The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 380
A group of people walked in the direction of the palace gate.

Along the way, many people came out to watch. As a military officer, Zhang Zhou had to ride a horse, while civil servants either sat in sedan chairs or in carriages.

All the way to the Huitong Hall, when it was time to settle Li Yi, Lin Han called Zhang Zhou aside, and explained to Zhang Zhou what he knew: "Be careful these few days, the court officials have a lot of opinions on you."

Zhang Zhou pretended to be confused, and asked curiously: "Could it be that the officials think that I interfere in North Korea's internal affairs? Liaodong has made meritorious service, so do you have any objections?"

Lin Han just sighed, but he didn't know how to discuss it in depth.

Did you tell Zhang Zhou that the big guys are going to impeach you together, and even drag me into the gang?
This side has not yet opened the chatter box, and Shen Lu on the other side represented Xu Qiong to invite Zhang Zhou to the side. Shen Lu smiled and said: "Mr. Lai Guo has worked hard on this journey, and after entering the palace, the old man will accompany you on the way. It’s easy to say clearly. It’s what Xu Shangshu wanted to say, but he couldn’t make it clear.”

Lin Han also didn't walk away, probably heard the conversation here, and glanced here.

Zhang Zhou intentionally raised his voice so that Lao Lin could hear his heartfelt voice: "A real man sits upright and is not afraid of criticism from others, so I will trouble you to lead the way."

……

……

Xu Qiong, as the Minister of Rites, seems to be enthusiastic about Zhang Zhou, but many things that need to be expressed directly will not be carried out in person, and Shen Lu is probably Xu Qiong's mouthpiece, representing Xu Qiong's opinions.

Although Zhang Zhou and Shen Lu entered the palace, they were both foreign ministers, but one was a close minister trusted by the emperor, and the other was Empress Zhang's "uncle". Separated, afraid to disturb the conversation between the two.

"Did Lai Guogong know that Lin Shilang is going to be Minister of Rites?" Shen Lu asked with a smile.

"En." Zhang Zhou nodded, "I have heard of it a little bit, but such matters have not been discussed by the court, so I'm afraid they may not be able to do so."

Shen Lu said: "Since His Majesty approves, there is not much difference in the outcome of the court discussion. The court is convinced of Hengda's character and ability. But I don't know what kind of errand Your Majesty wants to arrange for you?"

Zhang Zhou asked curiously: "Is it my errand? Didn't we all agree that I will be imprisoned and I will be an idler?"

"what?"

Shen Lu originally wanted to rely on his old man to sell his old man, and go around in circles with Zhang Zhou, but Zhang Zhou made it clear when he came up, and he seemed very uncomfortable.

"Shen Yintai, if you have something to say, just speak up." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.

Shen Lu considered the words for a while, and said: "I heard that there have been a lot of criticisms against you in the court recently. You came from the imperial examinations, but you entered the palace with alchemy. When you use things, you often use weird words first. To gain His Majesty's trust is considered the root of chaos in a country, so don't blame them for being harsh on you."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Then I should accept their criticisms calmly?"

Shen Lu was startled. He also found that talking to Zhang Zhou was not like talking with those traditional civil servants. He needed to have a serious conversation, but what he was used to all his life was the roundabout things of civil servants. Now it was his turn. adapt.

Zhang Zhou said: "Chen Yintai, don't worry, if others think that I am in the court and the opposition and block their way, then I will retreat bravely."

"what?"

Shen Lu was taken aback.

You kid actually want to "retire bravely"?This is not what we mean, thanks to which we still regard you as a benchmark, and plan to use you to form a new faction, and take you as our leader.

In the end, you kid wanted to avoid it?
That's not right... Who would want to avoid the war after gaining the status of today?
"Uh... Lai Guogong, you should know that an official in the court insists that if you don't advance, you will retreat. If you take a step back, there may be an abyss behind you." Shen Lu was reminding Zhang Zhou that you have to fight to the end. .

With the emperor supporting you, and now even the civil servant faction has us to help you twist a rope, who said you can't be pulled up?
As long as you gain power, the order of the government and the opposition will change. How many people want to see this?Those who have been suppressed by traditional civil servants for half their lives finally have a chance to rise up.

