Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

On the morning of August 20, Chengtian Mansion was shrouded in a tense and oppressive atmosphere. The sun shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on the bluestone road, but it seemed unable to dispel the heaviness in the mansion.

Jian Mingxiao, a veteran general who had served in four dynasties, stood in the courtyard with a stern face. The years had left deep marks on his face, but his eyes were still as sharp as ever. He had just learned from Zhang Zhiyu that Zhang Xianzhong had cut off their food supply, and he could not help but sigh: "Although Li Chuang came late, he still came after all. Is he trying to take advantage of my Sichuan army because they have no help?"

Ma Wannian hurried into the courtyard, looking anxious: "Grandma, tens of thousands of enemy troops were spotted fifteen miles north of the city. They appear to be the main force of the bandits."

Jian Mingxiao put his hands behind his back, paced slowly, and said in a deep voice: "Although Li Zicheng came slowly, his purpose is very clear. He wants to launch an attack while our Sichuan Army is isolated and helpless." His eyes revealed a kind of helplessness and determination, as if he had already prepared for the worst.

Zhang Zhiyu stood aside, blinked, and said with a smile: "Governor Qin is wrong. We are not the only Ming army nearby. Hua Ruiqi is in the southeast, Lu Daqi is in the northeast, and Gao Jie also has a large number of troops. There are also Liu Liangzuo, Wang Zhigang, Li Jiyu and others, all of whom are chasing the bandits."

"The reinforcements will arrive soon, at most half a month, and at least a few days." Zhang Zhiyu seemed full of confidence, as if he had already seen the day when the reinforcements would arrive.

Jian Mingxiao smiled bitterly and said, "Zhang Zhiyu, do you really not know or are you pretending not to know?" His eyes revealed a deep insight, as if he had seen through Zhang Zhiyu's inner thoughts.

"What do you mean, Governor Qin?" Zhang Zhiyu put away his smile and asked seriously.

"Among these people, only Hua Ruiqi may be able to send troops to rescue us. As for the others, don't count on them." Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of helplessness and disappointment.

"Otherwise! Lu Daqi is loyal, and Gao Jie and Li Chuang have a personal grudge. How can they just stand by and watch him die?" Zhang Zhiyu argued, his eyes revealing a stubborn and refusing to admit defeat.

"You are wrong!" Jian Mingxiao sighed, "Although Lu and Gao have the military power, it is not up to them to decide whether to send troops or not." His tone was full of helplessness and heartache about the situation in the court.

"Then who makes the decision? The prince? Shi Kefa?" Zhang Zhiyu asked anxiously, his eyes revealing an anxious desire for an answer.

If it was really the prince or Shi Gong who could decide, Zhang Zhiyu would immediately write a letter to Nanjing, requesting the prompt dispatch of reinforcements. But Jian Mingxiao slowly shook his head: "Neither."

"It's the food supply that determines it. I estimate that Gao and Lu are running out of food supplies." Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of helplessness and sadness about the reality. "Only Hua Ruiqi is self-sufficient in food and is not affected by the situation in the court. He is the only one who can save us."

As a veteran of four dynasties, Jian Mingxiao's political acumen was no less than that of the ministers in the court. He knew very well that in this war, the importance of food and fodder far exceeded that of manpower.

"Does Governor Qin have any new news?" Zhang Zhiyu asked with a frown, his eyes revealing a worry and anxiety about the unknown.

"Haha, no need for new news, old news is enough." Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of insight and helplessness about the situation in the court.

"In May, Li Zicheng was defeated in Fengyang and retreated westward to Runan, right?" Zhang Zhiyu nodded, his eyes revealing a kind of recollection and thinking about the past.

"After Zicheng retreated to Runan, Gao and Lu did not mobilize troops on a large scale. I checked and found that the reason was that the food and grass were exhausted." Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of helplessness and pain about the reality. "Although the court transported food, each batch of food was only enough for ten days, which was difficult to support large-scale operations."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiyu couldn't help but gasp: "Is there someone in the Nanjing court deliberately delaying the war?" His eyes revealed shock and anger at the conspiracy in the court.

