The Reborn Duke of Ming Dynasty

Early in the morning, Zhang Fan went to the palace to study with Zhu Yijun.At this time, a different kind of drama was being staged in the court hall.

"Your Majesty, the taxes for this year have been calculated." Ge Shouli, Minister of the Household Department, played to Long Qing.

"It's almost the twelfth lunar month." Long Qing sighed and said, "How about the details?"

"Since His Majesty turned the switch, the imperial court's taxation has risen sharply. This year alone, it has increased by 200% compared with the past, which is more than [-] million taels." Ge Shouli said.

"As the taxes increase, some people become more cautious. I ordered the supervisors from all over the country to keep an eye on me, and I will also ask the guarding eunuchs from all over the place to cooperate." Long Qing said.

"Your Majesty, seeing that this year's winter is coming, we must guard against the troubles in northern Xinjiang." Someone put forward an opinion to Long Qing.

The memory of the battle last year was still fresh, and everyone attached great importance to it.

"Where is Tan Lun, the left servant of the Ministry of War?" Long Qing said.

"My minister Tan Lun is here." Tan Lun said.Now that Zhao Bingran, Minister of the Ministry of War, went home to recuperate from his illness, Long Qing did not appoint another person to be Minister of the Ministry of War, but asked Tan Lun to manage it on his behalf.

"What's the situation at the border now?" Long Qing asked.

"Returning to Your Majesty, there is no movement from the Tartars this year, and the border is very peaceful." Tan Lun said.

"Well, I don't know what the Tatars are planning. Although there is nothing wrong with the border, we must guard against it in case something changes." Long Qing finally heard good news.

"The defense of the border has already been prepared, please rest assured, Your Majesty." Tan Lun said.

"So, who else has something to play?" Long Qing planned to end this morning court.

But someone just wanted to make trouble.

"Chen Xu Jie has something to play."

"Here we come!" Long Qing frowned slightly when he saw him stand up.

"Ge Lao has something to say, please." After all, Xu Jie was an important minister of the two dynasties, and Long Qing still wanted to save some face.

"Today, I received 32 memorials from the Supervisory Council to impeach the prince to attend Zhang Fan, and His Royal Highness Prince Cong Yong left the palace privately." Xu Jie's voice was not loud, but what he said was quite shocking, "Zhang Fan has not been an official for a long time, and he is favored. But Jiao, who did not concentrate on serving the prince, but acted like this, please punish him by Your Majesty."

Long Qing himself knew about this matter, but he couldn't say "I know about this matter, because I let them out of the palace on purpose." I'm afraid that he will soon draw criticism from civil and military courts.But before Long Qing opened his mouth about this matter, the ministers below started discussing it.

Some people think that Zhang Fan should be severely punished; while some people think that this is nothing. After all, the prince is only seven years old, and it is normal to want to leave the palace. How can Zhang Fan, a small attendant, stop him? As for Zhang Fan, the prince Cong Yong , I don’t know, but these people can’t tell what’s going on in their hearts.But some discerning people could see clearly that Zhang Fan was wrong in this matter, but why there were so many rumors to impeach him, Zhang Fan would never bring the prince out of the palace and spread the word all over the world.As for Xu Jie, the chief assistant, he said that he was highly respected, but since the Yan Song incident, he had become vaguely arrogant, and many people took it to heart.How did Gao Gong step down?Isn't it exactly the same as today's situation!However, Gao Gong is also a court official with the same status as Xu Jie, so how can he make such a big battle against Zhang Fan, who has just entered the officialdom!It seems that this number one scholar must have offended this old man greatly somewhere!

All the ministers were just discussing in low voices, and Long Qing was also having a headache. Since this matter was brought up, there must be an explanation, not to mention that Xu Jie was still staring at it, even Long Qing, who was the emperor, couldn't do anything for a while.

"I don't think Zhang Fan is such a Meng Lang person. There must be a reason for it. Please His Majesty find out the matter before making a decision." At the critical moment, Zhang Juzheng came out to speak for Zhang Fan.

"The prince is aware of the fact that he went out of the palace privately. That Zhang Fan is also following the prince. This matter is very clear. Please punish Zhang Fan severely, Your Majesty." Xu Jie pressed without giving in.

