Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 789 A Little Sunshine Makes You Shine

In the workshop.

Zhang Yanling nodded to Wang Yue, and then said to Shen Lu, "Uncle is right... but I can't explain the specifics too clearly here, because what I know isn't entirely accurate."

Wang Yue asked in confusion, "If we were to discuss this at the court assembly, how would we determine which is superior and which is inferior?"

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "Your Highness, do you have doubts about your own abilities? Those who are ultimately selected, or even sent to the Northwest, will definitely have to undergo a series of tests... Just like, if these cannons are not powerful enough, and the ministers are not satisfied, how can we continue to build them?"

"artillery?"

Wang Yue seemed to understand something.

Shen Lu's purpose in bringing him here seemed obvious.

Presumably, the selection of the next trilateral co-chairman will revolve around who can command firearms warfare; whoever is most likely to rise to the top. Bringing him here is meant to give him a heads-up, since Zhang Yanling is the one who spearheaded the development of firearms.

If the emperor were to have to find the correct answer among several examination papers in the future, it would very likely be Zhang Yanling who would serve as both the chief examiner and the grader.

You can only do it if Zhang Yanling says so.

Those who manufacture artillery are naturally qualified to judge who knows better how to use it...

Wang Yue stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "In other words, regardless of whether I'm on the final list or not, as long as I can submit this military strategy report, I'll have a chance..."

"Ah."

Zhang Yanling smiled and nodded.

The channels have been given to you, and the exam questions have been leaked to you. You don't need to beg for anything. What you need to do is not to please the emperor, but to use all your knowledge and military strategies to persuade the people in the court, so that they will understand that you, Wang Weining, are still as sharp as ever.

Shen Lu smiled and said, "Your Highness, I believe that even if no one recommends you, Lai Zhan and Yanling will mention it to His Majesty... I just wonder if you have any knowledge of firearms warfare..."

"No doubt about it!"

Wang Yue said with high spirits, "With the passing of Chen Yue and Wang Zhi, I am second to none in the world when it comes to being familiar with firearms warfare, not even Duke Zhu Yong. In short, I will do my best."

The implication is, who do you look down on?

Isn't it just a war fought without cold weapons, but purely with firearms?
Even if it's just a rehearsal on paper, with my academic background, decades of military service, and practical experience in hundreds of battles, I dare say that as long as I'm not senile, there is no one in the world stronger than me!
Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Later, I will take you, Your Highness, to tour the workshop and gain a basic understanding of the firearms produced here."

"This...is probably unnecessary, isn't it?"

Wang Yue acted very arrogantly.

I've been leading troops for years and am familiar with all kinds of firearms. Do I need your guidance?

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "If even the princes don't know why His Majesty is committed to firearms reform, how dare they say they can understand His Majesty's intentions, or even surpass others in the upcoming selection?"

"This……"

Wang Yue then realized that he seemed to have made the mistake of being arrogant and conceited.

Shen Lu tried to smooth things over by asking, "Won't it be the same to watch it later?"

Zhang Yanling said, "Next, His Majesty will have all the civil and military officials watch the cannon demonstration and give a final summary, also giving the candidate for the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Three Borders a chance to witness the power of the new cannons firsthand. However, since the prince is not in court, His Majesty cannot make an exception and invite you to watch, so..."

Wang Yue immediately stood up, bowed, and said, "What the Second Young Master said makes sense. I was confused. Thank you for your guidance."

Having already sensed the strong goodwill shown by Zhang Yanling and understanding the importance of this young imperial brother-in-law in the selection of the governor of the three border regions, Wang Yue was clear about one thing: Zhang Yanling's attitude was related to the rise and fall of the Wang family.

At this point, Wang Yue no longer put on airs.

Others call you the Second Young Master and speak highly of you. I was blind to your greatness before and thought they were just flattering your father and praising you.

I just realized how awesome you really are!

Zhang Yanling stood up and said, "Your Highness is too kind. Today is indeed not suitable for making too much noise. Please observe some simple cannon drills and offer your guidance."

"You're too kind, I really don't deserve it."

Wang Yue smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "I would be grateful if the Second Young Master could offer me more guidance."

……

……

Wang Yue first observed the cannon-casting workshop for half a day.

He was then invited to the drill ground near Wanggongchang to watch the soldiers drill, and then went out of the city to the newly opened artillery training ground to witness the artillery demonstration. After going through the whole process, Wang Yue felt a profound sense of awe. In fact, all of these were classified projects.

