If I add money to become a layman, I can cultivate immortality

Chapter 65 Queen Zhang’s Thoughts (5000 words long chapter)
After everything was ready, Ding Baiying arranged for people to transport the treasures to the south of the Yangtze River one after another by water, and then formed a gang as planned.

The name is very common, just Jianghai Gang.

However, if you take a closer look, it is still a bit famous, Jianghu, Sihai, it still reveals a bit of ambition.

Ding Xiu had almost no involvement in forming the gang. He believed in Ding Baiying's ability.

Of course, he didn't care about anything, he just hid behind the scenes and provided Ding Baiying with plans for gang development.

First of all, gangs must make money, and no matter how much money they have, they can't just sit back and have nothing.

Escort agencies, shipping companies, business houses, etc., are all more suitable for the long-term development of gangs.

Of course, the ultimate goal is to raise the banner, which requires secret training of an elite team, which is what Ding Xiu calls the special forces.

In addition, Ding Xiu also needs to secretly obtain information on metal smelting, warships, firearms, gunpowder, etc.

With his current status, it is not too difficult to obtain these top-secret information from the imperial court.

What's more, he also has knowledge from his previous life, such as metal smelting. Although Ding Xiu is not an expert, he still understands some basic principles.

At that time, he can provide some ideas and find some skilled craftsmen to try it repeatedly and strive to forge high-strength steel.

Of course, the firearms technology left behind by Qi Jiajun must be carried forward.

Before we knew it, the hot summer was here again.

The scorching sun for many consecutive days made the capital feel like a furnace.

Emperor Chongzhen couldn't bear it anymore, so he took his harem to Xiyuan to escape the summer heat.

Xiyuan is a royal garden located to the west of the Forbidden City. Taiye Lake occupies almost half of the area. It is the most suitable place to escape the summer heat in the capital.

I think back then, Emperor Jiajing lived here for more than 20 years, refining elixirs and cultivating immortality every day, and never tired of it.

But for the diligent Emperor Chongzhen, it was just a matter of changing his office and dealing with state affairs day and night.

From this aspect alone, he can indeed be called a competent emperor, but it is a pity that his strong energy was not used on the edge of the sword, and the road went further and further, and eventually ruined the Ming Dynasty single-handedly.

The emperor spent the summer in Xiyuan, and some ministers followed suit and moved their government offices to Xiyuan to handle government affairs and facilitate communication with the emperor or various departments.

Of course, those who can come with him are the cabinet, the important ministers of the six ministries, and the imperial guards.

As a member of the Beizhen Fusi Qianhu, Ding Xiu has double responsibilities. In addition to handling Beizhen Fusi's cases, he also has the responsibility of protecting the people.

Tonight, there is a cool breeze.

Ding Xiu inspected several palaces in Nantai. He had nothing to do and couldn't help but sit cross-legged by the lake, bathing in the starlight and breathing.

For no reason, this world seems not to be flourishing in internal skills, and all the techniques are mainly based on external skills.

But Ding Xiu knew very well that practicing martial arts without practicing kung fu would lead to nothing.

The gong here refers to internal strength.

Taoists generally call it "Qi", which refers to the true energy and vitality in the human body.

The first stage of spiritual practice is also related to qi: refining essence and transforming qi, and the second stage: refining qi and transforming it into spirit.

The Tao Te Ching says: Tao gives birth to one, gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things.All things bear yin and embrace yang, and the energy is in harmony.

Qi is the basis of all things.

With Ding Xiu's current ability, although he cannot realize the method of cultivating immortals on his own.

However, by reading a large number of martial arts secret books and some Taoist classics, it is not a problem to understand a basic internal skill cultivation method.

After a while, Jin'er and several other maids came over surrounded by Queen Zhang.

When Ding Xiu heard the commotion, he couldn't help but get up and take a look. When he saw it was Empress Zhang, he couldn't help but stepped forward and bowed: "I'd like to see you, your empress."

Queen Zhang seemed a little surprised: "General is responsible for guarding Nantai?"

Nantai is a man-made island that was built during the reign of Emperor Yongle. Since then, it has become a summer resort for the Ming emperors.

It stands to reason that the ones guarding here should be the guards in the palace, that is, the core five of the Jinyi Guards.

Ding Xiu replied: "Back to your Majesty, I am trusted by the Emperor and have brought dozens of subordinates to help guard here."