Jian Mingxiao put his hands behind his back, looked up at the clouds in the sky, then looked down at the cracked soil on the ground, and remained silent. His heart was filled with helplessness and heartache about the situation in the court. There were indeed people in the court who hoped for a quick victory, but there were not many such people. More people hoped that the war would continue, because the court's army would not stop its actions until the bandits were eliminated; if the army did not stop, the consumption of money and food would never end. The officials took this opportunity to enrich themselves, and the prince was in Nanjing to supervise the country, and all affairs south of the Yellow River were decided by him. Therefore, the officials in Nanjing were powerful for a while, and under the temptation of money and power, how could they let the bandits be easily eliminated?
Keeping the enemy in the army is not only the practice of military generals, but also the practice of civil officials. With power and wealth in hand, how could they give it up easily? Jian Mingxiao's heart was filled with helplessness and heartache about this situation. He knew that he could not change this situation, and could only try his best to deal with the war in front of him.

How could Zhang Zhiyu not know this? He just knew that he was powerless to change all this, and could only hope that the will of the gods could understand it on their own. As for whether they could understand it, it depended on their wisdom. His eyes revealed a kind of helplessness and acceptance of reality.

"Governor Qin, if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know." Zhang Zhiyu felt a little pity for Jian Mingxiao when he saw his gray-haired appearance. He knew that this veteran who had served four dynasties had given too much to the country and the nation.

"You are a close minister to His Majesty and the Crown Prince, how dare I trouble you?" Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of respect and gratitude for Zhang Zhiyu. He knew that Zhang Zhiyu had tried his best to help him.

"Zhang is willing to help, and in order to subdue Li Dingguo, Governor Qin must go there in person. Zhang will lend a helping hand to Governor Qin, and Governor Qin will also help Zhang solve the problem. In this way, both of our problems can be solved." Zhang Zhiyu said with a smile, his eyes revealing an expectation and confidence for the future.

After a brief thought, Jian Mingxiao went into the house, sat at the desk, picked up a pen and paper and wrote two letters. One was to Li Xingzhong, ordering him to quickly enter Huguang to contain Zhang Xianzhong; the other was to Li Dingguo, predicting that he would surrender after reading it. His handwriting was vigorous and powerful, as if every word contained his deep affection for the country and the nation.

Zhang Zhiyu asked in surprise and delight: "What's in the letter?"

"Don't ask. Some things are better left unknown." Jian Mingxiao's tone was full of mystery and depth. He knew that some things did not need to be said, but only felt and understood with the heart.

After Zhang Zhiyu left, Jian Mingxiao wrote another secret letter to Lin Xiaofeng. After dealing with these matters, he breathed a sigh of relief. The affairs of the court came to an end for the time being, and he could concentrate on dealing with the war at hand. This battle was crucial. If he won, he would have the strategic initiative, and if he lost, the overall situation would fall into passivity. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility and dared not slack off in the slightest.

On the 22nd, the coalition forces of Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong approached the city of Chengtianfu. Just as the war was about to break out, Jian Mingxiao received a shocking news: in the autumn examination of Nanzhili, the candidates actually boycotted the exam! This move caused an uproar in the Nanjing court. Although the chaos in the court has not yet affected the military operations, the candidates were so bold that they dared to block the gates of the six ministries, causing the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War and other key departments to be paralyzed, and the supply of military pay and food was seriously hindered.

After reading the secret letter, Ma Wannian turned pale: "Grandma, do we really have no reinforcements?" His voice was trembling and desperate. He knew that without reinforcements, they would face a life-and-death battle.

Jian Mingxiao remained silent, his eyes revealing a kind of firmness and determination. He knew that they had to persevere regardless of whether there were reinforcements or not. Because behind them were tens of millions of people and their homes, they could not retreat or give up. He slowly raised his head and looked at the sky, as if looking for some kind of strength and faith there. Then his eyes fell on Ma Wannian again, and he said in a firm and powerful voice: "What we still have is our courage and determination. As long as we have these two things, nothing can defeat us!" His voice echoed in the courtyard, as if infusing everyone with infinite strength and faith.

