Jingming

Chapter 428 The inevitable troubles in the new stage
In Kunning Palace, Zhu Houcong had a sad face, and the doctors outside the palace were worried.

"Your Majesty... I'm afraid... I'm afraid... I won't be able to pass this test..." Sun Ming, who was pale and thinner, had tears in her eyes, "Prince... Prince..."

When Zhu Houcong reached middle age, he finally began to intensively face the life, death and death of those close to him in this era of backward medical technology.

After a thorough investigation, it was found that the deaths of Concubine Zhuang and their one son and two daughters, including the Queen's illness, were not caused by any harem means, but simply due to serious illness that was difficult to treat.

His mother, Queen Mother Chiang, died of illness at the age of 62, which was considered a long life in this era.As for Concubine Zhuang, who passed away before she reached the age of 40, and Sun Ming, who is now seriously ill, it can only be said that there is no other way.

There are countless people who died young in their 30s, from the court to the private sector.

Even the emperors of tomorrow will not live beyond their forties.

Now Zhu Houcong knew what Sun Ming was always worried about. He held her thin hand with some distress: "Zaiyi followed me and learned very well. Don't worry. You are too sad because of the death of your mother. .From then to now, you always have too many things on your mind."

Tears shed from the corners of Sun Ming's eyes.

It had been many years since the emperor had only addressed himself as "I" in front of her, and Sun Ming vaguely recalled the scenes from that year.

But as a queen, with so many people in the harem, how could she not pretend to have too many things on her mind?
After falling ill, he worried about his son's future day and night.

She looked at the emperor's still healthy body. After all these years, he seemed not to be overwhelmed by anything.

Therefore, he probably has a long life.So, how can the back position be left vacant?The new queen has entered Kunning Palace, and the palace still doesn't know what will happen.To be able to suppress the harem, one cannot be a newcomer.Among the old people, would it be tempting to choose someone who is still childless?What would happen if you choose someone who already has a prince?
She looked at the two sons kneeling on the ground behind the emperor.

The prince is already seventeen years old, and the fourth prince Zhu Zaiqi is twelve years old. If their biological mother passes away, what will be their fate?

"Mother..." The grief in Zhu Zaiyi's heart at this moment was intense. For more than a year, his doting grandmother passed away, and now his mother is also seriously ill and unable to recover.

Zhu Zaiyi also understood the meaning of what his father just said.

But from now on, I'm afraid many things will be different.

Zhu Houcong did not expect that at this point in time, he would face such a problem.

Human nature cannot be tested. Could it be that at the beginning of his third decade on the throne, he would start to be troubled by the disputes surrounding the inheritance of the throne in the harem?

If Sun Ming goes, who will sit in the back seat will be an extremely sensitive issue.

"Your Majesty... my concubine's sister, Lan'er..."

While Zhu Houcong was silent, she tightened her hands when she heard Sun Ming's urgent words.

Looking at her pleading eyes, Zhu Houcong was stunned and smiled bitterly: "Why is this..."

"Your Majesty..." Feeling the loss of some energy in his body, Sun Ming didn't care so much anymore and just begged again.

Zhu Houcong let out a long sigh.

Could it be that Sun Jiao went to Guangdong last year and was destined to have a daughter when he got older? Was it destined to be here?
Although he is only one year older than Zhu Zaiyi, having a blood relative with his aunt will naturally provide an extra layer of protection for the prince's future safety.

However, given the humble background of Sun Lan's biological mother and the upcoming opposition from one Sun family and two queens, how could Sun Lan successfully become a queen and control the harem at the age of seventeen?
Today is different from what it used to be, and it is not that the home of national relatives cannot be reused.How many people would want to seize this opportunity and become the head of the state?
Didn't he want to do it, Duan Concubine's father, Cao Cha, who had been elected Minister of Civil Affairs from the Governor of Huguang three years ago and was scheduled to be re-elected to the State Palace this year?

Wen Zhengming, who has been helping him manage Huangming University, although he would not take the initiative to propose anything, but through the Huangming University, officials who have passed the Jinshi examination and become officials over the years, how many people want to push Shu Fei through this link? Moon So-yoon takes over?
At the age of nineteen, he has adopted the daughter of the Duke of Guizhou as his princess, and is secretly forming the entire Outer Yunnan team for the future. Will the emperor's eldest son Zhu Zai'an, the king of Yue, get the support of some people? I hope the emperor will consider it and let Lin Qingping be the palace. Who will be the queen with the most seniority?