"So that's it..." Queen Zhang nodded, and then ordered to several palace maids: "You guys should step aside first. I have a few words to say to the general."

"Yes!"

Several palace maids responded in unison and then stepped back more than ten steps away.

"After returning to the palace last time, I explained the general's contribution to the emperor. It's just..." Queen Zhang sighed: "The emperor also has difficulties. After all, matters involving the royal family's face should not cause a fuss. I hope the general can understand. "

Ding Xiu smiled: "Wei Chen can understand that the empress does not need to worry about trivial matters. Moreover, the emperor also said that he will record his merits for Wei Chen."

"Well, the emperor trusts the general now, but..."

Having said this, Queen Zhang paused, as if she didn't know how to say something.

Naturally, it was difficult for Ding Xiu to ask.

After hesitating for a while, Queen Zhang finally gave a reminder: "General, you should be more careful when doing things in the future, and try not to offend too many people."

"Oh? Madam, is there someone in front of the emperor..."

Before he could finish speaking, Queen Zhang waved her hand: "General, it's enough that he knows in his heart. There's no need to ask anymore. It's always better to be careful."

"Yes, thank you for reminding me, ma'am."

After Queen Zhang left, Ding Xiu couldn't help but fell into deep thought.

It seems that Queen Zhang reminded him kindly because she was thinking about what happened last time, but she just didn't know what she was referring to.

Maybe he heard the news that someone was reading his book in front of the emperor?

This is not surprising, it is strange that no one participated. After all, he arrested many people, killed many people, and harmed the interests of too many people.

Above the court, the relationship between various factions is complicated. One day they are enemies, and tomorrow they may become allies for the sake of common interests.

On the other hand, today's Jin Yiwei is indeed very majestic and powerful, but he is also the easiest to become cannon fodder.

Mao Xiang, the first commander of the Jinyi Guards, was eventually executed by Emperor Taizu's order.

The second commander of the Jinyi Guards, Jiang Xian, was eventually executed by Emperor Taizu's order.

Ji Gang, the third commander of the Jinyi Guards, was executed by Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty.

Even more tragically, the commander of the Imperial Guard was beaten to death by a group of ministers in the palace.

In short, not many of the commanders of the Imperial Guards had a happy ending. Their end was either execution or punishment, as if it was an unavoidable curse.

Especially when the emperor dies and a new emperor ascends the throne, there will basically be a general purge of the top brass of Jinyiwei.

Firstly, to win over people's hearts and let some old ministers vent their anger, and secondly, to activate their cronies, naturally a batch of them must be dealt with in order to free up the pit.

"But...what does this have to do with me?"

Ding Xiu thought for a while and couldn't help but smile.

First, he was newly promoted by Chongzhen. Even if someone were to join him, it would not be that easy to defeat him.

Second, Ming Dynasty could never wait for the day when the new emperor ascended the throne.

So, what's there to worry about?
Next, whether it was God's will or a simple coincidence, Ding Xiu met Empress Zhang several more times.

Then, the two sides seemed to form a tacit understanding.

Queen Zhang would go for a walk by the lake on the south side of the island every evening, and Ding Xiu would always appear nearby at this time.

Sometimes he patrols with his men, sometimes alone.

In the moonlit willow branches, after an appointment at dusk, the two of them met again by the lake.

Ding Xiu was alone, and Queen Zhang only brought one maid, Jin'er.

After meeting, the two exchanged a few words, and then Queen Zhang said: "If the general is fine, you might as well accompany me for a walk by the lake."

"Yes, ma'am."

Ding Xiu responded, walked to Queen Zhang's side and walked slowly along the lake.

After walking a few steps, Queen Zhang asked casually: "I wonder how many children the general has under his knees?"

"Child?" Ding Xiu was stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile: "I am ashamed to say that Wei Chen is still alone and has not yet been married."

"Huh?" Queen Zhang stopped and looked at Ding Xiu: "The general is not young, is he? Why haven't you married yet?"

Ding Xiu sighed: "I used to travel all over the world and didn't care about it. Later, Lord Menglu favored me and took him as a general.

Later, the people who were transferred to Jinyiwei were busy solving cases and arresting people... and they were delayed every time they came and went. "

Empress Zhang sighed: "The general is busy doing court affairs all day long, but he delays his own life-long affairs. How about I choose a maid for you?"

"This……"

Ding Xiu was in a bit of a dilemma. He shouldn't and shouldn't.

