In the Ming Dynasty, it was common for officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants to violate regulations in their residences, and it was also a major crime necessary for officials to criticize each other.
For example, among the many black materials about Zhang Juzheng, there is the fabricated statement by someone that "the blood of Jiangling's ointment has dried up, and a forbidden palace has been built" - so if unofficial historians cannot believe it, if Zhang Juzheng built a palace in Jiangling, he would not know anything about archeology.
No trace can be found.
However, a few people are false, and the majority are naturally true.
In the city of Puzhou, Shanxi, due to the large number of people who visit the palace, including ministers, ministers, and court officials, it is especially common for mansions to violate the rules.
He said that since there are many officials, their houses are lined with clouds, their towers are Cui Wei, and they are connected to the sky.
Some of them were liked by the official himself, and some may have been built illegally by his family members behind his back.
It is said that Zhang Siwei, who was appointed Minister of Rites to Ding You, was one of the latter who was deceived by his family and had no idea.
He served as an official in the court for twenty years. When he returned to his hometown, he learned the truth, and then he began to restrain his clan members and rectify the family tradition.
The illegally tall gate in front of the mansion was demolished by Zhang Siwei himself, leaving only a plain and simple front door.
Perhaps, people who are truly prestigious and powerful do not need those floating objects for decoration.
At least the guests who pass by this simple and plain door now are no less respectful than before, and are even more respectful.
A group of Shanxi merchants followed the manager of Zhang's Mansion cautiously and walked into the shabby gate of Zhang's Mansion with their heads buried.
Except for the simplicity of the door.
The depth, courtyard, and height of the Zhang Mansion were also reorganized and repaired in accordance with the requirements of the Ming Dynasty Law.
This shows how strict Mr. Zhang's requirements for etiquette were after he became the Minister of Rites.
The group of people walked through the halls and came to what could be called a deserted courtyard.
"My master is in his period of filial piety. He has been living in a house in another courtyard for the past six months, eating fast and chanting Buddha's name. Please don't think you are too shabby." The steward who walked in front explained politely.
Several Shanxi merchants didn't even dare to say anything.
If other courtyards are said to be deserted, that's because they are overgrown with weeds.
In fact, the scenery is not that bad.
In particular, a small lake dug out in the center has a winding scenery and is particularly pleasing to the eye.
The group crossed the bridge and came to a thatched cottage on a small lake. The steward stopped and motioned to the Shanxi merchants to go in directly.
The Shanxi merchants each looked at each other, looking at this simple thatched hut with worried expressions on their faces. One of them gritted his teeth and took the lead.
Several people pushed open the door and entered.
The inside of the thatched cottage is full of Zen, simple and elegant, and filled with the smell of agarwood.
There is a spiritual throne in the center, followed by incense, a futon, and a man half-kneeling on the futon, reciting Buddhist scriptures.
The Shanxi merchants looked a little embarrassed and saluted one after another.
"The big shopkeeper."
"Master Zhang."
"The big shopkeeper."
Zhang Siwei seemed unaware, just clasped his hands together and muttered sutras.
The Shanxi merchants did not dare to disturb him and waited in agony.
After a long while.
Zhang Siwei changed his movements, folded his hands and caressed his forehead, and bowed to the coffin.
After paying homage, he stood up slowly and looked directly at the people: "Why don't you come to me first before doing business?"
"If something happens now, will you think of me?"
"What did I, the big shopkeeper, do to make you disrespect me so much?"
The expressions of several Shanxi merchants changed.
One of them hurriedly explained: "Big shopkeeper! It's not that I didn't want to come to you before, but you didn't take care of these businesses in the past. I haven't turned around for a while!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the man who had just entered the house suddenly knelt down and howled: "Big shopkeeper, I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have carried out the order privately despite the Chamber of Commerce's prohibition!"
"For the sake of twenty-seven years of friendship, please help me this time!"
The expressions of several other Shanxi merchants suddenly changed and they were at a loss.
Zhang Siwei was silent for a moment and sighed.
Dissatisfied with the lesson, he said: "I am white now, so don't kneel down to me at all times. It is against etiquette, and outsiders will easily laugh at it."
After saying that, he stretched out his hand and helped the person up.
Then he looked at the people in the room and said with a solemn expression: "You and I have been friends for many years. Since you have come to me for help, I will make it clear to you."
"Now the world is in the last days. The country is in many difficulties, border troubles are common, famines are everywhere, evil spirits are appearing frequently, and the people are in exile."
"Because of this, I proposed half a year ago that we Shanxi merchants should form a unified body and integrate the major chambers of commerce so that the top can help the world and the bottom can be independent."