Even though the status of the prince is unquestionable, the king of Yue will also have a different weight.

Also, most of the concubines in the palace have become "old and beautiful", so would anyone think that it is better to try to figure out the emperor's wishes and select some young and beautiful ones to enter the palace?

Yan Song, who received the gift and handed over the affairs of the ministry, must have played a key role in this turmoil.He has been the Minister of State for more than five years. He is staring at Zhang Bi, who only served as Prime Minister and Minister of State for a transitional period after taking over from Zhang Fuking three years ago. This time, he must want to go further.

Zhang Bi was able to win because Zhang Fujing had spent six years laying a good foundation, and Zhang Bi had the status of a fellow emperor and was loyal.When the Ming Dynasty was cultivating internal strength, there were many talented people in the National Policy Conference and the State Palace. It would be better for the Prime Minister and Ministers of State not to make mistakes.

But after this year, it will obviously be different.

Feeling that Sun Ming's hand was exerting force again, with disappointment, fear and worry in his eyes, Zhu Houcong said softly: "You are just posing a problem for me... No matter what, I promise you."

For so many years, she had spent too much time on state affairs, and she had tried her best to avoid big troubles in the harem. Although her love for Sun Ming had not diminished, she had not lived a happy life in the past 19 years.

There is too much helplessness behind the Queen's dignity.

Zhu Houcong enjoyed everything and was unwilling to let her last wish come true, even though it would also bring many problems.

Sun Ming's face finally relaxed, a smile appeared, and she said with tears in her eyes: "I... thank you for your kindness... I... I am satisfied..."

That night, the bells rang loudly and the mourning news came out.

The queen died, and the whole capital was shocked.

The people are doing fine, but the courtiers, especially the important officials in the court, know that this year will be an eventful year.

The battle for succession and the major national policy meetings at the end of the year will contain many disputes.In the emperor's even less wonderful mood, many things must be cautious.

Liu Long is also the Minister of Rites and Communication, and both Yan Song and him are very busy this year, because there are also the Longevity Ceremony and the World Games to be organized later.

Now, the two of them are just busy with the queen's funeral.

No one would start talking openly about what happened after Li Xin at this time, but the tactful communication had actually started a month ago.

"Elder Guo..." Liu Long looked at the familiar Yan Song. He was the first two daily ministers in the past two days. Liu Long knew his abilities very well. "You know the Holy Heart. The Queen is buried in peace." Finally, that thing cannot be avoided..."

Ministers who participate in national policy meetings are now called counselors if they are not serving as ministers.Since the Cabinet has been transformed into the State Palace, the rest of the people except the Prime Minister and Ministers of State are now referred to as Guolao. This is a new change in private besides the original name of "State Affairs".

The sound of "Guo Lao" also shows that the status of the Minister of State is becoming more and more stable and his power is getting stronger.

Yan Song shook his head sternly: "Don't talk about this yet. Mr. Shun, everyone knows that this matter is closely related. Now, among the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, only one person can find a good opportunity to ask His Majesty what he thinks after a while. "

"Who is it?" Liu Long is the Minister of Rites and Communication, and he will have to do the task of selecting a new queen later. This is unavoidable, so he is concerned.

"Of course he is the Marquis of Jingshan." Yan Song looked at him, "It would be better for Mr. Shun to ask me than to ask him."

Yan Song was not prepared to go out and ask the emperor about his attitude towards this sensitive issue. Now he introduced Cui Yuan.

Liu Long and Cui Yuan are in-laws, and Cui Yuan does have a special status.

He is the emperor's biological uncle. He is an important minister who has been trusted by the emperor since the 16th year of Zhengde and has never left the central government.

In the past, when the Huguang rebellion occurred and the emperor visited the south, it was Cui Yuan who persuaded the emperor and changed his appearance.Later, whenever sensitive issues were involved and it was difficult for other civil servants to come forward and say anything, it was Cui Yuan who came forward to find out the emperor's intentions.

Now, Cui Yuan is in charge of Daming Bank, and his status is transcendent.

Cui Yuan will always be the one least involved in the possible disputes over the prince due to the new queen.

Liu Long had no choice but to avoid this matter. Since he had to submit a petition at the right time to ask for a new post, Cui Yuan had to help his in-laws to prevent Liu Long from stepping on any thunder.

"...Maoren..." Liu Long smiled bitterly and understood what Yan Song meant by saying that.

