Daming Jingtai: I am the eternal benevolent king
Chapter 235: Ming Dynasty Annual Meeting, Quiz Night Banquet!
Chapter 235: Ming Dynasty Annual Meeting, Quiz Night Banquet!
"Your Majesty, there are countless people who are good at sculpture. Those who are proficient in sculpture are Chen Xiang and Chen Wei, both of whom are veterans."
Chen Xiang, in the Ministry of Industry.
"Who is Chen Wei?" This is the first time Zhu Qiyu has heard of it.
"Your Majesty, the master master of the imperial kiln in Dehua, all the treasures of Buddha statues enshrined in the palace were made by Chen Wei."
Chen Wei is the creator of He School art.
His craftsmanship is superb.
"My lords, what do you think of erecting a statue of me in the capital?"
Zhu Qiyu asked people to take away the sculpture.
The Han people are introverted and can't stand such immoral things.
Even if you look at it, it's a sneak peek.
"Your Majesty, you must not do this!"
Ni Qian knelt on the ground: "How can your Majesty's Tianyan be respected by all the people?"
"I'm standing right at the gate of the capital, wouldn't it be nice?"
What if you were a stone lion?
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid that the ignorant people will be disrespectful to you." Feng Xiao's words touched Zhu Qiyu's heart.
If there is a pervert, wouldn't it be disgusting to do that to the statue of Zhu Qiyu?
From now on, a meritorious ministers' pavilion will be built and statues will be erected for ministers who have made great achievements. It is none of the emperor's business whether they will be punished or not.
Zhu Qiyu continued to watch interesting things.
"Your Majesty, please take a look at it." Gao Ming from the Military Aircraft Department presented a painting.
It's an oil painting, and it depicts a plant, definitely not a sunflower.
Gao Ming was a Jinshi in the second year of Jingtai. He was an outspoken and upright person, and he liked Zhu Qiyu very much.
He stayed at the military plane and walked around, and occasionally sent orders to the Yangxin Hall to ask questions.
"The colors are too bright, the painting style is rough, and it's too realistic. It's inferior." Ni Qian thought it was average.
"Your Majesty, what Mr. Ni said is true." Yang Shouchen, who is well versed in calligraphy and painting, praised.
Lin E also came over to appreciate it: "This painting is only at the level of Meng Tong. When Wei Chen was ten years old, he would not be able to paint this painting, but..."
"What is it?" Zhu Qiyu looked at him.
"It's actually similar to the simple paintings invented by His Majesty." Lin E couldn't help laughing.
Why does it sound like you are scolding me?
My level is not as good as Mengtong?
All the key ministers laughed.
Just take the image, that's it.
"There is no redeeming quality at all?" Zhu Qiyu was surprised.
In contemporary conceptual painting, the status of oil painting is extremely high, while the status of traditional Chinese painting is far inferior.
Is it because she follows the gangster's logic?
Or is it an aesthetic difference?
"Your Majesty, there is indeed merit."
"If this color is filled into the simple drawing, it can be used as an enlightening picture book for children."
"It's also useful."
Lin E stroked his beard and smiled, somewhat contemptuously.
He himself is excellent at calligraphy and painting, but he believes that there are many contemporary painters who are better than him.
"Mr. Lin is a great talent, please follow this painting and paint it again, and I will see the difference." Zhu Qiyu's aesthetics is still at the level where oil painting is higher than traditional Chinese painting.
Lin E took a careful look and saw that the emperor had a smile on his face and felt reassured.
It was rare to see the emperor being so elegant. Feng Xiao hurried into the palace to get pen and ink and brought a table over.
Lin E drew casually.
The same plant, but in Lin E's hands, has distinct layers and can interpret many layers of meaning.
Traditional Chinese painting pays attention to profound meanings. You can often understand different truths and taste different tastes through a painting. This is a superior work.
Soon, give up.
Ni Qian and Yang Shouchen commented: "Brother Lin is very talented, but this painting is too perfunctory."
"Hahaha, this painting is enough!"
Lin E paused his brush, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this painting focuses on color and realism, without any deep meaning. Therefore, I feel that this painting has no artistic conception, so it is said to be a poor quality."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Lin E's paintings again.
Very simple.
The same plants are painted with thick colors and splashed ink, while Lin E uses simple brushes to outline them. However, the former gives people a sense of exaggeration, while the latter has a bit more charm.
High judgment.
"Good job!"
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Mr. Lin splashed ink casually, and it is such a masterpiece. It is very good, very good."
"Your Majesty, in the eyes of Master Danqing, minor ministers are nothing more than grains of rice."
Lin E is really not humble.
There are so many painters of paintings in the Ming Dynasty, and there are also so many people who are in high positions.
"Then tell me, whose paintings among the palace painters catch your eye?" Zhu Qiyu was very interested.
"Your Majesty, the number one painter in the palace is naturally Mr. Bian Jingzhao." Lin E reported back.
"Yes, Mr. Bian's paintings are the best in the world."
Bian Jingzhao often accompanied Emperor Xuanzong in painting, and he painted birds, flowers and fruits exquisitely. The flowers had postures and the birds had spirits. He was known as the three masters of the forbidden world.
The other two masterpieces are Jiang Zicheng's character and Zhao Lian's tiger.
Jiang Zicheng was a figure in the Yongle Dynasty and has passed away.
Zhao Lian has not yet been born.
"Who is second?" Zhu Qiyu was very interested.
"Your Majesty, in the palace, except for Mr. Bian, no one can be ranked. The others are only temporary heroes, and they are definitely not people who will last forever."
Lin E's tasting ability is very high.
The painters in the palace were indeed in decline. There were some masters, but they could not be famous for centuries.
Originally there were many masters, such as Dai Jin, Xie Tingxun and others, who were demoted due to their crimes.
The great development of Ming Dynasty painting was brought about by Emperor Xuanzong.
It reached its peak during the Hongzhi period.
"Lin E, tell me, if this painting or your painting were shown to an ordinary person, which one would he think is more expensive and better?" Zhu Qiyu suddenly asked.
Lin E almost wanted to say, how can a painting be judged by money?That's a dirty famous painting.
"Replying to your majesty, I think the Western Yi paintings are better than the others."
Because the colors are bright.
Ordinary people do not have such a high level of literary accomplishment, nor do they understand artistic conception. Color is the most eye-catching thing, and they are judged by color at a glance.
So people will become less and less educated.
"In this case, there is something to learn from this painting."
Zhu Qiyu handed it to Feng Xiao: "Put it away and let the painter learn from it and be inclusive. In the future, enlightenment books for children can follow this painting method."
"Especially the paint of this painting, if I find a way to crack it, it will be of great use to me."
Feng Xiao hesitated to speak, the cost was a bit high for the emperor.
Zhu Qiyu continued to look at the baby.
There are so many treasures in these Western goods. They must have been sold by merchants, so they have everything, but they are all inferior goods.
Besides Daming, are there any other trading partners?
Is it Siam?
As mentioned in the memorial submitted by Lu Gao, most of the Ming Dynasty's goods were transported to Siam, so there were very few Chinese and Persian merchants in Guangzhou.
But the ships docked in Guangzhou should have passed through Siam, and these goods should not have been shipped in Daming.
But it has to go through the Ming Dynasty.
Was it sold to Japan?
It shouldn’t be. Japan is in the middle of a civil war, so it’s impossible to buy these daily necessities...
and many more!
These ships were going to America to exchange for silver!
Use some daily necessities in exchange for a large amount of silver in the hands of the natives.
Maybe just this glass mirror can be exchanged for a hundred gold mines!
So, those Westerners know the route to America!
"Go and pass a decree to Liu Zhenhai. All the detained people will be detained and transported to the capital. They will not be allowed to leave the Ming Dynasty!"
Maybe, from their mouths, you can find the map to America.
"My slave obeys the order!" Feng Xiao didn't know why.
Zhu Qiyu continued Taobao.
"Eh? Your Majesty, this looks like a candlestick!" Feng Xiao presented it.
It's a copper candlestick with animal carvings on it, like a fork, with three sticks for holding candles.
Strange, why is there no fork?
Europeans eat with forks!
Zhu Qiyu searched around, but there was no fork.
"Yang Shouchen, how do Semu people eat?" Zhu Qiyu suddenly asked.
Most of the Semu people in the Yuan Dynasty were Central Asians.
Yang Shouchen thought about it seriously: "It is recorded in ancient books that they used a two-pronged fork to eat, but according to Taizu's actual records, they used their hands to eat."
"what?"
Zhu Qiyu was surprised: "Eat it with your hands? Isn't that a savage?"
No, how can Europeans be savages?
Aren’t they the embodiment of civilization?Isn't the fork a product of God given by our ancestors?Why is it not used in this era?
The fork was only introduced to Europe in the [-]th century. It was first used in Italy, and it was a two-pronged fork. It took a long time to become popular in Europe.
Now I grab it with my hands.
"Have you seen those two-tine forks?" Zhu Qiyu asked.
Yang Shouchen smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, where are you going to meet me? It's just a record in the ancient books of the Yuan Dynasty."
"Then Kublai Khan imitated cannibalism everywhere. Didn't he also eat with his hands?"
