The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Zhang Zhou probably understood.

Cui Yuan's fate is now in the hands of his sister. Only if his sister marries into the Zhang family can Cui Yuan have the opportunity to further rise to power. Otherwise, with Zhu Youtang's mentality of favoring "one's own people", it is impossible to take a relatively neutral position. My brother-in-law has arranged a very important errand.

Zhang Zhou didn't take it easy and didn't refuse. He probably just gave him a buffer.

I don’t know whether this kind of political marriage is good or not, but I’ll just take it one step at a time.

In the afternoon of that day, Cui Yuan had returned to the capital, and immediately went to the palace to meet Zhu Youtang according to the imperial edict, and met the emperor and Zhang Zhou at the same time in Xinuan Pavilion.

"Maoren, come here and say hello to Bingkuan. You all know each other. From now on, we will be the same palace ministers." Zhu Youtang did not seem to be too distant because his brother-in-law was not married to his sister. In fact, his main purpose was , it is still necessary for Cui Yuan and Zhang Zhou to establish a good relationship.

Cui Yuan quickly came over and saluted Zhang Zhou: "I have met Zhang Butang."

Zhang Zhou also returned the courtesy.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "You must also know that I have promised you before that as long as you make great achievements and start well and end well, I will give you a title. I have discussed with Bingkuan and the identity of Jingshan Bo is the most suitable. Now Now that you're back, it's time to implement this matter."

"I am ashamed to say that I am not worthy of this. I am able to achieve today's achievements all thanks to your majesty's support and Zhang Butang's advice behind the scenes." Cui Yuan also seemed to know the rules very well.

No matter what, let’s make the emperor comfortable first.

Zhu Youtang was also very satisfied with his brother-in-law's attitude and said with a smile: "Then you should study hard with Bingkuan and go to the Yanwu Hall. I will decide your job recently, whether you will stay in the capital camp or go somewhere else. It also depends on your performance.”

"Yes."

Cui Yuan is obviously not as ambitious as Zhu Feng.

For him, going out to lead troops to fight is not a difficult task. It is still acceptable to him. On the contrary, it allows him to break away from his powerful wife and find his own achievements in life.

But from the bottom of my heart, staying in Jingying to earn an iron job and become a Jingshan uncle seems to be worth it in this life.

"Do you know about your sister's marriage to Bingkuan?" Zhu Youtang asked again.

"I've heard a little bit about it." Cui Yuan was quite honest on this matter.

He had indeed heard about it a little bit, because his wife was handling the matter and he was not involved. Logically speaking, sacrificing his sister for his own future was not what a man should do.

Zhu Youtang was slightly dissatisfied with this answer and said: "You should also go back and ask your family for their opinions. When it's time to get things done, just do it. Yongkang is the same. He always told me that this matter is perfect. I still have to respect it." Let me know what your family members think."

The emperor says he wants to respect you, which means the emperor is dissatisfied.

When you marry your younger sister to Bingkuan, your family's ancestral graves are smoking, but you still resist her? Who gave you the power?

Cui Yuan also seemed to hear the dissatisfaction in the emperor's words, and said hurriedly: "It is her blessing that my sister-in-law has the opportunity to follow Zhang Butang, and I think this is very appropriate."

"Go." Zhu Youtang naturally knew that Cui Yuan had changed his mind temporarily, waved his hand and said, "Listen to Bingkuan, he will make further arrangements for you."

"Yes."

Cui Yuan suddenly felt that he had gained nothing from the meeting with the Holy Spirit. He had thought it was so glorious.

It turns out that no matter how awesome I am, I might as well marry a younger sister to make the emperor feel more at ease.

……

……

"Mr. Zhang, if you have any orders, just tell me. I just joined the army and don't understand many rules. I got into a lot of trouble before." Cui Yuan said with a little regret.

Probably feeling sorry for Zhu Hui's fate.

At first, he strongly opposed Zhu Hui's procrastination in marching, and later marched as fast as a slap in the face and achieved military success.

As for Zhu Hui's fate, it seems that most of the reasons were caused by the comparison with Cui Yuan. In other words, if Cui Yuan had not marched and fought desperately on the battlefield, perhaps Zhu Hui would still be his protector.

Zhang Zhou said: "It's actually better not to know the rules. In fact, military rules are not always correct. It's like if you want to send troops for a surprise attack, you have to withstand a lot of pressure."

Cui Yuan asked: "Do you think, sir, that I have done the right thing?"

Zhang Zhouxin said, are you looking for recognition?

If you don't do it right, why should you be promoted to Jingshan Bo? Why is it Zhu Hui who is imprisoned now and not you?

"Consort Cui, let me ask you, if I give you another chance, will you be as fearless as last time?" Zhang Zhou suddenly asked with a smile.

