Chapter 77 The scapegoat
Zhu Xizhong's gratitude to Emperor Chengzu far exceeded that of any other emperor in the Ming Dynasty.
The ancestors once said that if there had been no Emperor Chengzu, the best outcome for the Zhu family at this moment would have been to lead troops in some remote place.
If things went wrong, he would have become a pauper by now.
Therefore, every year during the ancestor worship ceremony, Zhu Xizhong would devoutly burn incense to Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di.
"Heroes also need the times."
Zhu Xizhong said to his aide Huang Liao in the duty room.
Huang Liao stroked his beard and smiled, "Why should you be so modest, Duke? When your majesty was trapped in the sea of fire, everyone knew that Lu Bing had saved him, but few knew that your majesty was also one of the heroes who saved him."
"Why do you bring up those things?" Zhu Xizhong stroked his wristband. "Lu Bing is your majesty's foster brother. He has no foundation at all and can only rely on your majesty. The Chengguo Mansion is quite famous among the nobles and the military. If I learn from Lu Bing and have people quietly spread the news of my rescue, what do you think of me, the Zhu family?"
"Adding fuel to the fire will only add fuel to the fire," said Huang Liao.
"The Zhu family doesn't need these." Zhu Xizhong said, "What the Zhu family needs is... military merit!"
"Yes! Only military merit can continue to be the glory of the Chengguo Mansion. Otherwise... in a few years, when people mention Chengguo Mansion, they will probably just think of it as a noble family that just wants to get by." Huang Liao felt a little sympathetic towards his boss, "But there is no war at the moment."
Just like the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion, after Zhang Fu, it gradually became a parasite class that only lived to eat and wait for death, and its reputation was not good.
Although Zhu Xizhong looks like a playboy, he is actually very persistent and wants to restore the reputation of his ancestors.
"Yes, but it's not my turn." Zhu Xizhong pointed at himself, and the old dandy's breath broke out. "No matter how much your majesty trusts me, he dare not let me lead the army. Otherwise, I will doubt whether the Ming Dynasty still has hope when your majesty is so stupid."
Huang Liao smiled bitterly, but he knew that Zhu Xizhong was telling the truth.
"Dong Chengguo."
Someone came to report, "His Majesty ordered the Duke to go."
"immediately."
Zhu Xizhong stood up and wiped his face, and the loyal Duke Chengguo came back again.
He smiled all the way to the outside of the palace, and everyone who saw Zhu Xizhong felt that Duke Cheng was kind and gentle.
This was also Zhu Xizhong's ability, he was good at making friends. With this ability, he enjoyed honor and favor throughout three dynasties.
If he could make some achievements in military affairs, Zhu Xizhong felt that he would have the nerve to challenge his ancestors when he met them after his death.
Huang Jin came out and saw that it was Zhu Xizhong. He smiled and said, "The Duke is really fast."
"Your Majesty summons me, I wish I could fly here with wings." Zhu Xizhong smiled kindly, "By the way, it looks hot today, I'll send you some good things to cool you down later, you can try them too."
“You’re welcome.” Huang Jin nodded.
I couldn't help but compare Zhu Xizhong and Xia Yan in my mind.
Zhu Xizhong is sincere and kind to others. Xia Yan said that eunuchs should not interfere in government affairs, otherwise they would be beaten to death. If anyone dares to deceive the king, I will definitely kill him.
Zhu Xizhong went in and saw Emperor Jiajing reading a book, so he bowed to him.
"coming."
"Yes."
"Your ancestor was a great general under Emperor Chengzu. By your generation's time, your treatment of others was similar to that of the nobles who just lived a life of idleness and waiting to die. You were quite outstanding."
Zhu Xizhong's old face turned red.
"I once heard you mutter that you wanted to revive your ancestors' martial arts. Is that true?"
Zhu Xizhong was stunned, "How did your majesty know this?"
Emperor Jiajing couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority in his heart, "Don't worry about how I know this, I just want to ask you, do you have such thoughts?"
"Of course there are." Zhu Xizhong sighed, "But military affairs are so important. I have never fought in a war, so I dare not harm the country."
"Those who only talk about war on paper are fools, but I can give you this opportunity."
"Your Majesty, where is the war?" Zhu Xizhong was delighted, "I am willing to be your deputy."
"Fortunately, you didn't say you were in charge of the army, otherwise I would have kicked you to the southwest."
"I don't want to associate with those idiots from the Mu family." Zhu Xizhong made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the Mu family.
There has been constant internal strife within the Mu family, Duke of Qian, and they are too lazy to hide the news, so everyone in the capital who is interested knows about it.
Emperor Jiajing said calmly, "I want to send someone to inspect the guards in the capital and see if they can cheer them up. Someone recommended you. Are you willing to go?"
What a great opportunity!
Zhu Xizhong was overjoyed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go."
Although he was a military hero, Zhu Xizhong was very careful to keep his distance from the army and never gave the outside world any suspicion that he was interfering in the military.
