The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 377
Yongping Mansion, this is considered to be the only place to go back to the capital from Shanhaiguan. Zhang Zhou also went in to check the iron mine when passing by, mainly to see the output of the iron mine in the past few months after he left.

From Zhangjiakou Iron Mine to Yongpingfu Iron Mine, the two major iron ore production areas promoted by Zhang Zhou can basically meet the needs of Daming for forging artillery and other firearms.

But if it is to continue to expand the scale of steelmaking, or even use steel to build ships, then this output is not so sufficient.

It was also at this time that Yang Peng, the admiral of Dongchang, arrived at the iron mine in Yongping Mansion and visited Zhang Zhou overnight. In order to avoid being known by outsiders, he still pretended to be mysterious and dressed in a black cloak. Take off your mask.

"What is this for?" Zhang Zhou was still puzzled.

Only then did Yang Peng explain the emperor's idea of ​​cleaning up the vassals to Zhang Zhou in detail.

It also shows that he must obey Zhang Zhou's orders.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Dongchang is a close minister of His Majesty, and he is directly ordered by His Majesty. It is against the rules for me to issue orders to you."

Yang Peng hurriedly said: "Your Majesty has orders first, Master Zhang, you just make arrangements."

Zhang Zhou immediately received a detailed investigation report from Yang Peng, involving the possible sources of the rumors that attacked him, and the interrogation records of more than 160 people who were secretly captured by Dongchang and Jinyiwei. , none of which appear in any official documents.

Yang Peng can't do anything else, but he can be regarded as a good hand in conducting secret interrogations in the East Factory and using power for personal gain.

"Are these people directly connected to those who spread rumors?" Zhang Zhou probably read the confessions.

You can tell at a glance that many of them are "beating into tricks".

Yang Peng said: "If you say there is a connection, then there is a connection."

The implication is that as long as you want to check in any direction, you can find "witnesses" in that direction for you. The so-called witnesses don't need to be directly related, just use torture to force those people to be witnesses. .

"This won't work." Zhang Zhou put down the secret interrogation record, but he didn't intend to return it to Yang Peng for a while, "I probably know who in the royal family has the heart of disobedience. You need to think about it before making a decision. You will return to the capital early tomorrow morning, and my departure will be slower. If you are not in the capital for a long time, I am afraid that some people will speculate for no reason."

"Will not."

Yang Peng still seemed very confident, feeling that even if he, the owner of Dongchangchang, left, no one would dare to speculate on his whereabouts and intentions casually.

Zhang Zhou laughed and said, "Have you got the jobs of the Supervisor of Rites and the Superintendent of Horses? Don't be so confident. When I was in Liaodong, I probably knew that I was the job of an admiral in the East Factory. There have been many criticisms in the court. To be honest, I I don’t want to wade into this muddy water. You should leave early and try not to let others know that you have come to see me.”

"Yes." Yang Peng was still puzzled.

Am I so hypocritical to be the owner of Dongchang Factory?Will others think that I am unworthy?Still think I'm a bully?

After all, I have been in the East Factory for so many years, and I am familiar with the procedures that I should be familiar with. Why can't I be admirals in the East Factory?

……

……

Zhang Zhou studied the details of Dongchang's investigation that night, and found that Yang Peng found nothing at all. The so-called rumors may be just a tabloid by the people imitating Zhu Houzhao's residence newspaper, and the most criticized by the court. In fact, it was the emperor's rocket promotion to Zhang Zhou within two years.

In the eyes of the upper class, meritorious service is not something that can be seen and touched, let alone for those ordinary people in the market.

They will feel that it is a bit of fantasy to say that Zhang Zhou contributed to those wars, so they will attack Zhang Zhou anonymously, which shows the political correctness of literati.

Tang Yin was called by Zhang Zhou to the commander of the mine.

Tang Yinben was also curious. He could have traveled tens of miles more, but Zhang Zhou wanted to stop at Yongping Mansion. He didn't know until he arrived at the mine that it took only half a year for this place to become the main production area of ​​pig iron in Ming Dynasty.

"Bohu, you came with me a few years ago, and saw that this place grew from scratch. The iron ore produced here is either initially smelted here to become pig iron, and then transported to Liaodong to continue steelmaking. Send it to Xishan, where it is smelted into steel, and then transported from Xishan to various places in the northwest. The iron production here can already meet the needs of almost half of the north."

