The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 138 This is the way of the world

After all, Zhang Mao is not like Yang Peng. He is different from Cheng Guogong's mansion who gave money as a thank-you gift when he came up.

To be able to become the head of the nobles of the Ming Dynasty, old man Zhang's methods are also extraordinary.

If you want to be bound, you need to be deeply bound. You can't tie half of it and loosen the half. Make it clear that the intention is for the position of admiral in the capital, and setting out the conditions can help Zhang Zhou integrate into the court...

this kind of deal.

It was difficult for Zhang Zhou to refuse.

The banquet at the British government's family is over.

Zhang Zhou finally brought Jiang Dezhong out of the house, and old man Jiang thought it was an honor.

"My son-in-law, does this old man know how to get along with others? The British government didn't embarrass you!"

Jiang Dezhong was complacent.

"Father!" Jiang Shanquan on the side gave him a hand, even the son couldn't listen anymore.

Zhang Zhoudao: "You can do business with the Governor's Mansion, but you have to hand it over to others."

The smile on Jiang Dezhong's face froze, and he asked, "My son-in-law, do you have a grudge against Yinzi?"

"I have no enmity with Yinzi, but I want to save my own life. Do you know who Li Guang is?" Zhang Zhou asked.

Jiang Dezhong thought about it for a while, and even looked at his troubled son, feeling that something was wrong.

"Is that the supernatural master of the state? I heard that he knows astronomy and geography, and the emperor trusts him very much..."

After all, Jiang Dezhong was quite knowledgeable, and when he arrived in the capital, he found out everything that needed to be inquired about.

Zhang Zhou said: "Then do you know how he died?"

Jiang Dezhong shook his head.

"He was corrupt and broke the law. In the end, because of the fire in the Qingning Palace, His Majesty thought it was a sign from heaven. He committed suicide in fear. Father-in-law, don't you want to follow in his footsteps?" Zhang Zhou said.

Jiang Dezhong laughed and said, "Don't use these things to scare the old man. I don't understand those things... Uh, my son-in-law, you mean...you are Li Guang, right?"

"Father, let's stop talking. Do you know what the Zhang family told us after they detained you? We must bring Bingkuan to see you, otherwise we won't let you go. Previously, your business in the warehouse in the capital was completely destroyed. It was seized by the people of the Dudu Mansion..."

Jiang Dezhong originally thought that he had been entertained and his face was bright.

Only now did he realize that his aggressiveness put him in a dangerous place.

If it weren't for Zhang Zhoulai today, maybe he wouldn't even be able to get out of the British government.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Father-in-law, it's good if you know how to measure. I won't stop you from doing business with the Dudu Mansion, but as I said, you must find an agent to completely clean up this matter. I don't want to go there again next time." Why did the government take you out? The British Duke and I have a place where we can advance and retreat in terms of interests. It’s okay to discuss it. If you fall into the hands of some people...I’m afraid it’s...a god is hard to protect."

Zhang Zhou didn't scare Lao Jiang at this point.

Zhang Mao is very familiar with the rules and knows how to deal with courtiers, but if it were the two brothers of the Zhang family, there would be no room for negotiation.

It is easy to let you go bankrupt, but not every time there is a big family like the Zhou family that can make the emperor afraid, and it is only on the premise that the Queen Mother of Zhou is not dead.

"The old man drank too much, go back and have a good sleep, son-in-law, let's talk later, talk later..."

Jiang Dezhong felt that his outlook on life had collapsed a bit.

Mingming's son-in-law reminded him to stay away from the rich and powerful, but he didn't listen to him. Now that disaster almost happened, he still has to rely on his son-in-law to make money...

I feel like I've lost all my face.

Afraid of embarrassing himself in front of his son-in-law, he pretended that he had drunk too much, and quickly asked his son to send him away.

"Bingkuan, you..." Jiang Shanquan stuffed his father into the carriage first, and looked back at Zhang Zhou, meaning that I brought you here, and I will send you back first.

Zhang Zhou pointed to Sun Shangqi and the others who were still waiting, and said, "You don't have to worry about me here. When you arrive in the capital, please persuade my old father-in-law and don't cause any trouble. I am just a juren now. It's hard to move!"

……

……

Zhang Zhou went home and just made a simple settlement, and he was about to enter the palace.

In addition to reporting to the emperor about the progress of his mine search, there is another matter that involves Zhang Zhou's vital interests, that is, the tribute selection that was specially prepared for him years ago.

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang had a good talk.

Zhu Youtang didn't see Zhang Zhou for some days, and he seemed very enthusiastic. If it wasn't for Gu Nian, Zhang Zhou had just returned to the capital, and he might have pulled Zhang Zhou to stay in the palace to talk at night by candlelight.

"...I've gotten much better recently, both in terms of complexion and body. The conditioning method you gave me, Bingkuan, is really useful."

Zhu Youtang's complexion became much ruddy, and he spoke confidently.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "That means His Majesty is blessed by heaven."

Zhu Youtang raised his hand and said: "Don't say those clichés, you are not that kind of person, and I don't want to use those rules to trap you. Now that you have found all the mine veins, I will ask Dongchang to cooperate with you when you turn around and open the mine. ...I'll let you meet someone later, so be more polite!"

