The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 121 The Old Man and the Young Man

Twelfth lunar month.

The Imperial Palace, in front of Qingning Palace.

Zhang Zhou entered the palace that day, and Yang Peng accompanied him to the completion ceremony.

"Master Zhang Xian, look at this Qingning Palace. It is much more magnificent than before. The newly built palace is still connected with copper pipes. It has been tested in the past two days. After the hot water is connected, the room is as warm as spring."

Yang Peng knew that he would not be able to stay in the eunuch's position for too long, and he might not be able to stay in Dongchang, so he was trying his best to curry favor with Zhang Zhou.

But Zhang Zhou was very principled and refused to accept his gifts. He hinted several times that he would go through the needles for Zhang Zhou to meet merchants in the city, and he also said that he didn't have to worry about taking these people's money, but Zhang Zhou still didn't let go.

Zhang Zhou said: "Very good."

Zhang Zhou stood in front of Qingning Palace, but did not enter the palace.

He is not a servant of the palace, but a man outside the palace. After repairing the palace, the Lord has not moved in yet. It is obviously not a good choice to go in and stroll by himself.

Besides, his main purpose of entering the palace today was not for this purpose, but after the completion ceremony, he would go to Qianqing Palace to meet the emperor.

At that time, Ma Wensheng, Minister of the Ministry of War, Wang Yue, the left servant of the Ministry of War, and Zhang Mao, the British Duke, will all go.

He looked up at the lightning rod standing above the palace. In order to show that it was to deter the gods, he specially cast the upper end of the lightning rod into a dragon and phoenix pattern.

Yang Peng said with a smile: "According to what you said, the copper wires connected to the ground below will go to the shade of the inner wall and not to the sun."

"Ah."

Zhang Zhou nodded with satisfaction.

With the lightning rod, it is almost impossible to start a fire with sky fire next time.

Daming's imperial palace has been hit by sky fires many times in hundreds of years. Zhang Zhou really can't add lightning rods to them one by one, which is neither realistic nor necessary.

But since Qingning Palace was built and repaired by him, it must be added.

Just as he was talking, the fasting ceremony over there was about to end, and the Taoist should leave the palace after finishing the work at hand.

"Master Zhang Xian, Eunuch Xiao is already waiting, saying that you can go to Qianqing Palace."

Someone came to deliver a message.

Only then did Zhang Zhou see Xiao Jing standing not far away, still smiling at him.

Then Zhang Zhou went over and walked to Qianqing Palace with Xiao Jing.

……

……

"Mr. Zhang, there is something inappropriate to mention. Don't get too close to Yang Peng."

Xiao Jing obviously wanted to do something to Yang Peng, but he was afraid that Zhang Zhou would not accept the gift for the time being, and he might want to use Yang Peng's relationship to amass money in the future, so he wanted to test Zhang Zhou's tone first.

In fact, there is no need to try.

The more Zhang Zhou said that he attached great importance to Yang Peng, the more jealous Xiao Jing would be, and Yang Peng's fate would be even worse. Now that Yang Peng is still a eunuch, he may turn around and let him guard the imperial tomb.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Eunuch Xiao is right in reminding you. Eunuch Yang is too scheming. He wants to give me gifts when he has nothing to do, and wants to drag me into trouble. But when he is doing business for the palace, everything should be self-restraint. How can I be bewitched by him? But this People have done things for me, but I still can't avoid them directly... It's difficult."

Xiao Jing listened.

You, Zhang Zhou, really understand the rules of the court. This... not only shows your attitude of not accepting gifts and dealing with people in the court, but also defines your relationship with Yang Peng, right?

Previously, Xiao Jing wanted to push Yang Peng down, not because Yang Peng couldn't do things, but mainly because Yang Peng was hanging around Zhang Zhou. Jing's limelight, in case Zhang Zhou turns around and mentions to the emperor, let Yang Peng take charge of the East Factory...

Xiao Jing wanted to nip some things in the bud.

But when he heard Zhang Zhou's words, he seemed to understand instantly that worrying was unnecessary.

Because Zhang Zhou will not be easily corrupted by Yang Peng, and Zhang Zhou is very aware of Yang Peng's "danger", and only recognizes Yang Peng's ability.

"Eunuch Xiao, is there a personnel arrangement for Eunuch Yang in the palace? Don't mind, I won't interfere in any way." Zhang Zhou reminded with a smile.

It means, what you like about the affairs in the palace.

Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Since he can handle things, let him assist Mr. Zhang more, but Mr. Zhang is careful."

"Oh." Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "I don't need him a few times. After the Qingning Palace is finished, we can talk about whether there is a chance to meet in the future. Eunuch Xiao, don't we have to hurry? This is getting slower and slower."

Only then did Xiao Jing come back to his senses, and said with a smile: "Mr. is right, let's go quickly, don't keep His Majesty waiting for a long time."

……

……

Outside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Mao, Ma Wensheng, and Wang Yue were standing there waiting, and there was not a word between the three of them. Judging from the gap between them, the three of them looked down on each other.

Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue are the same age, both in their 70s, and they are both in the same military and political system, but they have a deep hatred.

Zhang Mao is younger and is about to reach his sixtieth year.

The three old guys have seldom sung one play, let them let go of their arms and sing, and it is estimated that they can sing three or four plays.

It is because there are too many grievances and grievances between these three people.

Zhang Zhou didn't come, and the emperor never summoned them. What was going to be discussed this time was naturally the use of troops around the Xuanfu in February, and the main thing involved was the Piantou Pass.

In Daming, Piantouguan did not belong to the three sides, but was close to Datong and Xuanfu towns, and was generally controlled by the governor of Xuanda, and Wang Yue was only the general control of Shaanxi, Yansui and other places before, which is equivalent to saying Wang Yue was transferred from Trilateral to Xuanda, which involved some personnel arrangements, and he couldn't wait until February to discuss, or even the next year.

To prepare for a big battle, even if it is not made public, two months in advance, the time is considered hasty.

The three have been curious.

Who is the emperor waiting for?

The three of us, no matter how you say it, are the pillars of the civil service and military service, and we are waiting here, without saying who we are waiting for!

Just as he was thinking, Xiao Jing brought Zhang Zhou over on the other side, passing by the steps.

Zhang Zhou came from Qingning Palace and took a look down from above. This was incredible. The three old men of Daming stood straight below, while he could look down at them from a high position.

The three old men also noticed his presence and looked up at him.

Ma Wensheng didn't know who this was yet.

"Please!"

Zhang Zhou didn't need to pass it on, and was directly invited by Xiao Jing into the Qianqing Palace in front of the three old men.

……

……

"Bingkuan, are you here?"

Zhu Youzhang was still discussing with Dai Yi the content of Zhu's approval, and he was not satisfied with the proposals of the cabinet's related affairs. When he saw Zhang Zhou coming in, he put down the matter at hand.

Prepare to start negotiations on the use of troops in the Northwest.

Zhang Zhou saluted and said, "See Your Majesty."

"Why are you so polite? I haven't seen you for a long time, but you still look good. Please give me your seat!" Zhu Youtang didn't treat Zhang Zhou as an outsider at all.

Dai Yi hastily reminded: "Your Majesty, Yinggong, Mabutang and Wangbutang are still waiting outside."

This is to remind the emperor that if you give Zhang Zhou a seat now, when the three old men come in later and see a young man sitting there like Zhang Zhou, can they still have no objections?
In order for Zhang Zhou to be able to hang out in the civil service circle in the future, he shouldn't be given too much courtesy in front of others, otherwise accidents will happen easily.

Zhu Youtang said: "Go and invite those who are waiting outside."

"Yes!" Xiao Jing then went out and told the three old men to come in.

……

……

Three pillars of the Ming Dynasty, together with Zhang Zhou, stood in the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youtang sat back behind the desk.

After the simple monarchs and ministers greeted each other, Zhu Youtang also pointed out today's intention: "...I want to discuss with all the gentlemen that at the beginning of February next year, we will use troops at Piantou Pass and other places. This matter is of great importance, except for everyone present Apart from that, you must not speak out to others.”

Ma Wensheng listened.

Use troops in the Northwest? !
Not to mention the scale of the troops.

This matter alone is really fatal. The emperor didn't say anything in the court, and didn't notify the cabinet. He just discussed with them behind closed doors?

"Your Majesty, no!" After all, Ma Wensheng was a traditional civil servant, so he naturally believed that all affairs should be discussed in the court.

No matter how important the matter discussed behind closed doors, it is against the rules.

Zhu Youtang raised his hand to interrupt Ma Wensheng's words, and said, "Ma Qing's family, I know you are worried, but the use of troops in the Northwest this time is all because of Bingkuan... that is, the disaster that was predicted in the palace Qingning Palace earlier, and Henan The earthquake...he predicted that in February next year, the Tatars would plunder our Daming Piantouguan and other places, so as to take precautions early, and don't startle the snakes!"

Ma Wensheng couldn't help but look sideways at Zhang Zhou.

It's good that the emperor didn't mention this, but he did...

Ma Wensheng felt that the situation was even more serious.

For fires, earthquakes, etc., just listen to an alchemist, but now you have to listen to an alchemist even when you use troops in the Northwest?Is this to bring disaster to the country and the people?
That kid named Zhang Zhou really dared to mention it, and the emperor really dared to believe it!

Wang Yue saw that Ma Wensheng was already a little anxious, so he couldn't help reminding: "Negative map, in fact, your Majesty's intention is to make Piantouguan and other places take precautions. If the Tatars really intend to invade, we can't let them take advantage of it, but if they don't Come... just to strengthen preparations, there is nothing wrong with it! Such things are rather believable!"

Ma Wensheng didn't want to pay attention to Wang Yue.

