national surname chiming

Chapter 341 Using King Lu to supervise the country

After Shen Tingyang reached an agreement with Shi Kefa, the rest of the itinerary went smoothly.

Hefei is not far from Nanjing, and this kind of major event has to be delivered urgently within [-] miles.So only in the early morning of the second day after Shen Tingyang persuaded Shi Kefa, Zhu Shuren in Hefei was notified by his father.

He was also unequivocal, and immediately went to meet his father-in-law, Lu Wang Zhu Changqian, expressing his willingness to respect the court's request, and took his wife, the little princess Zhu Yuchan, back to his hometown in Suzhou, so that his wife could pay a visit to the emperor's wife Yi'an Queen.

Of course Zhu Shuren had made all the preparations in advance. As early as when he failed to rescue Chongzhen in the north and was about to retreat, he had sent messengers back to his defense area at the same time, and asked his subordinates to lead troops to escort Zhu Yuchan back to Wuchang from the Chongqing shogunate. Then he was sent to Hefei to reunite with himself, to be filial to his parents-in-law, and to enjoy the family happiness.

Before Shen Tingyang's notice came, Zhu Shuren had lived with Zhu Yuchan in Hefei for seven or eight days.Zhu Shuren hasn't been idle recently, he is mainly busy working hard, creating humans with his wife——

Zhu Yuchan has been married to him for more than half a year, but unfortunately because of the war, Zhu Shuren was unable to take his wife with him for at least two-thirds of the time during the first half of the year. Just half a year ago, they lived together in Chongqing for about two Month, and then have been separated, and now meet again in Hefei.

It wasn't that Zhu Shuren didn't want to work hard to create humans, he also knew that his bunch of beautiful maids and concubines were all eagerly waiting for their main wife to create humans first, and then they wouldn't have to be so cautious in counting their days for fear of embarrassing the royal family.

But this kind of thing still depends on luck. No matter how powerful Zhu Shuren is, he can't rush this matter. He didn't get recruited in Chongqing for two months, so he can only count on being able to win in Hefei during this time. trick.

Fortunately, looking at it now, Zhu Yuchan was not pregnant for the time being, or even if she had just been pregnant, she still couldn't tell, this had an extra magic effect.At least it facilitates this meeting, and it can also reduce the vigilance of the royal family members.

……

Before Zhu Shuren set off, he didn't tell his father-in-law that he was fighting for power for him this time. He only said that he was escorting his wife to visit his elder sister-in-law, and King Lu didn't stop him.

However, under Zhu Shuren's insinuation, he also saw that King Lu was really not interested in competing for the position of supervisor, or even the throne.His degree of weakness and cowardice can be seen.

The fleet set sail from Hefei, passed Feishui to Chaohu Lake, Ruxushui, and Ruxukou into the Yangtze River, and passed through Nanjing downstream. It took only four days to arrive in Taicang, Suzhou.

In order to avoid the taboo of the local governor leading troops through Nanjing, Zhu Shuren did not bring even a single soldier under the command of the governor of Huguang this time. All his escorting warship sailors were under the command of Haidao general Zhang Mingzhen.

Zhang Mingzhen belongs to the Ministry of Household's grain guard force, which belongs to the central army of the Nanjing court. Of course, there is no such taboo. Shen Tingyang's grain guard soldiers can usually travel freely on the Yangtze River and casually pass through the river section next to Nanjing. .

After disembarking in Suzhou, Zhu Shuren took his wife to meet Empress Yi'an with ease.

For Zhu Yuchan, this was her first visit to Suzhou, and she also knew that her husband's ancestral home was in Suzhou, so this was the first time for the bride to return to her hometown with her husband.

As the princess, Zhu Yuchan usually has no excuses to run around, but now that she can take the opportunity to visit the bustling place of Suzhou, it can be regarded as both public and private.

As the land snakes in Suzhou, after Empress Yi'an and Princess Kunxing came ashore, the temporary residence was of course provided by the Shen family. It can be regarded as directly donating a big house to the royal relatives to rest and recuperate temporarily. They are just the servants in the house. They were all replaced by court ladies and eunuchs sent from Nanjing.

Zhu Shuren also understood etiquette. When he returned to this mansion that belonged to the Shen family a month ago, he himself only waited outside the Yimen Gate and let his wife enter alone.

