The Wanli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was extremely rebellious

Chapter 240 Come on hard

The south of the Yangtze River always gives people a hazy feeling of mist and rain, and this is especially true in Jinling in early spring.

The capital city is still a bit dry and cold at the moment, but Nanjing is warm and comfortable. It is even more foggy in the early morning, like a fairyland.

Wanli was really tired after traveling for several days. In this warm and comfortable environment, he actually took a rare late nap and did not get up until the morning.

However, he was soon awakened by the sound of swords clashing.

Is this an assassin?
He suddenly sat up from the bed and looked out the window, feeling both amused and helpless.

Shan Sinan was standing next to the window, while Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan and Li Xuancheng were fighting back and forth in the hazy fog, having a lot of fun.

They just like to spar with each other and exchange a few moves whenever they have time.

Wanli smiled and shook his head, then put on his military uniform, got out of bed and went to the window.

Seeing this, Shan Sinan hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, are you ready to wash up?"

Wanli nodded slightly and said, "Well, let them in."

Upon hearing this, Shan Sinan quickly waved to the side.

Soon, Sun Hai, Ke Yong and Tian Yi came in carrying washbasins and toiletries.

It was simple for him to wash and brush his teeth. He washed his face and rinsed his mouth by himself, and just had someone comb his hair.

Originally, it was only Sun Hai and Ke Yong who served him, but this time Tian Yi couldn't help but come over.

He stood by the window, washed his face, rinsed his mouth, and then asked, "How is it going? Have you sent someone to tell Duke Wei?"

Tian Yi carefully combed his hair and nodded, saying, "I sent someone there at 12:00 AM."

Wanli looked at the sky and asked, "What time is it now?"

Tian Yi estimated, "It should be around three quarters past midnight."

Wanli nodded slightly, asked Sun Hai and Ke Yong to tidy up their military uniforms, and then walked out.

He was originally planning to go to the imperial study here to take a look, but who knew that as soon as he walked into the corridor outside, two people in python robes walked out of the hazy fog.

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui is indeed old. His hair and beard have turned snow-white. He can hardly walk and needs someone to support him.

However, the Duke of Wei is quite mature.

He said that people would be allowed to enter the palace for an audience around the hour of Chen. There is a big difference between left and right.

If he is a young and naive person, he will probably come at noon. If he does not take him, the emperor, seriously, it is possible that he will come after noon.

The time it takes to arrive is actually a test of loyalty, or superficial loyalty. The earlier you arrive, the more loyal you are.

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui was so old but he was still able to arrive so early, which proved that he was still very loyal, at least on the surface.

Seeing this, Wanli couldn't help but nodded slightly.

At this moment, Duke Wei Xu Bangrui was a little confused.

He had anticipated everything, but he had never imagined that there would be two people competing in martial arts in the Qianqing Palace.

The martial arts skills of these two people are extremely high.

The Duke of Wei's family was also promoted to Duke based on their military achievements, so they naturally have a certain understanding of martial arts. These two people are probably the best masters in the world with their high skills.

What was the meaning of His Majesty calling them here and letting them watch the battle between two peerless masters?

In fact, this was not what Wanli meant. Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan and Li Xuancheng saw that the environment here was good and Wanli had not yet gotten up, so they could not help but start a competition.

By this time Wanli had gotten up and Duke Wei had also arrived, so they naturally could no longer compete.

The two separated almost instantly, and flew to Wanli's side in two whooshes.

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui was still confused. He didn't know what Wanli meant, nor did he know that the young man in military uniform was Wanli.

Fortunately, Tian Yi had already hurried over at this time.

Duke of Wei, Xu Bangrui, quickly bowed and said, "Eunuch Tian, ​​may I ask where the Emperor is?"

I knew you wouldn't recognize it. I didn't even notice it last night.

Tian Yi quickly winked and said, "That's His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine."

what?
Duke of Wei, Xu Bangrui, hurriedly stepped forward, trembling, and bowed, saying, "Your humble servant pays respects to His Majesty, and to the Imperial Noble Consort."

Wanli nodded slightly, then waved and said, "Well, let's go to the imperial study to talk."

After saying that, he walked towards the imperial study.

The Qianqing Palace in Jinling is similar to the Qianqing Palace in Beijing. Not only are the layouts similar, but even the location and interior layout of the imperial study are similar.

Wanli politely took Duke Wei and Xu Bangrui to sit on either side of the tea table, and ordered someone to serve fragrant tea. Then he solemnly asked, "Duke Wei, who is the most powerful in Jinling City now?"

This. How to say it?

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui thought for a moment before cautiously saying, "Your Majesty, if we're talking about the Seventeen Guards remaining in Nanjing, they should be more receptive to my words. But if we're talking about the officials, I feel like they're split into several factions, and they're fighting fiercely behind the scenes."

