Chapter 47 The Road Ahead
Zhang Fu did not sit down, but simply said, "It is only because I am old and have experienced more things... In terms of loyalty to Your Majesty, I am not even half as loyal as Your Highness."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled at this and said, "Duke Ying has followed my great-grandfather until now, and has been a minister for four dynasties, yet he is still so humble. If everyone in the court were like Duke Ying, Your Majesty wouldn't have to worry about achieving your ambitions." As she spoke, she sighed, as if deeply worried, "When the Emperor was alive, the border couldn't be completely stabilized. Now that the late Emperor is gone, and Your Majesty is still young, the Oirat and Uriankhai bandits are even more daring, frequently invading the border. Your Majesty's promotion of the military examinations was simply to select virtuous officials and generals to stabilize the border. Unfortunately, there are always those who fail to understand Your Majesty's efforts, and instead disrupt the peace of the court."
Zhu Qizhen and Zhang Fu naturally said the same thing when they were chatting privately, but he was not as "tactful" as Zhu Yuhuan, and almost put the "threat" to Zhang Fu directly on the surface.
Zhu Yuhuan was also there at the time. Although she did not participate in the conversation between the two, she must have known about it. Now that Zhang Fu was talking to her, she did not have to think too much and guessed that Zhu Yuhuan's words were to encourage Zhang Fu to take the initiative to stand up, set an example, and lead the military heroes to support Zhu Qizhen's decision.
Zhang Fu naturally understood this and said, "As a minister appointed by the late emperor, I should set an example, but..."
Zhu Yuhuan consoled him, saying, "Duke Ying is already old, and most of his former military acquaintances are no longer alive. Furthermore, he hasn't led a military force in many years. Even if he were willing to lead by example, I'm afraid no one would respond."
Seeing Zhu Yuhuan so "considerate" and telling him all about his difficulties, Zhang Fu sighed and said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I am an old minister with only my bones and bones, and there is not much I can do for the country. But as long as Your Majesty has the order, I will go through fire and water without hesitation..."
Zhu Yuhuan grumbled inwardly: He really took you through fire and water, but I wonder if you had the thought of accepting it before you died...
Zhang Fu, of course, didn't know what Zhu Yuhuan was thinking. He simply said, "But as Your Highness said, I, an old minister, am alone and weak. If I want to convince others, I'm afraid it will be very difficult..."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled faintly upon hearing this and said, "As long as the military examination can be successfully implemented, Your Majesty will not wrong the Duke of Ying and the other noble families. You are all descendants of loyal ministers and generals who followed our ancestors Taizu and Taizong through life and death, and made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. Your Majesty, in consideration of this loyalty, will not deprive them of their official positions. Moreover, each family can also recommend their own sons to take the direct exam for the Autumn Examination. If they can fight hard and be selected for the Spring Examination, they will stand out and receive a decent official position. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
When Zhang Fu heard her say this, he immediately understood that this was a way out that Zhu Qizhen gave to each family. The nobles were reluctant to give up their iron rice bowls, and Zhu Qizhen would not take away their hopes because of the military examination. Not only that, he also allowed the children of military families to take the military examination as well, saving the trouble of selection in the prefectures and counties, which was also a shortcut.
Zhang Fu was not unaware of these concessions. The only thing he was unsure about was the extent to which Zhu Qizhen would compromise, so he came to Zhu Yuhuan, the "emperor's spokesperson."
Now Zhu Yuhuan has made the threshold very clear, and the preferential treatment for the nobles is also true. It is nothing more than an extra procedure and a few more troubles and roundabouts, but the original treatment has not been cancelled. What reason do people have to object?
After all, insisting on challenging the emperor is not an easy job. When the emperor comes to settle accounts with you, you will be the first to suffer.
Zhang Fu bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance."
Zhu Yuhuan stood up, took Zhang Fu's arm and sat down, smiling brightly, "I have known Zhong'er for many years, and naturally understand the difficulties you and your son have faced. Duke Yingguo is devoted to the public, and Your Majesty sees it all. The situation will only get better and better, so Duke Yingguo need not worry."
Zhang Fu knew that this was the promise made by Zhu Yuhuan and Zhu Qizhen, brother and sister, and the heavy burden in his heart finally fell to the ground. With mixed feelings, he said, "Thanks to Your Highness..."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled slightly and extended his olive branch at the right moment, saying, "Duke Yingguo, if you have some free time in the future, why not come to the teahouse often? His recitation of 'The Deer's Call' at the Imperial College was a legendary event. This teahouse often hosts gatherings of scholars, and Mr. Yang and his companions occasionally come to enjoy our presence."
When the Duke of Ying heard her say this, he guessed that the Mr. Yang she was referring to was probably Yang Pu. He was surprised that Zhu Yuhuan even knew how often they met. He was taken aback, then hurriedly said, "Your Highness is right. We often get together to drink and have fun, and I can't help but be scolded by my family. They say that I'm old and should take care of myself, drink less alcohol, or drink tea... drink tea..."
