Zhang Zhou’s old house.
After nightfall, Yang Peng was still waiting, but he still didn’t see Zhang Zhou coming out. He waited for people to go in and communicated for a long time before he saw Liu Gui appearing in front of him.
"Eunuch Yang, my master said that you should go back first. I'm afraid it's against the rules for you to come here like this." Liu Gui said to Yang Peng politely.
Liu Gui also knew very well that the eunuch in front of him was a powerful eunuch who had once served as the admiral of the Dongchang eunuch. If Liu Gui wanted to live well in Jinyiwei in the future, he would have to rely on the support of this big shot.
After all, Zhang Zhou nominally doesn’t care about Jin Yiwei’s internal affairs.
Yang Peng said, "Let me tell you, sir, that our family is here on the emperor's order, not to pay a visit privately."
"Then I will give you another message." Liu Gui turned around and went back to the inner courtyard.
After a long time, Yang Peng was finally able to enter Zhang Zhou's study and meet Zhang Zhou himself.
Before he came, Zhang Zhou seemed to be writing and drawing. After he arrived, he actually gave him face, and Zhang Zhou took the initiative to stand up and greet him.
"Sir." Yang Peng looked very respectful, almost treating himself as Zhang Zhou's pawn.
Zhang Zhou said, "Eunuch Yang, you are so polite. I heard that you have just returned to Beijing. Why did you come to my house? My small temple cannot accommodate a big Buddha like you."
Yang Peng said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, I asked you to come to you for advice after returning to Beijing. We don't dare to neglect at all. We are here to meet you in a hurry. We are not here rashly. I hope you can give me some advice, sir."
"Your Majesty asked you to come, but Your Majesty never mentioned it to me." Zhang Zhou smiled.
It is not a secret that Yang Peng returned to Beijing, but Zhu Youtang did not tell him in advance why he called Yang Peng back.
Yang Peng said, "I have been tempered in Liaodong for several months. When His Majesty issued the decree, he specifically said that he would be put to good use after returning to Beijing. As for how, our family does not know. But our family is here. On the way here, I heard that Eunuch Xiao, the Superintendent of Ceremonies, seemed to have been ordered to take a leave of absence."
"Really?" Zhang Zhou smiled, "I really don't know about the affairs in the palace. "Eunuch Xiao is an open-minded person, and his reputation in the court has always been good."
"Yes, yes, Eunuch Xiao is a kind man. No one can say a word of praise if he mentions him." "Hundred Days of Redness, look at it"
Yang Peng almost had the words "Can you help me rise" written on his face.
The pleading look was clearly telling Zhang Zhou, do you think I have a chance to succeed Xiao Jing
"Eunuch Yang, please sit down."
"Don't dare, just stand and talk."
"If you don't want to sit down, I can't sit down either, so let's sit down together and let someone come and serve tea."
Zhang Zhou and Yang Peng sat down.
Yang Peng first explained to Zhang Zhou exactly what he had seen and heard in Liaodong for more than half a year, especially the changes in officialdom in the northwest.
"In accordance with His Majesty's instructions, we must rectify the administration of officials.Fortunately, the family lived up to their orders and picked out some of the worms in the previous army and distributed all those who could be distributed. In addition, Liaodong is now governed by officials during the Qingming Festival. After Governor Yang took office in Liaodong, he immediately mobilized troops to quell the Jurchen Rebellion. Now It has been very effective. ”
Of course Yang Peng must first show how conscientious he is in Liaodong.
When Yang Yiqing was mentioned, Yang Peng also praised him a lot. Perhaps in Yang Peng’s view, Yang Yiqing also He is considered to be Zhang Zhou’s person, after all, it was Zhang Zhou who helped Yang Yiqing to his current position.
Zhang Zhou said, “I’ve heard a lot about what you said in Beijing, but there are some things you shouldn’t follow. I said, shouldn't you have a talk with His Majesty?"
Yang Peng looked ashamed and said, "After returning to Beijing, our family wanted to go directly to the palace to meet the saint, but we have the emperor's orders. Of course I have to meet you first. "
"It's useless to see me. "Zhang Zhou said, "I know nothing about what your Eunuch Yang will do after he returns to Beijing. How can I interfere in the affairs of this palace casually? Even if you are here on the emperor's order, if your meeting with us today is judged by the court, The minister knows that he may have to criticize him privately for a long time. ”
“This is embarrassing for you, sir. "Yang Peng said.
"It's okay, let's just discuss the matter. I'm the Minister of the Ministry of War. You just came back from the post of Lieutenant Commander of the Liaodong garrison. Let's talk about the military situation. Don't mention anything else. What do you think?"
"Yes, yes. ”
Yang Peng had no airs at all in front of Zhang Zhou. When talking to Zhang Zhou, he used the tone of a subordinate reporting to his superior.
After the morning meeting the next day.
Yang Peng was allowed to enter the palace, and when he went to the Qianqing Palace to meet the emperor, he found that Chen Kuan was kneeling there, listening to the emperor's teachings.
