The twelfth day of the lunar month.

Imperial Palace, in front of Qingning Palace.

Zhang Zhou entered the palace on this day, and Yang Peng accompanied him to attend the completion ceremony.

"Immortal Master Zhang, you see this Qingning Palace, it is much more magnificent than before, the newly repaired palace is also connected to copper pipes, it has been tested in the past two days, after the hot water is passed, the room is as warm as spring."

Yang Peng knew that he couldn't do it for too long in the position of the eunuch of the imperial horse eunuch, and he probably couldn't stay in Dongchang, so he was desperately trying to tie up Zhang Zhou now.

But Zhang Zhou was very principled and did not accept his gifts, he hinted several times that he would thread a needle and lead Zhang Zhou to meet the merchants in the city, and also said that he did not have to worry about taking these people's money, but Zhang Zhou still did not let go.

Zhang Zhou said: "It's good. ”

Zhang Zhouli was in front of Qingning Palace and did not enter the palace.

He is not a palace attendant, a man outside the palace, after repairing the palace, the main owner has not yet entered to live, and it is obviously not a good choice to run in and wander around by himself.

Besides, the main purpose of his entry into the palace today is not for this, but after the completion ceremony is over, he will go to the Qianqing Palace to meet the emperor.

At that time, Ma Wensheng, the secretary of the Ministry of War, Wang Yue, the left attendant of the Ministry of War, and Zhang Mao, the British public, will all go.

He looked up at the lightning rod erected on the top of the palace, and in order to show that this was to deter the gods, he also specially cast the upper end of the lightning rod into a dragon and phoenix pattern.

Yang Peng said with a smile: "According to what you said, the copper wire below is connected to the ground, and it is all in the yin of the inner wall, not the yang." ”

"Hmm."

Zhang Zhou nodded in satisfaction.

With a lightning rod, it's almost impossible to start a fire with a fire from the sky next time.

The palace of the Ming Dynasty has been hit by natural fires a lot in hundreds of years, and Zhang Zhou really can't add lightning rods to them all in turn, which is neither realistic nor necessary.

But since Qingning Palace was built and repaired by him, it must be added.

As he was talking, the Jiao ceremony over there was about to end, and the Taoist priest should leave the palace after completing the work at hand.

"Immortal Master Zhang, Gonggong Xiao is already waiting, saying that you can go to Qianqing Palace."

Someone came to pass the word.

Only then did Zhang Zhou see Xiao Jing standing not far away, still smiling at him.

Then Zhang Zhoucai went over and walked to the Qianqing Palace with Xiao Jing.

……

……

"Mr. Zhang, there is a sentence that should not be mentioned, Yang Peng, don't get too close."

Xiao Jing obviously wanted to make a move on Yang Peng, but he was afraid that Zhang Zhou would just not accept gifts for the time being, and he might still want to use Yang Peng's relationship to make a lot of money when he turned around, so he wanted to test Zhang Zhou's tone first.

In fact, there is no need to be tempted.

The more Zhang Zhou said that he was very important to Yang Peng, the more jealous Xiao Jing became, and Yang Peng's end was even worse.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Gonggong Xiao reminded me right, Gonggong Yang is too scheming, he wants to give me a gift if he has nothing to do, and wants to pull me into the water, but to do things for the palace, everything should be self-denial, how can I be bewitched by him?" But this person did something for me, but in the end, I still can't just avoid it...... It's hard. ”

Xiao Jing listened.

You Zhang Zhou really know the rules of the court, this is ...... It can be regarded as a demonstration of your unwillingness to accept gifts and your attitude of behaving in the court, and it can also be regarded as a definition of your relationship with Yang Peng, right?

Xiao Jing wanted to press Yang Peng down before, not because Yang Peng didn't know how to do things, but mainly because Yang Peng was hanging around Zhang Zhou, Xiao Jing was afraid that Yang Peng would lead Zhang Zhou astray, and he was afraid that Yang Peng would steal the limelight from him Xiao Jing......

Xiao Jing wants to nip something in the bud.

But when he listened to Zhang Zhou's words, he instantly seemed to understand that it was unnecessary to worry.

Because Zhang Zhou will not be easily corrupted by Yang Peng, and Zhang Zhou is very aware of Yang Peng's "danger", but only recognizes Yang Peng's ability.

"Father-in-law Xiao, is there a personnel arrangement for Father-in-law Yang in the palace? Don't mind, I won't interfere in any way. Zhang Zhou reminded with a smile.

It means that the things in the palace are so lovely.

Xiao Jing said with a smile: "Since he can do things, let him help Mr. Zhang more, but Mr. Zhang is careful to be careful." ”

"Oh." Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "I don't need him a few times, after the Qingning Palace is repaired, whether there will be a chance to meet in the future is a matter of two questions." Father-in-law Xiao, aren't we going to leave quickly? It's going slower and slower. ”

Xiao Jing came back to his senses and said with a smile: "Mr. is right, let's go quickly, don't make Your Majesty wait for a long time." ”

……

……

Outside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Mao, Ma Wensheng, and Wang Yue were standing there waiting, and there was not a word between the three of them, just from the gap between them, none of the three of them looked down on each other.

Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue are the same age, both in their seventies, and they are in the same military and political system as the Kejinshi, but the two have a deep grudge.

Zhang Mao is younger, and he is about to be in his sixtieth year.

The three old guys have one less play, let them let go of their arms and sing, it is estimated that they can sing three or four plays.

It's just that there are too many grievances between these three people.

Zhang Zhou didn't come, and the emperor never summoned them, and what was to be discussed this time was naturally the use of troops around Xuanfu in February, and the main thing involved was the partial pass.

In the Ming Dynasty, the partial head pass does not belong to the three sides, and the two towns of Datong and Xuanfu are close, and they are generally controlled by the governor of Xuanda, and Wang Yue was only the general system of Shaanxi, Yansui and other places, which is equivalent to saying that Wang Yue was transferred to Xuanda from the three sides, involving some personnel arrangements, and can not wait until February to discuss, and even can not wait until the next year.

To prepare for a big war, even if it is not made public, two months in advance, the time is already considered to be rushed.

The trio had always been curious.

Who is the emperor waiting for?

The three of us, how to say it, are also the pillars of the civil and military forces, and we are waiting here, and we don't say who we are waiting for!

Just thinking about it, Xiao Jing on the other side brought Zhang Zhou over and passed up the steps.

Zhang Zhou came from Qingning Palace, and glanced down from above, this is unbelievable, the three old men of Daming are standing straight below, and he can look at them condescendingly.

The three old men also noticed his presence and looked up at him.

Ma Wensheng still doesn't know who this is.

"Please!"

Zhang Zhou didn't need to pass it on, and was directly invited into the Qianqing Palace by Xiao Jing in front of the three old men.

……

……

"Bingkuan, here?"

Zhu Youzhu was still discussing the content of Zhu Yi's approval with Dai Yi, and he was not very satisfied with the votes for the relevant affairs of the cabinet, and when he saw Zhang Zhou coming in, he directly put down the matter at hand.

Prepare to begin deliberations on the use of troops in the northwest.

Zhang Zhou saluted and said, "See Your Majesty." ”

"Why are you still polite? I haven't seen you for many days, but you still look good, give me a seat! Zhu Youzhu didn't treat Zhang Zhou as an outsider at all.

Dai Yi hurriedly reminded: "Your Majesty, the British Duke, Ma Butang and Wang Butang are still waiting outside. ”

This is to remind the emperor, if you give Zhang Zhou a seat now, when the three old men come in and see Zhang Zhou and a young man sitting there, can you still have an opinion?

In order for Zhang Zhou to be able to mix in the civil and official circles in the future, he should not be given too high courtesy in front of others, otherwise it is easy to have an accident.

Zhu Youzhu said: "Go and invite a few people who are waiting outside." ”

"Yes!" Xiao Jing then went out to spread the word and let the three old men come in.

……

……

The three pillars of the Ming Dynasty, plus Zhang Zhou, stood in the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youzhu sat back at the desk.

After the simple greeting of the monarch and the ministers, Zhu Youzhu also pointed out today's intentions: "...... I want to discuss with all of you that at the beginning of February next year, troops will be used at the Bitou Pass and other places, and this matter is very important, and I must not speak openly to anyone except for those present. ”

Ma Wensheng listened.

Troops in the Northwest?!

Let's not talk about the scale of the use of troops.

This matter alone is really fatal, the emperor didn't say anything in the court, nor did he notify the cabinet, and directly discussed with a few of them behind closed doors?

"Your Majesty, no!" Ma Wensheng is a traditional civil servant in the end, so he naturally thinks that all affairs should be discussed in the court.

No matter how important it is behind closed doors, it is not in accordance with the rules.

Zhu Youzhu raised his hand to interrupt Ma Wensheng's words, and said, "Ma Qingjia, I know what you are worried about, but this time the use of troops in the northwest is all about Bingkuan...... That is, the people who predicted the palace Qingning palace disaster and the Henan earthquake before...... He predicted that in February of the next year, the Tatars would plunder my Ming Yaotou Pass and other places, so as to take precautions as early as possible, and not to startle the snake! ”

Ma Wensheng couldn't help but glance sideways at Zhang Zhou.

It's good that the emperor didn't mention this, but he did......

Ma Wensheng felt that the situation was serious.

Fires, earthquakes, or whatever, even if you listen to a monk, do you have to listen to a soldier in the northwest now? Is this going to bring disaster to the country and the people?

That kid named Zhang Zhou really dared to mention it, and the emperor really dared to believe it!

Wang Yue saw that Ma Wensheng was already a little angry, and couldn't help reminding: "Negative map, in fact, Your Majesty's intention is to let the Partial Head Pass and other places take precautions, if the Tatars really intend to attack, they can't let them take advantage, but if they don't come...... It's okay to just step up your preparations! It's better to believe it! ”

Ma Wensheng didn't want to pay attention to Wang Yue.

