I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 632 The Emperor’s Next Target

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and in the early morning of the next day, Lu Fang followed his usual routine and went from his residence to the Qianqing Palace to meet Jiajing.

At this moment, Lu Fang looked at the extremely familiar road under her feet, and suddenly felt a lot of emotion in her heart.

Lu Fang has not forgotten that not long ago, after returning from Prince Yu's Mansion, she followed Jiajing's order to recuperate her body at her residence and rest for a few days. Within these few days, there was news in the palace that she had fallen out of favor. of rumors.

Although this rumor was finally completely shattered under Jiajing's intervention!

But after this battle, Lu Fang also clearly realized how many people were secretly thinking about his position as the eunuch in charge of the ceremony.

"Before I saw the scene that Your Majesty described earlier, I, Lu Fang, would never give up my position as the eunuch of the Palm Print to you bunch of insects!"

Lu Fang thought so and couldn't help but clenched her fists, her face full of determination.

On the way to Qianqing Palace, there were many eunuchs and maids who were busy all the time.

When the eunuchs and maids saw the arrival of Lu Fang, the powerful eunuch who was trusted by His Majesty, they all stopped what they were doing, stepped aside and saluted respectfully.

"Meet Eunuch Lu!"

"Ah."

Lu Fang had a warm smile on her face. After nodding to the eunuchs and maids, she quickly quickened her pace.

Then, Lu Fang looked at the Qianqing Palace so close in front of her, and couldn't help but feel a little hesitant in her heart. Then, Lu Fang took a deep breath, and after calming down, she stepped onto the stairs of the Qianqing Palace.

When Lu Fang entered the Qianqing Palace with silent steps, she suddenly discovered that Jiajing was sitting at the desk, writing something on the paper with a brush.

When Jiajing saw Lu Fang's arrival, he immediately put the brush in his hand aside and gave instructions.

"Lu Fang, you are here just in time. Come and see for me whether the list I have drawn up is suitable?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After hearing this, Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her heart and then came to Jiajing's side.

When his eyes looked at the piece of paper with the name written on it in front of Jiajing, a look of horror suddenly appeared on his face. Soon, he summoned up the courage to tentatively ask Jiajing.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, is it possible? This is..."

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang rather flatly, and then responded.

"Well, that's right, this is my plan. When the time comes, you will be the one to check the list of clans and honorees who will be sent to the southwest!"

After Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang focused her attention on the piece of paper in front of her with her name written on it.

On that piece of paper, Zhu Zaiyu, the son of King Zheng, was ranked first, and then the sons of Duke Ying, Duke Cheng, and Duke Ding were also on the list, and even the sons of Duke Qian were also listed. on top.

The more Lu Fang looked at it, the more frightened she became. It could be said that more than half of the most prominent clans and nobles in the entire Ming Dynasty were on this list.

"If something goes wrong by then, I'm afraid..."

As Lu Fang thought about this, she became increasingly uneasy. At this moment, Jiajing's rather calm voice sounded in Lu Fang's ears.

"Lu Fang, what do you think of this list drawn up by me?"

Hearing this, a look of panic flashed across Lu Fang's face, and then she suddenly came back to her senses, looked in the direction of Jiajing, leaned down, and responded respectfully.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I think this list is perfect and there is nothing that can be changed!"

"Well, in that case, let me officially finalize this list!"

After listening to the suggestions given by Lu Fang, Jiajing nodded and said slowly.

Just when Lu Fang thought the matter was over, Jiajing changed the subject and asked again.

"By the way, Lu Fang, I heard that Prince Zheng was invited to the British Duke's house last night as a guest. Is this true?"

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, this is indeed the case!"

When Lu Fang heard this, a look of shock suddenly appeared on her face, she leaned down and responded respectfully.

Seeing that the matter was confirmed by Lu Fang, Jiajing nodded slightly and gave the order.

"Well, if that's the case, then please explain it to me!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately responded without thinking.

Later, Lu Fang was seen narrating what she learned to Jiajing after considering the words in her mind.

"Your Majesty, the matter is like this..."

Under Lu Fang's narration, Jiajing had a general understanding of the whole incident. Then, he looked at Lu Fang and asked.

