Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The afterglow of the setting sun lay flat on the surface of the Taiye Lake, and the slightly rippling lake surface flashed with waves.

Zhu Youtang felt the frankness of the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and immediately expressed his position: "Liu Qing is an honest person, and you are the first person to say so frankly that you want to seek an official position! I do not object to you seeking an official position, on the contrary. I actually want you to seek an official position, but if you want to be promoted from me, you have to show your political achievements!" After a pause, he said seriously: "If you can make actual achievements as the governor of Liaodong, even if there is no position for the six ministers, There will also be a place for you in the cabinet!”

"Your Majesty's kindness is as great as a mountain, and I can only die to repay your kindness!" Liu Xuan never expected that Zhu Youtang was so kind, and he immediately burst into tears to express his loyalty.

In fact, he was different from those officials who coveted power. Those people wanted to be promoted for status and power. The reason why he coveted the Six Ministers was just to accompany the wise emperor and witness the arrival of the prosperous age with his own eyes.

From Wang Yue's effectiveness in rectifying the salt policy, to the appalling roll of unruly people, and various tough foreign policies, he became more and more convinced that a prosperous age would come.

Now he has no other wish but to get a position as Minister of the Sixth Ministry. He can sit in the front row of every top-level meeting and witness the implementation of the policy with his own eyes.

Liu Jin couldn't see through Liu Xuan's heart, let alone Liu Xuan's true thoughts, but she still felt a sense of admiration.

Even though this skinny little old man is greedy for power, is he not a gentleman? How many people can dare to speak out their thoughts about seeking an official position?

Zhu Youtang put down the tea cup gently and asked seriously: "He Cong and Liu Zhong both made some requests when they went to Shandong. I wonder what you want when you go to Liaodong?"

Shang Fang's sword?

Liu Jin knew that Zhu Youtang had never been a stingy emperor, so he couldn't help but look at Liu Xuan curiously.

"I want a word from Your Majesty!" Liu Xuan thought about it seriously and immediately put forward the conditions.

Zhu Youtang was stunned for a moment, and then asked in confusion: "What word?"

"Empty talk will harm the country, but hard work will make it prosperous!" Liu Xuan had already memorized Zhu Youtang's wise words earlier, and now he took the opportunity to ask for it.

Zhu Youtang took a serious look at the Zuo Shilang, who had always been inconspicuous, but he knew that this man had really listened to his political ideas and was working hard to transform into the minister he hoped for.

He has always wanted to find a minister who can truly connect with him, and now the skinny little old man in front of him looks very much like the person he is looking for.

Naturally, Zhu Youtang would not be stingy with a single word, so he agreed directly.

It was at this time that the smell of the grilled fish wafted nearby, which attracted the attention of the two of them, and Liu Xuan couldn't help but salivate.

Guo Yong is a master at grilling fish. The yellow sea bass that was alive and kicking just now is already sizzling on the charcoal fire and is turning into a brown delicacy.

Guo Yong skillfully sprinkled some cumin and pepper on top, and used a brush to apply a layer of oil and sauce on the fish. Suddenly, the aroma in the air became stronger.

Zhu Youtang noticed Liu Xuan's reaction and said generously: "Guo Yong's grilled fish is a masterpiece, so you can try his skills here!"

"My servant's ability to grill the fish so well is all due to your majesty's guidance. I don't dare to take credit!" Guo Yong said modestly, and then continued to brush the sauce and said: "Master Liu, this is the fish your majesty caught. It’s a blessing to taste it!”

"Thank you for your grace!" Liu Xuan naturally did not dare to go against Zhu Youtang's wishes, so he immediately swallowed and spat.

Liu Jin met with a young eunuch, and then came over to report: "Your Majesty, Mr. Wange wants to see you!"

Zhu Youtang responded, lowered the pole again, and continued to enjoy fishing.

It is dusk now, which can be said to be the golden period for fishing. More and more fish are coming around to look for food. Even if you can't catch it, there is always a signal, and just competing with the fish is a pleasure.

As for the catch, there is no need to worry about not being able to dispose of it now. Not to mention that he occasionally eats fish, but now there are many people in the palace, and he can also give it to the ministers below.

Wan An was wearing a brand new python robe. His face was eroded by time, and his figure was stooped, but his body still looked strong and he walked steadily.

Every day, rain or shine, he came to the new pavilion of the Yangxin Hall to be on duty, drafting memorials diligently, and could be said to be the minister who shouldered the most burdens for Zhu Youtang.

Although he was favored by Zhu Youtang, he was a man who knew the rules. When he saw Zhu Youtang fishing here, he stood aside and waited politely.

For a long time, a water dragonfly rested on the water plants in the lake, suddenly frightened and flew to the distant water.

The fish mark sank, Zhu Youtang quickly raised the rod with quick eyes and hands, and a yellow perch about the same size as before was lifted up and then dropped to the open ground.

