I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 757: Jiajing’s Unforgettable Picture

The night passed in the blink of an eye. In the early morning, when the sky was just turning white, Zhang Juzheng woke up from his sleep in a daze.

After waking up, Zhang Juzheng looked around subconsciously. Everything around him seemed strange to him.

It wasn't until Zhang Juzheng's eyes glanced over Gao Gong, who was still lying on the table, sleeping soundly, that he suddenly remembered that it was his and Gao Gong's turn to be on duty last night.

"It seems that there are no too important battle reports sent over today!"

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he stood up from his seat and then moved his limbs.

At this moment, there was a sound of slight footsteps from outside the cabinet, and then, an eunuch from the imperial kitchen was seen followed by many young eunuchs.

At this time, the little eunuchs were holding many food boxes in their hands.

The eunuch from the imperial kitchen stepped into the cabinet after complaining.

Seeing that Zhang Juzheng had woken up, the eunuch in the imperial dining room breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately, he looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Mr. Zhang Ge, Your Majesty asked us to deliver court food to you and Mr. Gao Ge!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng's face was full of gratitude. He immediately bowed his hands to the eunuch in the imperial kitchen and expressed his gratitude: "Well, thank you for bothering me, father-in-law!"

After that, Zhang Juzheng came not far away, in front of Gao Gong, who was still sleeping soundly, and woke him up: "Old Gao Ge, father-in-law is here to bring us food!"

After Gao Gong woke up, he felt a little sleepy, but he quickly came back to his senses and respectfully saluted the eunuch in the imperial kitchen: "Excuse me, father-in-law, I made a special trip early in the morning!"

"No matter what, the old words of Gaoge are serious, this is our family's responsibility!"

After the eunuch in the imperial kitchen finished speaking, he turned around and winked at the young eunuchs behind him.

Seeing this, the little eunuchs behind them who were carrying food boxes immediately stepped forward and methodically took out the steaming meals from the food boxes.

Soon, a variety of delicious, tasty and tasty meals were placed on the table, exuding an alluring aroma.

Perhaps for the sake of health, the dishes on the table are relatively light in taste. In addition to the dishes, there are also a few eggs.

After doing this, the eunuch of the imperial kitchen looked in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, bowed and saluted.

"Two pavilion masters, please use it carefully. After you finish using the food, you only need to give an order and someone will take away the food!"

Hearing this, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng showed gratitude on their faces, cupped their hands, and then said, "Excuse me, father-in-law!"

When the eunuch of the imperial kitchen heard the words, he just responded, and then left the cabinet with silent steps.

After the eunuch from the imperial kitchen left, Gao Gong looked at the table full of delicacies and said with emotion: "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. He actually asked the imperial kitchen to bring us the court food!"

After Zhang Juzheng heard Gao Gong's words, he nodded and said in agreement: "Yes!"

At this time, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but recall the previous scene. After the outcome of the discussion, everyone went to the Qianqing Palace under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet.

And told the emperor truthfully what happened.

After the emperor learned the news, he immediately felt a lot of emotion and agreed to everyone's request without any hesitation.

Not only that, the emperor also specifically asked the imperial kitchen to bring food to the cabinet ministers who were on duty every morning.

When Zhang Juzheng came back to his senses, Gao Gong had already sat down on the seat next to him, and he and Zhang Juzheng each filled a bowl of thick porridge.

"Eat something!"

"Ah."

After Zhang Juzheng responded, he took the thick porridge from Gao Gong's hand, then picked up a piece of Liuxinju pickles with chopsticks, put it into his mouth and savored it carefully.

After Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng finished their meals, a young eunuch soon came forward and put the remaining meals into the food box.

……

After that, I saw the two of them sitting on chairs, chatting with each other.

Zhang Juzheng picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and took the lead in provoking the topic.

"Mr. Gao Ge, I heard that the price of silk this year has dropped a lot compared to last year!"

"Yes, last year when the price of silk was at its highest, a piece of silk could be sold for fifteen taels of silver, but this year the same piece of silk could only be sold for ninety taels of silver!"

When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment and then added: "Fortunately, the business of 500,000 pieces of silk that the court negotiated with those foreign merchants last year was successfully completed!"

"Otherwise, with this year's market conditions, the court may not be able to make much money!"

