Zhang Zhou took a break from his busy schedule and went on a blind date.
The place arranged was the Royal Courtyard, and the woman he wanted to meet was the sister-in-law of the eldest princess Yongkang and the biological sister of the consort Cui Yuan.
Zhang Zhou also thought about the complicated relationship. He probably thought that if he really accepts this woman in the future, he and Zhang Yanling will be brothers-in-law in the future, and Cui Yuan will become his brother-in-law in the future. He is only slightly related to the royal family by marriage, although it seems that this relationship is still a bit far away.
Fortunately, I am not asked to marry a princess.
Zhang Zhou was also happy.
During the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty, it was also because of the bad reputations of the Zhou family and the Zhang family that brothers became synonymous with female officials, and Zhang Zhou did not feel the need to rely on nepotism. To maintain the relationship with the royal family, he resisted this blind date.
But there is always a woman who is given away for free, and it seems inappropriate not to check it out. After all, even Zhu Youtang said that if he takes a fancy to her, he can take her away.
If you really take her away, you may even have to skip the three books and six etiquettes. After all, you are just taking a concubine, so it is not that complicated.
The woman and the Cui family behind her also knew this reason, so when they sent people to see Zhang Zhou, they probably didn’t want to take them back. Zhang Zhou went to Shicha Sea not far from his door. When entering the royal villa, there were not even a carriage or Cui family's retinue around.
Zhang Zhou was also thinking, what does this mean for me to be free to express myself? Someone should come out and recommend me
In another courtyard.
Zhang Zhou first asked Liu Gui to knock on the door, and then someone came out to greet him. She looked like a female official in the palace. She was quite old, probably under fifty years old. From this look He is an old man in the palace who is very familiar with the etiquette of the palace.
But Zhang Zhou was not from the palace after all.
Please come in.
The old female official led the way and led Zhang Zhou and his entourage to the garden in the backyard. This royal courtyard was obviously not an ordinary courtyard house, but more like the architectural style of Jiangnan. The courtyards were scattered among the , Zhang Zhou also tried his best to remember the way in.
Probably you need to run away when you go on a blind date. If you don't agree with each other, you need to find a reason to run away. After all, the woman you want to meet is not just for fun, but to take home, which makes the family uneasy. , that would be boring.
Don’t say I won’t give you a chance. Before Zhang Zhou arrived, he heard the woman's clear voice, which seemed to come from above his head.
Zhang Zhou raised his head and saw Yongkang standing on a high platform on the second floor next to the yard, looking down from a high position. Her words were obviously meant for Zhang Zhou.
Wang Mingshan, who followed, stood in front of Zhang Zhou, probably mistaking the woman in front of him as an assassin.
My eldest princess, it’s been a long time. It seems that the princess is in a good mood. I never thought that it was the princess who invited me to see you today. Zhang Zhou said.
Yongkang turned around and went back inside. After a while, he brought an old woman and several maids with him.Bypass the moon gate and enter the backyard
I originally arranged this matter, but the emperor actually asked you to see it. How can you do it without my supervision? Yongkang seems to want to show her strength.
There is an aura that says you can’t take the person away without my approval, as if you want to consider your sister-in-law’s happiness and future.
Zhang Zhou first observed the women around Yongkang. They all seemed to be followers, and there was no Cui family girl to meet today.
What does Princess Zhang Zhoudao want to supervise because she is afraid that my intentions are bad?
Be more serious. Yongkang frowned and said, I know you are a capable person in front of the emperor. Now, no one in the government or the public can go against you. Since ancient times, it is rare for a powerful official to do what you do. But you should also know that powerful officials often don't end well.
Zhang Zhou smiled and nodded, seeming to agree with what the woman said.
Let’s go. Yongkang personally led the way.
Zhang Zhou followed. Originally, a group of guards in royal robes wanted to follow him, but Zhang Zhou raised his hand to keep them behind, touched his short blunderbuss that he usually used to protect himself, and then only greeted the guards in robes. Wang Mingshan, who was in Qianhu official uniform, walked with him.
Finally entered the garden.
Because
it is already the end of May in the lunar calendar and the weather is already very hot. A woman is sitting in the pavilion, but because the sun is already shining through, as a woman in the boudoir She couldn't easily pick up a fan to fan herself, because today was a special day for her and she had to maintain her manners. In the end, she could only turn her body sideways as much as possible to let the sun shine in as late as possible. own body.