When he saw Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan competing in martial arts with others, he thought it was a special arrangement by Wanli.

What is the purpose of this arrangement?

Judging from Wanli's subsequent behavior, it was obvious that Wanli did not want to intimidate him.

Then, there is only one possibility, Wanli is worried about his own safety.

So, he first gave Wanli a reassurance.

What he meant was that he could barely control the military force in Jinling, but he had no control over the affairs of the officialdom.

After hearing this, Wanli felt a little relieved.

The full strength of the Seventeen Guards stationed in Nanjing is nearly one hundred thousand men. If they are controlled by civil servants with ulterior motives, then he really has to be careful.

Now that it is under the control of the Duke of Wei's faction, he can barely rest assured.

Although these dukes and nobles were not very loyal, few of them dared to disobey the imperial order, because anyone who had any ulterior motives would basically not survive to this day.

During the Hongwu Dynasty, more than 90% of the people were killed. The only ones that have survived from the Hongwu Dynasty to the present seem to be the line of the Duke of Wei, the line of the Duke of Qian, and the line of the Earl of Chengyi.

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui obviously understood that loyalty was important, at least he had to appear loyal on the surface.

If you know that loyalty is important, I will use you. If you don’t know that loyalty is important, then you are finished.

Wanli nodded slightly, then said loudly: "Send the message to Divine Doctor Li and Divine Doctor Wan."

Upon hearing this, Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui was a little confused again.

What does this mean?
Li Shizhen and Wan Bangning quickly walked in.

Wanli raised his hand and said, "Doctor Li, Duke Wei should be about your age, but his health seems to be a little bad. Can you take a look at him and see if he can use the Golden Immortal Pill to replenish his health?"

He was obviously trying to win over Duke Wei, and at the same time, was preparing to ask him to help expand the business of Wanshengtang Pharmacy in Jinling City and even Nanzhili.

Upon hearing this, Li Shizhen and Wan Bangning hurriedly took the pulse of Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui.

Afterwards, the two whispered to each other for a moment, and Li Shizhen finally said carefully, "There's nothing seriously wrong with the Duke's health. He's just having trouble producing enough Qi and blood. It's what we call old age and frailty. It's fine to use the Golden Immortal Pill to replenish his energy, but it would be best to supplement it with Turtle Jelly to neutralize the heat in the Golden Immortal Pill."

Upon hearing this, Wanli nodded slightly and said, "Well, you guys have to stay here and run the Wanshengtang Pharmacy anyway. So, pay more attention to Duke Wei's health in the future and give him all the tonic medicines that can help him. Don't charge him for it."

Upon hearing this, Duke of Wei, Xu Bangrui, was deeply moved and repeatedly bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I will do my best to support Wanshengtang Pharmacy's business in Jinling and throughout Nanzhili."

Of course he had heard of the Golden Immortal Pill, but that thing had been snatched away in the capital and had never reached Nanjing.

When a man reaches this age, he wants to live a few more years. He feels that he will not live for many more years. Unexpectedly, Wanli not only asked the miracle doctor to pay attention to his health, but also gave him the legendary good medicine for free.

To be honest, he has the money, but he may not be able to buy the medicine, and he may not be able to invite the miracle doctor.

This time, Wanli had realized his greatest wish, and he naturally knew how to repay the favor.

Wanli nodded slightly, then said solemnly, "I came to Nanjing this time mainly to build ships for the navy. Do you know the current situation of the Longjiang Treasure Shipyard?"

This one.

Duke of Wei Xu Bangrui thought for a moment, then said carefully, "Your Majesty, the Nanjing Minister of Works, Pan Jixun, is from the Huiju Pan family, a prominent family in Wucheng, Zhejiang."

Zhejiang Party?

Shen Yikuan has extended his hand to Nanzhili?

Wanli frowned slightly, then asked, "Do you mean he abuses his power for personal gain?"

Duke of Wei, Xu Bangrui, remained cautious, saying, "I dare not say this, but if a prominent family wants to prosper, there are always things they must do."

This means that they used the Jinling Treasure Shipyard to privately build ships and sell them for money.

I'm afraid all the shipyards under the Ministry of Industry have this problem. Otherwise, where do all those ships come from among the people?

Wanli nodded slowly and said, "They still don't dare to rebel openly, right?"

Are you going to use force?

My old arms and legs can’t do it anymore.

Duke of Wei, Xu Bangrui, was stunned for a moment when he heard this, then he said decisively, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid my humble servant is no longer able to serve you. How about letting my son, Weizhi, stay by your side and serve you like a dog?"

Well, good, promising.

Wanli nodded slightly and said, "Okay, then let Weizhi follow me."

(End of this chapter)