"You mean, there were people at the British Duke's Mansion last night, including Duke Cheng, Duke Ding, and people from the Duke of Guizhou's Palace and Xincheng Marquis?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

When Lu Fang heard this, she immediately responded without thinking.

After listening to Lu Fang's answer, Jiajing tapped his fingers on the table very rhythmically, making a 'ta-da' sound.

Then, Jiajing looked away from Lu Fang and gave the order.

"Okay, Lu Fang, let's leave this matter as it is!"

"Later, you go to the British Duke's Mansion in person and tell me that I have already drawn up a list of clans and nobles who will be sent to serve in the southwest, and ask the British Duke to come to Qianqing Palace to see me!"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang responded without thinking.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

……

In Zhang Rong's room in the British Government Palace.

I saw Zhang Rong sitting up from the bed unsteadily, with fragments of memories from last night flashing through his mind from time to time.

Last night, he specially invited Prince Zheng and his son, whom he had not seen for a long time, to his residence and held a grand banquet.

There were many guests present, including Duke Chengguo Zhu Xizhong, Duke Dingguo Xu Yande, and even the Duke of Guizhou, the Marquis of Wuqing, the Marquis of Xincheng and their sons were all present.

Zhang Rong's purpose for holding this banquet was very simple. He wanted to take this opportunity to establish a relationship with Prince Zheng Zhu Hounan, whom he had not seen for a long time. After all, his son Zhu Zaiyu had just won No. 1 in the exam not long ago.

You know, from the beginning to the end, Zhu Zaiyu never got the exam questions from his own hands. In other words, Zhu Zaiyu was able to get the No. 1 ranking all because of his own talent and learning!
On the other hand, Zhang Rong also wanted to take this opportunity to let the juniors get to know each other and enhance their relationship with each other.

After all, we are all members of the Ming Dynasty’s clan and nobles, and we are connected by blood and share weal and woe!

"Speaking of which, Your Majesty, why did you suddenly release Prince Zheng from the clan's residence? You must know that he tried his best to advise Your Majesty not to take pills in order to live forever!"

"Could it be that his son Zhu Zaiyu came first in this exam, which made His Majesty feel compassionate?"

The more Zhang Rong thought about it, the more he thought it was possible. Just when he was about to get up from the bed, he heard a knock on the door.

Seeing this situation, Zhang Rong couldn't help but frown slightly, and immediately gave instructions.

"Come in!"

After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a maid walked into the room, leaned down, and reported respectfully.

"Master, there are people coming from the palace!"

When Zhang Rong heard this, curiosity suddenly appeared on his face. He turned his eyes to the maid and asked immediately.

"Oh, who is here?"

"Sir, the person who came is Eunuch Lu. He said he came on His Majesty's orders!"

After listening to the maid's report, Zhang Rong nodded and gave instructions.

"Well, take Eunuch Lu to the hall immediately and wait. I'll be there later!"

"Yes, sir!"

After receiving Zhang Rong's instructions, the maid immediately left the room.

"By the way, why did Your Majesty ask Lu Fang to come here at this time?"

Afterwards, Zhang Rong was seen dressing up under the service of his servants and marching towards the hall specially used for entertaining guests.

When Lu Fang saw Zhang Rong arriving, she immediately put the teacup in her hand aside, stood up from her seat, and said respectfully.

"I have seen the British public!"

"Eunuch Lu, there is no need to be so polite, sit down!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong waved his hand to Lu Fang, and then sat down on the main seat. At this moment, his face was filled with a warm smile.

After the two parties exchanged greetings, Zhang Rong took the lead to get down to business. He looked at Lu Fang and asked.

"Eunuch Lu, why did your Majesty ask you to come here this time?"

"Mr. British, to be honest, His Majesty asked our family to come over this time to inform you that the list of clans and nobles selected to serve in the southwest has been finalized. Your Majesty wants you to come over!"

"Thank you, Eunuch Lu!"

When Zhang Rong heard what Lu Fang said, an uncontrollable smile suddenly appeared on his face, he stroked his beard and said this.

"Why, the British government has made serious statements, and our family is just conveying the message for His Majesty!"

