The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 410 Knowing Honor and Disgrace

Wang Shouren's march into the grassland was completed with almost no knowledge of the court.

The courtiers of the Ming Dynasty didn’t even know it, let alone the grassland tribes. After Wang Shouren marched 150 miles a day to enter the grasslands, the Eastern Mongolian pastures were swept away by the Liaodong Jizhou troops headed by Lu Wan and Wang Xian last year, and the Duoyan Sanwei tribe retreated westward. So much so that within six or seven hundred miles of entering the grassland, Wang Shouren hadn't even seen the shadow of the grassland tribe.

And in Nanjing.

A grand meeting on learning is about to start, Zhu Houzhao is still showing off his knowledge everywhere, and while he has recently become famous, he has encountered "annoying things".

"Mr. Zhu, after showing your poem to outsiders, most of them don't believe it was written by a ten-year-old boy. Some even claim that this poem was written by him. No less than four or five people admit it. It was written by him himself, and someone came forward to testify that he heard that he had written this poem at various literary conferences more than a month ago."

"There are also people who say that the young master is deceiving the world and stealing his name, and they also say that they want to compete with you on the spot, young master, and use your face... no, they say that they want to expose your true face."

Hu Feng rejoined this small group, and recently there are a few people who always go out with Zhu Houzhao.

It's not that they admire Zhu Houzhao's talent and learning, but that Zhu Houzhao was very generous when he treated guests to dinner before, and then these scholars from Jiangnan not only acted as guides, but also took Zhu Houzhao to eat and play well, and also praised them He said he wanted to make Zhu Houzhao famous.

Zhu Houzhao didn't know how to save money, and he felt... It's too "cheap" to eat, drink and have fun in Jiangnan. After coming out for so long, it only cost 500 taels, which is much more affordable than letting Liu Jin and the others buy something. .

He doesn't have any idea about money, anyway, he just spends money when he has it, and he doesn't have to work hard to earn it anyway.

Zhu Houzhao said angrily: "That's what I wrote, do they still want to show some shame?"

Saying this, Zhu Houzhao is actually a little vain in his heart. He is also thinking that Mr. Zhang will not really use other people's poems as mine, let me go out to gain fame, and even let me use the power of the prince to write Do you keep these three poems for yourself?
Think again.

Will not.

Mr. Zhang is too talented to do such a thing. If he wants to make me famous, he must write poems for me.

Sun Che said: "Young Master Zhu, do you want to accept this literary competition?"

"Fuck that!" Zhu Houzhao said angrily, "What will the competition be like then? Can they come up with better poems? What I wrote is mine, and who can take it away?"

"But……"

Sun Che also felt a little confused, "Actually, this is all a simple truth. They all fancy you as a ten-year-old boy and think that you have no background, not only the government has no background, but even the school has no background. At most, you are just scattered in various places." It’s just a student from the department, if your husband is famous, he can come out and speak for you.”

Now Sun Che and the others are sincerely trying to help Zhu Houzhao find a way.

They also don't really believe what other people say, that they wrote the poem a few months ago... If this is the case, then those people, not Zhu Houzhao, were the ones who started the poem.

After Zhu Houzhao presented the poems, they said that again, as if they had spotted Zhu Houzhao's bullying and deliberately targeted them.

Gong Yeping said from the side: "It's only strange, these three poems quickly caused a sensation in Nanjing, comparable to the song "Huanxisha·Gambling Books Disappeared by Sprinkling Tea" that was circulated in the south of the Yangtze River in the first year, and you There are still three songs, and outsiders are jealous of this reputation. Young master, you are new here, not many people know you, and you don’t have a real reputation in the literary world, it’s because your background is not strong.”

"My son doesn't have a strong background?"

Liu Jin on the side was so angry that he almost wanted to report his family name and fight those people desperately.

As the crown prince of Ming Dynasty, the crown prince finally wrote three poems, and some people dare to steal them and say they wrote them?How many heads do they have to chop off?
Zhu Houzhao glanced at Liu Jin and said: "Let them fight, a group of lifeless things, do you really think they can go to heaven? My son hasn't made a move yet."

Sun Che said: "That is to say, did you accept this poetry competition?"

"No!" Zhu Houzhao said, "I wrote three poems, and there is no better one so far."