"Just now, Shopkeeper Wu said that in the past, the Chamber of Commerce would not interfere with the affairs of each company. This is no problem."
"But I have to say something here, if you don't want to eat in the same pot, now that something happens to you, I have no reason to help you anymore."
"Are you right, Shopkeeper Wu?"
Zhang Siwei was dressed in coarse linen clothes, with a filial piety hat on his head, and a cold-proof Taoist robe. His temperament alone made him look repulsive to others.
Coupled with his indifferent expression and cold words, his attitude is clearly revealed.
Shopkeeper Wu looked panicked and quickly relented: "Shopkeeper, that's not what I meant..."
Zhang Siwei raised his hand to interrupt him.
Then he shook his head: "You sneaked away to initiate smuggling with Chief Bintu, and that's all you broke your trust with me..."
"A few years ago, he led more than a thousand tribesmen to capture the Western Fans and trade with each other in Liangzhou. How can you be worthy of the country if you are such an enemy?"
"If you ask me, it's a good thing that you were robbed by the White Lotus Sect. Otherwise, if you were discovered by the court, it would be a big disaster for the nine tribes."
"I can't help you with your trouble."
When shopkeeper Wu heard this, he hurriedly knelt down and begged for mercy.
Zhang Siwei turned a blind eye and looked at the other person: "And shopkeeper Cao, don't think that you ran into me because of your salt selling business. That's why I have a prejudice against you. These few dollars can't compare to the friendship between us."
.”
"I just don't understand. Now that the country has reopened to China and France, it is a time when everything is waiting to be done. How can you bear to interfere with it and smuggle and sell salt? Don't you have the overall interests of the people and the court at heart?"
"No one has exposed you, so you have the ability to hide the truth. Now Yin Shidan has caught everything, and the official documents have been sent to the government office. Do you really think that my words can be more useful than Yin Shidan?"
"I can't help you with your matter."
After that, Zhang Siwei looked around at the crowd and sighed: "You don't want to help each other with everyone in the Chamber of Commerce, and you don't want to make as much money as before, so why don't you say a word to me? At worst, I will suffer some losses in private and give you some profits.
I’ll give it to you too.”
"Why bother doing these businesses that betray the country?"
"Now something happened unexpectedly. Isn't it just the fate of heaven?"
After that, he waved his hand and asked a few people to go out.
When several people saw Zhang Siwei speaking so seriously, they were all anxious and broke out in cold sweat.
Then one after another he asked for mercy and surrendered.
Zhang Siwei was indifferent.
The door opened again, and the steward stood at the door holding out his hand to invite someone.
Several people had different expressions, some gritted their teeth and left, some looked downcast, some looked slightly bitter, and turned around and left one after another.
The man who was the first to kneel down and surrender was the last one, but he did not leave immediately. Instead, he gave a big salute again and begged for mercy: "Big shopkeeper, please help me. I know I was wrong this time. From now on, I will listen to the Chamber of Commerce..."
No, I will listen to you! You say go east, but I will never go west!"
After saying that, he kowtowed to the ground with a bang.
Zhang Siwei stared at this person for a long time.
When there were blood stains on the ground, Zhang Siwei nodded reluctantly: "Your family was kidnapped by bandits in Laoqiu Mountain. I can barely pass a few words, so let's try."
After that, he said earnestly: "If you can do business like tea and horses in the mutual market with peace of mind, that's because behind you is the court and the country. You are doing illegal things in private, not to mention that you are taking advantage of others."
But no one can care about it."
The man was relieved and hurriedly swore that he would not do it again.
Then he wiped the blood on his face with his sleeve and staggered away in embarrassment.
After everyone left one after another, the room fell into silence again.
As the agarwood burned quietly, Zhang Siwei casually took off his robe and threw it on the back of the chair.
"Call the third master."
After giving instructions to the steward at the door, he stood by the window with his hands folded and looked at the lake view.
Not long after.
There was movement outside the house.
Zhang Sijiao pushed open the door and entered.
He walked behind Zhang Siwei and called softly: "Brother."
Zhang Sijiao looked at his brother's back and felt that in the past six months, his brother's majesty had become more and more serious.
On the contrary, it is more difficult to breathe than when I was in a high position before.
He often has delusions.
After his father died, this eldest brother became his new father.
Zhang Siwei didn't even look back: "Now that the chickens are killed, things should be smoother later on. Just go ahead and do it."
"But...since I've left the business matters to you, it's best not to ask me to step in like this. My energy is limited after all."