Empress Zhang smiled and said: "It's okay, General, there is no need to be embarrassed. If the General likes someone's daughter in the future, you can tell me."

The implication was that she would personally come forward to negotiate an agreement.

"Thank you madam."

The two were chatting while walking, and before they knew it, Queen Zhang talked about her childhood.

"Actually, my mother's family was not a wealthy family at first, my father was just a scholar.

When I was seven years old, I had to help clean the yard, wash and cook.

In my spare time, I read books and practice being a female celebrity... After my mother passed away, I still have to take care of my younger brothers and sisters..."

It is precisely because Queen Zhang comes from the common people, is virtuous and virtuous, and has a motherly manner, so she has always been quite popular among the people.

"what……"

When she walked to a small forest, Queen Zhang suddenly exclaimed and raised her hand to rub her eyes.Ding Xiu was quick-witted and grabbed Queen Zhang's hand: "Mother, don't..."

Queen Zhang closed her eyes and said, "It seems like a small insect flew into my eyes."

"My dear, don't rub it, otherwise your eyes will become red and swollen."

"What should I do?"

"Let Jin'er come over and give it a blow... Huh? Where is Jin'er?"

Ding Xiu looked around, but didn't see Jin'er.

This damn girl is simply...

So sensible.

Empress Zhang couldn't help but said: "General, why don't you try it first."

After all, as the old saying goes, there is no room for sand in your eyes. Once a foreign object enters, it will be uncomfortable.

"Well, my dear, please bear with me for a little while."

Ding Xiu walked up to Queen Zhang, raised his hand and gently opened her left eye, and there was indeed a small mosquito in her eye.

So he pursed his lips slightly and blew a few quick blows from the side of his eyes.

"Okay, I'll try it by blinking my eyes a few times."

Empress Zhang blinked her eyes a few times, and some tears welled up in her eyes. She took out a ropa from her waist and wiped it a few times. When she opened her eyes again, she couldn't help but say with joy: "Well, everything seems to be fine."

At this time, the two were very close.

So close that you can almost feel each other's breath.

A wave of hot breath hit Ding Xiu's face, and the orchid-like fragrance of his breath made Ding Xiu's mind tremble... As if by chance, he stretched out his hand and hugged Queen Zhang's slender waist.

Empress Zhang was shocked, her body froze, and she said with a trembling voice: "General, you..."

"My lady, I..."

Ding Xiu didn't even bother to talk to Wei Chen anymore, his breathing became extremely hot.

"You let go..."

Queen Zhang looked panicked and struggled instinctively.

Unexpectedly, his feet slipped and he fell uncontrollably into Ding Xiu's arms.

This time it was even more like thunder from the sky and fire from the earth. Ding Xiu lowered his head regardless and quickly sealed a pair of warm red lips.

Well, to save her from yelling.

"Well……"

Queen Zhang resisted instinctively.

However, he didn't resist for long.

This incident may seem sudden, but in fact it is also a subtle result.

When the assassins of Qingyi Tower attacked the imperial mausoleum, Ding Xiu ran away with her in his arms and showed amazing strength. Even the owner of Qingyi Tower was beheaded by him.

Later, he healed her wounds in the cave.

Upon closer inspection, there has been close contact between the two.

Perhaps, on that night, Queen Zhang's heart had slightly rippled.

Her marriage into the palace was an arrangement of fate. She had no choice but to make the decision on her own. There was no emotional basis at all.

Even if she is a queen, she has to face the schemes of Wei Zhongxian, Hakka and others all day long. There are so many concubines in the harem, how much care can she enjoy?
The appearance of Ding Xiu made her already calm heart rejuvenate and create the slightest ripples.

When I saw Ding Xiu again, I couldn't help but want to stay with him for a while longer, talk and take a walk together.

This was her original intention.

But she never expected that Ding Xiu would be so bold as to treat her...

But why didn't she push Ding Xiu away hard?

Why……

In fact, Queen Zhang was already in a mess inside.

She instinctively wanted to push Ding Xiu away, but she felt weak all over. She even enjoyed the generous and warm embrace, the long-lost feeling of being cared for, and the aura that made her confused and fascinated.

But she still retained a trace of sobriety.

After all, there are many guards on the island. Once they are discovered, the consequences will be disastrous.

Fortunately, Ding Xiu also understood this and did not forget about it. He let go of Queen Zhang in time and took two steps back, licking his lower lips with a look of contentment.