But the fact is that Cui Yuan is probably the most suitable person.

At this moment, Zhu Houcong was in a sad mood in the palace.

In the newly planned and renovated Forbidden City, another courtyard was built to the west of Renzhi Hall.For more than a year, there has been no rest there, and it has been used as a banquet hall many times.

Today, the two brothers of the prince are keeping vigil there.Clan members, relatives, important ministers... They and their wives all came to express their condolences. Emperor Zhu Houcong was not personally present at these events.

Sun Ming's elder brother and Sun Yuan's younger brother, Sun Jing, who had seized the title of Marquis of Jing'an, were kneeling in mourning clothes and crying in the imperial study.

There was no one else in the room.

"Sun Yuan is convinced that it will take some time to get back from Shaanxi."

In the silence, Zhu Houcong spoke: "The queen passed away. For many years, she was virtuous and kind, her harem was peaceful, and her virtues were praised by both the government and the public. This is the credit of the Sun family's upbringing. Sun Yuan, as a relative of the country, has my destiny, so that Shaanxi can survive the wind and sand, He has endured the cold and planted trees for several years without complaining. For such contributions, everyone in the Sun family will be rewarded by me."

"When my father was here, I always taught my ministers and others. Your Majesty is very respectful to me. The Sun family is so kind and honorable that I will not be rewarded even if I die. I dare not take credit for it."

Zhu Houcong was thinking about that matter in his mind, and just sighed: "How is your relationship with your younger sister's mother's family now?"

Sun Jing couldn't help but paused in shock and cried, and then said: "Before my father left, I felt pity for her young age. Mrs. Tong begged hard, and her father had already changed her nationality and bought property. Let her two brothers take charge of it. I even entrusted Jingshan Hou Dai to recommend me, and now I am doing business with the Weaving Bureau. I am humble enough to accept the title of my brother, and I have been supervising the two of them attentively. They must not corrupt the law, stain the reputation of the Sun family, or damage your majesty's reputation."

The emperor suddenly asked about his young sister's mother's family. Sun Jing was not stupid.

His answer was precise and his heart was pounding.

There was silence in the imperial study room again, and Zhu Houcong continued after a long time: "Since you are responsible for your duties, then Mrs. Tong must also know the importance and have a good education. Your little sister often comes to the palace to pay greetings to the queen. I have seen her a few times. , is also virtuous and gentle, which shows that she has done a good job in raising her daughter. Where are Tong's parents?" Sun Jing lowered his head: "In the past, Tong was poor, which made Tong sell himself into a slave. He met his father, and now he is placed in The grain storage account is doing the same things as in the past, taking care of a field granted by King Niji in the past. Recently, a letter came, saying that he is old and hopes that I can help him return to his ancestral home in Guangdong. "

"I understand." Zhu Houcong nodded, "You should go back home first, and you will be rewarded soon."

"...I thank your Majesty for your kindness, and your Majesty expresses my condolences."

As one of the emperor's uncles, Sun Jing had already thought of some possibility.

After kowtow, he stood up and saw the emperor's eyes with meaning.

He didn't dare to ask any more questions and knew that the matter was of great concern, so he immediately resigned.

Not long after he left, Lu Bingcai came to the imperial study room.

"Arranged?"

Lu Bing quickly replied: "Go back to your Majesty, I will handle it myself."

Zhu Houcong nodded.

Lu Bing is already the commander of the Jinyi Guards, so he naturally has some confidants who know the importance.

Once you become a queen, your family will naturally be wealthy.But Sun Lan is no better than Sun Ming. Her mother's background is too humble.After you became the emperor's mother-in-law, the whole family on the poor side was eager to turn around.

In the past, there was a layer of relationship between them, and there was a firewall like Sun Jing suppressing them, so that was okay.

But even if Sun Lan is actually named Sun Ming's biological sister after she is born, her biological mother is her biological mother.If the daughter flies up the branch, the two brothers Sun Yuan and Sun Jing can no longer despise the Tong family, and they can no longer help the mother's family as the concubine their father took in his old age, as they did in the past. Words.

In these years, Zhu Houcong had only seen a few movies of that little girl.Now that I think about it, I don't know if Sun Ming had been thinking of just in case.In short, when Zhu Houcong saw her in the past two or three years, she was already as beautiful as a flower and she was always well dressed.

Thinking of how Sun Ming always pretended to be worried but only planned for a rainy day and never spoke, Zhu Houcong knew that she was probably taught a lesson by Zhu Houcong after being pestered by Empress Dowager Zhang and spoke once, and she has been keeping it in mind ever since.