Zhu Qiyu couldn't help laughing: "It's so funny to think about Kublai Khan, the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, who had to grab food every day."
In fact, Kublai Khan could use chopsticks, Meng Ge probably couldn't, and Genghis Khan probably couldn't either.
"What your Majesty said is true. The Western barbarians are not yet civilized, how can they know how to use chopsticks?" Yang Shouchen said with contempt on his face.
Lin E found the treasure and trotted over: "Your Majesty, look, this is Jingdezhen porcelain!"
It is a very broken bowl with a broken mouth.
Zhu Qiyu felt dirty: "What's wrong?"
"Your Majesty, look at the side of this bowl. It's broken, but it's still in use. He doesn't know how to use chopsticks, so he can only eat with his hands?" Lin E smiled mischievously.
Zhu Qiyu laughed.
After searching for a long time, there was basically nothing special.
The side halls are full of plants that are afraid of freezing, and some of them are plants.
Zhu Qiyu entered the palace, and the courtiers crowded in. There were many plants that no one had ever seen before.
Some flowers were still blooming in Guangzhou, but when they were sent to the capital, they all fell due to the cold temperature, and some of them were already dead, which was a pity.
Zhu Qiyu secretly lamented that it should be cultivated in Guangzhou.
"Your Majesty, I recognize this flower."
Yang Shouchen said with a smile: "It should be chrysanthemums, but they are different from our species. I wonder if they will bloom next year."
It seems that some captains are flower lovers. They travel thousands of miles and still bring flowers to watch.
There is not a single crop that can be sown.
All flowers.
"The temperature in the capital was cold, so they were sent to Nanzhili, where they would be planted and cultivated." Zhu Qiyu was not interested in flowers.
"Your Majesty, come and see this thing!" Lin E did not enter the palace, but was still looking for treasure in the box.
In a clothing trunk, a musical instrument was found.
The shape is very strange, like a mallet, but it has buttons that don't sound when pressed, and a short bow that looks like a violin.
"Your Majesty, this looks like an erhu!"
Lin E picked it up vertically and pulled the strings with his bow, making a very unpleasant sound.
Then Lin E pressed the button and his voice became melodious.
"Sure enough, it's an erhu!" Lin E figured out that the buttons were used to adjust the rhythm.
Sure enough, music has no borders.
"What's the erhu? This is obviously the erhu." Yang Shouchen was so happy when he saw Lie Xin that he also wanted to take it over for demonstration.
Lin E wouldn't let him use it.
The operation of this thing is very complicated, and most people really don’t know how to use it.
"It sounds ugly, let's call it harp." Zhu Qiyu didn't know this thing either. Anyway, music has no borders and everyone can play it.
"Harp is a good name."
Lin E still gave it to Yang Shouchen and wondered: "It's just a waste of so many keys. Just learn the erhu and press the strings with your fingers to change the tone."
Isn’t that a violin?
"Show me." Zhu Qiyu found that both Lin E and Yang Shouchen had taken the wrong ones.
Is this thing meant to be worn on the shoulder?
There is indeed a rope on the piano. Zhu Qiyu puts it on his shoulder and pulls the strings with his bow.
"Your Majesty is right, this thing is for shoulder use!"
"The bow of your hand is downward, pull it up and down, and your right hand should hold down the keys to adjust the tone. This is correct."
Lin E exclaimed: "It's wrong to call it a harp. It's obviously used horizontally..."
This thing is called the Nikkhbach.
"You can call it whatever you want. Don't let it go bad. Send it to the Bell and Drum Division. They will make a few imitations. Each of you will be given one as a gift. Go back and play slowly."
Zhu Qiyu is going back to Yangxin Hall.
Nothing unusual.
"Your Majesty, there are still some good things that I haven't finished reading yet!" Lin E took out another piano from a box.
Zhu Qiyu turned back, took it in his hand, frowned and asked, "How to use it?"
The piano is oval in shape, with a row of keys inside, and a wooden handle-like thing at the end that can be twisted.
"Your Majesty, I don't know, but I think I pressed it."
Lin E tried to demonstrate.
After several failed attempts, Yang Shouchen took it over, pressing the keys and shaking the wooden handle, and the sound of the piano suddenly came out.
"Your Majesty, you have spoken out."
Yang Shouchen continued to explore, and after a few attempts, he could play the notes.
This is the piano in your hand!
The rotating wooden handle is the tuner that is stepped on!
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "The country does not have this kind of instrument yet. After you figure it out, let the Bell and Drum Division copy it and everyone can play with it."
This thing is called a harp, and it is an instrument used by beggars.
"I see that you two are extremely talented in music. Based on this kind of piano, you can create a piano suitable for the Ming Dynasty."
Why not form a band and hold a concert?
"I will obey your orders!"
Rhythm is one of the six arts of a gentleman and is very important.
Who says music was not valued in ancient times?
Into the hall.
Zhu Qiyu continued to deal with government affairs. There were not many things to enhance the strength of Ming Dynasty, so he was boring.
The end of the year is approaching.
All departments are extremely busy. After finishing the end-of-year affairs, they will take the annual vacation.
That's right, Ming Dynasty officials had the Spring Festival holiday from the [-]th to the [-]th day of the first lunar month.
The Lantern Festival holiday lasts for ten days (Xuande Dynasty).
The entire first month of the year is celebrated and everyone is basically on holiday.
The people left behind took turns to be on duty and handle government affairs.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, and it was the last time in the morning meeting in the eighth year of Jingtai.
"My lords, you have worked hard for a year."
"Tomorrow afternoon, there will be a banquet in the palace for all the officials."
In previous years, there were no big banquets for the officials, but gifts and money were given.
Zhu Qiyu wants to be lively this year.
"In the evening, the ministers of the cabinet don't have to prepare meals. I will also give them a banquet."
Zhu Qiyu had a smile on his face: "Take it out!"
The eunuch brought out a tray covered with a red cloth.
Zhu Qiyu walked down from Danbi and uncovered the red cloth. On it were three bronze mirrors with animal patterns, which were fastened.
Pick up a bronze mirror.
When it shined on Yu Qian's face, he was startled. His face clearly appeared on the bronze mirror. This was not the original bronze mirror, but a glass mirror!
The mirror is not big, about the size of a palm, and is oval in shape.
Everyone knew that the emperor had obtained several glazed mirrors, and thought that the emperor would treat them as treasures and keep them in the palace.
"These three bronze mirrors were seized from Xiyi."
"If I make a slight change, it will feel like I have been reborn. The brightness is several times higher than before."
"Make this beast-patterned bronze mirror."
"I will give it to the three important ministers who have worked the most hard this year!"
Zhu Qiyu placed the bronze mirror on his hands to show his solemnity: "This first mirror will naturally be given to Duke Xing, who has made the greatest contribution!"
Yu Qian quickly knelt down to thank him and put his hands on his head.
Zhu Qiyu put the bronze mirror in his hand and said slowly: "The Duke of Xing has made great contributions to the country and the Ming Dynasty."
"I hope Duke Xing will guard against arrogance and impetuosity and make military exploits for the Ming Dynasty next year."
"I hope you can get the title of the first prince with a different surname!"
The prince does not even seal the clan easily.
Isn't it just to improve the status of the prince, otherwise Yu Qianke would be unblockable.
"I thank you, Your Majesty, for your wish!" Yu Qian kowtowed and thanked him.
"This second side will be given to the old lady who works the hardest this year!"
Hu Xi knelt on the ground, held his hands in the air, and said with tears in his eyes: "Old minister, it is natural to serve the country."
"It's a no-brainer!"
"The old lady is running around so much, but not for fame."
"He is a saint in this world!"
Zhu Qiyu solemnly placed the bronze mirror in his hand: "Eight years of Jingtai are about to pass. I hope the old lady will be healthy next year and continue to support me for ten, 20, and 30 years!"
"I really hope you will always accompany me!"
Healthy and healthy!
The emperor's expectations for him were so low, yet they touched his heart so much.
"Old minister, thank you for your kindness!" Hu Bin kowtowed, tears flowing uncontrollably.
The two bronze mirrors must be given to Yu Qian and Hu Hui.
The only suspense is the third side.
There are many people in the court who are qualified to receive this third bronze mirror, such as Fan Guang, Geng Jiuchou, Bai Gui, Sun Yuanzhen, and Fang Ying.
In addition to them, there are also people who can compete, such as Yu Kang, Ou Xin, Cao Yi, Chen You, Ren Li, Chen Yu, Mao Sheng, Zhu Ying, Kou Shen, Nian Fu, Han Yong, Lin Cong, Li Xian, Shang Ren, Yuan Jie and others all have hopes of competing for the third bronze mirror.
There are also the emperor's confidants, such as Song Jie, Song Wei, Li Jin, Yang Xin, Wang Yue and others, who can rely on the emperor's favor to obtain this bronze mirror.
"This third bronze mirror!"
"I will give it to Fan Guang, who has made great contributions on the border!"
The courtiers suddenly looked disappointed.
Fan Guang is indeed qualified.
But there are too many courtiers who have made a splash this year, and too many people are qualified to be given a bronze mirror.
"My lords, don't be impatient."
"I have ordered the Royal Commercial Bank to imitate it."
