Early the next morning, Sun Delu watched Zhou Renyuan and his party leave at the city gate, and sighed, "King Yongming is really a good person!" My grandson Delu will definitely repay the prince for his help in the future. Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info"

Because last night, Zhou Renyuan found him and asked him to send someone to the Fujian Navy Master at the wharf to get 100,000 taels of silver, which he would lend to him for building the wharf first. At that time, the appropriation of the imperial court will be returned to him, if the appropriation of the imperial court cannot be returned, the Tianjin Metropolitan Division Yamen will not have to be repaid, and the Guiwangfu will be regarded as the Tianjin Guard, and he will do his meager strength for the imperial court.

When Sun Delu heard that there were such good things in the world, he hurriedly agreed.

Zhou Renyuan instructed Zheng Chenggong to write a handwritten edict and sent two of Zheng Chenggong's personal soldiers to Sun Delu, telling him to wait for the Qin Guards to set off before picking them up.

When Zheng Chenggong wrote the edict, he still muttered in his heart, this King Yongming really doesn't use silver as money, and when he makes a move, it is 100,000 taels, which is the money that his father gave to King Gui. However, since this money has been given to King Gui and used for people's livelihood, Zheng Chenggong is both distressed and comforted.

Zhou Renyuan actually gave the 100,000 taels of silver to Sun Delu this time, firstly, because Tianjin Wei was really difficult, and he wanted to help Sun Delu with this. The second is that he knew that even if Zhu Cihong and himself proposed to Chongzhen to allocate funds to Tianjin to repair the wharf and river, Chongzhen would not agree. Chongzhen's current salary is mainly used as a military salary, and he can't take care of the people's livelihood.

Zhou Renyuan is not afraid that Sun Delu is greedy for this money, his identity as a prince is there, and Sun Delu dares to expose the disadvantages in front of himself and Zhu Cihong, it can be seen that he is still this upright general. There is a deep-seated reason why Zhou Renyuan wants to befriend Sun Delu, that is, he hopes that Sun Delu can do him a great favor in the future.

In the Qianqing Palace in the capital, Chongzhen was losing his temper at Chen Xinjia, the new secretary of the military department, "Look at it, this time the Tartars actually attacked from Miyun, this Xuanda Governor Wu Aheng does not prepare on weekdays, it is not a pity to die in this battle, and the ministers of the court even want to give him a title." After the new Xuanda Governor Lu Xiangsheng took office, he only suffered a few defeats, but the main force still existed, and some people in the court said that he was a traitor and a collaborator with the enemy, which was really angry. ”

Chen Xinjia hurriedly comforted: "Your Majesty, although Wu Aheng, the former governor of Xuanda, misjudged the enemy's situation, but after all, he was killed in battle, and my Ming Dynasty has always been the most deceased. The new governor Lu Xiangsheng has always been known as a victorious general, and this consecutive defeats inevitably violated the expectations of the imperial court. ”

"Hmmm--?" Chongzhen frowned, this Chen Xinjia still couldn't understand what he meant, he only knew that he was muddy, and he was not as intimate as Yang Sichang, the original secretary of the military department, but it was a pity that Yang Sichang learned in Shaanxi that the thieves had broken through Xiangyang and King Xiang was dead, so he couldn't afford to be sick, and he couldn't take care of military affairs.

Chen Xinjia saw that Chongzhen was still displeased, and hurriedly said, "Of course, the minister knows that Governor Lu is finally in the imperial court and dedicated to the country, and he will definitely not cooperate with the enemy." Soldiers, treacherous ways. How many ministers of the court can understand military affairs? The emperor doesn't have to be so reckless. ”

When Chongzhen heard this, the anger in his heart calmed down a little. sighed, "I also know that Lu Xiangsheng did not taste defeat when he suppressed the thieves, and it is most appropriate for him to stay and exterminate the thieves, but what about the north, where is there a respected general like Lu Xiangsheng in the imperial court who can go to Xuanda to suppress those border generals and work together to resist the Tartars?" ”

