The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

It was another morning court attended by Zhang Zhou.

Not surprisingly, Tang Yin was targeted by the court officials because he applied for an increase in shipbuilding expenses... If we can't deal with you Zhang Zhou, can't we start with the group of fans around you?
The Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Ji Zhong, stated that shipbuilding was a waste of people and money: "Your Majesty, since the shipbuilding of Hainingwei, more than 30 taels of money have been spent on shipbuilding, and the timber, ironware, etc. around Nanzhili have been spent. It was a waste of money to transport people away, and the people were mobilized many times. Currently, there are more than 1 people in Hainingwei serving as corvees. Such things that are not conducive to the people's livelihood should be stopped in time. "

Zhong Zhong had obviously done some research beforehand.

As for the number he mentioned... it sounded very inaccurate to Zhang Zhou, because the money spent from the beginning of the ship building was definitely more than 50 taels.

It can support the largest shipyard in the Ming Dynasty and support so many civilians. It can even build artillery and firecrackers and provide them to various garrison posts in the south of the Yangtze River. Even though the number of firearms used in the south is not large, with a Ninghai garrison To meet the needs of the entire south, the cost is considered light.

Zhu Youtang said: "How much food did the imperial court spend on Hainingwei's shipbuilding?"

Zhong Zhong said: "Back to Your Majesty, due to the dispatch of money and food, almost all of it has gone through the Nanjing Household Department. It is still being verified, but it is expected to be equivalent to more than 30 taels of silver."

Zhu Youtang said slightly angrily: "What I'm asking is, has the Ministry of Household Affairs allocated money and food?"

"Yes." Ji Zhongye replied firmly, "Since the beginning of preparations, more than 3000 taels of silver have been allocated, and a lot of materials have been transported from Nanjing, which is equivalent to 6000 taels of silver. In addition..."

"enough!"

Zhu Youtang interrupted Zhong Zhong and said sternly, "30 taels, but only a few thousand taels of silver allocated by the court. The subsequent expenses are all provided by the salt fields around Hainingwei and the mining kilns in the north." , and even the local officials and gentry in Nanjing raised funds. When preparing for this matter, the Ministry of Revenue had repeatedly obstructed it. Now, almost without using the court's money or food, the foundation has been laid and ships and cannons can be built. So we still need to be supported by you. Do you question it?"

Zhong Zhong said: "Now the shipyard is in a huge deficit, and it is already unable to make ends meet, otherwise the Bohai Governor would not ask the court for additional expenses."

Zhu Youtang remained silent for a while.

There is no immediate profit from shipbuilding in the south, but the Ming Dynasty built artillery and muskets to equip the ships, and then equipped the garrison posts. The garrison posts would not exchange money and food for it, which is equivalent to saying that Tang Yin just did it. Enter the errand.

Such a large shipyard relies entirely on the saltworks and Zhang Zhou's mine for blood transfusion. Tang Yin himself is not very good at raising money, food and materials. To put it bluntly, he is not a professional accountant, and he does not know how to create wealth and income. As for "running the shipyard", Tang Yin felt that he was alone.

Xiao Jing came out and said: "Your Majesty, the shipyard has currently spent more than 30 taels, but it is only maintained with extra money and food. Such a large expenditure is justifiable when encountering difficulties. It is better to allocate salt tax from the Ministry of Household Affairs. 10 taels to support the operation of the shipyard."

Zhu Youtang didn't answer.

The officials present were a little surprised.

Are you, Xiao Jing, a traitor? You actually spoke for Tang Yin and his shipyard?Isn't this just talking to Zhang Zhou?

10 taels of silver...Do you know how much the imperial court spent in the northwest?Allocate 10 taels to Bian Town, all of them were so fussy, and now they are spending the money on a place where they can’t see any income?

Zhong Zhong said: "If the 30 yuan is not used for shipbuilding, it can be used in various places in the northwest. It will not be the case that the border fortress repairs reported this year have not been enough. Due to the lack of money and grain, and the large number of transporters in the south, the construction of pass and forts has also been neglected. The impact of river construction is related to the well-being of the people in Jiangnan."

Zhu Youtang still didn't know what to say.

It's not that he doesn't want to refute Zhong Zhong, it's just that his mind is not on it right now... Regarding shipbuilding, apart from bringing back a batch of valuable trophies from Nanyang, there seems to be nothing that can more recoup the cost.

