It has been a while since the end of the Spring Festival holiday, and the officials of various departments in the Ming Dynasty have gradually returned to their previous efficiency, and most of the affairs that had been backlogged have also been handled.

In the evening, the Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this moment, Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, soon His Royal Highness the King of the Future will send someone to deliver the news, saying that his concubine Zhang is happy!"

"Oh, is the news confirmed?"

Hearing this, Jiajing put down the letter sent by the celebrant in his hand, looked in the direction where Lu Fang was, and asked with interest.

Lu Fang met Jiajing's gaze, leaned down, and said without thinking: "Your Majesty, the news is true!" ”

After Jiajing learned the news, he supported his chin with one hand, and said with emotion: "I really have the intention to plant flowers that don't bloom, and I don't want to plant willows and willows. ”

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "But now I suddenly have joy...... What a world of impermanence! ”

When Lu Fang, who was on the side, heard Jiajing's words, a trace of horror flashed on his face, and he said to himself silently: "Your Majesty, how can you even know about this!" ”

Subsequently, I saw Lu Fang suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, plucked up his courage, and put forward his conjecture to Jiajing: "Your Majesty, in the eyes of the slave maid, maybe there is a reason for His Royal Highness King Jing to quit drinking, what do you think?" ”

Hearing this, Jiajing pinched his chin with one hand, and after a moment of silence, he nodded, and followed Ying He and said, "Well, there is indeed a possibility of this!" ”

After this, I saw Jiajing withdraw his gaze from Lu Fang's body, raised his eyebrows, and commanded: "In this case, Lu Fang, follow me to Ganlu Palace, I want to see my son!" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, his expression immediately turned grim, and he responded respectfully: "Obey, Your Majesty!" ”

Then, as usual, Lu Fang followed Jiajing's steps step by step, heading in the direction where the Ganlu Palace was located.

……

There is no impermeable wall in the world, and soon, the news of King Jing's concubine Zhang's happiness spread throughout the government and the opposition.

Beijing, Yanfu study.

At this moment, in the room, Yan Song, as usual, was sitting behind the bookcase, while in his hand was holding a copy of "Journey to the West".

"The author of this book is still studying in Guozijian, which is really convenient!"

After finishing his sigh, I saw Yan Song put down the book in his hand, picked up the teacup soaked in wolfberry water on the side, and took a sip.

At this moment, I heard a sharp knock on the door.

Seeing this, a trace of helplessness flashed on Yan Song's face, he shook his head, and then ordered, "Come in!" ”

When the words fell, I heard a 'squeak', and the door of the room was pushed open, and then, I saw Yan Shifan walking in with eager steps.

After entering the study, Yan Shifan subconsciously looked in the direction where Yan Song was, leaned down, and respectfully reported: "Father, not long ago, the child got the news that King Jing's concubine Zhang was happy!" ”

When Yan Song heard this, the expression on his face did not change much, he just nodded, and responded rather calmly: "Well, I know!" ”

Seeing that Yan Song didn't care about this, Yan Shifan's face couldn't help but flash a trace of worry: "Father, the child is worried that King Jing's side may ...... at that time."

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he was interrupted impatiently by Yan Song: "What are you afraid of, King Jing has already returned to the fiefdom, and he can't pose any threat to us!" ”

"If this news had been a year and a half earlier, maybe things would have been different, and now ......"

Yan Song shook his head when he said this, and the meaning of his words was self-evident.

Then, I saw Yan Song turn his gaze to the direction where Yan Shifan was, and asked, "By the way, has there been any movement on Xu Jie's side recently?" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he replied without thinking: "Back to my father's words, Xu Jie's side has been very peaceful recently, and the child wonders if this Xu Jie's back is holding something bad again!" ”

When Yan Song heard this, he shook his head imperceptibly, and muttered to himself: "Xu Jie is too busy to take care of himself now, where do you have the heart to fight with me!" ”

After this, I saw Yan Song withdraw his gaze from Yan Shifan's body, waved his hand, and then said, "Okay, if it's okay, you can go down first!" ”

"Yes, father, the child will leave!"

After Yan Shifan finished speaking, after bowing to Yan Song, he immediately walked away.

When leaving, Yan Shifan also brought the door of the study with him.

……

On the other side, Hu Zongxian's mansion in the capital.

At this moment, taking advantage of the gap when the little guy in charge of guarding the door went in to report, I saw Yu Dayou turn around, looked in the direction of Qi Jiguang with a worried face, and asked, "Brother Yuan Jing, are we looking for trouble for the Governor?" ”

When Qi Jiguang heard Yu Dayou's words, his face was full of helplessness, and he said in response: "Having said that, except for the Governor, no one has given us ideas!" ”

Since Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou left the Chengguo Mansion before, the more they thought about it, the more they felt that something was wrong.