Fifteen days ago, on the seventh day of August, the autumn sun shone obliquely on the blue bricks and black tiles of Yangzhou City, adding a bit of calmness and solemnity to this ancient city. Seeing that the day of the autumn examination was getting closer and closer, the head of the cabinet, Lord Li Banghua, only stayed in Yangzhou for a day at this critical moment, and then hurried to take a boat to Yingtian Prefecture. He was in a hurry, as if even the autumn wind in Yangzhou could not catch up with his pace.

Li Banghua, a very important figure in the cabinet, always looked so majestic and deep, with an unquestionable authority between his eyebrows. He wore a dark blue official uniform embroidered with golden cloud dragon patterns, a green jade pendant on his waist, and an extraordinary demeanor in his steps.

Before leaving, he specially called the newly appointed Yangzhou prefect Zhang Huangyan to meet him. Zhang Huangyan, this name is not unfamiliar in Yangzhou. When Li Zicheng attacked Fengyang, he made great contributions in raising military funds, so he took over the position of the former prefect Ren Minyu. But to be honest, Zhang Huangyan did not have any particularly remarkable achievements. He only took this position because of the recommendation of the court officials in Nanjing. Lord Shi Kefa couldn't stop him, and finally could only sigh and accept it.

In fact, the court officials recommended Zhang Huangyan not because they really wanted to help him, but because they wanted to set a trap for him. At that time, the court was strictly investigating tax arrears, and there were many people in Yangzhou who evaded taxes. The position of prefect was simply a hot potato, and everyone wanted Zhang Huangyan to take the blame.

Zhang Huangyan, the newly appointed prefect of Yangzhou, had a completely different image from Li Banghua. He was young and handsome, with a scholarly air between his eyebrows, as if he was a scholar from an ancient painting. He wore a blue official uniform embroidered with simple flower and bird patterns, and a white jade pendant on his waist, looking gentle and elegant.

"Lord, what do you want to talk to me about?" Zhang Huangyan entered the cabin and bowed to Li Banghua. His voice was a little respectful and nervous, and he was obviously in awe of this cabinet minister.

"Please sit down!" Li Banghua pointed to the stool. His voice was steady and powerful, as if every word contained unquestionable majesty.

"Please sit upstairs, old man. I'd better stand and serve you." Zhang Huangyan saluted again. His movements were very standard, and it was obvious that he had received good etiquette training.

Li Banghua looked at Zhang Huangyan carefully and laughed, "You are indeed a talent that Your Majesty values. You are so steady at such a young age, speaks neither humbly nor arrogantly, and is polite." His eyes revealed some admiration and expectations.

"What a talent, such a rare talent!" Li Banghua's words were filled with emotion and relief.

When Zhang Huangyan heard this, he was so excited, just like a rookie who suddenly heard the chairman praise him. He showed some joy on his face, but he didn't dare to show it too much. He just bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Lord."

"Lord, do you mean that His Majesty knows me?" Zhang Huangyan's voice was filled with disbelief and surprise. He didn't expect that he would get His Majesty's attention, which was undoubtedly a great honor for him.

"Not only do I know, His Majesty also specifically told me to take good care of you." Li Banghua said with a smile. His eyes revealed a bit of kindness and warmth, as if he really took care of Zhang Huangyan as his own junior.

"Thank you for your cultivation!" Zhang Huangyan bowed again. His heart was filled with gratitude and awe, and he also felt respect for Li Banghua.

"Don't be polite. Don't keep on being polite. Do you know why I want to talk to you?" Li Banghua asked. His voice was serious and earnest, and it was obvious that what he was going to say next was very important.

"I am a fool and I really don't know." Zhang Huangyan's voice was humble and sincere. He really didn't know what Li Banghua wanted to see him for, but his heart was full of expectation and curiosity.

"Recently, you should stay put and don't act rashly." Li Banghua's words were full of deep meaning and admonition. His eyes revealed some worry and concern.

"Ah? What does this mean?" Zhang Huangyan was stunned. He stared wide-eyed, trying to see something from Li Banghua's face, but Li Banghua was very shrewd and did not show any flaws. His heart was filled with doubts and confusion.

