"Is there anything wrong with this?" Huang Yongji glanced at his father and asked with some confusion on his face.

Ever since I told my father about this incident, my father has attached great importance to this matter, as if there is something special, but he has never told himself.

Now that my father has brought up this matter and these two people again, there must be something going on here.

Huang Kezhang glanced at his son, and said with a solemn face: "It's not things that are special, it's people." The young man you said who met Song Yingxing should be Your Majesty. Judging by your description, I should have guessed correctly. ”

Listening to his father's words, Huang Yongji stood up in disbelief and said in shock: "It's actually Your Majesty?" ”

Looking at his shocked son, Huang Kezhang's face showed a look of anger, and he directly reproached: "Look at your appearance, you are so shocked when you encounter something, what will you do in the future?" Don't rush, be steady. ”

Looking at his father, Huang Yongji said with a wry smile: "Father, when something like this happens, who can be stable?" ”

"If the child takes the initiative that day, instead of following with the intention of watching the excitement, then it is estimated that I will make friends with Your Majesty. If that day comes, the son won't be at home all day. Huang Yongji's tone was full of regret and remorse.

"Staying at home and wronging you?" Huang Kezhang said angrily: "With your current appearance, even if you enter the officialdom, you won't have any good fruit to eat." Okay, don't talk about this, these days let you read Xunzi's books, have you read them? I'm telling you, it's about your future. ”

"The kid is already watching." Huang Yongji said with some weakness.

He was indeed already reading it, but he didn't pay much attention to it, but read it as an idle book.

He had also scolded his father before why he let him read such a book, it was useless at all.

But in today's situation, Huang Yongji finally understood his father's intentions.

Looking at his father, Huang Yongji asked with some hesitation: "Father, don't you want to ......?"

Looking at his son with a surprised face, Huang Kezhang smiled and said, "Is there anything that can't be done?" Your father is also a cabinet scholar now, but does your father have any status in the cabinet? ”

"Han Yi, the first assistant university scholar of the cabinet, doesn't seem to have much effect, but he plays a balancing role. This is the best thing for him, as long as he doesn't mess around, his position is secure. ”

"Xu Guangqi, a member of the Cabinet Vice-Auxiliary University, is a representative of the New Deal, from Chen Kedao, who lectured, to Shen Tingyun, who was in the Ministry of Rites, all of them were Xu Guangqi's people. They are all people that His Majesty is ready to use, so their position is also very secure. It doesn't matter if they do something out of the ordinary, Your Majesty will protect them. ”

"As for Sun Chengzong, a cabinet scholar, he is His Majesty's teacher and represents Hanlin and some Qingliu officials. Because he himself was born in Hanlin and has a very high status, in such a situation, Sun Chengzong's position is naturally very stable. Because he is what His Majesty wants to use to balance Xu Guangqi. Once things get out of control over there, His Majesty will let Sun Chengzong take over. ”

"As for your father and me, I look more like an idle eater. But why did Your Majesty put me in the Cabinet? ”

"That's because Your Majesty needs me to add a little sense of crisis to them; At the same time, His Majesty has made an insurance, once they are unreliable, His Majesty will replace them all at once. At that time, there will always be an old man in the cabinet to support him, and that old man will be your father and me. ”

"But the few people in the cabinet are old foxes, and they won't give your father such a chance. In such a situation, I can't do anything I want to, so I can only hold back and be a cabinet scholar for a few years, and then return to my hometown. And Your Majesty will not be too reserved, because it is not that there is no one in the court who can replace me. ”

"Do you think I'm willing to do that?" Huang Kezhang looked at his son and asked with a smile.

"If you don't make it to the cabinet, you probably don't have any ideas; But since he has entered the cabinet, he is naturally unwilling. Huang Yongji said directly.