"You are back too," Zhu Youtang said halfway, his eyes falling. To Yang Peng.
Seeing that even Chen Kuan was kneeling, Yang Peng had to kneel down to salute Zhu Youtang.
"Get up. "
Zhu Youtang raised his hand and said, "You all get up. ”
Chen Kuan got up from the ground, and Yang Peng discovered that Chen Kuan’s eyes were still stained with fatigue.
At this moment, Yang Peng couldn’t help but wonder, could it be that Your Majesty also wants to drive him away. Chen Kuan and Wei Bin are both Xiao Jing's people. There is no reason to say that Xiao Jing has lost power. Chen Kuan and Wei Bin can still sit firmly in Diaoyutai.
"Well done. work. "Zhu Youtang said to Chen Kuan, "I won't ask too much about the affairs of the Supervisor of Ceremonies recently. Even if there are some deviations, I can tolerate it, but I am afraid that some people will not do things or have hidden agendas. ”
After Yang Peng heard this, he was shocked.
The meaning of this sentence seems to be handed over to Chen Kuan.
Yang Peng’s dream of becoming the eunuch in charge of etiquette was shattered in an instant, and he felt a great sense of loss in his heart, which even vaguely showed on his face.
“Step back. "
Zhu Youtang said to Chen Kuandao.
"Yes. ”
Chen Kuan immediately wanted to exit the hall.
Yang Peng took a look and saw whether he was returning the money or not. It seemed that he was not just saying this to Chen Kuan.
Immediately Yang Peng also wanted to resign.
Zhu Youtang said, "Yang Peng, you stay first."
Yang Peng quickly stopped.
After Chen Kuan exited the palace, only the emperor, Yang Peng and a young eunuch from the study room of the Supervisor of Ceremonies who was serving pen and ink were left in the palace.
"Yang Peng, asked you to see Bingkuan, have you seen him?" Zhu Youtang asked.
Yang Peng said, "After the slave returned to Beijing, the first thing he did was to visit Cai Guogong. He explained to him everything that happened in Liaodong. After receiving the instructions, the slave felt his eyes light up, as if I will find a direction for my future work."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "Very good, what inspiration did you get?"
Yang Peng was slightly startled.
When he flattered Zhang Zhou just now, he was flattering, but when it came to reality, he really wasn't very prepared.
Yang Peng said, "Cai Guogong mentioned that the civil service in various places still needs to be rectified. Even in the capital camp, there are various maladministrations. He also mentioned that there is a shortage of soldiers and food in various places in the northwest. He hopes to increase food and pay, but But it cannot be released from the hands of the people, but it happens that some new crops will be promoted in the coming year. When I heard that the crops can provide food and clothing for the people, I was overjoyed."
"Oh, it's rare for you to come back. I worry about the country and the people," Zhu Youtang said with emotion.
Yang Peng thought about it for a while, but he didn't think it through for a while. He didn't know whether the emperor was saying something nice or satirizing him.
"Originally, I planned to let you go to the northwest to assist the local military affairs in Yansui, but after thinking about it, you will have a place in the capital, so I will arrange for you to be in the Royal Horse Prison for the time being. "Assist in improving the affairs of the capital camp." Zhu Youtang immediately arranged an errand for Yang Peng.
Yang Peng quickly knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty for your kindness."
He said this, but he was still a little disappointed in his heart.
Because Yang Peng’s goal has never been to be a royal eunuch. He wants to be a ceremonial eunuch. Even if he is a eunuch with a pen, he feels that he is just getting ahead of himself.
After all, he was an internal official who had supervised the East Factory, but he was not promoted as the eunuch Bingbi, the Supervisor of Rites. It seems that the emperor has no intention of placing him at the decision-making level.
"If you have anything you don't understand in the future, please ask Bingkuan. The British prince is not in Beijing at the moment. The affairs of the Beijing camp are under the control of the Ministry of War, and you should understand your position." Zhu Youtang seemed to be Warning Yang Peng.
As long as you listen to Zhang Zhou, your position will be stable.
If you don’t listen and want to have some fun, especially if you are two-faced like Xiao Jing, then get out of here no matter how good others think of you.
"Yes." Yang Peng continued to respond.
"I have prepared some gifts for Bingkuan. You will make several trips in the past few days to deliver them to his house. Just go there with a big fanfare and let people know that your relationship with him is not the same as for others. You don’t have to care how I evaluate you, I don’t careAfraid of those rumors, they can say whatever they want. ”
Zhu Youtang seemed determined to hand over the capital camp to Zhang Zhou, the Minister of War.
Yang Peng heard that he seemed to be assisting Zhang Zhou in managing the capital in the future. In the future, even the British prince would have to step aside, and he suddenly regained some confidence.
After all, the emperor gave him this important job, which shows that the emperor still trusts him.
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As long as the emperor's trust is maintained, promotion seems to be a matter of time.
"Step down. "Zhu Youtang immediately wanted to drive Yang Peng away.
