The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 306
The war in the Northwest subsided for the time being and entered a relatively relaxed preparation period. Naturally, the ministers of the court and the central government did not think that Zhang Zhou could really flatten the grassland.

Recently, due to the peace and tranquility everywhere in the northwest, even the daily night duty of the cabinet has been cancelled.

After Li Dongyang was on night duty for several days, the court meeting was over, and Liu Jian also brought the news from the supervisor, telling Li Dongyang that he could go home and take a good rest for a few days.

"Binzhi, you should prepare your private matters in the past few days. Dongzhuang will be in Beijing in the past few days. I heard that you are not allowed to visit him a few times. You shouldn't be left out in the cold."

Liu Jian seemed very concerned about Li Dongyang.

Because Zhu Youtang’s birthday is on the third day of the seventh lunar month, and this day is the Longevity Festival, whether it is the envoys of foreign countries, or the vassal kings, nobles, and officials from all over the world, they will send people or personally come to Beijing to celebrate the emperor’s birthday. Today's Longevity Festival is different from the past. Da Ming's successive victories in the border wars are just when the emperor is in high spirits.

At this time, I came to present gifts to the emperor, mostly to take the opportunity to flatter.

Dongzhuang is the name of Kong Hongtai, the Duke of Yansheng, known as "Mr. Dongzhuang", and he is close to Li Dongyang.

Of course, Kong Hongtai came to the capital this time, and he did not come alone. He also brought his nephew Kong Wenshao to visit Li Dongyang. The name is to contact Li Dongyang, but in fact he just wants to remind Li Dongyang... The marriage contract between our two families has expired Well, it was agreed that your daughter Jiji will get married in three years. Now that three years have passed, we should conclude the marriage, right?
Li Dongyang stayed on night duty for several days, in fact, to hide from Kong Hongtai.

As a result, Kong Hongtai was not allowed to visit, so he dragged his relationship to ask Liu Jian for help in reconciliation. That's why Liu Jian asked Li Dongyang to "prepare private affairs".

It means that these few days you concentrate on marrying your daughter, and we will take care of the court affairs for you.

Of course, Li Dongyang's face was a little ugly.

The grandson of Kong's eldest son, the heir of the future Yan Shenggong... This future son-in-law seems to have nothing to choose from his birth and character, but the problem is... What is the father-in-law?The one who raped and murdered more than one... Don't say that I, Li, is the prime minister of the court, even if I am an ordinary person, I would not care about this kind of marriage.

But the arrow is on the string... I can't drag it any longer.

"understood."

Li Dongyang responded.

Of course Liu Jian also understands that Li Dongyang has an opinion on this matter, but everything has been decided, and you Li Dongyang can only admit it. Besides, the Kong family is also Daming's "loyal ministers and nobles" after all, and there is no question of anyone insulting anyone.

As for your father-in-law...

Isn't it because of the bad character of Hai'er's father that it is necessary for Hai'er to marry a daughter of a great scholar like you to show the legitimacy of his heir?

This is to stabilize the scholars of Ming Dynasty, and also to stabilize the imperial court.

As the saying goes, it is sacrificing the small self to complete the big self, so please bear with it.

……

……

Huoshai is still on his way to Beijing. Zhu Youtang has been in good spirits for the past few days. When he has nothing to do, he goes to Wenhua Palace to see his son, and occasionally calls his son to Qianqing Palace.

There is only one purpose.

examination school.

Zhu Youtang also felt that transferring Zhang Zhou to the Northwest seemed to have neglected the teaching of his son. Since the famous teacher he invited could not go into battle, he, the father, was the only one who would do it himself.

"Father, when will you call Mr. Zhang back? My son still misses him a little bit!"

During the school examination that day, Zhu Houzhao's performance was very bad.

But Zhu Youtang didn't blame him, but Zhu Houzhao mentioned something to his father when he was about to take his son to the Kunning Palace for a family reunion.

Zhu Youtang seemed to have the same idea as his son, he said: "It's very good to respect the teacher."

Even Dai Yi and Xiao Jing next to him looked at it and thought, what a loving father and a filial son.

Both father and father were fascinated by Zhang Bingkuan, and the level of Zhang Bingkuan's obsession with soup is really extraordinary.

But who makes people capable?
Zhu Houzhao said: "If the emperor is like this, it would be inconvenient for Mr. Zhang to come back. You can also send my son to the northwest! My son has gone to the northwest, and he will also study hard with him!"

"Bullshit!"

Zhu Youtang shouted out of anger, instantly making the atmosphere in Qianqing Palace a little tense.

What used to be a loving father and filial son immediately became the scene of a large-scale disaster that the six relatives did not recognize.