Cui Yuan was a little stunned by Zhang Zhou's eyes.

Zhang Zhou's words were clearly saying, as if I have dug a trap, it's up to you whether you can jump or not.

Cui Yuandao: "I don't understand what you mean."

Zhang Zhou said: "Let's put it this way, His Majesty has formulated a strategy for the northwest march. With the British army as the supplement, the Xinjian Bohui will send troops from Datong to Weining Sea, and then drive straight from Weining Sea to the grassland for four hundred miles, and then return in a fierce battle. Then Yansui and other places will send tens of thousands of troops, waving flags and shouting, forcing the Tatars to be unable to retreat."

"That……"

Cui Yuan listened and felt as if he knew the biggest secret in the court, which made him a little unbearable.

Zhang Zhou smiled again and asked: "If you are allowed to participate, which group of people do you think is more suitable?"

"This……"

Cui Yuan became a lump of wood again.

Obviously, for him, he doesn't want to participate in any way because the implications behind it are too complicated.

Zhang Zhou said: "Just say it."

Cui Yuan followed, and after walking for a while, he said: "I have something to puzzle me about. Why is the British Princess not the main force in this northwest battle, but just... serving as a support?"

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Then what do you think the British's chances of achieving a great victory are with their current marching strategy?"

"Well, that's true. If you want to achieve military success, you have to catch Di Yi off guard. Then you have to be able to drive straight into the grassland. At present, the Ming Dynasty who has such ability may have to be Xinjian Bo." Cui Yuandao.

Zhang Zhou asked: "Then you want to join Xin Xinbo?"

"No, no, I...I don't have this ability." Cui Yuan said quickly.

Zhang Zhou said: "Speak clearly if you have something to say."

Cui Yuandao: "If I have to join this battle, the most I can do is do some chores for the British Duke or the king's army, help them eliminate some difficulties, or complete some preparations for the march, etc. It's really out of the question. Able to charge into battle.”

Zhang Zhou nodded and said: "If we want to add a fourth man, where do you think it is appropriate to add it?"

"what?"

Cui Yuan obviously doesn't want to be a decision-maker, nor does he want to use his brain.

He was not prepared for this before.

"But it doesn't matter." Zhang Zhou encouraged.

"Then... let's start from Ningxia." Cui Yuandao.

Zhang Zhou said: "I think Ningxia is not suitable, because the main force of the Tatars is around Ningxia. If you want to make Di Yi fearful and have to make them defenseless, it is better to send out troops from Jizhou and other places and then plunder northward." What do you think of this plan to separate the Tatars from the grassland?"

"Uh..." Cui Yuan obviously didn't have enough brains.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "With your current achievements, you are already the Duke of Jingshan. Why not consider taking a step further? Do you want to be the Marquis of Jingshan?"

"Ahem..." Cui Yuan choked and coughed.

Zhang Zhou said: "After returning to the capital, don't go back to the house first. Go directly to the military camp. If you intend to lead troops, I will mention it to your majesty. Otherwise, why do you think your majesty did not leave you in the northwest instead of leaving you?" What about transferring to the capital? A strong general like you has a stage to perform." Cui Yuan asked: "Then...do I have to lead the army?"

Zhang Zhou smiled and said nothing this time.

"Then I'll give it a try first, but with my abilities, I'm afraid I'm still lacking in running the army." Cui Yuandao.

Zhang Zhou said: "I will arrange the most suitable general to assist you. What do you think of Anbianhou?"

"That... is pretty good." When Cui Yuan heard this, it seemed that his confidence would increase a lot if Zhu Feng led the troops with him.

After all, it is obvious that the main force of the Tatars is not here on the East Road. To the north of Jizhou is Daning. It is said that there are hundreds of miles around Daning. There is no trace of Tatar activities. This trip is more of just going out. Build your reputation, rather than fight and bleed.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "That's good. If possible, I will select a few generals from the Yanwu Hall to coordinate with you in sending troops. You go to the military camp first, and further arrangements should be communicated tonight."

Of course Cui Yuan wanted to go home early, but after listening to Zhang Zhou's words, he could only endure it.

Then he hurried out of the palace, and there were people waiting in front of the palace gate who would take him to the military camp to wait.

……

……

Also temporarily recruited was Zhu Feng, who seemed to be doing nothing in the capital recently.

It's just that Zhu Feng only got a transfer order this time. Not to mention it was a face-to-face meeting. He didn't even see Zhang Zhou. He was directly invited out of the Yanwu Hall and then taken to the army, where he saw him. Cui Yuan just learned that he was going to lead troops from Jizhou.

It's not dark yet.

Yongkang prepared everything at home and waited for her husband to return, as if he was about to welcome a hero.

But after waiting for a long time, no one was seen.