It is this prudence that has allowed the Zhu family to remain wealthy and prosperous.
Now that Emperor Jiajing has spoken, Zhu Xizhong naturally has nothing to worry about.
"In this case, I will wait for the good news you are waiting for."
Zhu Xizhong took his leave, looking somewhat excited.
After he left, he turned around and asked Huang Jin, "Who recommended me?"
I will definitely chop off a chicken's head and burn yellow paper with him later.
"Long Wilbur."
Uh!
Zhu Xizhong was startled, and then asked, "Old Huang, you just leaked the news, aren't you afraid of His Majesty's punishment?"
People around the emperor should speak less and keep their mouths shut.
Huang Jin smiled and turned to go in.
"Have you said it?" Emperor Jiajing asked calmly.
"Yes, I told Duke Cheng that it was Lord Changwei who recommended him."
"He must be shocked, right?"
"No one is wiser than you, Your Majesty."
Emperor Jiajing silently read the book. After a long time, he was tired, closed the book, rubbed his eyes, and said, "I have been thinking about it for a long time these days. The various malpractices of the guards in the capital are accumulated over the years. Are all the generals, the five military governors, and the ministers of the Ministry of War blind and deaf and ignorant of these things?"
He stood up and patted his back which was sore from sitting for so long. "They know. But they don't dare to do anything. The water here is very deep! Whoever touches it may cause a backlash in the army..."
Huang Jin smiled and said, "Just take your time."
"It seems that Qingzhi knows the danger, but he is still willing to take the risk. This kid is so sensible that it makes me feel distressed."
Emperor Jiajing sighed, "He recommended Zhu Xizhong... Huang Jin, what do you think of Duke Cheng?"
Huang Jin thought for a moment, "It's great to be a friend. It's great to be a subject. But... I don't know about being a military commander."
This statement is obscure, but it points out Zhu Xizhong's characteristics.
——This is just a military achievement that only exists on paper. Don’t count on him in battle.
"Even you know this, but Qingzhi recommended him without hesitation. It was not to help himself, but because he was worried that someone would impeach him for plotting something bad. Zhu Xizhong is by his side, just like a military supervisor. But why do you have to be so cautious, kid? Why do you have to be so cautious?"
"I originally wanted to let the Five Military Commanders' Office or the Ministry of War send someone to take the lead, but..." Emperor Jiajing stopped and ordered: "Let Zhu Xizhong take the lead in this matter."
"Yes."
Huang Jin agreed and prepared to send someone to pass on the message.
Then the Emperor Jiajing said: "Zhu Xizhong is good at making friends and has countless friends. Good thing."
Is this a good thing?
Huang Jin became more and more confused.
When he came back, he vaguely heard Emperor Jiajing whisper, "I have many friends, so I think it will be easier to take the blame."
Huang Jin looked in the direction of Zhilu, thinking of Zhu Xizhong's previous joy, and couldn't help but mourn for him for a moment.
……
If Jiang Qingzhi wanted to save the Ming Dynasty and increase the prosperity of the country, it would be impossible for him to do it alone. The only way was to make as many friends as possible. The literati and officials were naturally in conflict with this matter and were destined to be enemies.
What about the nobles?
Zhu Xizhong is the top among the nobles.
Among the military men, Zhang Da and others are representatives.
Jiang Qingzhi, a relative by marriage, also spotted Lu Wei.
In this way, each circle will try to attract as many representative and powerful figures as possible to strengthen the relationships so that it will be easier to operate later.
Jiang Qingzhi swore that his purpose in recommending Zhu Xizhong was to win over an ally.
The Chengguo Mansion has a high prestige among the nobles and relatives. The old playboy is good at making friends and can also win over some people for Jiang Qingzhi.
Friends, the more the better.
When Jiang Qingzhi returned home, before he had time to drink a sip of water, Zhu Xizhong came.
The old dandy held his hand, his eyes slightly red, and repeatedly asked people to find a rooster and yellow paper, insisting on becoming sworn brothers with Jiang Qingzhi.
"Don't worry!" Jiang Qingzhi said. He was not used to such a relationship between brothers of the opposite sex.
"Do you dislike your brother?" Zhu Xizhong said dissatisfiedly.
"Do we need a chicken and a pile of yellow paper to prove that we are brothers?" Jiang Qingzhi sighed, "I thought we were brothers a long time ago."
"Qingzhi..." Zhu Xizhong was moved.
"Bring some wine." The old dude went crazy and immediately asked someone to get some good wine. He got Jiang Qingzhi drunk and also got himself drunk.
This guy pulled Jiang Qingzhi aside and insisted on becoming sworn brothers with him.
Fu Cheng wanted to stop him, but Dou Jialan quietly pulled him aside and whispered, "Duke Cheng has many friends, which is not a bad thing."
Fucheng thought so too.
"One bow."
"Two obeisances..."
"Three bows... to send off... my good brother!"
