Chapter 81: One Rider and Juechen
Outside the West Garden, an old man said, "I am Chen Mian, your servant, please see your majesty."
Behind the old man was Chen Bao, who was furious at the moment and said to the old man, "Grandfather, I will definitely teach Jiang Qingzhi a lesson this time."
Chen Mian felt that he was lucky.
When the Ming Dynasty was founded, Chen's ancestors were generals in the Yuan army. When Taizu's army besieged the city, they decisively turned against the Yuan Dynasty.
During the Jingnan Campaign, when Chengzu's army approached the capital, Chen's ancestor at that time decisively led his troops to surrender, completing his self-salvation at the last moment.
The subsequent heads of the family were mediocre, and the Chen family gradually became a impoverished family among the circle of nobles and relatives.
Until the Great Etiquette Dispute, Chen Mian thought about it and felt that he had nothing to lose, so he decided to give it a try. So Chen Mian submitted a memorial to the emperor, siding with the Jiajing Emperor.
——That is your Majesty’s biological father. How can your Majesty set an example for the world if your biological father doesn’t recognize him?
These words deeply moved the young Emperor Jiajing. From then on, Chen Mian caught the eye of Emperor Jiajing and rose rapidly in succession.
Chen Mian is old now, and he likes to wander around the capital when he has nothing to do. He has also heard the gossip that Emperor Jiajing beat up his cousin. Today, his grandson Chen Bao came back and cried that he was humiliated by Jiang Qingzhi, and Chen Mian couldn't help but get angry.
"Even if he is your Majesty's cousin, he cannot humiliate the Chen family like this!" Chen Mian patted his grandson's shoulder, "Don't worry."
After Emperor Jiajing retired to the Western Garden, most ministers would not come to see him unless necessary... For many matters, they could just submit memorials to the emperor.
Chen Mian was walking in the West Garden, thinking about the recent topics in the circle of nobles and relatives.
The crown prince's position was secure, but the two princes, especially Prince Jing, were deeply loved by Emperor Jiajing.
As the saying goes, the emperor is permanent, but the prince is transient. From ancient times to the present, being a prince is the most dangerous profession.
When the emperor is short-lived or in poor health, the prince is extremely noble.
When the emperor is strong and healthy and seems to have a long life ahead of him, the prince is in danger.
Seeing that he was getting old but the prince was still in his prime, the sense of crisis made the emperor, who was increasingly obsessed with power and reluctant to leave the world, feel murderous intent.
Even if I kill the prince, I will still be the supreme ruler.
Emperor Jiajing practiced Taoism for a long time, so long that people speculated again and again when this emperor would fall. After all, this emperor not only practiced Taoism, but also made elixirs.
In history, emperors who took elixirs rarely lived long lives.
But unexpectedly, Emperor Jiajing grew younger and younger under the watchful eyes of everyone, while the prime ministers were replaced one after another.
Therefore, some people could not help but think of the prince’s crisis.
Some people even wonder if they can start from the dragon and join the team.
For example, King Jing.
Chen Mian was wondering whether he needed to choose a side.
It was not until he met Emperor Jiajing that he gave up this idea.
"His Majesty."
After Chen Mian saluted, he sighed, "Today, Chang Wei Bo was furious in the Huben Zuowei, expelling soldiers and humiliating generals... After hearing about it, I am worried..."
Needless to say, Emperor Jiajing knew what he was worried about. He was worried that the Tiger Guards and Left Guards would make a commotion and cause a stir in the capital.
Trouble can happen anywhere, but not in the capital. Even a small incident will be regarded as an important signal if it happens in the capital.
Once the Huben Zuowei starts making trouble, it will be an ominous signal: the world will be unstable.
Chen Mian did not mention his grandson, but expressed his concerns about the matter.
He glanced at Emperor Jiajing and saw that he looked calm, not knowing whether he was happy or angry, so he added: "Your Majesty, it is time to reorganize the guards. I think you can take your time..."
Your Majesty!
You asked the young man Chang Wei Bo to reorganize the Tiger Guard Left Guard. The young man is eager to make achievements and may cause big trouble if he is not careful.
Chen Mian's words can be used to attack or defend.
He lowered his head and waited for the emperor's decision.
After a long while, Emperor Jiajing said quietly, "During the time of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu, the guards not only had to guard the capital, but also had to frighten the enemy once they went out to fight. Today, the guards have become watchdogs."
Chen Mian sighed: "Yes!"
But let's replace it with a veteran general in the army, or someone from the Ministry of War!