Zhu Houzhao argued: "Why not? Where can I learn? Don't worry, my father, with Mr. Zhang's ability, he can teach his ministers while dispatching troops, and his ministers can also learn some fighting skills from him." Governing the country can be said to serve multiple purposes.”

"Cough cough cough..."

Zhu Youtang was so angry that he choked on the saliva and coughed.

I always think that Bingkuan doesn't play cards according to the routine, and now his son is starting to follow suit, this must not be my own!
"Your Majesty, take care and bow yourselves." Dai Yi hurriedly persuaded.

Zhu Youtang stopped the eunuch who was about to come to caress his back, and said coldly: "Prince, you are focusing on your studies now, and don't think about those crooked things. I know what you are thinking about, managing the army and using soldiers, etc. It is indeed something you should learn sometimes, it is not a crooked way, but you have to wait until you are an adult to study it."

"As for Bingkuan, he is in the Northwest, and he is busy with more than just using troops. He is planning a Northwest strategy for me in the next ten or even decades, and he is doing his best for Ming Dynasty. As for you...don't think that I don't know you. What do you want to do!"

"Since ancient times, princes have not been allowed to leave the capital easily. Unless you are old enough to decide the affairs of the court, I will never let you travel far!"

Zhu Youtang was still thinking in his heart, you brat can travel far if you want, and when your father gives you a few more brothers, I won't bother to care about you then!
Zhu Houzhao was very annoyed when he heard this, and argued eagerly: "But father, if he doesn't come back, I will not be able to learn anything! I need famous teachers, and those old-fashioned things in the Imperial Academy are really unbearable..."

"enough!"

Zhu Youtang is angry every day, and also throws his face at his son every day, "You don't have to go to Kunning Palace today, just go back and study behind closed doors, and you don't even have to leave the East Palace these days! Before my birthday, if you make trouble again, let's see what I do Pack you!"

……

……

Zhu Youtang arranged this way not only to let his son study with peace of mind, but also because he was concerned that vassal princes from all over the country would come to Beijing to celebrate his birthday, and there might be ulterior motives.

When the emperor is only a son, he is a little guilty about certain things, and he has a guilty conscience.

Fearing that something might happen to his son accidentally, then Daming doesn't even have a crown prince, and it's not uncommon for a child to die these days.

"Take care of the prince!"

Before Zhu Youtang went to Kunning Palace, he intentionally reminded Xiao Jing.

This means that with the help of Dongchang's influence, the prince's daily activities must be strictly restricted, and he must not be allowed to mess around.

"Yes." Xiao Jing hurriedly responded.

Zhu Youtang sighed: "It's a pity that Bingkuan is not here, and I don't know what will happen recently. If I don't ask clearly about some things, I will feel uneasy."

Both Xiao Jing and Dai Yi were thinking.

Your Majesty didn't say it yourself. I'll ask Zhang Zhou if there is any important event in the future. If there is any important event, he will definitely announce it in advance?

Now it seems that the person who doesn't count is your majesty, right?

Xiao Jing seemed to think of something, and reminded: "Your Majesty, it is said that Mr. Zhang is now opening mines around Datong Town, but Shang Zuo is still on the way. Is it possible to remind Your Majesty of something?"

Zhu Youtang shook his head: "Most of his performances are for military affairs in the Northwest, and he is also prone to accidental secrets. The so-called secrets should not be leaked, how can I force others to make things difficult for me?"

Dai Yi said: "Your Majesty, do you want to let Qin Tianjian test it?"

"Ok?"

Zhu Youtang frowned and looked at Xiao Jing, his eyes seemed to say, are you sick?
In the past, the sky monitoring was all about testing, and being accurate was better than nothing.

But now there is a guy who is as accurate as a prophet, you want me to listen to the nonsense that Qin Tianjian detected?Is there any difference between listening and not listening?

Dai Yi probably also felt that he had made a slip of the tongue, so he quickly lowered his head and remained silent.

"In the future, let more people from Qin Tianjian learn from Bing Kuan. They are both Taoists, so why is there such a gap?" Zhu Youtang complained.

Xiao Jingdao: "Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang's side should not be considered a Taoist school, but a fairy school."

Dai Yi was startled for a moment, thinking, is there any essential difference between Taoism and Xianjia?

But thinking about it again, calling Zhang Zhou a half-immortal seems to be really tall, who can make Zhang Zhou hit every time?Mouth as if open?
……

……

Li Dongyang Mansion.

Li Dongyang still saw Kong Hongtai.

Originally, when Kong Hongtai delivered the greeting card, he specifically stated that he would bring his nephew to see him, but when Li Dongyang sent someone to invite him, he also specifically stated that he only saw Kong Hongtai, which probably meant...even if Kong Wenshao is my son-in-law , I don't want to see him either.

