No one really understands what kind of person the emperor is today.

In the eyes of other courtiers, looking through the annals of history, emperors like Zhu Houxi are the only ones.

To say that he was a great achievement, he was not as reckless as the Han Wu - the heart of the Arakan Territory was his main pursuit, and it was impossible to be at peace for eight or nine years after the expulsion of the Khan's court.

If you want to say that he advocates culture and education, he is also extremely "deviant". The background of practice and dialectics, those who have really studied it understand that this is quite different from Confucianism.

To say that it is only to stabilize power, he has no shortage of means, but he has set up a national policy meeting and a state hall to delegate power.

No one really understands Zhu Houxi.

Qi Jiguang couldn't understand Zhang Juzheng either.

Now, in his own way, Mr. Zhang is navigating the taboo fringes, exploring the boundaries of the emperor's views on certain issues.

Because he was only seventeen years old, he still had such guts.

Because he's so smart, he's doing something like this now.

It's another night in this small courtyard, and the care of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince only needs to greet his daily life.

It is impossible to really let this ordinary businessman's daughter have any special relationship with the prince, and Zhang Juzheng can clearly distinguish this point of proportion.

really brought the prince to make some scandalous news, Zhang Juzheng felt that the emperor would definitely engage others.

Under his euphemistic prompting, the prince was also measured.

Along the way, there are ambiguous things to enjoy on the spot, but there are no real things that are out of court.

In Zhang Juzheng's words: There are many princes, and this trip is both a training and a test.

Now Zhu Zaiqian watched Zhang Juzheng tease the daughter of the shopkeeper to the extreme.

There was also a shallow smile at the corner of Zhu Zai's mouth, and there was more city in his eyes.

has been reading for himself since he was a child, and Zhang Juzheng's future has actually been limited to death: he is a natural emperor.

And if he doesn't have the prestige of his father to intimidate the ministers, such an imperial party will be a lonely minister.

is also exposed to his father and the emperor, and Zhu Zaiqian is not far behind.

Now that I think about it, this visit to Shuangyu Island, including some choices to break through the established route along the way, is a little meaningful.

The life without a step-by-step routine is very new and exciting for Zhu Zaiqi. This emotional feeling, this special experience, is what Zhang Juzheng tried to help him realize.

And in this process, Zhang Juzheng and Qi Jiguang, who are both literate and martial, really established an extraordinary friendship with the prince.

It is a tacit understanding and trust in the face of the unknown together.

Seeing that Zhang Juzheng and the owner's daughter arranged dinner and came back, Zhu Zaizheng looked at Zhang Juzheng and asked bluntly: "Shuda, is this deliberate?" ”

Qi Jiguang's heart sank and looked at Zhang Juzheng.

Is the prince dissatisfied, or does he want to ask something else?

Zhang Juzheng just took a sip of tea, put down the teacup when he heard the words, and looked at the prince.

After a while, he spoke: "How dare I deliberately put His Highness in danger? It's just that His Majesty has taught carefully over the years, and he is looking forward to His Highness's continued efforts to carry on the past and forge ahead into the future. In this case, travel is not just a formality. And the docks are chaotic and the guards are moving, but I can't make His Highness look unsuspecting. Speaking of this, Your Highness, Your Majesty will naturally inquire after returning to Beijing, but you can't excuse me. ”

Zhu Zaiqian was a little surprised: "Really? Why? ”

Zhang Juzheng sighed: "Your Majesty is so wise and powerful? Since I let His Highness get into danger, how can I not receive the punishment. For many years, His Majesty has regarded me as a protégé, and I cannot rely on Jun's grace alone to secure a high position in the future. Your Highness, there are some things that I also look forward to when Your Majesty wants to punish me, and I will ask Your Majesty for clarification. ”

“…… What does it take to wait until such an opportunity? ”

Zhang Juzheng looked at Qi Jiguang, and then said slowly: "In the future, His Royal Highness will be the king, and Yuan Jing and I will be ministers." In the future, Your Highness will have more courtiers and a wider land. After this incident, the disciple made a mistake, and the teacher should admonish me, so that I can ask Your Majesty for guidance and know how to assist Your Highness in the future to best suit Your Majesty's wishes. To be honest, the Ming Dynasty is very different now. The future situation is difficult to learn from the annals of history. I thought about it, but I was afraid that only His Majesty could see clearly. ”

He paused before saying to Zhu Zaiqi: "These things, Your Highness and I and the other two, the sooner Your Majesty thinks it's time to make it clear, the better!" ”

Zhu Zaiqian stopped talking.

