King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 795: The First Year of Qiansheng
Taking over the Ministry of Clan Affairs and handling all clan affairs is a rare and lucrative job for clan members, and what's even more difficult is the high status.

"Your Majesty has great trust in us. We two ministers are really worried. If we fail to complete the task...it will damage the virtue of Your Majesty!"

After hearing what Zhu Jingchun said at the table, Zhu Jinghong smiled and said, "Why are you so scared? When we were studying together, you were the smartest. The teacher said that when it comes to studying... I can't compare to you!"

Of course Zhu Jinghong was joking, but the problem is that he is the emperor now, and even if it is a joke, people can't help but think more.

"I'm ashamed. I was just being clever back then. How could I have hidden it from your majesty's discerning eyes?"

This was Zhu Jinghao's answer. At this moment, the title for Zhu Jinghong had been changed to "Your Majesty", and his so-called "cleverness" was not groundless.

When they were studying in the academy, these two guys did encourage Zhu Jinghong to make trouble many times so that they could take advantage of the chaos to have some free time.

They are both smart people, and they have been trained in the royal family since childhood, so they have strong political acumen.

The emperor was joking this time, but what about the next time or the next time? Who knows, he might bring up the past, so it is better to be cautious at all times.

Just before the banquet, the two old generals were dismissed from their posts in an instant, which made them once again deeply understand what it means to serve the emperor like serving a tiger.

Zhu Jinghong certainly knew what they were thinking, so he didn't point it out.

"No matter what, the affairs of the royal family involve serious matters. You two must enforce the law strictly and do not let any more scandals spread!"

The emperor made a request with just a few words, but it was difficult to accomplish because there were too many people from the royal family, especially many of them were not in the capital.

Of course, those royal family members living outside the capital were basically the ones who were granted fiefdoms before Emperor Taizu, and their blood ties with the current royal family have long been weak.

"Your Highness obeys your command!"

"Come on, have a few more drinks with me!"

Next, the three brothers chatted and talked, and Zhu Jingchun and the other man took over the jobs of the palace maids and eunuchs, pouring wine and serving dishes. They looked like clowns in their prince robes.

The emperor was setting up the case at the main seat, so the performance of Zhu Jingchun and the other two was seen by the royal family members present.

Those who were shallow-minded or aloof sneered at their flattery, while some people were extremely envious. After all, being on friendly terms with the emperor was an opportunity that could not be asked for.

But those who are truly broad-minded and shrewd are calm about this. They understand that being too close to the emperor is not necessarily a good thing, and that living a peaceful and stable life is a blessing.

To the right of Zhu Jinghong's desk is the Queen's desk. Many people come to her desk as well, so family banquets are much more casual.

Zhu Jingchun and the other man stood guarding Zhu Jinghong on both sides, while their respective princesses were at Baochai's place, chattering and laughing non-stop.

Xu and Zhao were enjoying the present feeling very much, because after the death of the fourth and sixth brothers, they were the only royal brothers who were closest to the emperor, and they felt great just thinking about the days to come.

After the two families left, Zhu Jinghong's place was empty, and Baochai's place was almost the same.

In fact, this is normal. The number of people who are qualified to walk up the imperial steps is extremely small at present.

Below, the concubines were seated according to their degree of closeness, chatting and laughing among themselves, and further away from them were the royal family members.

Zhu Yunsheng and his wife were sitting in the front row. They had already paid their respects to the Emperor and Empress, and were chatting with each other.

"This matter finally has a result. Don't do anything stupid again in the future!" Liang Yi reminded.

"I'm sorry for making you worried because of my recklessness!" Zhu Yunsheng said very sincerely.

After experiencing a series of misfortunes, Zhu Yunsheng finally realized that the past could not be changed, and now she only felt guilty towards her husband.

Liang Yi was relieved to hear this. In case Zhu Jinghong still had any grudges, he joked, "It's okay for me to suffer a little injustice, but it would be a big loss if the mansion lost the eldest princess!"

Although this is a joke, it is also true. The title of the eldest princess is indeed very important.

On the contrary, Zhu Yunsheng didn't feel anything about this. After all, she was born with wealth and glory, and she really didn't care much about these things.

While the two of them were chatting, two people had already arrived at the imperial steps. They were Yuanchun and Chen Zhi.

"Your Majesty, your Majesty, your Majesty the Queen!"

Glancing at the emperor beside her, she saw him leaning back in his chair with his eyes narrowed but not moving, so Baochai raised her hand and said, "You two, please stand up!"

Now that she and her husband are in the highest position, they automatically become the head of the royal family, so they cannot call Yuanchun and her husband sisters-in-law, so Baochai calls them "you two".

"Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you, Your Majesty!"

After the formal ceremony, there were fewer concerns about speaking, so Baochai personally stood up to greet them, and after walking down the imperial steps, she took the two of them aside to talk.

