Bachelor

Chapter 196 Meeting
"The paper is full of absurd words, full of fallacies!" Zhu Houcong slapped his hand on the cover of the "Journey to the West" angrily, his young and handsome face was full of anger.

That night, the torrential rain finally fell, and it lasted for three days.It was only mid-April, and the sky seemed to have broken a big hole, as if it had jumped into summer.In connection with the sultry heat some time ago, people can't help but sigh: this weather is also evil.

Days of heavy rain caused the water in the Grand Canal to skyrocket. For safety considerations, Zhu Houcongxing Wangfu's party and the court escort team headed by Mao Cheng were all stationed in Dezhou, and they would only return to the capital when the sky cleared.

Unfortunately, after stopping in Texas for three days, the sky finally cleared, but the river was still turbulent.The waterway was constantly cut off, and even the land road was turned into mud because of this heavy rain.As a result, the team was stuck in Shandong.

Such a result made everyone unexpected. Looking at the muddy ground outside and the roaring Grand Canal, they could only be in a daze depressedly.

Soon, April of the 16th year of Zhengde passed in such a hurry.

The imperial court’s [-]-mile express was rushing back and forth between the capital and the post stations in Dezhou day and night. Those messengers and post horses were so tired that they were foaming at the mouth. Not only the horses were full of mud, but even the people were covered with Mud ideas.

The anxiety of the cabinet is understandable, the country cannot be without a master for a day, the throne is vacant, and people are in panic. If Zhu Houcong does not enter Beijing as soon as possible, unpredictable changes will inevitably occur.Only when the new king succeeds to the throne can people's hearts be stabilized and the overall situation of the court can be stabilized.

It is already May, and even if he sets off now, Zhu Houcong will have to walk for ten days on the road.When we arrived in the capital, it was already mid-May.Next, the new emperor ascended the throne, the emperor Daxing was buried, and the personnel of the court changed.Two months later, the autumn tax should be collected, Enke should be levied, and then the court expenditure for the next year should be coordinated. There are so many things, all kinds of things, all concentrated in these two months, so that the cabinet and the six officials are very busy. .

Not only the capital was eagerly looking forward to Zhu Houcong's arrival, but even Mao Cheng, the Minister of Rites who greeted him, was so anxious that a big bubbling appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he ran to the edge of the Grand Canal to watch the water all day long, his face full of anxiety. color.

Thinking of Mao Shangshu's unsmiling Qingshui face full of anxiety, for some reason, Zhu Houcong felt a burst of joy in his heart: People say that Mao Shangshu is a famous moral gentleman, and he is the most calm. It's really happy to lose one's energy-raising skills!
Zhu Houcong and the people in Xingwang's mansion were not in a hurry, especially for him, a young man who had never been out of the royal city in his life, although the long journey was hard, it was a rare experience.Take a look at the scenery, the millet in the fields and the pedestrians on the street, and the vast fields and clear blue sky in the Northland. Everything is so fresh.

These days, Zhu Houcong had nothing to do, so he carefully read the "Journey to the West" that Huang Jin gave him.

In his heart, Zhu Houcong was still very curious about Sun Dan.This person has gained a great reputation in the past year, and his poems and essays have been widely circulated among scholars.Not to mention that his "slight wind and waves, scattered all over the lake with stars" has become the most widely circulated quatrain this year. Heaven" is also the repertoire of brothel girls.

By the way, "Lin Chong Runs at Night" written by him is also a must-sing joke for theatrical troupes.

In addition, his "Journey to the West" and the half of "Swordsman" that came out of the palace are also the best-bought romance novels in the bookstore.

Of course, for scholars, these are not serious words. Stereotyped writing is the foundation of a scholar, and only then can one see a person's true ability.

If Sun Dan could only write this kind of Fengyue characters, he would be just another Tang Bohu, nothing more.

However, the several stereotyped articles included in "Small Collection of Chuanqing" written by Sun Dan are one of the must-read texts for readers. The articles in it are not detailed, and the styles are very different. Each text has a different meaning. The grid system with different styles can be written into the imperial examination textbooks.

It is such a character who is proficient in all kinds of poems, songs, stereotyped essays, and drama scripts, and can be called an all-rounder.

Perhaps, this person is really another unborn genius of Daming after Xie Jin and Yang Shen.