Hu Feng sighed: "Mr. Zhu, you really have such good poems. You publish one at a time to let people know your ability, and then show them out little by little. Why do you have them all at once... It will not be clear .Although we have been arguing for you and taking the advantage of being the first mover, saying that they are empty-handed, but... many of them have great backgrounds, and they cannot be compared."

Zhu Houzhao sneered: "The so-called big background means that a group of people work together to talk nonsense?"

"Ahem!" Hu Feng coughed twice, not knowing what to say.

……

……

The discussion of the day ended on a bad note.

After Sun Che and the others saw Zhu Houzhao coming out, Sun Che seemed to recall something, and said: "I met Mr. Zhu's husband that day, and I thought his attire was extraordinary. I think he is famous in Nanjing. When he came , Zhu Gongzi wrote poems..."

Gong Yeping said: "What do you mean?"

Hu Feng sighed: "There are many dignitaries and dignitaries around Yingtian Mansion, even if they are talented, it's not uncommon for them to be famous. No matter how dignified they are, if they don't become officials, they are at best a candidate. Now it is the right way to help Mr. Zhu find someone who can support him."

"Do you have a solution?" Sun Che looked over and asked.

Hu Feng said: "Today Xu Jing, a famous Confucian in Jiangyin, held a literary meeting in the Huainan Building to entertain guests from all walks of life. In particular, I want to choose a literary Confucian who admires the study of the mind. I want to try and see if I can win his favor. support."

Sun Che shook his head and said, "Is it the one who was involved in the examination case in the previous year and was even deprived of participating in the general examination?"

Hu Feng said: "You may not know that for the past two years he has devoted himself to the name of Zhang Xueshi, that is, the Duke of Lai of the Ming Dynasty. I heard that he also accompanied the envoys to North Korea. This person is now considered to be the number one person."

Gong Yeping also sang against him and said: "Forget it, if you get close to him, it may not be good, but it may affect your reputation. The world has high demands on Qing Yi, don't think that he can give Lai Guo Gong He will be respected by the world if he serves as a saddle-horse horse. His reputation will not be lost if he is capable.”

"If you don't go, I'll try!"

Hu Feng was originally an opportunist, and this was his philistine and cunning side. At this time, he really hoped to find an opportunity to curry favor with Xu Jing, so as to get close to Zhang Zhou's influence.

Unbeknownst to him, he had even met Zhang Zhou himself, and Zhang Zhou said "I admire you very much" to his face.

If he had known about it, he would have gone straight to the Yamen of the Ministry of War in Nanjing to vote for the post.

……

……

Zhu Houzhao said he didn't care, but he was so angry that he didn't go out with Sun Che and his party that day for group activities, but took advantage of the night to let Liu Jin drive him in a carriage and take him to see Zhang Zhou.

The backyard of the Yamen of the Ministry of War in Nanjing.

Zhu Houzhao was waiting at the door, but Jin Yiwei had already followed.

Before protecting Zhu Houzhao, he had to hide it, but now it is almost half open. Zhu Houzhao's request to this group of people is just not to disturb him when he goes out to play. Even if he hangs around in front of him, he no longer finds it an eyesore.

Anyway, if you don't go back to the capital, you can protect yourself... even better.

Tang Yin came out and took Zhu Houzhao into the yamen, and met him in Zhang Zhou's study.

"Bohu, you go out first, I have something to discuss with the prince." Zhang Zhou said.

"Ah."

Tang Yin glanced at Zhu Houzhao.

The prince of Ming Dynasty, like a little crazy child, played everywhere in the south of the Yangtze River, and Zhang Zhou, as a minister trusted by the emperor, would actually connive at the crown prince doing this. For a person like Tang Yin with traditional literati concepts, it is completely incomprehensible .

After waiting for Tang Yin to go out, Zhu Houzhao said in a hurry: "Sir, some people are so shameless that they actually said that those three poems were written by them. Give the students some more, and the students will silence them when they go out."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Do you know the truth of what I said about the crime of embracing Bi?"

"what?"

Zhu Houzhao blinked, then thought of something, sat down depressed and said, "You have expected the feelings a long time ago? No... Those three poems were really written by outsiders?"

Zhu Houzhao is clever.

He felt that since you Zhang Zhou could have predicted this in advance, would it be true that you stole it and asked me to fight for the right to sign it?

Zhang Zhoudao: "I don't even care about my reputation. I gave you the poem in order to save you from punishment and to make His Majesty look good. You actually think I will use those heresy methods?"