As Wang Yue and Shen Lu emerged from the artillery firing range, Wang Yue was still replaying the words Zhang Yanling had spoken to him earlier.

"Prince".

Seeing that Wang Yue was lost in thought, Shen Lu assumed he was worried about how to submit his memorial to the emperor, and reminded him, "If you find it difficult to understand, I can go to Lai Zhan again. He might be able to give you some pointers."

"no need."

Wang Yue suddenly appeared old and weathered, shaking his head and saying, "Counselor Shen, to be honest... I have seen many storms over the years, but I never imagined that on my old age I would see such a tremendous change in the Ming army."

Shen Lu looked puzzled and asked, "You mean...?"

“Unbelievable!”

Wang Yue sighed, "Let me put it this way, if we can use these new firearms in actual combat, let alone defending our borders, we can even conquer the grasslands in no time."

"what?"

Shen Lu looked very embarrassed.

He was thinking, even if you feel grateful for the kindness of the Zhang family now, you don't need to praise them so much, do you?

I just saw it too. Is the power of that cannon really as terrifying as you say?

Wang Yue said, "This is truly the first time I've ever seen anything like it! When I was exiled to Anlu, I had nothing to do and mentally rehearsed countless battles. If I had these firearms, I could say that every battle I commanded would have been a resounding victory. Just give me a force to lead into the grasslands, and the Tatars will have nowhere to hide."

"As long as the supply of food can be guaranteed, I... will pacify the grasslands within three years, and there will be no more war in the north from now on."

Shen Lu thought to himself, "Anyone can brag."

Why do I feel like you're just like Li Zisheng, getting all excited and optimistic with the slightest bit of support?
Three years to pacify the grasslands?

You think you can accomplish in three years what the wise men of the Ming Dynasty couldn't do in several generations? How could you utter such outrageous and boastful words just to climb the ranks?
I bother!

……

……

The morning court session ended early in the morning.

Xu Pu and Liu Jian had just returned to their office when Qin Chang and Li Rong arrived hand in hand, bringing them some shocking news.

"His Majesty has instructed those who aspire to be the supreme commanders of the three border regions to each write a military strategy, discussing matters such as the use of firearms and troop deployment," Qin Chang said. "To facilitate a systematic understanding of the intricacies of these matters, I will take you all tomorrow to observe artillery drills and other related activities."

Xu Pu asked in surprise, "Does His Majesty also wish to go?"

"not going."

Qin Chang smiled and said, "His Majesty has been unwell recently... The two Grand Secretaries must have seen that His Majesty did not pay much attention to court affairs during the morning court session this day... At present, the affairs of the court rely heavily on the two of you, so please be sure to take charge."

Liu Jian frowned and asked, "Why does His Majesty want us to watch the cannon display? Didn't we already see it once before? Is there some new trick this time?"

Qin Chang smiled, after all, he hadn't participated last time.

Li Rong said, "That's right. The artillery has been improved, and it's now much more powerful. If we can equip the soldiers on the front lines with more artillery, it will greatly enhance the strength of the border troops."

"His Majesty's intention is to allow those who aspire to lead the Ming army to see for themselves. Of course, they may not go, as long as they have a general understanding of the use of firearms."

A difficult problem was presented to Xu Pu and Liu Jian.

If they were to go, it would definitely be very troublesome. No one would want to go to the Northwest. Even those who have become ministers or vice ministers would not fight tooth and nail for a mere position as the governor of the three border regions. After all, in the early years of the Hongzhi reign, the governor of the three border regions was only a position similar to that of a vice minister.

But they were still determined to take this extremely important position, naturally to prevent Zhang Luan from recommending his cronies.

If we want to get this position, but we don't even know how to answer the questions the emperor asks, doesn't that mean we've given up on the position?
Deciding who to send, who is willing to go, and who is skilled in this area has become a rather thorny issue.

Liu Jian asked, "Is it tomorrow? What time?"

Li Rong smiled and said, "It will probably be after noon. If Grand Secretary Liu has time, he can visit the various government offices today, or find some acquaintances and ask for their opinions."

"What if that person is in the Northwest, or somewhere else, and has never been to the capital?" Liu Jian asked directly.

Clearly, Liu Jian meant that there were many people who should be selected as the commander-in-chief of the three border regions. Among the people we recommended, some were not officials serving in the capital, and some were even retired or idle old ministers. Therefore, the test questions set by the emperor were obviously unfair to them and were tantamount to directly eliminating them.
Qin Chang smiled and shook his head, as if it were none of his business, and said, "His Majesty has not given any special opinion on this matter... If none of the current candidates are suitable, then perhaps he will consider local officials. Otherwise, His Majesty still hopes to appoint someone whose military leadership skills he can personally assess."