"You...you..." Queen Zhang's face was hot, and she looked ashamed, anxious and angry.

"Your Majesty, I am not offending you intentionally, it's just..."

"Stop talking..." Queen Zhang looked around in panic: "You must never say things like this again. If others listen... there will be no way for you and me to survive."

"Mom, if...I mean if, I take you away one day, would you be willing?"

"What crazy talk are you talking about?" Queen Zhang couldn't help but stamp her feet: "You... wake up and don't forget our identities."

"Mother, I have not forgotten, I am very conscious. In fact... I did this today just to let you know my thoughts.

I hope you have something in mind and live happily in the future. "

"I won't tell you anymore, I'm leaving first!"

Queen Zhang turned around quickly and left.

Ding Xiu reminded him from behind: "Mother, your lipstick is stained..."

Upon hearing this, Queen Zhang quickly took out the ropa and wiped her lips, her heart beating rapidly.

After all, for her, this kind of exciting thing was like jumping off a cliff with her eyes open. She didn't dare to imagine the consequences.

I wonder if that girl Jin'er saw it?

But even if Jin'er saw it, she believed that Jin'er would never tell anyone.

After all, that girl has always been loyal to her.

Next, Ding Xiu didn't see Queen Zhang at the lake for three consecutive days.

It wasn't until dusk on the fourth day that I saw Jin'er alone in the pavilion by the lake.

Ding Xiu couldn't help but stepped forward and pretended to ask: "Miss Jin'er, are you going to relax alone?"

Jin'er looked around, then took out a Lopa from her body and handed it to Ding Xiu, saying in a hasty tone: "This is what the empress gave to the general. The general must keep it and don't show it to outsiders."

After speaking, he turned and hurried away.

Ding Xiu took a look and saw that it was the ropa that Queen Zhang had used to wipe her eyes that day.

However, there is a verse from "Moon over the Xijiang River" embroidered on it: When we see each other, it's as if we don't see each other, and being affectionate is like being ruthless.

Seeing this poem, Ding Xiu couldn't help but sigh.

He understood Queen Zhang's thoughts. It would be better to miss her than to see her again.

She was not heartless. If she were heartless, she would not have risked giving him a ropa for his personal use, and she even embroidered poems.

If she didn't embroider the poem, and if someone discovered it, Empress Zhang could just say she lost it accidentally, and then Ding Xiu would be the only one unlucky.

Even if Ding Xiu argued that he picked it up accidentally, why did he hide it secretly?
Empress Zhang's gift of Luopa already showed her thoughts.

There is destiny and love, but there is no part in this life.

After all, their identities meant that they could not be together, so they could only keep them in mind.

Ding Xiu carefully put away Luopa.

Although he felt a little melancholy in his heart, he also knew very well that now was indeed not the time for the two of them to be together, and they would probably have to wait a few years.

A few days later, Ding Xiu met Queen Zhang again.

After all, the island is not that big, and it is impossible for Queen Zhang to leave the palace without even taking a step.

However, when they met again, they both knew each other. One was Queen Yi'an who was summering here, and the other was the Jinyi Guard Qianhu who was guarding here.

There is a difference between up and down, and the distinction between Jing and Wei is clear.

The hot summer finally passed, and Emperor Chongzhen returned to the palace with his concubines.

After all, he was not Emperor Jiajing, so he could live in Xiyuan for more than 20 years.

In the blink of an eye, another year has passed.

On this day, the imperial court received an urgent report that a large number of Japanese pirates suddenly appeared in the Jiangnan area, burning, killing and looting everywhere, and even captured several county towns, killing them like rivers of blood.

Emperor Chongzhen urgently summoned his ministers for discussion. After all, the imperial army always guarded the north, and the troops in the southeast and south of the Yangtze River were weak. Although there were many soldiers hoarding land, their combat effectiveness...

It's really hard to say.

For the Ming Dynasty, the problem of Japanese pirates has always been a stubborn disease and cancer, so all the ministers could only look at each other in confusion, and no one could come up with a good solution.

Just when Emperor Chongzhen was furious, Ding Xiu stood up.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the south of the Yangtze River to destroy the Japanese pirates!"

……

[Two large chapters of 5000 words, and the [-]-word update promised to everyone will be delivered. Thank you all book friends for your subscription and support. Please give me a monthly ticket here! ! ! 】

(End of this chapter)