In the court.

Zhang Zhou attended the court meeting, and at this court meeting, Zhu Youzhu began a speech on the northwest border politics, and the content of the story was that the northwest cannot be idle and must continue to fight.

“…… Since the beginning of autumn, there have been many Tatars everywhere who have come close to the border, and there have been urgent reports from various guards in Ningxia, and the Tatars do not seem to be resigned to their previous defeats, and are still trying to find opportunities for harassment and plunder in the borderlands......"

After thinking about it again and again, I decided to use Wang Qiong's Wang Qing family to take charge of the military affairs of Yansui, Ningxia, Gansu and other places, and let him go to the northwest to replace Qin Qing's family and come back. After Qin Qing's family returns to the court, I will arrange new errands for him as appropriate. ”

……

In addition to saying that he wanted to send Wang Qiong to the northwest, he also wanted to transfer Qin Hong back.

It is not to directly let Qin Hong return to his hometown, but to give him an official position at the level of a scholar, and let him mix in the capital for a period of time, which can be regarded as glory before retirement.

After reactivating it once, it can't just be released, otherwise others will think that Qin Hong's errand this time is not good enough.

But in fact, from the emperor's point of view, Qin Hong's trip to the northwest this time was basically in a decent manner, and it was also because the Tatars did not choose Ningxia from the Yansui Koubian, but chose Ningxia twice, and Qin Hong had neither a chance to make a mistake nor a big opportunity for meritorious service.

Xie Qian came out and said, "Your Majesty, since the military affairs in the northwest are tense, we should send people from the military department to assist in the military affairs of the three sides." Why do you need to transfer people from the household department? ”

If you want to send someone, you should stuff Zhang Bingkuan's kid over.

So that we may not see him.

Out of sight is still.

Zhu Youzhu said: "Xie Qingjia, who do you think is suitable, just explain it directly, there is no need to be so obscure." ”

Name Zhang Zhou, I know what you mean.

Xie Qian seemed to be very interested, and did not continue to talk about this topic.

Zhu Youzhi also deliberately waited for Xie Qian for a while, and saw that Xie Qian really had no intention of coming out again to spoil the fun, so he said with a straight face: "In this case, then this matter will be decided first, with the current official position of Wang Qing's family, and the imperial history of the right capital, he will be transferred to Yansui, and he will leave on the same day." ”

Because Wang Qiong has always been a left servant and has not been a scholar, he did not directly transfer to the northwest with the imperial history of Zuodu.

The transfer of the right capital to the imperial history can be regarded as a relatively high salary, but because the trilateral general system is regarded as the most important military commander in the northwest, such a dispatch is equivalent to giving Wang Qiong a chance to be directly promoted to Shangshu, and the ministers present can also perceive this.

If Wang Qiong is conscientious in the northwest, even if he doesn't have to make too much contribution, as long as the Tatars no longer invade the border, or have small victories in some local wars, then Wang Qiong will return to the dynasty to be a scholar after two or three years, which is basically a matter of certainty in the subway.

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, the household department is now involved in the storage of autumn grain, and the transfer of Zuo Shilang at this time will make the affairs of the public party slack." You might as well appoint another person to be the left servant of the household department. ”

"No need."

Zhu Youzhu also understood what Liu Jian meant.

Liu Jian wanted to weaken Zhang Zhou's control over the household department, after all, now the household department is left and right, one is Wang Qiong, and the other is Lu Wan, all of whom are promoted by Zhang Zhou, only one Shangshu Tong Zhong is still a member of their old faction, but Shangshu doesn't care about anything.

The errand of the household department is now basically stolen by the second and third leaders.

If someone can replace Wang Qiong, it will greatly strengthen the control of the people of the old faction over the household department.

And controlling the distribution of money and food in the household department has always been considered by the old faction to be the best means to curb the imperial power.

"This time the northwest will not allocate more money and food, and the border towns still need to be self-sufficient." Zhu Youzhu added, "I have previously approved the construction of a shipyard and a port in Yongping Mansion, which is related to the transfer of money and grain to the north in Nanjing and other places. You don't have to talk about it, this matter can be regarded as benefiting the country and the people. ”

The emperor made a declaration that he decided directly on one thing without consulting with the minister.

The construction of a seaport close to Gyeonggi is not a small ferry like before, but a large port, which can dock large sea ships and make up for the lack of canal capacity by land transportation.

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, this fee will be a lot. ”

"You don't need the court to give money." Zhu Youzhu said, "Every time I mention the construction of sea ships, you are all against it, have you ever thought that this can bring some tangible benefits? Ships from the south to the north have to pass through the big river, how much does it cost to dredge the river every year? And how many times a year because of this, ships are not able to pass? Now that the sea is at peace, why can't we make good use of the route? ”

Liu Jian wanted to say something, but seeing that the emperor was resolute, he couldn't object.

It is also because the emperor said that there is no need for the court to pay silver.

In fact, Liu Jian also wants to see if you Zhang Bingkuan can raise money and food to solve everything by yourself, why does this matter make people so disbelievable?

