weaving

The reason why the Yongyi Army stayed in Changping for several days was simply to take advantage of the military parade to transport the one million taels of silver that was paid as tribute to Emperor Chongzhen into the palace.

Now that everything has been settled, Zhang Cheng naturally has no reason to stay anymore!

After coming out of the palace, accompanied by Zhang Chengfang and other Chinese military guards, he went directly to the house of his father-in-law, Ji Zhiheng, a lecturer at the Hanlin Academy.

Zhang Cheng's Chinese adjutant Zhang Mingyuan had already sent the prepared gifts in advance and was waiting at the door with his brother-in-law Ji Youqing. After meeting, they exchanged a few words and went straight to the inner house.

…………

"move place?"

Ji Zhiheng's face was full of suspicion, and his mother-in-law, Ji Ning, even asked in surprise: "My uncle is in trouble? Why does such a good person have to move suddenly?"

Zhang Cheng couldn't help laughing when he saw this. He said with extreme apologies: "No, mother-in-law, please don't worry. It's all Zhang Cheng's fault for not speaking clearly."

After seeing that Ji Ning had stabilized, he continued: "Zhang Cheng has an 'Earl's Mansion' in Beijing. Last time I asked my elders to move there when I was repairing the book, you elders were reluctant.

I discussed with Xuan Zhu and bought two houses on the back street of the Earl's Mansion. They have now been renovated. Today, I went to Beijing to meet the saint, and I came to see the two elders specifically to inform them of this matter. "

"Cheng'er, I know that you and Xuan Zhu have a filial piety, but moving to a new house is a big event and should not be ignored. Besides, your mother and I are living well here, and there is no need to move away." Ji Zhiheng seemed to be still there. Not very willingly.

Jin Ning also said, "Yes. You live well, do you have to move to this house?"

"Yes, mother-in-law."

Zhang Cheng continued in a very sincere tone: "Zhang Cheng didn't say that your two elders did not live well here, but your mansion is indeed a little far away from the Earl's Mansion.

Nowadays, there are continuous wars, droughts and locust plagues alternate in Jinan area, and recently there has been a plague, which is approaching north. Although the capital is an important place, Xuanzhu and I are still worried about the safety of our two elders.

Then I bought a house in the back street of Earl's Palace and renovated it, just thinking that you and I could move there, so that my husband and I could show some filial piety. "

Seeing that the two elders were unmoved, he had to continue: "Xuanzhu always talked about the two elders with me. I originally planned to take this opportunity to come to Beijing to meet you and accompany you to the capital to stay with you for a while. Let your grandson be close to your two elders."

"Then...why didn't you come?"

As soon as Jin Ning heard Zhang Cheng mention her daughter and grandson, tears flashed in her eyes, and she asked with a hint of disappointment why she didn't come together in the end.

"Don't worry, mother-in-law, just listen to me."

Zhang Cheng continued in a gentle tone: "It was all because I was in a hurry when I entered Beijing and the carriage was bumpy. I didn't want Xuanzhu and Ding'er to suffer along with me, so I asked them to set off again slowly. The date should arrive at the beginning of next month. Beijing.

Therefore, I thought that you and your two elders would move to the newly renovated house in the back street of Earl's Mansion while you have nothing to do. When Xuanzhu and Ding'er arrive in Beijing, Xuanzhu can fulfill his filial piety in front of you and your elders. "

"Move... we will move today..."

Although Jin Ning's words were very certain, her body remained motionless. She only looked at her husband, Ji Zhiheng, waiting for him to make the final decision.

In fact, the reason why Ji Zhiheng didn't want to move there was very simple and clear. He just didn't want to let people know that he lived in a big house because he borrowed money from his son-in-law.

However, people are like this and cannot withstand the temptation of a different generation. When he heard Zhang Cheng mention his young grandson Ding'er, he also prayed in his heart. Naturally, he would not forcibly refuse Zhang Cheng's kindness to give him a big house. .

"Forget it. Since Uncle Yongning said this, let's move."

Ji Zhiheng seemed to have made a major decision. He slapped the table and said cheerfully: "However, there is no need to be too anxious. Xuan'er will not arrive until the beginning of next month. You have to choose an auspicious day." …”

He turned to his wife, Jin Ning, and said, "Madam, please instruct the maid and mother-in-law to pack up everything that needs to be packed in the next few days. When the auspicious day comes, we will move over and wait for Xuan'er."

"Okay, okay, okay... you talk to me, I'm going to instruct my servants to pack quickly so that I can move there earlier. I have to prepare everything and wait for my cute little grandson to arrive. "

Zhang Cheng stood up with a smile and respectfully sent his mother-in-law Ji Ning away. As soon as he sat back in his chair, he heard Ji Zhiheng, the old Taishan, ask: "Zhongchen, do you have any hidden agenda for all the preparations you have made for moving?"