"After all, the prince is young, so it's normal to want to go out to play in the palace. That Zhang Fan is just a small attendant, so what can he do?" Chen Yiqin, a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion, stood up and said.

"As the prince's attendant, Zhang Fan should persuade him to serve the prince. Even if the prince wants to leave the palace, not only did he not report the matter to His Majesty, but he went along with it. This is not what Cong Yong is!" Xu Jie said sharply.

This sentence can be regarded as hitting Long Qing's weakness. Zhang Fan did call the little eunuch next to Zhu Yijun to inform him at that time, but he did agree to Zhu Yijun's leaving the palace.Now Long Qing himself was also very embarrassed, he couldn't help blaming Zhang Fan for not being able to go, but he had to go to Dongcheng!

"Your Majesty, please declare Zhang Fan to go to the hall and confront him face to face. Isn't everything clear!" Someone gave Long Qing an idea.

"It's because Zhang Fan knew that he couldn't be allowed to come to the hall!" Long Qing thought in his heart.

This statement has been recognized by many officials. After all, this matter is not a big deal. It can be said that it is just a momentary fun of the prince; Not good.

It was difficult for Long Qing to do this. Seeing that all the ministers agreed with this opinion, trying to suppress this matter with the emperor's majesty would immediately arouse speculation. He had no choice but to ask the eunuchs around him to go to the East Palace to summon Zhang Fan.

Zhang Fan was with the prince at this time, and was very surprised when he heard that Long Qing wanted to announce himself to the palace.He didn't know that there was something to go to the hall by himself.Zhu Yijun was also very dissatisfied. He was interrupted when he was talking to Zhang Fan when he was happy, but he had to give up when he heard that it was his father who wanted to announce Zhang Fan.But Zhu Yijun was a big kid, so he asked another eunuch to lead Zhang Fan to the main hall, but the eunuch who came to pass the message stayed behind to find out what was going on.

"My minister Zhang Fan kowtows to see my emperor, long live." Zhang Fan came to the main hall and bowed to Long Qing.

"Zhang Fan, get up first." Long Qing said, "I have something to ask you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhang Fan stood up and said, "I don't know what's the matter with your Majesty Xuan Weichen?" During the interval between speaking, Zhang Fan looked around, okay, almost everyone is looking at him, watching him I feel very bad. "I didn't do anything to anger people, did I? Why are you looking at me like that!" Zhang Fan muttered in his heart.Suddenly, he felt a very angry look on him, and looked at him, it was the old Xu Ge who saw him wrongly, but Zhang Fan found that there was something interesting in his angry look . "Could it be that he wants to deal with me again? But what's the matter?" Zhang Fan was wondering, and suddenly found that the teacher Zhang Juzheng standing by was looking at him worriedly.

"Zhang Fan, Xu Ge has something to ask you." Long Qing said.It may be that he himself is not good at opening his mouth. Now that things have come to this point, this is the only way to go.

Zhang Fan was slightly surprised when he heard Long Qing's words, he actually heard a trace of anxiety in Long Qing's words.

Without giving Zhang Fan much time to think, Xu Jie said, "Zhang Fan, are you guilty?"

"Convicted? Mr. Ge, what is Zhang Fan's crime?" Zhang Fan asked.

"Pretentious." Xu Jie snorted coldly and continued, "Where were you yesterday afternoon?"

After saying these words, Zhang Fan knew what Xu Jie was going to say this time, but he didn't speak immediately.

"If you can't tell, the old man will tell you for you." Xu Jie felt that he had already won, and said, "Yesterday you actually took the prince out of the palace privately. As a servant of the East Palace, you didn't serve the prince wholeheartedly, but did this Behavior, don't you plead guilty yet!"

Zhang Fan still didn't speak, it wasn't that he had nothing to say, but he was thinking about other things.Although he couldn't help himself with what happened yesterday, he also reported to Long Qing himself, which is considered to be agreed by Long Qing, otherwise he and Zhu Yijun would not be able to leave the palace gate at all.But looking at Long Qing's performance just now... Zhang Fan felt that he had figured it out.He raised his head and said: "Yesterday, His Highness the Crown Prince felt bored. As the Crown Prince, it is my duty to serve His Highness and solve problems for His Highness."