Hearing this, Liu Jian breathed a slight sigh of relief.

In his view, the most dangerous thing was not that the emperor was going to appoint Zhang Luan as the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, but that he was afraid that Li Zisheng would be recalled.

The position of Censor-in-Chief in charge of river management would have been perfect. It's as if this treacherous official has been forced into a thankless and arduous position, unable to escape for a long time.

However, if Zhang Luan were to work on his behalf in the capital, he might be able to escape his confinement.

If the emperor cared a great deal about the results of the examination, it would mean that the emperor's preferred candidate for the position of commander-in-chief of the three border regions might be located in the capital.

At least for now, these officials who should be selected seem to be closer to them and relatively easier to control.

……

……

Zhang Luan was still seeking peace and quiet, holed up in a secluded courtyard inside Chongwen Gate, surrounded by beautiful women and refusing to come out.

However, Pang Qing was very concerned about the selection of the commander-in-chief of the three border regions, so he asked Qi Niang to deliver a message to Zhang Luan, hoping to learn something about the important affairs of the court from Zhang Luan.

Zhang Luan sat in the flower hall, legs crossed, with a woman massaging his waist and legs beside him, looking quite content. When Qi Niang came in to announce his arrival, he waved his hand and said, "Pang Bingkun just likes to stir up trouble... Why should I ask him about this? Let him ask my son!"

He didn't say he was unwilling to reveal the information, he only said he didn't know.

I had no idea what was going on. What could I possibly say to Pang Qing?
Lady Qi smiled and said, "Master, why don't you go and see them? They said they were going to send a few people over here. But you haven't gone to receive them yet."

"He who takes a bribe is bound to be obligated; he who eats another's food is beholden to him..."

Zhang Luan shook his head and said, "I don't deny that I took advantage of Li Zi Province before, but then again, I didn't say I was sorry to him, did I?"
“My son told me that if it weren’t for me, Li Zisheng would have died in the imperial prison. I saved his life in a way. Now I’ve temporarily retired, and my son is in charge of my family affairs and the affairs of the court. Including this appointment of the Three Border Regions Commander by the court, have you seen me fight for anything?”

Qi Niang thought to herself, "Looking at your lazy appearance, you don't seem like the kind of person who would actively try to go to the Northwest."

Everyone else is striving for a chance to gain military merit, to make achievements for themselves and their families, and to earn the respect of others. What about you?
Qi Niang explained, "Steward Pang's attitude was very sincere; perhaps he wanted to try to persuade Minister Li. It's just that the matter of river management is difficult to handle."

"If it's not easy to do, there's nothing I can do."

Zhang Luan shook his head and said, "Tell him for me that I wasn't involved in this whole thing. Also, tell him not to worry about me! I'm doing very well here, I lack nothing, and I don't need him to make up for anything. Let him use his money and connections on river management, and just leave me alone!"

……

……

Qi Niang relayed the truth to Pang Qing.

Pang Qing sat in the front courtyard living room, his face showing an anxious expression. After all, he had been back in the capital for some time on Li Zisheng's orders, and he had done everything he could, but with little result.

Zhang Luan seemed to have deep feelings for Li Zisheng, and the two were so close that they seemed to be inseparable. However, as Li Zisheng gradually lost power in the court, how could Zhang Luan possibly go to great lengths for someone who could not help him?
All the hustle and bustle in the world is for your benefit.

With an apologetic expression, Qi Niang said, "I have tried my best to persuade him, but my master doesn't seem to care much about it. From what I've observed, he hasn't been involved in court affairs lately. Mr. Pang, could it be that Minister Li intends to take command of the troops on the three borders in the northwest?"

Pang Qing shook his head and said, "I know that's not realistic."

Qi Niang thought to herself, "You know this idea is outrageous, yet you still come to see him? If it weren't for advocating for your master's official position, what good would it do you to go see Zhang Guozhang right now?"

Pang Qing sighed, "I wish to speak on behalf of one person... and that person is Wang Weining!"

"Wang Weining?"

Qi Niang asked, "Could it be the former Marquis of Weining, Wang Yue? Is Mr. Pang very close to him?"

