Rule over Ming Dynasty

Chapter 183 The Highest Courtesy of Hongzhi Courtiers

The afterglow of the setting sun lays flat on the lake surface of Taiye Pool, and the slightly rippling lake surface flashes waves of light.

Zhu Youtang felt the frankness of the left servant of the official department, and immediately expressed his position: "Liu Qing is a sincere person, and you are the first person who is so frank that he wants to seek an official! I have no objection to your seeking an official, on the contrary I actually want you to find an official, but if you want to get promoted from me, you have to show your achievements!" After a pause, he said solemnly: "If you can make real achievements as the governor of Liaodong, even if there is no position for the six ministers, There will be a place for you in the cabinet!"

"Your Majesty's kindness is as heavy as a mountain, and the minister must die effectively to repay your kindness!" Liu Xuan never expected Zhu Youtang's kindness to be so great, and immediately expressed his loyalty with tears.

In fact, he is different from those officials who are greedy for power. Those people want to be promoted for status and power. The reason why he is greedy for the six books is just to accompany this wise emperor and witness the coming of the prosperous age.

From the effectiveness of Wang Yue's rectification of the salt administration, to the appalling list of troublemakers, and various tough foreign policies, he became more and more convinced that a prosperous age would come.

Now he has no other wish, but only hopes to find a position in the six books, sitting in the front row at every top-level meeting, and witnessing the implementation of the policy with his own eyes.

Liu Jin couldn't see through Liu Xuan's heart, let alone Liu Xuan's true thoughts, but she still felt admiration.

Even this skinny little old man is greedy and powerful, but he is not an upright gentleman. How many people can dare to speak out their thoughts about seeking officials?
Zhu Youtang put down the teacup lightly, and asked earnestly, "He Cong and Liu Zhong both made some requests when they went to Shandong. I wonder what do you want in Liaodong?"

Shangfang Sword?

Knowing that Zhu Youtang was never a stingy emperor, Liu Jin couldn't help looking at Liu Xuan curiously.

"I want your majesty's words!" Liu Xuan thought about it seriously, and immediately put forward the conditions.

Zhu Youtang was taken aback for a moment, and immediately asked in puzzlement, "What word?"

"Empty talk harms the country, hard work rejuvenates the country!" Liu Xuan had already memorized Zhu Youtang's wise words earlier, and now he took the opportunity to ask for it.

Zhu Youtang carefully looked at this inconspicuous Zuo Shilang, but he knew that this person had really listened to his own political ideas, and he was also working hard to transform into the courtier he wanted.

All along, he wanted to find a courtier who could truly connect with him, and now the skinny little old man in front of him was very similar to the person he was looking for.

Naturally, Zhu Youtang would not be stingy with a word, so he agreed directly.

At this moment, the burnt smell of grilled fish wafted up, which attracted the attention of the two of them, and Liu Xuan's saliva couldn't help but overflow.

Guo Yong grilled a good fish. The yellow-flowered perch, which was still alive and kicking just now, was already sizzling on the charcoal fire, and it was turning into a scorched delicacy.

Guo Yong skillfully sprinkled some cumin powder and pepper powder on it, and brushed a layer of oil and sauce on the fish with a brush, and the fragrance of the air became more intense immediately.

Zhu Youtang noticed Liu Xuan's reaction, and immediately said magnanimously: "Guo Yong's grilled fish is a masterpiece, so you can try his skill here!"

"Your majesty's guidance to cook the fish so well is all thanks to your majesty's guidance, and I dare not take credit for it!" Guo Yong said modestly, then continued to brush the sauce and said, "Master Liu, this is the fish your majesty caught. It is a blessing to taste it!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Liu Xuan naturally dared not go against Zhu Youtang's wishes, and immediately swallowed and spit.

Liu Jin met with a young eunuch, and then came to report: "Your Majesty, Mr. Wange please see me!"

Zhu Youtang responded, then lowered the pole again and continued to enjoy the fun of fishing.

Now it is dusk, which can be said to be the golden age of fishing, and more and more fish gather around to look for food.Even if you can't catch it, there is always a signal. Just fighting wits and courage with fish is a kind of fun.

As for the catch, there is no need to worry about not being able to dispose of it now.Not to mention that I occasionally eat fish, but now there are many people in the palace, and it can be given to the officials below.

Wan An was wearing a brand-new python robe, his face had been eroded by the years, and his figure was already hunchbacked, but his body still looked tough, and he walked steadily.

Every day, rain or shine, he came to the new pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation to be on duty. He diligently drafted the memorandum. It can be said that he was the courtier who shared the most burdens for Zhu Youtang.

Although he was favored by Zhu Youtang, he was a well-behaved person, and when he saw Zhu Youtang fishing here, he stood beside him in a respectful manner and waited.

After a long time, a water dragonfly stopped on the aquatic plants in the lake, and was suddenly frightened and flew to the distant waters.