After hearing this, Chen Xinjia felt a little jealous of Lu Xiangsheng, but he didn't dare to show it on his face, and immediately greeted him, "What the emperor said is true!" ”

At this time, Wang Chengenxing, the great eunuch of the palm print, rushed in and reported, "Your Majesty, the crown prince and the king of Yongming have returned to Beijing!" ”

"What?" Chongzhen jumped up from the dragon chair and exclaimed, "You said that the crown prince and King Yongming have returned to Beijing?" Where are they? Quick, tell them to come in! ”

Zhou Renyuan and Zhu Cihong entered the Qianqing Palace in a hurry, and when they saw Chongzhen, they knelt down and played: "Erchen (courtier) knocks on his father (imperial brother)!" ”

Chongzhen smiled and said, "The crown prince and the king of Yongming, get up quickly!" He saw that Chen Xinjia was still on the side, and ordered, "Lord Chen, you should step back first!" ”

As soon as Chen Xinjia heard that they had something to say, he hurriedly bowed to Chongzhen, Zhou Renyuan and Zhu Cihong saluted, withdrew from the Qianqing Palace, and returned to his courtroom.

As soon as Chen Xinjia left, Chongzhen got up and came to Zhu Cihong's side, looked at him kindly, nodded and said, "The prince has lost weight, but his spirit is good, and his body seems to be much stronger than before." ”

Zhu Cihong's eyes were red, and he was moved, "There is Father Lao's concern!" The child has gained a lot from this trip, thanks to the teachings of the fourth uncle! ”

Chongzhen laughed, "If you can gain something from this trip, I will be satisfied in my heart, and I will remember the credit of your fourth uncle." Go and meet your mother, who has been talking all day since you left, go quickly. ”

Zhu Cihong kowtowed to Chongzhen, and habitually gave a salute to Zhou Renyuan, Zhou Renyuan hurriedly supported Zhu Cihong, and said softly, "This is in the palace!" ”

Zhu Cihong was stunned for a moment, and then looked at Chongzhen, as if his father was not angry, so he quickly ran towards the harem.

As soon as Zhu Cihong left, Chongzhen smiled and said to Zhou Renyuan: "The prince seems to be very respectful to King Yongming!" ”

Zhou Renyuan pinched his sweat and hurriedly said, "The prince is benevolent and filial, and the younger brother doesn't dare to hold it up." ”

Chongzhen waved down his sleeves, "Fourth brother doesn't have to be modest, I have long said that you are the elder of the prince, let the prince respect you as a teacher." However, in front of the courtiers, you must not lose your courtesy. ”

"Brother don't dare!" Zhou Renyuan said.

"I know that you are a measured person, fourth brother." Chongzhen said disapprerovingly, "Let's talk about it, what is the result of going south this time?" ”

"Returning to the imperial brother, this trip to the courtiers did not live up to the imperial brother's trust, Zheng Zhilong promised to contribute 600,000 taels of silver to the imperial court every year, and this year's silver taels have been escorted to the capital and handed over to the household department." Zhou Renyuan replied.

"What? 600,000 taels per year? This year's silver taels have been given to the household? Chongzhen closed his mouth in surprise, "I, I heard you right, right?" ”

"What the minister said is true, and the household department will inform the royal brother soon." Zhou Renyuan nodded.

"Ha-ha!" Chongzhen smiled a little out of shape, and only after half a sound did he feel that he was a little out of shape, and immediately said, "Fourth brother, you have worked hard and made great achievements, what reward do you want?" ”

Zhou Renyuan bowed down and said, "The younger brother of the minister has made some meager efforts for my Daming, and it is natural that I dare not ask for any reward from the imperial brother, and this is all the credit of the prince, and the younger brother does not dare to take credit!" ”

"Huh? Don't talk about your own family, I know that you are afraid that the ministers of the court will say that you are interfering in politics, and I am afraid that it will be difficult for me to do it. Of course, the reward on the surface is not good, but in the secret, you know! Chongzhen smiled.