After all, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, as the top clan and nobles of the Ming Dynasty, will go into battle with them to kill the enemy when the time comes.

If it weren't for Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, who personally said the news that he would personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war in front of the two of them, I am afraid that they would still be in the dark until now.

In Qi Jiguang's view, the most confusing problem at the moment is nothing more than two points.

First of all, why until now, there has been no news that General Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, will personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war?

Secondly, what is the purpose of Chengguogong's participation in the war?

These two questions have troubled Qi Jiguang for a long time, and after thinking and meditating for a long time, he still has not received an answer.

Qi Jiguang finally decided to go to Hu Zongxian's staff officer.

After repeatedly confirming that Hu Zongxian was free, Qi Jiguang took Yu Dayou to visit him.

Then, I saw that the little guy who had gone in to report before came to Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Two adults, the master is waiting for you inside, you can go in!" ”

"Well, I'm tired!"

When Qi Jiguang heard this, he bowed his hand to the little servant, and then under the guidance of the housekeeper, he entered the mansion.

……

After the housekeeper took Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou outside the study, he stopped, turned around, and said respectfully.

"Two adults, my lord is waiting for you inside!"

"Well, I'm tired!"

After the housekeeper left, I saw Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou take a deep breath, and only after calming down their good mood did they knock on the door of the study.

Then, I only heard Hu Zongxian's angry voice coming from the study: "Come in!" ”

After this, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou did not hesitate at all, and immediately pushed the door in.

After entering the room, I saw Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou subconsciously looking in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, leaning down, and respectfully: "My subordinates have seen the Governor!" ”

At this time, in the room, Hu Zongxian was sitting behind the bookcase, methodically handling the official documents of the imperial court.

Seeing Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou coming, I saw Hu Zongxian put the brush in his hand aside, then glanced over the two of them, pointed to the vacant seat on the side with his finger, and commanded: "You are here, sit!" ”

When Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou heard this, they didn't excuse themselves and sat down on the vacant seats on the side.

Soon after, the door of the study was pushed open, and the servant stepped forward and brought hot teacups for each of the people in the room.

After greeting Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou to finish tasting hot tea, I saw Hu Zongxian glance over Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou respectively, and took the lead in provoking the topic: "Did you come here so late, did you encounter something?" ”

When Hu Zongxian's words fell, I saw a trace of entanglement flashing on the faces of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou.

Subsequently, Qi Jiguang gritted his teeth as if he had made up his mind, and narrated the ins and outs of the matter to Hu Zhongzhong School.

"Your Excellency the Governor, I don't hide it, I ...... not long ago"

Under Qi Jiguang's narration, Hu Zongxian finally understood the ins and outs of the matter.

Immediately, I saw him support his chin with one hand, looked in the direction where Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were, and said confirmationly: "So, when the time comes, Cheng Guogong will personally lead the Shenji Battalion to fight?" ”

Facing Hu Zongxian's gaze, I saw Qi Jiguang nodding quite firmly, and replied respectfully: "Yes, Lord Governor, this news was revealed by Cheng Guogong himself before his subordinates left!" ”

When Hu Zongxian heard this, he couldn't help frowning slightly, and immediately, he shook his head and said unhurriedly: "The government and the opposition, there is not the slightest rumor about this matter, if you don't tell me this news, I'm afraid I will still be in the dark until now!" ”

"Chengguo Gong actually wanted to personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, and he also got His Majesty's consent......"

Hu Zongxian said to himself, and the expression on his face gradually became solemn.

He wondered what factors could prompt Chengguo's relatives to be in danger.

As the saying goes, soldiers, the major affairs of the country, the place of death and life, and the way of survival, must not be ignored.

Since Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, was willing to personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the battle, then before this, he must have been mentally prepared to die on the battlefield.

And Qi Jiguang mentioned earlier that His Majesty also knew about this matter, and from this point of view, His Majesty also supported the decision of Cheng Guogong to personally lead the troops to the battle.

"In this way, the question is back to the original point, so what are the factors that prompted Cheng Guogong to put himself in danger?"

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who were not far away, saw this situation, and they didn't dare to disturb them, so they had to wait quietly.

……

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it was, I saw Hu Zongxian slap his thigh suddenly, facing the direction of Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, and said in a deep voice: "I figured it out!" ”

Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who were not far away, couldn't help but perk up when they heard Hu Zongxian's words.

Immediately, I saw the two of them looking in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, their faces full of anticipation that could not be concealed.

Facing the expectant eyes of the two, I saw Hu Zongxian clear his throat, and after organizing the words in his mind, he turned to speak.

"Cheng Guogong's move is precisely to let the clan and noble forces return to the court!"

