The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 578 It’s not you, it’s you too

Liu Jing, the Marquis of Anyuan, learned some information from the Governor's Mansion and hurriedly ran to the British Mansion to report to Zhang Mao before nightfall.

For Liu Jing, his intention is very clear, that is, his previous supporter Zhu Hui has fallen, and now he must rely on Zhang Mao in the army... Although in principle, his real supporter is actually the Queen Mother Zhou, but the Queen Mother Zhou has always I can't take care of him all the time.

"... Mr. Zhang, things are very obvious now. Outsiders have misunderstood you, thinking that you... have bad intentions, so that everyone in the government and the public is talking about it. Even His Majesty may have misunderstood you. I guess you are very... We have to go to the northwest to lead troops!"

Liu Jing also felt a little emotional.

Thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi. No matter how awesome Zhang Mao was before, Zhang Mao still had no military merit.

It sounds embarrassing that an honorable minister with no military merit can be in charge of the military affairs of the Ming Dynasty capital for decades, but there is no need to envy him now, because before Zhang Maolin enters the loess, he may have to lead the troops in person to verify his leadership. Soldier strength.

Zhang Mao patted his thigh and said, "Other people don't understand me. Don't you know the whole story of this matter?"

Liu Jingdao: "How could I not know this? Before, you personally went to Cai Guogong's house to intercede. This matter is all seen by me, but there are people like that who insist on making trouble over nothing."

Zhang Mao frowned and said, "Whether outsiders have misunderstandings has anything to do with whether I go to the battlefield or not?"

Zhang Mao was also depressed.

If he was just a bit corrupt, or if others thought he had ulterior motives, then he shouldn't be allowed to go to the battlefield to prove himself, right?

"I'm not very clear about this matter, but I heard that His Majesty called him by name. He also said that it will be discussed in the court hall tomorrow morning. Many colleagues have recommended you to lead the troops. ." Liu Jing looked at Zhang Mao eagerly.

Although from a certain perspective, being able to lead troops on the battlefield is the best way for a man to realize his personal ambitions.

But it is not limited to them, a group of pampered ministers, because they know that it is difficult to gain any military merit even on the battlefield.

When the time comes, it will be a waste of time.

Zhang Mao said: "It must be Zhang Bingkuan who is behind this."

Zhang Mao obviously didn't want to go to the battlefield to lead troops. All he could think of was that the person who wanted to trick him must be Zhang Zhou. He seemed to be blocking Zhang Zhou's steps to monopolize military power, so he thought that he and Zhang Zhou were in opposition.

Liu Jing smiled bitterly and said: "Master Zhang, I think it has nothing to do with Cai Guogong, but His Majesty wants you to go. Do you think that Cai Guogong thinks that you must have made no achievements on the battlefield...?"

Zhang Mao said: "You don't understand!"

Liu Jing didn't reply.

The two seemed to have some ideological differences.

Zhang Mao felt that Zhang Zhou was cheating him, while Liu Jing felt that Zhang Zhou didn't have the time to spare.

Yu Liu Jing also believes that the current situation in the northwest is very favorable to the Ming Dynasty. It is more likely to lead troops in the northwest to gain military glory, because the Tatars will never love fighting. Under this premise, if Zhang Zhou really wants to do something in terms of military power Article, then we should also prevent old ministers from going to the northwest to lead troops.

Why would Zhang Mao be allowed to lead the army and give Zhang Mao a chance to prove himself?

"While it's still dark, go to each house and say hello. If anyone dares to elect me to the government tomorrow morning, don't blame me for falling out with him!"

Zhang Mao was also anxious.

If you don't go to the battlefield to lead troops, you won't pick up the pie even if it falls from the sky.

Anyone who disagrees with him on this matter is his enemy.

Liu Jing said: "My lord, the Governor's Mansion is fine, but I'm afraid that the civil servants..."

"go with!"

Zhang Mao was also anxious.

Liu Jing then held up his hands and said, "Then go ahead right now. Those who can be notified will be notified, and those who cannot be notified will be notified tomorrow morning. But sir, you should be fully prepared. "

……

……

"Father, why are you in such a hurry?"

Just when Zhang Mao was scratching his head and head in the front hall anxiously about the possibility of leading the troops, Zhang Rui appeared in front of him.

Zhang Mao looked sideways at his son and said, "As a father, someone may have tricked him into leading troops in the northwest. Who do you think is responsible for this?"

Zhang Rui said: "Isn't it a good thing that my son doesn't understand what his father means? It's time for the British government to prove its identity."

"Hmph!" Zhang Mao said, "Don't think that after a few years in the army, you can make a difference on the battlefield! What happened to Zhang Lun when he went to the northwest? It's good to be able to save his life."

"If my father goes to the northwest, he will also be the general leading the army. Someone else will do the charging work. My son is willing to ride for his father, and even be a pioneer officer."

Zhang Rui is not as timid as Zhang Mao, but instead takes the initiative to ask for help.