Your cousin is not right.
Emperor Jiajing looked at him and suddenly cursed in Anlu dialect, then said: "Successive emperors have spared no effort to rectify the guards in the capital, but the guards are like mud that cannot be supported on the wall.
The Japanese pirates frightened the civil and military officials in the south, and the military garrisons in various places avoided them like a tiger.
Qingzhi, my cousin, is a young man, but he has won two battles. Do you, Chen Mian, know how to reorganize the guards better than him?"
"Your Majesty..." Chen Mian looked up in disbelief.
On the throne, the emperor's eyes were cold.
Like a god looking down on ants!
……
Cui Yuan felt that if he didn't become a royal consort, he would be more than qualified to be a prime minister.
Xia Yan was talented, but he refused to get along with his colleagues, making the court a chaotic place.
Yan Song's greatest talent was to please the emperor.
Of course, there is another advantage, which is that you can give birth to a son.
Cui Yuan also admired Yan Shifan's cleverness.
But that's just appreciation.
Early in the morning, someone came from Yan Song's side.
"What the Prime Minister meant is that we should be cautious about this matter."
"Xia Yan also knows that he supported Zeng Xin in order to gain military merit. Is Yuan Fu trying to avoid suspicion?" Cui Yuan said this with a hint of sarcasm.
The man said, "The Prime Minister said that Jiang Qingzhi has the support of His Majesty after all. If he wants to take action, he must be quick, accurate and ruthless. Otherwise, if he is given the opportunity to maneuver, the Prime Minister will have a hard time explaining to His Majesty."
Cui Yuan narrowed his eyes and said, "Reply to Yuan Fu, I have my own opinion on this matter."
When the messenger returned, Yan Song was not in the duty room. Sitting at his seat reading memorials, and the one who was drafting the memorials from time to time was none other than Yan Shifan.
"Son."
"How is it?" Yan Shifan raised his eyes and rubbed his one eye.
"Cui Yuan is a little proud."
"The older Cui Yuan gets, the more he pursues fame and fortune. Jiang Qingzhi has gained the trust of His Majesty, and he and Lu Bing feel very disappointed. Therefore, it is not us who want to bring down Jiang Qingzhi the most, but them."
Yan Shifan smiled, "I'm sure he and Lu Bing will take action."
Even if it means killing someone with a borrowed knife, the two will do it willingly.
At this time, a man came in and said, "Sir, Lu Bing said that he would have someone keep an eye on the Huben Zuowei, and if he finds an opportunity to take advantage of, he would have someone inform us."
Yan Shifan put down his brush and said calmly, "Let's just watch the show."
Yan Song came back, picked up the memorial drafted by Yan Shifan, and nodded in approval from time to time.
In fact, the suggestions proposed by Yan Shifan were often more favored by Emperor Jiajing than those made by him as the Prime Minister.
Therefore, in many cases, Yan Shifan was more like the prime minister of the Ming Dynasty, while Yan Song was just an assistant.
"Someone just informed me of this." Yan Song looked quite pleased. "Zhu Xizhong and Jiang Qingzhi arrived at the Huben Zuowei and drove away several generals."
"How brave!" Yan Shifan's eyes were filled with admiration. "Dad, the guards have been rotten for a long time, and it is difficult to recover without strong medicine. Jiang Qingzhi did nothing wrong."
"But he has no foundation in the army. Once he causes trouble, Your Majesty will not be able to protect him!" Yan Song stroked his beard and smiled.
"Dad, why do you think His Majesty ordered Zhu Xizhong to be the leader?" Yan Shifan said indifferently, "It is to make Zhu Xizhong a wooden statue to intimidate the army."
"Can it be suppressed?" Yan Song said with a smile: "If it is a small fight, it will be fine. If it gets bigger, Zhu Xizhong will be humiliated."
"So, look!" Yan Shifan sighed, "The corruption of the guards is heartbreaking. But it's not easy to move. Once you move, you will offend countless people. We are already in a difficult situation, and we have made too many enemies... It's not appropriate."
"That's right." "Prime Minister!" Someone came in. "Chen Mian's grandson was expelled from the Tiger Guard Left Guard, so he came to see Your Majesty."
"It has begun." Yan Song said in a deep voice: "You will suffer for your own sins!"
……
"Tell them to take advantage of this opportunity to let the people in Huben Zuowei make trouble. The law does not punish the masses! What are you afraid of?"
Cui Yuan waved his hand and his entourage left.
