Chapter 44: The Minister of Tongue War Farewell to the Emperor

Emperor Chongzhen stayed on the ship for another day, and did not go to the kiln gang together as everyone wished. Zhang Zhimu thought that Emperor Chongzhen made such a decision because he mentioned Zheng Zhilong's matter, and the emperor couldn't let go of it, so he dispelled the idea of going to Yaogang.

In fact, after Zhang Zhimu and Emperor Chongzhen mentioned Zheng Zhilong's matter, Emperor Chongzhen had already asked the prince to send someone out to send a letter to Zheng Zhilong, asking whether Zheng Zhilong was really related to Qiankun Gate, and whether he really hired people from Qiankun Gate to assassinate Zhang Zhimu in Yaogang. In fact, it was to send a message to Zheng Zhilong, telling Zheng Zhilong that Zhang Zhimu of Yaogang had already decided that it was you who hired someone from Qiankun Sect to assassinate him.

Emperor Chongzhen himself would not know that his letter was a great help to the kiln people.

On the day of his stay, Emperor Chongzhen did not get off the ship, nor did he meet anyone, but rested on the ship, probably to enjoy the passenger ship. Queen Zhou and Princess Changping couldn't stay, and accompanied by Princess Anping, they visited the market in Kaifeng City. Of course, be sure to visit the shops in Yaogang. Entering the shop in Yaogang, Queen Zhou and Princess Changping were dumbfounded, and the dazzling array of things made their eyes dazzled. Usually they rarely have the opportunity to go out shopping in the Forbidden City, but it is strange that they suddenly enter a shop like Yaogang.

Looking at the appearance of the mother and daughter, Princess Anping smiled and said, "Hehe! Oops! Looking at the way you look, I can't wait to move all the shops back! ”

Princess Changping said: "Mouthy! These shops are at your doorstep, don't you think it's new, we are rare to see! ”

"Huh!" Princess Anping smiled and said, "I really can't imagine what will happen if you enter the circle building department store in Yaogang?" ”

"Anping! I heard that the circle building department store in Yaogang is the same as the circle building department store in Yangzhou, they are very big, you say, how big is it? Empress Zhou turned around and asked.

"That's huge, it's several stories high. If you do this, you won't be able to finish it in a day. In addition to selling things, there is also a place to eat when you are tired of walking. The sons and daughters of those rich families in our kiln gang still have to eat in the kiln gang department store to look rich. Princess Anping said proudly.

"Ahh And that big shop? "Queen Zhou has given full play to all her imagination, and she can't imagine what that kind of shop will be like.

Princess Changping asked, "How can you look rich by eating in the Yaogang Department Store?" ”

"Huh! It's a good thing, but it's too expensive! I went to eat once, and I didn't dare to go again! Princess Anping said.

"Can it be so expensive that your income is too expensive for four grades?" Princess Changping also felt strange.

"Oops! I am not a rich man in the kiln with this little silver. Princess Anping said, "Almost all the rich people in the Ming Dynasty gathered in Yaogang, and the kiln house is so expensive that ordinary people can't afford it." ”

"It's a pity! My father decided not to go to the kiln. Otherwise......! Princess Changping was very sad when she said this.

Empress Zhou came over and said, "Your father wants to think about the major affairs of the world, how can he be like you?" ”

"Yes! My father was so tired. If only he could be like Zhang Dongjia, who managed so many things and was still relaxed? "Princess Changping knows that Emperor Chongzhen is too tired.

At this time, while Queen Zhou was looking at something, Princess Anping said in Princess Changping's ear: "What? You can't let go of Zhang Dongjia, right? I warned you in advance! ”

"Oops! You dead thing, chewing your tongue! The angry Princess Changping secretly pinched Princess Anping.

"I said, how old are you, and you're still messing around outside!" Empress Zhou pretended to scold them.

Empress Zhou and Princess Changping bought a lot of things that day. When they returned to the boat, little Ruby was waiting for them on their boat. Since they will be leaving tomorrow, this time Xiao Hongyu brought the gift she brought from the kiln. These are all things carefully selected by Xiao Hongyu and Lu Chengxiang, and they can be said to be the best of the best. Let's just say that those two fox scarves are something that is very difficult to see. For Empress Zhou was a red one, red and purple with a golden glow; What was given to Princess Changping was a white silver fox skin, as white as snow, without a single miscellaneous hair. What's even more rare is that there is not a single hole in the two fox skins, which is perfect. There are also all kinds of textile and knitting products in the kiln, which can not be seen in the shops. In short, the things sent by Xiao Hongyu made Queen Zhou and Princess Changping look at them carefully for a long time after Xiao Hongyu left.

