Zhang Zhou was ordered to enter the palace to pray for blessings.
Leading the way is the eunuch Yang Peng, who has been promoted to the Royal Horse Supervisory Eunuch. His status is second only to the Royal Horse Supervisor and the palm print eunuch. Although he is not responsible for the palace guards, he is responsible for the direct investigation of the East Factory. In terms of intelligence compilation and reporting, his status in the East Factory is second only to the Governor Xiao Jing.
Because Xiao Jing is likely to be promoted to the eunuch of the Chief of Ceremonies immediately, Yang Peng is also actively courting Zhang Zhou in order to obtain the qualifications to enter the Supervisor of Ceremonies as the eunuch holding the pen and supervising the East Factory.
By the Hongzhi period, except for a few rare occasions, the admiral of the East Factory was concurrently held by the eunuch Bingbi, the eunuch who was responsible for the rituals. If Yang Peng wanted to become the second most powerful person in the Ming Dynasty, he must also want to climb up. He got into the Ceremony Supervisor, but he also knew that there were two giant Buddhas, Wei Bin and Chen Kuan, blocking his way.
As for Ning Jin, the eunuch in charge of the Royal Horse Supervisor, he has the authority to control the four major guards of the palace. He is responsible for controlling the military power. He will not get into the Li Jian, nor can he get in. .
Ning Jin had his own faction in the palace. Even Zhang Yong was just Ning Jin’s younger brother during the Hongzhi period. He was also a highly regarded eunuch during the Chenghua period, along with the Empress Dowager Zhou, the Empress Dowager Wang and Zhu Youtang. The relationship is all very good.
He Ding, who had previously wanted to beat the Zhang brothers with a golden melon because they were trying on crowns and spying on the inner curtains, was Ning Jin's man. However, when He Ding was killed by Li Guang with a stick, Ning Jin He didn't come forward to help.
The factions in the palace are like this, each has its own affiliation. Without a backer, it is impossible to become famous in the palace.
"My lord, the person who is presiding over the blessing today is Taichang Temple Qing Cui Zhenren. He has admired you for a long time and has always said that he wants to meet you. Now if you don't take care of the affairs of Taichang Temple, it won't work." It's up to him to take care of it."
Yang Peng took Zhang Zhou to the palace houyuan, and saw from a distance that the things for the blessing guy had been arranged.
A man in his fifties, wearing a bright red official uniform, with a touch of immortality, was holding a fly whisk in his hand and nodded to Zhang Zhou from a distance.
Zhang Zhou actually met Cui Zhiduan, but he had not dealt with him before. When he walked over, Yang Peng introduced him.
Cui Zhiduan, as the minister of Taichang Temple, was originally a part-time or honorary position. Previously, Li Wen, the minister of Taichang Temple who was a Jinshi, was responsible for the affairs, but he was promoted to the third position by Zhang Zhou. After becoming the Minister of Taichang Temple, one position could not accommodate so many people, so Li Wen was sent to Nanjing to become the Minister of Honglu Temple, and he was basically one step away from retirement.
Cui Zhiduan jumped from a Taoist priest to the official minister of Taichang Temple in the Ming Dynasty. Not to mention a Jinshi, he was not even a tribute student or a student. He used to be a Taoist priest in the Shinto temple who danced and had fun. That’s all.
"I have met Master Zhang." After Cui Zhiduan met Zhang Zhou, even though he was old and prudent, his respect was different from that of ordinary people.
It seems like a fake real person meets a real half-immortal.
Zhang Zhou also smiled and greeted Cui Zhiduan.
He is very aware of history. Cui Zhiduan, as the "Taoist Minister" of the Ming Dynasty, did not serve as the concurrent Minister of Rites until the 17th year of Hongzhi.Cui Zhiduan was in charge of Taichang Temple affairs, but because of Zhang Zhou's appearance, Cui Zhiduan realized his wish to take charge of Taichang Temple affairs in advance, but he was far away from being promoted to minister.
