Zhang Juzheng has always had a hobby of holding banquets to entertain colleagues, and the banquets of the Prime Minister's Mansion often lasted all night, and this time the Prime Minister's Mansion married the daughter of the Son of Heaven to enjoy a day off, and the banquet singing and dancing were even more indispensable, and the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty naturally seized this opportunity to move closer to the Zhang family. Especially those who, like Fan Jin, came to Beijing to learn or waited, at this time, they should try their best to repay the service, express their loyalty to Xiangye, and get close to Xiangfu.

In fact, most officials never had the opportunity to see Zhang Juzheng himself, and being able to meet one of You Qi and Yao Ba was already a great creation. If Zhang Sixiu came out and nodded to them, these people would be so excited that they couldn't sleep all night. In order to show their talents and mingle with the people, some low-grade officials put down their determination and took the initiative to come to the color shed, cut vegetables and hold salaries, carried water and burned fires, sweated like rain and smiled, showing the true character of the court officials and the people.

In the study, the troika of the cabinet and the four of Yu Youding, the waiter of the Ministry of Rites, are seated, and there is no one in the room, only Zhang Maoxiu, the third son of the Zhang family who is about to participate in the Spring Festival, is waiting on the side. He had just worshiped under Shen Shixing and Yu Youding, and became their disciple, and now he is serving his teacher as a disciple.

Shen Shixing and Yu Youding are fellow scholars, Shen Shixing is the champion of Jiajing for 41 years, Yu Youding is Tanhua, and Bangyan is Wang Xijue, who worshiped his own daughter as a teacher to learn Taoism and was looking forward to soaring.

The teacher of the three was Yuan Wei, the cabinet minister at that time, although he was known as the prime minister of Qingci, but in fact, his ability to write Qingci was not very good, and after Jiajing's requirements for the level of articles became higher and higher, he had fallen into the crisis of Jiang Lang's exhaustion. It happened that the three tripings of this subject were all in the Hanlin Academy, so Yuan Wei called these three disciples to his home, drafted the green words for himself, and finally copied and handed them in.

Although Master Yuan's ability in the field of Qingzi is insufficient, he is obviously a cross-era genius in other fields. In terms of thinking, it has highly overlapped with some tutors who take students to do projects, not only depriving their disciples of the right to authorship, but also disrespecting their basic personal rights. The three Hanlin bachelors who were glamorous outside were no different from the workers of the black-hearted factory in front of Yuan Wei. After assigning the topic, the three of them were locked in a hut, and they were not allowed to leave the room until they finished writing or were not satisfied with the quality of the article, and they were not given food or water. Many times they have to write in a small room all day, and the three prime ministers Gen Miao are so hungry that their eyes are dry and their mouths are dry, and when they finally complete the task, they can't get wine and food, so they can only go out hungry and figure out their own way.

Not only that, Yuan Wei had an extremely bad attitude towards the three of them, and he was often to blame. Yu Youding and Yuan Wei are fellow villagers, but they don't care about it at all, and even a few times they were torn apart by their teachers in front of them, pointing their noses and scolding Yu Youding that he should be called Yu Baiding, and he was blind before recording his volume. The attitude is a little worse than reprimanding one's own house slaves.

The three of them were squeezed by such a teacher for a few years, the first did not commit suicide, the second did not become a dark and withdrawn personality, but they were still optimistic, and even because of this experience, the three of them became irreversible friends, and they had to tease each other when they met, and they did not admire their psychological quality and natural supple temperament. Although the three of them are now considered to be successful and famous, they have become important people in the court, but their temperament has not changed, and they will always be kind to others, and they will never refuse the requests of the superiors.

As the chief examiner, the judges of this subject are in principle their protégé disciples, Zhang Juzheng arranged for his son to apprentice in advance, and asked the two to point out his son's articles more, the intention is self-evident. So what? The ideas of these two people are basically the same, anyway, the exam questions are from you Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Maoxiu's talent is placed there, and the selection of the top ten excellent papers is the proper meaning of the question, as for the first few reading papers, whether they can become Dingjia in the end is a matter of collusion between Zhang Xiangye and the emperor, and it has nothing to do with himself, what do you do with those idle things.