"During the Lantern Festival, I will go from house to house and give them one to show my favor."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "You are all my ministers and good assistants in the Ming Dynasty. Your names are destined to be famous throughout the ages!"
"I wait and thank Your Majesty Long En!"
Obviously, these three bronze mirrors mean glory.
When the imitation is given, it will definitely not be the animal pattern grape bronze mirror.
Besides, can it be the same as being given by the emperor himself or given in batches?
Zhu Qiyu clapped his hands.
The courtiers were stunned. Is there still a major event?
A eunuch came in with a tray, and Zhu Qiyu personally opened the red cloth, revealing three jade carvings with beautiful carvings.
"This was carved by Chen Xiang himself, with his seal engraved on it."
"It's also stamped with my seal!"
It's not a jade seal, but a treasure from the emperor, specially given to ministers.
"These three jade sculptures are given to the civil servants who have made the greatest contribution to the Ming Dynasty this year!" Zhu Qiyu held one up high for everyone to see.The courtiers' eyes shone, and Geng Jiuchou and Bai Gui ignited hope at the same time.
Among the civil servants, there are many who are qualified to be bestowed, such as Li Xian, Lin Cong, Wang Wen, Kou Shen, Zhu Ying, Zhang Feng, Sun Yuanzhen, Han Yong, Nian Fu, etc.
"The first one, give it to Zhu Ying, the first one who is willing to supervise the place!" Zhu Qiyu said loudly.
Wang Yue's eyes showed extreme disappointment.
It should have been his, but because his leg was disabled, he was recuperating in the capital, which gave Zhu Ying an advantage.
Zhu Ying really took advantage.
It also shows that the emperor prefers him, and Shandong may be in great use next year.
"This second statue should be given to Geng Jiuchou, who is busy in the center and taking care of the government affairs!"
Zhu Qiyu personally placed the jade carving in his hand: "Geng Jiuchou, you have outstanding abilities."
"Here in charge of the household department, in an orderly manner."
"The household department will be busier next year, and the burden on your shoulders will be heavier."
"You have to keep trying."
Geng Jiuchou held it in his hand.
On the back of the jade carving, it is written: In the eighth year of Jingtai, the outstanding civil servant was awarded to Geng Jiuchou.
His tears couldn't stop flowing down his face, and he kowtowed and said, "I am willing to devote my whole life to you and die!"
Bai Gui's face turned pale.
The emperor knew about the dispute between him and Geng Jiuchou. If Geng Jiuchou got it, he must have lost it, because there were only three.
He tilted his head and glanced at Geng Jiuchou, his eyes filled with hatred.
"This third honor will be given to Zhang Feng, who works diligently in the capital and in the local area!"
Not given to Li Xian.
Because Li Xian fought too hard in the Liaodong battle.
Not worthy of being given.
Three jade sculptures were awarded, but the courtiers looked at the emperor eagerly, but were there other awards?
Sure enough, another eunuch presented a tray.
"If civil officials give jade sculptures, military generals will naturally give them too."
Opening the red cloth, there are three fire guns inlaid with gold. The handles are made of sandalwood, which are beautiful.
The key point is the following text: In the eighth year of Jingtai, the name XX will be awarded to those who have outstanding military achievements this year.
The nobles standing in the hall were very excited, wishing they could get one.
"This first golden fire blunderbuss will be given to Fang Ying, the one who made outstanding achievements in the battle between Guangdong and Guangxi!"
This is to be expected.
Fang Ying was demoted from the central government, and now she has made military exploits. The emperor must reward her.
"This second golden fire blunderbuss will be given to Yu Kang, who made outstanding achievements in the Tartar War!"
Not beyond expectations.
It's just that I don't know who the third fire gun belongs to.
If we go by the standards of previous years, even Tao Lu is actually qualified to give him a golden gun. However, this year's three major battles were fought in a way that shocked the past and the present, and produced so many famous generals.
Such as Yu Kang, Gu Rong, Niu Zhen, Shenying, Fang Neng, Tao Jin, Yang Xin, Li Jin, Ou Xin, Tao Cheng, Zhang Shan, etc., there are really too many.
Ming Dynasty has no shortage of famous generals.
There are countless people with outstanding military exploits.
"This third golden fire gun is going to be given to Ou Xin, who had the greatest military exploits in the battle between Guangdong and Guangxi!"
Zhu Qiyu prefers Ou Xin.
Compared with the Tatars and Tatars, the razing of the natives of Guangxi is nothing to mention.
It was still given, which shows that the emperor attaches more importance to the south, and the generals guarding the south will have to move forward bravely next year.
Neither Fang Ying nor Ou Xin was in Beijing.
Yu Kang also did not go to court.
The rewards were soon completed, and Zhu Qiyu said again: "All the civil servants and generals have been rewarded, and the eunuchs must also be rewarded!"
Another eunuch brought out a tray.
The courtiers looked surprised, and even Feng Xiao was stunned. This party was not arranged by him.
"The ministers must ask."
"Eunuchs are the ones who cause harm to the country and disrupt the government. How can they be rewarded so generously?"
Zhu Qiyu walked up to Danbi and shouted loudly: "How can the eunuch not be a man?"
"The fault of the eunuch does not lie with the eunuch, but with the emperor!"
"If I don't do my best, the eunuchs below will bring disaster to the country and the people!"
"I will take the blame!"
"In the Jingtai Dynasty, I will not allow eunuchs to cause harm to the country and the people, let alone eat and drink."
"If a eunuch can fight, manage the place, and assist me in the palace, he will certainly have merit!"
"If you have merit, you should be rewarded, and even eunuchs should be rewarded!"
The little eunuch holding the tray had tears in his eyes and his fingers were trembling.
This reward is the best gift to the eunuchs.
Zhu Qiyu opened the red cloth and found three jade pendants made of gold, which could be hung on his belt.
"This gold medal and jade pendant says: In the eighth year of Jingtai, he was an eunuch who made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. I admire him!"
Zhu Qiyu picked up the first piece on the left: "This first piece of reward is to be given to Wang Qin, who died for me in the night of seizing the door!"
"Although Wang Qin is dead, his actions in blocking my arrow will shine through in the history books!"
"I will never forget him, and neither will Qingshi!"
"If a Pavilion of Meritorious Ministers is built in the future, Wang Qin will definitely join this pavilion!"
Zhu Qiyu put the gold medal and jade pendant on the tray and picked up the second piece: "This second piece should be given to Shu Liang, who is in charge of the East Factory and helps me solve my problems!"
"This third piece will be given to Jin Zhong who is in Jiangxi and is cleaning up Jiangxi for the court!"
The courtiers had something to say in their hearts about the emperor's gift of gold medals and jade pendants to the eunuchs, and even the civil servants and generals who were holding the rewards suddenly felt uncomfortable.
It is a great shame to be compared to eunuchs.
But the eunuchs serving in the palace were wiping tears secretly. The emperor saw what they had done.
The civil servants and military generals all rewarded him, but the eunuch must reward him.
The emperor's life is in the hands of the eunuchs.
"My lords, those who have received rewards must guard against arrogance and impetuosity."
"If you don't get it, don't worry. If you work hard next year, I will give you a reward!"
Zhu Qiyu walked up to Danbi and sat on the dragon chair: "There are treasures from all over the place."
"The northwest will donate some dates, Yunnan will donate some tea leaves, Liaoning will donate some ginseng and mountain products, South Zhili will donate some pearls and refined salt, Guangdong and Guangxi will donate some pastries and bacon... the list goes on and on."
"The most important thing is firecrackers, every home has them."
"I've sent people to divide it up."
"When you leave the palace, I will send a car to pick it up."
I never expected that the emperor would be so generous.
This year's New Year's goods were all purchased by the palace and arranged very properly, including food, clothing, housing and transportation.
Salaries were also distributed in advance.
Why are you still giving me something?
Why is the emperor, who has always been stingy, suddenly so generous?
"I thank you, Lord, for your kindness!" The courtiers kowtowed.
"After the court meeting tomorrow, I will send a car to pick you up in the afternoon. Just be ready."
The meeting ends here.
When going to court, Zhu Qiyu glanced at Feng Xiao: "I didn't give you the gold medal and jade pendant. Do you have any resentment?"
Feng Xiao quickly knelt on the ground: "I dare not have such rebellious thoughts!"
"stand up!"
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said, "I know what you mean, but I'm just kidding you."
"Wang Qin doesn't need to say it. He died for me and I don't want to reward him. I feel very sorry."
"Shu Liang and Jin Zhong are the most capable and must be rewarded."
"Wang Cheng, Zhang Yong and you are all the people I trust the most."
"Next year, there will definitely be one for you."
Zhu Qiyu patted him on the shoulder.
Feng Xiao had tears in his eyes.
Entering the Yangxin Hall, Zhu Qiyu asked: "Have all the rewards from the harem been distributed?"
"Go back to your Majesty, everything is done."
Feng Xiao asked in a low voice: "Can I welcome the Japanese prince into the palace for the New Year's Eve dinner tomorrow?"
Zhu Qiyu frowned, he had never taken it before.
But a lot has happened this year, and we can’t stick to the rules.
"Let's make a decision tomorrow."
Zhu Qiyu was also undecided: "What about Changde's share?"
