The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 279 The Thunder Rolls
Zhu Youtang did not show Ma Zhongxi's memorial to impeach Zhang Zhou to the cabinet, so there was no need for a cabinet draft.

Anyway, Zhu Youtang has a final decision in mind.

Before Ma Yi's matter did not directly involve Zhang Zhou, Zhu Youtang might discuss it with the minister, but now that it has been involved... there is no need to discuss it.

But it was in the afternoon that Dai Yi went to say hello to the cabinet.

It probably means...

In the future, you can figure it out yourself.

On the second day of the court meeting, that is, the day Zhang Zhou said he was going to pray for rain, Zhu Youtang was ready to go to Qianqing Palace before dawn.

"It's a good day."

Zhu Youtang came out of Qianqing Palace, looked up at the gray sky and said.

Xiao Jing said after hearing this: "Your Majesty, I went to the clouds last night, but recently there are always clouds, and there is no idea of ​​rain. There are still people in the city talking about it, saying that they want to ask Your Majesty to pray for another rain."

"The common people can't lose their rules." Dai Yi reprimanded, "How can you always expect your Majesty to pray for rain?"

"Ugh!"

Zhu Youtang laughed at himself.

Although he didn't say it clearly, the expression on his face probably means that if I really have the ability to call wind and rain, I don't mind praying a few more times, but the problem is... I won't.

If I want to know which cloud will rain, I don't have to be an emperor, but a god.

……

……

In front of Fengtian Temple.

All the ministers were preparing to face the saint. It was a hot day, but Zhang Mao came with an umbrella.

alone.

As soon as Zhang Mao came, Xie Qian greeted him with a smile: "Is this waiting for the rain? It said it was in the Xuanfu, but it didn't say it was in the capital. Did the British Lord prepare for the wrong place?"

The emperor greeted the cabinet and mentioned the content of Ma Zhongxi's impeachment of Zhang Zhou, and the cabinet would explain everything in advance before the court meeting, at least so that the censor could understand.

Zhang Mao laughed and said: "It's hot in the middle of summer, this old bone is no better than a young man, and an umbrella is not enough to keep out the wind and rain, but it is also good to keep out the sun."

"Haha."

A lot of people are laughing.

The martial arts around Zhang Mao all hated themselves a little bit.

It seems that I still haven't realized it. If I knew it earlier, I would bring an umbrella. This is not to keep pace with Zhang Mao, but to cater to the holy will.

I'm still thinking about whether old man Zhang can play.

……

……

Umbrellas are all made of wood, so they cannot be brought into the hall, and Jinwu guards will take them to the side.

After the court meeting began.

All the ministers were speaking in a step-by-step manner, and none of the monarchs and ministers deliberately mentioned the matter of Zhang Zhou and Xuanfu.

However, the court meeting was halfway through, and thunder came from outside.

"boom……"

This sound came a little suddenly, it was not above the head, but it was also very loud.

Zhu Youtang heard the thunder, but he seemed to be cheered up, and he said proudly: "My dear family, I don't know if anyone has informed that Bingkuan has arrived at Xuanfu, and before entering the city, he saw the severe drought around Xuanfu. He said that he would open an altar and pray for rain in front of the city gate today."

The ministers present looked at each other in blank dismay.

Liu Jian came out and said, "Your Majesty, the court should have set up an altar to pray for rain. How could it be done by others at will? What's more, if it involves matters such as God's will, especially those involving the vicinity of the capital, it should be determined by His Majesty's decree." .”

In fact, Liu Jian seemed to be picking on Zhang Zhou out of nothing, but he was actually reminding Zhu Youtang more.

Your Majesty... It seems that you were the one who prayed for rain in person before. If Zhang Zhou succeeded in praying for rain this time, wouldn't you tell others... Zhang Zhou was also behind your back to help you cheat last time?

So no matter what, we can't let him go.