Pang Qing said, “It is like this. This man is extremely capable, but he is currently frustrated and unsuccessful. He was previously convicted, and it was only through the intervention of Grand Secretary Zhang that His Majesty pardoned him. If he can be transferred to oversee military affairs in the three border regions, it will not only be of great help to Mr. Zhang, but may also be of help to Daoist Master.”

"I don't quite understand."

Qi Niang said, "If the relationship isn't very close, how can we guarantee that he can help Minister Li? After all, he is serving the Ming Dynasty."

Do you expect a renowned military general to become a henchman of Lizi Province and do things for you?
Pang Qing appeared helpless and said, "I hope Mr. Zhang will listen to me and speak on his behalf, but I'm afraid he already has plans in mind. Now it seems..."

"Mr. Pang, why don't you go find the second young master?"

"Qi Niang asked."

Pang Qing said, "The Second Young Master is very busy right now. It would be very abrupt to disturb him."

Qi Niang asked with a smile, "Are you saying that the Second Young Master is even busier than his father? And that the things he does can't be disturbed at all?"

Pang Qing frowned and glanced at Qi Niang, as if to say, "Is there even a need to ask? If you're not blind, you should know how leisurely the person inside is right now."

Even if such a person lived for several lifetimes, no one would believe that he could wield great power in the court or accomplish anything significant.

Would someone with political ambitions be like him, spending his days indulging in idleness and waiting for death? Despite having the emperor's trust, he doesn't know how to seize the opportunity and only wants to live his own quiet life behind closed doors.

Qi Niang said, "How about I go see him for you?"

"No need."

Pang Qing stood up and said, "I am very grateful to have troubled you, Lady Qi, to inform me of this matter."

Qi Niang smiled and said, "Why is Mr. Pang being so polite?"

"It should."

Pang Qing said, "If there is still no harvest, I should return to the south in a few days to report back to the Daoist. A ship that is in turmoil always needs someone to help it operate in order to keep it stable, otherwise it will capsize at any moment."

Upon hearing this, Qi Niang could no longer laugh.

There was an inexplicable desolation in Pang Qing's words, like a majestic ship that had once caught many fish and enjoyed boundless glory.

Now battered by the storm, it is riddled with holes and on the verge of sinking in the storm. Most people have already jumped ship halfway, but Pang Qing still stays by his side. He even goes to great lengths for Li Zisheng for something that seems insignificant, without caring about personal gain or loss.

Such a loyal person deserves even more respect from Qi Niang.

……

……

When Qi Niang returned, she found that Zhang Luan was still in the same position. Perhaps he was too comfortable, because he had actually fallen asleep.

That sleeping posture... it's hard to describe.

"Cover the master with the blanket."

Qi Niang gave instructions to the woman standing guard beside her.

The woman quickly found a blanket and was about to cover Zhang Luan with it when Zhang Luan suddenly opened his eyes as if startled, his face full of confusion.

After a while, Zhang Luan's eyes regained their sparkle, and he seemed less afraid, finally accepting what was happening before his eyes.

"Ugh!"

Zhang Luan sighed softly.

Lady Qi asked with a smile, "Is this all just a dream, sir?"

"I'm afraid that everything I have right now is just a figment of my imagination... In reality, I'm still stuck in that small place in Xingji, starving and freezing..."

After Zhang Luan finished speaking, he asked, "Did you go and send Pang Bingkun away?"

"Yes."

Qi Niang said, "He said that he came not to speak on behalf of Minister Li, but to help Wang Weining... who is the former Earl of Weining, Wang Yue... I don't really understand how this person is related to Minister Li, that it's worth him coming here alone?"

Zhang Luan said, "Wang Weining... this man is not simple. Everyone knows he is a ruthless character, but I asked Yanling, and he said that the more arrogant a person is, the less likely they are to be controlled. He will only pretend to be nice to me for the sake of immediate benefits, but in the future... we must find someone who can truly keep him in check."

Qi Niang asked in surprise, "So, Master isn't actually unaware of the situation outside, but rather already has a complete plan? Is he going to choose this person to be the military governor of the Northwest?"

Zhang Luan frowned and asked, "You seem to care more than I do?"

Qi Niang smiled and said, "I usually see that Master doesn't pay much attention to court affairs, and sometimes he stays here for several days without seeing any guests. But every time I talk to Master, I feel that he is very confident and has everything under control, which is admirable."

Zhang Luan waved his hand and said, "It's my son who's so capable. I benefit immensely from just a few words from him. Alright, I'm going to sleep a little longer! Don't disturb my sweet dreams."

(End of this chapter)