If you build the shipbuilding yourself, forget it, and now build a port, you have to repair it yourself? You're quite capable.

"I have combined with Bingkuan, and the cost of building the port and other things this time is about one million taels, which is also a lot of money, and this may not be the cost of some manpower. Bingkuan also said in advance, he will try his best to raise these, and the local government will also give support. Zhu Youzhu mentioned this with a little pride.

Without the help of your court, Bingkuan and I can do it.

This is very different from what was required of you before.

In this way, the waist of the emperor is harder than before, and he is more confident in speaking.

Ma Wensheng, the secretary of the ministry, said: "Your Majesty, Yongping Mansion is involved in local affairs and other matters, and now it has not been ascertained and implemented. ”

As soon as these words came out, all the ministers present were shocked.

This Ma Wensheng is usually a representative of the compromise faction, why is he so tough today and directly questioned the emperor's decision?

Liu Jian, Li Dongyang and several other cabinet ministers also couldn't help but look sideways at Ma Wensheng.

There are indeed not many times when Ma Wensheng is as tough as today, and in the past two years, Ma Wensheng has been so old and faint that he is obviously not as vigorous in the court as he was earlier.

"The matter of Yongping Mansion, I have already asked the people of Dongchang and Jinyiwei to investigate, and Dali Temple is also involved, and the results will be available in the next few days, and it will not cause any evil consequences to the place, you can rest assured." Zhu Youzhu casually coped with a few words.

He didn't say it, in fact, the case had been decided, and the local government voluntarily handed over the silver to the imperial court, or to Zhang Zhou, as protection money.

Obviously, in the affairs of Yongping Mansion, the emperor wants to "operate in the dark", not everything needs to be put on the surface, and the emperor also has his own careful thoughts.

……

……

The court meeting ended.

The ministers ended in another disappointment, and the emperor went to the Qianqing Palace with a sense of pride.

"Your Majesty, it seems that Ma Shangshu and others still have a lot of complaints about the construction of the port in Yongping Mansion." Xiao Jing said, "Why didn't Your Majesty tell the officials of the DPRK about the case of Yongping Mansion?" ”

The case of Yongping Mansion is no longer a secret here in Xiao Jing.

Li Zhang is also his subordinate no matter what he says, and Xiao Jing is the former admiral eunuch of Dongchang, and there are also people in Dongchang.

In this matter, the emperor did not hide it from the celebrants, but he was not allowed to disclose it to the ministers of the court.

Zhu Youzhu said: "Here in Yongping Mansion, it used to be a thorn, which brought a lot of trouble to Bingkuan and me. But after this incident, this is next to the Shuntian Mansion, where I can operate with peace of mind, just like my own vegetable garden, do I have to tell others everything about my own backyard? ”

"Yes." Xiao Jing hurriedly responded.

But I don't think it's a taste.

Does the emperor regard Yongping Mansion as "his own vegetable garden"?

Xiao Jing couldn't help but think about it, some people talked about it, saying that His Majesty was going to give Yongping Mansion directly to Cai Guogong, it seems that the rumors are true.

"Go talk to Mu Bin." Zhu Youzhu said again, "The idle manpower of Jinyiwei, as well as some Jilu officials, will be transferred to Yongping Mansion, relying on the mine and the port and shipyard to be built, and as many people as can be transferred." In the future, everything Bingkuan wants to do in Yongping Mansion will be coordinated by Jinyiwei. ”

Xiao Jing reminded: "Your Majesty, Liu Yu, the governor of Jizhen Town, seems to be able to help as well. ”

Hearing this, Zhu Youzhu suddenly stopped, thought about it with his face towards the sky, and nodded, "That makes sense." Previously, I meant to transfer him back to Beijing to be a squire, but now it seems that there is no need, or stay in Jizhen for a period of time as a governor and help pave the road. ”

"Yes." Xiao Jing hurriedly responded.

"In addition to the governor of Jizhen, even the prefect of Yongping Mansion, as well as some local official positions, should also be replaced by a group of trustworthy ones." Zhu Youzhu thought of something and added.

Xiao Jing said: "Then Your Majesty, are you asking the officials to take the examination?" ”

"Officials? Hum! Who can they choose? Let Bingkuan draft it. Zhu Youzhu said, "You go in person, Bingkuan will also be busy with the design and construction of the port recently, and you will have time to help more." ”

Xiao Jing was stunned.

I am the eunuch who is in charge of the seal, and I actually went to cooperate with the military department of the Ming Dynasty to do things?

That's obviously not right.

It is a taboo to let the ministers get close to each other, and they actually asked me to cooperate with him...... Xiao Jing was naturally still a little aggrieved.

"Two years, two years at most, I want to see everything change from the northwest to the east of Liaodong."

Zhu Youzhu is also looking forward to it, "If the grassland can be completely calmed, it is of course the best, even if two years later, the grassland wolves have died down and the Ming soldiers are invincible, it is enough." It doesn't seem to matter whether the grassland is leveled in one fell swoop or not. I never dared to imagine that I would be able to see such a grand scene in my lifetime. If I can do it, I will have no regrets! ”

……

……

Xiao Jing personally took the emperor's edict to Zhang Zhou's laboratory, and after seeing Zhang Zhou, he told Zhang Zhou that the emperor was going to appoint a new group of officials from Yongping Mansion.