Wan An's eyes lit up, and he immediately stepped forward to catch the lively fish and said, "Your Majesty is really a proficient fisher, and he is so accurate at catching every fish. This is probably the only one in the world!"

"Stop flattering me here! You should have smelled the aroma of grilled fish just now. Did you come here to eat fish in the name of showing off?" Zhu Youtang put down the fishing rod in his hand and exposed it directly. .

Wan An took the fish off the hook and put it skillfully in the bucket. "Sure enough, nothing can escape His Majesty's eyes! I do want to eat grilled fish, but I also have some not-so-important things to report." , so it’s not considered deceiving!”

"Then you eat the fish here first. If you have anything to do, we'll talk to you later!" Zhu Youtang lowered his pole again and said calmly.

Although the power of the civil service group must be weakened, it must also cultivate some of its own team, and a veteran minister like Wan An who can draft memorials for himself and is loyal will naturally receive preferential treatment.

In fact, not only Wan'an, but also people like Li Yu, Du Ming, Jia Jun, etc. would not act like an emperor when they came over. The ministers who should be polite still had to be polite.

Since he wants others to be loyal to him wholeheartedly, he cannot imitate Zhu Youjian's meanness and unkindness, but must pay equal attention to kindness and power, and even more appropriately shorten the distance.

Liu Xuan had been silently observing the monarch and his ministers from the side. Seeing the way Wan An and Zhu Youtang got along, he felt envious in his heart.

If you can get this kind of supreme grace, then your life will be worth it.

Wan An did not dare to disturb Zhu Youtang's fishing, so he quietly stepped aside and asked Liu Xuan next to him: "Liu Shilang, are you sure you want to go to Liaodong?"

These words are quite artistic. On the surface, they are concerned about Liu Xuan's whereabouts, but in fact they are trying to find out the result of the conversation between Liu Xuan and Zhu Youtang through this insinuating method.

"Your Majesty has approved it!" Liu Xuan was not alienated by Wan'an's poor reputation, and immediately responded respectfully.

Wan'an noticed that there were three porcelain plates prepared here. He couldn't help but look at Liu Xuan and warned him seriously: "Liu Shilang, this Liao salt is very shallow. I'm afraid it won't be easy for you to clean up the Liao salt this time." !”

"Please give me some advice from Mr. Wange!" Liu Xuan realized that Wan'an knew the situation more deeply, so he humbly asked for advice.

Wan'an's face was no longer as flattering as before, and he looked very shrewd when he said: "Since the 22nd year of Chenghua, there have been no applicants for Liaoning Salt Merchants, and the Ministry of Household Affairs was forced to sell salt instead! The quality of Liaodong Salt Poor, in fact, is the excuse made by those people. The world's salt industry has always attracted businessmen, so how can any businessman ignore the salt industry? In the final analysis, they feel that the work of transporting grain is too hard, and they are determined to unite to force the court to make concessions. If you want to spend a little money, just get the salt!"

If the Liao salt industry is a game, then in the 22nd year of Chenghua's battle, the Hubu led by Li Min was completely defeated by the Liao salt merchants.

Zhu Youtang seemed to have quick eyesight and quick hands to lift a fish. Although the joy of catching the fish welled up in his heart, he felt resentful about the current situation of Liaoyan.

If Huaiyan still wants to save face, at least the original history was to wait until Xu Pu and Ye Qi came to power before abolishing the Kaizhong Law, while Liaoyan had already been abolished by officials and salt merchants.

The Kaizhong Law, which had been running smoothly for more than a hundred years, suddenly failed to be implemented. Salt had to be sold in order to obtain silver. It can only be said that the growth of the official and gentry class was indeed a major disaster for the imperial court.

"In the opinion of Mr. Wange, how should we break the situation?" Liu Xuan also realized that the water in Liaoyan was very deep, so he seriously asked for advice.

Wanan did not profit from Liao Salt, so he expressed his position with murderous intent: "Do you still need to ask? Who is the problem? Who is corrupting Liao Salt's salt policy? Just like Wang Yue, pick up a stick and beat him down. That’s it!”

Liu Xuan didn't expect that Wan An, who was already quite old, could still be so energetic. He didn't know how to answer the question for a moment, and couldn't help but reach out and touch his nose in embarrassment.

"Mr. Wange, you are just worried that the world will not be in chaos!" Zhu Youtang picked up the hot tea that had just been brewed and scolded him directly.

When Wan An saw that the topic aroused Zhu Youtang's interest, he immediately smiled and said: "Your Majesty, you should use strict rules to deal with illegal and profiteers. This is what you said!"

