I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

It has been some time since the Spring Festival holiday ended, and officials in various departments of the Ming Dynasty have gradually returned to their previous efficiency, and most of the previously backlogged affairs have been dealt with.

In the evening, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this moment, Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, your Majesty, His Highness Prince Xing will send someone to deliver news soon, saying that his concubine Zhang is pregnant!"

"Oh, is the news confirmed?"

When Jiajing heard this, he put down the memorandum sent by the Supervisor of Ceremonies in his hand, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and asked with interest.

Lu Fang met Jiajing's gaze, leaned down, and responded without thinking: "Your Majesty, the news is absolutely true!"

After Jiajing learned the news, he supported his chin with one hand and said with emotion: "It's true that I plant flowers but don't bloom, but I don't plant willows to make shade. When Zhen'er was still in the capital, she often planted flowers in order to have a child. Run to the hospital."

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "But now I am suddenly happy... things are really unpredictable!"

Lu Fang on the side heard Jiajing's words, a look of fear flashed across his face, and said silently to himself: "How come your Majesty even knows about this!"

Afterwards, Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her heart, plucked up the courage, and put forward her conjecture to Jiajing: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, there may be a reason why His Highness Prince Jing stopped drinking. What do you think?" Woolen cloth?"

When Jiajing heard this, he held his chin with one hand. After pondering for a moment, he nodded and then responded: "Well, this is indeed possible!"

After that, Jiajing looked away from Lu Fang, raised his eyebrows, and said: "In that case, Lu Fang, come with me to Ganlu Palace, I want to see my son!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and responded respectfully: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

Afterwards, Lu Fang followed Jiajing's steps step by step as usual, heading towards the direction of Ganlu Palace.

……

There is no airtight wall in the world. Soon, news of the happiness of King Jing's concubine Zhang spread throughout the government and the public.

Beijing, Yan's study room.

At this moment, in the room, Yan Song was sitting behind the desk as usual, holding a copy of "Journey to the West Du E" in his hand.

"The author of this book is currently studying at the Imperial College, which is really convenient!"

After finishing his emotion, Yan Song put down the book in his hand, picked up the teacup filled with wolfberry water and took a sip.

At this moment, there was a rapid knock on the door.

Seeing this situation, Yan Song had a look of helplessness on his face, shook his head, and then ordered: "Come in!"

After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and then Yan Shifan was seen walking in with eager steps.

After entering the study, Yan Shifan subconsciously looked in the direction of Yan Song, leaned down, and reported respectfully: "Father, not long ago, the child received news that King Jing's concubine Zhang is pregnant!"

After hearing this, Yan Song's expression didn't change much. He just nodded and responded calmly: "Well, I understand!"

Seeing that Yan Song didn't care about this, Yan Shifan couldn't help but have a look of worry on his face: "Father, I'm worried that King Jing might..."

Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, he was interrupted impatiently by Yan Song: "What are you afraid of? King Jing has returned to his fiefdom and does not pose any threat to us!"

"If this news had come a year and a half earlier, maybe things would have been different, but now..."

When Yan Song said this, he shook his head, and the meaning of his words was self-evident.

Then, Yan Song turned his gaze to the direction of Yan Shifan and asked, "By the way, is there any movement over Xu Jie recently?"

Hearing this, Yan Shifan responded without hesitation: "To tell you what my father said, Xu Jie has been very peaceful recently. I wonder if Xu Jie is hiding something bad behind his back!"

When Yan Song heard this, he shook his head insignificantly and murmured to himself: "Xu Jie has no time to take care of himself right now, so how can he think about fighting with me!"

After that, Yan Song looked away from Yan Shifan, waved his hand, and then said: "Okay, if nothing happens, you can go down first!"

"Yes, father, please leave now!"

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, he bowed to Yan Song and left immediately.

When leaving, Yan Shifan also closed the door of the study room.

……

On the other side, Hu Zongxian's mansion in Beijing.

At this moment, while the boy in charge of the door came in to report, Yu Dayou turned around, looked in the direction of Qi Jiguang with a worried look, and asked: "Brother Yuan Jing, are we here?" Are you causing trouble for the Governor?"

When Qi Jiguang heard what Yu Dayou said, his face was full of helplessness, and he responded: "Having said that, except for the Governor, no one can make decisions for us!"

Ever since Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou left the Chengguo Palace, the more they thought about it, the more they felt something was wrong.

After all, Cheng Guogong Zhu Xizhong, as the top clan member and nobleman of the Ming Dynasty, would go into battle with them to kill the enemy.