When Lu Fang saw this situation, a look of humility suddenly appeared on her face. She looked away from Zhang Rong and said slowly.

Hearing this, Zhang Rong responded with a smile as he had a look of bewilderment on his face.

"Oh, yes, yes, Eunuch Lu is right!"

After that, Zhang Rong changed the subject, with a look of hesitation on his face, and cautiously asked Lu Fang.

"Eunuch Lu, dare I ask Quanzi..."

Lu Fang seemed to have guessed what Zhang Rong was going to say next, she nodded her head slightly and said slowly.

"The Duke of England can rest assured that His Royal Highness's name is on the list!"

After Zhang Rong received a positive answer from Lu Fang, the stone that had been hanging in his heart finally fell to the ground safely.

Then, he turned his gaze to Lu Fang and suggested.

"Eunuch Lu, without further ado, let's go meet His Majesty right away!"

"Well, the British minister invites you!"

After that, Lu Fang and the British Duke Zhang Rong took sedans and headed towards the direction of the Forbidden City.

...Forbidden City, outside Qianqing Palace.

At this moment, Lu Fang paused, turned around, and bowed to Zhang Rong behind him.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. British, and let us go in first to inform you!"

"Eunuch Lu, please go ahead!"

Hearing this, Zhang Rong suddenly came to his senses and returned the courtesy to Lu Fang.

After that, Lu Fang did not hesitate and stepped on the stairs of Qianqing Palace with steady steps.

Ever since Zhang Rong learned from Lu Fang that his son Zhang Yuangong was also included in the list, he was in a trance.

Although this was expected, at this moment, Zhang Rong still felt a sense of unreality in his heart.

After all, this kind of opportunity to revitalize the clan and nobles and wash away the staleness from their bodies is really too rare. Once missed, the clan and nobles of the Ming Dynasty may sink and never see the light of day again. !

"When the time comes, give your father and me a fight!"

While Zhang Rong was muttering to himself, Lu Fang quietly came to Zhang Rong and said respectfully.

"Mr. British, you can go in!"

"Well, there is Mr. Lau Lu!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong immediately suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, and then under the guidance of Lu Fang, he stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace.

"My minister bows to His Majesty, long live my emperor, long live long live!"

After entering the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Rong looked at Jiajing who was sitting on the dragon chair and said in a deep voice.

After Zhang Rong finished speaking, even though he was about to kneel on the ground, Jiajing's voice sounded in his ears.

"No need, Mr. British. I came to you this time because I have something I want to show you!"

Although Zhang Rong had long known Jiajing's purpose of looking for him before this, at this moment, he still looked extremely curious and saw him leaning down and saying respectfully.

"Your Majesty, please speak up!"

Then, Jiajing glanced at Lu Fang, who quickly understood and immediately stepped forward, picked up the list that had been drawn up earlier from the desk on the side, and came to Zhang Rong.

As soon as Zhang Rong took the list from Lu Fang's hand, Jiajing's Gujing Wubo voice immediately followed.

"Here is the list drawn up by me. Take a look at the list of clans and nobles who will be selected to serve in the southwest!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After Zhang Rong responded, he immediately began to look at the completed list in his hand with all his concentration.

"Zhu Zaiyu, Zhang Yuangong, Zhu Shitai, Xu Wenbi..."

The further down he looked, the more excited the expression on Zhang Rong's face became, because the list included the top clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty.

"It seems that in His Majesty's heart, there are still members of our clan and nobles!"

Zhang Rong thought this, and then put down the list in his hand.

In Zhang Rong's view, Jiajing's support for the clan and nobles was unprecedented. The previous emperors often listened to the slanders of civil servants and had a suppressive attitude towards the clan and nobles.

Emperor Wuzong Zhu Houzhao, who was among the very few who did not listen to the slanderous words of the civil officials, died suddenly and inexplicably!

After the death of Emperor Wuzong, the clan and nobles once fell into despair.

But now, Jiajing's attitude towards the clan and nobles has rekindled their hope.

This emperor, who was obsessed with cultivating immortality and aiming for immortality, suddenly woke up from his dream of cultivating immortality and immortality, and began to work hard to eliminate bad governance and carry out drastic reforms.