"Don't make trouble!" Zhang Mao shouted angrily, "The British government does not need military merit, at least my generation does not need it. You and Zhang Lun... it's up to you! When the time comes, I will be in hell, and I will no longer be able to favor you! "

"Father, I think that if you don't want to go to the northwest to lead the army, you can make it clear to His Majesty, and His Majesty will understand your old age." Zhang Rui was also thinking about his father.

Zhang Mao felt very unhappy when he heard the word "old and frail".

Zhang Mao wanted to say, I can push him away, but I am afraid that now that I have a bad reputation, if I continue to be timid, His Majesty will have even more reason to knock me off. Wouldn’t that allow political enemies to succeed?

"What do you mean, are you afraid of being a father?" Zhang Mao was still trying to be brave.

Zhang Rui said: "Father has his own prestige and ability, but now the northwest army generals are not my father's people? Even if my father arrives in the northwest, I am afraid he will not be able to mobilize those people. Instead, we should remind your majesty that everything should be based on the old system. The best policy is for the censor of the capital to cooperate with the local governor to send troops."

If you lead the army with civilian officials, you will be the underling.

This way, you don’t have to worry about taking the primary responsibility, and you can lean back a little when taking the blame.

Zhang Mao said: "I am in the military, but I am actually in the officialdom. Things in the officialdom are intrigues. I want to see who wants to bring me down this time! I think my father's methods are enough to make him suffer no good consequences. eat!"

……

……

Meeting the next day.

Zhang Mao aggressively led a group of party members to Fengtian Palace.

Before the court meeting began, Zhang Mao had already greeted the people in the Governor's Mansion. He even went over to talk to Xie Qian and made insinuations to show that he was unable to go to the northwest to lead troops. He probably meant to ask Xie Qian not to embarrass him.

Unexpectedly, after the emperor asked Xiao Jing to publish the report on the military situation in the northwest, and stated that he would send people to lead the troops in the northwest, Xie Qian was the first to come out to undermine Zhang Mao.

"...Your Majesty, from what I have seen, the British Duke is young and powerful, and with his prestige in the army, he is enough to intimidate Xiaoxiao and make the Tatars surrender. I think that he should lead the troops to stop the Tatar invasion, and Counterattack at any time..."

It can be said that Xie Qian did not give Zhang Mao any face in this matter.

Zhang Mao almost stamped his feet.

It's okay if you don't say it, but if you say it, you'll be adding insult to injury, right?

Zhu Youtang said: "Mr. British, what do you think?" Zhang Mao came out, looking very embarrassed: "Old minister also wants to go to the border town to serve the country, but recently... Ahem, I am ill, I just want to go to the border town to serve the country. Afraid of failing to live up to His Majesty's expectations, the old minister recommended Cai Guogong because his ability is enough to bring stability to the northwest."

At this time, Zhang Mao began to say that he was old.

Normally, he still pretends to be strong, making people think that he is getting stronger with age, but now that his own life is at stake, he feels that it is worth it even if he gives in.

Zhu Youtang narrowed his eyes at Zhang Mao and said in a bad tone: "My lord, I don't usually see you so fragile. Why, what is the disease? Do you want me to send an imperial doctor back to give you a good diagnosis and treatment?"

Zhang Mao said: "Your Majesty is so kind, but I have nothing to repay. I am suffering from an old man's disease, and I will be fine if I rest for a few more days. Moreover, I think that I cannot support my current job, so I specifically resigned. I hope that Your Majesty will see that I have served the imperial court." For the sake of one game, let the old minister take care of himself."

"what?"

The ministers present were in an uproar.

Zhang Mao pretends to be his grandson so much that it makes people feel that this guy is not acting, but as if Zhang Mao is really too old and frail to complete things such as attacking horses, riding and shooting.

Zhu Youtang sighed and said: "If this is really the case, then I really shouldn't force it. Shouldn't your errands in the Beijing camp be handed over to others?"

Zhang Mao wanted to "make progress by retreating", but the emperor seemed to just go with the flow.

The monarch and his ministers seemed to be playing a game, but in fact they were not giving each other face, and the emperor was more direct.

Since you, Zhang Mao, have resigned, I will allow you to do so and hand over all your errands in Beijing to others. Will you regret it when you see it?

"I'm very grateful, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness." Zhang Mao knelt down and kowtowed to Zhu Youtang, looking very excited, as if he got what he wanted.

Of course Zhu Youtang knew that Zhang Mao was pretending.

The change of the admiral's honorary ministers in the capital will definitely affect the whole body. The emperor will not change easily. He asked Zhang Mao to lead the troops in the northwest because he wanted to see Zhang Mao make a fool of himself. Then he would have a reason to pull Zhang Mao down. , but now that Zhang Mao has no obvious fault, touching Zhang Mao will still easily cause a huge reaction in the military.

"Hmph! Bingkuan, what do you think?" Zhu Youtang immediately asked the question to Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou came out under the spotlight because everyone knew that when it comes to military affairs, don’t ask Zhang Zhou or others. Now the authority of the account is too high, even those who oppose Zhang Zhou’s rise. We must also be willing to accept defeat on military and political issues.