The main examination of the examination is of extraordinary significance to civil officials, and a subject of Jinshi is your disciple, and it takes up space when you speak in the court. Whoever is assigned to do this work is a precursor to promotion and appointment. Shen Shixing himself is a cabinet minister, needless to say, Yu Youding also has a high chance of entering the cabinet after doing the main exam, whether it is the prime minister with the food, or the old man of the shelf, it is always the limit of the official position of the minister. No matter how modest and tranquil his temperament is, in the face of this future falling from the sky, he will inevitably be excited, and his face is full of smiles.

Zhang Juzheng's gaze stayed on Yu Youding's face for a moment, and he was quite satisfied in his heart: this is a person who knows what is good or bad, and understands that he has arranged him in the position of the main examiner to cultivate him, and he is willing to serve him, and he is a reasonable person. The most commendable thing is that he is the same as Shen Shixing, he has a cotton temper, he will not think about arguing with himself, let alone seizing power, although he is on the same list as Shen Shixing, he will never tie his elbow in a line, Fan Jin's ability to recommend people is not bad.

His eyes swept over Shen Shixing, this is a good person, a good person who he has to admire. As a minister, he doesn't have the slightest cabinet minister, he welcomes everyone with a smile, including the servants under his door, and he is not afraid of him, and his own talents are not bad, and he was born to be a peaceful prime minister. In the future, if he can enter the cabinet, he will definitely not be bullied if he works with him. Now there is Zhang Siwei left.

Regarding his fellow list, Zhang Juzheng originally had a good opinion. Zhang Siwei is talented and knows how to advance and retreat, and has the unique shrewdness of a merchant family. When to speak and when not to speak, I don't need to be told, I know it very well in my heart. In the expulsion of Lu Tiaoyang, the two cooperated seamlessly, and when he returned to his hometown for the funeral, Zhang Siwei made his identity clear.

Small things don't need to alarm Zhang Juzheng to ensure that they are done, once it comes to big things, no matter whether they can do it or not, it is all decided by Shoufu, and he will never express his opinion. Even his daughter's marriage to Fan Jin is the same, there is absolutely no ambiguity when he should be a matchmaker, and there are some rumors in Jingshi, which he also bears with all his might.

Such a good partner is rare, and he is Fan Jin's teacher, so it is said that the two should be very harmonious. But Fan Jin had mentioned to himself in private that he should beware of Zhang Siwei. This son-in-law will not be untargeted, could it be that Feng Pan is really hiding something that he doesn't know?

When Zhang Juzheng looked over, he saw Zhang Siwei facing Yu Youding and said, "Bingzhong, do you know why you are the main examiner in this subject?" ”

"This ...... Xia Guan is not clear. ”

"Because your name is not good, what is not good to call it Ding, I have the old Ming system, according to Ding, since you have Ding, this main examination service will naturally not be able to escape."

Yu Youding knew that he was joking, and said with a smile: "That's why the lower officials have to thank Yuan Weng for implementing the new law and sending soldiers according to the fields, otherwise the service of the court will not be completed, and the lower officials will change from having Ding to fleeing Ding." ”

"That's right, so you must have a conscience to be a man, Shoufu let you not be a fugitive, and repay the peach, Bingzhong can cultivate Mao Xiu with your heart, otherwise, even if the new law is enforced, I still have to pull your Ding."

Several people in the room laughed, Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhang Siwei's lively atmosphere, and laughed with a few people, knowing that this was to help him warm up. After all, it is a happy event, the happier the atmosphere, the better, as the first assistant, it is not good to put down his body to laugh, so Zhang Siwei will do it for him. The deputy with such excellent eyes and means is not easy to find. secretly said in his heart: This bastard boy is probably wrong this time, what can be wrong with Feng Pan.

At this time, the topic of several people has shifted from joking to business, although Yu Youding is not a minister, but as a waiter of the Ministry of Rites, he also has the qualifications to participate in the maintenance of the aircraft. Now he is the teacher of Zhang Sangongzi, and the position of the cabinet minister can be expected, so there is no need to shy away from it. The topic of conversation between the few people ranged from the school to the school, and finally back to the new law. Shangyuan County has become a sample county for the implementation of the new law, and the promotion of the new law in other places should take Shangyuan as an example, not seeking speed but stability, and not affecting people's livelihood as the first priority.