Xie Qian came out and said: "What Shangshu said is reasonable. It cost 30 taels and so much labor. Aren't we using troops in the north now? We should distinguish priorities. I don't know what Duke Cai Guo has to say?"

It was also because Xie Qian and others saw that Zhang Zhou had been silent and stood aside as if nothing was wrong, so they came out to bring Zhang Zhou into the battle.

Zhang Zhoudao: "What you and Mr. Xie Ge mean is that building the Jinghai ship is not related to the welfare of the Ming Dynasty, right? I have heard that the number of pirates in the southeast has increased in recent years, and even pirates in the West They have all appeared and are occupying the islands. If they can be destroyed, there are a lot of resources on these islands."

Xie Qian smiled and replied: "It's just a few uninhabited islands, what can they bring? You don't think that with these few pirates, you can sustain the annual shipbuilding expenses of several hundred thousand taels, do you?"

Zhang Zhou said calmly: "Who knows?"

Xie Qian frowned upon hearing this.

Expecting to accumulate shipbuilding expenses on some uninhabited islands... It sounds a bit absurd, but his rebuttal is actually not strong. Even though some things seem to be "reasonable", Zhang Zhou used an inconspicuous person after all. The salt farm maintained a shipyard with such huge expenses.

Who knows what other options he has?

Zhong Zhong said to Zhang Zhou: "Does Duke Cai Guo agree to increase the expenditure on shipbuilding? Now it is time to use troops in the north. As the minister of the Ministry of War, Cai Guogong had better not get involved in the affairs of the Ministry of Work and the Ministry of Household Affairs."

Quarreling in the court can be regarded as a traditional entertainment project for officials of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Zhou said: "Don't you apply for the expenses with the Ministry of Household Affairs? I don't have any objections. If Mr. Xie Ge doesn't ask, maybe I won't say anything?"

After saying this, Zhang Zhou calmly retreated to the court.

Seeing that there was a bit of an argument about shipbuilding, Liu Jian came out and said: "Your Majesty, as for the shipbuilding in Jiangnan, we should put it on hold for now. This matter can be discussed in the long run."

Don't say you agree or disagree, just drag it out until Tang Yin can't support it anymore, and finally drag this matter out.

As a courtier of the Ming Dynasty, if he didn't even have this means, Liu Jian, the chief and assistant minister, would be in vain.

Zhu Youtang first looked at Zhang Zhou. Seeing that Zhang Zhou was so calm and composed, he seemed to feel that Zhang Zhou already had a plan in mind, and he really didn't have the intention to pay too much attention to shipbuilding now, so he decided to He waved his hand and said: "As Mr. Liu Ge said, this matter needs to be discussed in the long term."

……

……

After the court meeting was over, Zhang Zhou went up to listen, but as soon as he arrived, Li Rong came over and sent a message, saying that he was invited to Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Zhouben wanted to say a few more words to Wang Qiong, so he explained to Wang Qiong first and then talked later, and then followed Li Rong to Qianqing Palace.

Li Rongdao: "Your Majesty is not too enthusiastic about shipbuilding. If Mr. Zhang proposes this to Your Majesty, he must first evaluate the outcome of the matter. Of course, if Mr. Zhang opens his mouth, Your Majesty will definitely fight for you with all his strength."

Li Rong is a smart man. He is reminding Zhang Zhou that shipbuilding should not be the top priority at present.

Let’s settle the matter in the northwest first.

But the emperor was on Zhang Zhou's side after all. As long as Zhang Zhou was determined to continue building ships, Zhu Youtang would definitely be on Zhang Zhou's side.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "There is no need to rush about shipbuilding."

"Haha." Li Rong smiled.

He was also wondering what Zhang Zhou's position was on this matter. It stands to reason that the matter of opening a shipyard and even the establishment of a governor of the Bohai Sea were all proposed by Zhang Zhou, and the emperor followed them. Now he has spent so much time With so much money, you can’t give up halfway, right?
But Li Rong only said what he should say, and then remained silent, and went to Qianqing Palace with Zhang Zhouzhou.

But besides Zhu Youtang, only Xiao Jing was waiting.

"Bingkuan, come and take a look. There is a new battle report. It was reported by Yang Yiqing, the governor of Ningxia. He reported to me before sending out troops, saying that he would fight to the death with the Tatars no matter what. This is what he has done for me. military order."