"My father's talent is naturally first-class, and his resourcefulness and qualifications are not worse than theirs, so he is naturally unwilling. Showing the ambition in his heart and leaving his name in history is what a father should do. ”

"So, your father and I have been looking for an opportunity." Huang Kezhang said with a smile: "It's just that there has never been a good opportunity, but this time the opportunity finally came." ”

"Not many people know that Your Majesty likes Xunzi, but it is precisely known by us that God gives us a chance. If you don't take it, you will be blamed for it, and this opportunity will definitely not be missed. ”

"But in this way, I'm afraid I'm going to offend a lot of people." Huang Yongji said with some concern: "And I'm afraid it will damage my father's reputation, and the child is worried that public opinion will be unfavorable to my father at that time." ”

Huang Kezhang waved his hand, and said with some sarcasm in his tone: "Those are useless. The first thing your father realized when he entered the cabinet was that there must be a position in the cabinet, no matter what that position is, but there must be. People who go with the flow will never be reused. ”

"What does Xu Guangqi represent, and what is his reputation now? But what's the use of that, people are still cabinet assistants. If the reform really succeeds one day, you will know that Xu Guangqi will be able to go down in history. There is no future to talk about this kind of thing, because no one knows what the future will be, so we can only do our best and obey the destiny of God. ”

"Your father, I am a member of the Cabinet University, and I am also a secretary of the Criminal Department. If I start to advocate Xunzi's doctrine, then I can introduce the ideas of Legalism, and then I will have a point of view. The most important thing is that this point of view is liked by His Majesty, and it is enough to guarantee my status, and the rest is not so important. ”

"For so many years in the imperial court, how many people have been looking for a way, and many people are trying to find a way? Who knew that Xunzi's method was not a road? ”

"Do you remember what that Song Yingxing said that day? He said, who knew that Guanxue was not a solution? So who knew that Xunzi was not a way? ”

"Xunzi was proposed by His Majesty, so there is definitely no danger for your father and me to bring it up. Therefore, my father asked you to take a good look at Xunzi's book, and when you go out in the future, you will talk more about Xunzi, and create an impression that you have admired Xunzi's doctrine outside. When things get to a certain point, there will naturally be room for you to play. ”

"At that time, some people will say that you are not a Zhongjinshi, not because your knowledge is not good, but because you respect Xunzi's doctrine. The father has already let the news out, and you have to know it in your own heart. ”

Huang Yongji thought for a moment, and said with some excitement: "Father, is it okay for the child to go to the Royal Academy for the exam?" ”

"That Song Yingxing is going to take the entrance examination for the Royal Academy, since His Majesty is so interested in him, then it is likely that His Majesty will still pay attention to him. If the child enters the academy and vigorously promotes Xunzi's thoughts, will it attract His Majesty's attention? ”

Huang Kezhang listened to his son's words, pondered for a moment, and then said: "I have to say that this is a good way, but there is one thing you have to remember, don't do it too deliberately, some things have to go with the flow, and it is best to do it naturally." ”

"Father rest assured, the child knows the measure." Huang Yongji hurriedly spoke.

"Okay, it's not too early, let's rest early." Huang Kezhang smiled gently: "Since you already know how to do it, then you don't have to worry about being a father." Look at it yourself, and tell your father if there is anything. ”

"Rest assured, father, the child knows. My father was tired from a long day's work, and he also rested early. With that, Huang Yongji withdrew.

The Forbidden City, in the small garden of Kunning Palace.

Zhu Youxiao hadn't slept at this time, lying on the rocking chair and rocking.

Empress Zhang sat beside Zhu Youxiao, quietly embroidering a small sachet.

Tea and fruit preserves were placed on the stone table next to him, and Zhu Youxiao stretched out his hand to take a bite from time to time.

Looking up at the full moon in the sky, Zhu Youxiao's mood was very relaxed and empty.

But at this time, in the courtyard that should have been silent, there was the sound of hurried footsteps.

This made Zhu Youxiao slightly stunned, then turned his head to look over and found that the person who came was actually Chen Hong.

Just look at Chen Hong's appearance, I'm afraid that there are some things I want to say to myself. If you can come and disturb yourself at this time, then it must be a big thing, but I don't know what a big thing it is.

