There was a war in the northwest, but Zhu Youtang seemed not to care. It seemed that he was sure that as long as Zhang Zhou was around, everything could be planned for him.
On this day, Zhu Youtang specially asked Wei Bin to call Zhang Zhou to the palace. The monarch and his ministers sat down in the garden, drank tea and chatted together.
"Bingkuan, what's going on in the northwest? I heard that Liu Jin sent troops and something went wrong. Maybe he doesn't have to come back alive." When Zhu Youtang said this, there was still a smile on his face. With a smile on his face, it seemed that Liu Jin's immortality was a very common thing for him.
It was also because Liu Jin had offended him before, which made him feel that Liu Jin could not be trusted.
Zhang Zhou said: "The situation is not out of control yet. I have been making detailed plans recently."
Zhu Youtang held the tea bowl and said with a smile: "You are even a flower for the Tatars. Ma Chi guessed correctly one after another. The Tatars seemed to be led by your nose. They came from wherever you said they came from, and even sent heavy troops to defend them. No matter how bad the situation in the northwest changed, they were still the Tatars. The Tatars robbed him again and left, how serious could it be?" After Zhang Zhou heard this, he had to think about it, was the emperor complimenting him, or was he trying to criticize him secretly?
If he can always rely on the emperor's trust to do anything, then he is incompetent as a powerful minister.
You still have to be careful about the emperor's little thoughts at all times. The so-called simplicity is in the emperor's heart, and you have to respond to changes in the situation at any time.
Zhu Youtang said: "Has Wang Qiong mobilized his troops?"
"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded, "According to the time, he should send troops, but this time the Tatars The people are coming fiercely. Even if he sends troops, he will not be able to mobilize too many troops. The Tatars will probably still cause some chaos on the border."
Zhu Youtang sighed: "Should we look for compensation? For a moment? Bingkuan, this is what I thought. In order to invade the border this time, the Tatars did not care about the cost. They came out from Huamachi, and the grassland must be empty. If they send a group of people from Jizhou, right? Can we drive straight in? Of course, we can also go from Datong. After all, Wang Shouren is in Datong." Zhang Zhou said: "I also have this intention." "That's right," Zhu Youtang said fiercely. , "The Tatars are so confused! They know that they are no match for our frontier soldiers in a head-to-head confrontation, but they still dare to come! Do you think it is more appropriate to send troops from Jizhou, or from Datong? Or... I want to hear your opinion. ."
Zhang Zhou said: "If we want to send troops to teach the Tatars a lesson, we must also catch them by surprise. The Tatars know the reputation of Xinjian Bo, so they will naturally strengthen defenses around Datong and Weininghai. There must be Tatars deploying heavy troops to the north."
Zhu Youtang thought for a while and couldn't help but nodded.
"As I see it, the area directly up to where troops are sent from Jizhou is Duoyan Sanwei. It will not have much influence on the Tatar Chahar tribe. Instead, it is better to go from Pianguan or The Xuanfu sent troops, but if they send troops from Pianguan, they should rush to support Ningxia. If the Xuanfu sends troops, it can definitely be said to be a surprise." Zhang Zhou said.
Zhu Youtang said: "The governor of Xuanfu and other places is Liu Daxia. I don't know much about this person. Are you familiar with him?"
Zhang Zhou wanted to say that this is a great man. , but they were only officials who maintained their status in the feudal era, and they were obviously not good enough in terms of ability.
Zhang Zhou said: "Sending troops is about speed. The purpose of Xuanfu's sending troops is to create some trouble for the Tatars in the rear and make them retreat. The Tatar tribe has moved towards Huamachi, and they must also be "Be prepared."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Then we will send troops from Xuanfu. We can't rely on Wang Shouren all the time. He is also a young and energetic person who is just starting out. I'm afraid. Sometimes he can’t hold it up.”
Zhang Zhouxin said, Wang Shouren can’t hold it up?
In terms of military literacy throughout the Ming Dynasty, if this guy claims to be second, it’s hard for anyone to claim to be first, right?
Of course, he was born in a peaceful time and did not have much opportunity to practice. Because of his academic attainments, he has been mythical in many places, but his ability... is beyond doubt.
"Bingkuan, I want to let the Tatars know the consequences as soon as possible." Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "Are you worried that I will ask you to let me personally conquer it?"
Zhang Zhou said: "If Your Majesty wants to send troops, he can only send troops from Jizhou."
Zhu Youtang smiled and waved his hands and said: "I often thought like this when I left Beijing. I came here looking for a chance to fight side by side with you, but after I arrived, I realized that it actually doesn’t matter whether we fight or not. People like you who can settle down and develop can build a new city in such a stylish way. In a few years, the Tatars may really surrender without a fight. Our lead over the Tatars will only increase."