……
"Find out the news, and report immediately if there is any change."
Lu Bing said gloomily.
……
At this moment, Mu Shu was in a temple in the city.
The monk in charge of reception was by his side, introducing the history of the temple with a smile.
"...Xuan Zang once came to my humble temple and left his calligraphy..."
"Really? May I have the pleasure of seeing it?"
Yunnan has a pleasant climate, with no extreme heat in summer. After arriving in Beijing, Mu Shu was not used to the hot weather.
Taking a slow walk under the shade of trees, listening to the chirping of cicadas, one can feel as if one is out of this world.
"The calligraphy was lost during the war." The monk in charge of reception said embarrassedly.
"What a pity." Mu Shu said.
The monk in charge of reception stole a glance at the noble lady from the side. She had a slender nose, skin as white as cream, and her eyes blinking gently, which made her heart beat fast.
The monk in charge of receiving guests quickly withdrew his gaze and silently chanted the Buddha's name in his heart.
"Third Lady!"
An attendant came after him, but the monk in charge of reception tactfully walked away.
Mu Shu turned around.
"Madam San, I was ordered to go and see that old friend of the Mu family, but he wasn't there. I asked, and he said that there was a big commotion in the Tiger Guards' Left Guard today, so I went... to take a look."
"They are here to watch the fun!" Mu Shu knew the character of these nobles. They had nothing to do and ate all day long. When they heard that there was something fun to watch, they were more enthusiastic than anyone else. "What happened to the Tiger Guards?"
The attendant said, "It is said that Changwei Bo Jiang Qingzhi was ordered to inspect the left guard of the Tiger Guards. As soon as he arrived, he drove away the soldiers and caused a riot."
Mu Shu was startled and thought of the handsome young man.
"he?"
The attendant said, "It is said that the guards in the capital are very dissatisfied."
Mu Shu frowned, "Why are you so anxious? It's just because you are too young."
……
Tiger Guard Left Guard.
The soldiers were watching the fun from all around.
The generals, led by Huang Sande, were running around the camp.
Before long, most of the generals were panting like dead dogs, staggering, and it was more like walking than running.
"Stone!"
Jiang Qingzhi pointed at the generals who had fallen behind and said, "Fight!"
"Order!"
Sun Chonglou happily picked up a big stick and went over to beat him.
Zhu Xizhong's followers glanced at him.
Since we are brothers, then... let's die together! Zhu Xizhong gritted his teeth and waved his hand, "Go!"
The followers of the two men attacked, and the generals were beaten so hard that they howled and began to run away.
The soldiers were stunned.
"It is said that Chenbao was driven out."
"That person is someone that even the commander dares not to offend. If Chang Wei Bo uses him to establish his authority, I'm afraid he will end up in trouble!"
"Chen Mian is protecting his own shortcomings. Just wait and see!"
"Most likely they'll come to your door."
Zhu Xizhong was also a little worried, "Qingzhi, how about you just stay away?"
Chen Mian is a senior official, but Zhu Xizhong is even more senior. Without Jiang Qingzhi, would Chen Mian still dare to roar at him, the Duke of Chengguo?
Jiang Qingzhi shook his head, "No need."
"Qingzhi, don't be stubborn..." Zhu Xizhong pointed at a few generals who stopped and turned back to face this side with unfriendly eyes, "Don't force it anymore. Otherwise, there will be chaos."
Jiang Qingzhi held the cigarette between his fingers and said in the smoke, "I say, it's really not necessary."
"Jiang Qingzhi!"
Huang Sande took the lead in roaring.
"Commander!"
His confidant suddenly grabbed his clothes. Huang Sande was furious and turned around and shouted, "Let go!"
"Commander!" The confidant looked towards the camp gate.
Huang Sande followed his gaze and turned slowly.
Outside the camp gate, Chen Bao limped in.
"Is Chen Bao back?"
"Are you going to yell at Jiang Qingzhi right there and then?"
Chen Bao walked up to Jiang Qingzhi.
Dou Jialan held the hilt of the knife.
Zhu Xizhong sneered and prepared to suppress it.
Chen Bao fell to his knees.
"Your humble servant Chen Bao admits his guilt!"
The entire camp fell silent in an instant.
Only Jiang Qingzhi's voice was echoing.
"So what are you waiting for?"
Chen Bao stood up and said, "I obey your orders!"
He turned and ran, and soon surpassed Huang Sande and others...
A horse that leaves the dust behind...
……
Second update.
(End of this chapter)