The person Zhu Youtang wants Zhang Zhou to meet.

It was Lin Han who was the son of Guozijian's sacrificial wine.

Lin Han appeared in the Qianqing Palace with a dark face. Originally, it was a very honorable thing to be enshrined in the imperial court.

But because he knew that this time he was representing the Guozijian to report the results of the selection, and Zhang Zhou was still on No.1, he was very upset. Without a bottom, the protective shield on the face becomes more obvious.

The whole body seems to be exuding black air.

"The result is as I wished, but there is no need to announce this matter to the public. Let's talk about it after Chun Wei has the result."

Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou with a smile while speaking.

No matter how confused Lin Han was, he suddenly came to his senses at this moment. No wonder he didn't pull Zhang Zhou down no matter how hard he tried. The so-called selection of feelings was prepared for Zhang Zhou alone.

The emperor even said, whether it is the Imperial Academy, or Xiao Jing who is the leader, how can Lin Han get what he wants?

Lin Han said: "Your Majesty, Zhang Gongsheng was born as an alchemist, so he shouldn't accept such selection to enter the court."

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "You are wrong about Lin Qing's family. He was not born as an alchemist, but a Gongsheng. He was Jie Yuan who took the Tianfu Township Examination. Later, he did some things that alchemists did, but he was forced by the situation. , he still wants to enter the court with the official imperial examination."

Lin Han felt angry.

Since he was going to take the imperial examination, why did he arrange such a back door for him?
Just to tease me, is there any tribute from the Imperial College to take the exam?
"Lin Qing's family, I heard that Bing Kuan had a bet with you when he went to the Imperial College to accept the election of Ju Gong?" Zhu Youtang asked with a smile.

Lin Han was still angry there, but when he heard this, he was startled.

The Emperor knows even this...

Zhang Zhou smiled and cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this is just a joke between the minister and Elder Lin Jijiu."

Zhu Youtang said: "It's okay to talk and laugh, but Lin Qing's family should not be the kind of people who talk casually. Lin Qing's family, what do you think?"

"The minister must abide by the agreement."

When Lin Han spoke, his hands were trembling slightly.

Zhu Youtang said again: "Then Bingkuan, what exactly do you need from Lin Qing's family? Let's talk about it face to face. Do you want to go to Beiyong to continue your studies? Or do you want Lin Qing's family to guide you more in the future?"

Zhang Zhou heard that the emperor still wanted to help him gain some benefits from Lin Han.

Whether it is knowledge or fame, having a Guozijian offering wine to help can indeed achieve twice the result with half the effort.

But Zhang Zhou was thinking in his heart, Your Majesty, is it really okay for you to force old man Lin to do what he doesn't want, so that he can't step down?It really pushed me to the opposite of civil servants and Shilin.

"Your Majesty, I have a small request, but I don't know if Mr. Lin will accept the offer."

"Say!"

This time, Lin Han took the initiative.

Just pour out any bad water you have, so don't torment others, just do what you promise, anyway, it's fine if there is nothing to do in the future.

Seeing that Lin Han was so eager to ask Zhang Zhou to make an offer, Zhu Youtang also smiled and reminded, "Bingkuan, it's okay to speak up."

Zhang Zhoudao: "I published a collection of poems a few years ago, which used a poem by Lin Jijiu's daughter, which made her famous, but it was Lin Jijiu who thought it was insulting to the family tradition and sent her back to her ancestral home in Fujian. I don't want Because of what I did, I harmed this Miss Lin, and I want Lin Jijiu to send someone to welcome her back."

Lin Han frowned upon hearing this.

What does my family matter have to do with you?

Zhu Youtang thought for a while and sighed: "It's a good thing to be famous for poetry. Why would Lin Qing's family think it is insulting to the family tradition?"

Lin Han said: "I don't think it's an insult to the family tradition."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Don't hide Lin Jijiu. Before Lingxi left, she wrote to me and scolded me, thinking that I had caused her life-long event. Your Majesty, it is like this. Because Miss Lin is going to be sent back to Fujian, it is very likely that she will die." I delayed my marriage, so Miss Lin thinks that I wasted her life, and I only read this letter after I returned to the capital, so I feel very sorry."

When Lin Han heard this, he was furious.

My daughter actually communicated with a strange man?

Is this strange man the sinner who ruined her family tradition?

Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "If that's the case, you really shouldn't be like this at Lin Qing's family. Why don't you listen to Bingkuan and bring him back. In matters of marriage, you should be cautious."

Lin Han hesitated for a moment.

Originally, no one else could interfere with my own family affairs.

I want my daughter to go wherever I want, marry as much as I want her to marry, and want her to be an old girl for a lifetime, that's my pleasure.

but now……

There was a bet with Zhang Zhou first, and the emperor came forward to speak, which was to force him to change his principles.

"Yes." Lin Han gritted his teeth and agreed.

But in my heart I hated Zhang Zhou to death.

Seeing that Lin Han was so sensible, Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "Well, if Lin Qing's family has any doubts about Lingmei's marriage, I can make arrangements for her. Bingkuan, do you have anything else to ask?"