Emperor Chongzhen rushed over when he heard the news, and after reading it, he couldn't stop talking and said, "Oops! These things are so valuable, they are good things that you can't buy with money. Let's go out this time, Zhang Dongjia's silver can't be spent! ”

"Hey! I didn't expect that Little Hongyu would send so many things. If we knew, we wouldn't have bought so many things in Kaifeng? Empress Zhou said.

"It's right to buy more! When you go out, do not go back empty-handed. Emperor Chongzhen said, "The family should also bring back some things." ”

"Don't worry, father, we are mainly buying things for our family today, otherwise, we won't be so tired. I didn't expect to be so tired from shopping, and I feel good about everything! It's hard to make trade-offs. Princess Changping said.

Emperor Chongzhen saw that Empress Zhou had hidden a few bags of things, and asked with a smile: "There are still good things, don't show them to me?" ”

Empress Zhou and Princess Changping's faces were a little red, and Empress Zhou said: "Your Majesty, this is a special thing for women from Yaogang, don't look at it!" ”

"What's so mysterious?" Emperor Chongzhen was even more interested.

"Oops! It is specially used when a woman has something to do. Empress Zhou said.

Emperor Chongzhen understood and blurted out, "The people of Yaogang can think of anything, and they can produce anything!" ”

"Oops! They have blessed the women of the world. Well thought out, the workmanship is simply wonderful! Empress Zhou said.

"That's it! All right! Don't talk about that. Princess Changping quickly stopped talking.

"I heard that Anping said that the circle building department store in Yaogang should be several stories high, and there is everything to eat in it. Can't finish a day? Queen Zhou diverted the conversation and said this in front of Emperor Chongzhen, and also revealed her regret that she did not go to Yaogang.

"Huh! You all regret not going to the kiln this time, right? Let me tell you, this time we are not ready to go to the kiln, and the people of the kiln are not ready. If we go suddenly, it will cause chaos for people. Emperor Chongzhen said patiently, "If there is nothing wrong, we will go to the kiln next year to see, I want to see what the kiln gang is like that everyone says is God?" ”

"Father, really?" Princess Changping was happy.

"That's still false, tonight, I will talk to Zhang Dongjia, let them send a few more sand dredging boats, dredge the canal from Beijing to the Yellow River, and let Zhang Dongjia send passenger ships to Beijing next year, and we will go directly to Yaogang on passenger ships in Beijing. Wouldn't that be better? "Emperor Chongzhen seems to have thought of this.

"Oops! That's great, we took the boat, steady, while looking at the scenery on both sides of the strait to the kiln, no longer have to suffer the sin of this car! Empress Zhou was overjoyed when she heard it.

"Father, I heard that it is also very fun to take the train, do you want Zhang Dongjia to repair the train to Beijing tonight. I've heard that taking a train is many times faster than a horse-drawn carriage! Princess Changping was also happy.

"Good! I'll talk to Zhang Dongjia tonight. Emperor Chongzhen was also infected by the emotions of this mother and daughter.

"Also, father, this Kaifeng not only has electric lights, but also two radio stations, one of which is still FM sound is particularly good, our big capital can't even compare to this, you ask Zhang Dongjia if it's annoying?" Speaking of this, Princess Changping was a little angry.

"Huh! And I really didn't pay attention to it. Emperor Chongzhen said with a smile.

"Anping said that Kaifeng's radio station is not shortwave, and we can't hear it in the capital." Princess Changping said, "However, the FM station in Kaifeng is really good. In particular, the midnight singing is not only very good, but the listener can call over the phone to order the song, which is simply wonderful. By the way, we don't have a phone in the capital yet! ”

"Oops! It seems that this Zhang Dongjia is going to spend a lot of money! Who made them give us so many good things? Emperor Chongzhen said with a smile.