Only when you are my friend, Dongzhuang, will I give you face and meet you.

Li Dongyang didn't even see his future son-in-law. Li Dongyang was actually reminding Kong Hongtai that when you meet, you can talk about things that are convenient, and things that are not convenient... such as marriage, don't mention it if you can.

After Kong Hongtai came to Li's residence, he really knew a lot.

This person has a bold personality, and he is the contemporary Yan Shenggong, with an outstanding status in the literary world. In addition, he is humorous and good at communicating. He has a good staff in the capital. People will invite him over to show their identity as family.

Look, even people from Yansheng Gong's family come to my house, my lintel is very high, right?
But Kong Hongtai's biggest regret is that he has no son in this life.

Kong Hongtai has always treated his eldest brother's eldest son, Kong Wenshao, as if he was his own.

Kong Hongtai was fifty years old, and he looked very humble standing in front of Li Dongyang. After the two sat down, Kong Hongtai also mentioned his purpose of coming to the capital...not to mention his nephew's marriage, but to his elder brother Kong Hongxu The thing about restoring the crown.

In history, Kong Hongxu was in the 11th year of Hongzhi, and he won the Shangzuo in Shandong Province. He asked for the restoration of the crown and belt, and got Zhu Youtang's permission.

However, due to the influence of Zhang Zhou's appearance, this matter did not take place in the middle of last year, so that Kong Hongtai had to use this time to come to Beijing to tell his elder brother.

Kong Hongtai saw that his health was getting worse day by day, so for his nephew to legally inherit the title in the future, even if he felt that his eldest brother was guilty, he would do it for the entire Kong family. Something.

Li Dongyang said: "This matter should not be brought up by you, you should invite the local vassals, censors, etc., or find the inspector censor to play in Beijing. It is best to find someone who is close to you, so that there will be no trouble."

In fact, Li Dongyang now also wants Kong Hongxu to restore the crown.

Even if this father-in-law is no longer a thing, but the marriage contract has been settled, he still hopes that the father-in-law can be spared, so that he can have some face.

This is also the reason why Kong Hongtai came to him. It probably means that you, Li Dongyang, don't want your daughter's father-in-law to be a sinner when she gets married, right?

Kong Hongtai wondered: "I have looked for it before, but recently there have been... too many incidents in the capital, and few local officials dare to speak up easily. How about you help clear it up?"

Can you find someone to intercede, and also use it to find you Li Dongyang?

Just because Zhang Zhou has risen in the middle of the court, the status of officials is not as good as before, and now the local officials are beginning to play around with the wind. The point is that the emperor has not shown any kindness to the Kong family in the past two years. It's called judging the situation and judging the situation wisely to protect yourself... There is no other way, I can only ask you to come forward and find someone to help make peace.

"Ah."

Li Dongyang nodded.

In this matter, he will not refuse.

The two continued to talk, Kong Hongtai talked about the good news of Weininghai, and he also knew that Zhang Zhou had a special status in the court, so he only mentioned congratulations to Daming, but did not mention Zhang Zhou.

After the formal meeting, Li Dongyang originally wanted to stay with Kong Hongtai for dinner, but Kong Hongtai was very sensible and wanted to go first.

Because up to this time, Kong Hongtai hadn’t said a word about his nephew’s marriage. Instead, he felt a little embarrassed. When seeing off the guests, he took the initiative to say: “Recently, my daughter has been studying women’s studies, and I specially invited someone to Come back and teach, now that she is still young, the marriage might as well be postponed for another year."

It means that this year's marriage contract will not be fulfilled, let me stay with my daughter for another year, let's talk about it next year.

Kong Hongtai smiled and said: "What Binzhi said is very true, the children are still young, and it will not be too late to get married in a year."

That's just polite words.

Li Dongyang's daughter is sixteen years old, and Kong Wenshao is seventeen years old. In these days, this age is the most suitable age to get married. It would be unreasonable for Li Dongyang to say that he has to wait....

But who made Li Dongyang suffer great grievances in this marriage?

Now Kong Hongtai still has to worry about fighting for the crown for his elder brother, so naturally he won't force it.

Anyway, the engagement has been made, it's either her or her, the marriage is over.

Even you, Li Dongyang, can't get sidetracked on something that the emperor has allowed!
……

……

Li Dongyang sent Kong Hongtai away in a bad mood.

But he saw his son Li Zhaoxian appearing in front of him as if walking around. At this time, Li Zhaoxian was about to go out, but was stopped by Li Dongyang.