If Zhu Xizhong, Duke of Chengguo, had not told them personally that he would personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, I am afraid they would still have been kept in the dark until now.

In Qi Jiguang's view, the most puzzling issues at the moment are nothing more than two points.

First of all, why is it that until now, there is no news from the government and the public that General Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Cheng, personally led the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war?

Secondly, what was the purpose of Duke Cheng’s participation in the war?

These two questions have troubled Qi Jiguang for a long time. After thinking hard for a long time, he still did not get the answer.

Qi Jiguang finally decided to go to Hu Zongxian's staff.

After repeatedly confirming that Hu Zongxian was free, Qi Jiguang took Yu Dayou with him to visit him.

Then, the young man who had gone in to report came to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Two adults, I am waiting for you inside, you can go in!"

"Well, thank you!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang bowed his hand to the young man, and then entered the mansion under the guidance of the housekeeper.

……

After the housekeeper took Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou outside the study, he stopped, turned around, and said respectfully.

"Two adults, I am waiting for you inside!"

"Well, thank you!"

After the housekeeper left, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou took a deep breath. After calming down, they knocked on the study door.

Then, Hu Zongxian’s energetic voice came from the study: “Come in!”

After that, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou immediately opened the door and entered without any hesitation.

After entering the room, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou subconsciously looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian, leaned down, and said respectfully: "I have seen the Governor!"

At this time, in the room, Hu Zongxian was sitting behind the desk, processing official documents from the court in an orderly manner.

Seeing Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou arriving, Hu Zongxian put the brush in his hand aside, then glanced at the two of them, pointed to the empty seat beside him, and said: "You are here, sit down!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou sat down in the empty seats beside them without making any excuses.

Not long after this, the door of the study room was pushed open, and the servants came forward and brought teacups filled with hot tea for everyone in the room.

After greeting Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou to enjoy hot tea, Hu Zongxian glanced at Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou respectively, and took the lead in provoking the topic: "Did something happen to you when you came here so late?"

When Hu Zongxian finished speaking, a trace of confusion flashed across the faces of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou.

Then, as if Qi Jiguang had made up his mind, he gritted his teeth and recounted the whole story to Hu Primary and Secondary School.

"My Lord Governor, to be honest, not long ago..."

Under Qi Jiguang's narration, Hu Zongxian finally understood the ins and outs of the matter.

Immediately, I saw him supporting his chin with one hand, looking in the direction of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and confirming: "So, when the time comes, Duke Cheng Guo will personally lead the Shenji Battalion to fight?"

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, Qi Jiguang nodded firmly and responded respectfully: "Yes, Mr. Governor, this news was revealed by Duke Cheng Guo himself before his subordinate left!"

When Hu Zongxian heard this, he couldn't help but frown slightly. Immediately, he shook his head and said unhurriedly: "There is no news about this matter in the government and the public. If you hadn't told me the news, I'm afraid I wouldn't have known it until I’m still in the dark now!”

"Gong Cheng Guo actually wanted to personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, and he even got His Majesty's permission..."

Hu Zongxian was talking to himself, and the expression on his face gradually became serious.

He was wondering what factors could have prompted Mr. Cheng Guo to get involved in danger.

As the saying goes, soldiers are important matters of the country, the place of life and death, and the path to survival.

Since Chengguo Gong Zhu Xizhong was willing to personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, he must have been mentally prepared to die on the battlefield before that.

Qi Jiguang mentioned earlier that His Majesty also knew about this matter. From this point of view, His Majesty also supported Duke Cheng Guo's decision to personally lead the troops to fight.

"This brings the question back to its original point. So what factors prompted Duke Cheng Guo to take risks?"

Seeing this situation, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou not far away did not dare to disturb them, so they had to wait quietly.

... Time passed by so slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed. Hu Zongxian slapped his thigh suddenly, faced the direction of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and said in a deep voice: "I understand!"

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who were not far away, couldn't help but perked up after hearing Hu Zongxian's words.

Immediately, the two of them were seen looking in the direction of Hu Zongxian, their faces full of unconcealable anticipation.

Facing the two people's expectant gazes, Hu Zongxian cleared his throat, organized the words in his mind, and then turned to speak.

"Gong Cheng Guo's move is precisely to bring the clan and noble forces back to the court!"

When Hu Zongxian said this, he looked sternly in the direction of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and continued: "You know, before this, His Majesty has been trying every means to support the clan and noble forces, and even held a ceremony for them. Special exams.”