Zhu Yuchan was also familiar with royal etiquette, although she was still young, she would not be stage frightened in these scenes, and soon saw Zhang Yan and Zhu Xi.

In terms of age, Zhu Yuchan was only one year older than Zhu Xie, but there was a difference in generation between the two, and Zhu Yuchan was Zhu Xi's aunt.

Zhu Xi looked very haggard. She lost her father, queen, mother, and prince brother. It was only over a month ago. The fifteen-year-old girl suddenly suffered so many drastic changes, and it was not so easy to recover.Even if he was lucky enough to be rescued with his aunt, he might have to be depressed for a long time.

Zhu Yuchan was about the same age as her, so she felt a little sympathetic. After seeing her, she comforted the niece first, and then went all out to deal with the emperor's wife.

She saluted Zhang Yan respectfully, and Zhang Yan recalled a little bit before connecting the little girl in front of her with the one she had seen many years ago in her memory.

There is no way, although the two are sisters-in-law, there is a full 20 years of age difference, and there are actually very few opportunities to meet.

Zhang Yan was also a person who died once, so she was very appreciative: "There is no need to be too polite, let's come and talk. I just came to say hello this time, or is there another errand?"

Zhu Yuchan was also not good at lying, so she walked up to him and asked respectfully, "It's Shi Ge's department who discussed with you, the country should not be left without a master for a day, even though the whereabouts of your majesty's sons are temporarily unknown, you must first find someone to supervise the country.

Shen Butang reminded the Shi Ge Department, saying that your majesty, since you came to the south safely, you should also ask your majesty, did you ever hear that your majesty left any oral edicts before he died for the country?For example, has Your Majesty ever felt that if something unexpected happened, who should supervise the country? "

Zhang Yan's pupils zoomed in, her heart brightened, and of course she understood what Shi Kefa and Shen Tingyang were thinking, and she also said slowly: "When the late emperor died for his country, he didn't know that the kings might escape, so naturally there would be no word of mouth. .But this prison country...he also said a few words with emotion. "

Zhang Yan also needed to think about it, so she didn't say it outright immediately, but only said that she vaguely remembered that she had heard Chongzhen talk about this topic with emotion on the way to escape and when she was in despair.

In this way, she didn't need to draw a conclusion right away.If it is said that Chongzhen left a formal oral order, there would be no room for maneuver.

Moreover, if it is clearly stated that Chongzhen left a clear oral order, then Zhu Xi, who also survived, may also be suspicious, because she also retreated with her father, queen, mother, and aunt throughout the entire process, and the impression is that the father did not solemnly deliver the decree Pass.

It was also impossible for Chongzhen to predict that his sister-in-law and daughter would be lucky enough to get out alive, and it was unreasonable to give a formal oral order, and could only use the mode of "chatting with emotion before death".

The opposite Zhu Yuchan was young, unambitious and innocent, and she never thought about helping her father to win anything, so she followed Zhang Yan's words and asked casually.

Zhang Yan frowned and prevaricated a few words, feeling that the other party was unreliable. As far as he was concerned, he said, "Xiaochan, are you here with your father or mother? How about a girl's family?" How decent is it to travel hundreds of miles."

Zhu Yuchan: "My sister is escorted here by my husband this time."

Zhang Yan thought for a while: "Governor of Huguang, Zhu Shuren? I have heard of his reputation of loyalty for a long time. On the eve of His Majesty's death, he still hoped for Huguang reinforcements to come to rescue him every day. He kept talking about it. It's a pity that God does not bless Daming, alas. "

Zhu Yuchan also quickly excused her husband: "My sister also heard later that my husband's King Qin's army had just crossed the old course of the Yellow River when I was shocked to hear that His Majesty died for the country.

He later regretted that he did not expect that the city of Beijing could only last for half a month under the siege of the intruders... If he had known this earlier, even if Liu Zeqing, the general soldier of Shandong, did not have enough funds for the ferry, he would have led some troops to go north first. "

Zhang Yan nodded with emotion: "Yes, I also heard about it later. The reinforcements went all the way to Linqing, Shandong. Governor Zhu's loyalty is also a model for Qin Wang and other governors. Wu Sangui, Tang Tong, Bai Guangen and Liu Zeqing, who is not a failure of the country's grace! "

After expressing her emotions, Zhang Yan changed the subject, first stroked the hair of her niece Zhu Xi, and asked her to avoid it in a soft voice, and then told her cousin Zhu Yuchan:
"This is a big matter. You and my wife are not supposed to be involved in politics. Let Governor Zhu come in and play through the curtain, right? You also stay here."

