The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

August thirteen.

Xiao Jing, the eunuch in charge of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, submitted the case of Jin Yiwei's investigation of Duke Zhu Hui's dereliction of duty and negligence to Zhu Youtang.

After Zhu Youtang read it, he sighed and said: "It has been decided a long time ago that he will be sent to Yansui to guard the border. Let him be an ordinary soldier. We will see if he can be transferred back in a few years. That's it."

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, I think that if he has a chance to make a comeback, I'm afraid the people below won't dare to do anything to him. It's better..."

"Are you saying that if he is convicted more severely, he will be unable to stand up?" Zhu Youtang frowned.

According to the habits of eunuchs in the past, it is unlikely that such suggestions would be made.

Xiao Jing lowered his head and said, "This slave is too talkative. I hope your majesty will forgive you."

"That's right. We can neither tolerate nor give the impression of impunity. If we just guard the border and give him a chance to get up again, others will think that I am worried about something and why I don't punish him severely. This Although Duke Cibao was ordered to march, he did not follow my will and push the war to the end!"

When Zhu Youtang said this, he waved his hand and said: "If you go ahead and join the army, you will be a military householder and will never be forgiven!"

"Yes."

Xiao Jing also didn't expect that his suggestion would work so well.

He was also wondering, could it be that His Majesty was waiting for the people below to help him do this?

"Your Majesty, there is also a memorial written by Uncle Xinjian here. It is said that there are many small tribes around Weininghai who have chosen to take refuge. Some are even willing to station their herds around the city of Mao'erzhuang. According to Uncle Xinxin's memorial, currently in Weininghai Within a hundred miles there is no sign of Tatar activity.”

After Xiao Jing finished talking about the things that made the emperor unhappy, he naturally wanted to mention some good news.

As expected, Zhu Youtang looked relieved and happy, and said with a smile, "Really?"

Xiao Jing said: "Uncle Xinjian also reported that the soldiers and horses who left the fortress at Piantou Pass also achieved some results, and the Huoshii tribe that had previously moved westward has now moved back to a place close to Ningxia. Huoshii They may come to Beijing again to pay tribute. In addition, there are also reports from Jizhou in the east, saying that after the Duoyan tribe, the Taining and Fuyu tribes are also preparing to defect to the Ming Dynasty. The grassland is now almost falling apart. .”

"That's a good thing."

Zhu Youtang stood up and looked very emotional, "It has only been a few years. In the first few years, it was often mentioned in the court that Batu Munch, the little prince of the prairie, was a courageous and knowledgeable person. Many people I surrendered to him, saying that he would achieve great things within a few years, and asked me to guard against him. Looking back now... all this is thanks to Bingkuan."

"Yes." Xiao Jing quickly responded.

In the past, Xiao Jing was still very wary of Zhang Zhou, but now... his position is no longer guaranteed. Saying a few nice words may pave the way for his comeback.

Zhu Youtang said: "Has Bingkuan not come out from Gongyuan yet?"

"It's not that fast. It will probably take another seven or eight days, and the marking hasn't even started yet." Xiao Jing said.

Zhu Youtang said with some regret: "If I had known earlier, I would have just let Bingkuan come up with the questions outside. Why go to the Gongyuan? Sometimes when I want to chat with him, he is not there, which makes me very annoyed."

What else could Xiao Jing say after hearing this?

Say, Your Majesty, can you talk to the slave?

Why are these words so false?

"Bingkuan once said that life in the grassland has been very difficult in the past two years. Not to mention the closure of the border market, they have been defeated repeatedly on the battlefield, and there are constant natural and man-made disasters in the grassland. If they can't survive this winter, they may suffer after autumn. Find the weak points of the Ming Dynasty's border defenses and then attack them. We have to guard against them," Zhu Youtang said.

Xiao Jing followed Zhu Youtang and said very cautiously: "Your Majesty, the battlefield is like this, do the Tatars still dare to come?"

Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Their goal is to survive. If they knew that they were coming to fight the main force of the border army, they would not dare to do so. However, the Ming Dynasty's elite could never cover all parts of the pass. Even if they had to mobilize troops, It will take time, and they will also be prepared to guard against the advance of our main force, so there will be no more head-on confrontations."

"I understand, slave. If they want to fight, they will come and rob them and run away immediately." Xiao Jing said.

"Yeah." Zhu Youtang nodded, "That's probably what I mean. It's hard to tell where the Tatars will come from this time. Bingkuan can't tell. The Tatars may divide their forces. How exactly... it depends on what happens after autumn. The defense conditions at various passes have been updated.”

"That's coming soon... Now, it's time for the autumn harvest, especially at the borders." Xiao Jing said nervously.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Why worry so much? With Bingkuan here, I can always plan everything. Sometimes I worry in vain, and you... don't even think about it."

"Yes."

