Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

"Wearing so little in the winter, your donkey dung balls will look shiny. Brother, aren't you going to suffer a lot?"

In the afternoon, when he returned home, listening to Jiang Xuan's increasingly nagging thoughts, in a warm and soft room burning fine charcoal, Jiang Xinghuo took off his red and gold unicorn suit jacket, revealing the gray underneath. Thin cotton than armor, what stands out is a simplicity.

It has to be said that although since the founding of Hongwu, the Ming Dynasty has spared no effort to promote the "de-Mongolianization" in terms of culture, clothing, food and other aspects, but every winter, anyone who has the conditions will still consciously wear Mongolian clothing. The invention of Bijia is similar to the vest of later generations, but it is sleeveless, collarless and has slits on both sides of the placket. Its style is longer than the later vests, some reaching the hips and some reaching the knees. It is from Yuan Dynasty. It was designed and invented by Hongjira Chabi, the queen of Kublai Khan.

There is no doubt that this is an anti-freeze leg artifact.

Jiang Xinghuo leaned his head on the small cabinet beside the bed, watching the charcoal burning gas drifting out from the special pipe, hitting the cold air outside, and immediately covering the window eaves with a layer of white frost. He said casually: "I don't know how the coal mining in Tangshan is going."

"When you are concerned about the country and the people, you have to take care of yourself first."

Jiang Xuan looked at his thin, slightly emaciated body and resisted the idea of ​​adding a quilt and a few cotton blankets to him. Then she moved his neck, which had been lying on the bedside table, on the pillow, and continued chatting. He started talking: "Even if you are not sick, you will inevitably feel cold with this cold wind blowing! Besides, I have to go to the banquet tonight. It is even colder at night. You are wearing so little to avoid the cold and runny nose." Strange."

"Brother, do you know who is at the banquet tonight?"

Jiang Xinghuo opened his eyes after hearing this, and after catching a glimpse of the gossipy expression on her face, he twitched the corners of his mouth, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone; "It's nothing more than the coming of all nations, Japan, Korea, Annan, Champa, and Ryukyu." , Luzon, plus some independent small countries around Sanxuan and Liuwei.”

It is said that all nations are coming to the court, but in fact there are more than ten countries, which is already considered very good. The others are mostly chiefs of the Mongolian, Jurchen and other tribes that are included, and they are here to fight the autumn wind.

But what the imperial court wants is such dignity.

And Zhu Di, who was decent and well-off, happened to be able to afford it. After all, "salt makes people fall and Yongle is full." Xie Jin was well worth the two knives. Not only was the political mission of 2.1 million taels of commercial tax completed (salt tax was a franchise) Commodities, collecting the salt tax that was concealed in the past is also a type of commercial tax, and the profits generated by specialized commodities such as glass and fertilizer are the same), and the subsequent unlocking of comprehensive mercantilism and maritime trade, the courtiers have no reason to obstruct it. I'm willing to admit defeat.

So not only was the surrender ceremony held for three days, the scene was very grand, but even the banquet for the official conclusion of the Annan campaign and the coming of all nations was also extremely expensive, with fireworks, colorful silk trees, and delicacies and wine. It was all the same. Quite a few, highlighting a card.

But Jiang Xinghuo personally felt that there was no need to spend the money, but in fact, whether it was used to satisfy the emperor's vanity or to showcase the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty, it had a certain value.

How can I put it, there are ways to live in poverty when you are poor, and there are ways to show off when you are rich. As long as you are not trying to make yourself look fat, there will be no problem.

Let the surrounding countries see the national power of the Ming Dynasty, which is also a kind of deterrence. After all, most people have a strong mentality. This cannot be denied. After seeing the high standards of the Ming Dynasty, they will return to their own country. , didn’t the gap and longing come out all at once? Most of the envoys were high-ranking officials from their respective countries, and word of mouth spread that Ming Dynasty's "showing off wealth" was a good way to enhance its image at home and abroad.

China has a tradition of keeping a low profile, but most of the surrounding countries are still afraid of strength rather than morality. Sometimes being too low-key is not a good thing. Instead, it makes people feel that others are weak and can be bullied, giving rise to unrealistic ideas, which then lead to Costs should not occur.

"Yes, but this is just one of them." Jiang Xuan lowered her voice and leaned into his ear, whispering, "There is another news, brother, do you want to know?"