"This--" Zhou Renyuan thought for a moment and said, "The courtier brother asked the imperial brother to give Zheng Zhilong a knighthood, and Zheng Zhilong's eldest son Zheng Chenggong personally escorted Yinliang into Beijing with his courtiers this time, which can be regarded as having a heart for the imperial court." ”

"Oh? You said that Zheng Zhilong's eldest son also came to Beijing this time? Chongzhen asked.

"Exactly! Zheng Chenggong is now waiting outside the palace to meet him! Zhou Renyuan replied.

Chongzhen pondered for a moment, "Okay, Xuan Zheng Chenggong came in to see me!" ”

"Xuan Zheng successfully met him!" The eunuch outside the door shouted.

Zheng Chenggong entered the Qianqing Palace in fear, this was the first time he wanted to see the great emperor, and he couldn't help but panic.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw Zhou Renyuan looking at him with a smile, and he felt unsettled. Kneeling on the ground, he said loudly: "Weichen, Fujian Navy Counselor, Zheng Chenggong, knock to see the emperor, long live my emperor, long live, long live!" ”

"General Zheng is exempt!" Chongzhen sat on the dragon chair and said.

Chongzhen saw that Zheng Chenggong was not very old after getting up, his face was slightly dark but heroic, and he felt a little good in his heart. "General Zheng, this trip has been hard!"

"The minister doesn't dare to say that it's hard, the minister's father has a sub-sheet to present, and he also invites the emperor to take a look!" Zheng Chenggong said and took out Zheng Zhilong's plea form from his arms.

Chongzhen took the sheet and nodded while reading, which was full of Zheng Zhilong's expression of his loyalty to the Ming Dynasty, and said that he should not privately open the sea ban, but coastal trade is not forbidden, it is difficult to put an end to it, and it is better to block it than to sparse it, so he simply uses the name of the imperial court to manage it. He is willing to dedicate thirty percent of the trade taxes to the imperial court every year, in order to be a Ming courtier's obligation.

Chongzhen put down the watch and said, "Zheng Chenggong stepped forward to listen to the seal, Zheng Zhilong, the chief soldier of the Fujian Navy Division, is loyal to the Ming Dynasty and cares about the imperial court. For the imperial court to protect the sea frontier, hard work and high achievements, Zheng Zhilong was specially named Dinghaibo, and his wife was named the second grade. His son Zheng Chenggong was named General Zhaoyi. ”

Zheng Chenggong knelt on the ground excitedly and shouted, "Weichen Acting Father, thank the emperor for Longen!" The ministers are determined to go to the soup for the Ming Dynasty, and they will not hesitate! ”

Zhou Renyuan looked at Chongzhen in surprise, he thought that it was reasonable for Chongzhen to make Zheng Zhilong an earl, but he didn't expect Chongzhen to be so generous, and he also named Zheng Zhilong's wife and son.

Although General Zhaoyi and the general have the same title is also the third grade, but with this name, you can palm your own palm seal and become an independent army, which is the same glory as the opening of the government of the civil official.

After Zheng Chenggong thanked him and went out, Chongzhen smiled and said to Zhou Renyuan, "What? The fourth brother thinks that I am a little biased towards the Zheng family's reward? ”

Zhou Renyuan nodded in default.

"Haha--" Chongzhen couldn't help but say a little proudly, "Since Zheng Zhilong wants to ask for a reward, I will give him a heavy reward, firstly, so that everyone in the world can see that as long as he has meritorious service to the court, the court will not hesitate to reward." Second, Zheng Zhilong also knew that the heavier the reward of the court, the more he should do things for the court. ”

"Brother Huang is clever! It's better to be a brother! Zhou Renyuan slapped Chongzhen with a little fart.

"Fourth brother, you are not in my position, of course there are some things you can't think about!" Chongzhen said with a smile.