"I did say it, but you only saw Wang Yue beating people, but they hit people with a stick by holding their pigtails, and they didn't just hit people randomly! If you hit people with a stick without a reason, it's an official's fault. Chapter meetings are piled up on my desk, do you think I should deal with Minister Liu then?" Zhu Youtang took a sip of tea and was very preachy.

"If I make it so difficult for Your Majesty, that would be my disloyalty!" Liu Xuan immediately expressed his attitude, and then said his plan: "What Mr. Wange just said makes sense, we should use heavy blows against unscrupulous businessmen. When I went to Liaodong, I first pretended to attract business, and then arranged for people to pretend to be salt merchants to participate. The group of illegal salt merchants will definitely stop or recruit them to join the group, and then the group of illegal salt merchants may be punished!"

Zhu Youtang and Wan An exchanged silent glances and realized that the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs was indeed not an ordinary person, and he might be the next Wang Yue.

Once this strategy of luring the snake out of its hole works, Liaodong will surely be flooded with heads again.

Tingchao Pavilion is definitely the most suitable place for outdoor barbecue.

Guo Yong has a talent as a chef. Three fragrant grilled fish have been grilled. After being plated, the grilled fish were delivered to the three of them.

Zhu Youtang has finished fishing and is sitting on the high platform in front of the pavilion.

It can be said that he eats delicacies from the mountains and seas every day, but enjoying the grilled fish he just caught in this pleasant place has a unique flavor.

Although Wan An is old, his teeth seem to be in good shape and he especially likes to eat fish maw. Now paired with palace jade liquor, it can be said to be one of the great pleasures in life.

Liu Xuan looked flattered while enjoying the grilled fish in front of the table. He didn't know whether it was Guo Yong who grilled it well, or the fish caught by His Majesty was specially stained with dragon spirit, which made him feel that this kind of grilled fish should only be found in heaven.

"There are recent rumors in the capital that Your Majesty is going to send troops to Huguang, but I don't know what His Majesty thinks?" Wan An asked seriously when he saw Zhu Youtang stopping his chopsticks.

When Liu Xuan saw Wan An speaking, he gently placed his chopsticks on the table, then turned to look at Zhu Youtang, his heart full of curiosity.

"Someone in Huguang dares to collude with bandits to attack the imperial envoy. The court cannot sit idly by and watch. I really have the idea of ​​suppressing him!" Zhu Youtang found that the grilled fish must be paired with fine wine, so he picked up the wine glass and said calmly.

"I wonder which camp your Majesty plans to send?" Wan An asked after realizing that he had guessed correctly.

Zhu Youtang took a sip of wine and asked, "Who said I was going to send the Beijing army?"

Huh?

Liu Xuan picked up the wine glass and looked at Zhu Youtang with confusion.

"Your Majesty, if the Beijing army is not sent, what kind of army can the local army send?" Wan An frowned slightly, looking very puzzled.

"Nanjing garrison eunuch Wang Zhi recently requested an order to lead the Thousand Divine Machine Battalion to Huguang to suppress the situation, and I have agreed!" Zhu Youtang knew that there was no need to hide this matter, so he revealed it directly.

Liu Xuan knew that His Majesty valued Wang Zhi, who was good at commanding troops, but when he heard that there were only a thousand people, he couldn't help but worry that Wang Zhi might return without success with this small number of people.

But then again, once Wang Zhi leads a battalion of troops there, not to mention that this will consume a lot of military rations and cause great damage to the place.

Bandits are like combs, and soldiers are like goads. This is a bloody lesson since ancient times. The imperial court really does not have to go to war over a trivial matter in Huguang.

When Wan An heard that it was the dignified Nanjing garrison eunuch Wang Zhi who led his troops there, Wan An couldn't help but worry: "If Wang Zhi leaves Nanjing, what will happen to Nanjing's security?"

"Nanjing cannot defend itself without Wang Zhi, so Nanjing officials can all be replaced!" Zhu Youtang looked at the wine in the cup and said with his own principles.

Wan An discovered that this was indeed the case and quickly expressed his position: "I made a mistake. Wang Zhi's departure is indeed irrelevant. The Marquis of Funing will definitely keep Nanjing safe!"

Since the incident at Chengguo Palace, the Nanjing garrison naturally needed to be replaced, and Funing Marquis Zhu Yong was selected by Zhu Youtang to take up this post. However, I am afraid only Zhu Youtang knows whether this appointment will be promoted or demoted.

Now that the Ming Dynasty is internally stable, not to mention Nanzhili, which has always been stable, even Huguang, which has just been turbulent, cannot really cause any big commotion.

The reason why local officials are afraid of local officials and gentry is mainly because they are worried about their black hats. It's just that the local officials and gentry want to rebel, so they must have a different face, but they get to power through the corpse of the official and gentry.

"Huguang is nothing to worry about. What I'm most worried about now is Datong!" Zhu Youtang drank all the wine in his glass and expressed his worries.