Empress Zhou couldn't help but say: "Your Majesty, this Zhang Dongjia is not a stingy person. But why do they have branches in various places, but they haven't built branches in Beijing? ”

"At first, I didn't want him to set up a branch in the capital, and at that time, the Zhang Dong family was still very weak. But I'm afraid that he can't play with the ministers. Later, Zhang Dongjia himself did not want to set up a branch in Beijing. Because they earn some silver in the capital, it is not enough to pay for those officials at all levels of the imperial court. However, I don't think Zhang Dongjia will care about those people now, and now he has full wings. Emperor Chongzhen said, "Today I want to persuade him to open a branch in the capital and open a ticket number." ”

"That's right! Father, let Zhang Dongjia open a circle building department store like a kiln in the capital. "Princess Changping is here for the spiritual head.

"I guess Zhang Dongjia won't dare!" Emperor Chongzhen said deliberately.

"Why don't you dare?" Princess Changping took it seriously.

"I guess he's scared, so if it's okay, you can go and get some good things and don't give you money. Hehe! Emperor Chongzhen said.

"How so? What people send is what they give. We didn't negotiate the price with them when we bought things, and we said that how much money was how much we wanted, and we didn't pay any bad money. Princess Changping heard that the emperor was teasing her.

Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He of Yaogang heard that Emperor Chongzhen was not going to Yaogang, and they didn't think anything was wrong. Chen Yufeng said: "If the emperor doesn't go, we will continue to be busy with our own affairs." ”

Ouyang He also said: "Fan Chengkun sent a telegram saying that the big ship had been tested well recently. The big tried-out ship was already loading cargo. Emperor Chongzhen can't go up, so we don't have to worry about him when we beat Zheng Zhilong. Also, Li Jing has already taken people to the Quanzhou branch. ”

"How many people did Li Jing bring over this time?" Zhang Zhimu is very optimistic about Li Jing's affairs. Now the people in his hands are more mature. This time, to deal with Zheng Zhilong, it is necessary not only to ensure the safety of the Quanzhou branch, but also to find a way to find out where Zheng Zhilong's silver vault is hidden.

"After several batches, Li Jing and they went to two squadrons a little more. Li Jing also knew that Zheng Zhilong was not so easy to deal with. Ouyang He replied.

What Zheng Zhilong is not easy to deal with is that he doesn't trust ordinary people, and the few groups of people sent out by Li Zhi can't get close to his core, so so far, there is not much understanding of the situation at Zheng Zhilong's upper level. So Li Jing went over in person, so she could strengthen the power over there.

"We must keep Zheng Zhilong's silver, we will build the whole country in the future, and there will be more places to use silver." Zhang Zhimu said.

"Huh!" Ouyang He smiled and said, "Zheng Zhilong can earn 10 million taels of silver every year, so many years must be indispensable." ”

"Yes! The silver is good! Chen Yufeng said, "Otherwise, with the army formed by Zheng Zhilong, you can fight a draw with Li Zicheng's army of a hundred battles?" If you have money, you can buy weapons, make cannons, and reward soldiers with a lot of money. This is also Zheng Zhilong's capital to take care of the house. ”

"These things are said slowly," Zhang Zhimu said, "Today, the emperor has not been anywhere for a day, and he has not seen anyone, I think the emperor must have straightened out his thinking, and maybe he will say something to us at night?" ”

"Mr. Zhang! I look at it this way, it's okay if the emperor doesn't go to Yaogang this time, I think next time he goes, he should see the situation clearly like Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong before going. At that time, Zheng Zhilong and Zuo Liangyu were gone. We also occupy the two Guangzhou, and the emperor has nothing in his hands, so his mind is clearer. Otherwise, I always don't admit defeat in my heart. Today I don't think he has anything to talk about, just take a break, and he has to hurry tomorrow! ”

As Ouyang He said, Emperor Chongzhen really has nothing to say now, and he drank a lot of wine at night. However, Emperor Chongzhen said at the wine table: "My daughter can say, Zhang Dongjia, you are too uninteresting." Look at it, not to mention your kiln gang and that Xi'an, just say that Kaifeng in front of you has two two-megawatt generators, and there are two radio stations. In our big capital, we are still lighting candles, and we are lighting kerosene lamps and calcium carbide lamps in your kiln gang. Aren't you talking too much? ”

Liu Jiantai, a university scholar, also coaxed and said: "There is more! You have built semicolons all over the Ming Dynasty, but so many capitals don't even have a semicolon. We exchanged silver for kiln coins, and we had to exchange them with other money banks, so we lost fire consumption in vain. ”

"That's right! Zhang Dongjia, when will you also build the railway to the capital? Some people asked.