"Princess Changde's was naturally the first to be delivered."
Zhu Qiyu nodded: "Prepare one more for Changde."
"The slaves obey the orders!"
Changde, Changde, it depends on your performance tomorrow night.
"Your Majesty, this reward will cost you 12 taels of silver." Feng Xiao felt distressed. The emperor would just reward him casually today, that's all.
In addition to the court officials, all the noble families and clans wanted rewards.
There are also those veterans who have become officials, as well as eunuchs, maids, and wives who have made contributions to the palace, all will receive an extra reward.
Tomorrow is the New Year, and everyone in the palace will reward you again.
This year, the palace is expected to advance 120 million taels of silver, which is really a waste of money.
Compared with previous years, it has been very economical.
"The money that should be spent must be spent, and we must not chill people's hearts."
This money cannot be saved.
To put it bluntly, it's just a favor.
"Are you ready for the palace banquet tomorrow?"
"Your Majesty, everything is ready. The meals served according to the highest standards will not go wrong."
Feng Xiao replied: "Every official can definitely see your thoughts."
Zhu Qiyu nodded: "The reward for Shangshi Bureau is ready."
"No one is allowed to touch the vegetables given for the New Year's Eve dinner. If they are lost, they are not enough."
"It is unlucky to see blood during the Chinese New Year."
In addition to a feast in the afternoon, he also prepared a special feast for the New Year's Eve dinner.
"I know that this thing is important, and I will never let anyone else reach for it!" Feng Xiao knelt on the ground.
Then Feng Xiao was sent away.
Zhu Qiyu is still handling government affairs.
It stands to reason that the emperor should rest, but Zhu Qiyu found that he was a workaholic and did not know what to do if he did not deal with government affairs.
Anyway, the courtiers took turns on duty, so he didn't rest.
"After dinner, I want to walk around the palace." Zhu Qiyu suddenly raised his head and said.
"The slaves obey the orders!"
In the evening, we had dinner early.
Then he started from Chengqian Palace and walked through each palace to take a look and comfort him.
Go back to Yangxin Hall to sleep, he is the busiest person on New Year's Eve.
In the early morning of the thirties, couplets were posted in each palace.
The time for posting couplets is the day calculated by Qin Tian. Generally, couplets can be posted on the 28th and 29th.
Zhu Qiyu had no time to go to bed early.
For the emperor, the Chinese New Year is just looking for trouble.
He got up early in the morning, even earlier than usual, dressed in imperial robes, and along with the courtiers, he opened the ancestral temple and paid homage to the past emperors.
Then you have to go to Renshou Palace to kneel down to worship the Empress Dowager, and then go to Xian'an Palace to kneel down to worship the Empress Dowager Wu.
It is a symbolic meeting of the great court, accepting the worship of hundreds of officials.
The wives of the imperial court also had to enter the palace to pay homage to the empress dowager.
There was no queen in the palace, and the imperial concubine acted as the queen. However, because she was pregnant and it was inconvenient to see guests, she was exempted from this ceremony.
It can be said that both the government and the opposition have been tortured.
Busy until noon.
Finally, after finishing his work, Zhu Qiyu took a bite of hot rice.
After the courtiers dispersed, they took a rest.
Just after midnight, the palace sent out carriages to pick up important ministers into the palace.
Basically, the courtiers who stand inside the Fengtian Palace must enter the palace, and those who stand outside the palace depend on factors such as whether they are in important positions, whether they are the emperor's favorites, etc.
They are all scheduled, a total of 108 ministers.
The courtiers, all dressed in court uniforms, gathered outside the Meridian Gate and listened to the sound of the bells as they entered the palace.
The banquet given by the emperor is not so easy to eat.
After entering the palace, there is another heavy etiquette.
Zhu Qiyu still didn't take off his crown uniform. Even though he was in good health, he was still so tired that his shoulders ached and he felt uncomfortable all over.
The courtiers were also uncomfortable. The court uniforms were all specially given and very heavy.
I've been wearing it for several hours.
Hu Hui was almost exhausted.
Finally the etiquette was over, the emperor took the lead and changed into regular clothes, and the courtiers also changed into regular clothes when they went to the side hall.
This is Zhu Qiyu's gift.
Before, they couldn't change their clothes unless the emperor gave them change.
Having a meal in the palace is worse than going to the execution ground.
Fortunately, I felt comfortable after changing into regular clothes.
The drums rise.
All kinds of dishes are brought in one after another.
Place them on their respective desks.
The maids serving in Qianqing Palace today are all the daughters of the important ministers here.
It is also a gift from the emperor. The maids cannot leave the palace, let alone meet their parents at home.
They might as well serve their mother to worship in the harem during the day, and serve their father for meals in the afternoon.
To relieve the pain of Acacia.
They were all specially arranged by the emperor, which shows his good intentions.
This meal was prepared by Shangshi Bureau for more than ten days. It was the most sumptuous, delicious and delicious, and they all showed great effort.
"My lords, please move your chopsticks slowly."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Today is New Year's Eve, and the banquet I have given you is not something you can eat casually."
Hu Xi was about to kneel down and reply.
"Sit down, today is New Year's Eve."
"I have been kneeling and worshiping all morning, and I am exhausted."
"I won't even kneel down and bow down during this meal, so I'll skip the ceremony." Zhu Qiyu was in a very good mood.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
The courtiers even want to kneel down to express gratitude, but they are used to it.
Zhu Qiyu waved his hand and asked them to sit down, but they were not used to sitting and saluting.
"Is there any mystery in your Majesty's dish?" Hu Hui continued with a smile.
"All the ministers are knowledgeable and talented people, so the banquet banquet on New Year's Eve is not interesting."
"But if you don't order anything fresh, you will definitely not enjoy the food."
"So, the food on my table is called the Quiz Night Banquet."
"Every dish has a mystery and a hidden answer."
"The answer to the riddle is an idiom."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Whoever guesses the answer to the riddle, I will give you something good!"
There are 108 dishes on the table.
There are 108 riddles and answers. This time the emperor is bleeding.
The courtiers were also willing to join in the fun, it was an elegant thing, and they wanted to be fresh, and they talked about the dishes.
"My lords, you can't tell your colleagues."
"Hahaha!" The courtiers laughed, and the entire Qianqing Palace became quiet again, wary of each other, and wondering about the answer to which dish.
In fact, it doesn't matter, the dishes in front of each official are different.
The mystery and answer of each dish are carefully designed for them.
Zhu Qiyu was just joking.
"Old minister, I saw it!"
Hu Xi was willing to join in the fun, and because of his high status and age, he came out on top: "Your Majesty, this eel and pigeon stew is like a phoenix rising from a dragon."
Some of the courtiers looked surprised, thinking that this dish was cleverly designed.
In fact, there are a total of 108 courtiers who were ordered to the palace to give a banquet today. Each of them can guess the answer to the riddle for each dish.
No one robs anyone.
This is a special gift from the emperor.
"Haha, the old master is so knowledgeable and talented that he can rise from a dragon to a phoenix."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Huaien who was waiting in the palace: "Huaien, your mind has been exposed by the old master."
Hu Hui looked at Wynn: "Is this dish the mystery and answer you think of?"
"To be fair to the old master, it's your slave!" Wynn is knowledgeable.
"It's amazing."
Hu Hui was a cunning old man, and the emperor deliberately named Huaien. This was to make Huaien famous, so he naturally wanted to help praise him.
"Since the old master has given me some advice, let me take a guess at this."
Yu Qian was also willing to join in the fun, because it was very elegant and fresh. He pointed at a fish and said, "This is a fish, decorated with chestnuts and orchids."
The courtier followed Yu Qian's words and looked at the dish on his desk.
Some people scratched their heads, some looked confused.
"This orchid is the gentleman among the grass, like the orchid in the empty valley."
"Orchids are a delicacy among flowers, and they are also a tonic when placed in vegetables."
What troubled Yu Qian was this fish.
What kind of fish is this? It's cooked and can't be seen.
"Like a catfish?"
Yu Qian suddenly realized: "Weichen guessed it! This dish can turn the tide!"
This dish was specially prepared for Yu Qian.
Yu Kang asked: "Father, since you are a grass carp, why do you call it "turning the tide?"
"Current fish is also called Wanyu."
Yu Qian bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty's good intentions will be kept in mind by Yu Qian."
"Xing Guogong turned the tide before it fell, and helped the building before it collapsed, which is exactly what this dish says."
Zhu Qiyu had a smile on his face: "Try this to turn the tide and see how the imperial chef in the palace cooks it."
How can the courtiers think about eating it?
This guessing game is fun.
Geng Jiuchou discovered that the dishes placed in front of each table were different, indicating that this dish was prepared individually for the people sitting at this table.
That is to say, you can only guess the dish in front of you, not others.
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen also guessed something."
Geng Jiuchou pointed to his dish and said loudly: "This dish is steamed river mussels with flowers and pearls on the plate. This is called Hepu Returning Pearls!"
The courtiers looked over and saw that it was really a pearl returned from Hepu.
When Bai Gui saw the dish in front of him, he suddenly sneered: "Wei Chen is so popular!"
The dish in front of him is a turtle plated with longan in the middle, which is what everyone expects.