Zhang Zhou is still very proud of this.

It took half a year to open up the iron and steel capital of Ming Dynasty. At first there were only two iron mines, and now more than a dozen iron ore mines are producing together. The number of workers and craftsmen has grown from a few hundred at the beginning to 7000 now.

Although a dispute over the interests of the government and the people broke out in Yongping Mansion, but because it is close to Shuntian Mansion, it seems easy to use Zhang Zhou's influence to subdue it. Even Dongchang and Jinyiwei also participated in this mining. Among the workers, the occupation of the Beijing camp is still very serious. To put it bluntly, the emperor wants to open mines, and he also wants to spend money without manpower, while the soldiers in the Beijing camp are relatively unlucky. mine.

It seems that there is no public work around the capital that they can't do.

Tang Yin said: "So, after two or three years, can we attack the grassland?"

"That's not the point." Zhang Zhou smiled, and pulled Tang Yin to the laboratory behind the command post, where there were models of some things. Just when Tang Yin thought that Zhang Zhou was going to introduce a series of industrial products to him, Zhang Zhou showed Tang Yin a copy of the emperor's decree.

After reading it, Tang Yin was shocked and said, "You... Duke Lai, what do you mean?"

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty asked me to deal with the vassals and clean up those relatives of the emperor. After thinking twice, I decided to let you help me."

Tang Yin frowned and said, "Didn't you say yes, let me build ships and be in charge of Jinghai?"

"It's okay, we can do it together." Zhang Zhou laughed, not thinking that this would "trouble" Tang Yin at all.

Ten thousand Cao Nimas in Tang Yin's heart passed by, and he said: "The matter of the clan is not something that we and other small people can complete. If one is careless, the crowd of the clan will attack it, and I am afraid that the whole Ming Dynasty will have no place to stay." land."

Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Bohu, are you afraid of this? Take ten thousand steps back and say, you really have no place to live. I can also find you an overseas place for you to develop. You can do it with confidence."

"Is it necessary to drag me into the water?" Tang Yin was in a hurry, almost going to fight Zhang Zhou.

But then Zhang Zhou reached out and pushed him onto the chair.

Zhang Zhoudao: "You don't even ask about the details, do you think I'm dragging you onto a pirate ship? With so many relatives and relatives, from the founding of the Ming Dynasty to the present, the clan's scale has further expanded, and it has become an unbearable burden for the Ming treasury. Now Your Majesty Want to save some money and take the opportunity to tap, don't you think you need to tap each one?"

Tang Yin thought for a while and said, "Are you looking for a model?"

"Yes." Zhang Zhoudao, "The reason is that the prince asked people to run a mansion newspaper to help the court show off its military power. As a result, some people also imitated it secretly and printed many mansion newspapers attacking the court, and even attacking me. Don't you Think I'm avenging myself."

Tang Yin's eyes were strange, and he seemed to be saying, are you sure you're not seeking personal revenge?No matter how it sounds, it seems that you want to attack dissidents.

Zhang Zhou sighed: "Among the vassals, no one has contact with me. Unless His Majesty wants to rectify those clans close to the throne, there is no need to send me out."

"It's...Xing Mansion?" Tang Yin asked with some astonishment.

This also made Zhang Zhou feel that Tang Yin's realm had begun to advance a bit, and he began to study the direct conflict of interest between the imperial clan and the emperor, just like the "second in line heir" to the throne, isn't it Xing Wang Zhu Youzhu?
Zhang Zhoudao: "The spread of rumors, at present, is unlikely to be related to those vassals in Huguang."

Tang Yin lowered his head, and there was something wrong with his eyes.

"What, do you think I'm making a fuss out of molehills?" Zhang Zhou said, "It's good for you to give me some advice, as if you mentioned Xingfu, and I'll tell you the truth, if I didn't show up, Xingfu would be very important to Daming." In terms of it, it may really have an extraordinary meaning.”

Tang Yin didn't pick up on it, which probably means...you have already appeared, and you have become a person close to the emperor, so the assumptions you made are bound to be untenable.

Untenable assumption, what are you talking about?Are you kidding me?

Zhang Zhoudao: "In fact, I already have targets, King Anhua and King Ning, these two lines."