"Brother Huang, the younger brother heard that the Tartars in the north invaded the border, and the imperial court sent Governor Lu and Gonggong Gao to defend against the enemy, and the younger brother wanted to go to the north to see." Zhou Renyuan said.

"What? The fourth brother is not at ease with the arrangement of the imperial court? Or are you not at ease with Lu Xiangsheng and Gao Qidive? Chongzhen frowned.

"Brother Chen just wants to go to Gaomi in the north to bring Sun Ge Lao back, Brother Chen is afraid that he will make a mistake! Let's talk about Gao Gonggong, he--" Zhou Renyuan secretly looked at Chongzhen's face.

Chongzhen's face sank, and the old Sun Ge that Zhou Renyuan said was the two generations of emperor Sun Chengzong, who had been living in his hometown Gaomi since he retired, and now he has eight out of seventy. The flames of war have burned to the vicinity of Gaomi, how can I forget about this matter. Then he nodded and said, "Sun Ge Lao's matter, I will send someone to bring him to the capital immediately, you don't have to worry about this matter anymore, but you just said that Gao Qiqian seems to have something to say?" ”

Zhou Renyuan thought about it for a while, and said resolutely, "Brother Huang, the younger brother and Gonggong Gao set off from Hengzhou together, came to Beijing all the way, and got along for a few months. Besides, the Tartar soldiers are sharp, and once they fight, the younger brothers are worried that this high duke is afraid of the enemy and cowardly. ”

Chongzhen's face became darker and darker, and he had no choice but to use the high dive. This Gao Qiqian often talks about the military by his side on weekdays, and he believes that he has some talent in the military, and when Zhou Renyuan said this today, his heart began to beat the drum. couldn't make a decision for a while, and said, "Fourth brother, I still have to discuss this matter with the ministers of the Ministry of War. You go down first to rest for a while, and in the evening I will give you a feast in the palace and reward you well. ”

Zhou Renyuan was about to say something, when he heard a crisp voice outside the door and said, "Princess, my fourth uncle is back?" ”

When Chongzhen heard the voice of his eldest daughter, Princess Changping, he was a little annoyed in his heart, and said to the door, "Changping, your fourth uncle is tired from the journey, and it is not too late to see you at the dinner party in the evening!" ”

"Yes! Father! Princess Changping replied disappointedly and left the Qianqing Palace.

Zhou Renyuan didn't know what was going on, so he also got up and retreated.

Chongzhen looked at Zhou Renyuan's back leaving alone in the Qianqing Palace, shook his head silently, and sighed. It would be nice if these fourth brothers weren't from my royal family, and I could recruit him as a colt. His favorite Changping will not be so painful.

It turned out that since Zhou Renyuan participated in Chongzhen's night banquet last time, Changping, who was in love at the beginning, had deeply engraved him in his heart. But she also knew that although Zhou Renyuan and her age were only three or four years apart, Zhou Renyuan was her cousin, and this was an impossible marriage. As a result, he got heart disease and became thinner and thinner.

It was also Queen Zhou who noticed that Changping was a little strange, so she asked the palace maid, and knew from the palace maid that Changping often sang the song "A Curtain of Dreams" sung by Zhou Renyuan, Queen Zhou knew that something bad happened, and Changping fell in love with Zhou Renyuan. She didn't dare to hide it and told Chongzhen.

Chongzhen knew that the first Buddha of Houqi was born, and the second Buddha ascended to heaven. It was Queen Zhou who persuaded Chongzhen, saying that her daughter was older, and she should find her an in-law! At the same time, she also vaguely persuaded Changping that her idea was impossible, let alone the royal family, even ordinary people would never allow such a thing to happen.

That's why Chongzhen will stop his daughter from meeting Zhou Renyuan today. And at the banquet in the evening, there are many people, and his daughter will not be so disregarded for the occasion! Thinking of this, Chongzhen still felt a little headache, he couldn't take care of state affairs, and family affairs also added to the chaos.