Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 212 Like Father, Like Son (Subscription Request)
Not long after the father and son finished their conversation, someone came to the door.

It was Shen Lu.

Shen Lu entered the yard and saw Zhang Luan's leisurely look. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Hasn't Lai Zhan gone out for a walk these few days?"

Zhang Luan asked, "My daughter is not married yet, where should I go?"

"That... is true. There is no work for you in the government office, and even the Imperial College is probably not a place you can stay, right?" Shen Lu joked with a smile.

Zhang Luan nodded, rather helplessly: "This is the bad thing about the capital. I am unfamiliar with the place and have no place to visit relatives and friends... If I don't stay at home, where can I go? Ruxue, if you have time, how about accompanying me to meet Minister Li?"

Shen Lu said: "I came here for Minister Li's matter."

"Yanling, come out, come out!"

When Zhang Luan heard that Li Zisheng had something to do, he went to call his son without saying a word.

Zhang Yanling was in the house drawing the design drawings of the water tank needed for the workshop. Hearing this, he had no choice but to come out. When he saw Shen Lu from a distance, he greeted him, "Hello, uncle!"

When Shen Lu saw Zhang Yanling, he was no longer surprised by a child participating in adult conversations. He waved his hand, motioning Zhang Yanling to bring a chair over and sit down.

"Is such that."

Shen Lu said to Zhang's father and son seriously, "A big thing happened in the palace recently. It's about telescopes and soap... I guess that's what it's called. I can't tell you what it is specifically. But... there's a big thing behind it..."

Zhang Yanling smiled at Zhang Luan, raised his eyebrows, as if to say, "Dad, isn't it okay if you don't talk about those two things? Look, even your uncle is here to ask you."

Zhang Luan winked at his son, saying that he was a good boy, and then asked Shen Lu, "What's the big deal?"

Shen Lu didn't notice the little action of the father and son, and began to introduce the situation he learned: "I also heard Mr. Pang mention it, and just now I know that it turns out that the matter is related to the replacement of the crown prince of the East Palace. It is really unusual."

"Is it that serious?"

As Zhang Luan spoke, he couldn't help but glance at his son again and was shocked by his son's keen judgment.

Shen Lu continued, "The cause of the incident was that a batch of tributes from the local area were transported to the capital, but were seized by the government in Shandong. Somehow, the tributes ended up in the capital and in the hands of many court officials. Later, the tributes were collected by the East Palace and presented to Your Majesty by the Crown Prince. Your Majesty was very interested in two of the items, one was called a telescope, and the other was called soap..."

"Uncle, let's talk about the main points." Zhang Yanling interrupted.

Shen Lu frowned slightly.

Why are you interrupting your elders’ conversation, kid?
Zhang Luan also said, "Yes, that's right. Let's talk about the part after the prince gave the telescope to Your Majesty."

"..."

Shen Lu was speechless for a moment.

It seems that you and your son have heard the news a long time ago, but you think I am being too long-winded, so you asked me to just talk about the key points?
You two have very well-informed sources of information.

Shen Lu didn't have time to think about it carefully, and continued: "Now the eunuch Liang from the Imperial Horse Administration is looking for people to help him find one of the materials used to make telescopes. It seems to be called Huangshan Mica... Yes, that's the name. You are knowledgeable, have you heard of it?"

"This... Ruxue, you ask me if I have heard of it or not, why do you want to see Yanling?"

Zhang Luan originally wanted to pretend to be cool, but then he noticed that his brother-in-law's eyes were not right. He kept looking at Zhang Yanling, so he frowned and asked.

Shen Lu quickly turned his gaze back and raised his hand, saying, "Go ahead, go ahead."

Zhang Luan shook his head: "I don't know."

Shen Lu couldn't help but roll his eyes when he heard that.

You don't know, but you act like you have some major discovery to announce?
Are you kidding me?
Zhang Yanling said at the right moment: "Huangshan Mica? From the name, it seems to come from Huangshan."

"Yeah."

Shen Lu smiled and praised, "Yanling, you are really knowledgeable."

"hehe!"

Zhang Luan couldn't help but sneered and said, "Ruxue, let's talk seriously. Who doesn't know that Huangshan mica comes from Huangshan? Tell me, who are you helping?
"I am the future father-in-law of the prince. Should I come out to help Liang Fang, who is specifically against the Eastern Palace, when he is looking for something? This is too ridiculous!"

Shen Lu hurriedly said, "Laizhan, don't misunderstand me. Even Mr. Pang has said that we won't help anyone in this matter."