"Father, aren't you meeting Yan Shenggong?" Li Zhaoxian was still puzzled.

A big man like Yan Shenggong came to the door, and you drove him away with a few words?Doesn't this seem to be the way of hospitality that you usually admire?

Li Dongyang said: "Where are you going?"

Li Zhaoxian said with a smile: "Meet with friends, go out to drink a few glasses of water and wine, and discuss poetry. By the way, father, today the talented woman from the Lin family who is well-known in the capital came to the mansion to teach her sister about women's studies. Originally, I wanted to pay a visit. , but it's inconvenient, it's a pity."

"Are you sick?"

Li Dongyang looked very displeased.

His son's character was not very pleasing to him, but there was no way he could do it. Now he had only one son who was still alive and suffering from an incurable disease. If a father wants to be strict, he still has to discount it.

As for the "talented woman of the Lin family" that Li Zhaoxian mentioned, it was naturally Lin Yi who was invited back by someone sent by Li Dongyang to teach popular science such as women's studies and female filial piety to his soon-to-be-married daughter.

Don't look at Lin Yi as a concubine, and her status in the marriage market is not high, but Lin Yi is a well-known figure in the field of women's education.

The reason is that Lin Yi is the daughter of Lin Han, the highest school in the dynasty. In addition, Lin Yi was famous in the capital for her poems before. Anyone who wants to invite Lin Yi home to teach her daughter about women can invite her. It's okay, it's all because of his great scholar's face, that's why the Lin family let Lin Yi come.

Li Zhaoxian didn't argue with his father, he said with a smile: "Father, my son's illness has improved a lot, and I'm going to worry more about family affairs recently, and I hope you don't talk too much. My son will go out first. You also go to work first. "

"This... ugh!"

Li Dongyang was also a little helpless in the face of this son who appeared to be very unrestrained and unrestrained.

However, there is only one seedling in the family.

His hope of inheriting the incense also fell on this son.

This has to be coaxed.

……

……

Palace.

Zhu Youtang had just finished lunch with Empress Zhang, originally Zhu Youtang planned to stay in Kunning Palace to take a nap, it was very hot, it was the most suitable for a nap in the afternoon, but Xiao Jing rushed to Kunning Palace to look for it.

"His Majesty……"

Xiao Jing's face looked like there was some great joy.

Zhu Youtang first glanced at his wife who looked slightly disappointed, and asked, "Is there a war situation in the northwest?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, it's not, it's Mr. Zhang who came here with a memorial, which involves the future of the court." Xiao Jing said happily.

"call!"

Zhu Youtang's clothes seemed to be windy, and he almost jumped out of the chair.

Empress Zhang gave Xiao Jing a blank look and said: "Just bring it up if you have something to say."

This means, don't snatch my husband away, and stop fooling people with business affairs.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Queen, many things Bingkuan mentioned are not convenient to explain on the inside, they are all state affairs. I will come here earlier tonight, so I won't accompany you for now! Tell Xiurong, I am busy with court affairs first!"

Not even having time to say goodbye to his daughter, Zhu Youtang excitedly went out with Xiao Jing, heading for Qianqing Palace.

……

……

In front of Zhu Youtang is Zhang Zhou's memorial.

In the eyes of the four supervisors and eunuchs, Zhu Youtang looked like a groom who was about to take off the bride's red hijab, with an excited expression on his face, but also a little nervous, for fear of some monsters and ghosts under the red hijab... …The look of anticipation, excitement, and vague worry allowed Dai Yi and the others to fully appreciate Zhang Zhou's PUA skills.

"Bingkuan is really the roundworm in my stomach. He knows what I want, so he sent it at this time." Zhu Youtang smiled.

Immediately, Zhu Youtang personally opened Zhang Zhou's unofficial memorial.

Because the memorabilia was folded, the first fold wrote four words "Huilu disaster".

That is fire.

Zhu Youtang thumped in his heart, and asked, "Which palace in this palace will suffer disaster?"

Xiao Jing and the others were startled, we dare not watch this kind of secret performance, where would we know?
After Zhu Youtang opened the second fold, there was a detailed explanation on it. Xiao Jing and others leaned over to take a look. Although the text on it was densely packed, the first few words still explained the location... "Xuansheng Temple Disaster" .

That is to say, the fire may have started in the Confucian Temple.

As for whether it is the Confucian Temple in the capital, or Queli Confucian Temple, that is, Qufu, what Zhang Zhou is talking about later, involving cause and effect, etc., because there are too many words, the emperor didn’t let them read it, and they didn’t know for a while.

After Zhu Youtang had finished reading, he waved his hand and said, "It is said that Mr. Li Ge will meet you!"

(End of this chapter)