Tang Yin asked puzzledly: "Why are they? Did you find relevant clues?"

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Without clues, we can't extend to these two veins? Let's put it this way, I calculated that the suzerains and vassals of these two veins may have disobedience to Daming, but they haven't shown it yet. "

"you……"

After Tang Yin hesitated, he still said, "Senior brother, I advise you as a fellow apprentice. There are so many criticisms against you in the current court, and it is not without wind and waves. If you calculate so casually like you, before others have When there is objection, saying that they have the heart of disobedience, this is probably..."

"I'm afraid I'll be criticized, right? Then I'll accept it with an open mind?" Zhang Zhou didn't care at all.

Tang Yin was quite speechless.

Zhang Zhoudao: "After returning to Beijing, I will definitely become the target of public criticism, and my every move will be watched by others, especially when others know that I may be investigating Zongfan, they will all target me. At that time, you will be needed Go secretly to cooperate with Admiral Yang Peng of East Factory."

Tang Yin couldn't close his mouth.

Zhang Zhou actually asked him to cooperate with the god-like Dongchang, which still surprised him.

"I'll give you directions, policies, and trust and enough power. You, Tang, had a little ability before, but that was in North Korea. The Ming court would not recognize you, and would even treat you as a helper." The chief culprit of Zhang Zong’s vassal state’s rebellion, if you want to gain a foothold in the court, or even rise further, you have to listen to me.”

Zhang Zhou also gave an ultimatum unceremoniously, "It's okay if you don't listen. Who made you my junior brother?"

Tang Yin must have been full of resistance to Zhang Zhou's words in the past, and even treated him like an enemy.

But now I feel that apart from cheating him, Zhang Zhou seems to have a little more "hate him for nothing".

It is necessary to go through a lot of "tribulations" to understand Zhang Zhou's "painstaking efforts", just like how hard things in North Korea are, but recalling that experience afterwards is the precious wealth of his life in Tang.

"Work hard, and I'll help you marry two daughters-in-law later, so that you, Tang, can have more sons, so as to continue the Tang family's incense! In the future, you will also have the opportunity to be appointed as a marquis and minister!" Zhang Zhou beat Tang Yin.

"..." Tang Yin was even more speechless.

What is this all about?
Does this mean that I will never have a son?Or do you think I can't continue the incense of the Tang family?Or do you think I have no chance to make a difference?
……

……

After Yang Peng met Zhang Zhou, he returned to the capital without stopping the next day.

Returned to the capital two days earlier than Zhang Zhou.

When he entered the palace to return to Zhu Youtang's life, he saw that Zhu Youtang's face was not right. After Zhu Youtang dismissed the attendants, he asked coldly: "I want Bingkuan to investigate the matter of the Zongfu. Why did you do so so quickly?" Known to the world? Is it by my side, is there a ghost?"

Yang Peng was taken aback and said: "I didn't mention this to outsiders, and I left in a hurry, and I only brought a few people out of the capital. I hope Your Majesty will see clearly."

In the past, no matter what the emperor blamed, as a slave, he could just admit it.

But this time the matter was too big, and Yang Peng didn't want to take the blame for that.

Zhu Youtang threw a piece of stuff over to Yang Peng, and said, "Look!"

Yang Peng hurriedly took two steps forward, picked it up and looked at it, feeling as if he had eaten a fly in his heart.

"Yesterday, there was an official report. For the sake of the stability of the clan, he mentioned that the rumors and rumors in the market today are just the public opinion, and it is not appropriate to be too harsh. They even advised me to stay away from traitors and contact virtuous ministers. This is a means of pointing and scolding. It’s been a common occurrence in the past, so you should check it out for me!”

Zhu Youtang was angry because he was known by the ministers before he made it public, and was even exploited by the officials.

Regardless of whether the news was leaked behind the scenes or someone noticed the clues, the emperor would not allow his absolute authority to be challenged, so he, Zhu Youtang, naturally had to find someone to do the surgery.

Cleaning up the suzerain is his goal, and cleaning up those civil servants is also his goal.

Yang Peng said: "The servants take orders."

Zhu Youtang said coldly: "Go and investigate in secret, don't make any more publicity. After Bingkuan returns to Beijing, you must be measured when you follow orders. Don't let others know about your excessive movements."