Even though Xiao Jing was standing behind Zhu Youtang, Zhu Youtang couldn't see him, so he still bowed his head respectfully.

"Let's go and see how the prince's papers are answered? Pack them up and wait for Bingkuan to come back and mark the papers for him. I also know that the prince's articles must be nonsense, but since he is the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, he should have the attitude of learning from others. , there will be many more opportunities to take such exams in the future, so I have to make him pay more attention every time. I'm afraid that if I can't complete it, the burden will fall on him in the end, and let him ruin this good situation!" When Zhu Youtang mentioned Zhu Houzhao, he felt a little resentful that he would not argue with him.

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, I think the prince seems to be very martial."

Zhu Youtang said: "What's the use of pursuing martial arts? You must not only govern the people, but also control the ministers well before you can talk about conquering by force. The wolves on the grassland cannot be swallowed up in one or two battles, and the grassland is so large that the Ming Dynasty cannot In terms of long-term governance, even if the Tatars are wiped out now, new tribes will migrate over and even rise. What he wants to do is to make the people rich and the frontier army strong, rather than the gains and losses of one place at a time. It is a pity that he is young I'm still young and don't understand this."

Xiao Jing said: "Someone will teach him."

"Yes, with Bingkuan here, I will teach him these things, but I also hope to teach him personally. When will he grow into a qualified prince and let me trust him to hand over the country to him?"

"Your Majesty, you will live forever."

"Farewell, I'll be content if I can live forty or fifty years, and I don't expect to live longer. Bingkuan has said that the so-called fairy grass can at most prolong life, but it can't achieve immortality at all, so I won't give it to you. He is the emperor, but he is also a human being. I don’t have such big delusions. It is my greatest wish to be able to see a prosperous country and a strong people when I open my eyes."

……

……

Zhang Zhou also completed his duties as the examiner of the provincial examination in Gongyuan.

The capital was quiet during his absence. Only Jin Yiwei seemed very busy and was involved in many cases.

When the imperial power is strong, the role of Dongchang and Jinyiwei will be highlighted. They exist to ensure the power of the imperial power.

"Eunuch Li, His Majesty has already approved the case of Duke Baoguo. He is said to be sent to Yansui as a military household and will not be pardoned for the rest of his life. However, I don't think Duke Baoguo will live for more than a few years."

"Also, I heard that Uncle Ping Jiang died on the way back to Beijing."

Mou Bin reported the details to Li Zhang.

Li Zhang was also surprised when he heard this: "What? Chen Liangjiu is dead?"

"Yes." Mou Bin said, "According to the information confirmed by many parties, he probably did not escape. He was already dead by the time he arrived at Xuanfu. He had already died before reaching Juyongguan. The incident was reported, but His Majesty has not yet returned."

Li Zhang said: "He brought the blame on himself. Before he closed his eyes, he had the opportunity to wipe away all the bad deeds in the past and make a name for himself, but in the end he had to risk his life in the last scene. This kind of person is Remembering food and not fighting, didn’t Cai Guogong give him a chance before?”

Mou Bin asked: "I don't know how to determine Uncle Ping Jiang's crime?"

"Let your Majesty make a decision." Li Zhang said, "This group of old people will die, and those who are convicted will be convicted. The remaining old guys may not have a good life for a few days. Who can enter the Yanwu Hall now? , whoever is close to Cai Guogong will be the pillar of Ming Dynasty in the future."

Mou Bin said: "Could it be that one day..." "You want to say that if you wait until the future, it will return to the same way? You can't say for sure. Mou Bin, you are very courageous. You are doing things for Cai Guogong while still looking forward to it." Can Duke Cai be overthrown?"

Li Zhang's face didn't look good.

Mou Bin is naturally a smart man. He said: "In my humble position, I am only loyal to His Majesty and obey His Majesty's orders to run errands."

The implication is, who works for Cai Guogong? Doesn’t Cai Guogong work for the emperor?

In front of you, if I blow Cai Guogong into the sky, then I am seeking death.

He should be "ignorant" and gossip a few words behind Zhang Zhou's back. This would make Li Zhang feel that I am not just following Zhang Zhou to earn a living, which would make my life easier.

"Work hard. His Majesty has high hopes for you now. But for our family, the admiral's command of the East Factory is just a temporary matter. I heard that Eunuch Yang Peng and Yang will return to Beijing in a while. Maybe he will come back to take over our family. What?" Li Zhang's words seemed to be deliberately testing Mou Bin.

Mou Bin said: "Eunuch Li, you are highly virtuous and highly respected, how can Eunuch Yang compare with you?"

"Don't be in front of Yang Peng. What you said is exactly the opposite! We don't have enough connections in our family, so there are few people who will listen to our family. Please coordinate with the people we arranged earlier. Dongchang also needs someone who can take care of things. .”