When Zhu Yuhuan heard his words, she smiled and said, "That's great." Her goal had been achieved, so she stood up and was about to leave.
Zhang Fu also stood up to see Zhu Yuhuan out, but she stopped and said with a smile, "I believe the Duke of Ying will submit a memorial soon. If it's any later, I'm afraid His Majesty will go to Changping for a hunting tour, and we won't be able to catch up."
Zhang Fu thought she was urging him, and said repeatedly: "Your Highness, don't worry. I will not delay for too long and will report to Your Majesty tomorrow."
"good."
After Zhu Yuhuan left, Zhang Fu straightened up. He was about to breathe a sigh of relief when he suddenly realized what Zhu Yuhuan had just said.
Princess Shunde's words had another hidden meaning. If Zhang Fu came any later, the emperor would have to go out hunting. Even if he was not patrolling the border, he would be gone for half a month. By then, even if Zhang Fu wanted to curry favor with Zhu Qizhen, he would not be able to find anyone. What good would that do to him?
Zhang Fu couldn't help but fall back, and sat on the stool feeling a little tired, only to feel a dampness on his back.
This brother and sister, the younger brother is putting all his efforts into making trouble, while the older sister is secretly killing people without anyone noticing, neither of them can be easily fooled...
As late autumn was approaching, the royal convoy slowly headed towards Changping.
Despite this, Zhu Qizhen was still very excited as it was his first real "long journey".
Shortly after Zhu Yuhuan and Zhang Fu talked, the most prominent among the nobles, Duke Ying, took the initiative to submit a memorial, pleading for the implementation of the military examination, to be held together with the civil examination in the sixth year of Zhengtong.
He also revealed the truth to many other people in private, and talked about Zhu Qizhen's leniency and preferential treatment to the nobles. Even if everyone was reluctant, it was impossible for them to confront the emperor openly.
Although it was an extra layer of trouble, it was better than Zhu Qizhen not even intending to leave them a single broth.
What's more, if one's own children can really succeed, pass the imperial examination, and get a higher official position, it will be a good thing for the family.
Whether it is studying or practicing martial arts, ordinary people cannot afford it. For these nobles, they have every advantage in education.
Zhu Qizhen personally issued an edict, appointing several people to be responsible for this matter, directly bypassing the cabinet, so naturally the cabinet members would not have any objections.
They had lived in the capital for a long time and had almost never left the capital to take up an official post. They had connections with many officials. Being able to escape such an assignment was considered "good, good". They were so happy that they naturally would not consider stopping Zhu Qizhen.
Especially since Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu, the top decision-makers, had no intention of stopping it, there was no reason for them to make a fool of themselves over such a thing.
Zhu Qizhen's plan went smoothly and he was able to go out hunting again. Even though he was still followed by a large team like in the palace, with Princess Jiaxing's husband Jing Yuan and Marquis Wuding Guo Xuan in front and behind him, as well as layers of protection from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it did not affect his good mood.
Except for the initial section of the journey out of the city when they sat in the carriage, Zhu Qizhen switched to horseback riding once they reached a relatively deserted area. Together with Zhu Qiuyu, they excitedly asked Zhu Yuhuan about the surrounding scenery. If one didn't know, one would have thought it was just an ordinary family outing.
Zhu Yuhuan often traveled between the capital and various imperial estates, and was very familiar with them. Naturally, he could introduce the local customs and practices along the way clearly and interestingly, leaving Xue Huan, who followed him and wanted to flatter him and get close to the emperor's brother-in-law, far behind.
He had only heard that Princess Shunde was erudite and talented, a true genius of her generation, and based on his wife, Princess Changde's personality, he had inferred what kind of person Princess Shunde was. But upon meeting her today, Xue Huan finally realized how special Princess Shunde was.
The emperor's trust in Princess Shunde alone is enough to explain why she was able to assist in the administration as the princess, not to mention that Prince Qing, who is now second only to the emperor, also has great respect for Princess Shunde.
Even though Xue Huan wanted to get close to the emperor and gain more benefits, he could feel that the emperor's trust in him was far less than his trust in Princess Shunde, even though he was the husband of the emperor's sister.
Although Zhu Youtong was sitting in the carriage with Zhu Hanjia, he would occasionally lift the curtain to look outside. Naturally, he was aware of Xue Huan's little movements. He could not help but snort coldly, then turned back to Zhu Hanjia and said, "He is the second son of Yang Wuhou. I think he is no different from those smooth-talking people who only know how to flatter and curry favor with the princess. He just looks more decent."