Zhu Youtang was originally worried that all parties would refuse to fight, but he did not know that before Yang Yiqing entered Shigou City, he had given a memorial to the emperor to show his determination to succeed or succeed.

"Everything is as you expected. I have never thought that this Yang Qing family is so responsible and is much better than Baoguo Gong."

Zhu Youtang was very happy.

Zhang Zhou said: "If the local soldiers and horses of Ningxia can lead this battle, the rest of the troops will have to come. But they still need help. After all, Ningxia reported to the court before that in the battle of Huamachi, artillery shells and skyrocket powder were consumed. There are so many more that need to be added.”

Zhu Youtang said: "This will not affect the development of the battle, right?"

Originally he was still rejoicing, but now the emperor was a little worried.

"Your Majesty, don't worry." Zhang Zhou said, "Meeting on a narrow road depends on the word courage. After the Tatars experienced their defeat in the Battle of Huamachi, their morale is not high. There is no reason to win this battle."

"That's good, that's good." Zhu Youtang felt that Zhang Zhou could figure it out.

Since Zhang Zhou said he would win, he believed it.

Zhu Youtang said: "Bingkuan, about shipbuilding... I won't say much today because you seem to have your own plan. Tell me about it. Even if those ministers don't agree, I will issue an order to allocate money and food." .”

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that the Ming Dynasty's fleet has now crossed the sea to the east. I believe that if everything goes well, the fleet will be back in less than two months. When they bring back what I want, If something is wrong, then the officials in the DPRK will change their stance."

"Is that true?" Zhu Youtang asked with a smile.

Zhang Zhou nodded and said: "As for the cost being too high, I also think so. However, the bulk of the shipbuilding work has already passed. My opinion is to stop the ships currently being built. After all, the Jinghai incident can be postponed first. Civil servants who are serving You can return to your hometown first, or even transfer Tang Yin back to the capital first."

"Ah?" Zhu Youtang was a little surprised.

Not to mention Zhu Youtang, even Li Rong and Xiao Jing on the side didn't understand.

It's okay to wait for the results, but put a stop to this matter now... What is this?
Zhang Zhou said: "The minister's wishes on this matter can be followed first. After the fleet returns from the sea, or when the pirates start to become rampant, the ministers of the DPRK will naturally propose that the matter be reopened. As for the production of the salt farm, Come out, I think you can save it first and use it when it reopens."

Who said that I, Mr. Zhang, must go against those ministers?Now you think it is not necessary. When you find out later that it really smells good, you will shamelessly ask the emperor to start over, and you will be asked for as much money as you want.

Do you really think you are required to do everything?

Zhu Youtang thought for a while and seemed to understand the secret. He said: "That's right. When the coal kilns and iron kilns were opened, the ministers in the DPRK also opposed it a lot, but now if I ask Bingkuan you to open all these kilns, Stop it. It’s strange that they are not impatient with me. They are still too utilitarian. They only see the effort but not the rewards. They are short-sighted."

Xiao Jing on the side was very happy to hear this.

Fortunately, I spoke a few words for Zhang Zhou and Tang Yin before, although it was also reluctant, and even added fuel to the flames to cause conflicts between Zhang Zhou and the ministers.

But now it has a positive effect. At least it makes the emperor feel that he is a "loyal minister" and has one heart.

……

……

The Imperial Palace, inside Qingning Palace.

The Queen Mother Zhou was sitting in her own rocking chair. The rocking chair was modified and "custom-made" from Zhang Zhou. It was when the Queen Mother Zhou was enjoying herself, but there was an "ignorant" woman next to her. She kept complaining and complaining, which made her tireless.

"...The Empress Dowager has to make the decision. Others who join the army can just follow the qualifications. But when they come to my home, they will be the first to lead the expedition. If there is a problem, do you want me to remarry?"

The visitor is none other than Princess Yongkang.

She heard that Zhu Hui sent his son-in-law to the front line of Shigou City. She knew that this matter was very dangerous, so she came specifically to complain to the Queen Mother Zhou.

Queen Mother Zhou closed her eyes and said absently: "Isn't it good to go to the front line? Others can't even go if they want to."

Princess Yongkang said: "I heard that the Queen Mother's family also has two people who are with the army, but they were sent to the front line together?"

"Ok?"

Queen Mother Zhou was startled, and then she opened her eyes and looked at Jiang Lu beside her. The meaning is obvious, please tell me.