Empress Zhang also saw Chen Hong coming, so she said with a smile: "It's not early, the concubines go and prepare, Your Majesty should rest early." ”

Zhu Youxiao nodded, stretched out his hand and pulled Queen Zhang, and said with a smile: "Okay, you go first, I will go over immediately." ”

After Empress Zhang left, Zhu Youxiao beckoned to Chen Hong, who was standing not far away, and asked with a serious face: "Tell me what's going on, you seem to be in a hurry." ”

"Back to the emperor, it's about Huang Ge Lao." Chen Hong hurriedly walked a few quick steps forward and came to his own emperor's side.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, and said unhurriedly: "Then let's talk about it." ”

"Yes, Emperor." Chen Hong agreed and continued: "There has been news from Jinyiwei's side, the Huang family has indeed had some abnormalities in the past few days, but the matter is not on Huang Ge Lao, but on his son, Huang Yongji. ”

Zhu Youxiao took a sip of tea and asked again, "What's the matter?" ”

"It seems to be because of Huang Ge's old son's study. Huang Yongji likes Xunzi, and it seems that he has a special respect for Xunzi's doctrine, so he has not been admitted to Jinshi for all these years. There are already rumors outside that Huang Ge Lao is actually a believer in Xunzi. ”

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao was stunned for a moment, and asked with some hesitation: "How long has this news been spread?" ”

"Jin Yiwei said that it seems to have been a while, but the specific time is no longer available." Chen Hong said with some hesitation: "Then the slave maid asked them to continue to check?" ”

"Okay, don't look it up." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, "Let him go." ”

After speaking, Zhu Youxiao stood up and stretched his waist and walked into the Kunning Palace.

Empress Zhang is still waiting for herself, she has to go to bed early, and she can't waste time here.

After entering Empress Zhang's dormitory, Zhu Youxiao saw Empress Zhang looking at him with some concern.

He smiled and walked to Empress Zhang's side, sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to take her hand, and comforted: "Don't worry about Baozhu, it's not a big deal, it's just that there is an old fox playing some tricks." ”

When he said this, Zhu Youxiao himself laughed first, and then continued: "Originally, I thought he was a very simple person, but who would have thought that he was an old fox. ”

"Some people say that none of these ministers in the court can achieve the status they are in today, and they are not pure-hearted. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems that this is indeed the case, and even Huang Kezhang is what he is now. ”

"A group of people who have no ideals and no goals, and some are just things for their own considerations, and they can only do this in this life. But it doesn't hurt, at least it can be used by me. ”

Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but think of later generations, the leaders of the country at that time, and the figures of the founders of the republic, which became clearer and clearer in his mind.

It was really a group of people with ideals, for the motherland and the nation, and they were completely different from these ministers in their court.

If he wasn't the emperor, would he choose to rebel?

This is a question that Zhu Youxiao thinks about, but he thinks it may have something to do with his identity across the country.

If you are a relative of the emperor or a gentry, you may not rebel.

But if you cross over to a military household, or an ordinary person, then you will most likely pull the pole and do it. But it's more for yourself, not for big ideals.

It seems that there is still a big gap between myself and those revolutionary ancestors. Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao smiled self-deprecatingly.

"Don't worry! It's okay! Seeing that Empress Zhang was still looking at herself, Zhu Youxiao stretched out his hand and patted her hand, and then said with a smile: "Let's go to bed early, it's not early now." ”

"That concubine is serving Your Majesty." Empress Zhang said with a slightly red face.

After Zhu Youxiao and Empress Zhang slept together, the news about Huang Kezhang gradually spread.

Even several academics in the cabinet knew about it, and everyone saw Huang Kezhang's gaze a little different.

Among the several people in the cabinet, Sun Chengzong and Han Yi studied science; Xu Guangqi is a study of the mind, and he also believes in Li Zhen's psychology.

Under such circumstances, Han Yi had already blurred the imprint of his school as much as possible. But who would have thought that Huang Kezhang would actually come up with another Xunzi.

Everyone is a scholar, and they are all very good readers, and they have been officials for so many years, who doesn't know Xunzi's doctrine?

Why is Xunzi's doctrine not recognized by Confucianism?

Because Xunzi's doctrine is a Legalist in the end.

Xunzi's students Li Si, Han Fei, Fu Qiubo, Zhang Cang, etc., each of them are giants of Legalism.

A Confucian Confucian, but in the end, all the Legalists he taught, this cannot but make people think. How could orthodox Confucian disciples not reject Xunzi?