Cui Zhiduan took Zhang Zhou to visit the blessing ceremony site.
Cui Zhiduan said, "I am fortunate enough to have seen the master's blessing ceremony. I look forward to it very much. I hope to be lucky enough to learn more from the master today."
Zhang Zhou said, "Have I prayed for blessings?" ”
“This”
Cui Zhiduan just wanted to be polite to Zhang Zhou, but Zhang Zhou immediately shouted back.
Yang Peng hurriedly reminded, "Mr. Lai Guo, you have forgotten that you were here before, praying for the autumn newspaper last year. At that time, there were many married women entering the palace."
Zhang Zhouxiao He smiled and said, "Oh, I almost forgot about it. Your Majesty will come today."
"No, I didn't say it." Yang Peng looked very embarrassed.
The people below are doing things, but they still want to know the meaning of the people above. Yang Peng himself seems to be a superior person, but in fact he is not even qualified to have direct contact with the emperor. This is why he desperately wants to climb up. reason.
“Let’s start, let’s start.” Zhang Zhou urged.
Zhang Zhou was also thinking that it was just a blessing, and he said he couldn't do it, but the emperor still insisted on letting him come and observe it in person, as if for peace of mind.
Since you feel at ease, finish it quickly so that you can go out of the palace to do your own things.
The blessing ceremony is in progress.
Zhang Zhou watched Cui Zhiduan lead a group of people to perform the dance, and from time to time looked at the withering palace garden in autumn, wondering why everything looked different from the previous year.
"My lord." Yang Peng came over during the commotion, leaned into Zhang Zhou's ear and said, "The Empress Dowager just sent Eunuch Jiang to deliver a message, saying that after you have finished your work, go over there. Take a walk."
"Dream Interpretation" Zhang Zhou frowned.
Yang Peng said, "I don't know."
Zhang Zhou nodded.
It wasn’t until Cui Zhiduan finished everything on the stage that Zhang Zhou went over to say goodbye to him. Then he walked to the entrance of the palace garden and saw Jiang Luzheng standing there in a bloated winter coat, facing him. Smiling at him.
Yang Peng originally wanted to ask about Yu's promotion. Seeing that Zhang Zhou was going to Qingning Palace, he only said that he would wait for Zhang Zhou to come out of Qingning Palace and accompany Zhang Zhou out of the palace, and then watched Jiang Lu and Zhang Zhou off. leave.
All the way to Qingning Palace.
Jiang Lu went in to pass the news, and Zhang Zhou found that there were many eunuchs and maids standing nearby. These people were all peeking at him, and they probably thought he was interesting.
When Jiang Lu came out to lead the way, Zhang Zhou asked, "But there are others?"
Jiang Lu said, "The Queen Mother is also here."
The so-called Queen Mother , there is only one Queen who is not favored by Xianzong. In fact, in terms of closeness to Zhu Youtang, the Queen Mother is not as good as the Wu family who was deposed during the reign of Xianzong. Although the Wu family does not have the name of Queen Mother, but because of her relationship with Zhu Youtang There was a secret upbringing relationship after birth. Zhu Youtang raised Wu as his mother, but Zhu Youtang was very fond of Wang.The queen is more of a courtesy respecter.
Inside Qingning Palace.
Zhang Zhou met the Queen Mother, who was about fifty years old but looked sixty years old. Her appearance was ordinary and even slightly old.
"My minister, Zhang Zhou, has met the Empress Dowager and the Queen Mother."
Zhang Zhou was thinking while saluting.
Just looking at this appearance, you would not have been very good when you were young. I don’t know what the old lady was thinking at the time. This is to adhere to the principle of "marry a virtuous wife" and find ugly people for your son. But knowing that your son is in love with Wan Zhen'er, and still looking for someone like this, it's no wonder that your son wasn't interested in women other than Wan Zhen'er.