Regardless of whether it is going to rain or not, as long as he doesn't come out and pretend to be a force to call the wind and rain, the common people will not think about it, and your identity as the true son of heaven will not be doubted.

Zhu Youtang frowned and said: "It's just praying for rain, why do you have to issue an order? According to this, the government will just sit back and ignore droughts in various places in the future?"

Throughout the dynasties, when there was a drought, the government came forward to carry out activities such as offering sacrifices to the Dragon King Temple to complete the ceremony of praying for rain. These are all measures to calm the people, and there is no need to petition the court for every one.

What does the emperor mean to say, if praying for rain requires the emperor's decree, then even the worship of the Dragon King Temple or the river god in various places can be stopped directly?Those are all awesome ways to fool the ignorant people and make them obey the enlightenment. The tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years can be changed because of Zhang Zhou?

"Rumble..."

Just as I was talking, there was thunder outside again.

But it's just dry thunder and no rain.

The light in the hall was somewhat dim, Zhu Youtang signaled, and then Dai Yi ordered someone to light the lamp.

Right now the most proud person in the hall is Zhang Mao.

Even Zhu Youtang couldn't help looking at him, and said, "Mr. Yingying, I heard that you brought an umbrella, what do you think?"

Zhu Youtang felt that it was inappropriate for him to come out and speak to Zhang Zhou, so he found someone who knew how to assess the situation and let old man Zhang come out to be "shameless".

Zhang Mao held up the wat board and said: "Your Majesty, the old minister is just prepared and doesn't have too many thoughts. The old minister is old and always likes to do some cautious things. I hope His Majesty will not blame you."

Hearing the words, the ministers present were all thinking, you are indeed "cautious", but you didn't bring rain gear to court, but made small moves to cater to the emperor.

Zhu Youtang said: "Let's not talk about praying for rain. Originally, Bingkuan didn't say that he was praying for rain in the capital. If he is in the capital now, it would be fine. But who knows if there is rain in Xuanfu?"

When the ministers heard this, they thought it was too damn reasonable.

What are we mourning here?Why bother to feel sorry for yourself?
Does it have anything to do with Zhang Zhou whether it rains or not in the capital?

Besides, that kid Zhang Zhou said he was going to pray for rain today, even though it was raining in the Xuan Mansion at this moment, Zhang Zhou's rain praying ceremony hadn't started yet, right?Could this be what Zhang Zhou asked for?
"Let's talk about the case of Ma Yi, the deputy commander-in-chief of Xuanfu, how should we handle it?" Zhu Youtang said, "Department of Punishment!"

Bai Ang, Shangshu of the Criminal Department, came out and said: "Your Majesty, the case has been passed and there are no obvious omissions. If the Xuanfu cannot handle the case, the person should be handed over to the Judiciary for a final decision."

Just to say, we stand with Ma Zhongxi and agree to hand over Ma Yi to justice.

Zhu Youtang said: "But now that the Xuan government is employing people, it's not appropriate to temporarily transfer the deputy commander-in-chief. What I mean is that this matter should be left to Bingkuan to decide on his own, to see if he can stay in the army first. Wait until the war is over before proceeding."

Not to mention wearing a crime and performing meritorious deeds, the emperor obviously didn't want to characterize Ma Yi's matter.

To say that he has committed crimes and made meritorious service is equivalent to saying that Ma Yi is guilty.

Bai Ang didn't know how to answer.

In the Northwest, if the general is guilty and the military situation is urgent, there is a saying "to avoid arrest and interrogation order to kill thieves".

But it is only for general faults that are not good for defending against the enemy. Like Ma Yi, who was directly questioned at the governor level, and has clear evidence of corruption and perverting the law, it seems that it does not apply to the precedent of wearing a crime and making meritorious service.

Bai Ang could have objected originally, but now the emperor obviously wanted to protect Ma Yi because of Zhang Zhou's protection. To come out and object is tantamount to an open challenge to the emperor... Those censors may not care, but he Bai Ang... ...Like Xu Qiong, he is not in the traditional civil servant camp, so he doesn't want to be the thorn in the side at this time.