If Xunzi is allowed to teach, then all the people who teach are Legalists, how can everyone mix?

Now that Huang Kezhang actually wants to promote Xunzi's doctrine, not only a few scholars in the cabinet, but even some other people feel that something is wrong, and the ministers of the court and the central government are even more discussed.

If the struggle between science and mind is tolerable to them, it is because they are both Confucianism after all. Everyone fights back and forth, but in fact, the difference is not very big.

But Xunzi's doctrine is different, it comes from Confucianism, but it is directly aimed at Legalism. How can such a situation be possible?

Let Xunzi's doctrine spread out, and finally get a large number of Legalists?

For a while, Huang Kezhang felt like he had become the target of public criticism, and everyone was questioning and doubting him.

However, Huang Kezhang didn't notice it, he went to and from work with a smile every day, and he didn't seem to pay much attention to everyone's discussions.

Under such circumstances, countless courtiers in the court began to write inscriptions.

Originally, some courtiers who were inclined to approve of the formulation of the imperial examination syllabus also took the question book of opposition at this time.

The reason is also very simple, they don't want Huang Kezhang to succeed. They didn't want Xunzi's doctrine to appear in this world again.

This doctrine has been abandoned, and even Xunzi himself has no way to enter the Confucian Temple, so why bother to let his doctrine come out and stir it up?

Once the Legalists become the masters of the house, what kind of life will their own people live?

This is absolutely indispensable.

So all of a sudden, the voice of opposition was very loud.

Even several scholars in the cabinet have already drawn question marks in their hearts.

They felt as if they had fallen for Huang Kezhang, and when he spoke for Xu Guangqi, it didn't seem that he was really learning for the sake of Xinxue.

Now everyone knows why he said and did this, but it seems a little late.

Things outside were disturbing, Zhu Youxiao didn't care about these, he finally finished moving and came to Xiyuan.

Compared with the Qianqing Palace, Xiyuan has an advantage here, that is, the place is larger and more empty.

In comparison, it looks more like a garden than a palace.

In such an environment, Zhu Youxiao was a lot more relaxed, and at the same time, the things he arranged before him were almost done.

Qi Jin had already prepared the manpower for himself, so Zhu Youxiao went to see them.

When Zhu Youxiao arrived here, Qi Jin was also here.

This period was a very good time for Qi Jin, everything he wanted was provided to him by His Majesty, and there was no restriction on him.

Silver or all kinds of weapons, give whatever you want, it can be said that you fully support his training.

Under such circumstances, Qi Jin can be said to be like a fish in water, and he spent all his energy on this training, vowing to train a strong army for the Ming Dynasty.

First, to repay the country, and secondly, to repay His Majesty's kindness.

Under such circumstances, His Majesty asked him to choose some people to come out, which naturally required very, very careful work.

So Qi Jin held a large-scale selection, and selected the five hundred people in front of him from the 10,000 people in the entire newly trained Tiger Roar Battalion.

Everyone present knew that they were about to become His Majesty's Praetorian Guards, so to speak, His Majesty's personal bodyguards. How can they not be happy or unhappy?

"Your Majesty has arrived!" At this time, Chen Hong shouted, and Zhu Youxiao walked in from the gate.

Seeing Zhu Youxiao walk in, Qi Jin hurriedly led everyone to kowtow.

"No courtesy."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, and these people stood up.

He looked at the five hundred people with a blank expression.

These people don't look very tall, but the flesh on their bodies is very strong. Although it is not as bulging as the fitness of later generations, muscle mass can be seen in everyone's body. And their eyes are cold, and they can see that they have all been on the battlefield and killed people.

Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction, turned his head and said to Qi Jin beside him: Aiqing has a heart, these candidates are good, I am very satisfied, let me think about what reward to give Aiqing. ”

"By the way, as for the leader of these people, does Aiqing have anyone to choose?"

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's question, Qi Jin's heart moved, and then he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, there is no suitable candidate for the minister, and your Majesty is invited to call the shots." ”

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Qi Jin, a playful smile appeared on his face, and said with a smile: "Alas, it seems that Aiqing not only learned the art of war with your uncle, but you have even learned ten percent of your uncle's life." ”

This is not a joke by Zhu Youxiao, but he really thinks so.