"Huh!" Zhang Zhimu said with a smile, "I understand what the emperor and everyone mean, and today in front of the emperor, I solemnly promise." When I returned to Yaogang, I immediately gave the capital the fastest speed to build our most mature two-megawatt power generation unit. Let the emperor use the electric light first. In fact, we have already made a plan, that is, if you don't talk about it, I will also say it today, we are going to build a 100-megawatt generating unit in the capital, and we will set aside the margin of another 100-megawatt unit. I know that if the capital uses electricity, 100 megawatts will not be enough at all. But let's take our time. As for the matter of building a branch in the capital, I think the time is ripe now. Let's choose a larger place in the capital to build a semicolon. In this way, you don't have to go elsewhere to exchange kiln coins. ”

Emperor Chongzhen saw that Zhang Zhimu agreed so happily, and then asked: "Listen to Anping, you have built a big circle building in Yaogang and Yangzhou, right?" ”

Of course, Zhang Zhimu understood what Emperor Chongzhen meant, and hurriedly said: "What the emperor said is true. Then I also promised today to build a circle building department store like our kiln gang in the capital. ”

"Oh!" Zhang Zhimu's words drew a burst of cheers.

The group of adults who followed the emperor have never seen the emperor so relaxed with everyone, they don't have to hold it today, they should talk, they should laugh!

However, the scholar drank vigorously and said, "Zhang Dongjia, your radio and newspapers are all good things. In particular, the radio station called FM in Kaifeng has a particularly good sound. But the songs played at night are a bit obscene and off-the-beaten? And your movies are a little too explicit, right? ”

As soon as the words of the university scholar Liu Jiantai fell, the audience was quiet for a while, Zhang Zhimu knew that this was the time for the exchange of ideas, of course he couldn't back down, he smiled and said: "Actually! Love is something we have been avoiding on the surface, I don't think it's necessary, it's the most beautiful human emotion, and we should sing his praises. To deliberately avoid this is hypocritical in my opinion. I think in addition to the main house, there is also Mrs. Ru in the scholar's house, right? ”

Liu Jiantai, a university scholar, didn't expect Zhang Zhimu to ask him about this in front of everyone, "This, this, I have two side rooms!" But they are all married by Ming Media. ”

It seems that scholars don't like to sing the praises of love, but they like to do practical things. The side room is married to two, is it true that the scholar likes women, but not love? Zhang Zhimu is very disgusted with this kind of hypocrite.

Everyone burst into laughter. This Liu Jiantai's face was flushed, "How can this be reasonable, I am a minister of the imperial court, Zhang Dongjia, you can't be rude to me like this!" ”

"How is this rude?" Zhang Zhimu said, "I heard that you have watched the movie several times, and you have listened to the music repeatedly. I don't sleep when I sing at night and midnight, why do you suddenly think that this is all obscene words? Is this lewd rhetoric good or bad? ”

"This..."Liu Jiantai can't get up. Emperor Chongzhen was also very angry, and said in his heart that you were humiliating yourself, and that Zhang Zhimu was not a loser.

"Obviously, we all like it, but we use some of the rules of etiquette and etiquette, I think it's hypocrisy." Zhang Zhimu said, "The difference between our kilns is that as long as the people like it, as long as you don't affect other people, we have no restrictions and encourage them." The emancipation of the mind is also a driving force for the rapid development of our kiln. ”

The court officials were not willing to be defeated like this. Someone asked again: "Zhang Dongjia, we heard that what kind of free love do you want to engage in in Yaogang men and women, your own women find men, and men find women by themselves, isn't that a mess?" ”

"May I ask this lord, how can this mess up? Isn't it good for both men and women to find someone they are satisfied with to live their lives? Zhang Zhimu asked rhetorically.

"This marriage matter must be decided by the help of the parents and concubines, otherwise it will be a mess?" The senior man argued again.