Lin Han almost wanted to say, isn't it one?Your Majesty, we can't play around.

If this goes on, won't I be controlled by this kid in the future?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "It's gone."

Zhu Youtang was somewhat regretful that Zhang Zhou didn't propose to worship Lin Han as his teacher, or ask Lin Han to help him become famous.

After talking for a long time, Zhang Zhou didn't seem to be fighting for something for himself!
"Bingkuan, you have good talent and learning, and you also value reason. You know that you have misunderstood the daughter of the Lin family, so you intercede for her...By the way, was that word really written by the daughter of the Lin family?" Zhu Youtang suddenly asked with a smile.

Zhang Zhou said in surprise, "Your Majesty, I don't know what you mean."

"Haha. Alright, I won't ask any more. Lin Qing's family, Bingkuan is a talent. He will not insult Beiyong's reputation in Beiyong. In the future, you should study more and take out my reward and give it to Lin Qing's family. .”

Zhu Youtang is not unreasonable either.

He knew that Lin Han might be in trouble this time, so he specially prepared a gift from the emperor, hoping to heal old man Lin's inner trauma.

……

……

Zhang Zhou and Lin Han went out of the palace together, led by Xiao Jing.

But Xiao Jing walked very far ahead, allowing Zhang Zhou and Lin Han to communicate in private.

"Lin Shilang, I'm sorry." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.

Lin Han said coldly: "Are you trying to let the old man see what is sophistication?"

Zhang Zhou was still laughing.

It's good that you old man Lin has this level of consciousness.

What kind of sophistication did you show me? Do you think you are awesome because you are the son of the country offering wine?Don't you know that the greatest human sophistication of Ming Dynasty lies in the emperor?

"Why do you interfere with my family's affairs?" Lin Han asked angrily.

Zhang Zhou spread his hands and said, "Look at Lin Shilang's words, I don't want to harm your daughter."

"Hmph!" Lin Han snorted coldly, meaning that you are meddling in your own business.

Zhang Zhoudao: "It seems that Lin Shilang doesn't know much about some things. Mrs. Ling... Didn't she tell you that she ordered her to enter the palace a few years ago, and Ling Ai also entered the palace, and she was summoned by the Empress Dowager alone? Guess what the Empress Dowager did?" What is the purpose?"

Lin Han originally thought that Zhang Zhou was just looking for trouble.

Hearing Zhang Zhou's words, his expression suddenly changed from angry to solemn.

They all have black faces, but black also has different black methods.

Zhang Zhou continued: "The empress dowager told about a dream earlier, saying that in the dream she saw a rootless tree next to the Jiaotai Hall, and the first emperor sat on it and talked. Then there was this incident. Lin Shilang should be smart too. People, then I'll just say it straight, the Empress Dowager wants to choose a concubine for Her Majesty."

Lin Han said coldly, "What's the matter with you?"

Zhang Zhoudao: "Unfortunately, I was the one His Majesty asked to interpret the dream. I was there when Ling Ai entered the palace, and the Empress Dowager also paid great attention to my suggestions. I was thinking, if the Empress Dowager asks my opinion on this matter in the future, What should I say? Is it the same as today, first ask Lin Shilang what you mean?"

"you……"

Lin Han was full of anger.

Hearing this, I instantly felt like being manipulated by Zhang Zhou.

"Lin Shilang, do you want Lingmei to enter the palace, or not?"

"..."

"If the Empress Dowager insists on this, I will say that Your Majesty is not suitable for a concubine. Will it be too deliberate?"

"..."

Lin Han obviously knew about the fact that the main wife brought the concubine's daughter into the palace. Although he didn't know about the Empress Dowager Zhou, after all, Ruan didn't see it with her own eyes, but what Zhang Zhou said was reasonable and well-founded, and he didn't doubt it was false.

Empress Dowager Zhou's mind is not a secret.

No matter how worried he was about his daughter's marriage, it was impossible for him to let her marry into the palace to compete with Queen Zhang for favor.

Lin Han is the kind of person who is very principled. He never wants to gain any benefits for himself through marriage. He is a very traditional and authoritarian father.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Lin Shilang, I have a little personal opinion on this matter. In my opinion, it is a good thing for Ling Ai to go out more and meet more people. At least it will dispel the idea of ​​the Empress Dowager." ...To be honest, I wrote that word, and I was helping her."

"you……"

Lin Han wanted to ask, since you wanted to help my daughter, why did you let her stay in the capital?
Isn't this giving the Empress Dowager a chance?

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Whether this matter will be successful or not depends not on where Ling Ai is, but on what the Empress Dowager said, even if you send Ling Ai to the ends of the earth, and the Empress Dowager orders you to come down, don't you still want to bring her back? Do things deliberately." , why not be more easy-going, let Ling Ai be a talented woman in the capital, and let men in the world see her demeanor."

"Whether it's the strict family style that matters, or Miss Lin's talent and name...or Lin Shilang's goal is to let her enter the palace as a concubine...It's all up to Lin Shilang's personal choice. I just tell what I know and see, there is nothing else The meaning is oh. Hehe."

(End of this chapter)