"I've been busy at the palace, and I haven't seen you for a long time. How are you doing?"

"Don't stay in the mansion all the time. You can come to the palace when you have time. It would be good for us sisters to talk more!"

Baochai is undoubtedly the protagonist, so naturally she should lead the topic, and the other two can only cooperate and respond.

Zhu Jinghong, who was sitting on the throne, was looking calmly at the three people below, his eyes moving slightly, and no one knew what he was thinking.

"Your Majesty, how long will it take for this to end?"

The sudden voice ended Zhu Jinghong's thoughts. He knew it was Zhen Qin without even looking at her.

"What's wrong? Are you sleepy?" Zhu Jinghong asked with a smile.

"They don't talk to me. It's so boring being alone!" Zhen Qin replied bluntly.

Zhu Jinghong almost laughed when he heard this, so he asked again: "I remember that you and Yinglian were close friends, and she doesn't even talk to you?"

"Yinglian was taken away by Keqing!" Zhen Qin was a little indignant.

Zhu Jinghong laughed and said, "As the saying goes, those who lose their moral principles have few supporters. You should reflect on this now!"

"Your Majesty is a scholar, could you teach me?"

"Princess Zhen, please don't embarrass His Majesty. You have to take care of your own affairs. His Majesty cares about the whole country!"

The voice was not very polite and came from Qi Qi Ge. She and Zhen Qin were the worst match and they had fought before in the palace.

Originally, Qi Qige would not come up again, but seeing that Zhen Qin, a stupid woman, could come, Qi Qige would naturally not be left behind.

So the two of them started arguing, and their methods were very primitive, so it was quite interesting to Zhu Jinghong.

It was not until Baochai returned and glared at the two of them that they tactfully withdrew.

"Just now, both of them told me that they have no other thoughts, they just want to eat vegetarian food, chant Buddhist scriptures and pray for the Ming Dynasty, and then spend the rest of their lives in peace!"

As soon as Baochai finished speaking, Zhu Jinghong subconsciously said, "Eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures? You can keep Miaoyu company!"

But when he saw Baochai's questioning look, Zhu Jinghong continued, "We were just joking!"

"Come on, Queen, you have worked hard. I'll toast you a glass!"

Baochai didn't think much about it, and immediately picked up the wine, bowed to Zhu Jinghong, and the two of them drank together.

About half an hour later, the royal banquet ended, and Zhu Jinghong stayed in Daiyu's palace. In a blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve, and the royal family held a family banquet in Kunning Palace, and only Zhu Jinghong's family attended.

After New Year's Eve, time officially entered the first year of Qiansheng, and a new era began.

On the first day of the first lunar month, Zhu Jinghong held a court meeting. He took the throne in the Fengtian Hall and accepted congratulations from royal family members, nobles, officials and envoys in Beijing. This was another extremely grand event.

After the morning ceremony, the officials began their normal rest, which is a rare holiday in the year.

But for officials of a slightly higher rank, it will be difficult for them to have a smooth holiday because they have to attend the following festivals.

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, the New Year was coming to an end, but the capital was still peaceful and bustling.

It has to be said that although the current Ming Dynasty has various shortcomings, it can be regarded as a prosperous era, which can support the current prosperity of the capital.

In a small tavern in South City, Feng Yuan was seeing off Li Ziheng, who would leave for the southwest tomorrow.

"Brother Ziheng, we are going to Yunnan and Guizhou, the mountains are high and the road is long... Please take care!"

Feng Yuan's words were full of concern, because friends like Li Ziheng were so rare and he was really afraid of losing his good friend.

"Don't worry, I will take good care of myself. As for Brother Feng... this year's imperial examination will be held in a new year. I wish you great success and success in the exam!"

Feng Yuan had been staying in Beijing for the imperial examination at the beginning of the year.

But after failing the exam several times, he was no longer anxious. Facing the blessing, he was calm and accepted Li Ziheng's blessing.

"Brother Ziheng, you are going to the southwest this time to investigate and rectify illegal activities. You must be careful in everything to prevent being murdered by corrupt officials!"

As early as ten years ago, Feng Yuan had experienced the methods of cruel officials. Hu Jinan, the magistrate of Yingtian at that time, dared to frame and harm others without being forced into a desperate situation. This shows how dark these people's hearts are.

It would be strange if someone like Li Ziheng, who specifically looks for other people's mistakes, was not targeted and punished by these people.

Even if Li Ziheng was investigating the case under imperial orders, it was inevitable that those people would come up with some strange tricks. It would be fine if he was humiliated, but he was afraid that he would be convicted of a capital crime.

"I see!"

After Li Ziheng agreed, Feng Yuan continued, "To be honest, I don't agree with you going to the southwest. You can still investigate lawlessness in the capital. Why do you have to put yourself in danger?"

"Doesn't the Deputy Imperial Censor Wang Pei'an think highly of you? Why don't you ask him..."