"Father-in-law, it is true that Xuanzhu misses you and your two elders too much. Moreover, Ding'er is already one year old and has never met my grandpa and grandma. This cannot be justified."

Zhang Cheng picked up the teapot and poured tea for his father-in-law Ji Zhiheng, and then continued: "In addition, Zhang Cheng has some selfish motives, just to appease the emperor."

When he said this, his eyes clearly glanced towards the palace.

"Are you saying...that the emperor has begun to be suspicious of you?"

"That's not true."

Zhang Cheng filled the tea cup in front of him with tea, and then continued: "My father-in-law has been in the capital for a long time, so he should know the temper of the man in the palace. My son-in-law is now leading the army to support Henan, and he has a heavy army, so it is difficult to avoid suspicion.

What's more, I have been acting too erratically, especially this time when I raided the properties of profiteers, which offended many people. There were only memorials to impeach me in the palace, but I don't know how many.

Therefore, in order to show my loyalty and to satisfy the man in the palace, I asked Xuanzhu to take Ding'er to live in Yongningbo's Mansion in the capital for a period of time. After I return from the Henan Province to suppress the bandits, we can return together. Go to Xuanfu. "

Ji Zhiheng raised his hand to twist the beard on his chin, looked at Zhang Cheng in front of him quietly, and then said for a long time: "Zhongchen, I always thought you were a reckless man who only knew how to kill enemies in front of the battle.

It wasn't until today that I finally saw that you are more than just rough and thin. Your thoughts and considerations are all superior to others. According to what you just said, I'm afraid there are other methods in the capital. "

Zhang Cheng smiled lightly before saying, "My father-in-law has a poisonous eye. As expected, nothing can be hidden from your eyes."

After being given a thumbs up by his son-in-law, Ji Zhiheng also had a rare smile on his face. He still stroked his beard and said: "I am devoted to studying and not interested in official career, but I am not a confused person. I can still see clearly what is going on in the world." .

Although I don’t comment on some things, I am not completely unaware of them. I can see them clearly here..."

Ji Zhiheng tapped his chest with his hand, and continued: "Zhongchen, when you are young and successful, it is inevitable that you will be arrogant. But remember to 'leave a thin line in your work so that we can meet each other in the future'. Remember to do everything to the best of your ability, and you will knock others down." That’s it, there’s no need to step on it again. In this world, every time there is an enemy, there will be a little more resistance. You can’t see it at first, but the further you go, the harder it becomes. Wait until you find the path under your feet. When everything is blocked by yourself, it’s too late.”

"My father-in-law taught me well, Zhang Cheng will definitely take it to heart."

Zhang Cheng behaved very humbly at this moment, as if he were a junior. He truly served Ji Zhiheng as his father, without any pretense.

"Have you been to your uncle Mr. Wu's place?"

"Never."

Zhang Cheng picked up the teapot and refilled the tea cup in front of Ji Zhiheng, and then continued: "This time when I come to Beijing, the military parade is secondary, mainly to send a big gift to the emperor. Now that this matter is done, I should go to Henan. , the military situation there is urgent, and we can no longer delay.

Moreover, if I have completed the important matters that need to be done, if I linger in the capital again, it will not be true. If I am impeached by the officials and censors all over the city, I don’t know if the emperor can still protect me. "

"Yes. In that case, I will instruct the kitchen to start dinner. You can leave after eating. Don't stay too long."

…………

The sunset is infinitely good, but it is only near dusk!

Zhang Chengce looked back at the majestic gate tower of the capital on his horse, feeling infinite emotion in his heart.

Not to mention anything else, he vaguely remembered that in the fifteenth year of Chongzhen after the Songjin War, the Qing army invaded the capital for the last time. Since the incident occurred in the Renwu year, it was also called the "Renwu Incident" .

The Qing army's entry into the fortress this time was almost the same as the previous ones. They plundered for eight months. The Ming army was unstoppable. They captured Yanzhou, Shunde, and Hejian, 3 prefectures, 18 states, and 67 counties. Eighty-eight cities.

During this entry, the Qing army defeated the Ming army thirty-nine times, captured more than thirty generals from the Ming Dynasty's general level down, and plundered a total of 369,000 people and more than 320,000 livestock. They also captured more than 12,200 taels of gold, more than 2.2 million taels of silver, 4,400 taels of pearls, and more than 52,000 taels of satin. They finally climbed over the wall in May of the following year. Ridge, go away.

Although the outcome of the Songjin War was greatly changed due to Zhang Cheng's participation, the Qing army was unable to gain any advantage. Like the Ming Dynasty, they lost troops and generals, wasted money and food, and failed to seize a single point of land or city. Take away a penny of food and take it back.

Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao in the Ming Dynasty, did not surrender to the Qing Dynasty and become a slave because of the defeat and the destruction of the city!

Judging from the current situation, it cannot be better for the Ming Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty was defeated in Jinzhou and its vitality was greatly damaged. It is estimated that it will be difficult to make any major moves within the year, and the pressure on Liaodong has been greatly reduced.