The Empress Dowager Zhou smiled and said, "Bingkuan, I haven't seen you for a long time. I feel that you have become thinner. Is it because I went to the northwest and ran back and forth without a good rest? The emperor is also the same. I should give you more." Tonic, this way, the Aijia will give you some more when you leave, take it back and replenish it.”
Don’t care about court affairs, but care about your body first.
Zhang Zhouxin said, old lady, you are really thoughtful, and I am not related to you, why are you so polite?
"The Empress Dowager smiled. In fact, recently When I was weighed, I found that I had gained three or four kilograms of meat. I also told Your Majesty that the soil and water in this capital can easily support an idle person like me." Zhang Zhou responded with a smile.
The Queen Mother Zhou pointed at Zhang Zhou with a smile and said to the Queen Mother beside her, "You don't know him. He always talks like this. Not only does the Yi family like him, but even His Majesty can't do anything to him." When you come into the house, why bother wearing so many clothes? Otherwise, you’ll get cold if you go out.”
Hey.
Zhang Zhouxin said, the old lady is really considerate.
You actually take such good care of me and my body
Immediately, a delicate little palace maid came over and helped Zhang Zhou take the cloak without hanging it aside. The back curtain went.
Zhang Zhouzheng was wondering if the maids in Qingning Palace had all been replaced by young and beautiful ones. Did he want to take advantage of Zhu Youtang's visit to force him to find out what the little maid was doing? , and immediately felt as if I had been cheated.
When he was thinking about what was wrong, he heard the Queen Mother Zhou say hello
"Give me a seat"
Zhang Zhou was still thinking.
You asked me to come here, maybe to discuss things, but to ask me to stand and listen is obviously not good treatment.
Did you forget to find someone to arrange seats?
Zhang Zhou was instantly embarrassed when the chairs were arranged. The chairs were arranged at the door.
Theoretically speaking, it is right for the two "Aijia" to summon him as a man outside the palace and deliberately keep a distance from him, but this distance
Zhang Zhou sat very reservedly. Near the door, with the cold wind whistling behind me, I felt that the cloak had been taken away on purpose.
Zhang Zhou was still thinking, I installed the heater for you, you can enjoy the warmth there, and let me blow the cold wind by the door
The Queen Mother Zhou smiled and said, "Bingkuan, Your Majesty Recently, I often come in and out of the palace gate, listening toHe said that he has a confidante beside him, do you know?"
"I don't know. "Zhang Zhou's answer was very direct.
You know, I am just a threader anyway. It is up to the emperor to complete it himself. The emperor wants to conceal Empress Zhang, but also does not want people to think that this matter has anything to do with it. I have something to do with it. If you don’t tell others, how can you tell me?
The Empress Dowager Zhou said, "This is wrong of you. If the emperor has something, will he still hide it from you?"
Hidden it from me Is it strange?
Zhang Zhouxin said, you still don’t know.
Zhang Zhou said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone, “Maybe your Majesty just doesn’t want me to know.”
“Yes. "
The Queen Mother Zhou understood Zhang Zhou's hint.
The emperor did not want people to misunderstand that Zhang Zhou was looking for an affair for him.
"What's going on? It's not even closed, and all the warmth has drifted out of the door. Close the door." Empress Dowager Zhang gave an order, and then the little eunuch standing shivering by the door closed the door.
Zhang Zhou finally felt that his back was no longer so cold.
Zhang Zhou cursed in his heart.
The old lady is really a trickster.
The Empress Dowager Zhou said again, "I heard that the emperor has been unwell recently and has not been to court for several days. Didn't you take care of the emperor's health?"
Zhang Zhou said, "Heart disease requires heart medicine. I can I help His Majesty take care of his body, but I cannot help His Majesty take care of his heart. ”
At this moment, Zhang Zhou seemed to understand why the Empress Dowager Zhou wanted to give him a period of "punishment". He said to himself, maybe the old lady thought that I deliberately alienated the emperor from the court and regarded me as a treacherous minister who caused trouble in the government. Are you a thief?