Qi Jin's uncle is naturally Qi Jiguang, this is a very good official, whether it is a civil official or a military general, he is very, very good at being a man.

Yu Dayou at the same time, what happened to him?

Look at Qi Jiguang again, there are very clear records in history that Qi Jiguang embezzled a lot of money.

However, Qi Jiguang did not embezzle by deducting the salaries of his subordinates, but through another method, that is, to expand his own establishment.

In fact, at that time, the military salary given by the imperial court was never paid, and it was normal for soldiers to not get full salary; If you can get half a salary, it is already a very good treatment.

Some of these military salaries were deducted by the officials of the imperial court, and sometimes they were not paid at all.

Among so many armies, only Qi Jiguang's army can get full salary, and a big reason is because Qi Jiguang will ask the imperial court to compile.

For example, he has an establishment of 200,000 people, but he only raises an army of 100,000 people.

The salary given by the court of 200,000 people can be completely given to these 100,000 people, and at the same time, Qi Jiguang will ask for more rewards from the court, and at the same time give more gifts to those ministers who help.

There are even records in history of Qi Jiguang giving gifts to Zhang Juzheng, as well as records of collecting beauties for Zhang Juzheng. It's just that Zhang Juzheng died early, so Qi Jiguang's fate was more miserable.

As for Qi Jiguang's fate, it looks particularly miserable. But in Zhu Youxiao's opinion, there are many strange places here.

For example, Qi Jiguang was afraid of his wife, he was kicked out of the house by his wife, and he could only live alone, and no one even took care of him after he died.

In Zhu Youxiao's view, this is very likely to be Qi Jiguang's miserable selling and using bitter meat tricks.

The reason is actually very simple, that is, after Zhang Juzheng died, the court was liquidated, and even Zhang Juzheng died so miserably, even the coffin was dug up.

The people of the Zhang family are also dying and fleeing, which can be said to be very, very miserable.

Under such circumstances, it is impossible for Qi Jiguang not to be afraid, so it is normal for him to adopt such a method. At least that way, he doesn't have to implicate his family. As for himself, he has already been kicked out of the house by his wife, and many people will treat him as a laughing stock, thinking that he is miserable enough and does not need to be targeted at him anymore.

In fact, Qi Jiguang was indeed not so miserable in the end, he was not killed, and he could be regarded as the end of his life.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao has always felt that Qi Jiguang is a person with very high emotional intelligence. Obviously, Qi Jin and Qi Jiguang are not only the art of war, but also life.

In such a situation, Qi Jin chose not to speak, that is, to avoid suspicion. That's why Zhu Youxiao said this about Qi Jin, and said that he learned from his uncle.

However, looking at Qi Jin's honest smile, Zhu Youxiao knew that he would never speak, and it was useless to say anything. However, it is also understandable that this should be Qi Jin's way of self-preservation.

In this case, there is no need to embarrass him.

After a little silence, Zhu Youxiao smiled slightly and said, "Since Aiqing doesn't want to say it, then I'll talk about it." In fact, in my heart, there was already a suitable candidate, and this person was Qi Yuanfu. ”

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Qi Jin was stunned for a moment.

Not because he was particularly surprised by this choice, but because this man was his son.

Qi Jin gave birth to a total of three sons.

The boss's name is Qi Yuangong, and he has been by his side all these years, learning to march and fight. This is a candidate for their family to inherit his mantle in the future, just like Qi Jin cultivated him back then.

Qi Jin's other two sons, one is called Qi Yuanfu and the other is called Qi Yuanbi.

Although these two sons also followed him in the army, they were not cultivated like the eldest son. However, the two sons are also very competitive, and they have been pretty good over the years.

Originally, Qi Jin thought that when he was no longer good, the position in the family would be passed on to his eldest son, and then the second son and the third son would be separated.

This was all arranged by Qi Jin, but he didn't expect His Majesty to say such a thing.

What these people selected by Qi Jin do, he naturally knows very well, this is for His Majesty to be personal guards.