Jiang Lu said: "Back to the Empress Dowager and the eldest princess, it's like this. Although the two of the Zhou family... are with the army, they also have important responsibilities. They are leading troops for training outside. I heard that they are still with the rear army this time. He is responsible for spying on the enemy, but he did not get the position of pioneer officer."

When Yongkang heard this, why should he fight for the job of sending someone to his death?
If they all fought for it, then why didn't Zhu Hui lead the Chinese army?Let someone else come?

Jiang Lu glanced at Empress Dowager Zhou and added: "I heard that there are two groups leading the troops as vanguards this time. Prince Consort Cui is following Uncle Xiangcheng's group. They are all elite soldiers. Uncle Xiangcheng used to be Weining." The generals trusted by Hou also have a good chance of making achievements this time."

"My child, did you hear that? Mao Ren will be fine," said Empress Dowager Zhou, "They are all relatives of the emperor. They are just going through the motions with the army. How can we put them in danger?"

Yongkang said: "But Sun Chen heard that Zhang Lun, the grandson of the British Duke, also went out with the army. As a result, he was seriously injured. He has sent a message back to the capital, saying that he has been given a place to rest. If he is not careful, he may not even be able to save his life."

"Who told you this? How old is the grandson of a British official?" Queen Mother Zhou said angrily, "They are a family of honorable ministers and are responsible for protecting the family and the country. How can they compare with the royal relatives of the Ming Dynasty? what do you think?"

Jiang Lu whispered: "Back to the Empress Dowager, the British Duke's eldest grandson is not very old. I heard that he is not married yet. He may only be... fourteen or fifteen years old."

Empress Dowager Zhou frowned and said: "You are only fourteen or five years old, and you are so brave? He does not live up to the glory of his ancestors."

"The Empress Dowager!" Yongkang, who was always quick-tempered, became anxious now. "Your grandson-in-law is now sent to the front line to be in danger, and you don't care about it? Or do you just care about your nephew? Don’t you care?”

Queen Mother Zhou was usually quite aggressive, and her temper actually got better as she got older, but she still felt very unhappy when she heard these words.

You, a junior, still dare to accuse the old man?

Empress Dowager Zhou said coldly: "How do you manage the Ai family? Can you call people back? Is it too late? Yongkang, you are too shameful! You also know that nothing you say here will help. You are still messing around. Isn't it too much? Pampering you? You want your prince-in-law to come out to compete for military glory. Look at your elder sister and younger sister. Why don't they ask for it? Now that your brother has given you a chance, you actually dislike him for letting him lead troops on the front line. ? Is war fun? Is military glory so easy to get? "

Yongkang looked very aggrieved and said: "Empress Dowager, Sun Chen just hopes that he will not be harmed by others. Sun Chen also knows that in fact, he is not very capable. It was during the previous assessment that he was reminded by the Wang Shilang and asked him to Some people looked down upon him when he was among the top in the assessment. Sun Chen also heard that he was not very popular in the army, so he was sent... Wuwu, Sun Chen just hoped that he could come back safely, military achievements and so on. None of it matters."

Empress Dowager Zhou snorted: "You are thinking about the deep love between husband and wife now? What have you done? The one who complains the most about your husband is you! You are restless, unlike Deqing. Do you think she knows how to obey the three virtues and the four virtues? And you? "

At this point, Empress Dowager Zhou could not say any more, especially seeing Yongkang, who had always been unruly and willful, wiping tears in front of her. It was a bit unbearable for an elderly person like her who "eats fasting and chants Buddha's name".

"What are you doing, Your Majesty? Didn't you come to say hello?" Queen Mother Zhou asked.

Jiang Lu said: "Your Majesty is meeting a visitor at Qianqing Palace. It seems that... Cai Guogong. I saw Li Rong and Eunuch Li bringing people to invite him earlier. I guess he has arrived."

"Bingkuan? The Ai family hasn't seen him for many days! Ask them to come together! The Ai family misses them very much. Yongkang, if your Majesty is here, why don't you lean on him and stop crying? What's the matter? The Ai family will ask for you, with your brother making the decision, our royal family members will not suffer in the army, and the worst we can do is not let him join the army in the future!"

……

……

Zhu Youtang was also very confused when he was summoned by the Queen Mother Zhou.

Although he is the most filial person, and the Empress Dowager Zhou is his only blood relative in the world, he does not have to go there every day to say hello. Occasionally when the government is busy, the Empress Dowager Zhou will understand if he does not go, and every day He was always asked to put state affairs first.