Miss, let me fan you.
Before Zhang Zhouxing even walked around the trees that were taller than a man, he heard the maid persuading him.
No need. The woman's voice seemed shy, but not very coy.
Yongkang walked in front and was the first to show his head. When the woman saw her sister-in-law coming, she quickly got up to greet the eldest princess.
Zhang Zhou followed Yongkang, also thinking that after Cui Yuan married Yongkang, he had not met this sister-in-law a few times. It would be good to know each other, and the Cui family’s daughter Naturally, she would also feel that it was an honor to meet the eldest princess.
It has something to do with the Cui Yuan family’s ordinary background. In the eyes of the Cui family, the princess is still too unattainable.
Yongkang’s smile became even more beautiful. No wonder your brother always mentioned you in front of me. sit.
The little girl of the Cui family raised her head. When she saw a strange man present, she instinctively wanted to avoid him, turned sideways and almost turned away.
Why didn’t Yongkang Dao tell you why you came here?
I told you that the Cui family’s daughter can’t bear it now.
Then what else is there to see? Yongkang turned around and glared at Zhang Zhou. He seemed to be still brooding over the previous loss in the drinking fight. There was no need to hide it. The person you wanted to see was him, or Say, he came to see you.
The Cui family girl did not raise her head to look at Zhang Zhou, but bowed and said to the little girlI met Cai Guogong.
Zhang Zhou smiled politely.
Since everyone from Yongkang Road is here, let’s sit down and talk. Prepare some tea.
Yes.
Yongkang brought the accompanying horse to make arrangements.
Zhang Zhoudao's house should have been idle for a while. If it is inconvenient, there is no need.
Yongkang seemed to be slightly satisfied and said that His Majesty had just issued a decree to reward the courtyard as a reward for the consort’s military achievements. I, the princess, can be regarded as half the owner of this courtyard. Let’s entertain the guests at home. Why not?
Zhang Zhouxin said, "Good guy, no wonder you, as a woman, can still meet a man in such a private setting. Emotions have become your family's territory
Duke Cai Guo, don’t you think that this reward is too high? You have to ask His Majesty to take the reward back. Yongkang finished irritating Zhang Zhou with his words, and then he realized that Zhang Zhou had a power that she could not reach. What he said was not true. Remind Zhang Zhou that he can do this, but warn Zhang Zhou not to do so.
Say it in advance and make Zhang Zhou embarrassed to mention it to the emperor. Otherwise, Zhang Zhou, I will figure out your little belly.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said Cui Prince Consort has made great achievements in Ningxia this time. , it is justifiable to receive such a reward, but it is just to make me envious.
Yongkang glared at Zhang Zhou again. She seemed to think that Zhang Zhou meant something else.
It was probably Zhang Zhou who proposed to the emperor to donate the courtyard to him, then 10% of the courtyard would become Zhang Zhou's property.
As for the emperor’s biological sister, all the ducks in hand will fly away because of Zhang Zhou’s words.
Heng Yongkang was a little angry, but he couldn't bear to continue the attack.
Yongkang also knew very well that as the eldest princess, she had already been thrown away by her married daughter. She could still obtain benefits from the royal family, so she could only rely on the emperor's generation and wait for her nephew to ascend the throne. , it is basically impossible to get rewards anymore.
So a nice house in the capital is a valuable property to Yongkang.
If you continue to fight with Zhang Zhou and lose all the property you have acquired, no matter how much regret medicine you take, it will be useless.
Usually, you can fight any way you want, but if you really want to fight for a specific house, then Yongkang feels that she cannot afford such a big loss. In her opinion, it is people like Zhang Zhou who want to fight for this kind of house. Ownership will feel insignificant
.
The daughter of the Cui family next to her was surprised that her sister-in-law was actually arguing with a strange man, and the fight seemed to be back and forth.
My brother is not at home, is my sister-in-law so unscrupulous when meeting guests? Or is it because I am here, so she feels that there is someone to witness and is not afraid of outsiders gossiping
At the Cui family When the little girl glanced sideways at Zhang Zhou, Zhang Zhou happened to also look sideways at her. Their eyes met, and the Cui family girl quickly averted her eyes, her face showing a bit of nervousness.