"Then... don't take it too seriously, sir." Zhu Houzhao said with a depressed face, "After all, it's really not my poem, so I'm also uneasy."

"Ha ha."

Zhang Zhou smiled.

"Prince, you have grown up."

"What?"

Zhu Houzhao was angry, what does this have to do with whether I grow up or not?
"At least you know the honor and disgrace. Do you know why you were always unable to settle down to study before? It's because studying will not bring you a change in status and honor, but it is a burden to you. You are not like those poor children. Same, you need to read to get ahead.”

Zhang Zhou taught Zhu Houzhao seriously.

Zhu Houzhao said, "Is it related?"

Zhang Zhoudao: "Do you know why Your Majesty studies so hard that he can even become a wise king?"

Zhu Houzhao scratched his head and said, "Because the father knows honor and disgrace?"

"You are really right." Zhang Zhoudao, "Do you know what your majesty has experienced in the process of growing up? During the first emperor's time, Wan Guifei was the most favored concubine in the sixth palace, and his mother, Empress Dowager Xiaomu, died young. But every step you take, you have to be careful."

Zhu Houzhao's face changed, obviously he didn't like to hear such stories.

He came to Zhang Zhou with a very strong purpose... Can't you write three poems?For the next three songs, I slapped the faces of those people face to face, letting them know how powerful I am.

Zhang Zhou seemed to be ignorant of Zhu Houzhao's mentality, and he was still teaching his class: "Now you at least know the honor and disgrace brought by literary fame, which means that you should also know the motivation to study."

Zhu Houzhao was obviously impatient, and shouted: "No matter how good I am, I can't write the poems you gave me."

Zhang Zhoudao: "Don't worry, I will show all your poems to Bachelor Cheng, and he will help you pass them on among the erudite Confucians in Nanjing. Soon the world will know that those poems were actually written by Bachelor Cheng, and no one will read them again." Dare to impersonate."

"What?" Zhu Houzhao stood up and looked at Zhang Zhoudao with incredulous eyes, "Sure enough, it wasn't written by Mr. Cheng? If it was Cheng Xueshi... then I'm not ashamed?"

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Bachelor Cheng is just helping you to block the evil, so that Xiao Xiao doesn't dare to come out and pretend to be famous. He will give you back the reputation. The literary meeting will be hosted by Bachelor Cheng, and he will explain the situation in public."

"That's it..."

When Zhu Houzhao heard it, he immediately smiled, his small eyes and nose squeezed together, and he said comfortably, "I said that sir has a big idea, and I shouldn't worry. Sir, do you have any more poems? Give me another one or two, I stay by my side."

"Gone."

"Stingy ghost, sir, he has no plans to spare, how could he give it all to me at once? Why don't we discuss it and give it to me!"

Zhang Zhou got up and said, "Go back if you have nothing to do, I have entertainment tonight."

"Whoever entertains, I will go too." Zhu Houzhao smiled.

Obviously, Zhu Houzhao lived in the inn quite well before, and felt that he could feel the smoke and fire in the world, but as time went by, the freshness of the inn was no longer enough. Thinking of the life in the palace... Think again Seeing the scenery after entering the Yamen of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, he naturally didn't want to go back to live in the cramped small space of the inn.

Zhang Zhou said: "If you don't want to stay in the inn, I'll have someone tidy up a house for you. There are too many people coming in and out here, so it's very inconvenient. There are people in Nanjing officialdom who have seen you before."

Zhu Houzhao crossed his legs and said with a smile: "It's okay, I won't go out, I will live wherever you live. I will learn from you by the way."

Zhang Zhou shook his head and said, "I don't usually live here, this is just my office, and I have family members by my side, so it's inconvenient."

"Is that kid Zhang Jun? It's just my hands itching, I want to compete with him." Zhu Houzhao seemed to want to rely on Zhang Zhou and live in Zhang Zhou's mansion.

"Humph!"

Zhang Zhoudao, "If you feel that the trip to the south of the Yangtze River is not interesting, I will send you back to the capital at any time. Letting you go to the market is an experience for you!"

Zhu Houzhao knew at a glance that his father was not around, and there was a husband.

Although this gentleman is open-minded, he is not much different from his father if he wants to be "unreasonable".