After listening to Gao Gong's words, Zhang Juzheng felt the same way, nodded, and said in agreement: "Yes, maybe the imperial court will have to come forward to purchase the excess raw silk from the hands of sangong! "

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he seemed to suddenly remember something, and then added: "The trade agreement negotiated between our Ming Dynasty and the Kingdom of Spain last year can just come in handy."

"According to the agreement, our Ming Dynasty needs to transport no less than sixteen ships of silk, tea, porcelain and other luxury goods to the Kingdom of Spain every year."

"If the imperial court comes forward to purchase the excess raw silk from the farmers at market price, then the farmers will be able to recover their costs and the court will be able to earn more money."

While Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were chatting about this matter, there was a rush of footsteps outside the cabinet.

Not long after, I saw a subordinate official quickly entering the cabinet with eager steps.

After entering the cabinet, the subordinate official did not dare to be negligent at all. He immediately looked in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, leaned down, and reported in a deep voice: "Mr. Ge, this is a battle report sent urgently from 800 miles away from the front line. !”

After the subordinate official finished speaking, he carefully took out the battle report from his sleeve and raised it high above his head.

After learning the news, Zhang Juzheng's face was full of eagerness that could not be concealed.

Immediately, he suddenly stood up from his seat, looked in the direction of the subordinate official, and said in a deep voice: "Quick, bring it here!"

"Yes, Mr. Zhang Ge!"

After the subordinate official responded, he immediately stepped forward and respectfully handed the battle report to Zhang Juzheng, the Minister of War.

After receiving the battle report from the subordinate official, Zhang Juzheng waved his hand and said: "Okay, it's nothing for you, you can go down!"

Seeing that the mission of his trip was successfully completed, the subordinate official's face was full of relief. After bowing to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively, the subordinate official stepped out of the cabinet.

After the subordinate official left, Zhang Juzheng couldn't wait to take it apart, and then read the contents on it with special concentration, and saw what was written on it.

"Your Majesty, in the recent battle with Ada Khan, our army achieved a great victory, annihilating a total of 31,692 enemies, and capturing 8,653 war horses, various swords, and There are countless armors!”

"Another 3,632 enemy soldiers were captured. In addition, a senior enemy general named Buren was killed!"

"Our army suffered various casualties in this battle, totaling 5,326. In this battle, Zhaoyi General Qi Jiguang, Huaiyuan General Yu Dayou, and Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong all made great contributions..."

After Zhang Juzheng finished browsing the contents of this battle report, his breathing suddenly became rapid.

Seeing this situation, Gao Gong on the side couldn't restrain his curiosity. He looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng and asked eagerly: "What, did you win or lose?"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng nodded, and before handing the battle report to Gao Gong, he responded: "We won, and it was a great victory!"

After hearing the news, Gao Gong's face was full of excitement. Immediately, he took the battle report from Zhang Juzheng's hand and read the contents word for word.

"Annihilated thirty-one thousand six hundred and ninety-two enemies and captured the war horses... Okay, okay, haha!"

"It seems that our wait for so many days has not been in vain!"

After browsing the contents of the battle report, Gao Gong stroked his beard, turned to face Zhang Juzheng, and said with emotion.

Zhang Juzheng was also quite emotional about this. Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, he slapped his thigh suddenly, and then suggested: "Old Gaoge, without further ado, we have to inform your majesty of this news quickly. there!"

Hearing this, Gao Gong reacted suddenly and responded repeatedly: "That's right. Let's go to Qianqing Palace to meet His Majesty right now!"

Gao Gong knew very well that he and Zhang Juzheng could take this opportunity to brush up on the emperor's favorability.

After that, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng rushed to the Qianqing Palace without any hesitation.

Shortly after Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng left the cabinet, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son arrived belatedly.

Looking at the empty cabinet in front of him, Yan Shifan couldn't help but have doubts on his face. After looking around, he said to himself: "Hey, where are Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng?"

……

On the other side, the Forbidden City, outside the Qianqing Palace.

At this time, looking at the Qianqing Palace in front of them, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces were full of anticipation.

At this moment, I saw the guiding eunuch who had gone in to report before walking quietly in front of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, lowered his head, and said respectfully: "Mr. Zhang Ge, Mr. Gao Ge, you can go in now." , His Majesty is waiting for you inside!"