I always feel like this is mocking him.
The meal suddenly lost its flavor.
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"Your Majesty, there are countless people who are good at sculpture. Those who are proficient in sculpture are Chen Xiang and Chen Wei, both of whom are veterans."
Chen Xiang, in the Ministry of Industry.
"Who is Chen Wei?" This is the first time Zhu Qiyu has heard of it.
"Your Majesty, the master master of the imperial kiln in Dehua, all the treasures of Buddha statues enshrined in the palace were made by Chen Wei."
Chen Wei is the creator of He School art.
His craftsmanship is superb.
"My lords, what do you think of erecting a statue of me in the capital?"
Zhu Qiyu asked people to take away the sculpture.
The Han people are introverted and can't stand such immoral things.
Even if you look at it, it's a sneak peek.
"Your Majesty, you must not do this!"
Ni Qian knelt on the ground: "How can your Majesty's Tianyan be respected by all the people?"
"I'm standing right at the gate of the capital, wouldn't it be nice?"
What if you were a stone lion?
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid that the ignorant people will be disrespectful to you." Feng Xiao's words touched Zhu Qiyu's heart.
If there is a pervert, wouldn't it be disgusting to do that to the statue of Zhu Qiyu?
From now on, a meritorious ministers' pavilion will be built and statues will be erected for ministers who have made great achievements. It is none of the emperor's business whether they will be punished or not.
Zhu Qiyu continued to watch interesting things.
"Your Majesty, please take a look at it." Gao Ming from the Military Aircraft Department presented a painting.
It's an oil painting, and it depicts a plant, definitely not a sunflower.
Gao Ming was a Jinshi in the second year of Jingtai. He was an outspoken and upright person, and he liked Zhu Qiyu very much.
He stayed at the military plane and walked around, and occasionally sent orders to the Yangxin Hall to ask questions.
"The colors are too bright, the painting style is rough, and it's too realistic. It's inferior." Ni Qian thought it was average.
"Your Majesty, what Mr. Ni said is true." Yang Shouchen, who is well versed in calligraphy and painting, praised.
Lin E also came over to appreciate it: "This painting is only at the level of Meng Tong. When Wei Chen was ten years old, he would not be able to paint this painting, but..."
"What is it?" Zhu Qiyu looked at him.
"It's actually similar to the simple paintings invented by His Majesty." Lin E couldn't help laughing.
Why does it sound like you are scolding me?
My level is not as good as Mengtong?
All the key ministers laughed.
Just take the image, that's it.
"There is no redeeming quality at all?" Zhu Qiyu was surprised.
In contemporary conceptual painting, the status of oil painting is extremely high, while the status of traditional Chinese painting is far inferior.
Is it because she follows the gangster's logic?
Or is it an aesthetic difference?
"Your Majesty, there is indeed merit."
"If this color is filled into the simple drawing, it can be used as an enlightening picture book for children."
"It's also useful."
Lin E stroked his beard and smiled, somewhat contemptuously.
He himself is excellent at calligraphy and painting, but he believes that there are many contemporary painters who are better than him.
"Mr. Lin is a great talent, please follow this painting and paint it again, and I will see the difference." Zhu Qiyu's aesthetics is still at the level where oil painting is higher than traditional Chinese painting.
Lin E took a careful look and saw that the emperor had a smile on his face and felt reassured.
It was rare to see the emperor being so elegant. Feng Xiao hurried into the palace to get pen and ink and brought a table over.
Lin E drew casually.
The same plant, but in Lin E's hands, has distinct layers and can interpret many layers of meaning.
Traditional Chinese painting pays attention to profound meanings. You can often understand different truths and taste different tastes through a painting. This is a superior work.
Soon, give up.
Ni Qian and Yang Shouchen commented: "Brother Lin is very talented, but this painting is too perfunctory."
"Hahaha, this painting is enough!"
Lin E paused his brush, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this painting focuses on color and realism, without any deep meaning. Therefore, I feel that this painting has no artistic conception, so it is said to be a poor quality."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Lin E's paintings again.
Very simple.
The same plants are painted with thick colors and splashed ink, while Lin E uses simple brushes to outline them. However, the former gives people a sense of exaggeration, while the latter has a bit more charm.
High judgment.
"Good job!"
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Mr. Lin splashed ink casually, and it is such a masterpiece. It is very good, very good."
"Your Majesty, in the eyes of Master Danqing, minor ministers are nothing more than grains of rice."
Lin E is really not humble.
There are so many painters of paintings in the Ming Dynasty, and there are also so many people who are in high positions.
"Then tell me, whose paintings among the palace painters catch your eye?" Zhu Qiyu was very interested.
"Your Majesty, the number one painter in the palace is naturally Mr. Bian Jingzhao." Lin E reported back.
"Yes, Mr. Bian's paintings are the best in the world."
Bian Jingzhao often accompanied Emperor Xuanzong in painting, and he painted birds, flowers and fruits exquisitely. The flowers had postures and the birds had spirits. He was known as the three masters of the forbidden world.
The other two masterpieces are Jiang Zicheng's character and Zhao Lian's tiger.
Jiang Zicheng was a figure in the Yongle Dynasty and has passed away.
Zhao Lian has not yet been born.
"Who is second?" Zhu Qiyu was very interested.
"Your Majesty, in the palace, except for Mr. Bian, no one can be ranked. The others are only temporary heroes, and they are definitely not people who will last forever."
Lin E's tasting ability is very high.
The painters in the palace were indeed in decline. There were some masters, but they could not be famous for centuries.
Originally there were many masters, such as Dai Jin, Xie Tingxun and others, who were demoted due to their crimes.
The great development of Ming Dynasty painting was brought about by Emperor Xuanzong.
It reached its peak during the Hongzhi period.
"Lin E, tell me, if this painting or your painting were shown to an ordinary person, which one would he think is more expensive and better?" Zhu Qiyu suddenly asked.
Lin E almost wanted to say, how can a painting be judged by money?That's a dirty famous painting.
"Replying to your majesty, I think the Western Yi paintings are better than the others."
Because the colors are bright.
Ordinary people do not have such a high level of literary accomplishment, nor do they understand artistic conception. Color is the most eye-catching thing, and they are judged by color at a glance.
So people will become less and less educated.
"In this case, there is something to learn from this painting."
Zhu Qiyu handed it to Feng Xiao: "Put it away and let the painter learn from it and be inclusive. In the future, enlightenment books for children can follow this painting method."
"Especially the paint of this painting, if I find a way to crack it, it will be of great use to me."
Feng Xiao hesitated to speak, the cost was a bit high for the emperor.
Zhu Qiyu continued to look at the baby.
There are so many treasures in these Western goods. They must have been sold by merchants, so they have everything, but they are all inferior goods.
Besides Daming, are there any other trading partners?
Is it Siam?
As mentioned in the memorial submitted by Lu Gao, most of the Ming Dynasty's goods were transported to Siam, so there were very few Chinese and Persian merchants in Guangzhou.
But the ships docked in Guangzhou should have passed through Siam, and these goods should not have been shipped in Daming.
But it has to go through the Ming Dynasty.
Was it sold to Japan?
It shouldn’t be. Japan is in the middle of a civil war, so it’s impossible to buy these daily necessities...
and many more!
These ships were going to America to exchange for silver!
Use some daily necessities in exchange for a large amount of silver in the hands of the natives.
Maybe just this glass mirror can be exchanged for a hundred gold mines!
So, those Westerners know the route to America!
"Go and pass a decree to Liu Zhenhai. All the detained people will be detained and transported to the capital. They will not be allowed to leave the Ming Dynasty!"
Maybe, from their mouths, you can find the map to America.
"My slave obeys the order!" Feng Xiao didn't know why.
Zhu Qiyu continued Taobao.
"Eh? Your Majesty, this looks like a candlestick!" Feng Xiao presented it.
It's a copper candlestick with animal carvings on it, like a fork, with three sticks for holding candles.
Strange, why is there no fork?
Europeans eat with forks!
Zhu Qiyu searched around, but there was no fork.
"Yang Shouchen, how do Semu people eat?" Zhu Qiyu suddenly asked.
Most of the Semu people in the Yuan Dynasty were Central Asians.
Yang Shouchen thought about it seriously: "It is recorded in ancient books that they used a two-pronged fork to eat, but according to Taizu's actual records, they used their hands to eat."
"what?"
Zhu Qiyu was surprised: "Eat it with your hands? Isn't that a savage?"
No, how can Europeans be savages?
Aren’t they the embodiment of civilization?Isn't the fork a product of God given by our ancestors?Why is it not used in this era?
The fork was only introduced to Europe in the [-]th century. It was first used in Italy, and it was a two-pronged fork. It took a long time to become popular in Europe.
Now I grab it with my hands.
"Have you seen those two-tine forks?" Zhu Qiyu asked.
Yang Shouchen smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, where are you going to meet me? It's just a record in the ancient books of the Yuan Dynasty."
"Then Kublai Khan imitated cannibalism everywhere. Didn't he also eat with his hands?"
Zhu Qiyu couldn't help laughing: "It's so funny to think about Kublai Khan, the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, who had to grab food every day."