Zhang Zhou nodded and said, "Develop with peace of mind. It is also the last word to win on the battlefield."
Zhu Youtang said: "I don't really want to influence your thoughts, but I also hope that in the next few years, I will have the opportunity to lead a personal expedition. You will do well. Arrangement. Furthermore... the matter of the Minister of Civil Affairs should be settled. I just want to ask you, do you want to be the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, or..."
Zhang Zhou said: "I know it myself. He has little talent and insufficient qualifications."
Zhu Youtang said: "In this case, let Lin Han do it first. He is also old, and it will not take more than a year or two. Retired. I have decided on the candidate for the cabinet and sent it back to the capital. The only thing left is... the minister of household affairs will be vacant soon, and I plan to pick it up on your shoulders."
"Minister..."
"Don't refuse." Zhu Youtang said, "The position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue is related to all aspects of the military and administration of the country. With your thorough knowledge of the imperial court, it is up to you to fill it. The Household Management Department is also the best. After all, if you want to build railways, build new cities, and fight wars, you always need someone who can budget wisely and reduce expenditures. This person must be you."
Zhang Zhou said: "It is unreasonable to be so afraid."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "It's okay, others can't do it, why can't you do it? People in the court are attacking you.The more criticism, the more it means they are jealous of you. I know what you are thinking. Sometimes you are still too idle. Sometimes, show some momentum. Don't back down from everything. Be tough when you need to be tough. "
Zhang Zhou looked at Zhu Youtang's serious look and was thinking about it.
I have become so tough that others think I am controlling the government, and the civil servants have begun to lose one after another. Do you still think I am too weak?
If I am stronger, I will have the final say in both the government and the public. Is this what you want to see?
Zhu Youtang? He said: "Before I came here, I was still thinking that asking you to be responsible for two departments might put you under pressure. But after I came here, I realized that my worries were unnecessary. Looking at this city, I felt emotional. If the Ming Dynasty had more cities like this, why worry about the Ming Dynasty not being prosperous? You can build a few more for me. ”
Zhang Zhou said: “Your Majesty, one such port city is actually enough.” "
"You can also build inland. Aren't there many mines and workshops in the Xishan Mountains? Made together! I think the potential of Xishan is not weak. When you go back to take over the errands of the Ministry of Revenue, you will build Xishan first! In this war in the northwest, I can also see that artillery and muskets are actually not enough. You still need to study and advance. It is best if everyone can equip them and every person on the road has enough firearms! Only in this way, no matter where the Tatars come from, it will no longer be a problem. ”
When Zhu Youtang said this, he became even more proud.
It seems that he doesn’t have to do anything, he will be the emperor for eternity.
Zhang Zhoudao : "I accept the decree. The next step is to develop Xishan and strive to build another industrial city. After that, we will advance to Xuanfu or Datong. In fact, Your Majesty, Datong's industry is advancing rapidly now. If there is anywhere that has enough firearms to fight in the northwest, it is Datong. "
"Really? Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "Then Wang Shouren still complains to me every day?" "
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "This may be his way of showing his attitude. Datong actually has enough troops and horses stationed in Datong, as well as enough food and grass. I believe that in today's battle in the northwest, it is impossible for Xinjianbo to sit back and watch the Tatars become arrogant and ignore them. The change in the situation in the northwest should be in Datong.
Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "In the last battle on the grassland, Wang Shouren sent troops into the grassland, but nothing was gained. Later I found out that he was making wedding clothes for Ma Yi's people." This time I clearly dispatched his elite troops to help Ningxia, but he has not taken any action. If something goes wrong, I will dispatch him back to Beijing! I also hope that as you said, he can perform well this time, otherwise... the northwest does not support idlers. "
Zhang Zhou said: "I understand. ”
……
……
Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang had a very happy chat, and it seemed that the war in the northwest was not too important.
p>
What we talked about later was all about eating, drinking and having fun. Zhu Youtang was not very satisfied with the parade of the previous few days and planned to do it again. He was going to have a good stroll in the city.Zhang Zhou acted as guide.
As he was talking, a demure woman came out, it was Concubine Xian who looked very simple in plain clothes. Zhang Zhou quickly stood up and saluted.
"Bingkuan, you are welcome." Zhu Youtang said, "We are all one family, there is no need to see anyone outside. Concubine Xian, please sit down."
Zhu Youtang in Women There was no airs in front of him.
Of course, the premise is that you must be familiar with him. Otherwise, due to Zhu Youtang's socially fearful nature, he does not like to talk too much with strangers. Even sitting together is awkward and there is no topic. of.
But once he became familiar with her, he talked a lot and became more emotionally dependent.