Zhang Huangyan had no choice but to ask: "You went south to provide disaster relief and recover military pay, but now you want me to do nothing. Isn't this disobeying the emperor's order? Are you trying to harm me?" His voice was filled with anxiety and uneasiness. Didn't the court order local officials to strictly investigate tax arrears? Why did Li Banghua ask him not to move?

"Yangzhou cannot be in chaos." Li Banghua stroked his beard and said calmly, his eyes revealing a bit of determination and resoluteness.

"Chaos? How could it be chaos?" Zhang Huangyan was even more confused. His heart was filled with doubts and puzzlement, and he didn't understand why Li Banghua said that Yangzhou would be in chaos.

"Farmers don't farm, salt merchants don't produce salt, soldiers don't guard the city, merchants don't transport goods, trackers don't pull boats, students don't study, officials are not diligent..." Li Banghua squinted and looked out the window, "Isn't this a sign of chaos in the world?" There was a hint of heaviness and worry in his voice.

Zhang Huangyan was shocked when he heard this. He began to realize that the situation in Yangzhou was indeed not optimistic. He thought carefully about Li Banghua's words and felt that they made sense. Yangzhou was the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. Once there was chaos, the canal transportation would be cut off, and the army at the border would not be able to transport food and grass. The consequences would be serious.

"Do you understand?" Li Banghua's voice was filled with expectation and inquiry. His eyes revealed some concern and expectation.

Zhang Huangyan suddenly realized: "I understand now. Thank you for your guidance." His heart was filled with gratitude and admiration, and his respect for Li Banghua became even deeper.

"How could I harm you?" Li Banghua said, and took out a secret letter from his arms and handed it to Zhang Huangyan, "This is an official document from the court temporarily exempting Yangzhou Prefecture from taxes. Please keep it." There was some kindness and warmth in his voice.

Zhang Huangyan took the letter respectfully, read it carefully, and was relieved. His heart was full of gratitude and luck, and he felt that he was lucky to meet such a good official as Li Banghua.

After finishing his work, Li Banghua set sail and left Yangzhou. The imperial envoy's fleet followed the canal into the Yangtze River, sailed upstream, and headed straight for Nanjing. The flags on the ships fluttered in the wind, and the hulls swayed gently with the waves, as if saying goodbye to Yangzhou.

Before the boat had sailed far, hundreds of warships appeared in front of them. The flags read "Da Ming" and "Cao Jiang Shui Shi". They were the troops of Admiral Liu Kongzhao. The gongs and drums on the warships were deafening, and the river was as lively as a boiling pot. Seeing the imperial envoy coming, Liu Kongzhao ordered the warships to line up on the north and south sides to make way for the imperial envoy's fleet.

Li Banghua stood at the bow, looking at the warships and the sound of gongs and drums in front of him, his face darkened. He knew in his heart that Liu Kongzhao was deliberately provoking him. According to the etiquette, the number of soldiers accompanying the imperial envoy was stipulated. If Liu Kongzhao's soldiers were included, it would exceed the standard. Moreover, the east wind was favorable now, which was conducive to sailing. If we stopped and waited for the wind to change before leaving, we would have to delay for half a day. However, Li Banghua did not want to conflict with Liu Kongzhao. He just wanted to rush to Nanjing as soon as possible to complete his mission. "Stop the ship! Signal with flags! Move all the warships to the south of the river! The imperial envoy's fleet will pass from the north of the river!" Li Banghua gave the order decisively. There was a sense of majesty and unquestionable in his voice.

Zhang Boxing, the left vice minister of the Ministry of War who was on the same ship, asked in confusion: "Why is this happening, Lord? The east wind is favorable now, which is good for sailing. If we stop and wait for the wind to change before we can continue sailing, it will take half a day." There was a hint of anxiety and dissatisfaction in his voice.

"It's limited by etiquette. There are regulations on the number of soldiers that the imperial envoy can accompany. If Liu Kongzhao's soldiers are included, it will exceed the limit." Li Banghua explained. There was a bit of helplessness and sigh in his voice. He knew that this decision would delay time, but he also knew that this decision was necessary.

"What if you don't stop? The prince will have a book to impeach you, the elder." Zhang Boxing's voice was filled with worry and reminder. He knew that the prince and Liu Kongzhao had a good relationship. If he offended Liu Kongzhao, the prince would definitely make trouble for Li Banghua.