"Where is the heart medicine?" Queen Mother Zhou asked.
Zhang Zhou sighed, "In Liaodong, or in the grassland, a war has not yet concluded. Your Majesty's heart. Worry, the state of mind drives the body, and it has not been cured for a long time. ”
“In that case, it still depends on you. Empress Dowager Zhou sighed with emotion and said to Jiang Lu beside her, "It's too far and I can't speak clearly. Please help move Bingkuan's chair this way." ”
Now Zhang Zhou could finally sit in a relatively warm place to talk.
The Empress Dowager Zhou said earnestly, “Bingkuan, I have seen your ability before. It is to support the country and to cooperate with all the ministers in the court, rather than to show off one's talents alone. What Your Majesty wants is not only the achievements of governing the country and the security of the country, but also the stability of the court. People's hearts are very important. "
Use your words
Zhang Zhou said with contempt in his heart, "I have always felt that when it comes to supporting the country, I have little ability and it is difficult for me to achieve anything. Therefore, I have recently been focusing on making some firearms and teaching the prince. ”
“Very good, very good. "The Empress Dowager Zhou said, "What about the Queen?"
Zhang Zhou said, "I don't understand what the Empress Dowager means. ”
Empress Dowager Zhou smiled and said, “I heard that the two Zhang family are very prosperous now. They all rely on your help. They are now almost capable ministers of the Ming Dynasty.” The two of them,In the past, he was the initiator of troubles in the imperial court, and was called a coward in the imperial court. Why did he show his power in your hands?"
Zhang Zhou shrugged, "Maybe everyone has potential. "
"Open the door, it's a bit boring," Queen Mother Zhou said immediately.
Zhang Zhouyi knew immediately after hearing that, the reason for letting me come today is to let me feel your love." "Cold wind" also lets me understand your state of mind, right?
In the past, we used code words to communicate, but now you just let me "assess the situation". Whenever my body gets cold, it means you have opinions about me, let me Is this what you mean by correcting it?
"The Empress Dowager is old and the cold wind can't be blown at will. "Zhang Zhou said.
Jiang Lu had already arrived at the door and was about to open the door, but was stopped by the Queen Mother Zhou.
Zhang Zhou said, "In fact, recently Shouning Hou and Jianchang Bo are not only running the army, but also running the army. They have achieved great success, and I also took them with them when they opened the mine, making them profitable. ”
When Empress Dowager Zhou heard this, she was immediately angry.
I thought you were enlightened, and you were deliberately irritating me, right?
Waving her hand, this time Jiang Lu had already put his hand on the door handle.
Zhang Zhou said, "They are all a little happy to miss Shu now. If I mention it to them, they don't want to go back. "
Jiang Lu is also a person who knows the direction of the wind. After hearing this, he immediately looked at the Queen Mother Zhou.
It means that he is asking for instructions, but the door cannot be opened yet
" Oh, that's true. The two boys of the Zhang family are in the border town, and I haven't heard of them doing evil for a while. The capital seems to be a lot more peaceful recently. However, given their abilities, the Ai family was always afraid that the overall stability of the border town of Ming Dynasty would be affected by the misbehavior of the two of them. "The Empress Dowager Zhou seemed to have other intentions.
Looked at Zhang Zhou with squinted eyes.
As if to say, you said you were transferring the two of them out of the capital, you couldn't be secretly Take this opportunity to show your kindness to the queen
Now that my grandson’s daughter-in-law won’t even bother you, the Zhang family almost treats you as a benefactor.
What on earth are you, Zhang Bingkuan, doing? Who is the alliance?
"Every meritorious service has its faults. The two of them are doing well now. Who knows what will happen in the future. If there is any fault, it will still be dealt with by military law. "Zhang Zhou said.