"What you said..."

Zhang Luan was very dissatisfied after hearing this.

My daughter is about to become the Crown Princess, and yet you want me to remain neutral?
Neutral you big head ghost!

Shen Lu smiled and said, "That's what Minister Li said about himself. You can help whoever you want."

"That's pretty much it!"

Zhang Luan responded, then coughed lightly, his face turned serious, and he said to Shen Lu: "Given my relationship with the Crown Prince, I have to help the East Palace... You can understand, right?"

"Uh……"

Shen Lu had a dazed look on his face.

What do you mean by telling me this, Zhang Laizhan? I told you to help whoever you want, so why do you still need to ask for my opinion?

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Dad, in fact, my uncle is also firmly on the side of the Eastern Palace, and has always been helping the prince. Is that right, uncle?"

Shen Lu smiled bitterly and said, "Yanling, you are clearly trying to bully me, your uncle... Although I rose to prominence thanks to Minister Li's promotion, I must stand with your father on matters of right and wrong. Your sister is now the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, how can I not take care of her?"

"Dad, with what my uncle said, do you need to say anything else?"

Zhang Yanling winked at Zhang Luan.

What I mean is that you don't have to feel guilty about hiding this from Shen Lu, and you don't need to tell the truth to show off.

Just continue to remain silent and tell him later. You can then say that it was for the good of the prince, and I think he will understand... Anyway, he has already expressed his position now.

Zhang Luan seemed to understand what his son meant and sighed, "I've never heard of Huangshan mica before. Let me ask some Huizhou merchants I know. They may have a way."

Shen Lu smiled and said, "I told you that you didn't know, but Mr. Pang insisted that I ask you."

Zhang Luan became a little nervous when he heard this and quickly glanced at his son.

It seems to be asking, son, could it be that Li Zisheng discovered something?
"Uncle, please stop messing around with my father. I just happened to be doing business with a merchant named Qin in Huizhou. They have extensive connections in Huizhou and are more familiar with Huangshan than anyone else... I'll ask for you later, okay?"

Zhang Yanling looked enthusiastic.

"You...are doing business?"

Shen Lu looked Zhang Yanling up and down.

Zhang Luan said with a smile: "This child just likes to fool around. Anyway, our family doesn't have to spend any money, so it's no big deal to do some business with others."

Doing business together but not putting in the capital? That's called robbery!

Shen Lu was complaining in his heart, but he could only persuade her: "Laizhan, you have just made an alliance with the Eastern Palace, and the marriage has not even been completed yet, and you are already... rushing to do business? This is... a bit too hasty, isn't it?"

Zhang Luan looked nonchalant and said, "The two brothers Yanling and his business are like children playing house. It looks lively, but it's actually a trivial matter. If they cause any trouble, I will definitely deal with them. At most, people will say that I didn't discipline them strictly. It shouldn't be a big deal!"

"Hey……"

Shen Lu was even more speechless.

It seems that you, Zhang Laizhan, are saying this from a position where you can attack or defend.

You just became the prince's father-in-law, and you've already learned to use your power to seek personal gain for your family? Before, you said you would do your best to help the prince? From the look of you, it's clear that you want to push the prince into the fire pit.

It's inappropriate for you to do this, don't you know?
Zhang Yanling seemed to understand Shen Lu's thoughts and said with a smile: "As my father said, I will go out to do business and make small moves. It will definitely not affect the prince's reputation. Maybe it will even help the prince in the future."

"Oh. Just don't make too much noise. Anyway...you have to listen to your father in everything."

Shen Lu didn't know what to say. Looking at the indifferent father and son in front of him, he couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Zhang Yanling looked like he was being taught a lesson, and he bowed and said, "I will follow my uncle's teachings and keep a low profile."

……

……

Forbidden City, inside the Qingning Palace.

When Zhu Jianshen came to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Zhou, he was forced by his mother to stay and have lunch with him. Then the old lady started to talk at the table.

"It's good stuff, my son. You are very filial and I am very pleased. I have tried those soaps. My skin becomes smooth after washing with water. My hands are very clean and refreshed after washing. My face also has a fragrance that lasts for a long time..."

Queen Mother Zhou couldn't help but praise her.

Zhu Jianshen smiled and said, "I brought a batch of new products this time, with different scents. From now on, the soap will be used by the imperial court, and I will have people pay tribute to it."

Queen Mother Zhou smiled with satisfaction and said, "You are really thoughtful... I wonder who is so filial? Even I can't help but want to reward him!"