"Oh, so you not only have no faults, but you have merits!" Xu Jie asked with a sneer.

"His Royal Highness is the crown prince, so what's wrong with learning about folk affairs!" Zhang Fan said.

"If the crown prince wants to travel, His Majesty will have a plan." Xu Jie said, "If you act like you, you will be discovered by villains and endanger your Highness's safety, so what!"

"If His Highness the Crown Prince leaves the palace like this, his safety will be guaranteed, but His Highness's identity is also obvious." Zhang Fan said to Xu Jie, "Your Highness wants to see the real people of Ming Dynasty, not those maliciously flattering followers. "

"Zhuzi, are you saying that there is something shameful about Daming under the emperor's rule?" Xu Jie grabbed Zhang Fan's words and made a fuss.This can be regarded as a crime of deceiving the emperor. All the officials couldn't help worrying about Zhang Fan. Even Long Qing was sweating. Zhang Fan was glad that he didn't tell him, but there is no need to do it like this. This is not seeking death for himself. road!

"Of course I'm not slandering Your Majesty." Zhang Fan said without fear, "But I won't say anything good. Your Majesty is the Lord of all peoples. When the people of the world support His Majesty, His Majesty should also treat you with kindness and kindness." He loves the people with all his heart. Who can say that there is no starving person in this world! But as a king, he does not know the sufferings of the people, so how can he talk about being supported by all people. As a minister, if you can’t report good news or bad news, isn’t that a success? A traitor."

Well!These few words turned Xu Jie into treacherous ministers of the two dynasties, which made Xu Jie very angry.The officials below also admired Zhang Fan. They understood these words, but they thought they didn't have the guts to say them here.

Xu Jie is full of knowledge, but now that Zhang Fan is a treacherous hat, it is hard to say anything.Zhang Juzheng is looking at Zhang Fan from the sidelines, and now he feels more and more that he is right in liking Zhang Fan. Now Zhang Fan not only has the same thoughts as himself, but also has a strong spirit. If it is a few years later, I am afraid he will say no say these words.

"The matter of Zhang Fan has aroused dissatisfaction with the speaker, and I ask His Majesty to make a decision on this matter." Xu Jie used the method of speaker.

Long Qing thought about it for a while, and Zhang Fan changed his mind and took the blame for him, but Xu Jie and the officials had to keep their mouths shut. After thinking about it, he said: "Old Xu Ge, don't get angry, Zhang Fan is young and energetic. , not aimed at Elder Ge. Zhang Fan’s words are good, but it’s not appropriate to take the prince out of the palace without permission. How about this, give Zhang Fanting staff forty and let him reflect at home.”

There were guards on both sides to take Zhang down.

"Your Majesty, isn't this punishment too light?" Xu Jie originally wanted to get Zhang Fan out of the stage, but Long Qing did not achieve his goal at all even though the imperial staff was forty.In addition to Zhang Fan's words just now, Xu Jie observed Long Qing's words and deeds, and seemed to pay more attention to Zhang Fan, which ran counter to his plan.

"Don't be angry, Mr. Zhang Fan. After all, Zhang Fan is young and vigorous. Now that he is being suppressed, he will gain some insight." Long Qing said, "Besides, Zhang Fan also had good intentions, but it was just out of order. That's all for now. Come on, retreat."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty."

After Long Qing left, the officials gradually left, and many people were still talking about Zhang Fan.Chen Yiqin nodded to Zhang Juzheng, then turned and left.Only Zhang Juzheng and Xu Jie were left behind.

Xu Jie looked at Zhang Juzheng expressionlessly, and Zhang Juzheng also faced his teacher squarely.After a long while, Xu Jie said: "This time, His Majesty wants to protect him, but you have to be careful, and warn him not to let anything fall into the old man's hands."

"Teacher, why is this so!" Zhang Juzheng said with a sigh.

"You still think I'm your teacher? I thought you would have disregarded the relationship between master and apprentice." Xu Jie said bluntly, "I know what you think very well. Since you were an official, you have always been upright and clear. Now It is appreciated by His Majesty again. But don't forget, the chief minister of the cabinet is the old man, and it is not your turn to be Zhang Juzheng."