When speaking, she deliberately extended the tail note to an extremely long length, and waited for Jiang Xinghuo to take the initiative to ask questions.

However, Jiang Xinghuo didn't respond, as if he couldn't guess her wishful thinking at all. Instead, he uttered four words indifferently.

"Do not want to know."

The smile on Jiang Xuan's face froze, and she said after a while: "It has something to do with you."

"Oh, tell me then."

"In addition to these people, the harem is hosting a banquet attended by Madam Gaoming and princes and noble ladies." Jiang Xuan said, narrowing her eyes with a 'scheming' look.

"Ah."

Jiang Xinghuo put his head on the pillow.

"Brother, our grandfather can't give up."

Jiang Xuan immediately grabbed Jiang Xinghuo's sleeve and shook it. Unfortunately, Jiang Xinghuo still looked repulsive.

Kang It’s not a good family.”

Jiang Xinghuo was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at her: "Song Shilang is over forty this year. He just returned from Huai'an Mansion a few days ago and took a new concubine."

"I still think it's inappropriate for you to be like this."

Jiang Xinghuo shook his head, his eyes were dull, and he just casually nodded at the "History of the Song Dynasty" that was just on the bedside table as a pillow.

"you--"

Jiang Xuan was stunned for a while before shaking her head with a wry smile and said, "Brother, you are still too stubborn."

"Maybe." Jiang Xinghuo lowered his eyelids, "But I hope that no innocent people will die for me."

Hearing these words, Jiang Xuan was immediately speechless.

"There are some things I have to do, and some people are too tied to me, so I won't change anything now. As for whether there will be any changes in the future, that's not a question I should consider."

Jiang Xinghuo's speech slowed down and finally stopped talking.

"Have you thought about it?" Jiang Xuan's eyebrows flashed with deep worry.

Jiang Xinghuo said nothing and just nodded.

It gets dark early in winter, and it was still bright when I got home from the prisoner presentation ceremony. But in the blink of an eye, night has fallen quietly. In an era before industrial pollution, the sky was dotted with stars, as bright as mercury.

Jiang Xuan sighed. She looked at her cousin's firm and calm face in front of her, and suddenly felt an inexplicable discomfort in her heart, but she didn't say anything more.

It has been a year since she left her hometown. During this year, this girl has seen many things that she would never have seen before. She also knows that Jiang Xinghuo is a very stubborn person, and it is difficult to change things that have been decided. After being persuaded to come back, he didn't like anyone to interfere in his own decision, even if this decision might cost his life.

Although she didn't know why her cousin had been so instinctively resistant to this matter, Jiang Xuan still felt that she shouldn't say anything more.

The moment Jiang Xuan turned towards the door and closed the door, Jiang Xinghuo seemed to remember something. He suddenly raised his eyes and whispered to Jiang Xuan: "Xiaoxuan, thank you for understanding me."

Jiang Xuan was a little nervous because of his direct gaze, but she still mustered up the courage to continue speaking.

"Actually, from the time I went to visit you in the imperial prison, I felt that you were different from before."

There was a touch of tenderness in her tone: "But no matter what, you are my brother. Although you usually look cold, you feel particularly sincere and kind. I can't help but think of you." My mother said that my brother will take care of me in the future, and I have to take care of my brother. No matter what happens, I hope you can be less worried. I rarely see you frowning. "

After hearing Jiang Xuan's words, Jiang Xinghuo was slightly stunned.

He didn't expect that he would be like this in the eyes of his cousin.

Jiang Xinghuo's eyes were a little turbulent, and then he squeezed out a smile.

——————

It wasn't long to rest at home. There was a dinner in the palace in the evening.

At this time, the outside was completely plunged into darkness, and the icy cold wind was mixed with biting cold, ravaging every inch of the air in the city.

After coming out of the gate, Jiang Xinghuo didn't get on the carriage immediately. It wasn't that he had enough moral character to want to ride a horse. Even if he wasn't cold in this weather, the little gray horse was still cold.

Jiang Xinghuo stood in front of the door, looking up at the crescent moon in the sky, his eyes gradually becoming complicated.

Because he just received a message.

In fact, for such a major foreign affairs event, it is definitely not possible to make excuses to take leave because you are in a bad mood and don't want to go. Unless you are sick and can't afford to go, you will have to drag yourself over to watch the scene of all the nations coming to the court.