Zhang Zhoudao heard that Miss Cui had made an engagement with someone before. Isn’t today’s incident a bit inappropriate?
When the Cui family girl heard this, she became even more nervous.
One girl never gets married, and now she is a little embarrassed when she comes out to meet Zhang Zhou when a famous woman has a master.
Mr. Cai Guogong, you should also be clear about the rules. An engagement is big, but not as big as the emperor’s order. Don’t you also come for things that are approved by His Majesty? Yongkang always seems to give in when it comes to bickering. of.
Zhang Zhou was also thinking, it’s a good thing there’s no one like you in my house, otherwise it would be strange for the backyard to be peaceful.
Zhang Zhoudao, after all, I am also a married man. With Miss Cui’s background, appearance and temperament, I really don’t dare to expect anything wrong. I mentioned this to His Majesty as well, but Your Majesty still asked me to take a look first.
This is a bit arrogant.
It is not you Yongkang who has the final say on what happened today, nor even the emperor. Even the emperor discussed it with me and asked me to see if he was satisfied.
You Yongkang came over to disrupt the situation because you are sincerely causing trouble
Yongkang pursed his lips, sighed softly and said, you might as well make your words clear, and you are not afraid of my sister-in-law. You know, today’s matter was brought up by me. Even though I know that she has been married to someone else, she has not married her yet. With your background and character as Cai Guogong, it is better to become your concubine than to marry into an ordinary family.
When these words came out of Yongkang’s mouth, Zhang Zhou was unexpected.
Zhang Zhou also deliberately observed the reaction of the daughter of the Cui family.
Of course there is embarrassment.
What does it mean to be the most awesome sister-in-law? She can say such things, as if marriage contracts and other matters don't count. As a princess, she can change it casually, and she says it as if everything is For the sake of my sister-in-law's happiness, but the theory sounds nonsense.
As soon as Hou Men entered the deep sea, Xiao Lang was a passerby from then on
Zhang Zhou wanted to remind Yongkang, can we be careful? As a trusted person of the Cui family, Can you please consider the feelings of the Cui family when you speak?
Could it be that Cai Guogong feels that this incident is an insult to you, but Yongkang will continue to use her poisonous tongue.
Zhang Zhoudao’s forced melon is not sweet.
Yongkang smiled and said who is trying to force whom? Or do you think that the royal brother of this palace is not qualified to twist this guy?
Zhang Zhou sighed in his heart, finally seeing the Ming Dynasty To what extent can the princess be strong? This is probably the most outstanding representative of feminist figures in this era. In comparison, Ning Tong and others are weak. Fortunately, she does not have to face such people every day.
I have already met, Miss Cui, so I will take my leave now. Zhang Zhou stood up from the stone bench he was sitting on, cupped his hands and said.
Yongkang was still sitting there, looking up at Zhang Zhou before leaving.
Zhang Zhou smiled and nodded. We have already met, and there is no need to stay any longer. Could it be that the eldest princess has other things to do?
Yongkang said, then you should give me an accurate message, right? Okay or not?
Let’s think about it for a moment. openZhou Dao.
This time Yongkang couldn't be punished. She was a little angry and wanted to say something, but because her sister-in-law was still there, she had a direct confrontation with Zhang Zhou in front of her sister-in-law, which would also damage her majesty as a princess. In the end, she gritted her teeth and said she would send you ladies to the back hall to wait.
Yes.
The maid from the Cui family who came over quickly helped her young lady get up. Maybe it was because the Cui family’s little girl’s legs were numb, or maybe it was because of her nervousness that she walked awkwardly in the first few steps after getting up. It was only when I left the yard that
I felt a lot better.
Zhang Bingkuan, what do you mean?
When Yongkang waited for his sister-in-law to leave, he could no longer hold back his anger and asked directly.
Zhang Zhou shrugged and said, Your Highness, why did you say this?
Yongkang said, I will risk being blamed by the consort when he comes back to arrange such a good thing for you. As long as you nod, you will be fine. You can take people away, and even get a marriage from the emperor's brother, which will give you fame and fortune, and I will bear the infamy. Just like this, you still want me to be laughed at
Say this When, Yongkang was furious.
But the impression given to Zhang Zhou was that the eldest princess looked very angry and was questioning her, but she looked much more pleasing to the eye.
