The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

After noon, the bustling market place in Chongwenmen was filled with all kinds of traffickers and lackeys of mixed tastes.

Ning Tong's sedan stopped outside a courtyard that looked like a mixed crowd. There were some guards standing at the door, as if there was something improper going on inside to prevent others from seeing it.

Ning Tong went inside under the guidance of Ya Zi, and after walking around the long porch, she saw a group of people gathering inside. There were shouts like a mountain roaring and a tsunami, and a group of people who seemed to be red-eyed for murder, but there was no one there. Not fighting inside, but shouting loudly outside.

In the venue, two fighting dogs were biting each other. This was a dog fighting venue, and the people who came here were all gamblers.

Even in such a complicated place, a relatively spacious and remote "private seat" was prepared. Ning Tong walked inside with a frown. A man who saw her seemed to be wondering why a woman could be seen in such a place. And she seemed to be a noble lady, but then they focused all their attention on the fighting dogs in the venue and didn't care about anything else.

"Hey!"

Finally, Ning Tong found the person she was looking for, it was Zhu Feng who was drinking tea here while watching the dog fighting competition with her "friends".

When Zhu Feng heard this voice, he turned around in surprise. When he saw it was Ning Tong, he looked like a thief who had been stolen. His face was a little red, and then he turned towards his "friend" next to him. Take a look, and my friend is very smart and doesn't look this way.

Then Zhu Feng stood up, pulled Ningtong aside and said, "Why are you here?"

After saying that, Zhu Feng also glared at Zhu Daqi, the personal attendant not far behind him, and Zhu Daqi also turned his head to one side, meaning that you can solve your own affairs. Even if this is the ex-wife, did she say that she would come to you? We Can you still stop it?After all, she was also our "mistress" before.

Ning Tong's face was calm, but she couldn't help but glance at the place where Zhu Feng was sitting. Especially when she saw Zhu Feng's friend, there was even more anger in her eyes.

All the misfortunes in his life seemed to be caused by this person.

Of course, the bigger reason is that standing in front of her, these two people are the culprits.

"I have something to do with you. Can I talk to you somewhere else? I don't feel comfortable here." Ning Tong's voice was cold. Even though she seemed to have come to ask Zhu Feng for help, she sounded as if she was the creditor, and Zhu Feng must continue to repay his debts.

Zhu Feng said: "Then I'll find someone to take you out first, and I'll give you an explanation before I go over."

"Yeah." Ning Tong didn't object this time, turned around and walked towards Zhu Daqi.

"Wait a minute, I haven't told him where I'm going to take you, and you haven't told him either. Why are you hiding everywhere? If Brother Zhang finds out, he will definitely blame me." Zhu Feng said.

Ning Tong asked, "Why would he blame you?"

"This……"

Zhu Feng naturally couldn't say that. In fact, in the various assumptions of my grandmother, father and family, you had already been "famous and had an owner". If your reputation was ruined, it would not only bring shame on my Zhu family. Smearing it will probably destroy the alliance between our Zhu family and Zhang Zhou.

"You go out first." Zhu Feng couldn't explain, so he could only call Zhu Daqi over quickly. After giving some instructions, he went over to explain to his friends a few times.

……

……

On the second floor of a teahouse outside the dog fighting ring, Zhu Feng and Ning Tong sat across the table.

Ning Tong looked around. Even though the place was no longer so noisy and complicated, it still made her feel uncomfortable.

"Tong'er, if you have something to say, just tell me." Zhu Feng said.

"Please An Bianhou, please don't call me by my maiden name in the future. This is the most basic respect." Ning Tong said.

Zhu Feng smiled awkwardly and said, "Aren't you used to this? Then I will call you Miss Ning from now on."

Ning Tong said: "I just want to ask, what happened last time we drank in the theater?"

"You're drunk. Brother Zhang asked someone to take you back. You don't have to look at me like this. I didn't know what happened at the time. People around me told me what happened afterward, because I was also drunk at the time. Speaking of which, Brother Zhang’s drinking capacity is really good. Three of us drank one drink from him, and he even added three more glasses of wine... He should be able to drink a thousand glasses without getting drunk."

Speaking of this, Zhu Feng looked envious on his face.

In men's social circles, having a high drinking capacity is a very impressive skill, especially for a dandy like him.

Ning Tong said: "What about the things I asked him to do?"