Li Dongyang looked at this posture, you, a Minister of the Ministry of punishment, are so unprincipled in these issues?

He came out and said: "Your Majesty, Ma Zhongxi, the governor of the Xuanfu, made a performance. Ma Yi, who extorted money in the army and had the evil deeds of private animals and soldiers, should not be tolerated. This person is on the same level as the new Xuanfu and Datong. Zhang and Zhou are in charge, and they have crossed paths, so they should not use the military situation as an excuse to cover things up."

He is reminding the emperor.

Your Majesty, let's take one piece at a time.

If you want to face Zhang Zhou, we have no objection. After all, this kid just went to Xuanfu and hasn't done anything outrageous. We don't have any big opinions on him, or we can't find anything wrong with him.

The problem is, this Ma Yi had nothing to do with Zhang Zhou before, but because Ma Yi went to visit Zhang Zhou when he was being hunted down, and returned to the Xuan Mansion with Zhang Zhou, did you say that this person is Zhang Zhou's henchman?

Even we found that statement far-fetched.

Although what Ma Zhongxi said was that Zhang Zhou maliciously shielded criminals, as long as Zhang Zhou handed over the person, the rift between Zhang Zhou and Ma Zhongxi would be resolved. At worst, if you turn around and replace Ma Zhongxi, we have no objection.

But it's a little unreasonable not to ask guilt.

Zhu Youtang said: "My dear family, the local generals have faults, and it is not appropriate for the officials in charge to impeach them. But before they are arrested on the spot, should they also ask the court for instructions? If only to give A memorandum of crimes in the imperial court, or handing over the case file, can determine who is guilty and innocent, can it be followed everywhere in the future, so that the local officials will be silent?"

The emperor is also welcome.

I discussed with you earlier and handed over Ma Yi to Zhang Zhou for disposal, but you made irresponsible remarks.

Then I will directly attack Ma Zhongxi's private use of public weapons now, and use Daming's law to target Ma Yi, which is suspected of public revenge.

Li Dongyang originally wanted to be a peacemaker, because in his previous remarks, he neither helped Ma Yi nor Ma Zhongxi.

But now he suddenly realized.

Feelings are what Zhang Zhou does, whether right or wrong, or whether it makes sense or not, the emperor will support him.

This is simply unreasonable.

"Boom...wow..."

With the thunder rolling outside the hall, heavy rain poured down.

This time, everyone in the hall couldn't care less about Ma Zhongxi and Ma Yi. They were all thinking, since I know it might rain today, why didn't I bring rain gear?
If the rain doesn't stop after the court meeting is dissolved, will we all be drowned?
……

……

"Your Majesty, it's raining."

Dai Yi happily told the emperor the good news, but he didn't need to say it. The people present were not deaf, and the sound of rain had almost covered the voice of speaking.

Immediately, the palace guards quickly closed the palace door.

Only in this way can the hall be considered a little quieter.

Zhu Youtang squinted his eyes and looked in the direction of the door, and said intentionally or unintentionally: "I don't know if there will be rain in Xuanfu today."

The ministers present did not know what to say.

If you mention Ma Zhongxi's participation in the impeachment of Ma Yi again, it will be against the emperor.

If he took the opportunity to attack Zhang Zhou... that would be even more serious. It is estimated that the emperor might come directly, and it is not impossible to beat the mountain with a cane on the spot.

"If it's nothing serious, let's stop here for today's court meeting."

Zhu Youtang suddenly said something.

When the ministers present heard it, they shouted in their hearts, don't, we still want to have a friendly exchange with your majesty.

If we don't communicate, then we will have a close contact with the heavy rain after we go out. We old bones may not be able to withstand the baptism of rain a few times. Who will deal with the court affairs when we get sick after returning home?Do you count on Zhang Bingkuan alone?
"Get your umbrella and everything ready."