Zhu Houcong had also heard of Sun Dan's name when he was in Longqian, Anlu Fan's mansion, and also found his article and read it. In his heart, he already admired this person very much.When he knew that Sun Dan had played a key role in his battle for the heir apparent, Zhu Houcong was secretly glad but also a little afraid. If this person was used by King Jianghua, he didn't know what it would be like.

In any case, it is my Zhu Houcong's luck and my Zhu Houcong's noble virtue to use such a Zhang Liang and Chen Ping-style character for me.

In addition to being proud, when Zhu Houcong got this "Journey to the West", he heard that it was Sun Dan's masterpiece, so he read it with great interest.

It doesn't matter after reading this, he saw that he was vicious, and the anger in his heart couldn't be restrained anymore, and it burst out immediately.

On this day, he was studying in the house, and Empress Chen and Concubine Zhang were waiting beside him.Although the two women were usually a little unhappy because of their rivalry, they appeared to be friendly on the surface. They were gossiping at the moment, and when they heard the sound of Zhu Houcong's palm slapping the book, both of them were startled and hurriedly looked up. past.

I saw that Zhu Houcong's face had turned livid, and he couldn't stop cursing.

Concubine Zhang hurriedly stood up: "My lord, who has provoked you again." Smiling, she couldn't help patting her husband's vest lightly with her hand, and said coquettishly, "Don't be angry, okay, you'll lose your body if you get angry." Your own."

Seeing Concubine Zhang being so frivolous, a flash of anger flashed between Empress Chen's brows.

"Who else could it be? Of course it's the talented Sun Jingyuan." Zhu Houcong roared angrily, "This person is full of evil ideas. He has demoted my Taoist school to nothing, and has infinitely elevated their Buddhism. When I see him alone On the face of it, it is good to have a theory with him."

Concubine Zhang: "My lord, what exactly did this Sun Jingyuan say?"

Zhu Houcong patted the "Journey to the West" on his hand angrily, and said: "In this book he wrote, all the villains are Taoists. He wrote the Jade Emperor of the Three Qing Dynasty as a waste. How can he tolerate it for so many years? This kind of evil book is circulating in the world. When this king succeeds to the throne, he must issue an edict to ban this book."

"Yes, yes, since this book made the king so unhappy, then seal it up." Concubine Zhang pretended to be annoyed: "Also, Sun Dan, who wrote this book, should also rectify it, so that the book can be rehabilitated." He knows how powerful the king is."

"Yes, Gu must let him know that it is wrong to write and talk indiscriminately."

Chen Hou then slowly opened his mouth and said: "My lord, isn't Sun Jingyuan a friend of Xiao Lu? I heard that he is still the head of the Lu family's bank. It seems that he is also an old man of the king Long Qianshi."

"So what?" Concubine Zhang said with a trace of disdain on her face, "Since he is an old man of the king, he naturally knows that the king's temperament is the most intolerant of such crooked reasoning. According to my concubine, this kind of person He should be cured, who told him to make the king unhappy!"

After saying this sentence, Concubine Zhang turned her wonderful eyes, and looked at Zhu Houcong flatteringly: "My lord, seeing your angry appearance, the concubine's heart is also very sad!"

"Well, it's to cure this madman." Seeing Concubine Zhang agreeing with him, Zhu Houcong nodded her head with ease.

Empress Chen: "Your Majesty, Sun Jingyuan is the most capable person under His Majesty's command, and he is worthy of great use. We should have recruited more talents like this."

"Talents, the Son of Heaven has the world, what kind of talent is there, and there is no shortage of Sun Jingyuan." Concubine Zhang interrupted complacently: "The concubine thinks that such a person should gain fame, let him think about the truth of life." .”

Empress Chen glared at Concubine Zhang: "Concubine Zhang, you are right, you are really a slut. The country employs people, and the emperor selects scholars, which is a major issue involving the country. How can you and I talk nonsense as women. Sun Danai Great King Longqian is an old man, if you don’t reuse him, how will you make the world think of Your Great King?”

Concubine Zhang was scolded by Queen Chen, tears rolled in her eyes, her lips trembled slightly, and she couldn't say anything.

Zhu Houcong frowned, and said in a low voice, "Okay, I have my own opinion."