Hearing this, Gao Gong Zhang Juzheng quickly looked in the direction of the guiding eunuch, cupped his hands, and expressed his gratitude: "Well, thank you for bothering me, father-in-law!" Hearing this, the guiding eunuch had a warm smile on his face and waved. He waved his hands and said in agreement: "You two pavilion elders, you don't have to be polite. This is our family's business. Come in quickly and don't keep His Majesty waiting for you!"

After that, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng did not hesitate at all, and immediately climbed up the stairs and stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace.

After entering the Qianqing Palace, they saw Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng kneeling on the ground with a plop. They looked at Jiajing who was sitting on the dragon throne and said respectfully: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor. Long live the emperor." !”

"Well, you two, get up!"

After hearing this, Jiajing looked Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng up and down, nodded, and gave instructions.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After receiving Jiajing's permission, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng slowly stood up from the ground.

Immediately, Jiajing was seen supporting his chin with one hand, looking in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and asking: "You two, come here early in the morning, do you have anything important to report to me?"

Facing Jiajing's gaze, Zhang Juzheng suppressed the excitement in his heart, carefully took out the battle report from the front line from his sleeve, raised it high above his head, and reported in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, here is It’s an urgent battle report from the front for 800 miles. The front line is victorious and more than 30,000 enemies have been annihilated!”

Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, heard Zhang Juzheng's words and immediately stepped forward without waiting for Jiajing's instructions, took the battle report from Zhang Juzheng's hands, and handed it to Jiajing.

"His Majesty!"

"Ah."

After responding, Jiajing took the battle report from Lu Fang's hand and browsed the contents, only to see what was written above.

"Your Majesty, in the recent battle with Ada Khan, our army achieved a great victory, annihilating a total of 31,692 enemies, and capturing 8,653 war horses, various swords, and There are countless armors!”

"Another 3,632 enemy soldiers were captured. In addition, a senior enemy general named Buren was killed!"

"Our army suffered various casualties in this battle, totaling 5,326. In this battle, Zhaoyi General Qi Jiguang, Huaiyuan General Yu Dayou, and Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong all made great contributions..."

When Jiajing saw in the battle report the words that Zhu Xizhong, Duke of Chengguo, had made great contributions in this battle.

His face was full of unconcealable relief, he clenched his fists and said silently to himself: "Okay, okay, Duke Cheng Guo has indeed lived up to my trust!"

In Jiajing's view, he completely relied on this merit to silence the ministers in the court.

Then, step by step, the long-dormant clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty were brought into the court to check and balance the group of civil servants.

Immediately, Jiajing calmed down and looked in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, with a warm smile on his face: "Well, I see all your efforts, Aiqing, and I will reward you two well!"

After the words fell, Jiajing turned around, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and said: "Lv Fang, go to my bank account immediately and pick out two items!"

When Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

Just when Lu Fang was about to leave, Gao Gong stood up with a frightened look and said cautiously: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, it is your duty as a minister to share your worries. You don't have to..."

Jiajing took in the expression on Gao Gong's face, waved his hand, and interrupted Gao Gong's words: "Okay, there's no need to say any more. Even so, you should still be rewarded!"

After the words fell, Jiajing nodded to Lu Fang. Seeing this, Lu Fang nodded slightly to Jiajing and left the Qianqing Palace.

After Lu Fang left the Qianqing Palace, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng looked at each other with gratitude, leaned down and said in unison.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

In the eyes of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, this is not just a simple reward, but represents the emperor's recognition and favor for them.

"After we come down, we must properly enshrine the gifts given by His Majesty!"

At this time, this was the common thought in Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's minds.

……

Then, Jiajing was seen gently stroking the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, looking in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, raising his eyebrows, and asked with interest: "By the way, what happened to the imperial dining room recently?" What do you think of the food sent to you?"

Gao Gong on the side heard Jiajing's words. After thinking about it for a moment, he stood up and said in response: "Your Majesty, I think that the food sent to the court from the imperial dining room is quite rich and full of color and aroma, but it is just about the taste." It’s too bland and not to Wei Chen’s taste!”

Hearing this, Jiajing felt the same way, nodded, and then said: "Yes, it has always been like this in the imperial dining room!"

Anyone can see that the emperor is in a good mood at this time, and Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng will naturally not miss this opportunity to enhance their relationship with the emperor.

