Ming Dynasty: The ghost betrays the Confucian sage, my son Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 23 The collusion between officials and gangsters is a big deal

Yang Xian took the imperial edict with slightly trembling hands, and his heart was filled with turmoil. Zhongshu Shengzuo Prime Minister is only one step away from the head of the hundred officials - Zhongshu Shengzuo Prime Minister.

"Congratulations to Mr. Yang on your promotion." Li Shanchang spoke first, with no emotion or anger in his voice.

"Master Yang's promotion to Zuocheng is not only a great joy for you, but also a blessing to Zhongshu Province and the imperial court." Hu Weiyong followed closely behind, with a subtle smile on his lips.

Upon seeing this, other officials from Zhongshu Province came forward to congratulate him, and there was a lot of laughter.

Yang Xian was so proud that he announced loudly: "My colleagues, tomorrow is Yang's 40th birthday. Yang is hosting a banquet in Taibai Tower and sincerely invites all colleagues to the banquet."

Hearing this, everyone congratulated in unison again, and there were many kind words in their words.

"Congratulations to Mr. Yang, double happiness."

"Master Yang is only forty, and he is ranked as a senior assistant. He is young and promising, and will definitely reach a higher level in the future."

"Mr. Yang is a role model for us and is really admirable."

Yang Xian enjoyed it very much, especially when he saw Li Shanchang, Hu Weiyong and others congratulating him, he was even more proud.

He knew that the emperor was using himself to deal with Li Shanchang.

Now that he is sitting in the position of Zuo Prime Minister, he may not be able to be promoted to Zuo Prime Minister in the future. As long as Li Shanchang is pulled down, one person will be inferior to ten thousand people.

"I would like to inform you all that you must not bring gifts to the banquet tomorrow." He cupped his fists and smiled.

"Master Yang is incorruptible." Everyone praised him again.

After everyone dispersed, Hu Weiyong followed Li Shanchang and walked out.

"Yang Xian is very proud of himself. He is only one step away from the position of Prime Minister Zuo." Hu Weiyong looked livid.

"Haha, a slight difference can make a huge difference." Li Shanchang was very calm.

"Tomorrow is his birthday party, shall we go to pay homage to him?" Hu Weiyong asked.

"Of course, let's go and have a free meal." Li Shanchang's eyes flashed coldly, "Besides, this may be his last birthday."

Hu Weiyong was shocked.

He knew that Li Shanchang must be so calm and confident.

……

The next day, Taibai Tower.

On the 40th birthday of Yang Xian, Zuocheng of Zhongshu Province, a banquet was held here.

There are no lights or excessive decorations inside the building, it is simple and tidy.

However, in this pure environment, a huge character "Shou" is particularly eye-catching. It is hung in the middle of the building. It is as bright as blood and the writing is powerful, making it eye-catching and solemn.

In front of Taibai Tower, there was a lot of traffic, and officials of all sizes came to congratulate Yang Xian.

Yang Xian, dressed in simple yet solemn clothes, stood at the door to greet each guest personally.

He had a smile on his face and a calm demeanor, showing his calmness and magnanimity.

"My subordinates congratulate Mr. Yang on his fortieth birthday."

"Oh, I am an adult, thank you very much."

"It's Mr. Yang's birthday, and I'm here to ask for a glass of birthday wine. Firstly, I want to express my congratulations, and secondly, I want to congratulate you on your promotion to Zuocheng, the Secretary of the Imperial Academy."

"Thank you very much, please come quickly."

Whenever an official arrived, Yang Xian would rush forward to greet him, salute him with his hands in his hands, and greet him warmly.

When Fourth Master Zhu came to the door, Yang Xian saw it at first glance, and there was obvious displeasure in his eyes.

However, the displeasure passed away in a flash.

He quickly ordered someone to take Mr. Zhu to a private room on the second floor.

Arriving on the second floor, Fourth Master Zhu stood by the window, looking at the lively scene in the lobby below.

Yang Xian did not come to greet him in person. He understood that Yang Xian definitely did not want the officials in the DPRK to see that he had anything to do with him, a rough and tumble man.

However, he, Fourth Master Zhu, still came to celebrate his birthday.