There is a clear difference between this policy and the vigorous and resolute action when the new law was first implemented, and a few people present did not say anything, but they all had this account in their hearts: Fan Jin's influence on Zhang Juzheng was only stronger than himself, not weaker, and those Beijing officials outside regarded him as the son-in-law of the Zhang family, and it was a little stupid and ridiculous to be a villain.

Now that the new law has a successful example, the next step is to promote it. From which province to promote, how to promote, how much time to agree, what goals to stipulate, these are all things that the cabinet ministers should consider. Although the emperor ordered a holiday, no one could actually rest. Even at times like these, you still have to think about work, and as the helm of a vast empire, rest is often just a luxury.

Zhang Juzheng didn't speak much at this time, and only listened to the opinions of a few people. He needed subordinates who could do what he wanted and didn't get in hold, not useless straw bales. If a few ministers can't do anything but echo themselves, he won't use them either.

Zhang Siwei's performance at this time is very much in line with his requirements, he is talented and daring to be a director, and he does not take power, which is the model of the perfect subordinate in Zhang Juzheng's mind. In comparison, Shen Shixing is obedient, but he still owes a little bit of enthusiasm in terms of talent. Retreat is too young, even if he opens the door for foreign ministers to enter the cabinet, it will be at least twenty years before he can enter the cabinet to do things. Although his body is strong, people have good and bad luck, and the sudden onset of hemorrhoids has made him realize that he can't be overconfident.

is in a hurry to let his beloved daughter out of the cabinet, and even makes the pomp so extravagant, it is not because of this consideration. Once something really happens to you, the person who takes over must meet two conditions: first, your own talent is sufficient; Second, Xiao Gui Cao can follow the implementation of his own law, and he can't change his course, and now it seems that Zhang Siwei is the most suitable.

His gaze swept over the faces of several people and landed on the candles lit in the room. Three-quarters of the wax has been burned off and will have to be replaced in a few moments. But judging from the light, it has not diminished in the slightest. What is the difference between life and this candle? I thought that the spring and autumn were in full bloom, but I didn't know that the oil had run out, but I hope God can give me more time, so that I can open a smooth path for these juniors, so that everyone can walk comfortably.

The housekeeper You Qi walked in and muttered a few words in Zhang Juzheng's ear, Zhang Juzheng instructed his son to entertain here, and he left with You Qi. Zhang Siwei's eyes only turned at Zhang Juzheng, and immediately turned away, Shen Shixing opened his mouth to ask something, but in the end he didn't say anything.

Zhang Siwei knew in his heart that the one who could call Zhang Juzheng away from the very few ministers was Feng Bao. At this time, Feng Bao came over to call someone...... Something must have happened.

What if something happens? No matter what happens, it's Shousuke's responsibility, and it has nothing to do with him.

The second assistant of the empire decisively chose to play stupid and continue the topic of Fang Cai, as for the whereabouts of the first assistant and what happened, he didn't care at all.

Columns of black smoke rose into the sky, and the wind sent bursts of scorching smell, which made people's chests feel sick and nauseated. The once laughing village turned into white ground in the flames, and the residents of the village became unjust souls. The soldiers in the border area are fierce and dangerous, and it is difficult for the people to survive, whether it is their own people or the Mongols, they may become the stars of life.

Since the beginning of the tribute, more farms have been opened in the border areas, and the herdsmen in the fortress can obtain materials through trading, and the scale and intensity of the war have decreased a lot. In addition, there are always people who can't survive in the mainland, and with the idea of fighting for a glimmer of life, they go to the border to seek a glimmer of life. I know that I am performing on the tightrope of life and death, and I still expect this god to be able to open up on the Internet for his pitiful sake, but not everyone is lucky.

The villages that can gain a foothold in the border are actually somewhat forced, and some of them will also make cameo appearances as robbers. But when they meet real strongmen, they become fat sheep again. The village, which was originally a village of 100 people, is now empty, most of the men's bodies have been scorched by the fire, and the bodies of a dozen young women are in the well, naked.

The young girl in the village, who was not beautiful, but who loved to laugh and did not blush when talking to men, was cut to a bloody pulp, and her mouth was biting the organs of a robber, perhaps she was the one who caused the most damage to the attackers in the whole massacre.