Yang Peng felt embarrassed when he heard this.

It is necessary to obey Zhang Zhou's order and ask and report to Zhang Zhou at any time, but it cannot be known that there is excessive movement between them, and it cannot be associated with it...

so hard.

Sure enough, companions are like companions to tigers.

"I don't know why, but I've been feeling restless recently. The matter of the vassal clan is very involved, but it also involves the stability of Ming Dynasty. I can't let people covet this seat."

Zhu Youtang looked very anxious.

For a moment, Yang Peng seemed to feel that the emperor in front of him was a "faint emperor", and he was the kind of fool who liked to be suspicious and worried about anyone, as if any minister would be skinned and cramp if he annoyed the emperor.

Yang Peng said: "Your Majesty, Duke Lai told the servants to take care of the concubine who is about to give birth in the capital."

"Oh yes."

Zhu Youtang seemed to relax a little when he thought of his child who was about to be born, and his tense face eased a lot, "I hope it is the prince, and I hope God will show mercy to you. If it doesn't work this time, I will work harder. If it is a prince, then there will be Bingkuan to escort this child in the future, no matter how serious the illness is, he can turn danger into good luck, and when he becomes an adult... Sigh! I think too much! You step down."

Only then did Yang Peng know the source of Zhu Youtang's restlessness.

It's still less troublesome for offspring.

If the emperor now has seven or eight sons, all of whom are alive and kicking, the emperor probably wouldn't care about suzerains, and wouldn't be so sensitive to the court's rumors.

……

……

Lai Guo Gongfu.

Zhang Zhou hasn't returned yet, but the news that he will return has been sent back one step ahead, and the family is preparing for Zhang Zhou's return home.

Wang Mingshan is already confinement, at this time she is in the Zhang family, and she is protected like a rare animal. The Zhang family has another child, and there is a statement that the emperor will give the name, even Jiang Pingyu dare not say anything about this family background. The daughter of the direct line of the Weining Hou Mansion has any negligence.

"Ma'am, Master has a letter." Xia Zhi ran in holding a letter and handed it to Jiang Pingyu.

Jiang Pingyu opened the letter with joy on her face, and Han Qing next to her couldn't help asking, "Are you coming back soon?"

"It's coming soon, it is said that it will arrive before the afternoon of the day after tomorrow." Jiang Pingyu's face was full of joy.

Han Qing smiled and said, "That's great."

Jiang Pingyu said: "That's right. This errand will only go for half a year. If he goes out a few more times in the future, he may not be able to see him a few times. Tell the news to the two sisters of the Wang family and the Lin family and let them know the news. "

"Okay." Xia Zhi hurriedly sent another message.

Just two steps away, Xia Zhi thought of something, turned around and said, "Ma'am, it is said that someone came to give gifts today, and there are people at the door one after another. You can't even drive away."

Jiang Pingyu said: "Women like us, how can we take care of those court affairs? Let the gatekeeper make it clear to the outside, if some people refuse to leave, let them stay, after all, a gift is not allowed to be brought in. In the yard. We don’t lack those things in the yard.”

"En." Xia Zhi seemed to have completed her mission, and walked out quickly.

……

……

Zhang Zhou is going back to Beijing.

As the "meritorious official" who went to Liaodong, he brought the "trophy" of the Korean King Li Yi back to the court. The Ming court had nothing to say, and the welcoming team had already been prepared under the arrangement of the emperor.

Xu Qiong, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, went out of the city to greet him, and entered the capital through Dongzhimen. At the same time, Shen Lu, some officials from the Ministry of War and the Imperial Academy went to greet him. ...This is actually preparing for Lin Han to succeed Xu Qiong as Minister of Rites.

The 13th year of Hongzhi in the Ming Dynasty was the year when officials at the ministerial level of the Minister of the Ming Dynasty changed. A group of old people who had not changed in the past four or five years underwent a major change in this year.

As a member of the non-traditional core faction of civil servants, Xu Qiong is also a typical example of having to retire due to old age. He is the No. 1 replaced by the six ministers, which can be regarded as the emperor's idea of ​​taking care of everyone in the court.

Since we want to set a benchmark and replace with a group of people who I think are trustworthy, let's start with Xu Qiong, who you think has a certain nepotism with me.

(End of this chapter)