"And nothing is more inspiring than a hearty victory!"

"You might as well think about it, what would happen if the Shenji Battalion commanded by Cheng Guogong performed well and made great military exploits during the war between the Ming Dynasty and An Da Khan?"

As soon as Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he saw Qi Jiguang's face not far away, with an expression that seemed to be enlightened.

Then, he looked in the direction of Hu Zongxian and said tentatively: "Mr. Governor, I understand. What you mean is that the reason why Duke Cheng Guo put himself in danger was to make Ming Dynasty The clan and nobles once again have the right to speak in the court!"

"If the Ming Dynasty is victorious in the war with Anda Khan, then Duke Cheng Guo will take the lead and personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, which will be an excellent example for the people of the world."

"In this way, the image of the clan and nobles in the hearts of the world can be greatly improved!"

"When the time comes, Your Majesty can take advantage of the great victory and use this as an opportunity to legitimately send my Ming Dynasty clan and nobles to the court."

"As long as given time, the clan and nobles will be able to have a say in the court again!"

After listening to Qi Jiguang's explanation, Yu Dayou on the side also had a belated look on his face and murmured to himself.

"Even if the sword has no eyes on the battlefield and Duke Cheng Guo unfortunately dies for his country, after that, in the name of comforting the loyal martyrs, His Majesty will vigorously support the clan and noble forces and slowly send him to the court."

"Gong Cheng Guo is clearly gambling with his own life, and his purpose is to revive the Ming Dynasty's clan and nobles!"

Thinking of this, Yu Dayou couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration in his heart. After all, Duke Cheng Guo was willing to risk his life for this goal.

Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty, there are very few people who can put their own life and death aside for a goal.

Hu Zongxian had a panoramic view of the expressions on the faces of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and he knew that they had roughly figured out the reason for the whole thing.

Then, Hu Zongxian looked away, nodded, and then responded: "Well, you're right, it seems you two have figured it out!"

……

When Hu Zongxian said this, he looked away from the two of them, paused, and continued.

"Since Duke Cheng Guo is willing to tell you this news personally, it is enough to show that he attaches great importance to you. So what are your plans next?"

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he picked up the tea cup in front of him, took a sip, and quietly waited for the two people's responses.

As soon as Hu Zongxian finished speaking, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou on the side had expressions of fear and uneasiness on their faces.

Then, Qi Jiguang stood up from his seat first, lowered his head, and responded without thinking: "Mr. Governor, if it weren't for your support, we wouldn't be where we are today!"

Not only Qi Jiguang, but also Yu Dayou on the side also added: "Yes, Mr. Governor, without your support all the way, we would have never been able to..."

When Hu Zongxian heard what Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou said, a trace of relief flashed on his face.

Then, he stroked his beard and said slowly: "Having said that, if you can get into the relationship with Duke Cheng, it will be of great benefit to your future career."

Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Hu Zongxian withdrew his gaze from the two of them, and then said: "Didn't you say before that Duke Cheng would get His Majesty's review for you?"

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, without waiting for Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou to respond, he continued: "This is also a kind intention of Duke Cheng. You should prepare well next. If you perform well, my face will also shine!"

When Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou heard this, they immediately looked stern, leaned down, and said in unison: "Yes, Lord Governor!"

Seeing that the doubts that had been plaguing them had been answered, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou's faces were filled with relief.

After that, Hu Zongxian waved his hand quite casually and issued an order to expel Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou.

"Is there anything else? If nothing else, just stay here for today!"

"Yes, Lord Governor, my subordinates will resign immediately!"

After Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou finished speaking, they bowed their hands to Hu Zongxian and left the study without any hesitation.

After Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou left, Hu Zongxian looked away, shook his head, and secretly sighed: "I didn't expect that there was such a plan behind this..."

……

At the same time, in the capital, in the study room of Prince Yu's Mansion.

The news that King Jing Zhu Zaizhen's concubine Zhang was happy naturally reached Zhu Zaijing's ears.

Even though he knew that Zhu Zaizhen no longer posed any threat to him.

For the sake of safety, Zhu Zaijing summoned Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng to Prince Yu's Mansion. He wanted to hear their opinions.

In the room, I saw Zhu Zaijing looking around, then looking away, and took the lead in provoking the topic: "Before this, I got news that my fourth brother's concubine Zhang is currently pregnant. I want to hear this." Listen to the opinions of everyone here!”