"No, I'd better go back, or you can quickly arrange a big house for me, and I'll live in it. Recently, it's very inconvenient to live in an inn. Even the bath water is not supplied in time, and the food... how should I put it, how many meals are worth it?" It’s pretty good, but if you eat too much, you will feel dull, and I want to find more people to serve me..."

"Prince Tangtang, if you can't bear the hardship, don't come out in the future!"

"Don't, I can endure hardships, but some hardships are not worth it. Speaking of it, I really miss my father and mother. Later, you will send me back... No, we will go back together. Then I will go first! "

"see a visitor out!"

Zhang Zhou was not used to it either.

Thinking that you are the prince, I will be obedient to you?Even if you become the emperor, you will be suppressed.

Hit a snake and hit seven inches, who let me basically grasp your kid's weakness?

……

……

Zhang Zhou asked Tang Yin to send Zhu Houzhao away.

When Tang Yin came back, he looked puzzled and said: "The prince has been out for a long time, why didn't you escort him back to the capital safely earlier?"

"No hurry." Zhang Zhou said.

Tang Yin asked any more questions, but Zhang Zhou didn't answer.

Not long after, there was a knock on the door, but it was Yang Peng who came. Seeing Tang Yin was there, Yang Peng wanted to avoid it, but Zhang Zhou said, "Just speak up."

Yang Pengdao: "As you expected, there are royal family members along the river, feudal lords everywhere, and people who don't follow the law. There are even official ships purchased by them in Yingtian Mansion, bringing a large amount of food and rare treasures, etc. Buy them and send them away. I have questioned those people... In addition to the background of the feudal lord, they also have the support of the government. Even if ordinary merchants and farmers are exploited, they will dare not speak out."

Zhang Zhou nodded and said: "Using power to oppress people is the norm in Jiangnan, isn't it the same in the capital?"

Yang Peng said with a smile: "In the past few years, the capital city has actually improved a lot. In the past, when Li Xie was in power, there were Shouninghou and Jianchangbo. The big merchants in the capital were really worried. I guess it was because the land in the south of the Yangtze River was far away from the capital city. Furthermore, there are indeed many suzerains here."

The royal relatives use their power to exploit and squeeze the resources for ordinary people to do business and survive, annex land, and do things to monopolize the market and bully the market...

This is not surprising at all.

Zhang Zhou himself came from Ying Tianfu, so Zhang Zhou knew this clearly.

It's as if he was doing business for Zhu Feng, the second child of Duke Cheng's family... Is Zhu Feng really that material for doing business?
In other words... the imperial court forbids suzerains and vassals from being involved in local business and other things, but no one has trouble with money. Realizing power is a feature of the feudal era. If you can't do it yourself, you can just find white gloves...it's the same everywhere.

It's just that Nanjing is more obvious because the sky is high and the emperor is far away.

On the contrary, it is the land of the capital. In fact, the dignitaries have restrained themselves, just like the two brothers of the Zhang family, although they were domineering in the first few years, every time they committed a crime, a bunch of people would impeach them.

On the contrary, in Nanjing, there are high-ranking officials and dignitaries bullying and dominating the market, and most of the officials turn a blind eye to it.

Tang Yin said: "Duke Lai Guo came to Jiangnan to rectify the officials? Or to correct the mistakes of the Zongfu?"

Zhang Zhou shook his head and said, "Whether they bully the market or not, I don't care, or I don't care for the time being. My task is to ensure that what they do will not threaten the stability of Daming."

Tang Yin thought to himself, we still need to rectify it, why did you say it so beautifully?
"Have you checked the local vassals in Jiangxi?" Zhang Zhou asked.

Yang Pengdao: "As Mr. Zhang expected, King Ning, who succeeded him in the first year, already intends to make a big purchase in the south of the Yangtze River, and he has a close relationship with the vassals of Jianggan and other places. However, because Nanchang Mansion is too far away from here, It is not yet known if any other wrongdoing was committed.”

"Prince Ning?" Tang Yin frowned, "What does this have to do with us?"

Zhang Zhou glanced at him with a bit of narrow expression.

This person has little to do with us, but will have a lot to do with you in the future, of course... Because of me, whether you will still have a relationship in the future is another matter.

"The war in the north requires money and food, and shipbuilding also needs it. If you don't start with the vassal, where can you come from?"

"Of course, we must follow the law in everything and not act recklessly. Eunuch Yang, you have to be busy recently and run around more."

Yang Peng hurriedly took orders and said, "I'm waiting for you."

(End of this chapter)