"Okay... okay!" Jiang Qingzhi drank so hard that his eyes and mouth were crooked.
Zhu Xizhong called his attendants in and pointed at Jiang Qingzhi, "Call... call him Second Duke. That's wrong. It sounds bad. Call... call him Second Master."
"Second Master!"
The attendants saluted.
Jiang Qingzhi was drunk and said, "What second master? Jia Zheng? Where is Baoyu? Where is Sister Lin? Someone, bring Wang to me, that vicious woman. Return Sister Lin to me."
Not long after, the angry roar of Emperor Jiajing was heard from Xiyuan.
"I was wondering why that boy didn't care about his marriage. It turns out that he has a sister named Lin. Let Lu Bing check that Wang and find Lin."
When Jinyiwei received the task, Lu Bing did not dare to delay and immediately sent people on horseback to Suzhou Prefecture to look for a woman named Lin Daiyu and a woman named Wang.
"Also, ask about a man named Jia Zheng."
Lu Bing finished his instructions in the middle of the night. Zhu Hao yawned and said, "By the way, Commander, I heard that His Majesty ordered Duke Cheng to lead the inspection of the guards in the capital, with Jiang Qingzhi as his deputy."
"That's a tough job. If it goes wrong..." Lu Bing's eyes were filled with a cold look. "Once there's a commotion in the army, the person in charge will be thrown out by His Majesty as a scapegoat. Zhu Xizhong... why not Jiang Qingzhi?"
Zhu Hao said regretfully: "Yes! If Jiang Qingzhi was the leader, we could be ruthless."
Lu Bing sneered, "Do you think Yan Song and his men are afraid of Zhu Xizhong?"
"The commander's intention is..."
"If something goes wrong, Zhu Xizhong will be in trouble. Can Jiang Qingzhi, his deputy, stay out of it?"
……
The next day, Zhu Xizhong arrived early.
"Greetings, Second Master." Zhu Xizhong's entourage saluted.
Hey!
So embarrassing!
Jiang Qingzhi smiled bitterly.
"Although His Majesty didn't say it, I know that His Majesty is paving the way for you." Zhu Xizhong is not a fool. "Where do you think we should start with this matter?"
"Among all the guards in the capital, the one I'm most familiar with is the Huben Zuowei." The last time Chen Ji, a captain of the Huben Zuowei, killed the head of the Ministry of Works, it was Jiang Qingzhi who discovered the trick.
"In that case, we will go to the Tiger Guards and attack them first."
Zhu Xizhong walked out of the Jiang family's gate with great interest, but when he turned around, he saw Jiang Qingzhi thinking.
"Celebrate it."
After waking up from the drunkenness in the morning, Jiang Qingzhi began to ponder the intention of Emperor Jiajing in letting Zhu Xizhong take charge of this matter.
At this moment, he thought of the reason.
He was the one who recommended Zhu Xizhong, so would he refuse to honor him?
Therefore, in this inspection of the guards, there was no difference in rank between him and Zhu Xizhong... Moreover, he had experience in fighting against Japanese pirates twice in the south, so Zhu Xizhong could only rely on him.
Then, there is a reason why Emperor Jiajing took such an unnecessary action.
This is to make Zhu Xizhong take the blame.
Brother!
Why are you so...
It makes it impossible for people to do anything dirty!
Jiang Qingzhi smiled bitterly.
Seeing this, Zhu Xizhong said softly, "Your Majesty's intention is known to me. This is a good opportunity to revive the reputation of Duke Cheng, but why is this opportunity given to me? What can I do?
When it comes to the use of troops, Qingzhi, you have real military achievements in the south, but I can't even talk about it on paper.
So, your majesty is asking me to protect you from some storms, and that's not a big deal. So, you've made a fortune. Don't worry!"
No one is a fool!
Jiang Qingzhi's bitter smile was seen as guilt in Zhu Xizhong's eyes, which made Zhu Xizhong even more emotional.
"We brothers have joined forces, who are we afraid of?!"
…………
Qiu Luan was drinking with a few military heroes at home. When he was half drunk, someone came in and whispered something in his ear.
"What's the matter?" The military hero opposite him glanced at him and asked.
"Jiang Qingzhi and Zhu Xizhong have joined forces and are preparing to purge the Tiger Guards." Qiu Luan said with a fierce smile: "Everyone, this guy is our great enemy, what should we do?"
The military hero laughed strangely, "Okay, I have someone in the Huben Zuowei, let him make things difficult for Jiang Qingzhi, no, trip him up!"
"When he arrives, we will have our people take leave and make him lose all face."
"Let our people pretend to obey but secretly collude with him. We must make him suffer a lot!"
Qiu Luan raised his glass, a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, and he said softly: "Little bastard, do you think the army is your garden? I will let you know that the biggest mistake you have made in your life is to offend me!"
……
It will be available on the shelves after 12 o'clock tonight, and will be updated quickly once it is available.
(End of this chapter)