Li Banghua sneered: "What crime can we impeach him for?" His voice was filled with disdain and sarcasm. He knew the cunningness of these officials in Nanjing, who always tried to find loopholes to seek personal gain.

"It's against etiquette!" Zhang Boxing said loudly. There was a hint of anxiety and helplessness in his voice. He knew that this decision would put Li Banghua in a difficult situation, but he also knew that this decision was necessary.

"Liu Kongzhao was training the navy, and he just happened to meet the imperial envoy. What crime can he commit?" Li Banghua's face darkened. "Besides, the sound of the gongs and drums, the navy goes out to fight when they hear the drums and retreats when they hear the gongs. What's wrong with this rule?" His voice was a bit stern and questioning. He knew that Zhang Boxing's worries were unnecessary, and he also knew the cunning of these officials in Nanjing.

Zhang Boxing was speechless and finally understood the cunning of these officials in Nanjing. He secretly admired Li Banghua's wit and decisiveness, but at the same time he felt helpless and sad. He knew how difficult and hard it was to be an upright official in this officialdom.

The imperial envoy's fleet continued to move up and finally arrived outside Nanjing on the tenth day of August. After getting off the boat and going ashore, Li Banghua sighed as he looked at the city wall. Many years have passed since Lord Lin Xiaofeng left Nanjing twelve years ago. He took over as the Minister of War in Nanjing at that time, but before he had time to show his talents, he returned home to mourn his father's death.

Crown Prince Zhu Cilang walked quickly to Li Banghua, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully: "Greetings, Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy!" His eyes revealed a hint of eagerness and expectation, as if he hoped that through this meeting, he could find a glimmer of hope for his situation in Nanjing. The ministers around him knelt down one after another and shouted in unison: "Greetings, Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy." The voices resounded through the sky, but were also mixed with a hint of unnoticeable uneasiness.

In the turbulent late Ming Dynasty, the rules for subordinates to address their superiors were as unpredictable as the political situation. At first, people liked to add the word "Da" before the official title to show respect. The county magistrate became Da Lao Ye, the secretary of the Central Secretariat became Da Zhong Han, and the inspector was called Da Ma Tai. However, the good times did not last long. Officials gradually felt that this title was too common. Even doctors were respected as doctors and doctors, the waiters in teahouses became big doctors, and the craftsmen turned into big stewards. So, a change in the title quietly emerged. The county magistrate was changed to Tai Ye, the prefect was called Tai Zun, and the Shang Shu was respected as Tai Shi. Only the title of "Qin Cha" remained consistent, maintaining its solemnity and majesty. People still habitually called it "Da Ren" or "Qin Cha Da Ren".

After the formalities, Li Banghua slowly approached Zhu Cilang, his eyes were deep, as if he could see into people's hearts. He handed Zhu Cilang a letter, and said in a low and powerful voice: "This is a secret order from His Majesty, asking me to pass it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Please keep it carefully." Zhu Cilang took the letter with a solemn expression and put it close to his body. His fingers trembled slightly. Obviously, the content of this letter was very important to him.

Then, Zhu Cilang looked around and said politely, "I have prepared a banquet in Chunhe Hall to welcome you. I hope you can come." His tone was full of sincerity, but it was difficult to hide a trace of anxiety. Li Banghua declined, "I appreciate your kindness, but I am busy with official duties. The simple meals at the post station are enough. I dare not trouble you." He did this for self-protection. After all, in this turbulent situation, every step needs to be cautious; secondly, he was worried about the safety of the prince. After all, it is easy to get into trouble after drinking. He did not want to cause any trouble to the prince because of his negligence.

Zhu Cilang has been in Nanjing for almost a year, during which he has experienced too many twists and turns. However, Li Banghua, the chief minister of the cabinet, has never been able to figure out his position. If the prince and he are of the same mind, then of course it is good; but if he is close to those officials and nobles in Nanjing, then this trip will be dangerous. Li Banghua is not afraid of death, but he is afraid of dying meaninglessly. He knows that he has a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. This time he went south, his mission was to collect the taxes owed by the gentry. How dare he talk about death before the mission is completed?
Zhu Cilang didn't see the deep meaning of Li Banghua's words, thinking that he was looking down on him, so he snorted coldly and left. His back looked a little lonely and desolate. Li Banghua sighed inwardly, thinking that the prince was still too young and not shrewd enough. He needed more experience to control his emotions. He thought, perhaps, this is the price of being young.