If Emperor Chongzhen had some vision and ability, he could take advantage of this opportunity to mobilize all resources and troops to stabilize the basic situation of Henan. As long as he is not greedy for success, he can first keep Kaifeng intact, and then look for opportunities to consume the bandits bit by bit. Li Zicheng's How can flow make things happen?

"Father, it's time to go back to Changping."

Zhang Chengfang's reminder interrupted Yong Ningbo's contemplation. Perhaps in their eyes, a broken city gate building was taller and more majestic than the one in Xuanfu, but so what?

No matter how you look at it, it is not as friendly and comfortable as Xuanfu Town!

"Okay. Back to camp!"

Zhang Cheng turned around, whipped his horse, and galloped towards Changping City...

…………

"Uncle Yongning sent someone to deliver a big box, which has been carried to the master's study."

"Has anyone else touched it?"

"No one has ever touched it. I personally watched the Chinese soldiers carry it in from Yongningbo Camp."

"Zhang Cheng, didn't he come?"

"The Chinese Army said: Uncle Yongning has just made a quick move, and the intruders are trying to Kaifeng again. The emperor's orders are on his side and he does not dare to delay. He has returned to Changping to reorganize the army. He will lead his troops to attack the bandits in Henan Province early tomorrow morning."

While he was talking, Chen Xinjia, Minister of War of the Ming Dynasty, had arrived in the courtyard in front of the study room in the back courtyard. He looked up in the direction of Changping City and seemed to be able to see Zhang Cheng's heart dozens of miles away in the sunset projected through the willow leaves. generally.

"Go down, you don't need to wait here."

When the housekeeper heard this, he didn't dare to ask, so he had to give a deep bow and slowly retreated.

Finally, Chen Xinjia seemed to have figured something out. After sighing softly, he said, "Zhang Cheng, you must win the battle, defend Kaifeng for me, and stabilize the situation in Henan Province!"

…………

April 18th is the season for growing awns.

The Yongyi Army marched south from the capital along the official road. Along the way, people could be seen busy harvesting winter wheat. Although they were also affected by drought and locust plagues, there were many rivers and water networks near the capital, so the impact was not great.

Even though the "plague" has begun to prevail and is likely to spread, it is currently only raging in the three prefectures in southern Jinan. The Gyeonggi area north of Jindingfu has been prepared and has not yet seen large-scale spread.

Although the drought locust disaster is not as severe as in Henan, the harvest is not as good as in previous years. However, people have worked hard all winter, and don't they just rely on this little wheat to survive?

We have survived the most difficult winter, will the days to come be worse than this?

North Zhili, Zhending Fucheng, Zhending Guard Commander Si Yamen Office.

Yongningbo Zhang Cheng met his old bosses here, the former Governor of Xuanda and the current Governor of Baoding Zhang Fuzhen, and the eunuch Fang Zhenghua of the Zhenbao Town Supervisory Army. In addition, Shao Zongyuan, the fellow magistrate of Zhending Prefecture who acted as the prefect of Zhending, and Jing Jing Zhang Pengyi, deputy general Zhang Dechang, Cao Shixi, the commander of Zhendingwei, and other civilian and military generals were prepared.

It turned out that after Zhang Fuzhen officially took office as the governor of Baoding, the first priority given to him by Emperor Chongzhen was to organize the army to aid Henan. However, the Jinan army had just been defeated by the bandits, and most of the army was still with the former governor Yang Wenyue. , assisted in guarding Kaifeng, and redeemed himself.

Although Sun Chuanting and Zhang Fuzhen wrote to Yang Wenyue repeatedly, he only sent deputy general Zhang Dechang to bring back a thousand remnant soldiers, while the general Hu Dawei, deputy general Feng Dadong, and Baoding Prefecture troops Zhang Pengyi and other officers and soldiers were still detained in Henan. Refuse to release.

Yang Wenyue also wrote to Zhang Fuzhen, explaining to him: The bandits are fierce and Kaifeng is in danger, so they dare not leave for a moment. When Governor Zhang arrives, the true security officers and troops will be handed over to Governor Zhang's command and control, and even he himself will be under Governor Zhang's control. .

At this point, Zhang Fuzhen can only "obey authority in urgent matters". After all, Yang Wenyue has already said this. If he insists on letting Hu Dawei and other officials return to Jian, and then go to Kaifeng together to aid, if this empty Something happened in Kaifeng, and the responsibility fell entirely on Zhang Fuzhen.

However, in order to make the battle to aid Henan more secure, Zhang Fuzhen immediately transferred young soldiers from various cities and guard posts in Zhenbao Town after taking office and trained them rigorously in preparation for aid to Henan.

"Zhongchen, you have arrived with the Yongyi Army, and my worried heart finally feels a little more at ease!"

"Director Zhang is powerful, Baoding's army is mighty, and all the generals are brave, so why worry?"