Soon, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng took Jiajing and started chatting.

While chatting, I accidentally mentioned the falling price of silk.

"Last year, a piece of fine silk could be sold for a high price of fifteen taels of silver, but this year it can only be sold for ninety taels of silver."

"When the price of silk skyrocketed last year, the price of raw silk also skyrocketed. At its peak, a pound of raw silk was worth three taels of silver!"

"Many mulberry farmers have made a fortune by selling raw silk. Seeing the profits, people have sold their property and joined the ranks of planting mulberry seedlings. However, the price of silk has fallen this year, and most of the people who plant mulberry seedlings have The cost cannot be recovered.”

"If someone takes this opportunity to hoard, food prices will skyrocket. We are worried that this may cause unrest. You must know that mulberry seedlings cannot be eaten!"

After listening to Zhang Juzheng's narration, the expression on Jiajing's face gradually became serious.

After thinking about it for a moment, Jiajing looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng and confirmed to him: "Ai Qing means that in order to avoid turmoil, the court will come forward to purchase raw silk from those farmers at market prices? "

Seeing that Jiajing heard the hidden meaning of his words, Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately, he nodded, leaned down, and responded respectfully: "Your Majesty, this is what I mean!"

"The imperial court purchased the excess raw silk from the farmers at the market price. Not only did it solve the urgent needs of the farmers, it also allowed the Weaving Bureau to reduce costs and increase profits!"

When Jiajing heard this, after pondering for a moment, he nodded and said: "Yes, I'm sure!"

At this moment, Lu Fang was seen entering the Qianqing Palace with silent steps, and behind him, there were two young eunuchs holding brocade boxes in their arms.

"This slave has met Your Majesty!"

"Ah."

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang, glanced at Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively, and then ordered: "Look at the reward I have given you!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

Hearing this, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng suppressed their excitement, and immediately stepped forward to carefully take the brocade box from the hands of the two young eunuchs, and opened it.

After Zhang Juzheng opened the brocade box, what he saw was a writing brush made of blue jade. This jade pen was extremely exquisite, and the jade used was also very fine and warm. The brush was full of reliefs, and on the high arch side, It is the wishful jade.

The jade Ruyi on the high arch side has a Ganoderma-shaped shape with a curved handle. It is made of gold, jade, agate and other materials. It adopts techniques such as relief, hollowing out and inlay, making it look quite luxurious.

The moment he saw the jade Ruyi, Gao Gong's eyes were full of wonder, and he immediately planned to place it in the most conspicuous place in his home for worship.

Jiajing took in the expressions on Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng's faces, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "What do you think, Aiqing?"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Gao Gong stood up first, with a look of gratitude on his face, and respectfully responded: "Thank you for your grace, your majesty. I am willing to go through fire and water for your majesty, even if I die!"

Zhang Juzheng on the side heard the words and stood up immediately, and responded in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the same is true for the ministers!"

Hearing this, Jiajing took his eyes away from Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, nodded, and said slowly: "As long as you like it, keep it well!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard this, they immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.

Then, Jiajing was seen picking up the teacup on the table, taking a sip, pretending to be casual, looking in the direction of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, and saying with concern.

"I feel that you have been working too hard recently. In order to get the battle reports from the front line to me as soon as possible, you even did not hesitate to let two cabinet ministers stay in the cabinet overnight."

"I'm thinking about setting up a temporary organization specifically responsible for sending frontline military information to me. In this case, it can also lighten the burden on you. What do you think?"

After Jiajing finished speaking, he glanced at Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively, quietly waiting for their responses.

When Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng heard Jiajing's words, their faces were full of embarrassment and hesitantly said: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, this... this..."

Jiajing didn't seem to care about this. He just waved his hand and said: "Okay, I still have things to deal with next. You go down and think about it first, and then give me an answer when you think about it clearly!"

Seeing that the emperor had spoken to this extent, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were too embarrassed to object anymore, so they could only nod in agreement.

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

"Ah."

After that, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng bowed to Jiajing, then turned around and left the Qianqing Palace with the brocade box in their arms.

After Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng left the Qianqing Palace, Jiajing looked away, lowered his eyes, looked at the ground casually, and said silently to himself: "The military aircraft department..."

(End of this chapter)