As soon as the prince left, most of the officials who came to greet him also left. The remaining dozen people were all old acquaintances of Li Banghua. They surrounded him and tried to get close to him, actually trying to test his opinion. However, Li Banghua deliberately changed the subject and talked about family matters. He knew very well that in this turbulent situation, every word could become a deadly weapon, so he had to be careful. These people did not get the answers they wanted, so they had to leave in dismay.

After everyone left, Shi Kefa came over. He was wearing a blue shirt, with a thin face and a refined manner. He bowed and said, "How are you, Mr. Li?" Li Banghua also bowed in return, "How are you? Xianzhi, you look a lot thinner." Shi Kefa sighed, "I am so busy with official duties that it is hard not to lose weight." His tone revealed a hint of helplessness and fatigue.

After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, Li Banghua lowered his voice and asked, "Who controls the military power in Nanjing now?" His eyes revealed a hint of anxiety and worry. Shi Kefa thought for a moment and said, "In theory, the deployment of troops requires the official documents of the Ministry of War and the order of the prince. The nobles can only deploy troops with these two things. But in reality, the prince and the nobles have their own private soldiers, several thousand strong, and they only recognize people, not orders." There was a hint of helplessness and irony in his tone.

Shi Kefa was stunned for a moment and asked, "Why do you suddenly ask this?" His eyes revealed a hint of doubt and vigilance. Li Banghua smiled and said, "It's okay, I just asked casually." His smile seemed a little forced and bitter.

After the two exchanged information, Shi Kefa said goodbye. He turned and left, his back looking somewhat lonely and determined. Li Banghua got on a carriage, entered Nanjing City, and returned to the posthouse. When he got off the carriage, he saw the postmaster directing the postmen to pick up something. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be some papers. Those yellow paper rolls were blown away by the wind, looking particularly desolate. He couldn't help but have an ominous premonition in his heart.

Li Banghua asked his servants to inquire about the situation. The postmaster turned pale with fear: "It's nothing serious. Just now a scholar passed by here, threw some papers and left. I was afraid of causing trouble, so I asked the postmen to pick them up." There was a hint of panic and uneasiness in his tone.

The servant took the paper and looked at it, his face changed drastically, and he pointed at the postmaster and questioned him. The postmaster kowtowed and apologized, saying that he didn't know the situation, and it was all done by the scholar. His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and he was obviously scared.

The servant angrily handed the paper to Li Banghua. Li Banghua took the paper and looked at it, and immediately sneered. On the paper was written: "The court is extravagant and the treasury is empty. When the treasury is out of money, they only know how to plunder the people and exploit the merchants. Now there are civil unrests everywhere, but the court dares not intervene; the merchants dare not move when they transport military supplies. So they impose taxes on the scholars. This is unheard of! Li Banghua, as the chief minister of the cabinet and the head of the civil officials, you do not protect the scholars, but help the tyrants to do evil. This really disgraces the reputation of the scholars! It's sad and lamentable!"

The words were full of accusations against the government and insults against Li Banghua, calling him a lackey of the court. Li Banghua could not help but feel a trace of anger and helplessness in his heart. He knew that there must be someone behind this who wanted to use this to incite the emotions of the scholars.

When Zhang Boxing, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, heard about this, he wanted to arrest the people and punish them severely. However, Li Banghua smiled and shook his head: "No need. It is normal for scholars to have resentment. It shows that they are still alive and are just being used by others." His eyes revealed a trace of wisdom and calmness.

So he ordered people to put tables and chairs at the door, and spread the word that if any scholar was dissatisfied with the court, they could come here to scold him, and he also provided food and drink. He said: "I respect anyone who dares to come here as a man!" His voice resounded through the sky, full of heroism and domineering. He knew that this was a test, but also an opportunity, and he had to use his actions to prove his innocence and determination.