As soon as Zhu Zaijing finished speaking, Gao Gong stood up and looked in the direction of Zhu Zaijing, and responded without thinking.

"Your Highness King Yu, you don't have to worry. Now King Jing has resigned from the vassal. If he doesn't receive your Majesty's edict, he will not be allowed to return to the capital for life."

"Even if His Royal Highness Prince Jing's concubine is pregnant, it will not threaten your status!"

As soon as Gao Gong finished speaking, Zhang Juzheng on the side responded and said, "Your Highness Prince Yu, Mr. Gao Ge is right, Prince Jing can no longer threaten your position!"

The words of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng undoubtedly touched Zhu Zaijing's heart. After all, he thinks so now.

Then, Zhu Zaijing looked at Xu Jie, who was silent on the side, and asked: "Mr. Xu Ge, in your opinion, how should we deal with this matter?"

Xu Jie heard what Zhu Zaijing said. After thinking about it for a long time, he looked in the direction of Zhu Zaijing and put forward his own suggestions.

"Your Highness Prince Yu, my views are consistent with those of Mr. Gao Ge and others. Now King Jing can no longer pose any threat to you. You can relax your mind!"

When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment and then continued to add: "His Royal Highness King Yu, you might as well take this opportunity to show your kindness to King Jing. In this way, you can show your brotherhood in front of His Majesty. The harmonious side!”

After listening to the advice given by Xu Jie, Zhu Zaijing had a look of hindsight on his face and murmured to himself: "Yes, what Mr. Xu Ge said makes sense. My father once said it himself before, I don’t want to see our brothers fighting against each other!”

"Suppose I use this matter to express my goodwill to my fourth brother, I will definitely leave a good impression in front of my father!"

When Zhu Zaijing thought of this, his heart was filled with joy and he clenched his fists unconsciously. He planned to adopt Xu Jie's suggestion and take the initiative to show his goodwill to his fourth brother Zhu Zaizhen.

After that, Zhu Zaijing led everyone to discuss the details.

Later, it was getting late, and everyone had no intention of staying any longer, so they left one after another.

……

At the entrance of Prince Yu's Mansion, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng watched Xu Jie's sedan go away.

Just when Gao Gong was about to leave in a sedan, Zhang Juzheng stopped him: "Mr. Gao Ge, let's talk!"

When Gao Gong heard what Zhang Juzheng said, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

Afterwards, Gao Gong looked Zhang Juzheng up and down, nodded, and said in agreement: "It's such a cold day, if you have anything to say, please tell me quickly!"

After the words fell, Gao Gong followed Zhang Juzheng's footsteps and came to a secluded and uninhabited place.

Gao Gong looked at Zhang Juzheng who was very close in front of him, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "Tell me, what's going on?"

Facing Gao Gong's gaze, Zhang Juzheng organized the words in his mind and said slowly: "Just a few days ago, Mr. Gao Ge, the official of the Sutra Banquet, Ma Ziqiang, whom I mentioned not long ago, came to visit personally. , and showed his true feelings.”

After learning the news from Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong didn't show much surprise on his face. He just said with emotion: "It's so quick!"

Gao Gong knew very well that Zhang Juzheng found him for more than just this one thing.

Things did not go beyond Gao Gong's expectation. After a pause, Zhang Juzheng's voice sounded again: "Mr. Gao Ge, I would like to ask you for a favor during the cabinet meeting soon!"

Hearing this, Gao Gong glanced at Zhang Juzheng and asked curiously: "Oh, what are you busy with?"

"Previously, the imperial court confiscated 12,820,000 taels of silver from the Yuan family in Jiaxing. Now, this silver has already been transferred to the national treasury."

"And the remaining 198,600 acres of land have not been dealt with yet!"

When Gao Gong heard this, he suddenly understood. Then he looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng and confirmed to him: "So, you are planning to use this matter to practice Ma Ziqiang." ?”

Regarding Gao Gong's words, Zhang Juzheng did not deny it, but added: "Not only that, but you can also take a look at whether the imperial court's tax exemption policy has been implemented."

Although Gao Gong didn't understand why Zhang Juzheng wanted to ask him for such a trivial matter, he still agreed to Zhang Juzheng's request: "Well, it's a trivial matter. I agree. I will stand by you in the cabinet discussions soon." On one side!”

"Well, I'm sorry to bother you!"

Seeing Gao Gong agree to this, Zhang Juzheng showed gratitude on his face, leaned down and said respectfully. (End of chapter)