Zhang Zhoudao: "The abyss? You mean, some people still want to put me to death?"

Shen Lu hesitated for a moment and said: "Death may not be possible, but it is not impossible to exile you to other places, and it will be difficult to face the saint later, and even use the prison to hold you accountable... It is not impossible."

Zhang Zhou smiled with a calm expression on his face.

He was thinking, this is really the same as when the civil servant Wu Xun in history united to deal with the "Eight Tigers" when Zhu Houzhao first came to the throne.

But everyone has seen the result.

Even though Zhu Houzhao was only a young man on the junior throne at that time, he still gained the upper hand in the battle between the imperial power and his courtiers, not to mention that Zhu Youtang has thoroughly studied the imperial power now.

I want to solve the problem by directly admonishing the offender... I am afraid that the civil servant does not know what the emperor fears most about his courtiers.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Then I should be more careful, the advances and retreats are often not up to my own decision, let's talk about it after the interview."

"you……"

Shen Lu originally wanted to talk to Zhang Zhou about the alliance, but seeing Zhang Zhou's "frivolous" appearance, he didn't even care about being impeached and attacked, and he didn't seem to realize that "a catastrophe is imminent." "Generally, this made Shen Lu both anxious and wondering if he chose the wrong person?

……

……

Outside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youtang greeted the gate of the hall early, and he was also anxious to meet Zhang Zhou, so he didn't sit and wait inside.

"Your Majesty, it was reported earlier that Duke Lai has entered the palace, why not go back to the palace and wait. It's getting hot." Xiao Jing persuaded.

Zhu Youtang said: "I'm not standing in the sun, and I don't feel how stuffy it is, is that Bingkuan?"

Xiao Jing looked up: "No, it should be someone passing by."

"Send someone to check..."

Zhu Youtang was anxious.

Xiao Jing hurriedly sent the little eunuch to meet him at Fengtian Hall, so as to know when Zhang Zhou will arrive as early as possible.

Finally, Zhang Zhou and Shen Lu came step by step amidst the long-awaited calls, and Zhu Youtang greeted them directly down the steps, and came to greet the guests proactively.

"Minister Zhang Zhou, see Your Majesty." Zhang Zhou saluted.

Zhu Youtang hurriedly said: "Bingkuan, we're all here now, why are you being polite? You're also at Shen Qing's house? Let's go."

As he said that, Zhu Youtang came over to pull people.

Shen Lu had never seen the emperor in this form, and he was a little dumbfounded. Before, he was wondering if he had chosen the wrong comrade in arms of the alliance. At this moment, he seemed to feel that Zhang Zhou was really the right one.

The person who can shake the power of traditional civil servants must be Zhang Zhou.

……

……

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Zhou first explained the detailed process of his trip to the north to the emperor, emphasizing the details of the opening of the iron mine in Yongping Prefecture.

After listening to it, Zhu Youtang was very satisfied and said: "I also saw that the place was played, and you have been there for less than half a year, or even just worked there for a month or two, and you can increase the pig iron production of Daming by nearly [-]%. Double...I never thought that with such a capable minister, why worry about the injustice of the grasslands, and the unrest of the family and the country?"

"Your Majesty's absurd praise." Zhang Zhou still looked very humble.

Shen Lu on the side was a little puzzled.

Didn't Zhang Zhou go to Liaodong to fight a war?By the way, it also solved a problem of North Korea's internal affairs. Why did the topic change now and directly mention mining?

Iron ore... almost doubled... what is this concept?
One person produces iron that was originally a Ming Dynasty?
Zhu Youtang said with a smile: "The war in Liaodong is insignificant. You have been there for so long, but you are always procrastinating, and people say you are delaying the battle. I don't bother to fight with them. I have agreed with you long ago. , this Liaodong must be fought steadily, and we must not act too hastily, and as you expected, the Jurchens are now retreating steadily, and most of them have surrendered, and the rest depends on how Uncle Xinjian ends."

Shen Lu hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, Duke Lai deserves a generous reward for his meritorious service."