On the morning of August 11, when the sky was still dark, Li Banghua was awakened by the scolding outside. He lay in bed, feeling mixed emotions, his thoughts as chaotic as the night outside the window. He opened the window and saw four or five young people sitting at a few tables at the entrance of the posthouse, eating breakfast and drinking tea, but they kept cursing, as if they wanted to pour out all their dissatisfaction and anger.

"Li Banghua, ah Li Banghua, you are still alive at such an old age, you are simply an old thief!" A young man said in a sharp and sarcastic voice.

"You're over seventy years old, and you've done nothing serious. All you can do is talk big and help the court oppress us!" Another young man was not to be outdone, with obvious hostility in his voice.

"Shameless old man, all the scholars in the world want to eat you alive and skin you alive!" As soon as these words came out, even the guards outside the door couldn't stand it anymore. They frowned and looked displeased.

One of the guards couldn't help it, so he walked forward and shouted, "You all look so well-mannered, but why are you talking so much nonsense?" There was obvious anger and dissatisfaction in his voice.

The leading young man sneered and retorted: "Su Dongpo could say, 'When practicing, I regard you as a pile of shit.' If he can say that, why can't I?" His eyes were full of provocation and dissatisfaction.

When the guard heard this, he became furious and responded with a swear word: "Bah, shut the fuck up!" When these words came out, the young people were stunned. They didn't expect the guard to be so rude. The scene was a little awkward for a moment.

One of the young men jumped up angrily: "You! How can you curse at others?" There was obvious anger and dissatisfaction in his voice.

The guard asked back: "You can curse, why can't I?" After hearing this, the young people were suddenly speechless. They looked at each other, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

But they did not leave, and still sat there cursing in a low voice. Li Banghua ordered the guards not to act rashly, but to respond with a few words when they cursed the most fiercely. As time passed, the first ray of sunlight gradually brightened, and more and more scholars gathered outside the door, and the cursing became louder and louder, almost to hundreds of people. They were all emotional, as if they wanted to pour out all their dissatisfaction and anger.

Li Banghua washed up in the noise, had breakfast, took a short rest, and then got on a carriage to the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing. The Ministry of Revenue is the place where money and grain are managed. If you want to check the accounts, you have to start from here. He felt a little heavy, but his face remained calm and composed. He knew that today's task was heavy, but he was fully prepared.

Gao Hongtu, the Minister of Revenue, was already waiting outside the government office. He was dressed in an official uniform and looked serious and solemn. The two exchanged a few polite words when they met, and then began to check the accounts. They walked into the government office together and began their intense and busy work.

In the next two days, Li Banghua's life was about two things: checking accounts and eating. Every day he was immersed in the tedious accounts, meticulously checking the income and expenditure of every money and grain. Outside the posthouse, the scholars were getting more and more excited. At first they just cursed a few dirty words, and later they simply shouted loudly, saying that they wanted to boycott the exam and protest against the atrocities of the court. Their voices resounded through the sky, full of anger and dissatisfaction.

On the evening of August 14, Liu Kongzhao hurried to Zhu Guobi's house. As soon as he entered the house, he saw a room full of familiar faces, including nobles, court officials, and local celebrities. They were all dressed in gorgeous clothes, with serious and solemn faces. Zhu Guobi used his eyes to signal Liu Kongzhao to sit down, and then continued: "The court has sent an imperial envoy to Nanjing to collect taxes. As citizens of the Ming Dynasty, we should put the overall situation first. Now that the court has made up its mind to collect the taxes, everyone should stop having illusions and quickly find a way to raise money." There was obvious anxiety and helplessness in his voice.

Liu Kongzhao frowned when he heard this, but soon relaxed his brows. He understood that Zhu Guobi was speaking in a sarcastic way. Others also agreed with Zhu Guobi's opinion. They knew that the current situation was very critical and they had to find a solution as soon as possible.

Zhu Guobi then asked about the scholars’ reactions. An official from the Ministry of Rites replied, “The scholars’ reactions are very intense! When they heard that the Autumn Examination was approaching, they even wanted to cancel the examination to force the court to stop abusing scholars.” His voice was filled with obvious worry and uneasiness.