"This..." Zhu Feng said, "I agreed in advance that I lost the wine fight, so naturally I'm embarrassed to mention it again. Miss Ning, don't you want to go back on your word?"

Ning Tong said with a serious look on his face: "Do you think I am joking with you? Recently, the little prince fell ill again, and I have been helping to take care of him and treat him. I asked the imperial doctors, but they were unwilling to answer my question. Question, I’ve searched through all the medical skills I could find, but I still can’t get it! He was the one who asked me to enter the palace before. I didn’t say that I care about my future, but he doesn’t care about the little prince’s condition at all?”

Zhu Feng was stunned for a moment.

Ning Tong said: "Little Marquis, I didn't come to you to complain or ask you to help me."

Zhu Feng thought to himself, isn't this called asking for my help?Not only that!And very much so!
It’s also a kind of mental torture for me!

"There are many nobles in the palace who get sick every year. My ability is not enough to work within the palace walls. I once mentioned it to the Concubine Xian and asked her to ask your majesty to stop me from paying attention to the palace walls. It's a matter, but Concubine Xian knows her humble status and can't help me raise the matter," Ning Tong said.

Zhu Feng said: "I think the Concubine Xian wants to keep someone close to her in the palace. Even if she knows that your medical skills are average, at least with you here, she can still have contact with the outside world. The most important thing is that she can contact Brother Zhang." superior.

Ning Tong frowned.

This man seems to be indifferent about marriage and doesn't care about her at all, but he doesn't seem to be completely ignorant of the ways of the world.

Ning Tong said: "But I still want to leave the palace. Please help me tell him and let him go and ask His Majesty."

Zhu Feng looked confused: "It's not a bad thing to be able to go in and out of the palace frequently. Even His Majesty praises your ability. Miss Ning, if you really feel that it's beyond your ability, I'd better help you ask for medical books from Brother Zhang, or Let him cultivate you well, and I think it will be good for you to become a disciple of Brother Zhang in the future."

Ning Tong didn't say anything, staring at the man opposite, as if to say, you should go ahead and say it, don't use your mouth every time, but when you really want to help, as long as your brother Zhang says no, you are the key It's time to be a wilted eggplant.

"Miss Ning, I think you shouldn't be so tight all the time. You have to think about your future. Remember what grandma said before, what should you do... Well, pretend I didn't say that."

Originally, Zhu Feng wanted to persuade Ning Tong to look away, but when he saw Ning Tong's eyes looking over with a bit of embarrassment, he stopped talking.

Just like his character, as a man, he also shoulders manly things, but he is like a girl at heart.

……

……

Tang Yin returned to Beijing.

After returning to the Sixth Ministry to complete his work report, he immediately ran to see Zhang Zhou, but was told that Zhang Zhou was very busy recently, Tang Yin had not received a new transfer order, and even his official position was still the governor of the Bohai Sea. He did not know that he What can I do in the capital? After all, I am not qualified to go directly to meet the saint or participate in the court meeting.

It wasn't until the second day after he returned to Beijing that he met Zhang Zhou.

But it was still in an almost semi-public place like a theater.

"Bohu, you're quite tired, aren't you?" Zhang Zhou came up and said with a smile, which made Tang Yin feel awkward.

Tang Yin had already understood what Zhang Zhou meant. He became his junior brother because of his hatred. Zhang Zhou accepted him as his junior brother not because of how powerful he was, but just because he was unhappy with him. Since he was unhappy with him, it was natural. He would only be assigned to do some hard errands.

Of course, he can also choose not to do it.

but……

When Zhang Zhou asked him to do things, he also allowed him, a new scholar, to quickly establish a foothold in the court. This was also an exchange.

The work was hard work, but in just over two years, he was able to go from being a new scholar to becoming the governor of the Bohai Sea. He was looked down upon wherever he went, and he had the highest honor and status in front of his fellow villagers and old friends. , which is beyond the comparison of ordinary people.

In the end, Tang Yin could only... admit it!
Tang Yin said in a low voice: "After I returned to Beijing, the person who received me from the Ministry of Industry asked me about the expenses of shipbuilding. I heard that Zhang Shangshu applied to the court for allocating money and food, but there has been no formal approval yet. The shipbuilding matter has been ongoing. It hasn’t stopped yet, but we can no longer build big ships.”