When Hu Zongxian said this, his eyes looked in the direction where Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou were, and continued: "You must know that before this, Your Majesty has been trying every means to support the clan and noble forces, and even held a special exam for them. ”

"And there is nothing more inspiring than a hearty victory!"

"You might as well think about it, if in the war between my Ming Dynasty and Altan Khan, the Shenji battalion commanded by the Chengguo Gong performed well and made great achievements, what should it be?"

As soon as Hu Zongxian's words fell, he saw Qi Jiguang, who was not far away, with an expression on his face that seemed to be enlightened.

Then, I saw him look in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and said tentatively: "Your Excellency Governor, I understand, what you mean is that the reason why Cheng Guogong is risking his life is to let the Ming clan and nobles regain the right to speak in the court!" ”

"If my Ming Dynasty wins the war with Altan Khan at that time, then Chengguo Gong will take the lead and personally lead the Shenji Battalion to participate in the war, which will set an excellent example for the people of the world."

"In this way, it can greatly improve the image of the clan and the nobles in the hearts of the people of the world!"

"When the time comes, Your Majesty can take the momentum of a great victory and use this as an opportunity to justifiably send my Ming clan and nobles into the court."

"With just time, the clan and the nobles will be able to regain the right to speak in the court!"

After listening to Qi Jiguang's explanation, Yu Dayou, who was on the side, also had a look of hindsight on his face, and muttered to himself.

"Even if the sword has no eyes on the battlefield and the Duke of Chengguo is unfortunately martyred, after that, His Majesty will vigorously support the clan and noble forces in the name of comforting the loyal martyrs, and slowly send them to the court."

"Cheng Guogong is clearly gambling with his own life, and his purpose is to revive the Ming clan's clan and nobles!"

Thinking of this, Yu Dayou couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration in his heart, after all, Cheng Guogong was willing to sacrifice his life for this goal.

Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty, there are very few people who can put their lives and deaths aside for a goal.

Hu Zongxian took in the expressions on Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou's faces, and he knew that they had roughly figured out the reason for the whole thing.

Then, I saw Hu Zongxian retract his gaze, nodded, and followed Ying He and said, "Well, that's right, it seems that both of you have figured it out!" ”

……

When Hu Zongxian said this, he withdrew his gaze from the two of them, paused, and continued.

"Since Cheng Guogong is willing to tell you the news in person, it is enough to see that he attaches great importance to you, so what are you going to do next?"

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, he picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip, and quietly waited for the response of the two.

As soon as Hu Zongxian's words fell, he saw Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou on the side with panicked and uneasy looks on their faces.

Then, I saw Qi Jiguang get up from the seat first, lowered his head, and responded without thinking: "Your Excellency, if it wasn't for your support, we wouldn't be where we are today!" ”

Not only Qi Jiguang, but even Yu Dayou on the side also followed and added: "Yes, Lord Governor, if it weren't for your support all the way, we wouldn't have been able to ...... at all."

When Hu Zongxian heard Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou's words, a hint of relief flashed on his face.

Then, I saw him stroke his beard and said slowly: "Having said that, if you can climb the relationship between Cheng Guogong, it will be of great benefit to your future career." ”

Then, as if he had suddenly thought of something, Hu Zongxian withdrew his gaze from the two of them, and then said, "Didn't you say before that Chengguo Gong wanted to fight for Your Majesty's review for you?" ”

After Hu Zongxian finished speaking, without waiting for Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou to respond, he continued: "This is also a kind intention of Cheng Guogong, you should prepare well next, if you perform well, my face will also shine!" ”

When Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou heard this, they immediately looked awe-inspired, leaned down, and said in unison: "Yes, Lord Governor!" ”

Seeing that the doubts that had been bothering him all this time were answered, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou at this time had a relieved look on their faces.

After that, I saw Hu Zongxian waving his hand quite casually, and ordered Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou to expel customers.

"Is there anything else, if it's nothing, let's get here here for the time being!"

"Yes, Lord Governor, my subordinates will retire!"

After Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou finished speaking, after arching their hands to Hu Zongxian, they left the study without the slightest hesitation.

After Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou left, I saw Hu Zongxian retract his gaze, shook his head, and secretly sighed: "I really didn't expect that there is such a plan behind this......

……

At the same time, the capital, the study of Yuwangfu.

The news that King Jing's concubine Zhu Zaizhen's concubine Zhang Youxi was happy naturally also reached Zhu Zaizhen's ears.

Even if he knows that the current Zhu Zaizhen can no longer pose any threat to himself.

For the sake of safety, Zhu Zaikun still summoned Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng to Yuwangfu, and he wanted to hear their opinions.