This time he actually took the initiative to call, which made Zhu Youtang feel that... nothing good happened.

"Your Majesty, I will go back first." Zhang Zhou naturally wanted to go back as soon as possible.

It is not a good thing for him to meet the female relatives in the palace, especially the Queen Mother Zhou is so shrewd and cunning, and she can use some tricks on him every time, even if she and the Queen Mother Zhou were allies in the emperor's acceptance of concubines. , Zhang Zhou also felt that this kind of united front could not be maintained.

Zhu Youtang said: "Bingkuan, didn't you listen? The imperial grandmother also asked you to come with her. You still have to listen to her words."

Zhu Youtang himself was a little frightened. At this time, of course he took Zhang Zhou with him.

If the old lady wants to make trouble, maybe she can ask Zhang Zhou to support her from the front.

"You guys go too." Zhu Youtang looked at Xiao Jing and Li Rong beside him, meaning that if one of them counts, isn't it Qingning Palace?It's not that far to begin with. Why don't you come with me for a walk?At critical moments, you all have to come out to smooth things over for me and speak for me.

After all, as an emperor, it is still inconvenient to say some things. If you say them from your mouth, the old lady may be able to understand it better!

A thousand words spoken to oneself is not as good as a word spoken to others.

……

……

Qingning Palace.

Zhang Zhou followed Zhu Youtang in, but saw that Queen Mother Zhou had sat back on a normal chair, and there was a woman standing next to her. This woman Zhang Zhou had seen from a distance before was Cui Yuan's wife Princess Yongkang.

But neither Zhu Youtang nor the Queen Mother Zhou allowed Zhang Zhou and Princess Yongkang to introduce each other.

After all, Princess Yongkang is also married, so she should not appear in meetings with foreign ministers, and it seems that she is not the protagonist today.

"Royal Grandma, what's the matter with you? My grandson has been busy with military affairs recently. Matters in the northwest have made him very worried. Bingkuan often needs to share the burden." Zhu Youtang said.

Empress Dowager Zhou asked: "How is the progress now?"

Xiao Jing was about to come out to talk, but Zhu Youtang raised his hand to interrupt, meaning it was just bragging, so I'll do it.

"That's it. When the Tatars invaded Huamachi, Bingkuan figured out their plot early in the morning and asked the governor of Ningxia to lead his troops to intercept them at Huamachi and then cut off their retreat. In this battle, at least a thousand people of Di Yi were killed, and Nearly a thousand heads have been obtained. The Tatars are now in chaos." Zhu Youtang said.

"Then the Tatars are going to be defeated? How many troops do they have?" Queen Mother Zhou was still good at grasping the key points.

"The Tatars have more than [-] soldiers and horses. Most of them are direct descendants of the little Tatar prince Batu Meng. They are considered brave." Zhu Youtang replied.

Empress Dowager Zhou seemed to be dissatisfied and said: "It only took 1000 to kill more than [-] people. How much impact will it have on them? How will we fight in the future? Ai Jiaming has said it, we should drive the Tatars out as soon as possible, instead of fighting in their own backyard, causing harm to them." It’s our own people who are the ones who deserve it!”

"Yeah." Zhu Youtang cleared his throat, seemingly agreeing, but actually he meant that I won't say the rest.

Empress Dowager Zhou said: "Actually, this is the case. Yongkang said that her consort was squeezed out by Baoguo Gong and became a pioneer officer. She was in a dangerous situation. She came to the Ai family to complain. The Ai family didn't know what happened, so they could only come to you. Come and ask for clarification.”

Zhu Youtang glared at him and said: "Yongkang, there is a big event in the court, so why don't you bother the Queen's grandmother? Disturb the Queen's peace?"

Yongkang said: "Your Majesty, I just don't want to be a widow. I think Cui Yuan was sent to the battlefield by you. You have to send him back alive, right?"

"Will you let me take care of things while you are away? How Duke Baoguo arranges it is his business! I can't interfere too much!" Zhu Youtang was also annoyed.

Are you causing trouble in your relationship behind your back?
I thought it was such a big deal for the old lady. This kind of thing... so what if she loses her brother-in-law?That is loyalty to the country!
Yongkang looked at Zhang Zhou with a bit of anger in his eyes and said, "I'm afraid someone has ulterior motives and is jealous of Cui Yuan's talent." (End of Chapter)