Zhang Sijiao obeyed the instructions honestly: "I will pay attention next time, brother."
Zhang Siwei nodded: "Don't blame Brother Wei for rushing you to do things. Si Duan and your nephews are all staying in the capital now. There are not many people I can trust now. There is really no room for you to continue your romantic life."
Zhang Sijiao pursed his lips and said seriously: "I'm afraid that if I start too slowly, I will delay my brother's affairs."
Zhang Siwei turned around, walked to the chair and sat down: "Oh, by the way, put shopkeeper Chen's family members back."
He almost forgot about it.
After seeing his brother agree, Zhang Siwei asked about the business: "What's the latest news in the capital."
Zhang Sijiao did not dare to neglect, and quickly told the affairs of the capital one after another: "A few days ago, Qi Jiguang left the capital and returned to Jizhen, and he went with Bai Ynzhong, the left deputy general of the Shenji Battalion of the Beijing Camp who went to Liaodong for garrison duty."
"Shi Shangshu said that before he left, he was pulled by the emperor and taught him a lesson in archery and swordsmanship."
"Then the emperor discussed the Duoyan Guard matter with his uncle and Minister Shi again, and Qi Jiguang issued a military order in front of the cabinet and the Ministry of War."
"When Qi Jiguang left, the emperor personally saw him off and saw him taking away two hundred thousand taels of silver reward before returning to Xiyuan."
Zhang Siwei listened quietly.
After a while, he sighed: "When we first met, we were treated so politely. Is it because of the famous general? Or is it because of Tan Lun's old team?"
After saying this, he looked sentimental: "Actually... I still don't understand how the emperor can distinguish between closeness and distance."
"To tell the truth, am I not a famous minister? And am I not a close confidant of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng? Why do you just reject me like this?"
Seeing this, Zhang Sijiao comforted him: "Maybe he is jealous of his brother. I read in the storybook that emperors who think highly of themselves like to be jealous of famous ministers. Last time I read a storybook about a dog emperor who was jealous of Yue Fei.
"
Although Zhang Siwei was used to deceiving others, he did not deceive himself.
"Let's not talk about it anymore." He laughed dumbly and revealed the matter, "Qi Jiguang is afraid that he will take action against Duoyan Wei when he returns."
Zhang Sijiao hesitated for a moment and asked, "Brother, you want to..."
Zhang Siwei did not answer the question, but blocked the question meaningfully: "I have my own concerns."
He knew what his brother was worried about.
That was Qi Jiguang after all.
A person's name, the shadow of a tree.
When Qi Jiguang was fighting in the southeast, even Zhang Siwei, who didn't care about military affairs, could often hear about his reputation.
That was a famous general in the world who lost more than ten people after a great battle!
More than ten people, what kind of concept is that!?
It is not reflected in the combat effectiveness of the troops compared to the Japanese pirates - after all, the Japanese pirates are stragglers and unorganized, so it is not surprising to crush them.
Rather, war is often a good time to settle accounts.
These commander-in-chiefs often captured tens of thousands and suffered thousands of casualties on their own side. Why? Isn’t it just to settle the accounts?
And Qi Jiguang's loss of more than ten people in each battle means that this person neither eats his pay nor cheats on his pension!
The meaning of this is much more intuitive and terrifying than combat power.
What a military appearance that must be.
When his uncle was about to use such a character to attack Duoyanwei, it was destined to be wiped out for a small role like Duoyanwei.
If you can't think about it and try to do something, you may end up trying to steal something and get caught.
So it's normal for my brother to be worried.
But at the same time, Zhang Siwei didn't want to explain - just like Wang Chonggu didn't bother to explain the military hurdles to him outside Honglu Temple, Zhang Siwei didn't bother to explain too much to his brother at this time.
A trace of worry flashed in Zhang Sijiao's eyes, but he had no choice but to press it down.
He continued to talk about what happened in the capital: "In addition to this matter, after the examination, Wang Shizhen announced that he would hold a cultural gathering."
"Invite scholars who have not yet left Beijing to participate."
Zhang Siwei is a scholar after all. Hearing this, he immediately became interested and asked curiously: "What kind of literary society?"
The art fair also has themes, and you can decide whether to participate or not based on your interest.
Mainly I am asking for my brother and son who are in Beijing.
If it is beneficial, I must believe it and let my brother and son participate.
Even if the leader of the literary circle just shows up and spreads his name in the literary society, it will be of great help to the scholars.
Zhang Sijiao shook his head: "We haven't decided on the title yet, we just said the time will be before and after the results are released."
Zhang Siwei pondered for a moment and said slowly: "You write a letter for me and let Si Duan and the others prepare to see if they can make a fortune."