Needless to say, how important this position is, the person who can serve as this commander must be the person His Majesty trusts the most, and at the same time, he is also a person with a very heavy responsibility. Because if there's anything missing, it's troublesome.

Because it was Qi Jin's own choice, he would not think about the person in command, and even His Majesty would not dare to say it when he asked him, because it was a very taboo thing.

If something happens, you can't eat and walk around.

But even if Qi Jin dodged like this, things still found him, which he didn't expect anyway.

His Majesty actually thought of using his son to rule these people, although Qi Jin didn't know if His Majesty was testing him, but he knew in his heart that he could never agree to things now.

He now has a heavy army, and if his son becomes His Majesty's personal guard again, then he is really too dangerous.

"Your Majesty, the courtiers are not outstanding, and they are young and frivolous, which is really unbearable. I also ask Your Majesty to retract the order. Qi Jin hurriedly bowed down and said.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Qi Jin, looked at him with a panicked look, patted him on the shoulder with a smile, and said, "It seems that you and I are still not close." You've been with me for a long time, and you know that I don't care to tempt my courtiers. So as long as it's what I tell you, then that's what I'm thinking, and you don't have to hesitate. ”

Qi Jin was stunned.

You must know that he has been in Beijing City for a long time, and he has also seen how His Majesty cleaned up those courtiers.

He saw how the courtiers in the court were killed by His Majesty and bled like a river.

When he saw His Majesty for the first time, he only thought that His Majesty was a young man, with the expectation of reviving the Ming Dynasty in his heart, and at the same time great courage, but he didn't expect His Majesty to have such a bloody and murderous side.

It was also after those things that Qi Jin realized one thing, the young son of heaven in front of him was the real emperor.

So in such a situation, Qi Jin did not have the slightest carelessness, and he did not dare to have the slightest carelessness.

But he didn't expect His Majesty to say such a thing to himself, and his heart suddenly moved, as if it was really like what His Majesty said, His Majesty never seemed to be tempted to do things, and he did whatever he wanted.

Does His Majesty really want to reuse his own son?

His Majesty's desire to reuse his son is indeed a good thing for himself.

It's just that if you let your son become the commander of His Majesty's Janissaries, then my family will probably become the target of public criticism.

You must know that even if His Majesty now trusts his father and son, who knows how long this trust will last under the provocation of someone with a heart?

Once this trust is cracked, it will be difficult for his father and son to retreat.

"The courtiers are indeed useless, and I ask Your Majesty to take back your order." Qi Jin bowed down again and said, the expression on his face was very serious, and his attitude was very resolute.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at him, nodded and said, "Is there anything else?" ”

Qi Jin was slightly stunned, is this to drive himself away?

So he hurriedly said, "The minister has nothing else to do." ”

"Then this matter is decided." Zhu Youxiao said with a solemn face: "Because you are Qi Yuanfu's father, I told you about this matter, not to ask for your opinion." Qi Yuanfu is also my courtier, and it is my business to use him as I want. Now you don't need to stay here any longer, your business is over, go back to your business. ”

Qi Jin looked at Zhu Youxiao in disbelief.

He didn't expect His Majesty to have such a side, he was a little stunned for a while, and he didn't get up to say goodbye and leave, as if he wanted to say something more.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at him and asked with some doubts: "Is there anything else Aiqing has to do?" ”

"There's nothing else to do." Qi Jin had no choice but to bite the bullet and say.

Before he could open his mouth to say anything, he was interrupted by Zhu Youxiao once again waving his hand, "Since there is nothing to do, then let me step down." ”

In desperation, Qi Jin had no choice but to bow and salute, and said slowly: "In this way, the minister will retire." ”

After Qi Jin left, Zhu Youxiao slowly turned around, and the smile on his face couldn't hold back anymore, and he laughed out loud in an instant.

Qi Jin's expression just now was really interesting.

After laughing, he turned his head and glanced at Chen Hong, who was a little confused not far away, Zhu Youxiao said lightly: "You just go to their house to pass the decree, and let Qi Yuanfu go to Xiyuan tomorrow morning to standby." ”

"Yes, Your Majesty. The slave and the maid will go. Chen Hong hurriedly agreed.