Before Feng Yuan finished speaking, Li Ziheng said, "It was Lord Wang who recommended me to His Majesty. Before that, I also recommended myself to Lord Wang!"

"You...ah!" Feng Yuan didn't know what to say.

After filling Feng Yuan's glass with wine, Li Ziheng continued, "And what you said before is not right. This year, Lord Wang... I'm afraid he won't be the deputy imperial envoy anymore!"

"Left Censor-in-Chief?" Feng Yuan asked with doubt.

Li Ziheng did not answer, but said to himself: "Your Majesty has been on the throne for nearly half a year, and there have been few changes in the six ministries of the cabinet. I think it's time to make some changes!"

A new emperor appoints his own ministers, but that doesn't mean all of them will be replaced at once. The new emperor prioritizes stability when he ascends the throne, so there is naturally no rush to adjust officials.

Now that the era has been changed, it is only natural to adjust the officials. Moreover, some of them are either old or have been in their positions for too long, so it is indeed time for them to move.

Feng Yuan went on to say: "If Lord Wang is promoted to the position of Chief Censor, the atmosphere inside and outside the court will definitely improve a lot!"

Li Ziheng sighed, "I once told Lord Wang this, but he said it wasn't that simple!"

Feng Yuan thought about it and found that it was indeed the case, so he didn't say much. After all, he had not yet entered the officialdom, so it was too early to talk about court affairs.

Although this farewell banquet seemed shabby, it was very meaningful because of the true feelings present. In the end, both the host and the guests left happily.

The next morning, Feng Yuan went to Li's house again and personally sent Li Ziheng out of the city. The two talked about a lot of things along the way.

Even after they left the city gate, Feng Yuan still wanted to see him off a little further. After Li Ziheng repeatedly declined, he stood outside the city and watched his friend leave.

"After thousands of miles, we will eventually have to say goodbye!" Feng Yuan sighed.

But just as he finished speaking, he heard someone behind him say: "Life is about constantly saying goodbye and constantly meeting new people and things!"

"You are saddened by the departure of your friends, but I have met a fellow countryman thousands of miles away from home... Life is unpredictable!"

Although the Ming Dynasty had its own official language, accents varied from place to place. Before the man could even utter the word "fellow countryman", Feng Yuan had already heard that he was from Nanjing, and it was obvious that he had also recognized his accent.

Feng Yuan couldn't help but feel curious when he met a fellow townsman by chance.

When he turned around, he saw that the man had an extraordinary appearance and was dressed in elegant yet luxurious clothes. Most importantly, he had the demeanor of a modest gentleman, which made Feng Yuan feel very favorable towards him.

"I am Feng Yuan from Yingtian Prefecture!" Feng Yuan bowed.

The visitor also bowed in return and replied, "I am Song Ziyu from Taiping Prefecture!"

"Song Ziyu...you are Song Ziyu?" Feng Yuan was surprised.

As a professional in the imperial examinations, Feng Yuan had heard of the name of Song Ziyu, simply because he was the top scorer in the Jinling County Examination in the 19th year of Zhengtong.

Normally, if he had taken the exam in the 20th year of Zhengtong, he would have passed. Unfortunately, he caught a cold and was unable to travel, and missed last year's exam.

Feng Yuan is not surprised at all that he will appear in this year's Enke.

It only took this person six years to go from the Tongsheng examination to the Jieyuan examination. He ranked first in the county examination, the prefectural examination, and the imperial examination, and won the title of Jieyuan the year before last.

Such a person can truly be called the God of Literature who has descended to earth, so much so that when standing next to Song Ziyu, Feng Yuan actually felt a little ashamed of himself.

"Brother, do you know me?" Song Ziyu asked.

It was not surprising for someone like him to be recognized by his fellow townsmen, so Song Ziyu looked indifferent at the moment.

"Brother Song, who doesn't know your name?" Feng Yuan bowed.

He is already over 30 years old this year, while Song Ziyu is only 26. However, as the saying goes, the one who has achieved success comes first, Feng Yuan also calls him brother.

"Alas, it's all just empty reputation!"

After saying this modestly, Song Ziyu asked Feng Yuan, "Brother, are you here to take part in the Spring Examination as well?"

"Exactly!"

Song Ziyu replied with a delighted look on his face, "We are both from the same hometown and share the same interests. This is truly rare... Brother Feng and I are truly destined to be together!"

Given the current traffic conditions, this is indeed a rare thing, so it is worth celebrating.

Song Ziyu's family was not bad either, so he made an appointment with Feng Yuan that he would reminisce about the past with Feng Yuan after he settled down in the capital.

Feng Yuan naturally agreed. As the saying goes, more friends mean more paths, especially when the friend is as capable as Song Ziyu.

The two agreed on a way to meet, and then chatted for a while before saying goodbye and leaving.

(End of this chapter)