Because of Sun Jiao's own genes, and because her mother's beauty could make Sun Jiao attractive even at such an old age, Sun Lan's appearance was naturally enough to catch Zhu Houcong's eye.

But where did Zhu Houcong have a deep understanding of her character?
This is the queen, especially the queen for the rest of his life.Faced with the issue of succession to the throne in the future, who knows what Sun Lan will do?

Zhu Houcong did not want to violate Sun Ming's last wish.By electing her, the princes will be able to understand their father's intentions better, and the prince will feel more at ease.

Zhu Houcong smiled bitterly and asked the prince to pay attention to the situation in North Korea. As expected, there was a fierce fight there.Both Jin Anlao and Jin Qi are dead, and now the big and small Yin are fighting endlessly. I heard that Li Yi has been forced to engage in an "inner Zen" to intensify the conflict.

Now, his eldest sons have also reached the stage of adulthood.According to the lifespan of the Ming emperors in the past, even if Zhu Houcong is still in good health, how many of the courtiers would silently prepare like Sun Ming himself, just in case?
There are always surprises in life. Before last year, wasn’t the Queen in good health?
It has been several years since the establishment of the East Palace and the establishment of a government office. Some people have squeezed into the circle that is closely related to the prince's officials, but some people cannot squeeze in.

And this time, it's an opportunity.

On major issues, there will always be constant disputes until the dust settles.

"Beijing and abroad, please pay more attention during this period." Zhu Houcong told Lu Bing, thinking about how to guide the civil and military officials not to focus too much on this aspect.

"I accept the order!" Lu Bing handed over a note, "I have sorted out some of the previous reports and presented them to Your Majesty for review. Your Majesty will give me another half month for the Tong family's affairs."

Zhu Houcong nodded and asked him to go ahead.

Zhu Houcong still had to find out the situation of the Tong brothers, more relatives of the Tong family, and even local relatives.

Sun Jing's statement is on the one hand, and what Lu Bing discovered during his secret visit is on the other hand.

This is only one aspect. Zhu Houcong also has to understand the thoughts of other important ministers in the court.

It just so happens that after so many years, various circles of various sizes have been formed among civil and military officials. This time, I also want to find out the details.

"Xuan Cuiyuan."

……

No matter how much Zhu Houcong changed the Ming Dynasty, as long as the emperor was still there, the issue of the throne would always be the most sensitive issue.

What's more, the prosperous Ming Dynasty is coming again, the emperor's majesty is everywhere, and the king's power is supreme?
Zhang Juzheng, who was sixteen years old, was kneeling with the prince in the banquet hall. He was also wearing mourning clothes.

Realizing that the emperor had a special regard for Zhang Juzheng, the queen had been very good to Zhang Juzheng over the years and treated him as her son's future reinforcement minister to express her goodwill.

Therefore, Zhang Juzheng has feelings for the queen, and he is also feeling a little sad at the moment.

But being precocious, he is more aware of the possible twists and turns in the future.

Zhang Juzheng did not know about the queen's last wish.

But at this moment, he was already thinking about what to do next.

First of all, the prince should be in mourning for 27 months to show his filial piety.

During this period, it is time to concentrate on studying knowledge.After three years, I should ask Your Majesty to take the exam under a pseudonym.If you can win the imperial examination and become a Jinshi under fair circumstances, it will be an important step to make the emperor happy and the courtiers convinced.

This is the second thing to do.

As for the third matter, it is more appropriate to ask Your Majesty later to choose a place to conduct civil affairs.

Having been taught by words and deeds by the emperor for so many years, Zhang Juzheng was keenly aware that the emperor required his princes to be knowledgeable and have experience in handling problems.

Starting at the age of 13, most of the lessons that the emperor later took were case studies.

But according to the principles of practical learning advocated by the emperor, it is still shallow to understand on paper. After all, you have to experience some practical things in person.

Zhang Juzheng felt that such a suggestion should be appreciated by the emperor.

At this time, the emperor was in his prime, so he would continue to observe filial piety and study. If the emperor still valued the prince, he would definitely be happy.He is the prince's teacher. If his children succeed in their studies, he should be willing to see it as a teacher.It is natural for a prince to accumulate prestige, and it does not count against the emperor's authority.

After gaining prestige, the territory of a government does not involve military power and is further away from the central government.As long as there was a pseudonym from beginning to end and only a few important officials knew that the prince had such experience, the emperor should be happy to see it.