Although he knew that every word Chen Hou said was reasonable, but suddenly he felt a little annoyed in his heart, and seeing Chen Hou's appearance was not pleasing to the eye.Empress Chen has a stubborn personality, and he is also a firm-minded person.The two have been married for many years, and they don't get along very well. They often get into a stalemate when three sentences are wrong.Because of this, Zhu Houcong didn't like to go to Queen Chen's place on weekdays.For him, a woman like Concubine Zhang who knows how to look at her face and is obedient is the most suitable for him.

After the two women made such a fuss, Zhu Houcong also forgot about Sun Dan's "Journey to the West", and his heart calmed down.Although there is still some unhappiness in my heart, I have made a decision in my heart.

I have to admit that what Chen Hou said is very reasonable. Even a hero like Sun Dan has meritorious service and will not be rewarded. It will be spread in the future, so that the world will think of him.

Of course, the books written by this man are really hateful, and if he is not treated properly, it will be difficult to dispel the resentment in his heart.

After returning to the capital, at worst, invite him to meet, let him be a rich and idle official, and just raise him.Well, it seems that Qin Tianjian still lacks a Lingtai Lang, who is also a sixth-rank official.Okay, let him go there to watch the sky and count the stars, isn't he a genius, he knows astronomy and geography, let him look at the stars and think about the four seasons of yin and yang, and think about where his spiritual mountain is.

Thinking of this, Zhu Houcong felt complacent, and said to Empress Chen and Concubine Zhang: "Gu is also a person who knows how to repay his kindness. Sun Dan has made such great contributions to this king. This king is going to reward him as a sixth-rank idler."

Chen Houdao: "Your Majesty, I heard that Sun Jingyuan has the talent of a prime minister. With his talent and learning, he should be admitted to the Imperial Academy to observe politics."

Zhu Houcong gave her a hard look: "You can also intervene in major national affairs? You taught Concubine Zhang a lesson just now, why are you rebelling against knowingly committing a crime now?"

Empress Chen was so angry that her face flushed and she stood up abruptly, about to leave in a huff.

At this time, Huang Jin rushed in excitedly: "My lord, the water has receded, the water has receded."

Concubine Zhang was very pleasantly surprised, she glanced triumphantly at the suffocated Queen Chen, and laughed loudly: "Okay, Huang Ban, pack your bags right away, I've wanted to go to the capital for a long time, and it's not a problem to stay in Dezhou all the time. "

……

The water finally receded, and the group of people could finally set off again.

But because the team was too big, even though they left as soon as they said it, they had to prepare for a whole day.

On the second day, it was still a sunny day. The scorching sun shone on the ground. Standing on the boat, you could see a large cloud of water vapor rising up on the horizon.

The road was still muddy. Pedestrians slipped and slipped three steps, and many porters who delivered goods fell on the shore.

Concubine Zhang was originally from a wealthy family, she had seen this kind of situation before, it was interesting to see it on the boat, she couldn't help smiling.

"Princess, it's windy on the boat, and you've caught a cold carefully, you'd better go back to the cabin early."

A voice came, and Concubine Zhang turned her head to look, but it was Huang Jin.

Then he laughed and said: "So it's Huang Ban, the cabin is so hot and stuffy, I'm impatient to stay there all day, hey, when I get to the capital and enter the palace, I don't know when I want to see such a scene again. "Although she wailed and sighed, Concubine Zhang still felt unspeakably proud and excited between her brows.

Huang Jin smiled slightly: "I heard that Wang Hao's hometown is in Shandong. If I knew the water would rise for such a long time, I might as well go home and have a look."

"Yeah, my hometown is in Gaotang, not too far from here." Concubine Zhang sighed, "Forget it, even if I want to go home, they won't let me go back. Leave. Only when the family members come to the capital in the future, maybe they will be able to see each other for a while."

Huang Jin: "Where is Your Majesty now?"

Concubine Zhang turned her mouth to the other side of the boat: "Your Majesty is being entangled by Mao Shangshu and cannot escape. Mao Shangshu is so annoying, he drags His Majesty to let him learn court etiquette all day long. You know, Your Majesty is a quiet man If you are angry, you will become a little impatient. But Mr. Mao is always suppressed by clan additions and court etiquette, which is really annoying!"

Huang Jin smiled and said: "Your Majesty is about to inherit the throne, so naturally you have to learn some court etiquette, so that you won't be criticized by others. Not only the Majesty, but also the Concubine, you have to learn some palace rules from the old slave. I hope the princess will understand."