"Shen Qing's family, how can I not know Bingkuan's meritorious service? It's just that he is now the Duke of the state, how can I reward him?" Zhu Youtang took out a thing and said, "I have asked people to search around the capital recently. Let’s see if there is any suitable land for you, there are [-] hectares of fertile land around Shuntian Mansion, and [-] hectares of land around Yongping Mansion will also be rewarded to you.”

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I am ashamed of accepting this."

"Why are you still ashamed? I feel ashamed of you. For such a great contribution, you are only rewarded with a few acres of land. Is this a big reward?" Zhu Youtang seemed very polite.

Shen Lu on the side was almost crying.

More than 1000 hectares of land came up, and this method of rewarding was only seen on two people before, and it happened that those two people were also surnamed Zhang.

Zhu Youtang said: "In addition, I have also prepared tens of thousands of Lianghuai and Changlu salt quotations for you, which can be regarded as a cost for you."

I don't even talk about rewards, just say that it will be used for your expenses, which is probably the same as giving you supplementary household expenses.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, as a subject, if you do the thing of occupying the nest, I am afraid that you will be criticized by the officials in the court, and you must participate in impeachment."

"I didn't give much, so why not? Others want it, but I won't give it!" Zhu Youtang immediately became angry when he heard the words about other people's participation in impeachment.

Shen Lu smiled and said: "Duke Lai, this is His Majesty's grace, just thank you."

Zhang Zhou said: "The minister will accept it first."

Hey.

You are very kind.

I told you to accept it, did you really accept it?

……

……

Afterwards, Zhu Youtang chatted with Zhang Zhou again.

I just said that I want to keep Zhang Zhou in the palace that night, there is something to discuss, here Shen Lu cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I have completed my errand, so I will take my leave first."

"En." Zhu Youtang nodded, "Then Shen Qing's family, I'll talk to you later."

He didn't say anything in detail, but it seems that Zhu Youtang had some communication with Shen Lu. In Zhang Zhou's view, this may have something to do with the large-scale participation of the ministers of the DPRK and China in impeaching him.

After Shen Lu resigned, Zhu Youtang and even Xiao Jing and others also retreated.

Now Zhang Zhou also saw what Zhu Youtang meant, and now we're getting to the point.

"Bingkuan." Zhu Youtang came out from behind the desk, went to the chair below, and sat on the seat given to Shen Lu before. Order Dongchang to investigate and find out that it may be related to the vassal. Then the news leaked out. I also heard that some people in the court want to use folk rumors as an excuse to participate in impeachment. You are not the only one participating in impeachment. , and it involves quite a few people I've used over the past few years."

"Alas! Their tone is to say that I rule the country with alchemists, which has disrupted the foundation of Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Youtang's face was gloomy, which meant to discuss with Zhang Zhou how to counterattack.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, if everyone agrees, then I have nothing to say."

Zhu Youtang sighed: "You should also know why this kind of thing happened today. It is also because in the past few years, there have been few changes in the ministers of the central court. At this time, they are targeting you just to keep their followers from being affected by my respect for you."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "I can understand what they have done. In the past two years, Your Majesty has valued my ministers more than ordinary courtiers."

"That's because of your extraordinary ability. If some of them can do so many things for me and Daming like you, I can also value and cultivate them, is there?" Zhu Youtang was very angry.

Targeting Zhang Zhou is targeting me, who is the emperor.

"Bingkuan, I want to make an example of others, and find out the people who are corrupt and pervert the law from civil servants. You will lead the investigation. I also have some clues on my side before. As long as I can find out some people and intimidate some people, then I can do it." Define this in the court as an attack on you by those who are young and young to avoid corruption and perversion of the law." Zhu Youtang said his own strategy.

To put it bluntly, it is to continue to give Zhang Zhou power and let the ministers know that Zhang Zhou is irreplaceable.

From Zhang Zhou's ears, it's not bad.

But Zhang Zhou also understood that once this happened, the conflict between Zhang Zhou and the traditional civil servants would become fierce, and it seemed that it would not be easy for him to have any room for maneuver in the future.

And there will be another problem... Zhang Zhou can never replace Daming's bureaucratic system. No matter how much the emperor trusts him now, there will always be a time when he and the emperor will become estranged, and then there will be a situation where three people become tigers.