Zhang Zhou said: "I should not disturb your majesty's pleasure."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "What pleasure, I just came here to relax. I didn't bring the emperor here this time. Let him stay in the capital."
Zhu Houxuan was not taken to Binhai City. From Zhang Zhou's perspective, Zhu Youtang didn't seem too worried about Queen Zhang's conspiracy behind his back.
Zhu Youtang seems to be confident now when it comes to controlling the women in the back house.
"Bingkuan, I learned about the Ning family daughter from Concubine Xian. I didn't expect it to be like this. In the palace, the Ning family daughter was seen by many people before. "What are her medical skills like?" Zhu Youtang asked with interest.
Zhang Zhou said: "It's hard for me to say."
Zhu Youtang seemed to understand what Zhang Zhou meant, nodded and said: "You handle it yourself. If there is someone behind the scenes who is deliberately targeting you. , I will support you, you don’t have to care who it is.”
Zhang Zhou was also thinking, this matter is the result of a battle between your queen and the wise concubine, so I don’t have to care, I can’t care. ?
No matter how righteous you are, you can't kill the queen, right?
Besides, it seems inappropriate to kill the queen directly for Ning Tong.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "There must be a misunderstanding behind the matter. I think this matter should be settled first."
Zhu Youtang smiled and poured a cup of tea and took another cup of tea. He handed it to Concubine Xian, looking very discreet, and said with a smile: "Concubine, you have to take care of your body when drinking tea. Bingkuan, do you know why I asked Concubine Xian to come over? In fact, she...haha."
This As soon as the words came out, Zhang Zhou understood.
Concubine Xian is pregnant again.
Zhu Youtang is not afraid of Empress Zhang's conspiracy for a child that has already been born, but Concubine Xian is just pregnant. If she is not careful about supplements and meals, the child may be dead, and it is still possible. There is no way to figure out how the child died.
Because after all, it is very common for the fetus not to be preserved after pregnancy.
It was precisely because Zhu Youtang knew that if this happened, there would be many things that would be difficult to deal with, so he simply summoned Concubine Xian to Binhai City.
"Let her go back in about half a year." Zhu Youtang smiled, "I may have to trouble you again this time."
Zhang Zhou was actually speechless.
I am thinking about youAs soon as the new concubine became pregnant, she pushed people outside the palace and did not dare to let the queen meet with her. You are so defensive and rely on your own majesty to break the deadlock.
What does it mean to keep pushing people towards me?
Is this your child or mine?
Zhang Zhou said: "I should do my best."
......
......
Zhang Zhou came out of the palace and immediately Went to see Ning Tong.
Ning Tong also just went to visit the Concubine Xian. After returning, she seemed to be calm and ready to become a wife again. When she saw Zhang Zhoulai, she treated him like a concubine. The arrogance from before was gone.
Zhang Zhou frowned and said: "Looking at you like this, you are really a lady among us. You are well-educated and sensible."
Ning Tong said: "What the master means is that I was not well-educated and sensible before." ?"
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "What do you think?"
Ning Tong was somewhat helpless after hearing this.
Because before, as a woman of Chengguo Palace, she never thought that one day she would commit herself to Zhang Zhou as a concubine. Of course, she never thought about how to deal with Zhang Zhou before. The relationship was good, but it was different now. Zhang Zhou even saved his life, so he had to commit himself even if he didn't want to.
"Do you know the news that Concubine Xian is pregnant?" Zhang Zhou said.
“I don’t know.” Ning Tong was also surprised.
Zhang Zhou said: "That's right. Concubine Xian would not dare to leak this news casually without His Majesty's permission. Concubine Xian will probably live in the palace in Binhai City for the first half of the year until she gives birth and then return. Palace."
Ning Tong asked: "You want me to take care of you?"
"You still dare to go?" Zhang Zhou said.
Ning Tong thought for a while, because she became a good friend of Concubine Xian, she was almost killed by Empress Zhang, and she was frightened when she thought about it.
Zhang Zhou said: "You can just stay out of this matter. After all, the Concubine Xian has a status and does not need such detailed care. Her Majesty has arranged it, so there is no need for you to worry too much. ”
Ning Tong nodded.
"Pack up and have a simple courtesy tomorrow. I will stay at your place at night. In the past few days, I will not take you to see my family members. You are just a foreigner. You should know better. ."
"Understood."
Ning Tong nodded.
She also has a plan for her life, that is, she will not have anything to do with the women in Zhang Zhou's inner house. Even if she is committed to Zhang Zhou, she must be independent from Zhang Zhou's inner house system. The transcoding has been serious recently, which makes us more motivated and updates faster. Please use your little hands to exit the reading mode. Thank you