Under his leadership, the Ming Dynasty also regained its vitality and its national power became increasingly stronger. Not only did it completely wipe out the Japanese pirates entrenched in the southeastern coast, it also defeated the Tatars in foreign wars and captured the Tatar Khan alive!

Zhang Rong could see that the emperor's ambitions were not limited to this. He lifted the maritime ban, vigorously built the navy, and carried out overseas trade, bringing more than 1000 million taels of silver income to the Ming Dynasty every year. In addition, he vigorously mobilized and began to Begin to eliminate those unstable factors in the country.

"After this equal broadcast battle, the imperial court should make big moves next!"

Zhang Rong thought so, with a look of conviction on his face, so much so that Zhang Rong already had a vague guess in his mind that the emperor's next target should be An Dahan from the Tumote Department.

After all, the Gengxu Rebellion that occurred in the 29th year of Jiajing was a slap in the face of Ming Dynasty.

"I hope that day will come as soon as possible. In this way, we clans and nobles will also have the opportunity to show off our talents!"

Just as Zhang Rong was feeling so emotional in his heart, Jiajing's voice rang in his ears, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mr. British, what do you think of the list I have drawn up?"

"Your Majesty, I think this list is very reasonable and there is no need to change it!"

Hearing this, Zhang Rong suddenly came back to his senses and saw him lowering his head and responding respectfully.

When Jiajing heard Zhang Rong's words, he nodded slightly and then gave instructions.

"Well, since the British public thinks that there is no problem, then you, on my behalf, will announce this list to everyone!"

"Obey, Your Majesty, I will live up to your majesty's trust!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rong immediately lowered his head and bowed, and responded in a deep voice.

Seeing that the matter had settled, Jiajing waved his hand, looked in the direction of Zhang Rong, and gave the order.

"That's it for now. I still have things to deal with, so you can leave!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will retire now!"

After that, Zhang Rong carefully put away the list drawn up by Jiajing, turned around and left Qianqing Palace without stopping at all.

……

Since the third year of Qianfu reign of Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty, Yang Duan separatized Bozhou, and hereditary chieftains have been formed. In the fifth year of Hongwu, the Yang family of Bozhou, known as the Pseudo-Xia, surrendered to the Ming Dynasty. Since then, it has been regarded as Miao territory. manage.

The jurisdiction of the Bozhou Xuanwei Envoy Division is between Sichuan, Huguang, and Guizhou. The territory is vast and has rugged terrain. In addition, due to its proximity to the waterway, Bozhou is very wealthy.

Hailongtun Tucheng was built in the fifth year of Baoyou in the Southern Song Dynasty. It was jointly built by the Southern Song Dynasty court and the Yang family of Bozhou.

Since then, under the painstaking management of several generations of Xuanwei envoys, Hailongtun has gradually become a castle integrating a military fortress, a government office, and a palace. At the same time, this is also where the Yang family of Bozhou settled down, surrounded by heavy troops. guard.

At this moment, in Bozhou, Hailongtun Tucheng.

Although some time had passed since the imperial court promulgated the proclamation against thieves, Yang Lie, the envoy of Bozhou Xuan comfort, still had not reacted to this shocking fact.

"What is going on? Why did the imperial court suddenly issue a proclamation against thieves? Is it possible that His Majesty was deceived by a traitor?"

Yang Lie thought so and kept pacing in the room, becoming more and more anxious.

Yang Lie asked himself, he was definitely loyal to the Ming Dynasty. He not only obeyed the call, but also paid tribute on time. Even if he treated the untouchables a little cruelly, he would not let the imperial court brazenly dispatch 13 troops to attack!

"If it weren't for me, the Yang family in Bozhou, how would those people have such a good life today?"

"I just collected more taxes, and those people started to make trouble. They are indeed a bunch of ungrateful and unruly people!"

Yang Lie thought so, and immediately sat back on the chair, picked up the teacup, and took a sip.

Not long ago, Yang Lie's wife gave birth to Yang Lie's third son. Yang Lie named this third son Yang Yinglong.