Because whatever he wants to do next, he needs Yang Xian's help.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

A voice interrupted Fourth Master Zhu's thoughts. He looked down and saw everyone in the lobby on the first floor kneeling down. A young man wearing a dragon robe walked in. He was tall and majestic, as if he had a kind of natural majesty.

He is Zhu Biao, the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty.

Fourteen-year-old Zhu Biao has a handsome face, sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, with an extraordinary temperament.

……

"See His Highness the Crown Prince." The ministers knelt down and bowed.

Zhu Biao had a warm smile and his eyes were clear and bright, revealing a kind of wisdom and intelligence.

He raised his hand towards Yang Xian, who was kneeling at the front: "Yang Xian, although you don't want to alarm us, my father still knows about your birthday, so I ordered you to come here to congratulate me on your birthday."

As he spoke, he glanced at the eunuch beside him.

The eunuch was holding a roll of golden silk. He opened it immediately and found four bright red characters: Loyalty, Honesty and Virtue.

"This is an inscription written by the emperor himself, so that I can give it to you as a birthday gift." Zhu Biao said with a smile.

Yang Xian was ecstatic.

This is the emperor's royal pen. Which minister would have such a birthday gift?
"The emperor's grace is so great that it will be difficult for me to repay it even if I die." Yang Xian knelt down and worshiped.

Zhu Biao nodded with a smile and raised his hand to let everyone get up.

His status is extremely noble, but he is not arrogant or arrogant at all. On the contrary, he comes across as humble, courteous and gentle.

"Your Highness, please." Yang Xian said.

He invited everyone to take their seats and the birthday banquet began.

Fourth Master Zhu was observing this scene from the window on the second floor.

He remembered the "History of the Ming Dynasty" records that Yang Xian was killed by Zhu Yuanzhang in the second year after he was promoted to Zuocheng.

How could Yang Xian, who was so proud of himself at this moment, know that this was his last birthday?
"The orioles sing in the jade trees of Jinling, and the flowers bloom early on the waterside pavilions in Qinhuai. Who knows how easy it will be to freeze away! I watched him build a Zhulou, watched him entertain guests, and watched his tower collapse."

Fourth Master Zhu shook his head slightly and sat down to drink alone.

Not long after, the door to the private room was pushed open and Yang Xian walked in.

"Hey, congratulations to Master Yang." Fourth Master Zhu handed over his hand.

"Thank you, Fourth Master." Yang Xian held the wine glass and said, "I'm so arrogant. There are all the ministers down here, and it's not convenient for you to go among them."

"I feel good here." Fourth Master Zhu smiled, "I feel comfortable."

"Fourth Master, there will be more opportunities for us to cooperate in the future." Yang Xian said with a smile, "Thanks to Fourth Master's help in transporting grain this time."

"Hahaha, officials and gangsters colluded to make a fortune together." Mr. Zhu raised his glass proudly.

Yang Xian frowned slightly and raised his glass to drink.

He explained a few words and went out.

……

Fourth Master Zhu drank a few more drinks, packed up the delicacies on the table, and left in a hurry.

When he arrived outside Taibai Tower, Zhu Di was waiting for him.

"Here you go." Fourth Master Zhu handed the packed vegetables to Zhu Di.

"This is Yang Xian's 40th birthday. Why the hell doesn't he even have a roast chicken?" Zhu Di opened it with contempt on his face.

"I want to pretend to be honest." Fourth Master Zhu chuckled.

An old man and a young man were walking on the street, one carrying a knife and the other chewing on a pickled elbow.

Zhu Biao's carriage, which also left Taibai Tower in advance, happened to pass by. Zhu Biao sat in the carriage and looked outside the carriage.

"Hey, isn't that the fourth child?" Zhu Biao was shocked.

Zhu Di did not go to the main hall to attend classes during this period. Zhu Biao also asked Zhu Yuanzhang specifically. Zhu Yuanzhang said that Zhu Di would have to go for a while to learn from his master.

Zhu Biao was still curious about what kind of master he was.

The old man carrying the six-foot-long sword is Lao Si's master? Why do you look so reckless? He doesn't look like a serious master.

And the fourth child, how can he have any princely demeanor?
Zhu Biao was about to stop the car and call them to stop.

(End of this chapter)