The old lady's words clearly had a hidden meaning.

Zhu Jianshen was already familiar with my mother's style and routines, and he also understood that she was pretending to be ignorant while knowing the truth.

He put down his chopsticks and said reluctantly, "It's the prince."

"Prince?"

Queen Mother Zhou seemed very surprised. "Where did he get such a good thing?"

"I got it from outside the palace. In addition to the soap, there is also something called a telescope, which can clearly see distant scenery. I have prepared to have it sent to the Northwest Army and handed over to senior generals for use. This will help us better anticipate the enemy and make it easier to command operations. We can seize the loopholes in the enemy's marching and deployment in time and kill them with one strike."

As Zhu Jianshen spoke, his mood improved and he picked up the chopsticks again.

Queen Mother Zhou smiled and said, "Not bad, not bad, isn't this a good thing, Prince?"

"Ah."

Zhu Jianshen picked up a piece of food with chopsticks but hesitated to put it in his mouth. It seemed that after listening to what his mother said, his stomach was immediately full.

To put it bluntly, it's disgusting!
Queen Mother Zhou asked, "What else are you dissatisfied with? He is filial and cautious, and he is neither humble nor arrogant when facing things, and he never pretends. I think he is very much like you when you were a child."

Zhu Jianshen was immediately displeased when he heard this, and asked, "Mother, was I as dull as him when I was young? That's impossible!"

"hehe."

Queen Mother Zhou smiled and turned her head away, saying, "When you were young, you might not have been as good as him. You can remember what kind of life we ​​lived back then, right?

"Your father lost his throne because of the Tumu Incident. After the Oirat was sent back, he was placed under house arrest in the Nan Palace by your uncle. You were demoted from Crown Prince to Prince of Yi. You lived in fear for your life. My mother and I often cried and shed tears. If it weren't for the Duomen Incident, our family would have suffered a terrible fate.

"Later, your father passed away and you ascended the throne. You held the power of the world but you were unwilling to go to court and face the ministers. Wasn't it because you didn't want to socialize with others? Why did your father pass the throne to you even though he knew you had a stutter? Wasn't it because he knew you had a strong and patient character and thought you wouldn't do something stupid like him?

"You are a father now, think about it carefully!" Zhu Jianshen said nothing after hearing what his mother said, but there was still a hint of touch in his eyes.

Half an hour later, Zhu Jianshen bid farewell to his mother and left Qingning Palace. Wei Tai followed him closely without saying a word.

Zhu Jianshen suddenly turned around and asked, "Do you think the prince looks like me?"

When Wei Tai heard this, he thought this was clearly a life-threatening question. Should I say it is better to be similar or not?
"No... it's hard to say."

Wei Tai knew that the emperor was not easy to fool, but he could only play it safe.

Zhu Jianshen seemed to realize that there was no way to answer this question, so he continued walking forward and asked casually, "Is Huai En okay now?"

Wei Tai felt a little helpless.

The emperor suddenly thought of Huai'en, which meant that he, Qin Chang and others were not doing things the way the emperor wanted, or maybe Huai'en's personality charm was too great, so the emperor started to miss him not long after he left.

"They have arrived at the Xiaoling Mausoleum and submitted their greetings," Wei Tai said cautiously.

"Ugh!"

Zhu Jianshen sighed heavily, but said nothing more. He waved his hand to stop Wei Tai from following him, and he went straight to the Qianqing Palace.

……

……

In the villa next to Huizhou Trading Company, Qin Zhao was listening to Xu Gong's report.

Because Qin Zhao did not participate in the purchase of salt permits for the capital that year, he did not attend the Huizhou merchants' meeting on salt trading, but asked Xu Gong to attend on his behalf.

"...Master, this time it's very strange. The eunuch Liang Fang, who is in charge of the imperial stables in the palace, has sent someone to inform everyone to find something called Huangshan Mica. Whoever can find it can guarantee that the salt fields will have unimpeded access to salt in the next few years. Now, all the merchants in Huizhou are amazed. I heard that even the merchants in Shanxi have started to pay attention to it, as if they want to find it first."

Qin Zhao frowned and asked, "Huangshan mica? What is it used for?"

Xu Gong said: "I haven't found out the details yet, but according to gossip, it's related to a tribute, or maybe Eunuch Liang wants to win favor with His Majesty."