In the room, I saw Zhu Zaikun look around, then retracted his gaze and took the lead in provoking the topic: "Before this, Gu got the news that it was the fourth brother's concubine Zhang who was currently pregnant, and Gu wanted to hear the opinions of everyone here!" ”

As soon as Zhu Zaikun's words fell, I saw Gao Gong on the side stand up, look in the direction where Zhu Zaikun was, and respond without thinking.

"Your Royal Highness King Yu, you don't have to worry, now that King Jing has become a vassal domain, if you don't receive an edict from Your Majesty, you will not be allowed to return to Beijing for life."

"Even if His Royal Highness King Jing's concubine is pregnant, it will not threaten your status!"

As soon as Gao Gong's words fell, I saw Zhang Juzheng on the side following Ying He and said: "Your Royal Highness King Yu, Gao Ge Lao is right, King Jing can no longer threaten your status!" ”

Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's words, there is no doubt that they spoke to Zhu Zaikun's heart, after all, he thinks so now.

Then, I saw Zhu Zaikun look at Xu Jie, who was silent on the side, and then asked: "Elder Xu Ge, in your opinion, how should this matter be dealt with?" ”

Xu Jie heard Zhu Zaikun's words, and after thinking about it for a long time, he looked in the direction where Zhu Zaikun was located and put forward his own suggestions.

"His Royal Highness King Yu, my opinion is the same as that of the Gao Ge Elders, the current King Jing can no longer pose any threat to you, you can relax your mind!"

When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued to add: "Your Royal Highness King Yu, you might as well take this opportunity to take the initiative to show favor to King Jing, so that you can show your brotherly harmony in front of Your Majesty!" ”

After listening to Xu Jie's advice, Zhu Zaikun had a look of hindsight on his face, and muttered to himself: "Yes, Elder Xu Ge has a point, my father once said it himself before, I don't want to see our brother wall!" ”

"Assuming that I take advantage of this incident to show goodwill to the fourth brother, I will definitely be able to leave a good impression in front of my father!"

Thinking of this, Zhu Zaikun's heart was full of excitement, and he unconsciously clenched his fists, he planned to adopt Xu Jie's suggestion and take the initiative to show favor to his fourth brother Zhu Zaizhen.

After that, Zhu Zaikun pulled everyone again and discussed the details.

Later, it was getting late, and everyone had no intention of staying, so they left one after another.

……

At the gate of Yuwang's Mansion, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng watched Xu Jie's sedan chair go away.

Just as Gao Gong was about to leave in a sedan chair, he was stopped by Zhang Juzheng: "Gao Ge Lao, let's talk!" ”

When Gao Gong heard Zhang Juzheng's words, a trace of surprise flashed on his face.

Then, I saw Gao Gong looking Zhang Juzheng up and down, nodded, and said in response: "It's such a cold day, if you have anything to say, hurry up!" ”

When the words fell, I saw Gao Gong follow Zhang Juzheng's steps and came to a secluded and uninhabited place.

Gao Gong looked at Zhang Juzheng, who was close at hand in front of him, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "Say, what's the matter?" ”

Facing Gao Gong's gaze, I saw that Zhang Juzheng had organized the language in his mind, and said slowly: "Just a few days ago, not long ago, the old man of the Gao Ge, Ma Ziqiang, the official of the banquet who was mentioned below, personally visited the door and expressed his heart. ”

After learning the news from Zhang Juzheng's mouth, Gao Gong's face did not show too much surprise, but he said with emotion: "It's so fast!" ”

Gao Gong knew very well in his heart that Zhang Juzheng had found himself, and it was definitely not just for this one thing.

Things did not surprise Gao Gong, and after a pause, I only heard Zhang Juzheng's voice sound again: "Gao Ge Lao, in the cabinet meeting in the near future, I would like to ask you for a favor!" ”

Hearing this, Gao Gong glanced at Zhang Juzheng, and asked curiously, "Oh, what's busy?" ”

"Previously, the imperial court confiscated 12.82 million taels of silver from the Yuan family in Jiaxing, and now, this silver has already been filled into the treasury."

"And the remaining 198,600 acres of land have not been disposed of!"

When Gao Gong heard this, the whole person instantly realized, and then, he saw him look in the direction where Zhang Juzheng was, and confirmed to him: "So, are you planning to use this matter to experience that Ma Ziqiang?" ”

Regarding Gao Gong's words, Zhang Juzheng did not deny it, but added: "Not only that, but you can also take a look by the way to see if the policy of exempting taxes from taxation by the imperial court has been implemented." ”

Although Gao Gong didn't understand why Zhang Juzheng asked himself for such a trivial matter, he still agreed to Zhang Juzheng's request: "Well, a trivial matter, I agreed, and I will be on your side in the cabinet deliberations in the near future!" ”

"Well, I'm getting old!"

Seeing that Gao Gong agreed to this, Zhang Juzheng showed gratitude on his face, leaned down, and said respectfully. (End of chapter)