Naturally, his father had said a lot to him in private, and he somewhat understood what Zhang Juzheng meant.

The question he asked Zhang Juzheng also had an answer.

Is this matter the direction that Zhang Juzheng deliberately guided? Now it seems that it is probably true, at least Zhang Juzheng has his own doubts and wants to create opportunities to figure it out.

After returning to Beijing, what kind of admonition will he make?

Zhu Zaiqian knew that Zhang Juzheng was doubting the distant future. After a hundred years of waiting for his father, what will happen to you? What about the ministers?

……

When the dock gang on Shuangyu Island took advantage of the night to make trouble, it was completely impossible to think that there was still a Ming prince on the island.

Because it was on the top at the time, it is now also ushering in a catastrophe.

The Jinyiwei Special Operations Battalion and the mixed team of the Special Service Team, which were responsible for secretly guarding the prince, helped Fei Maozhong to make a move, and the posture of struggle was futile.

And Fei Maozhong, who was shrewd enough to write a stable article during the palace examination that year, understood that the emperor would eventually vent his anger on the problem of poor local governance.

The undercurrent between the Ming Dynasty and the vassal states is turbulent, and the arrows that the emperor swore to shoot on the tablet of Xuancheng are still there, and His Majesty's grand cause has not yet been realized, and money is needed to use soldiers.

Taking advantage of this incident, a batch of stolen money was copied out, and after the city of Ningbo was rectified, the sea trade tax revenue was more, which was in line with the needs of the emperor.

Lu Bing rushed to Ningbo, and when Fei Maozhong greeted him, Lu Bing just greeted him politely.

When Fei Maozhong wanted to ask him how to cooperate with the search for the prince, Lu Bing just shook his head: "Fei Dutai has been busy with official business since he went, but he has never been here as the commander." ”

After that, he looked at Liang Guangfeng, who was trembling: "Tie your hands and go with me to ask for sin!" ”

Fei Mao was taken aback and asked, "Commander Lu, already have eyebrows?" ”

Lu Bing's mood is relaxed now, but his face is noncommittal: "Fei Dutai, it's best not to arrange people to see where the commander goes." ”

“…… Don't dare, don't dare ......"

Does Jinyiwei and Neicha Factory have any secret nests in the local area? Where did Fei Maozhong dare to inquire about these things.

It's just that Lu Bing seems to have a clear goal after he arrives, which is also a great shock for a local official like him.

This means that His Majesty has more eyes and ears than before, and the channels are extremely secretive, and even Liang Guangfeng, the secret guard commander of the prince's travels, does not know.

Liang Guangfeng heard that the boss had a direct arrangement, what else could he say?

He was naturally wearing civilian clothes, tied his hands behind his back and hid them under his robe, and looked very domineering when he walked behind Lu Bing with his hands behind his back.

Although he lowered his head like a defeated chicken.

"Stupidity is indeed stupidity, and loyalty is indeed loyalty."

On the way, Lu Bing opened his mouth.

"Shameful ......"

"On the way here, my little relatives and friends have been checked by me." Lu Bing's eyes flickered, "Fortunately, it's just that the situation is urgent, and this commander can still excuse you in front of His Majesty." ”

"My lord, ...... humble position" Liang Guangfeng was moved.

"Grow an eye in the future. Jinyiwei is just a sharp blade of the Son of Heaven, no one draws the sword, how can he unsheath it by himself? ”

The group in civilian clothes also stayed in a hostel, and then they behaved like ordinary travelers.

But when the buyer of silk cloth arrived at the shop, he found the owner when he entered the door.

"My lord received a letter the day before yesterday, and I heard that he had received three excellent tributes?"

"Tribute...... Have you brought a seal? For such noble things, the rules of etiquette cannot be bad! The shopkeeper got nervous.

"That's exactly how it should be. My lord and the seal letter are here, and please hand over the invitation to the little one again, and make an appointment to visit the door at a certain time. ”

“…… You will wait a while, and the small ones need to be checked properly. ”

"Excuse me!"