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the northwest to lead the troops without bothering the British Duke. Judging from the British Duke's body, it is indeed time to recuperate. As he is sitting in the capital, I don't think the Tatars dare to come easily. Commit."

Zhang Mao was a little confused.

what does this mean?

I am in charge of the capital, and the Tatars dare not invade?

Even if a different dog were to sit in the capital, would the Tatars dare to come as they pleased?

Are you making fun of me? Or are you deliberately trying to keep me from getting off stage? But you must embarrass me on purpose... You actually want to go to the northwest to lead troops on my behalf. Could it be that I'm just a small-minded person and have misunderstood you?

Zhu Youtang said unceremoniously: "Why do I think that because you are in the capital, Bingkuan, the Tatars do not dare to invade? Dear lords, what do you think?"

These words were a slap in Zhang Mao's face.

Zhang Mao's face was blue and red.

Many civil servants were snickering.

The conflict between Zhang Mao and Zhang Zhou was like a quarrel between Wu Xun, and the civil servants were happy to watch the joke.

At this time, Wu Xun from the Western Division of the Dudu Mansion seemed to agree with the emperor's statement... In the past, they would consider Zhang Mao's face, but now it seems that they should consider Zhang Zhou's face more. Who knows that they will have to mix with Zhang Zhou in the future? What about food instead of Zhang Mao?

Even if you, Zhang Mao, are really capable, at your age, how many years do you still have to live?

"Your Majesty, you praise me, but I don't have such ability." Zhang Zhou said, "I think there is still a big gap between me and the British Duke in military affairs. I want to learn more from him. If I really have the opportunity, I can It would be great to learn from him on the battlefield."

Zhang Mao blinked again.

What does it mean?

Do you want to learn from me?

Do you want me to be the coach and you to be the assistant coach? Then... the situation is different. If that were the case, I should have strongly opposed it, but now I should strongly agree with it.

It's like if I have the credit, it's mine, and if I have the fault, it's yours...it couldn't be more perfect.

Zhang Mao said: "Your Majesty, I still believe that Cai Guogong is the best candidate to lead the army in the northwest expedition."

"Really?" Zhu Youtang said, "This matter will indeed be settled in the next two days. After the court meeting, please go to Qianqing Palace. I have something to tell you. In addition, there are others to do." Do you recommend it?"

This was asked of the ministers present.

Currently only two people have been recommended.

They were Zhang Mao recommended by Xie Qian, and Zhang Zhou recommended by Zhang Mao.

All of a sudden, it seemed that both civil servants and Wu Xun had their opinions. This was the "competition" between Zhang Mao and Zhang Zhou. In other words, there was nothing to fight about. It all depended on the emperor's attitude.

If the emperor felt that Zhang Zhou was suitable to lead the army, there would not have been the court meeting that day and there would not have been this court meeting.

Now that he has it, the emperor wants Zhang Mao to go to the northwest.

Anyone present can see this clearly.

……

……

The court meeting did not reach a conclusion.

After the court meeting, Zhu Youtang arrived at the Qianqing Palace first. Not long after, Zhang Mao also followed Li Zhang into the Qianqing Palace.

Then Li Zhang stood beside the emperor, leaving no fourth person present.

"Mr. British, why don't you understand my painstaking efforts?" Zhu Youtang said in a persuasive tone.

Zhang Mao knelt down and said: "Old minister, I really can't bear it."

Zhu Youtang said: "You were very powerful when you were ruining your reputation. Could it be that you haven't left your house recently and haven't heard how the outside world is talking about you? That's right! The authorities are obsessed with it. How can others dare to criticize you casually in front of you? You? Show him the recent rumors!"

Zhu Youtang seemed to be afraid that Zhang Mao would not know how bad his reputation was, so he immediately asked Li Zhang to compile a volume of rumors and show them to Zhang Mao.

Zhang Mao took the book and wanted to hit him.

If you scolded me, you sorted it out and let me take a look...

You don't slap people in the face, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, do you want me to comment on whether these accusations against me are justified? I don’t even want to read a word of it!

"It seems that you know it!" Zhu Youtang did not force Zhang Mao to read it, and continued in a cold voice, "Since I came to the throne, this Beijing camp has been promoted by you. I feel sorry for you over the years. Is it? It's also because you have been in charge for a long time and the army has long been solidified. I have also wanted to reform many times, but out of human kindness and to save your face, I have never mentioned it openly. But now everyone has strong opinions on this! "

Zhang Mao continued to kowtow and said: "I am willing to beg my old age and return to my fields."

"No need! If you show some courage and accumulate reputation, I will let Bingkuan advise you behind the scenes. If you don't dare to do this, how can I trust you in the future, and how can I trust the British government? Zhang Qing family, this is tailor-made for you and the family behind you, you must not let down all my hard work."

(End of this chapter)