"Your Majesty, I believe that this will make the minister intolerable in the court, which is not advisable." Zhang Zhou said.

Zhu Youtang smiled wryly and said, "Do you still want to live in harmony with those people? Ever since you entered the court, you didn't realize that no matter what you do, no matter whether it is right or wrong, they will always regard you as an alchemist, not As a Jinshi? No matter how much credit you have made, they will always find various reasons to deny your credit, and now they want to join forces with the government and the opposition to impeach you. No matter how much you back down, they can’t get their sincerity Treat each other."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Then it's better to take a step back."

"Oh?"

Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou curiously.

Zhang Zhoudao: "The minister pinches his fingers and counts. In the next few days, there will be a hail disaster near the capital of the Ming Dynasty. This intention will definitely become a topic of discussion by others. It is better to inform the ministers in advance with the Qin Tianjian and let them Use this to impeach me."

"Bingkuan..." Zhu Youtang was speechless.

You kid really don't know the dangers of the world.

It's fine if you don't justify yourself, but you actually want others to use the disaster you speculated to attack you?
Zhang Zhoudao: "In the past two years, I have basically completed what I should do. In fact, in the next few years, I will have time to chat with your majesty, play chess, and even discuss the way of keeping in good health together, and then teach the prince some lessons. Learning, whether you have an official title or not, doesn't mean much."

Zhu Youtang thought about it.

It seems quite reasonable.

"Bingkuan, don't you want to back down?" Zhu Youtang asked.

Zhang Zhou said with anticipation: "Your Majesty, don't you think that if you continue to let me be an official like this, and others don't express their opinions, you will always keep me at the forefront?"

Zhu Youtang said: "That can't follow their wishes. Even if you want to be unemployed, you must not let them criticize you. This will make the world think that I really hired the wrong person."

Zhang Zhoudao: "You can let me continue to advance, even if you don't advance or retreat, they will treat you as a thorn in their side, so why not let me do more things secretly for His Majesty?"

"secretly?"

Zhu Youtang didn't understand.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Such as hijacking the vassals, such as building ships, and such as making firearms, there are many things that I have not completed, and I don't have to complete them with my current official position."

Zhu Youtang waved his hands and said, "No! If you leave, if there are wars in various towns, who will I turn to? With your power, even the Tatars will not dare to attack again."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "I didn't say I was leaving. In fact, I still have one thing I didn't say. If I didn't make a mistake, there may be an earthquake around Shuntian Mansion in less than a month..."

"what?"

Zhu Youtang stood up.

The earthquake in Shuntian Mansion, such an unusual event, can be said to be a great warning to the emperor.

Even if the ground is only shaken, the emperor will punish himself.

Zhang Zhou spread his hands and said, "If your majesty is still arguing with the court ministers about the minister's matter until then, I'm afraid that your majesty and the minister will be very passive by then."

"you……"

Zhu Youtang thought about it.

It really is.

If the monarchs and ministers were arguing about Zhang Zhou's going or staying, and an earthquake happened in the capital, then the civil servants would have something to say.

The emperor was afraid that he would be persecuted, and he would follow the wishes of those ministers to suppress Zhang Zhou, which would be different from Zhang Zhou voluntarily retreating.

Zhu Youtang suddenly seemed to understand something, and said: "Bingkuan, let's see if this can be done. You are advancing by retreating. I agree with you to let you rest for a while. But at this time, what happened The ground shook, and I said it was God's warning to me that I didn't want me to disappoint my ministers, what do you think?"

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, this...wouldn't be good?"

"It's okay." Zhu Youtang said, "I actually know that they just want to use those disasters to do those things to confuse people's hearts, so that I will no longer value you. But they forgot that you are a person who can know the will of heaven. Then do the opposite, and I will use disasters to attack them."

Zhang Zhou said with a face of embarrassment: "Your Majesty, I can have a longer period of leisure, and there is no need to make things so rigid."

Zhu Youtang said coldly: "No matter how many things I have done, they are not as good as they are! Since they thought of putting pressure on me by joining forces, they should think of the consequences of doing so! For details, you and I will discuss it carefully, and I will use this hailstorm and earthquake to make a good article with you!"

(End of this chapter)