After holding the letter and the small box, the shopkeeper first stepped through the door of the front store to the backyard with all his vigor and seemed normal, and then he turned into two hands, and ran nervously to the backyard with small steps.

"Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang......"

He walked to the door of the main room in the backyard with a low voice, and his mouth trembled: "A distinguished guest has come with a letter and a seal letter you said. ”

"Boss Tang, come in and talk."

Zhang Juzheng opened the door from the inside, invited him in, and then solemnly took the letter and the box and presented them to Zhu Zaizhen.

Zhu Zaiji opened the box first.

The little boss of this shop, surnamed Tang, saw that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince took out a golden seal from the box, and looked at the tattoos on it.

Then he opened the letter and read it carefully.

After a while, he spoke: "Boss Tang, the distinguished guests come to the door, set up a family banquet, and invite Mr. An to come over tonight." Uncle, you can write an invitation. ”

“…… It was Mr. An who came in person. Zhang Juzheng nodded solemnly, "I'll write it!" ”

After some handover, Boss Tang returned the "invitation" to the person who came to the door, and then found his daughter: "Quick, tell your mother to prepare a table of good wine and food, there are distinguished guests tonight!" ”

"Dad, but ......"

"No more asking!"

Boss Tang has been worried for many days.

Since that night, the scholar who used to use business to tease his daughter who helped in the store came to reveal his identity, Boss Tang was happy and surprised.

Doing a little business on this Shuangyu Island to make a living, who would have thought that one day he would entertain the prince to live at home for so many days?

But after the scholar who seemed to be gentle and polite said those words, Boss Tang also knew that this was a big deal.

No one dared to pretend to be the prince, and an ordinary person like him, who had never thought that he would be implicated, would not dare to risk the safety of the prince and not listen to them and reveal any news to the outside world.

It's true that no one really searched the three young people door-to-door—didn't that treat His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as a thief? It's just that I've asked a few times, and I said that I haven't seen it, so I just do it.

Later, no one continued to ask.

Now, after helping him send an ordinary letter from home, a distinguished guest really came to the door with a sealed letter, mentioning "three excellent tributes" as he said.

Is it finally possible to send them away? Now, it should be a bit of a small effort, right?

It's almost night, and the atmosphere on Shuangyu Island has been much more depressed recently.

The government is arresting the bandits and thieves, and it is even more important to prevent the Japanese from making trouble again at night.

At dusk, three people came to the shop one after the other.

The leader was in his early thirties, and he took out the invitation card and bent over: "Uncle Tang Shi, the little nephew is here to pay respects." ”

“…… Don't dare, don't dare. ”

Boss Tang didn't know why he was so cautious since such big names had already arrived, presumably it was still about the prince's safety.

He took the person to the main room in the backyard, shrank by the door and watched the leader raise his eyes to see the room, then quickly stepped forward, knelt on his knees and saluted: "The commander of the minister's brocade guard is Lu Bing, knock on His Royal Highness the Prince." The minister's escort is late, His Royal Highness forgives the sins! ”

Boss Tang's legs were weak, and he felt like he wanted to kneel.

Sure enough, it's true, and there is no fake.

So he really knelt down.

I only heard His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hurriedly go over and say: "Aunt Lao's father is here, and I am ashamed to carry it......"

"Deputy Qianhu Liang Guangfeng took his own initiative to protect him ineffectively, and the minister also brought him, please punish His Highness!"

"Please punish Your Highness!"

Liang Guangfeng knelt there, and Boss Tang peeked over, only to see that this person's hands were tied on his back, and they were extremely strong.

“…… It happened suddenly, and since my uncle brought you to me, it seems that it was just a false alarm. Since I saw my uncle today, if there is anything, let's talk about it later, let's get up first. ”

"Boss Tang, you've worked hard for this time. Protecting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is thoughtful, and this commander will give His Majesty a clear name. ”

"It's tormented by the grass people, the horse master, the grass people don't dare, the grass people don't dare to ......"

Seeing that the boss of the Jinyi Guard, who was rumored to be like a demon god among the people, came to help him personally, Boss Tang suddenly stood up in cringe.

At this time, he saw the "uncle" in the mouth of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince staring at the young man surnamed Zhang.

"The commander of Lao Jialu is in person, and he deserves death for the crime of being right."