Xiao Jing said: "Everything is in accordance with the rules of the border town, appointed by the imperial history of the capital, and in the future, between Yongping Mansion and Jizhen will be inseparable." Your Majesty also said that as long as you choose a person, as long as you have a fame, you can. Even if it's just a student who chooses to go out of the mountain, or a tribute student, it's not impossible. ”

This is Zhu Youji, who is afraid that Zhang will not be able to find so many suitable helpers on Monday.

Anyway, Yongping Mansion is only a government at best, and all official vacancies can be filled with people or even tribute students, and the big deal is to use students to vacate official positions.

According to the rules of the Ming Dynasty for the selection of officials, it is not impossible for students to be selected, but they also have to go through the examination and selection of officials, just like Wen Zhengming, and finally rely on this way to select officials.

There is no comparison with the follow-up taxi.

But now it's different.

As long as Zhang Zhou thinks it is appropriate, the official vacancies in Yongping Mansion will be arranged casually.

Zhang Zhou sighed: "Speaking of which, I really don't have many people to recommend. There is no one to do, and there is no friend ......"

Xiao Jing smiled when he heard this: "Cai Guogong, you are modest, now that the Beijing teacher is up and down, who doesn't want to worship you as a teacher?" This time Shuntianfu Township test, it looks like it is about to be released. Can't you just choose a few of them? Of course, those who are young and vigorous will not accept the selection of officials, but what about those who are old? Won't they ponder whether it is more appropriate to continue to take the Jinshi exam and ask for an unrealistic dream, or whether it is better to do things directly for you and have a bright future? ”

Zhang Zhou smiled.

He really wanted to say, when did Grandpa Xiao speak so "listeningly"?

It seems that in order to help me develop my henchmen, you have taken great pains.

"Father-in-law Xiao reminded me that the list will probably be released tomorrow." Zhang Zhoudao.

Xiao Jing smiled and asked, "Have you seen all the list?" Do you have a favorite? ”

Before the list was released, the matter of filling in the list had ended, and Zhang Zhou, as the main examiner of the Shuntianfu Township Examination, even if he had been out of the examination room in the past two days, he would still inspect the ranking after the opening of the seal.

"I've seen it." Zhang Zhoudao.

"I don't know ......"

"Father-in-law Xiao, there are some things that shouldn't be said before the list, do you think it's right?" Zhang Zhou asked.

"It's nature."

Xiao Jing was a little embarrassed, and the implication was that Zhang Zhou didn't want to tell him who hit and who didn't.

However, Xiao Jing didn't regret it, because this matter didn't have much to do with him, and knowing it a day in advance would not have much impact on him.

"The holy will has been brought, Cai Guogong, you can consider it yourself, it is estimated that Your Majesty will ask for the list before the end of the month, there are still six or seven days left, you have to hurry."

It is now August 23, and it has been seven days since the end of the township test.

It's time for everything to come to an end.

Zhang Zhou couldn't help but sigh, after a reincarnation in three years, he seemed to have grown up again.

……

……

Li Dongyang's house.

Since Li Zhaoxian came out of the examination room, he has not come out to meet customers for many days...... Mainly because of ...... He knew that he was very poor in the exam, and he also deeply felt that just a little poetry or some crooked talent was still a little far from being lifted in the exam.

"Why has my brother been sullen lately?"

Li Yu came to meet his sister-in-law on this day because Li Zhaoxian's wife was in a state of expectation, and Li Yu, as the woman in the family, came to relieve Li Zhaoxian's wife's boredom.

Then Li Yu knew that his brother was closed, and he also came over to comfort him.

Li Zhaoxian sighed: "Little sister, I kind of understand that in recent years, I have neglected my schoolwork, so much so that I almost forgot how to write an article. In a scientific examination, the article was written well, and I thought that I could cope with the big test, who knows...... The questions in this exam are a little ...... It's hard. And I ......"

Speaking of this, Li Zhaoxian lowered his head in shame.

Li Zhaoxian summed it up as follows for his failure to play well...... The topic is too difficult.

But in fact, the title is not from Zhang Zhou, but mainly from Yang Tinghe, and Yang Tinghe's title is very regular, just because the title is too neat, it belongs to the kind of person who can say two sentences, but it is difficult to play at a high level, and then Li Zhaoxian failed the test without accident.

"Brother don't be sad, my father once mentioned that this big competition, no matter whether my brother passes the exam or not, he will consider getting you an official position. After all, my brother is also a prisoner. ”

"Father's meaning, I want to give you a shade of a middle scholar, and you can also glorify your ancestors in the future."

When Li Zhaoxian heard this, he flicked his sleeves and said, "If you just rely on Zuyin to be an official, I would rather not do it." Men, you still have to be ambitious. (End of chapter)