Qin Zhao looked unhappy and said, "This Liang Fang has occupied hundreds of thousands of yin of stockpiled salt in the past few years. As long as the dignitaries give him money, they can get salt from the salt fields, while we ordinary people can only wait and see. Now he suddenly gives us a gap and deliberately spreads rumors, maybe he wants to cause infighting among Huizhou merchants."

"Boss, although we are not selling salt this year, we still have a lot of salt permits accumulated in the past. If we can really find some Huangshan mica, or withdraw all the salt at once, the local merchants in Huizhou will follow our lead."

Xu Gong had a look of expectation on his face.

The general meaning is that we have to be at the forefront in this matter.

Even though Qin Zhao was reluctant, he felt that this was a good opportunity, so he nodded and asked, "What is the use of Huangshan Mica?"

Xu Gong said: "I can't find out anything for now, but some people have analyzed that mica must be related to immortals' alchemy, or some kind of magical medicine... How about asking Mr. Wang?"

"Has Mr. Wang not left Beijing yet?"

Qin Zhao was very curious.

"Not leaving."

Xu Gong smiled and said, "He has been living in the capital for some time. No matter if they are from Huizhou or local dignitaries in the capital, if they have a difficult or complicated disease at home, they will invite him to their house to see a doctor after hearing his name, and he usually never refuses anyone."

Qin Zhao sighed and said, "This divine doctor Wang has a profound family background and has made great achievements in medical skills, but he is too arrogant and doesn't allow strangers to approach him. When he was in Huizhou, it was difficult for ordinary people to invite him to come out of seclusion to diagnose patients. This time he came to the capital with us, on the one hand to give us some face, and on the other hand he was curious about Zhang Honglu's successful method of preventing and treating smallpox. Why does he seem to have suddenly become a different person now?"

Xu Gong said: "According to his followers, Mr. Wang was inspired by Mr. Zhang's broad-mindedness and wanted to save more people. This way, he could see more patients and accumulate enough cases for research. At the same time, he could explore pathology and study medicine. He also said that this might be much better than working in seclusion in the mountains."

Qin Zhao sighed, "Zhang Honglu has really done a lot of harm to people. Even Doctor Wang has chosen to practice in the secular world, which has reduced the mystery of Hui medicine... But it is rare for a doctor to have such a heart to save the world... I wonder how capable Zhang Honglu is to influence so many people?"

Xu Gong smiled and said, "The Zhang family is indeed hard to guess."

Here he did not directly say what Zhang Luan was like. The reference to "Zhang's family" obviously also included Zhang Luan's two sons.

Qin Zhao said, "Doctor Wang has lived in Huangshan for many years. He has studied medicine diligently and tasted hundreds of herbs in the mountains. He knows every plant and tree in Huangshan like the back of his hand. If you have any questions, go and ask him. I hope he hasn't told others too much, and I hope he can reveal a few words for my sake."

"understood."

Xu Gong quickly responded, "I'll go right away."

……

……

Liang Fangfu's residence.

Wei Xing came hurriedly, followed closely by Chen Xi.

Both of them were helping Liang Fang to find out the whereabouts of Huangshan Mica, and there was another person following behind Chen Xi, who was Deng Changen, who had almost fallen out of favor recently and couldn't even enter the palace.

"Eunuch Liang, we are all trying to find out, but Master Deng said there are some clues, so why don't we invite him over?"

Wei Xing had a look of relief on his face.

By finding Chen Xi and then Deng Chang'en, we finally got some clues on finding Huangshan mica.

Liang Fang hurried over to pay her respects and said, "Master Deng, I am very sorry for not welcoming you from afar."

Deng Changen smiled and said, "Mr. Liang, you are too polite... I came here to tell you some of the information I know, hoping that it will be helpful in finding the raw materials for the telescope."

"Please say."

Liang Fang was very happy, her eyes were shining, and she was obviously full of anticipation.

Deng Changen said, "I heard someone mention before that the telescope was made of Huangshan mica. Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, I heard from others that the material of the lens seems to be somewhat similar to colored glaze."

The smile on Liang Fang's face suddenly became a little stiff.

I asked you to help me find out the whereabouts of Huangshan Mica, and you actually said the material looks like glass?
play me?
Wei Xing said, "Eunuch Liang, it's like this. When Master Deng mentioned colored glaze, we didn't think the two were related until the person who was responsible for delivering the telescope to the northwest... secretly gave it to us. After we took a closer look, it seemed to confirm Master Deng's guess."

Liang Fang frowned and asked, "Did you see the telescope with your own eyes?"

"Yes."