"Oh. "Empress Dowager Zhou seemed to be stunned, but continued to ask, "When?"
Hey.
Zhang Zhouxin said that the eldest and second eldest son of the Zhang family are such stupid people, even if they have done stupid things , what’s bothering you, an old lady who lives in a deep palace?
Don’t take the opportunity to retaliate, okay?
I think the two brothers are quite cute. It's so smooth and easy to get up.
I am the only one who makes all the civil servants pick on me, but these two brothers are the only ones who follow me for three melons and two dates. Peipianpidian
“When this happens, it depends on the timing. Zhang Zhou said, "The Empress Dowager, please be patient." ”
The Zhang brothers are quite honest now, but with theirBecause of their urinary nature, your old lady is still afraid that they will not cause trouble
The Queen Mother Zhou said, "The Ai family thought so too, but they haven't waited for the opportunity yet. If the opportunity doesn't come, you have to create it." The timing."
"Yes, yes."
Zhang Zhou also understood.
The Empress Dowager Zhou was urging him to hurry up and bring the Zhang brothers to a point of no return.
"You have done a good job with Li Guang. That guy always used things like God's will to confuse people's minds, but he could never fulfill them. However, he also caused troubles for both the government and the public, and caused a lot of trouble. The voice of criticism." Empress Dowager Zhou said with a smile, "Unlike you, you are calm and methodical, and you have won the heart of the emperor and the heart of the family."
Yes, but not. He won the hearts of both the government and the public.
So, old lady, you are threatening me and telling me that you can use the situation to your advantage regarding Li Guang’s matter. If I don’t listen to you, you also want to use the situation to me, right?
Aren't you afraid that I will summon another thunderbolt for you?
Of course, I don't have the ability.
But you also have to see whether your borrowing of questions is more effective or whether my borrowing of questions is more effective.
"The Empress Dowager woke up in shock, I will definitely bear it in my heart." Zhang Zhou said casually.
In fact, Zhang Zhou also understood that he and the Queen Mother Zhou also knew in their hearts that no one could deal with the other, and the exchange of interests was acceptable. It was meaningless to have to do some small tricks to blow the cold wind.
The Queen Mother Zhou looked at the Queen Mother with a smile and said, "Let's not talk about my Zhou family. Even the Wang family, Ruian Hou and Chongshan Bo, also have talents. You should pay more attention and bring them to study." Wu Tang reminds me of this."
The Queen Mother's younger brother Wang Yuan was a Marquis of Ruian, who was granted the title in the 20th year of Chenghua; his younger brother Wang Qing was Chongshan Bo, who was granted the title in the 10th year of Hongzhi; and His younger brother Wang Jun did not confer the title of An Renbo until the second year of Zhengde.
But the Wang family itself does not have a powerful position, let alone compared with the relatives of the old Zhang family, even compared with the Zhou family, it is far behind.
Zhang Zhou said, "I have also written it down."
"That's good." Empress Dowager Zhou said, "You should also pay more attention to the emperor's affairs. You can't just focus on court affairs." If you are in bad health, you can't neglect court affairs just because you are resting. You usually walk in front of the emperor, so I need you to pay more attention."
"Yes" Zhang Zhou responded. That’s it.
"It's getting late, let's go back."
The Empress Dowager Zhou no longer mentioned the matter of Zhu Youtang's concubine, and was about to issue an eviction order.
Zhang Zhou stood up and saluted, saying, "That minister's clothes"
"Oh, you didn't mention the Ai family and even forgot to take them out," Queen Mother Zhou said.
There was no movement inside.
Jiang Lu smiled and said, "You go in and talk, I'm afraid the people inside are deaf and don't hear you."
The Empress Dowager Zhou rolled her eyes at him and said, "We should find some smart people. Otherwise, Bingkuan would have thought that Aijia would let him go out to catch the cold wind. "Please remember to bookmark the website and read it for free without any anti-theft."