"Fortunately, it was Huang Ban who came to teach us." Concubine Zhang patted her chest with her hands happily: "If it were someone else, I wouldn't be impatient to hear them talk about rules and etiquette? By the way, Huang Ban, Who the hell is that Sun Jingyuan, why did he make His Majesty so unhappy?"

Huang Jin was startled, and hurriedly asked what was going on.

Concubine Zhang is stupid and she can't keep her mouth shut, so she told Huang Jin what happened yesterday.

After hearing this, Huang Jin had no expression on his face, but his heart seemed to be boiling.

Huang Jin admired Sun Dan's talent and ability very much.But because this person is so powerful, Huang Jin is very wary of him, and, for some reason, Huang Jin doesn't like Sun Dan at all.He didn't know where this disgust came from, anyway, he just felt uncomfortable with him.

The most important thing is that Sun Dan served Emperor Zhengde some time ago, and he has a very good relationship with the officials in the palace.

Once the emperor and the courtiers, Sun Danli has made such a contribution, and he will definitely be reused by the emperor in the future.With his talent, it is possible even to join the cabinet as a prime minister.

As for him, Huang Jin, he was an old man of the emperor Long Qian, and he would definitely be able to be famous in the palace for a while.

From Huang Jin's own point of view, he was determined to win the position of eunuch in charge of the ceremony.

But there is a problem here. He Huang Jin was sent to Xing Wang's mansion as a companion since he was a child. He has no education and the ink in his stomach is very limited.As for the eunuchs serving in key departments such as the Supervisor of Rituals, none of them are elites who have been taught by famous teachers.He, Huang Jin, was such a big idiot when he was compared by all the eunuchs, so he couldn't compare.

According to the credit and level, the position of eunuch in charge of ceremonies is most likely to fall on Bi Yun's head.

Bi Yun was originally talented, and he contributed a lot in this battle for the heir apparent, and he was also Sun Dan's friend.If Sun Dan enters the cabinet in the future and has his recommendation, why doesn't Bi Yun push Huang Jin down.

Enduring for so many years, running between the capital and Anlu, and suffering so much, but in the end he has to make wedding clothes for others, and be inferior to Bi Yun, no matter what, it is unbearable.

That's why Huang Jin quietly put "Journey to the West" in Wang Ye's hands, and that's why he kept silent about Bi Yun's credit in front of Wang Ye.

Only after Sun Dan was hit, Bi Yun had no foreign aid, and the post of eunuch in charge of the ceremony supervisor was in Huang Jin's pocket.

Fortunately, Lu Bing is a person with no opinions. When Huang Jin kept silent about Bi Yun's credit and kept saying bad things about Sun Dan in front of Zhu Houcong, the child remained silent.

After all, Huang Jin watched Lu Bing grow up and knew his temperament well.He Huang Jin is Lu Bing's colleague, and Sun Dan is his Lu Bing's friend, between them, Lu Bing will definitely choose to escape.As long as he doesn't intervene, Huang Jin will naturally have a way to suppress Sun and Bi.

Hearing Concubine Zhang tell what happened yesterday, Huang Jin's heart moved: Concubine Zhang is now in favor, and the prince also intends to make her queen. It seems that Concubine Zhang is about to gain power.And this person is a scheming person, if we can form an alliance with her, wouldn't it be clear what the prince is thinking, and it will be of great benefit to me, Huang Jin, in the future.

Huang Jin nodded: "Well, it turns out that this is the case. This Sun Jingyuan is a bit of a celebrity, and he is a bit flamboyant. He doesn't like the prince very much. After entering the capital, the princess, there are several palace maids and eunuchs in this palace. Wan Wan, the situation inside is complicated, it is no longer comparable to the Xing Wang Mansion in the past. If you have anything to do in the future, just tell the old slave."

Although Concubine Zhang is stupid, she can still understand Huang Jin's words, and she is not surprised: "It's great, with Eunuch Huang here, I won't be bullied by others in the palace in the future. It's that Empress Chen together." It's really annoying!" In addition to being happy, she took out a jade pendant from her bosom and stuffed it in Huang Jin's hand: "Eunuch Huang, please give me some kindness."