"A pair of men and women, like animals, were brought together by their parents, and they didn't see each other until they entered the cave room, and some people are still telling jokes, in fact, how many human tragedies have been made, don't you know?" Zhang Zhimu said, "Men and women choose freely, and marriage is protected by law, which is the greatest respect for people." Only those men who have no confidence in themselves are afraid that men and women will have a choice. Especially men who are extremely unconfident in themselves, are willing to say that women are virtuous if they are not talented, because such a man can have a little self-confidence in front of a woman without talent. A dignified man, I think I prefer talented and good-looking women. In our kiln, we fully respect human dignity, let men and women get to know each other first, and if both parties feel that it is suitable, they can apply for marriage. Marriage is sacred in the kiln. If one of the parties is not satisfied, it is impossible to get married. So far, I haven't found anything messy. Those young men and women who have a chance to choose for themselves once in their lives will respect the marriage of free choice. Maybe you can't see it, but on the streets of Yaogang, it is normal for young men and women to go shopping together. It's not like some places, where the streets are full of brothels in green buildings, but there are some things that men and women don't kiss. ”

Zhang Zhimu's words were a bit vicious, and he was scolding with damage.

Although Emperor Chongzhen didn't accept what Zhang Zhimu said too much, he didn't want to and couldn't refute what Zhang Zhimu said.

King Zhou said in a round game: "Ladies and gentlemen! To be honest, when I first arrived at Yaogang, I was not used to seeing some things in Yaogang. But it will take a while to get used to it. These things, which seem to be a bit rebellious, are actually a matter of habit. There is no such thing as good or bad, as long as everyone thinks it is good. ”

These words made Princess Changping's face crimson, she didn't expect that such a matter could be discussed in public. However, she prefers to listen to the free and easy speech of those important ministers of the Zhang Dong family. I don't even have the bearing to look at them in my eyes, it's really funny and scolding.

Early the next morning, the two passenger ships started at the same time and drove from Kaifeng Pier to the opposite shore together. Emperor Chongzhen's entourage was already waiting in line. When Emperor Chongzhen got off the boat, he shook hands with Zhang Zhimu, who had just gotten off the boat and rushed over, and said, "Zhang Dongjia, I will return to Beijing." There are major events in the world, so you have to worry about it! ”

"The emperor takes care on the road, I have ordered people to send a few more sand dredging boats to the canal to dig sand and clear dredging. Next year you can take a boat to Yaogang. We are waiting for you! Zhang Zhimu held Emperor Chongzhen's hand and said.

The people around were very moved by this scene between Zhang Zhimu and Emperor Chongzhen, and they were really sincere. Over there, Queen Zhou and Princess Changping were also saying goodbye to Xiao Hongyu and Princess Anping.

At this time, on the loudspeaker of the passenger ship, the song "Farewell" was played. This is a song sung by Xiaoqing's children's choir.

"Outside the long pavilion, by the ancient road, the grass is green. The evening breeze and the sound of the willow flute are remnant...."The melancholy singing attracted everyone to look in the direction of the passenger ship, and the singing made the parting atmosphere stronger. Emperor Chongzhen, Zhang Zhimu and all the people had sorrow in their eyes.

Zhang Zhimu hurriedly said in Emperor Chongzhen's ear: "If the two of us shed tears today, it will be news all over the world." ”

Emperor Chongzhen immediately laughed and said, "That's right! We have something to telegraph in touch. Hurry up when it comes to dredging the river. After speaking, he shook his hand, turned around and walked towards Long Yuan. The prince hurriedly led Emperor Chongzhen to board the dragon chariot.

Zhang Zhimu shouted at Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, if you have a chance, I will help you build a dragon chariot made of a car!" ”

"Good! I'm waiting! He waved his hand. The dragon chariot was activated. The prince also gave up his hand to Zhang Zhimu, ran to his horse, turned over on the horse, and followed the dragon chariot of Emperor Chongzhen.

Zhang Zhimu and the others couldn't stop waving to Emperor Chongzhen, and they also saw that Emperor Chongzhen was also waving to them on the dragon.

Until Emperor Chongzhen, they went away.

King Zhou came over and said to Zhang Zhimu: "Zhang Dongjia, the acting king, Xiao Hongyu, and the children will play in Kaifeng for a few more days." How do you arrange it? ”

Zhang Zhimu turned back to Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He and said, "We won't wait." Now there are two boats, let's take one with us, and those who are willing to play in Kaifeng will follow the next boat. ”

Zhang Xianzhong, who had always been on the side before, came over at this time and said, "Zhang Dongjia, I'll go with you." ”

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Mt. Fuji erupted, Japan was earthquaked. --Progress of "Memories of the Southern Song Dynasty".