The thick palm stroked the woman's face, closed her eyelids, and the owner of the palm, a bearded Angzang man, suddenly stood up, looked into the distance and scolded: "Tartar, Lao Tzu Xiao Changce swears that if your tribe is not destroyed, you will take your surname!" ”

Like a roar of thunder, it was heard far away in the field. His companions came up one after another, all wrapped in filthy cloth clothes, unable to distinguish their colors, their faces covered in smoke and dust, and they could hardly find a white spot except for a mouthful of teeth. Only the Daming battle flag in the hands of the flag bearer is still clearly written and brightly colored! It's a pity that this bright battle flag did not protect the lives of the people, and it is not the first time that such atrocities have occurred.

The man closest to the beard looked down and calculated, "This month is the sixth village to be slaughtered. What do I want to do, fight? ”

The beard looked at the man next to him and said: "Xiucai, I'm a big boss, I don't know what you said, I know that this woman slept with me, and now she was slept with by the Tartar and killed, I can't swallow this breath!" You have great ability, you are our military advisor, can you calculate, where are the Mongols going next time? ”

"Qianhu, what are you going to do?"

"Do you need to ask? They've my women, and I'm going to them! What, scared? ”

The man who was asked also spat out, "I'm afraid of a ball!" I mean, we don't have more than 100 people in total, can we fight? ”

"You don't understand this, there are few of us, and there are not many Tartars. If it was really a thousand troops, the trilateral general system would have gathered troops to defend the city a long time ago. I just looked at the horseshoe prints, and I estimated that the number of people was about the same, how about it, dare to do it? ”

"Grass! Just do it, who's afraid of whom? But you have to be careful not to leave my sister widowed in the future. ”

"Okay, I promise your uncle has a nephew, right? Hurry up, calculate, where are you going under the tartars? ”

A group of cavalrymen gathered, and several people pressed the improvised map, watching the man named Xiucai poke his finger on the map. "It's not counting, it's the art of war, when my house wasn't copied, it was also in charge of thousands of people, so naturally we have to talk about strategy. You see, the pattern of Mongol raids on villages is like this......"

The man drew on the map for a while, and quickly marked the location of a village, "If I'm not mistaken, most of the Tartars are running here." ”

He looked at the man named Xiao Changce, "Qianhu, our duty is to visit the captives, not to fight. We can die, but the errand cannot be delayed, and if I really want to fight, the court cannot be unguarded. ”

"Don't worry, Xiucai, the paperwork you wrote has already been sent to Guyuan by flying legs. Even if we all die, the court can avenge us. Damn, Taiyue is in power, they still dare to cause trouble, it's okay not to teach them a lesson? Sons, get on the horse and copy the guys, and go to the tartars. If he returns alive, I will invite him to a bowl of wine to drink. ”

The man known as Xiucai finally let out a sigh of relief, and said silently in his heart: "Before redeeming my little sister from Fangsi, I must not die!" A northern captive cavalry head fifty taels, a hundred captives, if you are lucky, you can get more than a dozen complete heads, filial piety to the commander to hit the joints to go half, how can you have half a head in your own hands. If that side newspaper plays a role, it can also be rewarded, and if you save enough, you will almost save enough......"

When the roaring three-eyed gun sounded, the deafening sound of firecrackers echoed in the capital division; The two cavalry charged at high speed and collided, the blade cut through the battle clothes, cut out the blood line, and the hand of the prime minister led the red silk and guided the husband and wife to worship each other; The wind swept the yellow sand and covered the faces of the war dead, the war horse ruthlessly trampled over the corpse, trampling the dead corpse to the flesh, and in the boudoir, the woman sat upright on the stepping bed, waiting for her sweetheart to take off the hijab.

Although this side newspaper was delivered in a timely manner, the timing was not right, it was a good day for the Fan and Zhang families to hold a happy event, and it was a small scene of hundreds of deaths and injuries on the side, and it did not make much waves.

Even Feng Bao, who got the report from the Dongchang system, only decided that there were poor and crazy tribes who came out to rob and rob hundreds of lives, which was actually not a big deal in a place like Jiubian. casually threw the side newspaper aside, and went to give gifts with the plaque of the Son of Heaven's handwritten "Good Couple Tiancheng", and by the way, he wanted to discuss a real major event with Zhang Juzheng: the Yangzhou salt strike turmoil is getting bigger and bigger, and several big salt merchants have a tendency to refuse to support salt. If the salt cannot be sold, this year's salt tax revenue will become a problem, and this matter is related to the annual income, which is the first priority, and cannot be delayed!