With this kind of blame, Yongkang obviously puts himself on the weak side.
I even feel a little aggrieved.
Zhang Zhou frowned and said, "Your Highness Princess, I just made it very clear that this marriage is actually completely unnecessary. Miss Cui has a happy future. I am ten years older than her, and I have many wives and concubines at home." , What did she marry here for just to give her brother an extra level of in-law relationship with me?
Isn’t this enough? Yongkang said coldly, the emperor is very concerned about this relationship
Zhang Zhou shook his head and said: In fact, what your Majesty cares more about is your eldest princess’s attitude towards me. You don’t know that?
Hmm
Yongkang was speechless for a moment.
She knew after a little thought that it was not important to the emperor whether Cui Yuan was Zhang Zhou's brother-in-law or not.
But if Cui Yuan’s wife had a prejudice against Zhang Zhou, then Cui Yuan would not be a member of Zhang Zhou’s faction. After all, Cui Yuan is not an ordinary person, he is the consort, and he has to listen to most things. Princess's.
Yongkang was a little discouraged and turned to the side and said Zhang Bingkuan, to be fair to you, when my prince-in-law’s expedition has not yet yielded results, I was anxious and went to see the Empress Dowager and asked her to help inquire and inquire. Is it wrong to fight for the prince-in-law’s affairs?
Zhang Zhoudao was right.
Yongkang said again. With your status as everyone in the court calling for beatings, I don’t want the prince-in-law to get close to you. Is that wrong?
Of course that’s right. Zhang Zhoudao, but Your Highness, you have to understand that it doesn’t matter what you think, the key is what His Majesty thinks. What Your Majesty wants is that Cui Yuan can completely listen to my orders, and that you and your wife can live together as husband and wife, instead of being in charge of everything like you do now. So when you feel that everything is right and you want your consort to go further with me,Then don't come to beg me.
Yongkang seemed to be itching with hatred, but he said helplessly: If the emperor hadn’t asked me to beg you, do you think I would be willing?
Zhang Zhoudao, then it depends on the princess’s own choice, listen. Your Majesty, maybe you won’t listen. It's about the future of the Prince Consort. In fact, I don't need others to ask for help. Sometimes I just need to bow my head and admit my mistake. I am magnanimous and will definitely be able to clear up the past grudges.
Yongkang glared at Zhang Zhou sideways.
After a long while, she turned around, lowered her head and apologized to Cai Guogong. I also hope that Lord Cai Guogong will be more generous and will not care about the temporary disputes of a young woman like me. I also hope that Lord Cai Guogong will ignore past grudges, value Cui Yuan, and give him a chance to make contributions to the court.
That’s right. Zhang Zhou smiled and said with a victor's attitude, I accept His Highness's apology. Then I took my leave.
You just left like this
Yongkang’s nose was almost crooked now.
I have lost so much face that I even gave up the majesty of the royal family. I bowed my head and confessed my mistake to you, a minister of the Ming Dynasty, but you actually accepted it and even patted your butt to leave
When Zhang Zhoudao comes back, I will ask His Majesty to let Cui Prince Consort gain about three months of experience in Ningxia. Before autumn, after completing the strategic purpose of patrolling the border in Ningxia, he can set off to return to the capital and ask for it. He came to take charge of some of the errands of the Beijing camp.
What is his title? Yongkang asked eagerly.
This seems to be her main concern.
Zhang Zhou shook his head and said that I can’t make the decision, but as long as our relationship is harmonious, I think His Majesty will consider it as appropriate
Although Yongkang was still embarrassed, he also noticed that Zhang Zhou had no False words.
Zhang Zhou himself is just a prince. Of course, he has no direct power to decide whether Cui Yuan can get the title. However, the emperor who has the power to decide, the evaluation standard for Cui Yuan, has become her Yongkang and Is the relationship between Zhang and Zhou harmonious?
If you have a good relationship, you will be given a title. If you have a bad relationship, just wait.
Yongkang said, "Okay, I hope Mr. Cai Guogong can fulfill your promise. As long as you wholeheartedly help my prince-in-law, I will too." Return a favor in return. I will keep you here for today's affairs. You can come and pick her up at any time if you want to know. I will tell the Cui family. This is for the future of the consort, and I don't think the Cui family will have any complaints. Please remember to bookmark, the latest and fastest website is free to read without anti-theft