As the late emperor's empress, of course Zhang Yan couldn't meet male foreign ministers casually, but Zhu Shuren is now considered a relative of the emperor, and he came with his wife, so let the couple meet together, and then hang down the curtain to avoid suspicion.

Zhu Yuchan didn't understand what the emperor's sister-in-law was thinking, and just followed suit. After a while, Zhu Shuren entered the room, and gave Zhang Yan a big gift through the curtain between the inner and outer rooms.

Zhang Yan glanced to the side, confirmed that the niece and daughter had been taken away by the maid, and then said generously: "The Shi Ge Department and the others seem to be interested in King Lu's supervision of the country?"

Zhu Shuren never raised his head, and replied sincerely:

"The minister is the local governor, and he dare not discuss with the Wen cabinet, but Meng Shige and my father said afterwards that they really want King Lu to supervise the country. Of course, if His Majesty has left an oral order, it is natural to honor the will."

Zhang Yan frowned: "I just escaped from the dead, so if you don't come to ask, it's fine. Anyway, Zhu Qing, tell me, in your opinion, Uncle Lu is the supervisor of the country. , What are the pros and cons. As far as I know, Uncle Lu Wang is a benevolent elder who never makes things difficult for others, which is really rare."

Zhu Shuren took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, it is well known that King Lu treats people leniently and benevolently. After the meeting of the Shi Ge Department and others, the only thing that worried about it was that it would be inconvenient for His Majesty in the future—if King Fu supervised the country, His Majesty would still be the supervisor." The sister-in-law of the country, if King Lu supervises the country, Your Majesty will be the nephew and daughter-in-law of the supervisor. Since the matter is so important, the ministers dare not take it upon themselves."

(Note: Zhang Yan can be referred to as Your Majesty as compared to the Queen Mother's treatment)
Zhang Yan was still a little worried at first, fearing that the situation in Daming would be biased by powerful ministers, and it would become more precarious.Hearing Zhu Shuren speak so sincerely, the cabinet ministers were worried that her position would not be easy to assume and that she would be downgraded, so they hesitated to ask for instructions, and Zhang Yan couldn't help feeling warm.

She is a woman, so what is personal honor and disgrace?Seniority is inconvenient, at worst, they will not live in the palace in the future, and they can build another royal garden.The big deal is that the situation of the country is difficult, just be simple.

She immediately defended herself: "Shi Gong and others, why are they so timid? I am a woman who has died once, and the national crisis is at the top of my head. What is this trivial matter! If Uncle Lu is in charge of the country, I will If you don’t go back to Nanjing Palace to live in.”

Her status is more noble than Zhu Changbai, but in terms of seniority, she is a nephew and daughter-in-law. Living in the same palace city, it is really easy to mess up her status.

Zhu Shuren heaved a sigh of relief, and quickly said: "My father and the Shi Ge Department have also discussed that if His Majesty is willing to live in the palace in the future, the Household Department will allocate funds to repair several palaces in the Forbidden City of Nanjing. If you do not want to enter the palace, Another location in Hangzhou will be chosen to build a royal garden.

Although Suzhou is prosperous, it is not suitable to build a palace. You can build a new garden in Fenghuang Mountain, Wushan Mountain and other places in Hangzhou. "

Zhu Shuren didn't need to worry about these arrangements. The people in the Ministry of Rites had considered them. In history, after Zhu Yousong ascended the throne, King Lu was also arranged to live in Hangzhou. After Nanjing fell, the queen mother (Zhu Yousong's mother) also issued an edict to let Lu As the emperor's uncle, Wang supervised the country in Hangzhou and continued to resist.

When the imperial court only had half of the country in the south, and it was inappropriate for the emperor to live together with important vassals and relatives, moving the party that needed to be resettled from Nanjing to Hangzhou was the most ceremonial operation.

As for Zhang Yanken going to Hangzhou, he will find a place to repair gardens in the south of Qingbo Gate and north of Fenghuang Mountain. The Shen family must be able to afford it. For the great cause, Zhu Shuren personally donated 100 million taels in the name of his wife. Donate, build a queen mother's garden is no problem.

