When Zhang Zonglie heard this, he couldn't help but feel happy. He immediately felt a sense of justice from the bottom of his heart and replied without hesitation: "The master is as kind as a mountain to the villain. As long as the master has instructions, the villain will go through fire and water without hesitation!"
Zhang Pu was satisfied with this attitude, which was within his expectation, so he lowered his voice and said in a stern tone: "Okay, in a quarter of an hour, I'm going to court, sir. You're right at this door." That masked assassination master, I..."
"Ah..." No matter how rich his imagination, Zhang Zonglie never thought that the master would actually give him such a task, and he suddenly exclaimed.
Zhang Pu was a little unhappy when he interrupted his speech. He raised his voice slightly and said: "Of course you don't really want to stab me to death, sir. Remember, stab it to the thigh later. Don't stab it too deep, otherwise you will turn around." Stopping bleeding is troublesome, remember, don’t miss it..."
"..." Zhang Zonglie was dumbfounded and didn't believe what he heard. What is the master going to do? Can this kind of thing be played?
"...In addition, you must remember that during the assassination, you have to shout one sentence: Go to hell as the dog officer calls for unpaid taxes!" Zhang Pu was still sternly admonishing, "You have to shout these words loudly, But, it can’t be your original voice, you have to hold your throat to know? After stabbing me, you immediately ran away, went around to the back and returned to the house. Remember to change your clothes, and then come out to meet me. In this way, there will be no one I thought the assassin was actually you!"
Although Zhang Zonglie could hear clearly, he couldn't understand it. He felt dizzy and couldn't help but ask: "Master, why is this necessary? It hurts the master. This is not a joke. What should I do if it becomes inflamed?" ?”
"The weather has turned cold, there is no possibility of inflammation." After hearing this, Zhang Pu said nonchalantly, "This matter is related to the future of the master. There can't be any mistakes, do you understand?"
"Understood!" Zhang Zonglie replied quickly, but he couldn't help but add in his heart: What do I understand?
Zhang Pu was still worried, so he went to Zhang Zonglie to repeat it again, and even made some additions to the details.
After everything was completely clear, Zhang Zonglie immediately went to prepare. Zhang Pu touched the part of his thigh and felt a little pain. But think about it, if you don't go all out like this, the emperor won't be able to explain it, so this is the only way!
With this thought in mind, he immediately started to take action, pretending to be like usual, asking someone to prepare a sedan chair and go to the Yamen.
As soon as they arrived in the front yard, Zhang Pu was about to step into the sedan when suddenly a servant reported: "Master, Manager Zhang hasn't come yet!"
Manager Zhang is Zhang Zonglie. In the past, as Zhang Pu's close confidant, he naturally accompanied him all the time. Therefore, it is no wonder that the servant was surprised if he was not here at this time.
When Zhang Pu heard this, he immediately frowned and said: "I don't know what I'm doing, don't care, let's go!"
After hearing this, the others did not dare to disobey, so they helped Zhang Pu get into the sedan chair and then went out.
However, just as he arrived at the door, he heard Zhang Pu pedaling the sedan, stopping it, and even getting out of the sedan.
The two bearers and the two servants didn't understand what he meant. If something happened, just say it directly in the sedan. Why did you come out?
But they didn't know that Zhang Pu had to create opportunities for Zhang Zonglie.
"You two, go to the back office of the mansion and bring the food that the master has prepared." Zhang Pu pointed at the two servants and ordered.
It was right in front of their house, and there was no one on the street. The most important thing was that there had never been any trouble before, so the two servants didn't think much about it. They quickly agreed and turned around and went into the house.
Zhang Pu clasped his hands behind his back and looked at the two bearers standing in his position with their hands down. He strolled a little further away from the sedan chair with his clasped hands behind his back. At the same time, he looked towards the stone lion on the left side of the palace gate. According to the agreement, Zhang Zonglie was hiding here.
Sure enough, when he looked carefully, he saw someone squatting there, that's right.
So, he gave a signal with a slight cough.
When Zhang Zonglie heard this, he still hesitated and stabbed the master who was so kind to him. Is it really okay?
After hesitating like this, Zhang Pu coughed again, obviously urging him.
When Zhang Zonglie heard this, he looked up and saw Zhang Pu staring at him with very stern eyes.
I had no choice but to go.
Zhang Zonglie stepped out, holding a dagger and rushed over. In fact, because of Zhang Pu's initiative to approach, the distance was only about five steps. The two bearers didn't react at all, and he arrived in front of Zhang Pu.
Zhang Pu immediately opened his posture, exposing his thigh to be stabbed, preparing to be stabbed.
However, when Zhang Zonglie's dagger was about to stab his thigh, he stopped. His hand was shaking a little and he couldn't stab it.
This time only lasts for a moment, and if you miss it, you are likely to fail. Zhang Pu couldn't help but be very angry with Zhang Zonglie, and he couldn't handle this matter well.
He was still a decisive person, so he immediately snatched the dagger from Zhang Zonglie's hand and stabbed it himself.
This time, Zhang Zonglie was dumbfounded. Is this too cruel?
"Go away, shout!" Zhang Pu, his teeth itching with hatred, quickly ordered in a low voice, and then shouted loudly: "There is an assassin!"
Zhang Zonglie was so panicked that he quickly shouted: "There are assassins..."