Zhu Gaosui sent someone to tell him that there was only one minister who was approved for leave tonight, and that was Changxing Marquis Geng Bingwen.

The problem is that the old man is really sick, very sick.

But even if this is the case, if the news spreads, even those who are really sick and want to take leave will probably have to drag their sick bodies to the banquet.

Can't get up? Carry it!

The reason is also very simple. In recent days, there has been unrest in the Ming Dynasty. Zheng Ci, the Minister of Punishment, and Chen Ying, the Yushi of Zuodu (who was just promoted from Zuo Deputy Capital Yushi), both seemed to have a tacit understanding and wrote to impeach Changxing Marquis Geng Bingwen, saying that Geng Bingwen The clothes and utensils are decorated with dragons and phoenixes, and the red leather is used to make jade belts. It is treason to go beyond the system.

Well, anyone who is not stupid can understand that this is the emperor's revenge.

Don't worry about whether these things were given by Lao Zhu and Queen Ma in the past to use as dowries. Geng Bingwen's eldest son, Geng Xuan, the former military governor's mansion, was the prince-in-law appointed by Lao Zhu. Because he married Princess Jiangdu, the eldest daughter of Prince Yiwen Zhu Biao, At that time, Lao Zhu thought that Zhu Biao was determined to take over.

In short, if you are not decent yourself, the emperor will find a way to help you be decent.

Jiang Xinghuo can change many events and people, but he can't change many people's characters. Zhu Gaoxu, who has gradually improved, may be one of them, but as recorded in the history books of Jiang Xinghuo's previous life, Zhu Di's petty character is gradually showing up. He can't see it. Those who are pleasing to the eye, such as Ping'an, Sheng Yong, Xu Huizu, etc., because they are still in their prime years, they can "use it to death if it is easy to use", which is regarded as a waste of merit, but for example, the recently deceased Wuding Marquis Guo Ying If you are a veteran, the treatment will not be so good.

When Lao Zhu passed away, all the princes and princes had passed away. Wuding Marquis Guo Ying and Changxing Marquis Geng Bingwen were the only remaining Hongwu veterans. Therefore, during the Battle of Jingnan, they both went into battle in the first stage.

It's a pity that the effect of the Battle of Zhending was not ideal, and the two veterans did not perform well. After being attacked by Zhu Di, they hesitated and started to defend the city. The impatient Zhu Yunwen replaced Li Jinglong. Well, judging from the results, it is not as good as defending the city and slowly wearing out the small territory. The Yan army, which was short of supplies, was opened up to a breakthrough.

In short, Zhu Di's character traits are still very obvious. Wuding Marquis Guo Ying was such a loyal and simple person. After his death, he posthumously awarded Duke Ying Guo according to the dynasty system. The posthumous title of "Weixiang" that Wang Jing discussed with Zhuo Jing before he stepped down was also approved. However, the Wuding Marquis Mansion was not given many rewards, and the treatment for subsequent raiders was also reduced. It must be said that Zhu Di was quite petty in some things that should not be petty.

Of course, everything has two sides. Zhu Di is cruel to the enemies he considers, but he always loves and cares for the friends he considers and tries his best to start from the end, so he cannot blindly accuse Zhu Di of certain behaviors. Anyway, no one is perfect, and Zhu Di's clear love and hate is not an advantage. For courtiers, knowing what category they are in the emperor's heart is better than Lao Zhu's indiscriminate butcher's knife.

Anyway, at the dinner, Jiang Xinghuo looked at Geng Bingwen's three sons, Geng Xuan, the former military governor's office, Geng Zhen, the rear military governor's office, and Geng Xuan, the minister of Shangbao. They all looked like they were mourning for their heirs. Maybe for them, , the catastrophe of annihilation is indeed not far away.

Sure enough, the day after the dinner, Changxing Hou Geng Bingwen "died" of illness.

I don’t know whether he really died of illness or not, and I’m not sure if there is such a coincidence in the world. But the only thing that I know and can be sure of is that Zhu Gaosui’s desire to seal the vassal overseas has become more and more urgent recently.

"I know you're in a hurry, but don't worry yet."

Jiang Xinghuo could only comfort him like this. The time was not yet ripe and he had to wait a little longer. He had to wait until this year passed. The emperor would not be in a good mood due to the recent mess of intrigues and intrigues.

On the second day of the President's Reform Affairs Office, Jiang Xinghuo, who was busy with the Beijing inspection and the results of the legal examination, received an unexpected visitor, Hu Jishen.