Huang Jin felt bored, seeing that the quality of this jade pendant was also very low, and secretly said: "Concubine Zhang is really confused. Do you think I, Lao Huang, came to seek refuge with you? I don't lack your wealth."

But people handed over all the things, and they had to pick them up, so they put them in their sleeves casually, and were about to speak.Zhu Houcong and Mao Cheng walked over, followed by Lu Song, Lu Bing and his son.

Zhu Houcong smiled and asked, "Huang Ban, Concubine Ai, what are you talking about?"

Seeing Mao Shangshu was there, Concubine Zhang hurried back to the cabin.

Huang Jin replied: "The old slave is telling the concubine the etiquette system in the palace, the palace is no better than the palace."

Mao Shangshu nodded his head in a rare way: "That's exactly the reason, Your Highness, you will arrive in the capital in ten more days. In the past few days, I will explain to you one by one the etiquette system in the imperial court."

Zhu Houcong was taught by him for a long time just now, and he was depressed. Hearing what he said, he was dissatisfied. He was about to say something when he heard a loud singing from the shore:

"The spirit does not wander away, the essence does not let up, the qi does not dissipate and the spirit buds grow.

The five elements and four images enter the central palace, so why worry about the golden elixir not being self-contained.

There is real time inside and there is response outside, and the eyes are full of empty flowers and white snow.

Yiyang came to Fuhai Zijiao, and Tuan Luanyue appeared in it.

Hastily started to use kung fu, Jin Feng couldn't bear to pick it up.

Breathing luck, porch fire, the blue sky splits the majesty.

……

Dan growled and went out of the mountain with a roar, showing signs of meritorious deeds.

God is famous for Zigong, and ordered me to fly to the sky.

Later generations use diligent cultivation according to this, and they are the guests of the Sanqinghui. "

This song is "Liao Dao Ge" composed by Zhang Sanfeng, which is a classic work of Neidan.There were quite a few porters and boatmen on the shore, arguing a lot.But this burst of singing came clearly and powerfully from the noise, and Zhu Houcong heard every word.

Zhu Houcong's heart moved, and he looked up, but saw a tall Taoist walking on the bank singing.

Although this person is strong, he has a beautiful beard and is wearing a neat blue Taoist robe.

The shore was already muddy, but although this man walked casually, he was as chic and calm as if he was floating on the water, and there was not even a trace of mud on his body or feet, making him look like a fairy.

Zhu Houcong was a firm believer in the magic of immortals. Seeing this person's outstanding appearance and uttering the words of immortals, he was happy in his heart. He couldn't help but also let out a long roar and asked, "Which immortal is that on the shore?"

It doesn't matter when he shouted, Mao Shangshu next to him was in a hurry.

Mao Cheng's complexion changed drastically: "What kind of monster is coming, stop him quickly!"

It's a pity that the guards and eunuchs on Zhu Houcong's boat are all from Xingwang's mansion. Seeing that Zhu Houcong didn't say anything, Lu Song, his father and son, and Huang Jin didn't move.

"Is King Xing on board?"

"It's this king. Where did the old fairy come from and where did he go?" Zhu Houcong replied loudly.

"Come from anywhere, go wherever you want." The person who came was Baiyun Guanwang Li, seeing that he found the right owner, he didn't hesitate, his feet fluttered, and suddenly he floated onto the gangway, and he was about to board the boat.

At this time, several warriors on the springboard hurriedly tried to stop him, but they didn't know what trick Wang Li had used, they just felt that the Taoist had already arrived in front of Zhu Houcong.

Only then did Huang Jin and the Lu family's father and son change their colors in shock, and they stretched out their hands to grab it at the same time.

Lu Bing let's go and say that he is still young, but his martial arts are not bad.As for his father, Lu Song, who is the commander of the palace guards, a well-known master in Huguang, and Huang Jin is also extremely sophisticated in kung fu.

The three of them shot at the same time, and the shadows of fists, winds and claws swept across the sky, enveloping Wang Li.

That Wang Li didn't fight back, just smiled slightly, a cloud of white mist gushed out from his body, and he disappeared.

All three moves failed.

Zhu Houcong was surprised, and was about to speak when someone patted him lightly on the shoulder.

This shock made him sweat all over, and when he looked back, it was the Taoist just now.

At some point, the man had already run behind him.

(End of this chapter)