Wei Xing nodded heavily and said, "I saw it through Zhang Jin, the commander of the Jinyiwei... Zhang Jin said that he would come to your house to pay a visit later."

"At least he still has some conscience."

Liang Fang felt a little relieved when she heard this.

Even Liang Fang was not informed in advance of who the emperor would send to deliver the telescope to the northwest front. Unexpectedly, the emperor finally chose an old acquaintance of Liang Fang - Zhang Jin, the pacification envoy of the Northern Pacification Division of the Jinyiwei and now the commander of the Jinyiwei.

This person has a story.

Zhang Jin had obtained the qualification to be promoted to the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard by bribing the emperor and the powerful, but he lacked the ability and was forced to be appointed by Huai En, the eunuch who held the seal of the Imperial Household Department at the time. It was not until Huai En was exiled by Emperor Chenghua that Zhang Jin was promoted by bribing Liang Fang and others, and finally took the power to head the Northern Pacification Office that he had longed for.

In order to keep it secret, the emperor secretly dispatched Jinyiwei from the Northern Pacification Division to deliver a telescope to the border. In order to curry favor with Liang Fang, Zhang Jin, the boss of the Northern Pacification Division, secretly gave the telescope to Deng Changen and others for inspection.

Deng Changen said: "Since it has been confirmed that the lens of the telescope is made of colored glass, there is actually no need to go to great lengths to find Huangshan mica. All we need to do is have someone burn colored glass. There are many workshops in the capital, so it is not difficult to find a group of craftsmen who can burn colored glass."

Liang Fang said angrily: "This matter has been confirmed, right?"

"Yes."

Wei Xing said confidently, "I have seen the thing, it is definitely glass. It is said that the thing is not very solid and will shatter if it falls to the ground."

Liang Fang was still quite serious and asked again: "How do you know that thing is not Huangshan mica? If it is just colored glaze, why is it so precious? I have never heard of anyone being able to make this thing with colored glaze before."

Deng Changen explained, "Eunuch Liang, why do you say that things are valuable because they are rare? I think someone discovered through studying the properties of colored glaze that this thing can be made into a telescope, but the East Palace lied that this thing was made of Huangshan mica, which is really deceiving the emperor."

"what!?"

When Liang Fang heard this, she immediately became excited.

If he could really make a telescope by firing colored glass, wouldn't that mean... he could really accuse the prince of deceiving the emperor?

But after calming down, he shook his head and said, "At most, we can say that Tan Ji and others deceived the emperor. The prince was not aware of this because he only received tribute from people around him. Maybe Tan Ji will even blame the person who gave him the telescope, and finally make a big thing into a small thing."

Wei Xing smiled and said, "No matter what, it will affect the reputation of the Eastern Palace. What do you think?"

Liang Fang looked at the three people present.

These three people actually have different positions, but one thing is that they have no relationship with the prince, so they can indeed work together on the issue of changing the crown prince.

But obviously everything is based on Liang Fang acting as the vanguard.

If anything goes wrong with the change of crown prince, I believe even Wei Xing will immediately cut off ties with him, and they may even become irreconcilable.

That’s the logic of getting along with this group of people.

"Huangshan mica... glass... which one is true?"

Liang Fang was still not very reassured about this.

Deng Changen said confidently: "I have already found someone to make it first. It is indeed possible to make an object with the same material as the telescope... Maybe in a few days, we can make it."

"is it?"

Liang Fang was very excited when she heard this.

You, a charlatan, actually figured it out?

wrong!

It should be said that it’s almost figured out!

Now people outside are saying that you, Deng Changen, are a charlatan. It seems that you still have some skills. Why didn't I think of looking for you before, but went to find that ungrateful bastard Li Zisheng?

Deng Chang'en then took something out of his arms and handed it to Liang Fang for inspection.

Liang Fang took it in her hand and looked at the unfinished glass for a long time, then stood it up and looked into the distance. Finally, she shook her head and said, "This can't bring the distant scenery closer. Besides... this material is too turbid. What can you see clearly?"

Wei Xing said: "May I ask, Eunuch Liang, if we really find a piece of Huangshan mica, can the material be better than this one? It just needs to be polished or repaired..."

"What's the principle? Do you know?"

Liang Fang still didn't trust the group of people in front of her.

They look like a group of Zhuge Liangs, but in fact they are not as good as a glass craftsman.

Wei Xing said with a smile: "Master Deng has seen the structure of the telescope. Are you still worried that it can't be made? Eunuch Liang, you can rest assured. It will be made within a month... and as many as you want."

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(End of this chapter)