Jiang Xinghuo was highly vigilant about Hu Jiyou.

This old guy belongs to the Annan version of Wang Mang and Sima Yi. His ancestor is named Hu Xingyi, who is from Zhejiang. He came to Annan during the Later Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties to guard Yanzhou. After that, he lived in Paotu Township in Yanzhou and became the local village owner. Hu Jiya's generation has become a prominent family in Annan. Why is Hu Jiya said to be the Annan version of Wang Mang? It's because he is an out-and-out die-hard relative. Two of his aunts married Chen Mingzong, and Mingci The queen gave birth to Chen Yizong, Queen Dunci gave birth to Chen Ruizong, and Hu Jiya also had a cousin who married Chen Ruizong and became the queen, giving birth to Emperor Chen Fei.

Jiang Xinghuo had roughly figured out the genealogy of the Chen Dynasty emperor during the case of the Champa State mission's wounding case, so it is not an exaggeration at all for Hu Ji Ya to be called the Annan version of Wang Mang.

As for the Annan version of Sima Yi, it is because Hu Jishen, like Sima Yi, both made military exploits in foreign wars and then gained military power. Although the Hu family and his son did not perform well when fighting the Ming army, they did not perform well. In his early years, Hu Ji-yao faced a massive attack by Peng Nga, the last British ruler of the Champa state. Hu Ji-yao led the navy to fight with him in Thanh Hoa. He also imitated Xiang Yu during the Battle of Julu and killed the cower. The former commander-in-chief Shenwu General Jin Ao led the armies to advance with great fanfare and defeated Zhi Peng'e. This was the first time that the Chen Dynasty defeated Zhi Peng'e's army. Hua also became his de facto fiefdom.

Later, I won’t go into details about the things that old guy Hu Jiya did. Just like Wang Mang and Sima Yi, before Chen Yizong died, in order to prevent Hu Jiya from usurping the throne in the future, he ordered the painter to draw four auxiliary pictures. They were Zhou Gong assisting Zhou Cheng. Wang and Huo Guang assisted Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, Zhuge Liang assisted the Empress of Shu, and Su Xiancheng of the Li Dynasty of Annan State assisted Li Gaozong. Hu Jishen superficially agreed and immediately began to plot to usurp the throne after Chen Yizong's death.

In short, this guy is mature and proficient in power. He is by no means the honest old Confucian he seems on the surface. He is an out-and-out senior conspirator and careerist, and he has extremely rich experience in political struggles. Jiang Xinghuo is afraid that he I was led into the ditch by this old guy without paying attention, so I didn't want to have any trouble with him at all.

This has nothing to do with the fact that it is not good for Zhu Di to know about it, because before this, it was taboo to have contact with Hu Jiyou, but after the Hu family and his son offered their surrender and accepted the clothes and titles given by Zhu Di, that was He is a serious minister of the Ming Dynasty, and normal official contacts are nothing.

"He came to see Vice President Xie? Vice President Xie is recuperating at home." Jiang Xinghuo replied without raising his head.

"Told him."

Chai Che was a little helpless and added: "That's why he asked to see you."

Jiang Xinghuo thought for a while, maybe there was another person who was also mature and proficient in power and could compete with him.

"Please ask Vice President Yao to see him."

Chai Che was stunned. This was the first time he heard such a formal title from the Imperial Preceptor's mouth, which should appear in the president's reform affairs yamen.

Generally, other people, including Jiang Xinghuo, call Yao Guangxiao, usually "Rongguo Gong", "Master", "Old Monk" and the like. Basically no one calls him "Vice President Yao", which is a slightly lower title. So much so that diesel cars are a bit uncomfortable.

But Jiang Xinghuo's official business was impeccable in terms of system and process, because the president's reform affairs office did have two vice presidents. You should talk to the vice presidents in advance.

Jiang Xinghuo didn't take this matter seriously, because it was just a trivial matter in his daily life. When Zhu Di asked him how to arrange the arrangements for the Hu family and his son, he asked Hu Jima to participate in the revision of "Yongle Dadian". It was just a casual mention by him.

But two hours later, Yao Guangxiao knocked on his door.

Judging from the expression of the prime minister in black, things are not that simple.

"I think you should talk to him."

I hope everyone can go to bed early, don't stay up late, have a good rest and live a healthy life.