In order to be in charge of the government earlier, the later generations Guangxu wished to raise 800 million taels for Cixi to build the Summer Palace, so that Cixi could go out of the palace to live earlier.

After discussing the question "In case King Lu takes charge of the country, how will Zhang Yan be placed and positioned", Zhang Yan said again: "My palace's honor and disgrace are nothing to worry about. What I'm worried about is the safety of the kings left by the late emperor... ..."

Zhu Shuren raised his eyebrows, and said very firmly: "Your Majesty, the cabinet is trying its best to find out the whereabouts of the sons left behind by the late emperor. As long as there is still a glimmer of hope, we will definitely try our best to find them.

But as far as I can see, it is King Lu who supervises the country, and it is the safest thing for the sons left by the late emperor—Your Majesty should know that King Lu has no sons so far, only one daughter, who is also the uncle of the late emperor.With King Lu supervising the country, as long as any one of the former emperor's sons can be recovered, a proper transition can still be made.If King Fu supervises the country... King Fu has his own heirs, let alone..."

What's more, later on, it is natural to say that "Fu Wang is greedy and lustful, and can spread branches and leaves", but today's Shi Kefa doesn't use this excuse to attack Fu Wang. It is inconvenient to say it immediately, everyone knows it well.

When Zhang Yan thought about it, she suddenly felt that it made sense: if she expected Chongzhen's son to be found, there would be a slight possibility of succession again, then she should also expect King Lu to supervise the country!

Because if King Fu supervised the country, King Fu would definitely try to kill all Chongzhen's sons!Even if he is not dead now, he still wants to say that all of Chongzhen's sons are dead!In this way, King Fu can proclaim himself emperor without a crisis of legitimacy, and he can pass it on to his son in the future!

King Lu is different. Since King Lu is extinct and has no heirs, no matter how greedy he is, in the worst case, it is nothing more than King Lu insisting on being the emperor himself, but his age is there, he is one year older than Chongzhen. In the future, he will definitely not live as long as Chongzhen's son.

In the worst case, even if King Lu ascended the throne first, and then found the surviving son of Chongzhen, the big deal would be that King Lu made the surviving son of Chongzhen the grandson of the emperor.

If King Lu never gave birth to a son, he would pass it directly to the emperor's grandson when he died, and the throne could still return to Chongzhen's descendants.If King Lu gave birth to a son, there may be some accidents and dangers, such as finding excuses to abolish the emperor's grandson.

But in any case, everything still has to be gambled. It is best for the descendants of Chongzhen who may survive under King Lu to supervise the country.

After Zhu Shuren made indirect remarks and helped Zhang Yan figure this out, Zhang Yan completely sided with King Lu Jianguo.

In fact, Zhang Yan originally stood in favor of Lu Wang from the perspective of the interests of the elders of the family. After all, Fu Wang's lineage competed with Guangzong for the crown prince, and Zhang Yan is also Guangzong's daughter-in-law, and the resentment with Fu Wang's family has always been there. .

Her only heartache before was that she was worried that if Chongzhen's son survived, he would not get a proper ending. That's why she didn't want to establish a monarch and a prison country. She just wanted to procrastinate for a while. Or Ding Wang escaped alive.

Now that she thinks it is the best situation for King Lu Jianguo and King Yong Ding, why is she hesitating?
"It really is so... No wonder the first emperor, before he died for his country, was on the way to escape, and he repeatedly sighed that if something unexpected happened, if Uncle Lu could supervise the country, he would be able to protect my Daming to tide over the difficulties safely, and wait until King Yong and King Ding fled south.

In the clan, apart from Uncle Lu, who else can take on this important position, who has such a benevolent elder style. "

Zhang Yan recalled it thoughtfully, as if Chongzhen had chatted and expressed his feelings on the fleeing carriage before he died.

Zhu Shuren quickly wrote down Zhang Yan's words, slightly removed those redundant words that were too colloquial, and then asked his wife to take it in for Zhang Yan to review, and then called for a court lady and eunuch to use Empress Yi'an's seal according to the procedure, and then After completing the etiquette according to the procedure, he quickly returned to Nanjing with Yizhi.

(End of this chapter)