In fact, Kublai Khan could use chopsticks, Meng Ge probably couldn't, and Genghis Khan probably couldn't either.
"What your Majesty said is true. The Western barbarians are not yet civilized, how can they know how to use chopsticks?" Yang Shouchen said with contempt on his face.
Lin E found the treasure and trotted over: "Your Majesty, look, this is Jingdezhen porcelain!"
It is a very broken bowl with a broken mouth.
Zhu Qiyu felt dirty: "What's wrong?"
"Your Majesty, look at the side of this bowl. It's broken, but it's still in use. He doesn't know how to use chopsticks, so he can only eat with his hands?" Lin E smiled mischievously.
Zhu Qiyu laughed.
After searching for a long time, there was basically nothing special.
The side halls are full of plants that are afraid of freezing, and some of them are plants.
Zhu Qiyu entered the palace, and the courtiers crowded in. There were many plants that no one had ever seen before.
Some flowers were still blooming in Guangzhou, but when they were sent to the capital, they all fell due to the cold temperature, and some of them were already dead, which was a pity.
Zhu Qiyu secretly lamented that it should be cultivated in Guangzhou.
"Your Majesty, I recognize this flower."
Yang Shouchen said with a smile: "It should be chrysanthemums, but they are different from our species. I wonder if they will bloom next year."
It seems that some captains are flower lovers. They travel thousands of miles and still bring flowers to watch.
There is not a single crop that can be sown.
All flowers.
"The temperature in the capital was cold, so they were sent to Nanzhili, where they would be planted and cultivated." Zhu Qiyu was not interested in flowers.
"Your Majesty, come and see this thing!" Lin E did not enter the palace, but was still looking for treasure in the box.
In a clothing trunk, a musical instrument was found.
The shape is very strange, like a mallet, but it has buttons that don't sound when pressed, and a short bow that looks like a violin.
"Your Majesty, this looks like an erhu!"
Lin E picked it up vertically and pulled the strings with his bow, making a very unpleasant sound.
Then Lin E pressed the button and his voice became melodious.
"Sure enough, it's an erhu!" Lin E figured out that the buttons were used to adjust the rhythm.
Sure enough, music has no borders.
"What's the erhu? This is obviously the erhu." Yang Shouchen was so happy when he saw Lie Xin that he also wanted to take it over for demonstration.
Lin E wouldn't let him use it.
The operation of this thing is very complicated, and most people really don’t know how to use it.
"It sounds ugly, let's call it harp." Zhu Qiyu didn't know this thing either. Anyway, music has no borders and everyone can play it.
"Harp is a good name."
Lin E still gave it to Yang Shouchen and wondered: "It's just a waste of so many keys. Just learn the erhu and press the strings with your fingers to change the tone."
Isn’t that a violin?
"Show me." Zhu Qiyu found that both Lin E and Yang Shouchen had taken the wrong ones.
Is this thing meant to be worn on the shoulder?
There is indeed a rope on the piano. Zhu Qiyu puts it on his shoulder and pulls the strings with his bow.
"Your Majesty is right, this thing is for shoulder use!"
"The bow of your hand is downward, pull it up and down, and your right hand should hold down the keys to adjust the tone. This is correct."
Lin E exclaimed: "It's wrong to call it a harp. It's obviously used horizontally..."
This thing is called the Nikkhbach.
"You can call it whatever you want. Don't let it go bad. Send it to the Bell and Drum Division. They will make a few imitations. Each of you will be given one as a gift. Go back and play slowly."
Zhu Qiyu is going back to Yangxin Hall.
Nothing unusual.
"Your Majesty, there are still some good things that I haven't finished reading yet!" Lin E took out another piano from a box.
Zhu Qiyu turned back, took it in his hand, frowned and asked, "How to use it?"
The piano is oval in shape, with a row of keys inside, and a wooden handle-like thing at the end that can be twisted.
"Your Majesty, I don't know, but I think I pressed it."
Lin E tried to demonstrate.
After several failed attempts, Yang Shouchen took it over, pressing the keys and shaking the wooden handle, and the sound of the piano suddenly came out.
"Your Majesty, you have spoken out."
Yang Shouchen continued to explore, and after a few attempts, he could play the notes.
This is the piano in your hand!
The rotating wooden handle is the tuner that is stepped on!
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "The country does not have this kind of instrument yet. After you figure it out, let the Bell and Drum Division copy it and everyone can play with it."
This thing is called a harp, and it is an instrument used by beggars.
"I see that you two are extremely talented in music. Based on this kind of piano, you can create a piano suitable for the Ming Dynasty."
Why not form a band and hold a concert?
"I will obey your orders!"
Rhythm is one of the six arts of a gentleman and is very important.
Who says music was not valued in ancient times?
Into the hall.
Zhu Qiyu continued to deal with government affairs. There were not many things to enhance the strength of Ming Dynasty, so he was boring.
The end of the year is approaching.
All departments are extremely busy. After finishing the end-of-year affairs, they will take the annual vacation.
That's right, Ming Dynasty officials had the Spring Festival holiday from the [-]th to the [-]th day of the first lunar month.
The Lantern Festival holiday lasts for ten days (Xuande Dynasty).
The entire first month of the year is celebrated and everyone is basically on holiday.
The people left behind took turns to be on duty and handle government affairs.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, and it was the last time in the morning meeting in the eighth year of Jingtai.
"My lords, you have worked hard for a year."
"Tomorrow afternoon, there will be a banquet in the palace for all the officials."
In previous years, there were no big banquets for the officials, but gifts and money were given.
Zhu Qiyu wants to be lively this year.
"In the evening, the ministers of the cabinet don't have to prepare meals. I will also give them a banquet."
Zhu Qiyu had a smile on his face: "Take it out!"
The eunuch brought out a tray covered with a red cloth.
Zhu Qiyu walked down from Danbi and uncovered the red cloth. On it were three bronze mirrors with animal patterns, which were fastened.
Pick up a bronze mirror.
When it shined on Yu Qian's face, he was startled. His face clearly appeared on the bronze mirror. This was not the original bronze mirror, but a glass mirror!
The mirror is not big, about the size of a palm, and is oval in shape.
Everyone knew that the emperor had obtained several glazed mirrors, and thought that the emperor would treat them as treasures and keep them in the palace.
"These three bronze mirrors were seized from Xiyi."
"If I make a slight change, it will feel like I have been reborn. The brightness is several times higher than before."
"Make this beast-patterned bronze mirror."
"I will give it to the three important ministers who have worked the most hard this year!"
Zhu Qiyu placed the bronze mirror on his hands to show his solemnity: "This first mirror will naturally be given to Duke Xing, who has made the greatest contribution!"
Yu Qian quickly knelt down to thank him and put his hands on his head.
Zhu Qiyu put the bronze mirror in his hand and said slowly: "The Duke of Xing has made great contributions to the country and the Ming Dynasty."
"I hope Duke Xing will guard against arrogance and impetuosity and make military exploits for the Ming Dynasty next year."
"I hope you can get the title of the first prince with a different surname!"
The prince does not even seal the clan easily.
Isn't it just to improve the status of the prince, otherwise Yu Qianke would be unblockable.
"I thank you, Your Majesty, for your wish!" Yu Qian kowtowed and thanked him.
"This second side will be given to the old lady who works the hardest this year!"
Hu Xi knelt on the ground, held his hands in the air, and said with tears in his eyes: "Old minister, it is natural to serve the country."
"It's a no-brainer!"
"The old lady is running around so much, but not for fame."
"He is a saint in this world!"
Zhu Qiyu solemnly placed the bronze mirror in his hand: "Eight years of Jingtai are about to pass. I hope the old lady will be healthy next year and continue to support me for ten, 20, and 30 years!"
"I really hope you will always accompany me!"
Healthy and healthy!
The emperor's expectations for him were so low, yet they touched his heart so much.
"Old minister, thank you for your kindness!" Hu Bin kowtowed, tears flowing uncontrollably.
The two bronze mirrors must be given to Yu Qian and Hu Hui.
The only suspense is the third side.
There are many people in the court who are qualified to receive this third bronze mirror, such as Fan Guang, Geng Jiuchou, Bai Gui, Sun Yuanzhen, and Fang Ying.
In addition to them, there are also people who can compete, such as Yu Kang, Ou Xin, Cao Yi, Chen You, Ren Li, Chen Yu, Mao Sheng, Zhu Ying, Kou Shen, Nian Fu, Han Yong, Lin Cong, Li Xian, Shang Ren, Yuan Jie and others all have hopes of competing for the third bronze mirror.
There are also the emperor's confidants, such as Song Jie, Song Wei, Li Jin, Yang Xin, Wang Yue and others, who can rely on the emperor's favor to obtain this bronze mirror.
"This third bronze mirror!"
"I will give it to Fan Guang, who has made great contributions on the border!"
The courtiers suddenly looked disappointed.
Fan Guang is indeed qualified.
But there are too many courtiers who have made a splash this year, and too many people are qualified to be given a bronze mirror.
"My lords, don't be impatient."
"I have ordered the Royal Commercial Bank to imitate it."
"During the Lantern Festival, I will go from house to house and give them one to show my favor."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "You are all my ministers and good assistants in the Ming Dynasty. Your names are destined to be famous throughout the ages!"