Zhang Zhou said: "The shipbuilders will leave it alone beforehand. After you return to Beijing, there will be new errands for you."

"What?" Tang Yin looked concerned.

This was the question that had been lingering in his mind for such a long time from the time he received the order to return to Beijing until now.As the governor of the Bohai Sea, what can I do in the capital?

What errands can you send me in the future?
After all, there was no such position as Governor of Bohai Sea before, so what level do I belong to?After returning to the capital, you won't let me continue to be the head of the Sixth Department or anything like that, and go back to the original track, right?
Zhang Zhou said: "With your qualifications, you know it is unrealistic to be directly promoted to the rank of Minister of the Sixth Ministry."

Tang Yinxin said, isn't this kidding me?Why do you tell me that I am not qualified to be the Minister of the Sixth Division?

"I don't expect to be promoted to a high position. I just hope to have the opportunity to do practical things." Tang Yin said sincerely.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Does it mean that if you go to build a ship, you are not doing something practical?"

Tang Yin hurriedly explained: "That's not what I meant."

Zhang Zhou immediately laughed and said nothing.

Tang Yin felt so anxious in his heart. What do you mean by making people's appetites by half-talking?If you say I can't be a servant, then tell me what I can be, right?

At this time, the sound of opera singing came from outside. Zhang Zhou was unhurried, as if he was waiting for someone or something.

Not long after, Liu Gui's voice came from the door: "Sir, Governor Lu is here."

"Invite him in." Zhang Zhou said.

Tang Yin probably knew that Lu Wan, the former governor of Neisan Pass, was here. Lu Wan was superior to him in terms of qualifications, ability and official position. Even if Zhang Zhou didn't have to get up to greet him, he still had to get up as a junior.

Then he saw Lu Wan entered the private room in a dusty state.

He had just come in and before he had finished saluting Zhang Zhou, Zhu Feng also came in with a look on his face. On the other side, Lu Wanlai still needed a pass to meet him. He didn't even need a pass when he went to the theater. Coming here was just like returning to his own home. .

"It's rare that everyone is here. Peng Pi Sheng Hui, please take a seat." Zhang Zhou asked several people to sit down.

The three of them took their seats.

Tang Yin was here first, but now his matters seem to be the least important.

Lu Wan immediately reported to Zhang Zhou about the progress of his and Zhu Feng's inspections in Xishan and other places, especially regarding the construction of the city wall in Xishan.

"The site has been selected, but the surrounding terrain is quite complicated. The budget for building the city may be larger than before, but as long as it is planned properly, it won't cost too much. In addition, some merchants around the capital said that I am willing to provide financial assistance, but I hope that I can build some houses on vacant land in the new city for my own use."

Lu Wan not only completed the errands assigned to him by Zhang Zhou, but also did things that were not assigned to him.

It is the period of rising career, and now everyone around Zhang Zhou seems to want to prove that he is capable, which is a sign of vitality and all things competing for success.

Zhang Zhou nodded: "The place where the Xishan Mining Mining is located is surrounded by wilderness and mountainous areas. The difference between the top and bottom is huge, and the land there is not valuable."

In Zhang Zhou's view, the real estate development authority was exchanged for city construction funds. This transaction was a cost-effective deal. It was equivalent to selling a piece of land for money. It was a huge profit.

"However, there are not many areas that can be allocated. I will list a few pieces of land in detail and agree with those people that each piece of land needs to contribute to the cost of building the city. Every piece of land should be used for practical purposes... Bohu, you What do you think?" Zhang Zhou suddenly turned his eyes to Tang Yin.

Tang Yin was startled.

Does this matter have anything to do with me?
Lu Wan and Zhu Feng also followed Zhang Zhou's gaze, and Tang Yin saw respect in the eyes of the bystanders.

Only then did he think about it. He was not only a dispensable governor of the Bohai Sea, but also Zhang Zhou's junior brother. This relationship was beyond the reach of ordinary people. This was probably the main reason why he was able to win respect.

Tang Yin said: "I don't have any objections. Thinking about it... it should be feasible. But it needs the permission of the court."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "You are too worried. You are all here, so I might as well reveal it to you, which can be regarded as conveying His Majesty's intention."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wan, Tang Yin and Zhu Feng all stood up and seemed to be kneeling again, probably to accept the order.

"No need to do this, just sit down and listen." Zhang Zhou said, "For now, it's just hearsay and has not been confirmed yet."