Zhang Juzheng bent down to salute, and Qi Jiguang knelt aside.

"Your Majesty's Command!"

This time, Boss Tang's heart trembled again, and he knelt down again: Finish it in one breath!

Zhang Juzheng also knelt, even including Zhu Zaiji.

At this moment, Lu Bing represents Zhu Houxi, the son of the great tomorrow.

"The credit for the crime will be talked about after returning to Beijing. I'm busy with state affairs, don't worry me anymore. ”

Zhu Zaiqian took the lead and said: "The son is ashamed ......"

In front of the guilt, Zhang Juzheng only said: "Obey the holy oracle." ”

Lu Bing picked up Zhu Zaiqian first: "Okay, Your Highness is also frightened." Seeing the minister, it should be relieved. The matter of returning to Beijing has been arranged. He will leave tomorrow, and the minister will personally escort His Highness back to Beijing. ”

"It's hard work uncle."

“…… Temple...... Your Highness, Master Horse...... Isn't it...... Ready to serve? Boss Tang muttered on the side, "It's all home-cooked food, Your Highness has been using it for a few days, and there is no problem." ”

"Boss Tang, I'm tired. I have been bothering you for a few days, and as I leave, I would like to thank you and your family. ”

Lu Bing watched the prince behave approachably, his eyes were still mainly on Zhang Juzheng, and he saw that this guy was not shocked.

"This is the blessing of the grass people, the blessing of the grass people. Your Highness, Master Horse, Lords, wait, wait, wait......"

The person brought by Lu Bing and another person did not have a place to serve at the table, and the courtyard waited.

There were no outsiders for the time being, and Lu Bingcai said to Zhang Juzheng: "Uncle, Your Majesty asked me to ask you." ”

Zhang Juzheng left his seat again and knelt down: "The student is here." ”

"The princes have always been friendly, what are you doing so nervous?"

"The students accompany His Royal Highness the Prince, and they don't dare to take risks."

Lu Bing nodded: "Okay." I know your reminder. ”

Zhang Juzheng's heart sank.

For this question, for his own answer, Your Majesty has a plan?

I only heard Lu Bing say again: "This meal, Zhang Banyu can eat it." ”

Zhang Juzheng thanked him, stood up with a wry smile, and asked Lu Bing directly: "Commander Lu, you should also tie the kid back." ”

Qi Jiguang felt a little puzzled, anyway, Lu Bing just sighed: "It's really worrying Your Majesty." You don't know how many troubles have been going on lately, but I have to leave Beijing myself. Let's go back to Beijing as soon as possible, tie you up, I'm afraid I'll go slower. Your Majesty let me tell you that you are a man of great wisdom. Let you learn from Your Majesty since you were a child, and don't exercise too deeply in the city just because you have been by His Highness's side since you were a child. ”

“…… The boy is ashamed of His Majesty's teachings. ”

Lu Bing glanced at Zhang Juzheng deeply.

No matter what, this guy's actions and letters, after all, he still had to leave Beijing and come in person.

Before the Ming Dynasty's actions against the feudal domains began, before the emperor might have to divide the other princes into the feudal domains, after all, this matter still made the world's important ministers see the emperor's importance to the crown prince.

The crown prince has always taken his vigilance against the battle for the crown prince to heart, and the important ministers know about it.

The emperor's attitude that he would not allow the crown prince to be lost, but had to take the risk of cultivating the prince into a more qualified monarch, the important ministers saw it.

The prince is surrounded by such young but intelligent ministers who have grown up together since childhood, and the important ministers have also seen it.

Accompanying the prince on adventures, and with such opportunities and scheming, how can he not be in a high position in the future?

Even if he would be punished for this now, he was only seventeen!

What's more, from the emperor's admonition to him in advance, Lu Bing also knew that this guy's considerations were not only these.

It's just that there are more considerations, I'm afraid only His Majesty has figured it out.

That may be what you want to say to the prince alone, and what you want to say to Zhang Juzheng alone.

At this time, when Boss Tang came over with his wife and daughter with dishes, the prince just said to Zhang Juzheng with a smile: "Uncle, since you have this fate, you can't miss Qingqing's beauty." ”

It can be seen that the prince very much agrees with Zhang Juzheng's decision this time!

(End of chapter)