Zhu Youtang is not the kind of person who doesn't show affection. Even if the minister gave him a little anger today, he still doesn't want to see the minister get wet in the rain.

Immediately Zhu Youtang got up, the monarch and his ministers completed the final ceremony, and then Zhu Youtang left first.

As for Ma Yi's case... There is no need to discuss it anymore, anyway, the emperor has given Zhang Zhou the authority to judge crimes... Ma Zhongxi can only stare blankly.

……

……

"Is this really... the leak in the house happens to rain all night?"

All the ministers took their rain gear and did not rush out of the Fengtian Hall. Many people gathered at the door.

Xie Qian brought into play his long tongue again, his pastime is clearly talking about... the house is leaky, that is, we are already very worried about Zhang Zhou, but there are always people who have something to do with him, let us suffer from him gas.

Holding an umbrella, Xu Qiong walked out of the threshold of Fengtian Hall, and said, "Your Majesty didn't say it all? Today's prayer for rain is not in the capital, but in the Xuanfu. Who knows if there will be rain in the Xuanfu?"

Zhang Mao had already gone a few steps, but turned back, looked at the people present with a smile, and said: "If there is no night rain, then what does it matter if the room is leaky or not?"

"My lord, what do you mean by that?"

Everyone was very dissatisfied when they heard this.

"Ha ha."

Zhang Mao seemed like a leisurely person, holding an umbrella and striding away.

"Rumble..."

The lightning and thunder continued, which made the civil servants present feel very uncomfortable.

Bai Ang asked: "What does this mean?"

Xie Qian glanced at him and said, "I don't understand? If you didn't know that there will be rain in Xuanfu today, would you be as anxious as you are now?"

Everyone couldn't help but look ashamed when they heard this.

But it was just as Zhang Mao said, if Zhang Zhou's supernatural power was not thought to be "Night Rain" in his heart, the civil servants present would not have mixed feelings because of Zhang Zhou's prophecy.

Li Dongyang naturally felt that Xie Qian was abusing others to destroy his prestige, so he called out, "Yu Qiao, this is inappropriate."

"There's nothing wrong with it, even I... agree with it in my heart, it's likely to rain in the Xuan Mansion today!"

Xie Qian came up with a temper, with shame and anger on his face.

It looked like he was mocking the civil servants present, but he was actually hating himself.

Zhang Zhou is able to understand the will of heaven, whether it is praying for rain or Zhang Zhou is sure that it will rain that day, it is just this inch, such a coincidence.

I thank a certain person for wanting to change, to set things right and make His Majesty respect us again, but there is nothing we can do about it!

what to do?

Is there any other way besides lamenting God?

……

……

It was raining in the capital of Ming Dynasty that day.

Originally, rainy days tend to make people feel anxious, but because of what happened in the court, when the civil servants left the palace, each of them seemed to have a gloomy heart.

No matter what they think in their hearts, at least everyone has to show a mournful look on their faces when they go out.

I hate the sky, and I hate being unable to change.

But at this time in Xuan Mansion, in front of the rain praying altar set up at the gate of the city, all the soldiers and civilians onlookers seemed to be watching the excitement.

The weather in Xuanfu that day...it was a clear sky.

Ma Zhongxi didn't want to get involved in this kind of thing at first, regardless of whether it rained that day, could it be said that God's will was on Zhang Zhou's side if it rained that day?If it rains every day, can a corrupt official be exonerated?
Don't use God's will to fool people.

But when he got up in the morning and saw that the sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly, he still went out of the city to the altar himself.

The commander-in-chief Zhu Hui had to stick to his post that day and could not go out of the city, but the two deputy commander-in-chiefs, Ma Yi and Zhang Heling, were both in front of the altar, but Ma Yi was guarded by Jinyi guards. Can not order to take people.