The fish mark sank, and Zhu Youtang lifted up the pole with quick eyes and hands, and a yellow-flowered perch that was about the same size as before was lifted up, and then dropped to the open space.

Wan An's eyes lit up slightly, and he immediately stepped forward to grab the lively fish and said, "Your Majesty's fishing is really proficient, and this one catches accurately, which is probably unique in the world!"

"Don't flatter me here! You should have smelled the smell of grilled fish just now. Did you come here to eat fish in the name of doing business?" Zhu Youtang put down the fishing rod in his hand, and said directly .

Wan An took the fish off the hook, then skillfully put it in the bucket and said, "Sure enough, nothing can escape His Majesty's eyes! I really want to eat grilled fish, but there are some things that are not particularly important to report , so it can’t be regarded as deceiving the emperor!”

"Then you'll eat the fish here first, and we'll talk about it later!" Zhu Youtang remounted his pole, looking calm and honest.

Although it is necessary to weaken the strength of the civil servant group, it is necessary to cultivate some of its own team, and Wan An, a veteran who can write notes for him and is loyal, naturally needs to be given preferential treatment.

In fact, not only Wan An, but also people like Li Yu, Du Ming and Jia Jun who came here would not put on the airs of the emperor, and the courtiers who should be courteous should still be courteous.

Since you want others to be loyal to you wholeheartedly, you can't be mean and ungrateful like Zhu Youjian, but you have to pay equal attention to kindness and power, and you have to appropriately shorten the sense of distance.

Liu Xuan has been silently observing the pair of monarchs and ministers by the side, and seeing the way Wan An and Zhu Youtang get along, he also feels a sense of envy in his heart.

If you can get this kind of supreme grace, then this life will be worth it.

Wan An didn't dare to disturb Zhu Youtang's fishing, so he quietly retreated to the side, and then asked Liu Xuan next to him, "Liu Shilang, have you decided to go to Liaodong?"

These words are quite artistic, and they are obviously concerned about Liu Xuan's whereabouts, but in fact they are inquiring about the results of Liu Xuan's conversation with Zhu Youtang through this insinuating way.

"Your Majesty has given you permission!" Liu Xuan didn't alienate Wan An because of his poor reputation, and immediately responded respectfully.

Wan An noticed that there were three porcelain plates prepared here, so he couldn't help but give Liu Xuan a high look, and then seriously warned: "Liu Shilang, this Liaoyan is a king of Shuiqian, and it may not be easy for you to rectify Liaoyan this time." !"

"I also ask Elder Wange to enlighten me!" Liu Xuan realized that Wan An knew the situation better, so he humbly asked for advice.

The flattery on Wan'an's face was gone, and he said shrewdly: "Since the 22nd year of Chenghua, there has been no response to the recruitment of Liaoyan salt. The Ministry of Households was forced to sell salt instead! The quality of Liaodong salt is poor. In fact, it was an excuse made by those people. The world’s salt interests have always attracted merchants, and how can merchants ignore the benefits of salt? After all, they think the work of transporting grain is too hard, and they are sure that forming a group can force the court to make concessions. Just pay a little money and get the salt!"

If Liaoyan is a game, then in the 22 years of confrontation in Chenghua, the household department led by Li Min was completely defeated by the Liao salt merchants.

Zhu Youtang looked quick and picked up a fish. Although the joy of catching the fish welled up in his heart, he felt resentful towards the current situation of Liaoyan.

If it is said that Huaiyan needs to show face, at least the original history is that the Chinese law was abolished after Xu Pu and Ye Qi came to power, while Liaoyan had already been abolished by officials and salt merchants.

The opening of the Chinese law, which had been running smoothly for more than 100 years, suddenly failed to be implemented. It was necessary to sell salt in exchange for silver taels. It can only be said that the growth of the official and gentry class is indeed a major disaster for the court.

"According to Wange's opinion, how should we break the situation?" Liu Xuan also realized that the water in Liaoyan was very deep, so he asked for advice seriously.

Wan An didn't profit from Liaoyan, so he expressed his attitude murderously: "Is there any need to ask? Who is the problem, who is corrupting the Liaoyan government, just like Wang Yue, he swung his stick and beat him down. That's right!"

Liu Xuan didn't expect that Wan'an was already so old, and he still had such vigor. He didn't know how to answer the conversation for a while, so he couldn't help reaching out and touching his nose in embarrassment.

"Mr. Wange, you are only afraid that the world will not be chaotic!" Zhu Youtang picked up the hot tea he had just brewed and scolded him directly.

Seeing that the topic aroused Zhu Youtang's interest, Wan An immediately laughed along with him and said, "Your Majesty, you should use heavy codes to deal with unscrupulous profiteers. You said that!"