How much do you Wang Shichang talk about the emperor and the magnates, when others don't know?

A Fang Shi, just a young man, won't you already be a master who can be pinched and counted in your eyes, right?

Don't people know that you want to take the opportunity to regain your title?

Ma Wensheng said sternly: "Your Majesty, the military and political affairs in the northwest should be discussed in the long run, regardless of whether Di Yi has the intention of committing a border for the time being, even if there is, it should also show the posture of the Ming Dynasty's strict defense, so that it retreats, not to attract it to attack, Your Majesty will make it clear in the court, and it must be informed to the world, so that Di Yi will have some scruples!" ”

Wang Yue heard Ma Wensheng's disdain for him, and he said coldly: "If it is made public, it is tantamount to striking the grass and startling the snake, if the Tatars do not attack the head pass, but attack elsewhere, if they attack the weak place of defense, I am afraid that it will be ruined, right?" ”

"You!"

Ma Wensheng glared at Wang Yue.

Dai Yi hurriedly came out and said, "Both of you are my ministers, so why argue?" It's all for the stability of the north of the Ming Dynasty, and it's for the Ming Society! ”

Zhang Mao on the side was snickering.

He watched the two veteran-level guys biting each other there, not to mention how cool it was.

Let you usually have nothing to do and like to press Wu Xun, but now you don't have the problem of sending troops, you also have internal disputes, right?

It depends on who the emperor listens to, anyway, he doesn't listen to the two of you, Zhang Gongsheng next to him hasn't spoken yet! That's my grandson's husband...... Although temporary!

Zhu Youzhu obviously didn't like to see a quarrel between Ma Wensheng and Wang Yue, and he said with a solemn face: "I can understand the mood of the two, but now in terms of the situation in the northwest, I think that Zhang Bingkuan is not untargeted. ”

Ma Wensheng glared at Zhang Zhou angrily and replied: "Your Majesty, when will the Ming Dynasty use troops in the northwest, and you want to listen to a descendant?" ”

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Ma Shangshu, listen to Father-in-law Dai, don't be impatient, I didn't say that the Tatars must come!" ”

"What?"

This time, not only Ma Wensheng was surprised, but even the emperor and Wang Yue and others felt that Zhang Zhou was playing with fire.

After listening to you, they thought that the Tatars were going to make a big attack on the border in February of the next year, and they were discussing a military operation, but you actually said that they would not necessarily come?

Zhang Zhoudao: "As far as I know, there is now a war of annexation on the grassland, and the little Mongolian prince Batu Munke, known as Dayan Khan, has tried to annex the tribes of the steppe in recent years, which has seriously lacked the living space between the tribes. ”

Ma Wensheng didn't say anything.

What Zhang Zhou said is not a secret.

It would not be surprising if the emperor told him.

"This time, it will not be Dayan Khan's people, but the soldiers and horses of the Mongolian right wing, and in the coming year...... Dayan Khan will take the opportunity to annex the Mongol right wing, and the situation in the steppe will be even more treacherous! Zhang Zhoudao.

"You ......"

This time, Ma Wensheng was a little at a loss for what to say.

said that this was a set of alchemists to measure the sky, and Zhang Zhou analyzed the situation of the grassland again.

Dayan Khan's next step was to annex the Mongol right wing, and even many elders of the military department discussed it together, but they did not give an accurate answer, because no one knew what Dayan Khan's next goal was.

Now Zhang Zhou can tell the results that the military department has not calculated, and he can say that he has a nose and an eye.

But to say that this is not nonsense......

Dai Yi asked: "Mr. Zhang, since you have said that this Di Yi is about to invade my border, why is no one sure?" ”

Zhang Zhoudao: "I am only good at measuring some heavenly machines, but not good at measuring things in the world!" The area covered by the Mongol right wing is not only a partial pass, if it is really to prepare for war with great fanfare, the Tatars may not come, but the battle between the Mongol right wing and the Dayan Khan tribe will start in the coming year. ”

"In the past year, because of the war in Shaanxi, Guyuan, Hetao and other places, as well as Wang Shilang's battle in Helan Mountain, the vitality of the Tatars has been greatly damaged, and the northwest horse market has basically stagnated. What is prepared is not a battle with my Ming Dynasty, but a battle of the grassland within it! ”

Ma Wensheng was very angry in his heart, but listening to Zhang Zhou's words still caused him to think a little.

The most intuitive thought in his mind......

Where did this kid know all this?

For Zhang Zhou, this is just what has happened in history, Dayan Khan's annexation of the Mongolian right wing, it was in the thirteenth year of Hongzhi, and the honeymoon period between the Ming and the grassland in Tumubao was also in the thirteenth year of Hongzhi after the Ming sent troops to Ordos, and the border trade was completely cut off, and it was not until the Jiajing period that the horse market was reopened.

For people of this era, the future is uncertain.

Listening to it in your ears is like listening to a book from heaven.

(End of chapter)