Not long ago, Yang Lie just held a full moon party for his third child, Yang Yinglong. After that, the imperial court officially issued a proclamation against thieves and sent it to all parts of the country via inns.

Just when Yang Lie was extremely worried about his future fate, he saw an aide hurried into the room and reported respectfully.

"Your Majesty the Xuanwei Envoy, we have received news that the army sent by the imperial court is already on the way!"

"What, so fast!"

When Yang Lie heard what his staff said, he suddenly stood up from his seat. At this moment, his face was full of horror that could not be concealed.

Upon hearing this, the staff member immediately leaned down and continued to add.

"My lord, the Xuanwei Envoy, there are currently three armies marching towards Bozhou. One is [-] troops commanded by General Chen Lin, General Wu Guang, and Deputy General Cao Xibin. The other is led by Feng Yue, Governor of Huguang. There are [-] troops, and there are [-] troops commanded by General Li Yingxiang and General Tan Jian!"

After Yang Lie listened to the staff member's report, he immediately ordered someone to bring the map.

Afterwards, Yang Lie said in a deep voice after repeatedly confirming the route of the Ming army on the map.

"Damn it, the commander-in-chief Chen Lin, Wu Guang, and the deputy general Cao Xibin are planning to attack Bozhou from Nanchuan, while the route commanded by Feng Yue is planning to start from Sangmuguan and attack all the way. In addition, the commander-in-chief Li Yingxiang and the deputy general are planning to attack Bozhou from Nanchuan. Tan Jian is planning to attack Bozhou from Xinglong!"

Even if Yang Lie already knew where the imperial army planned to attack, it would be of no avail.

Because there is no comparison between the Miao soldiers under his command and the regular army of the imperial court who are armed to the teeth. There is a huge gap between the two sides in terms of fighting will, fighting skills, and weapons and equipment!
The most important point is that at the moment, the army sent by the imperial court has firmly occupied Dayi. Putting aside everything else, the single charge of conspiracy can make the Yang family of Bozhou unable to live forever, making them almost Hundreds of years of hard work have been completely wiped out!
At the moment, the expression on Yang Lie's face looked unusually ferocious to others. Then, he came back to his senses and gave instructions in a deep voice.

"This officer's order is passed down. From now on, the entire Bozhou is on a state of war readiness. Without my order, no one is allowed to attack without permission. Anyone who disobeys the order will be killed!"

"Yes, Sir Xuan Comfort Envoy, I will pass on your order right now!"

After the staff member left, Yang Lie slumped back on his seat as if he had lost all his strength.

"Hey, what should we do next? Should we treat the dead horse as a living horse doctor and send someone to explain the reason to the court?"

However, as soon as this idea came up, Yang Lie himself rejected it.

"No, it's too late. Right now, the imperial court has issued a memorandum to punish the thieves. No matter how much you explain, it won't help!"

"Can we only officially start a war with the imperial court?"

Yang Lie thought so, and a hint of sadness suddenly flashed in his eyes.

……

Just as Yang Lie was feeling anxious about this matter, on the other side, An Waquan, the envoy of Guizhou's Xuan comfort, seemed to be beaming and gloating about his misfortune.

"Huh, Yang Lie, you have today too!"

At this moment, An Wanquan, the Guizhou Xuan Comfort Envoy, looked at the thief-calling document submitted by his subordinates, his face full of unconcealable joy.

He has not forgotten how Yang Lie came to Shuixi in the 23rd year of Jiajing and asked him to return the body of his father Yang Xiang.

At first, he asked Yang Lie to return the hookah and Tianwang area before returning the body of his father Yang Xiang. Yang Lie agreed on the surface, but after getting the body of his father Yang Xiang, he said nothing about the matter.

Later, a war broke out between the two sides over this matter. An Waquan lost more than he won and was often at a disadvantage.

"Hmph, I, An Waquan, can't defeat you Yang Lie, and the imperial army can't defeat you Yang Lie?"

Then, An Waquan called his subordinates and gave instructions in a deep voice.

"Come here, tell me my order. There will be a banquet at my house tonight. I want to celebrate!"

"Yes, my lord!"

(End of this chapter)