Yang Peng said, "Yes. "
But Yang Peng had just walked out of the door. Wei Bin was waiting for him at the door with his head lowered, but he said very respectfully, "Eunuch Yang, your Majesty asked our family to wait here. He said he had some gifts. You Take it out. As for who you give it to, we won't care. Please go with us and check the gift list to avoid any discrepancies. ”
When Yang Peng saw Wei Bin being so respectful to him, he instantly felt as if he had really come forward.
Even if it was an illusion, he would feel a sense of pride.
“Eunuch Wei, you don’t have to be like this. "Yang Peng is a showman after all, and he doesn't want Wei Bin to find fault with himself.
Wei Bin smiled and said, "You, you, you used to be unattractive, but you were sweet-mouthed, and now you have pleased Cai Guogong. Your Majesty will definitely think highly of you in the future. Your Majesty has entrusted you with all the errands of the Admiral in the capital. Among those who serve in the palace, who has more power than you and relies on you more. ”
“Don’t dare, I’m doing things for His Majesty. ”
Only then did Yang Peng realize why Wei Bin treated him so politely.
Wei Bin could see the feelings. In the future, Yang Peng would be the link between the emperor and Zhang Zhou. And he, Yang Peng, was also the one who assisted the emperor and Zhang Zhou in controlling the military power. The so-called person in charge of the army was tough. Even the eunuch Bingbi, the chief of etiquette, probably envied him.
Inside the building.
The windows of Zhang Zhou's private room are closed, and the hustle and bustle on the stage seems to be incompatible with the strange and quiet atmosphere in the room.
In front of Zhang Zhou, there are some things. As for the accounts, Chen's daughter stood aside, waiting for Zhang Zhou to review the accounts. Only when these accounts passed Zhang Zhou's eyes could the money be finally written off.
"Over in Datong, How are you doing recently?" Zhang Zhou asked, holding an account book in his hand without raising his head.
Female Chen said, "Returning to my lord, Datong has been preparing for war recently, and many mines have temporarily closed down. It was stopped, and it is said that the mine will not be reopened until spring. In addition, Uncle Xinjian ordered that in the future, the income from mining will be increased by one cent in head tax, in order to increase Datong local reserves. ”
“Haha. Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Wang Bo'an did everything he could to make money, and he actually reached out to me." "
Chen's daughter asked, "Master, do you listen to Wang Zhongcheng?"
Zhang Zhou said, "Is there any need to ask if we are going to mine on other people's land?", they want you to pay some taxes, can you not pay them? Don't think of Wang Bo'an as my subordinate. He is the commander of the Ming Dynasty, and he leads the troops of the three towns. His words are easy to use even with me. If it's just mining. I have to rely on him for everything. "
"Yes. "Ms. Chen's daughter responded cautiously.
She also didn't understand the relationship between Zhang Zhou and Wang Shouren.
Zhang Zhou said, "Transfer this batch of money directly to Yongping The government's port now requires money for port construction. This batch is the salary paid to the workers, and it must be a penny. If a penny is missing, I will blame you. "
"Lord, shouldn't this kind of thing be left to the officials in the court?" Chen's daughter looked a little worried.
Zhang Zhou said, "I don't trust them. Besides, I am planning to build this port, not them. Why should I do things through their hands? If they suddenly have a whim and want to build a government office at the port, do they also need to allocate special funds from the money I transferred there? "Okay"
The Chen lady said, "But I heard"
"If you have anything, it doesn't hurt to just say it. "Zhang Zhou said.
The Chen daughter looked very cautious and said, "The Nu family also heard from Yongping Prefecture that local merchants avoided transporting goods to the port, saying that someone was secretly ventilating them. The construction of the port is your own work, my lord. The earth, wood, stone and materials used will not be paid by the court. Sooner or later, you will be in arrears or even refuse to pay. ”
Zhang Zhou said, “That’s someone deliberately slandering me. "
Female Chen said, "The Nu family also understands, but we still don't know who spread the rumors. ”
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, “You don’t have to worry about it. There are not many people in the court who spread rumors about me. The one who is pure will be self-righteous.” And some people want to deliberately take advantage of this matter. "
"My lord said that I don't dare to ask any more questions. "Chen's daughter immediately admitted her mistake.
Not long after Chen's daughter retreated, Sun Shangqi came in from the outside.
And what he mentioned was exactly what Chen's daughter said. It's basically the same thing, but Sun Shangqi's investigation is more complete.
"My lord, as you expected, many merchants in the north are actually related to Jingying, and they are originally suppliers. The daily needs of the Beijing camp, and now there are people who are deliberately instigating them to go against you, saying that you are mean to the British public, and even saying that you”
“Okay, I know even if you don’t tell me, they want to see I was at loggerheads with the British public. Obviously they couldn't defeat me, so they used some conspiracy methods. They didn't want me to build a port, but they also wanted to use the British government to deal with me. They seemed to be eager for us to fight to the death. What Chao Gang is stable is nothing in their eyes. It is really unpredictable who will harm the country and the people. "Please remember to bookmark this chapter when you finish it. The latest and fastest website is free to read without anti-theft