Zhang Sijiao responded.
He continued: "In addition, the dispute between Li Zhi and Donglin Journal has become more and more intense, and I heard that Master Xue has already ended up personally."
"Even Qian Dehong and Wang Ji, who are the direct disciples of Yangming and the Three Masters and Seven Certificates, have successively appeared in the capital."
At the end, he added: "It is said that the Kong family is also on their way to Beijing."
Zhang Siwei frowned: "What's the court's reaction?"
Zhang Sijiao recalled the information from the capital for a moment, and then said: "The court is also in a mess."
"Wang Xue's disciples and grandsons have recently come to the throne one after another to carry Wang Shouren into the Confucius Temple. Zhang Juzheng, the cabinet minister, is trying hard to do so, and the two sides are at loggerheads."
"There is also the newly appointed General Secretary Ni Guangjian. He was repeatedly impeached for using public tools to satisfy his personal desires. Ni Guangjian had no choice but to file a petition and ask that the Dibao and Xinbao be set up in a separate section and no longer be under the jurisdiction of the General Affairs Department. Currently, there is no one
result."
He paused and concluded: "I'm afraid, a school dispute is about to start... I don't know if the emperor thinks the world is not chaotic enough."
Zhang Siwei was silent for a moment, seeming to mutter to himself, or asking Zhang Sijiao: "What kind of person do you think the emperor is?"
Hearing this, Zhang Sijiao didn't know whether he should answer or not, so he hesitated and said: "Uh... I'm a faint..."
He was just halfway through this sentence. After thinking about it, he still shook his head and said, "Brother, I don't know."
Zhang Siwei didn't expect his brother, who had never met the emperor, to come up with any answers.
He said to himself: "The emperor is still six months old before he is thirteen."
"Although the emperor is precocious and no one inside or outside dares to treat him like a child, his age cannot be changed after all."
"He has the most common character trait for people of his age - self-righteousness."
"The emperor supported the New Deal and reformed the salt law, and now there is a dispute between schools."
"It's just his self-righteous desire to change the world into what he wants."
"As for whether it can be done?"
"If it works, it's his. If it doesn't work, it's just a game for everyone to play with him."
"How can a ten-year-old emperor rule the world..."
"Oh, this is what Gao Gong is most worried about. I really don't know what he said wrong."
After Zhang Siwei said this, he smiled, not knowing what he was thinking.
Zhang Sijiao seemed to understand, and after a while he asked: "Brother, what do you mean...the emperor has a prejudice against Wang Xue?"
Zhang Siwei shook his head and said nothing.
Wang Xue? Confucianism is pretty much the same!
I really don’t know how high the sky is and how high it is.
But he didn't want to speak too thoroughly, so he waved his hand: "Let's do this for now, I'm going to meditate."
"You should pay more attention to the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce. I will give 60% of my share to my uncle, Shi Shangshu, and Huo Du Yushi."
"The palace should send as many people as possible in, including craftsmen, doctors, and eunuchs."
Although he was somewhat unhappy with Wang Chonggu and others before leaving Beijing, Zhang Siwei now takes the initiative to maintain these relationships.
Zhang Siwei gave one last instruction and ended the conversation with his brother.
Zhang Sijiao hesitated for a moment and asked, "Where is Wangjiaping?"
Zhang Siwei shook his head: "He is a decent person. One is one, two is two. He does not need to maintain anything too much. A trace of incense is enough."
Zhang Sijiao then respectfully accepted the instruction, bowed, and prepared to leave.
At this moment.
There was a sudden knock on the door of the house.
The two of them looked out the door at the same time.
Zhang Sijiao, who was about to leave, walked to the door, opened the door, and walked out.
He said a few words to the people outside the house.
Zhang Siwei heard the voice of the housekeeper.
That's a matter of Beijing or Bansheng.
Sure enough, after a while, Zhang Sijiao pushed the door open and walked out.
He walked up to Zhang Siwei and whispered: "Brother, the emperor has issued a decree to select a concubine!"
Zhang Siwei looked up in shock.
I was scrolling through videos today and came across a video where a viewer was looking for an up owner who had canceled his account. I was a little moved by the video, and then I took a look at the last book I had discontinued.
Some people also asked me in the comment area how my health was, whether I was coughing up blood or anything, and they didn’t know what to say or whether I was feeling better.
Thank you to all my readers.
There have been a lot of things going on recently, and my physical condition is not very good. I rarely had a good sleep last night.
Thank you all for your tolerance for the update. Thank you all.
Chapter completed!