"I wait and thank Your Majesty Long En!"
Obviously, these three bronze mirrors mean glory.
When the imitation is given, it will definitely not be the animal pattern grape bronze mirror.
Besides, can it be the same as being given by the emperor himself or given in batches?
Zhu Qiyu clapped his hands.
The courtiers were stunned. Is there still a major event?
A eunuch came in with a tray, and Zhu Qiyu personally opened the red cloth, revealing three jade carvings with beautiful carvings.
"This was carved by Chen Xiang himself, with his seal engraved on it."
"It's also stamped with my seal!"
It's not a jade seal, but a treasure from the emperor, specially given to ministers.
"These three jade sculptures are given to the civil servants who have made the greatest contribution to the Ming Dynasty this year!" Zhu Qiyu held one up high for everyone to see.The courtiers' eyes shone, and Geng Jiuchou and Bai Gui ignited hope at the same time.
Among the civil servants, there are many who are qualified to be bestowed, such as Li Xian, Lin Cong, Wang Wen, Kou Shen, Zhu Ying, Zhang Feng, Sun Yuanzhen, Han Yong, Nian Fu, etc.
"The first one, give it to Zhu Ying, the first one who is willing to supervise the place!" Zhu Qiyu said loudly.
Wang Yue's eyes showed extreme disappointment.
It should have been his, but because his leg was disabled, he was recuperating in the capital, which gave Zhu Ying an advantage.
Zhu Ying really took advantage.
It also shows that the emperor prefers him, and Shandong may be in great use next year.
"This second statue should be given to Geng Jiuchou, who is busy in the center and taking care of the government affairs!"
Zhu Qiyu personally placed the jade carving in his hand: "Geng Jiuchou, you have outstanding abilities."
"Here in charge of the household department, in an orderly manner."
"The household department will be busier next year, and the burden on your shoulders will be heavier."
"You have to keep trying."
Geng Jiuchou held it in his hand.
On the back of the jade carving, it is written: In the eighth year of Jingtai, the outstanding civil servant was awarded to Geng Jiuchou.
His tears couldn't stop flowing down his face, and he kowtowed and said, "I am willing to devote my whole life to you and die!"
Bai Gui's face turned pale.
The emperor knew about the dispute between him and Geng Jiuchou. If Geng Jiuchou got it, he must have lost it, because there were only three.
He tilted his head and glanced at Geng Jiuchou, his eyes filled with hatred.
"This third honor will be given to Zhang Feng, who works diligently in the capital and in the local area!"
Not given to Li Xian.
Because Li Xian fought too hard in the Liaodong battle.
Not worthy of being given.
Three jade sculptures were awarded, but the courtiers looked at the emperor eagerly, but were there other awards?
Sure enough, another eunuch presented a tray.
"If civil officials give jade sculptures, military generals will naturally give them too."
Opening the red cloth, there are three fire guns inlaid with gold. The handles are made of sandalwood, which are beautiful.
The key point is the following text: In the eighth year of Jingtai, the name XX will be awarded to those who have outstanding military achievements this year.
The nobles standing in the hall were very excited, wishing they could get one.
"This first golden fire blunderbuss will be given to Fang Ying, the one who made outstanding achievements in the battle between Guangdong and Guangxi!"
This is to be expected.
Fang Ying was demoted from the central government, and now she has made military exploits. The emperor must reward her.
"This second golden fire blunderbuss will be given to Yu Kang, who made outstanding achievements in the Tartar War!"
Not beyond expectations.
It's just that I don't know who the third fire gun belongs to.
If we go by the standards of previous years, even Tao Lu is actually qualified to give him a golden gun. However, this year's three major battles were fought in a way that shocked the past and the present, and produced so many famous generals.
Such as Yu Kang, Gu Rong, Niu Zhen, Shenying, Fang Neng, Tao Jin, Yang Xin, Li Jin, Ou Xin, Tao Cheng, Zhang Shan, etc., there are really too many.
Ming Dynasty has no shortage of famous generals.
There are countless people with outstanding military exploits.
"This third golden fire gun is going to be given to Ou Xin, who had the greatest military exploits in the battle between Guangdong and Guangxi!"
Zhu Qiyu prefers Ou Xin.
Compared with the Tatars and Tatars, the razing of the natives of Guangxi is nothing to mention.
It was still given, which shows that the emperor attaches more importance to the south, and the generals guarding the south will have to move forward bravely next year.
Neither Fang Ying nor Ou Xin was in Beijing.
Yu Kang also did not go to court.
The rewards were soon completed, and Zhu Qiyu said again: "All the civil servants and generals have been rewarded, and the eunuchs must also be rewarded!"
Another eunuch brought out a tray.
The courtiers looked surprised, and even Feng Xiao was stunned. This party was not arranged by him.
"The ministers must ask."
"Eunuchs are the ones who cause harm to the country and disrupt the government. How can they be rewarded so generously?"
Zhu Qiyu walked up to Danbi and shouted loudly: "How can the eunuch not be a man?"
"The fault of the eunuch does not lie with the eunuch, but with the emperor!"
"If I don't do my best, the eunuchs below will bring disaster to the country and the people!"
"I will take the blame!"
"In the Jingtai Dynasty, I will not allow eunuchs to cause harm to the country and the people, let alone eat and drink."
"If a eunuch can fight, manage the place, and assist me in the palace, he will certainly have merit!"
"If you have merit, you should be rewarded, and even eunuchs should be rewarded!"
The little eunuch holding the tray had tears in his eyes and his fingers were trembling.
This reward is the best gift to the eunuchs.
Zhu Qiyu opened the red cloth and found three jade pendants made of gold, which could be hung on his belt.
"This gold medal and jade pendant says: In the eighth year of Jingtai, he was an eunuch who made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. I admire him!"
Zhu Qiyu picked up the first piece on the left: "This first piece of reward is to be given to Wang Qin, who died for me in the night of seizing the door!"
"Although Wang Qin is dead, his actions in blocking my arrow will shine through in the history books!"
"I will never forget him, and neither will Qingshi!"
"If a Pavilion of Meritorious Ministers is built in the future, Wang Qin will definitely join this pavilion!"
Zhu Qiyu put the gold medal and jade pendant on the tray and picked up the second piece: "This second piece should be given to Shu Liang, who is in charge of the East Factory and helps me solve my problems!"
"This third piece will be given to Jin Zhong who is in Jiangxi and is cleaning up Jiangxi for the court!"
The courtiers had something to say in their hearts about the emperor's gift of gold medals and jade pendants to the eunuchs, and even the civil servants and generals who were holding the rewards suddenly felt uncomfortable.
It is a great shame to be compared to eunuchs.
But the eunuchs serving in the palace were wiping tears secretly. The emperor saw what they had done.
The civil servants and military generals all rewarded him, but the eunuch must reward him.
The emperor's life is in the hands of the eunuchs.
"My lords, those who have received rewards must guard against arrogance and impetuosity."
"If you don't get it, don't worry. If you work hard next year, I will give you a reward!"
Zhu Qiyu walked up to Danbi and sat on the dragon chair: "There are treasures from all over the place."
"The northwest will donate some dates, Yunnan will donate some tea leaves, Liaoning will donate some ginseng and mountain products, South Zhili will donate some pearls and refined salt, Guangdong and Guangxi will donate some pastries and bacon... the list goes on and on."
"The most important thing is firecrackers, every home has them."
"I've sent people to divide it up."
"When you leave the palace, I will send a car to pick it up."
I never expected that the emperor would be so generous.
This year's New Year's goods were all purchased by the palace and arranged very properly, including food, clothing, housing and transportation.
Salaries were also distributed in advance.
Why are you still giving me something?
Why is the emperor, who has always been stingy, suddenly so generous?
"I thank you, Lord, for your kindness!" The courtiers kowtowed.
"After the court meeting tomorrow, I will send a car to pick you up in the afternoon. Just be ready."
The meeting ends here.
When going to court, Zhu Qiyu glanced at Feng Xiao: "I didn't give you the gold medal and jade pendant. Do you have any resentment?"
Feng Xiao quickly knelt on the ground: "I dare not have such rebellious thoughts!"
"stand up!"
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said, "I know what you mean, but I'm just kidding you."
"Wang Qin doesn't need to say it. He died for me and I don't want to reward him. I feel very sorry."
"Shu Liang and Jin Zhong are the most capable and must be rewarded."
"Wang Cheng, Zhang Yong and you are all the people I trust the most."
"Next year, there will definitely be one for you."
Zhu Qiyu patted him on the shoulder.
Feng Xiao had tears in his eyes.
Entering the Yangxin Hall, Zhu Qiyu asked: "Have all the rewards from the harem been distributed?"
"Go back to your Majesty, everything is done."
Feng Xiao asked in a low voice: "Can I welcome the Japanese prince into the palace for the New Year's Eve dinner tomorrow?"
Zhu Qiyu frowned, he had never taken it before.
But a lot has happened this year, and we can’t stick to the rules.
"Let's make a decision tomorrow."
Zhu Qiyu was also undecided: "What about Changde's share?"
"Princess Changde's was naturally the first to be delivered."
Zhu Qiyu nodded: "Prepare one more for Changde."