Zhu Hanjia knew Zhu Youtong's personality very well. She knew that she would be reluctant to even look at someone she didn't like. Moreover, she herself had some talents to show off, and she was extremely disgusted with people like Xue Huan who could only squander the inheritance left by their ancestors but had no real ability.
Therefore, Zhu Hanjia simply said, "Since His Majesty and the Queen Mother have chosen him, he must have some outstanding qualities. Although he has a somewhat impetuous personality, he is still polite to me. Besides, we don't live together on a daily basis, so we don't see each other often. Even if he is annoying, it won't be on my head."
After hearing her words, Zhu Youtong saw that Zhu Hanjia had a dull expression and the light in his eyes seemed to have disappeared.
When Zhu Youtong was learning to paint, Shang Xi told her that she must observe the people around her more and capture their spirit and energy into her paintings, so Zhu Youtong always paid more attention to the people around her.
In terms of spirit, sister Zhu Yuhuan is undoubtedly the best. Her eyes are always filled with hope. Even though Zhu Hanjia is not as energetic as Zhu Yuhuan, there is still light in her eyes. How could she be like this now...
For some reason, Zhu Youtong suddenly thought of Hu Shanxiang. She couldn't help but hold Zhu Hanjia's hand and comforted her, "Jiajia, you are the eldest princess. You don't have to endure the humiliation after marriage like others. If Xue Huan treats you badly, just go ahead and enter the palace. Your sister and I will help you vent your anger! You must not endure it!"
Although she could not remember everything about her childhood, she still had a vague impression that when her sister was not around, her mother's expression was exactly the same as Zhu Hanjia's now. Although there was no sadness or joy in her expression, people could keenly perceive that there was no life in her heart, like a dead wood.
If it weren't for his sister, Zhu Youtong thought his mother probably wouldn't have been able to hold on until today, and there wouldn't be who she is today. So Zhu Youtong always believed that his sister was the one who brought about the change, and that everything would only get better and better.
Fire sometimes destroys everything, but sometimes it also brings new life.
Hearing her say this, Zhu Hanjia was startled, then smiled and said, "How could he have the guts to disrespect me? Although His Majesty doesn't often interfere in my affairs, I am the eldest princess, a golden branch and jade leaf of the royal family. How could a prince consort have such a burden?"
Zhu Youtong snorted, clearly looking down on Xue Huan. "Jia Jia, you have to believe me. I'm very discerning when it comes to people. Although I can't find any capable officials or generals, anyone I look down on is definitely not a good person. You should be careful."
It had been a long time since Zhu Youtong had such a casual chat. Zhu Hanjia felt relieved when she heard her say that. She smiled and agreed, "Okay."
The two sisters in the carriage were chatting animatedly, while Zhu Yuhuan and the two Zhu brothers outside the carriage were also quite relaxed. The only one who was a little tired was Zhu Yuhuan, as he had to introduce the roadside scenery to the two brothers along the way.
After all, these two brothers were both princes who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. They had never suffered any hardship other than studying since childhood and had little understanding of the lives of ordinary people. Zhu Qiyu was still okay, at least he had followed Zhu Yuhuan out of the palace several times, but Zhu Qizhen had never even left the palace, let alone left the capital.
The most excited person along the way was Zhu Qizhen, who had never left the house. He kept asking Zhu Yuhuan questions and hardly stopped.
Zhu Qizhen looked at the barren fields on either side of the road and said with some disappointment, "What a shame! It's all because of those disobedient ministers. We left the capital too late. Otherwise, we could have seen the farmers harvesting wheat. I was hoping to see what it means to 'speak of a good harvest amidst the fragrance of rice flowers, and hear the croaking of frogs.'"
Zhu Qiyu didn't say much along the way, just listened silently to Zhu Yuhuan and Zhu Qizhen's introduction. When he heard Zhu Qizhen say this, he couldn't help but mutter in his heart.
If the wheat hasn't been harvested by now, it would be too lazy. Sooner or later, you will starve to death, and no matter how much relief food the government gives you, it will be useless.
Xue Huan finally seized an opportunity and immediately praised him, "Your Majesty is kind and lenient to the people. If we leave early, we will definitely see the golden wheat fields and the beautiful scenery of the people lining the streets to welcome us!"
He observed the entire process and discovered at least one thing: Princess Shunde would never flatter the emperor blindly, but only in a moderate way. But who doesn't like to be praised? Since the eunuch Wang Zhen from the Imperial Household Department was away, the emperor certainly needed someone like him to praise him.
Zhu Qizhen was quite proud after hearing this, as if he had already imagined such a scene. He puffed out his chest and said, "That's right. In the past few years, I have been reducing taxes and resettling refugees just as my father did when he was still alive."
Seeing the two of them singing the same tune, Zhu Yuhuan smiled without saying anything.
The common people were busy harvesting rice, so how could they care about the emperor passing by their doorstep? Not to mention putting down their farm work to welcome Zhu Qizhen...
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