The emperor's explanation was actually just a piece of gossip?

But they immediately understood that this should be the result of the discussion between the emperor and Zhang Zhou. Since they had not gone through the court, they should not be sure, but in fact they were almost inseparable... After all, even the emperor agreed to something, even if the ministers objected No matter how intense it is, it is actually in vain.

Even if it fails for a while, the emperor will make up for it and arrange a better or equivalent job.

Zhang Zhou said: "Because Mr. Qin Taitai is already old, this time he is commanding soldiers and horses to patrol everywhere, which can be regarded as his final act. After he returns to the court, he may be appointed to the imperial office and given the title of minister." .”

Neither Tang Yin nor Zhu Feng understood the trick. They said they wanted to convey the emperor's position arrangements for us. What does that have to do with Qin Hong?
Lu Wan, however, is an old man. He analyzed carefully: "If Qin Shangshu is transferred from the three sides, there are not many people in the court who can take over and convince everyone."

"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded, "As for who will go, we haven't decided yet."

Lu Wan quickly said: "Zhang Budang, you are the most suitable person."

"I'm not going." Zhang Zhou shook his head, "It's good to be in the capital. If you have nothing to do, you can come here to listen to music, drink tea, or even drink."

Lu Wan immediately understood that this person was neither Zhang Zhou nor Lu Wan. In other words, Lu Wan did not have the qualifications to directly serve as the president of the trilateral system. So extrapolating from the outside, the most suitable person would be Ready to come out.

Lu Wandao: "The Minister of the King of Hubu is also a good candidate."

"Haha." Zhang Zhou smiled, "Whether it is him or not, there is another question. After all, you have to be recommended by the court. As for you, Governor Lu, you have not been formally appointed since you returned to the capital. However, you may be appointed by the Right Minister of the Ministry of Revenue later. There will be a vacancy at the position, and you have the opportunity to fill it.”

When Lu Wan heard this, he felt a little excited.

Although it is not surprising that the governor of Liaodong was transferred to the capital and became the Minister of the Six Ministries, but this requires a deep relationship.

What's more, he had already jumped three levels before Lu Wan when he was the governor of Liaodong. If he jumps again this time, it would be equivalent to jumping directly from an insignificant local official to a big shot at the level of minister of the imperial court, and he is a full-time official. Minister, if you stay around for a few more years, you can become a minister.

Zhang Zhou looked at Tang Yin again and said, "As for the construction of the city wall on Xishan Mountain, it may be up to you, Bohu, to take care of it."

it's me again?
The first thing Tang Yin thought of was that this was not an easy job and it was a lot of hard work.

Zhu Feng asked: "Then what is the official position of Governor Tang?"

"Admiral Yizhou Shanchang." Zhang Zhou said, "I have the title of Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works."

"I……"

Tang Yin was stunned for a moment.

If Lu Wan could be promoted to Minister, it was due to Lu Wan's experience and ability in the officialdom for many years, as well as his merits in combat. But Tang Yin... didn't seem to have any qualifications or achievements that he could show off.

If the war in Korea counts... But the problem is that it was not within the Ming Dynasty after all.

No matter how high his status is in North Korea, traditional Confucianists will think that he has assisted a rebel in North Korea to usurp the throne and is not worthy of publicity.

As for the subsequent shipbuilding, it is not on the table. After all, no one takes this as actual credit.

But even so, he was able to complete the jump from the new Jinshi to the position of Minister in less than three years after entering the court, which made him feel honored.

Zhang Zhou said: "Of course, Bohu's title of Minister is just a false title, but the position of Admiral Yizhou Shanchang is real."

"Yes." Tang Yin took the order seriously.

The position of governor of the Bohai Sea is a created one. Others respect him, but some people think that he is likely to be beaten to the end.

But if he becomes the admiral of Yizhou Shanchang, he will seem to be just a fictitious right minister of the Ministry of Industry, but he has the qualifications to continue to be promoted to the left minister of the Sixth Ministry.

Zhang Zhou continued: "You also have a very important responsibility. You have to build the city one to two years ago, and you have to build it according to the design. It will be faster and more economical... If you can really cope with the situation, don't let your majesty down. Your trust.”

"Yes!" This time it was Lu Wan and Tang Yin who stood up together to express their attitude. (End of chapter)