"The slaves obey the orders!"
Changde, Changde, it depends on your performance tomorrow night.
"Your Majesty, this reward will cost you 12 taels of silver." Feng Xiao felt distressed. The emperor would just reward him casually today, that's all.
In addition to the court officials, all the noble families and clans wanted rewards.
There are also those veterans who have become officials, as well as eunuchs, maids, and wives who have made contributions to the palace, all will receive an extra reward.
Tomorrow is the New Year, and everyone in the palace will reward you again.
This year, the palace is expected to advance 120 million taels of silver, which is really a waste of money.
Compared with previous years, it has been very economical.
"The money that should be spent must be spent, and we must not chill people's hearts."
This money cannot be saved.
To put it bluntly, it's just a favor.
"Are you ready for the palace banquet tomorrow?"
"Your Majesty, everything is ready. The meals served according to the highest standards will not go wrong."
Feng Xiao replied: "Every official can definitely see your thoughts."
Zhu Qiyu nodded: "The reward for Shangshi Bureau is ready."
"No one is allowed to touch the vegetables given for the New Year's Eve dinner. If they are lost, they are not enough."
"It is unlucky to see blood during the Chinese New Year."
In addition to a feast in the afternoon, he also prepared a special feast for the New Year's Eve dinner.
"I know that this thing is important, and I will never let anyone else reach for it!" Feng Xiao knelt on the ground.
Then Feng Xiao was sent away.
Zhu Qiyu is still handling government affairs.
It stands to reason that the emperor should rest, but Zhu Qiyu found that he was a workaholic and did not know what to do if he did not deal with government affairs.
Anyway, the courtiers took turns on duty, so he didn't rest.
"After dinner, I want to walk around the palace." Zhu Qiyu suddenly raised his head and said.
"The slaves obey the orders!"
In the evening, we had dinner early.
Then he started from Chengqian Palace and walked through each palace to take a look and comfort him.
Go back to Yangxin Hall to sleep, he is the busiest person on New Year's Eve.
In the early morning of the thirties, couplets were posted in each palace.
The time for posting couplets is the day calculated by Qin Tian. Generally, couplets can be posted on the 28th and 29th.
Zhu Qiyu had no time to go to bed early.
For the emperor, the Chinese New Year is just looking for trouble.
He got up early in the morning, even earlier than usual, dressed in imperial robes, and along with the courtiers, he opened the ancestral temple and paid homage to the past emperors.
Then you have to go to Renshou Palace to kneel down to worship the Empress Dowager, and then go to Xian'an Palace to kneel down to worship the Empress Dowager Wu.
It is a symbolic meeting of the great court, accepting the worship of hundreds of officials.
The wives of the imperial court also had to enter the palace to pay homage to the empress dowager.
There was no queen in the palace, and the imperial concubine acted as the queen. However, because she was pregnant and it was inconvenient to see guests, she was exempted from this ceremony.
It can be said that both the government and the opposition have been tortured.
Busy until noon.
Finally, after finishing his work, Zhu Qiyu took a bite of hot rice.
After the courtiers dispersed, they took a rest.
Just after midnight, the palace sent out carriages to pick up important ministers into the palace.
Basically, the courtiers who stand inside the Fengtian Palace must enter the palace, and those who stand outside the palace depend on factors such as whether they are in important positions, whether they are the emperor's favorites, etc.
They are all scheduled, a total of 108 ministers.
The courtiers, all dressed in court uniforms, gathered outside the Meridian Gate and listened to the sound of the bells as they entered the palace.
The banquet given by the emperor is not so easy to eat.
After entering the palace, there is another heavy etiquette.
Zhu Qiyu still didn't take off his crown uniform. Even though he was in good health, he was still so tired that his shoulders ached and he felt uncomfortable all over.
The courtiers were also uncomfortable. The court uniforms were all specially given and very heavy.
I've been wearing it for several hours.
Hu Hui was almost exhausted.
Finally the etiquette was over, the emperor took the lead and changed into regular clothes, and the courtiers also changed into regular clothes when they went to the side hall.
This is Zhu Qiyu's gift.
Before, they couldn't change their clothes unless the emperor gave them change.
Having a meal in the palace is worse than going to the execution ground.
Fortunately, I felt comfortable after changing into regular clothes.
The drums rise.
All kinds of dishes are brought in one after another.
Place them on their respective desks.
The maids serving in Qianqing Palace today are all the daughters of the important ministers here.
It is also a gift from the emperor. The maids cannot leave the palace, let alone meet their parents at home.
They might as well serve their mother to worship in the harem during the day, and serve their father for meals in the afternoon.
To relieve the pain of Acacia.
They were all specially arranged by the emperor, which shows his good intentions.
This meal was prepared by Shangshi Bureau for more than ten days. It was the most sumptuous, delicious and delicious, and they all showed great effort.
"My lords, please move your chopsticks slowly."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Today is New Year's Eve, and the banquet I have given you is not something you can eat casually."
Hu Xi was about to kneel down and reply.
"Sit down, today is New Year's Eve."
"I have been kneeling and worshiping all morning, and I am exhausted."
"I won't even kneel down and bow down during this meal, so I'll skip the ceremony." Zhu Qiyu was in a very good mood.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
The courtiers even want to kneel down to express gratitude, but they are used to it.
Zhu Qiyu waved his hand and asked them to sit down, but they were not used to sitting and saluting.
"Is there any mystery in your Majesty's dish?" Hu Hui continued with a smile.
"All the ministers are knowledgeable and talented people, so the banquet banquet on New Year's Eve is not interesting."
"But if you don't order anything fresh, you will definitely not enjoy the food."
"So, the food on my table is called the Quiz Night Banquet."
"Every dish has a mystery and a hidden answer."
"The answer to the riddle is an idiom."
Zhu Qiyu smiled and said: "Whoever guesses the answer to the riddle, I will give you something good!"
There are 108 dishes on the table.
There are 108 riddles and answers. This time the emperor is bleeding.
The courtiers were also willing to join in the fun, it was an elegant thing, and they wanted to be fresh, and they talked about the dishes.
"My lords, you can't tell your colleagues."
"Hahaha!" The courtiers laughed, and the entire Qianqing Palace became quiet again, wary of each other, and wondering about the answer to which dish.
In fact, it doesn't matter, the dishes in front of each official are different.
The mystery and answer of each dish are carefully designed for them.
Zhu Qiyu was just joking.
"Old minister, I saw it!"
Hu Xi was willing to join in the fun, and because of his high status and age, he came out on top: "Your Majesty, this eel and pigeon stew is like a phoenix rising from a dragon."
Some of the courtiers looked surprised, thinking that this dish was cleverly designed.
In fact, there are a total of 108 courtiers who were ordered to the palace to give a banquet today. Each of them can guess the answer to the riddle for each dish.
No one robs anyone.
This is a special gift from the emperor.
"Haha, the old master is so knowledgeable and talented that he can rise from a dragon to a phoenix."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Huaien who was waiting in the palace: "Huaien, your mind has been exposed by the old master."
Hu Hui looked at Wynn: "Is this dish the mystery and answer you think of?"
"To be fair to the old master, it's your slave!" Wynn is knowledgeable.
"It's amazing."
Hu Hui was a cunning old man, and the emperor deliberately named Huaien. This was to make Huaien famous, so he naturally wanted to help praise him.
"Since the old master has given me some advice, let me take a guess at this."
Yu Qian was also willing to join in the fun, because it was very elegant and fresh. He pointed at a fish and said, "This is a fish, decorated with chestnuts and orchids."
The courtier followed Yu Qian's words and looked at the dish on his desk.
Some people scratched their heads, some looked confused.
"This orchid is the gentleman among the grass, like the orchid in the empty valley."
"Orchids are a delicacy among flowers, and they are also a tonic when placed in vegetables."
What troubled Yu Qian was this fish.
What kind of fish is this? It's cooked and can't be seen.
"Like a catfish?"
Yu Qian suddenly realized: "Weichen guessed it! This dish can turn the tide!"
This dish was specially prepared for Yu Qian.
Yu Kang asked: "Father, since you are a grass carp, why do you call it "turning the tide?"
"Current fish is also called Wanyu."
Yu Qian bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty's good intentions will be kept in mind by Yu Qian."
"Xing Guogong turned the tide before it fell, and helped the building before it collapsed, which is exactly what this dish says."
Zhu Qiyu had a smile on his face: "Try this to turn the tide and see how the imperial chef in the palace cooks it."
How can the courtiers think about eating it?
This guessing game is fun.
Geng Jiuchou discovered that the dishes placed in front of each table were different, indicating that this dish was prepared individually for the people sitting at this table.
That is to say, you can only guess the dish in front of you, not others.
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen also guessed something."
Geng Jiuchou pointed to his dish and said loudly: "This dish is steamed river mussels with flowers and pearls on the plate. This is called Hepu Returning Pearls!"
The courtiers looked over and saw that it was really a pearl returned from Hepu.
When Bai Gui saw the dish in front of him, he suddenly sneered: "Wei Chen is so popular!"
The dish in front of him is a turtle plated with longan in the middle, which is what everyone expects.
I always feel like this is mocking him.
The meal suddenly lost its flavor.
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