Similarly, at that time, the prince went to a place to gain experience. Whether the emperor was careful about safety or not could also determine the emperor's intentions.

Young Zhang Juzheng was thinking wildly on his own, but he knew that these ideas should be discussed with the prince first, and then the prince would consult Mr. Zhang and Yang Guolao to see if they would work.

At this time, Zhang Bi and Yang Shen were also talking privately at the Wenhua Hall.

"I have no intention of staying in office this year." Zhang Bi knew that his talents were mediocre, but he had an official career and the honor of being the chief minister because of the relationship between the emperor and his fellow villagers. "The queen passed away, and the prince lost the protection of his biological mother. Yong Xiu, you For the sake of the country, I must make proper arrangements this year to ensure that the prince will be safe in the future."

Yang Shen frowned and replied slowly: "Your Majesty is at the peak of his power in the Spring and Autumn Period, and his sage is unparalleled. The prince has been building a government office for many years. Your Majesty's intention is self-evident, so why worry?"

"Because your Majesty is in the prime of life and has a long future, there must be a proper way." Zhang Bi said earnestly, "The queen position cannot be hung for a long time. No matter who is appointed, the mother of the harem will be more valuable depending on the son, and future disputes will be inevitable. If there is no proper way, According to the proposal, Your Majesty is worried about the disputes in the harem, and it is also a hidden worry in the affairs of the country. I would like to recommend you to take over as the general assistant, and show your talents. Yongxiu first served as the Ministry of Household Affairs, then the Ministry of Finance and Taxation, and led the Ministry of Finance and Taxation for six years. The Ming Dynasty became rich and powerful. In the prosperous age, how can Yongxiu be willing to have his country's affairs hampered by the worries of his harem and the crown prince?"

At this level, when his father resigned as Prime Minister and Minister of State, Yang Shen did his duty, whether it was because of his own talent or because he wanted the Yang family to have a prime minister.

"They are all legitimate sons, and there are elders and younger ones." Yang Shen disagreed, "Your majesty is wise and must handle them properly."

Zhang Bi looked at him strangely.

After the Huguang Straight Road was completed, Your Majesty wanted to continue to build the Jingguang Straight Road, add the Xuanning Straight Road, the Hetao Straight Road and other Chi Roads. Yang Yong was always advised to slow down the construction in front of the emperor.

Not to mention the expenses for other heavy industry parks in Hebei, the Dongyang and Beiyang Marine Divisions, and even the expenses for this year's Longevity Ceremony and the upgrade to the Universal Games.

But in private, Yang Yongxiu always acted like "His Majesty is wise" and seemed to believe in many of the emperor's unclear attitudes.

But Zhang Bi has made up his mind to become an official this year, otherwise it will be too dangerous.Before taking office, if both the emperor and the prince could appreciate his thoughtfulness and have a proper suggestion on the issues of the queen and the prince, that would also be the legacy he left to the descendants of the Zhang family.

"Yong Xiu, as the prince's tutor, you must not be careless." Zhang Bi looked at him meaningfully, "If you take over the position of chief assistant, you can also make the government and the public happy. However, Yan Weizhong, Gu Jiuhe, and Huang Caibo, Don’t underestimate it! If there are fewer people recommending you by then, His Majesty will not be able to just select you."

Yang Shen frowned, and then muttered: "It's all done by Zhongjun. I just don't have that much time to socialize with my colleagues."

Ever since he made Yang Tinghe faint in the Zhongyuan Hall during his sudden advance in Guangdong, Yang Shen's character has become more and more upright.As he was responsible for finance and taxation, he was spurred by the court's huge expenditures and was extremely strict in taxation, which indeed offended many colleagues.

But isn't it a matter of His Majesty's decision to select the Chief Assistant?
Yang Shen felt this way. Only Zhang Bi, who was currently the head of the Crown Prince's officials, told Yang Shen with his experience of inexplicably winning: He was the one who had not received the full power of the emperor for the time being after Zhang Fujing was exhausted and resigned three years ago. Supported case product.

And this year, after the emperor was in a bad mood for a year, and after the queen died like this, the emperor did not show his full support to anyone at the moment.

Zhang Bi only knew that Yan Song was well-connected among advisers, senior enough, and trusted by the emperor.

But he doesn’t have any official title related to the prince!

　Make up for the previous arrears
　　
　
(End of this chapter)