"Really?" Zhu Guobi's eyes lit up, as if he saw a glimmer of hope.

"It's not certain yet, we just heard it. If it were true, we would have reported it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince long ago," another official added.

"It's no use boycotting the exams! Scholars have to rely on the court for their livelihood." Another official said, with obvious helplessness and sarcasm in his voice.

Liu Kongzhao took the opportunity to say, "Although the boycott of the exam is not terrible, if they surround the six ministries, especially the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, then military supplies will not be able to be supplied. What will happen to the soldiers on the front line? This is a big problem!" There was obvious anxiety and worry in his voice.

Zhu Guobi sighed: "Lord Li is so old and still working hard for the country. How can we just sit back and do nothing?" There was obvious emotion and helplessness in his voice.

Everyone nodded in agreement and discussed going back to tell those scholars not to cause trouble. They knew that the current situation was already very critical and they had to find a solution as soon as possible.

The next day was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Nanjing was decorated with lanterns and was bustling with activity. Every household was busy preparing food and gifts for the festival. The whole city was filled with a joyful and peaceful atmosphere. However, outside the posthouse, the scholars were getting more and more excited. They gathered together and talked loudly about something, as if they were full of anger and dissatisfaction with the court's collection of taxes.

In order to appease the scholars, Li Banghua specially asked people to buy mooncakes and send them outside the posthouse to share with them. He hoped that this way could ease their emotions and stop them from making trouble. However, the scholars did not appreciate it. After taking the mooncakes, they threw them on the ground and crushed them with their feet, as if they wanted to pour out all their dissatisfaction and anger.

Suddenly, three scholars rushed into the posthouse, holding sticks in their hands, and asked the guard where Li Banghua was. Their eyes were full of hostility and anger, as if they wanted to pour all their dissatisfaction and anger on Li Banghua. The guard told them that Li Banghua was in the No. 1 room on the second floor, and the three of them rushed in without saying a word.

When they reached the door of the room, it opened by itself. A strong man stood inside, wearing coarse cloth, with a rough face, skin as red as a ripe date, and a burly figure. He looked at them menacingly. His eyes were full of majesty and inviolability, as if he were a guardian god.

"Are you here?" the burly man asked as if he was welcoming a guest, with a hint of indifference and majesty in his voice.

"Coming...coming." One of the scholars answered in a trembling voice, with obvious fear and uneasiness in his voice.

"Please come in, Elder Li has been waiting for you for a long time." The strong man said, with a hint of unquestionable air in his voice. The three looked at each other, not expecting that Li Banghua would know they were coming. After a little hesitation, they walked into the room with sticks.

In the room, the eight-immortal table was filled with sumptuous dishes, the aroma was overflowing, and it was mouth-watering. Li Banghua sat in the main seat and pointed to the stool next to him and invited them to sit down. He was dressed in casual clothes, his face was calm and composed, as if he didn't care about the noise and anger outside. The three people looked around and reluctantly sat down. Their eyes were full of vigilance and anxiety, as if they would jump up and attack at any time.

Li Banghua suddenly said, "You are a little late." There was a hint of teasing and ridicule in his voice, as if he did not take their anger and hostility to heart.

"What...what do you mean?" asked one of the scholars, with obvious confusion and uneasiness in his voice.

Li Banghua did not answer directly, but asked them: "A real man travels around the world without changing his name or surname. Do you dare to introduce yourself?" There was a hint of majesty and an unquestionable air in his voice.

When the three heard this, they immediately stood up and announced their names in unison: "Fushe Huang Zongxi!" "Fushe Gu Yanwu!" "Fushe Guizhuang!" There was obvious pride and determination in their voices, as if they were taking an oath. Li Banghua smiled slightly, looking at them, secretly admiring their courage and determination in his heart. He knew that although these young people were young and vigorous, they had a heart that loved the country and the nation. They dared to stand up against the atrocities of the court and fight for the interests of the country and the nation. Such young people are exactly what he needs. He believes that as long as they are given enough opportunities and platforms, they will definitely become the pillars of the country. (End of this chapter)