How much do you, Wang Shichang, flatter the emperor and the powerful, pretending that others don't know?

A alchemist, just a young man, wouldn't he be an expert who can pinch and count in your eyes?

Don't others know that you want to take the opportunity to regain the title?

Ma Wensheng said sternly: "Your Majesty, military and political affairs in the Northwest should be discussed in a long-term manner. Regardless of whether Di Yi intends to violate the border, even if he does, he should show the tight defense of the Ming Dynasty and order him to retreat instead of attracting him to attack. Your Majesty has made it clear in the court, and you must tell the world, so that Di Yi will have scruples!"

Hearing Ma Wensheng's disdain for him, Wang Yue said coldly: "Showing it to the public is equivalent to scaring the snake. If the Tatars don't attack the Piantouguan, they attack elsewhere. If they attack the weak defense, I'm afraid Are you going to burn your life into charcoal?"

"you!"

Ma Wensheng stared at Wang Yue.

Dai Yi hastily came out to reconcile: "Both of you are the ministers of my Daming, why bother arguing? They are both for the stability of the north of the Ming Dynasty, and for the Daming community!"

Zhang Mao on the side was snickering.

He watched the two veteran-level civil servants biting each other, not to mention how enjoyable it was.

Let you usually like to suppress Wu Xun when you have nothing to do, but now you have a dispute about whether to send troops or not, right?
It depends on who the emperor listens to, anyway, he doesn't listen to you two, and Zhang Gongsheng next to him hasn't spoken yet!That's my grandson's husband... even though it's temporary!
Zhu Youtang obviously didn't like to see the quarrel between Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue. He said with a solemn face: "I can understand the feelings of the two of you. Now, in terms of the situation in the northwest, I think Zhang Bingkuan is not There is no target."

Ma Wensheng glared at Zhang Zhou, and replied: "Your Majesty, when will the Ming Dynasty deploy troops in the northwest, do you want to listen to a younger generation?"

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Ma Shangshu, listen to Eunuch Dai, be safe and don't be impatient. I didn't say that the Tatars would definitely come!"

"what?"

This time not only Ma Wensheng was surprised, but even the emperor, Wang Yue and others felt that Zhang Zhou was playing with fire.

After hearing what you said, I thought that the Tatars would invade the border in February next year, and they were discussing military operations, but you actually said that they might not come?

Zhang Zhoudao: "As far as I know, there is an annexation war going on on the grassland. The little Mongolian prince Batu Mengke, known as Dayan Khan, has attempted to annex the tribes of the grassland in recent years, which has made the tribes There is a serious shortage of living space in between."

Ma Wensheng didn't say anything.

What Zhang Zhou said was not a secret.

It would not be surprising if the emperor informed him.

"This time, it will not be Dayan Khan's people, but soldiers and horses from the Mongolian right wing. In the coming year...Dayan Khan will take the opportunity to annex the Mongolian right wing, and the situation on the grassland will be even more turbulent. Cloud tricks!" Zhang Zhou said.

"you……"

This time Ma Wensheng didn't know what to say.

Said that this was the set of alchemists who used to measure the sky, and Zhang Zhou analyzed the situation on the grassland.

Dayan Khan's next step is to annex the Mongolian right wing. Even many veterans of the Ministry of War discussed together, but they did not give an accurate answer, because no one knows what Dayan Khan's next goal is.

Now Zhang Zhou can say the result that the Ministry of War has not calculated, and he can say it with a nose and a eye.

But to say that this is not nonsense...

Dai Yi asked: "Mr. Zhang, since you have said that this Di Yi is about to invade my frontier, why is no one sure?"

Zhang Zhoudao: "I'm only good at calculating some secrets, not good at measuring worldly affairs! The area covered by the Mongolian right wing is not just Biantouguan. If they really want to prepare for war with great fanfare, the Tatars may not come, but Mongolia The battle between the right wing and the Dayan Khan tribe will definitely start in the coming year."

"In the past year, because of the wars in Shaanxi, Guyuan, Hetao and other places, as well as Wang Shilang's battle in Helan Mountain, the vitality of the Tatars has been severely damaged, and the horse market in the northwest has basically stagnated. It is reported that Batu Mengke has repeatedly played, The request to reopen Xuanda and other Chuma markets also shows that the grassland tribes are actively preparing for war. The preparations are not for a war with Ming Dynasty, but for a battle within the grassland!"

Ma Wensheng was very annoyed, but after listening to Zhang Zhou's words, it still made him think.

The most intuitive thought in his mind...

Where did this kid know this?

For Zhang Zhou, this is just what happened in history. Dayan Khan annexed the right wing of Mongolia in the 13th year of Hongzhi, and the honeymoon period between Daming and Grassland after Tumubao was also in the 13th year of Hongzhi. After sending troops to Ordos, the border trade was completely cut off. It was not until the Jiajing period that the horse market reopened.

For people in this era, that is still an uncertain future.

Listening to it is like listening to a bible.

(End of this chapter)