So Ma Yi also seemed to be a lot tougher. When he saw Ma Zhongxi coming, he didn't avoid his expression, but instead had a look of hatred.

He felt that Ma Zhongxi was deliberately targeting him.

How can there be a Northwest general who is not greedy?Why target me alone?Am I a bully or what?

Now I am leaning against the big tree Zhang Zhou, and it is very shady. You, Ma Zhongxi, have the ability to come up to me and make trouble to see if you can end it!

"Why hasn't Zhang Zhou come yet? It depends on the weather. Don't you dare to come?"

Ma Zhongxi went to the altar and asked Zhang Lun and others who were setting up the altar.

Zhang Heling was sitting on a chair, and someone had already opened a canopy for him beside him. He hid in the lower place and drank tea. Hearing this, he said in a mocking tone: "It seems that some people don't know how many eyes Lord Ma has. Come on." Is this for humiliation?"

Ma Zhongxi spread out the fan in his hand, and said sharply, "Marquis Shouning, what do you mean?"

"Haha."

Zhang Heling also has a fan here, a small folding fan. He pointed at Ma Zhongxi with the fan, and said with a smile, "Talking about him, is he still obsessed with it? Is it because all the officials in the Northwest are ignorant? I don't know what our Master Zhang is good at? Don't worry." It’s not surprising that it rains all over the summer, even if it snows all over June.”

"what?"

Many people present couldn't help discussing Zhang Heling's words.

Although it is no secret in the Northwest that Zhang Zhou cured the plague, predicted the fire in the palace, and helped Wang Yue and Zhu Feng win the border town, but Zhang Zhou called the wind and called the rain... This is too evil, and there is no evidence to prove that Qingning Palace The lightning that caught fire was attracted by Zhang Zhou.

As for whether Zhang Zhou really has that ability... Humans are not gods.

Even ordinary people feel that this matter is a bit evil and unreliable.

Since ancient times, there have been many superstitious people, but they basically adhere to the principle of "seeing is believing". If you open your mouth to say that you are a god, you have to see it with your own eyes.

was talking.

Zhang Zhou came on horseback.

Beside Zhang Zhou, there were Tang Yin, Xu Jing and others who rushed over overnight last night.

Originally, Zhang Zhou didn't want to see Xu Jing, but it was rare that Xu Jing went to the northwest to find trouble for himself, and since he was someone close to Tang Yin, Zhang Zhou let him follow him.

"Everyone, it's early enough. Have you had breakfast? Ma, are you there?"

Zhang Zhou jumped off his horse, as if he was talking to Ma Zhongxi, but what he looked at was the horse pulled behind Ma Zhongxi.

When Ma Zhongxi saw Zhang Zhoulai, he didn't want to say a word to Zhang Zhou.

Instead, he went straight to the chair prepared for him.

Zhang Heling stood up to meet him and said, "Mr. Zhang, you've come. Today is such a good day. Are you confident?"

"Pray for rain, sincerity is the most important thing." Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "Speaking of which, I would like to thank Lao Ma for coming in person today."

"You thank him for coming to mess with you?"

Zhang Heling's sharp words are no less than that of a market rogue.

Zhang Zhou smiled.

What he wants to say is that this is thanks to Ma Zhongxi for leaving a brilliant stroke in history.

Because in history, the rain on May 12, 29th year of Hongzhi was engraved in the annals of history thanks to the gift of Ma Zhongxi.

Historically, in May, the Northwest was not very peaceful. The fire sieged the bandits and looted south of Datong Town for nine days. People from all walks of life in Daming coordinated with each other for twenty miles, but they dared not fight head-on. In the end, they relied on a heavy rain Only then did the fire screening department be forced back.

But there is one thing.

Zhang Zhou didn't know whether the rain came in the morning or in the afternoon.

It may also come at night.

He thought to himself that he had time anyway, so he spent it here?
When will it rain, and when will I go home.

(End of this chapter)