"But, why should outsiders be involved in the matter between the two of us!" Zhang Juzheng said.

"That kid has the same thoughts as you. I can't cure you, and I can't cure him!" Xu Jie said, "As long as the old man is in the court, he will never have a bright future." After finishing speaking, Xu Jie turned and left go.

"Teacher, the students hereby thank you for your years of teaching. It seems that our mentor-student relationship is exhausted!" Zhang Juzheng looked at his back and thought silently in his heart.

Zhang Fan was taken to a place where the court staff was specially used. The man who held the court staff was none other than an old acquaintance——Bingbi eunuch Feng Bao.Zhang Fan was a little surprised to see him.

"Your Majesty Zhang, don't be confused." Feng Bao saw Zhang Fan's question and explained, "In addition to being the eunuch holding the pen in the Supervisor of Rituals, our family entrusted the emperor's trust to take care of Dongchang. "

This is the first time Zhang Fan has heard that Dongchang in his impression has been fixed by Hong Kong and Taiwan martial arts movies as a black area of ​​darkness, corruption, and crime. Thinking of this, Zhang Fan couldn't help but shudder, but then Thinking that the teacher Zhang Juzheng had a good evaluation of this Feng Bao, he was a little relieved.

"My lord Zhang is now a celebrity around the prince. What did you do? The emperor rewarded you with forty sticks!" Feng Bao asked with a smile.

"Eunuch Feng was joking." Zhang Fan didn't believe that he didn't know about it.

"Hehe, our family is just curious. Since the emperor has ordered us, our family has no choice but to obey, so we have wronged Mr. Zhang." Feng Bao said and gestured to the little eunuch beside him.

Two young eunuchs pressed Zhang Fan to the ground, tied his feet, and tore off his coat.Two more eunuchs who were carrying out the execution came and stood beside Zhang Fan.The guards watching Zhang Fan's execution couldn't bear it any longer. If the forty court sticks were real, even a strong man would have to be beaten to death, let alone Zhang Fan, who was a scholar.

The execution eunuch received Feng Bao's signal and hit Zhang Fan's ass with a stick.Zhang Fan took a deep breath, the stick almost didn't make him gasp, it wasn't pain, but the stick was a little sore and numb, so it wasn't painful at all.Zhang Fanzheng was surprised, he suddenly took a breath, and then screamed.The guard who was watching Zhang Fan's execution couldn't bear to watch Zhang Fan's screams anymore, and walked out.

It turned out that after the stick just now, someone from behind pinched Zhang Fan's inner thigh hard, which almost killed Zhang Fan.Zhang Fan raised his head and looked at Feng Bao, seeing his cunning eyes, he realized the difference.The eunuch who was executing the execution didn't stop, and there were still people counting at the side, and Zhang Fan's screams were accompanied by each blow.The guards who heard the cry outside were also curious, Zhang Fan, a scholar, had received so many scepters, and the cry seemed to be full of spirits!

Hitting No.30 five times, the little eunuch holding Zhang Fan on the side squeezed Zhang Fan hard, Zhang Fan looked at him suspiciously, and the little eunuch said in a low voice: "Master Zhang, you can bear it!" Hold on, the real thing will come later."

After hearing his words, Zhang Fan really held his breath.When the stick came down, there was another scream, but this time it was genuine.

After hitting the last five sticks, Zhang Fan felt that he had exhausted the last bit of strength in his body.That's it for five sticks. If forty sticks are solid, I think I can be reborn again.

"What are you still doing in a daze, take Mr. Zhang back." Feng Bao ordered.

This time Zhang Fan entered the palace standing up and came out lying down.When the two eunuchs sent Zhang Fan home, Mrs. Zhao almost fainted from fright when she saw Zhang Fan's appearance.Zhang Fan lay there unable to move, so he had to quickly comfort him.Before leaving, the two eunuchs left a few bottles of golden sore medicine, and then went back to report.

Zhao cried and looked at her son lying on the bed and couldn't move. She was so frightened that she didn't even have the strength to move.Xiangmei waited on the side, helping Zhang Fan with the medicine, although it was a little shy for her as a big girl, but her concern for Zhang Fan overwhelmed her thoughts.Xue'er was very curious outside the door, but Xiangmei didn't let her in, she was very obedient.