"I did say it, but you only saw Wang Yue beating people, but he just hit people with a stick because of his braids. He didn't just hit people indiscriminately! If there is no reason to hit people with a stick, it's impeachment from the Kodao speaker." The chapters will be piled up on my desk, when the time comes, do you think I want to deal with Liu Shilang?" Zhu Youtang took a sip of tea, and he did not hesitate to preach.

"If I make it so difficult for Your Majesty, it will be my disloyalty!" Liu Xuan immediately expressed his attitude, and then expressed his plan: "What Wange said just now makes sense, and we should use heavy blows to deal with unscrupulous businessmen. When I arrived in Liaodong, I first pretended to attract investment, and then arranged for people to pretend to be salt merchants to participate in it, and the gang of illegal salt merchants will definitely stop or lure them into the group, and then the gang of illegal salt merchants may be punished!"

Zhu Youtang and Wan An exchanged glances silently, and found that the left servant of the official department was really not simple, and he might be the next Wang Yue.

Once this strategy of luring snakes out of the hole works, Liaodong will surely be flooded with people again.

Listen to Chaoge, this is definitely the most suitable place for open-air barbecue.

Guo Yong has the talent of a chef. Three delicious grilled fish have been grilled.

Zhu Youtang had finished fishing and was sitting on the high platform in front of the pavilion.

It can be said that he eats delicacies from mountains and seas every day, but enjoying the grilled fish he just caught in this pleasant place has a special flavor.

Although Wan An is getting old, his teeth look good, and he especially likes to eat fish maw.Now it can be said to be a great joy in life when paired with Palace Yuye wine.

Liu Xuan seemed flattered to enjoy the grilled fish before the case. I don't know if it was Guo Yong who grilled it well, or the fish His Majesty caught was extraordinarily stained with dragon flavor, which made him feel that this grilled fish should only be found in the sky.

"Recently there have been rumors in the capital that His Majesty is going to send troops to Huguang, but what does His Majesty think?" Wan An asked seriously when he saw Zhu Youtang stop chopsticks.

When Liu Xuan saw Wan An speak, he gently placed the chopsticks on the table, then turned to look at Zhu Youtang, full of curiosity in his heart.

"There are people in Huguang who dare to collude with bandits to attack the imperial envoys. The court cannot sit idly by. I really have the idea of ​​suppressing it!" Zhu Youtang found out that the grilled fish had to be accompanied by fine wine, so he raised his wine glass and said calmly.

"Which battalion does His Majesty plan to send?" Wan An asked after realizing that he had guessed correctly.

Zhu Youtang took a sip of wine, but asked back: "Who said I'm going to send the Beijing army?"

Huh?
Liu Xuan picked up the wine glass, but looked at Zhu Youtang puzzled.

"Your Majesty, if you don't send the Beijing army, what kind of army can you send to the local area?" Wan An frowned slightly, looking very puzzled.

"Nanjing's garrison eunuch Wang Zhi has asked for an order to lead a thousand Shenji Battalion to Huguang to suppress it, and I have already agreed!" Zhu Youtang knew that there was no need to hide this matter, so he directly revealed it.

Liu Xuan knew that His Majesty attached great importance to Wang Zhi, who was good at commanding troops, but when he heard that there were only a mere 1000 people, he couldn't help worrying that Wang Zhi might return without success if he led this group of people.

But then again, once Wang Zhi led a battalion of troops to go, not to mention that this move would consume a lot of rations and cause great damage to the local area.

The banditry is like a comb, and the soldier is like a dog. These are the lessons of blood since ancient times. The court really can't afford to go to war over such a trivial matter in Huguang.

Wan An heard that Wang Zhi, the dignified eunuch guarding Nanjing, led his troops there, and couldn't help but worry: "If Wang Zhi leaves Nanjing, what will happen to Nanjing's security?"

"Nanjing can't defend itself without Wang Zhi, and the officials in Nanjing can all be replaced!" Zhu Youtang looked at the wine in the glass, but he had his own principles.

Wan An found out that this was indeed the truth, and quickly expressed his opinion: "I made a mistake, it really doesn't matter if Wang Zhi leaves, and the Marquis of Funing will definitely keep Nanjing safe!"

Since the accident in Cheng Guogong's mansion, Nanjing's defense naturally had to be replaced, and Funing Hou Zhu Yong was selected by Zhu Youtang to take up this position.However, whether this appointment will be promoted or demoted, I am afraid that only Zhu Youtang knows in his heart.

Now the internal stability of Daming, not to mention the stable Nanzhili, even Huguang, which has just been rambunctious, is unlikely to make any big disturbances.

The reason why local officials are afraid of local officials and gentry is mainly because they are worried about their black hats.It's just that the local officials and gentry want to conspire against them, so they must have a different face, but they use the corpses of the officials and gentry to ascend to power.

"Huguang is nothing to worry about. What I am most worried about now is Datong!" Zhu Youtang drank the wine in his glass, expressing his worries.

(End of this chapter)