Li Zhang also knew that his power and prestige were insufficient.

Therefore, after he became the owner of Dongchang Factory, he actively cultivated "his own people". These people had average abilities, but were ruthless in their work and seemed to be eager to express themselves.

And Li Zhang arranged for them to be on the main errands of Jinyiwei's torture room, especially in the case against Yongping Mansion, this group of people acted more viciously.

Li Zhang seemed to want to use the Yongping Mansion case in one fell swoop to establish his authority as the owner of Dongchang.

……

……

Shouninghou Mansion.

Guo Ang, the governor of Fusi Town in Jinyiwei North Town, was ordered to come to the mansion to ask for someone. The person who ordered Guo Ang to do this was none other than Li Zhang.

"What? The one named Li is full of food, right? I took two women from you, and he still has the nerve to go back? What's the matter? Aren't all sinful women consigned to lowly status? I just treat it like this Can’t you just buy it?”

After Zhang Heling learned about Guo Ang's intention, he was so angry that his mouth was filled with smoke.

As the queen's younger brother, the most powerful relative of the Ming Dynasty, now he is being troubled by people from Dongchang and Jinyiwei?

Guo Ang said: "Master Marquis, this is not how the formal process works, and your move has not been approved by His Majesty. It is considered an overstep. Eunuch Li has explained that when the case is over, you can just let us know what you want, but right now You can’t do that before the case is settled.”

"You don't know how generous the world is, do you? Do you think that Dongchang is owned by his family? Even Li Rong doesn't dare to do anything to me. He wants people, so let him do it himself!"

Zhang Heling was so angry that he immediately said to the servant beside him, "See you off!"

Guo Ang said hurriedly: "Master Marquis, if you don't make friends with me, then maybe your Majesty will tell you personally in the court tomorrow."

"what?"

Zhang Heling also didn't expect that Li Zhang and Guo Ang would dare to use the emperor to suppress him.

"Let him sue if you can. Let's see whose side Your Majesty is on!"

At this moment, there was a man who looked like a butler next to Zhang Heling. He came over and whispered something to Zhang Heling.

Zhang Heling was already furious, but after hearing this, his expression improved a lot, and he asked: "That Eunuch Li, you said that when the case is over, you can do whatever you want, right?"

Guo Ang didn't expect Zhang Heling's mood to change so much, but he still hurriedly said: "That's it. According to the current development of the case, several people will not be able to escape the charges. In the end, there will definitely be the convict wives from the west who will fall into the prison. Go Si, don't you want to mention someone?"

Zhang Heling said: "If this is really the case, I have no objection to you picking him up. But that is..."

"Don't worry, Lord Marquis. As long as you hand over the person, no one will mention it. It will be treated as if it never happened. Everyone will be tight-lipped."

Guo Ang actively tried to establish a good relationship with Zhang Heling.

He was also afraid that if Zhang Heling cheated again and failed to complete his errands, there was no guarantee that he would not be angered by Li Zhang when he returned. Just as the Jin Yiwei was changing between old and new, he might be used as cannon fodder.

"Hand the person over to him! Remember, if the person is taken away, he will be sent back the same way in the future! Go ahead."

"Yes."

The housekeeper of the Zhang family seemed to be very sensible and immediately took Guo Ang to fetch people.

……

……

"Who does Shouning Hou really think he is? I wonder if the Queen doesn't care about anything now?"

In front of Li Zhang were Mou Bin and Guo Ang who came to report the matter.

And Li Zhang looked very bad.

Since he wanted to be Zhang Zhou's grandson, he didn't want to be a grandson to other officials, which put him under great pressure.

"Father-in-law, we brought him back, but..."

"Just come back. She is an inconspicuous woman. When she was taken away, did you never think about what would happen?"

Mou Bin on the side still didn't quite understand.

According to Guo Ang's previous report, although Zhang Heling took the person away, Li Zhang knew about it and even condoned it. Why is it that Li Zhang still sends people to get the person back now?

Li Zhang had grasped the direction of the wind and thought he wanted to make a clean break with Zhang Heling?

"Eunuch Li, this case is very close, why... do you want to offend Hou Ning?" Mou Bin asked in confusion.

Li Zhang said: "Marquis Shouning is a relative of the emperor, but he is only a relative of the emperor. Your Majesty requires that this case be decided impartially and let Cai Guogong take charge of everything, but he did not say that Hou Ning can intervene."

"This……"

"Jinyiwei does not need to give face to the emperor's relatives now. No matter whether it is Shouning Marquis, Jianchang Bo, or Changning Bo, they must be treated equally. If Cai Guogong comes to ask for someone, can you give it to him? Who knows which one is in the prison? Could he be a relative of Cai Guogong?"

Mou Bin said: "I understand, I understand. No one will interfere with this case until it is settled." (End of Chapter)