"Her Royal Highness, the eldest princess, is said to have entered the palace to meet the emperor. I don't know where she came from, but I think that if the consort comes out of the palace, he will come directly back to the palace." The servant informed Yongkang of the situation, which made Yongkang feel at ease.

When the husband came back, he went directly to see the saint. This shows that receiving rewards and official positions are matters before his eyes.

Maybe come back and celebrate together.

However, they waited until the last watch but her husband had not returned yet. This made Yongkang unable to bear it. He immediately sent someone to inquire, only to be told that Cui Yuan left the city directly after leaving the palace and has not come back yet.

"What is this going to do?" Yongkang seemed confused.

"Your Highness, why don't you rest first? The city gates are closed now. It's not easy to get out of the city. Why don't you wait until tomorrow to go to the palace and ask for your Majesty's instructions?"

"No! Zhang Bingkuan must be doing something else! Come with me!"

After all, Yongkang has a short temper.

When she found that her husband did not go home but went directly out of the city, she thought that it might be related to Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou probably wanted to destroy the relationship between their husband and wife... Once a woman takes a wrong approach, it is easy for her to have random thoughts.

Then she led her people to Zhang Zhou's house with murderous intent.

……

……

If the eldest princess ran to Zhang Zhou's house after nightfall, she would look very different as a married princess.

This has completely troubled the people in Zhang Zhou's house.

Zhang Zhou had just arrived home not long ago, and was still discussing some matters related to Yongping Mansion with Li Zhang, when he learned that the eldest princess had come uninvited.

"you……"

Li Zhang looked at Zhang Zhou with strange eyes.

It seems to be saying, do you still have private dealings with the eldest princess?

Zhang Zhou said: "Today is the day when Prince Consort Cui returns to Beijing, but he didn't even return to his home. I'm afraid he thought I abducted him."

Li Zhang smiled and said: "It's all a misunderstanding. Just go out and make it clear. Then we'll leave first."

"Eunuch Li, go away."

Zhang Zhou walked out with Li Zhang. Before the two of them reached the door, they could see Yongkang looking this way from a distance.

……

……

After seeing off Li Zhang, Zhang Zhou entered the main hall. At this time, the main hall was brightly lit, and Yongkang had a slightly sullen look on his face.

But she didn't dare to have a fit in front of Zhang Zhou.

Everything you gained by being soft before, if things go wrong, you may lose everything after today.

"I'm here to ask Cai Guogong, where is my consort now?" Yongkang said.

Zhang Zhou said: "Leaving the city."

"Why are you leaving the city? Is there an urgent military matter? You are on an expedition. After returning to the city, shouldn't you go home first?" Yongkang looked very anxious.

Zhang Zhou shrugged and said, "It's His Majesty's order to let him carry out a very confidential march plan. Otherwise, why would he be transferred back from Ningxia?"

Yongkang said: "Isn't it because you let him come back to join the Beijing camp?"

Zhang Zhou sighed with emotion: "Such a blessed general just goes to the capital camp to be an honorary minister waiting to die? Princess, is this all you expect from your prince-in-law? Have you ever thought that he can do it? Will we continue to contribute to the Ming Dynasty and achieve unparalleled achievements?"

Yongkang was already scolding his mother in his heart.

Don’t I know what my consort’s temperament is like?

This prince-in-law has a somewhat stubborn temper, but he is also charitable. He is a person who likes to make friends, and is even a bit chivalrous.

But the problem is... for him to be able to achieve military success once, he has already hit great luck. He should give up at this moment. If he doesn't know how to advance or retreat, he will probably die without even a scum left.

"He has left the city and is now in the army. If the eldest princess wants to see someone, she can only ask His Majesty for instructions. If not, we can only meet him after he returns from the expedition," Zhang Zhou said.

Yongkang suppressed his temper and asked, "Are you sending troops from Jiliao?"

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "How did the princess know?"

"He came back from the west. Since he was sending troops, he was naturally called back to leave from the east. Do you think I...well, when will he leave? Can I give him some winter clothes?" Yongkang seemed to know that Zhang Zhou was at most an instigator. , the decision-making power for this kind of matter still lies with my brother.

But it seemed that she couldn't reason with her brother.

How is it possible to hope that your husband will be successful at the same time but not let him take risks?

What will this make your brother think?

It is impossible for my brother to do things that are both necessary and desirable.

Zhang Zhou said: "Don't worry, I'll be back in about ten and a half days. There's no need to send you winter clothes. Besides, what's wrong with the army? The princess can rest assured and wait to become the Marquis of Jingshan."

"you……"

Yongkang wanted to say it.

I am already the eldest princess, why should I be the Marquis of Jingshan? Is it more noble?

But after thinking about it, it seems that the title Jingshan Hou sounds much better than Jingshan Bo. (End of chapter)