Zhang Cheng had no intention of stopping in Yanqing Prefecture, but he reluctantly attended the banquet out of concern for the reputation of Zhang Fuzhen, the governor of Xuanda, so he set off immediately after the luncheon.
Governor Zhang Fuzhen was invited by Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng to go to Chi Castle to participate in the public memorial ceremony for the fallen soldiers who aided the Liao Dynasty, so his carriage also set off with Zhang Cheng's army.
However, after all, Zhang Fuzhen also served as governor of Yansui in Shaanxi, and he fought with real swords and spears against bandits. In the third year of Chongzhen, he led four thousand troops to attack bandits from Xi'an to Yan'an, defeating the enemy one after another.
, accumulated merit and was promoted to participate in politics in Yulin.
After that, he defeated the bandit Zhang Cunmeng in Jiazhou, chased him all the way to Xichuan, and killed the bandits Lao Chai, Xue Chengcai, Qingbei Lang and other bandits. Soon after, he defeated the bandit Zhao Sheng, and beheaded more than 700 thieves with five battles and five victories.
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In the fifth year of Chongzhen's reign, Yansui, the imperial censor of Qiandu, was appointed governor for his success in suppressing bandits. He raised military supplies by himself, trained his soldiers strictly, used each other in suppressing and suppressing, and supervised Cao Wenzhao and others in the war, and achieved great success.
Then he joined forces with Hong Chengchou to defeat Zhang Cunmeng and captured him. He then defeated the giant thief God Yi, killing more than 10,000 thieves in succession, and finally stabilized the situation in Shaanxi.
At this moment, Zhang Fuzhen, the governor of Xuanda, and Zhang Cheng, the lord of Yongning, galloped together, reminding him of the feeling he had when he led the army to suppress bandits in Shaanxi and personally charged into the battle.
I remember that back then, he had personally risked his own arrows and defeated thousands of thieves with more than a hundred archers. He even charged on horseback and fought fiercely with thieves with swords, spears and spears. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel extremely proud.
But now he is an old man in his seventies. Although he can still ride a horse with all his strength, he is not as young and vigorous as when he was young. After only riding for more than ten miles, he found it difficult to support himself.
Zhang Cheng also admires Zhang Fuzhen in his heart. After all, Governor Zhang always has some shadow of Lu Xiangsheng in his body.
They are all rare among literati who know military skills. They are all loyal to the court. They are also people who are upright and not good at communication and flexibility. Therefore, they have no allies in the court to serve as support.
Even people with outstanding abilities like them will not be able to survive in this troubled world for long if they are not good at socializing and flattering and have no backers in the court to act as helpers.
Although Zhang Fuzhen is still the governor of Xuanda and is highly appreciated by Emperor Chongzhen, it is not as convenient as when Chen Xinjia was the governor of Xuanda. Yang Sichang was helping him in the court, so everything was convenient.
How could it be that Zhang Fuzhen was so hampered in everything? It was even more difficult for him to do something for the court than for his own family. What was the purpose of this?
But even so, Zhang Fuzhen has still worked hard to manage the military defense of Xuanda area since he took office. Not only did he increase the Great Wall by 13,000 feet, he also reclaimed 37,000 hectares of farmland, and the amount of 24,000 hectares of farmland was reported.
More than seventeen thousand taels.
But even though he still made such contributions to the court in such a difficult and difficult environment, he still could not stop the courtiers from criticizing him personally. It can be seen that the political dispute in the court has completely evolved into an extremely dark party dispute.
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If you are not a member of our party, you will definitely have a different mindset. If you don’t get rid of it, you will be in serious trouble!
It is all the above that further strengthened Zhang Cheng's intention to form a party, but he was also cautious about this. For the time being, he mainly made friends with lower-level officials who were not very prominent, while those who faced him tightly hugged Emperor Chongzhen
The thighs of the eunuchs and favored ministers around me.
At this time, he saw that Governor Zhang Fuzhen was already tired, so he took the initiative to slow down his horse and let the horse walk slowly so that Zhang Fuzhen could take a rest.
Seeing that the city of Chang'an Mountain is not far ahead, it seems that we can only stay and rest here tonight. After all, if we continue to move forward, we will reach the large section of the canyon where Zhang Cheng was attacked. We don't dare to enter in the dark.
"Master Governor, let's rest at Chang'an tonight and then set off to Diaohao Fort tomorrow morning. Okay?"
Zhang Fuzhen was also very tired at the moment. Seeing Zhang Cheng's proposal to rest at the Chang'an Ridge Fort ahead, he naturally would not object, and at the same time he looked at Zhang Cheng in a different light.
Previously, he had a very good impression of Zhang Cheng. This was not only due to Zhang Cheng's ability to manage the army and his continuous achievements, but more importantly, Zhang Cheng's military achievements on the North Road.
Zhang Fuzhen has always believed that there is no shortage of generals who can lead troops to fight, but there are too few who can govern local areas and thoroughly clean up local military affairs like Zhang Cheng did.
What he admired was also Zhang Cheng's management of the North Road. It was the rarest thing to be able to raise such capable soldiers from a remote place on the North Road.
With his ability as the governor of Xuanda, he worked hard to govern the entire Xuanda area for more than a year, but he only managed to cultivate 37,000 hectares of farmland and gained more than 247,000 taels of silver.
Practical people pay more attention to capable people who are also practical, while practical people with good character only have respect and admiration for those who are better than themselves.
On the contrary, those who are treacherous and cautious have already lost all conscience in their hearts and only remember to pursue personal fame and fortune. Whenever they meet someone who is stronger than themselves, they will feel jealous and try their best to get rid of them and then be happy.
Zhang Fuzhen, the governor of Xuanda, felt magnanimous. He laughed and said: "No, it's really impossible for people to disobey the old man."
He also slowed down his horse, rode alongside Zhang Cheng, and continued: "When Uncle Yongning was young and vigorous, it is a great blessing for the emperor and our dynasty to have such a pillar of our country!"
Zhang Cheng had already let go of the reins of his war horse and allowed it to walk slowly along the official road. However, he smiled at Zhang Fuzhen and said, "Thanks to the governor for not giving up, please call Zhang Cheng by his nickname. Always. Calling Uncle Yongning like this makes him seem a bit distant."
In fact, Zhang Cheng, as the boss of the Ming Dynasty's emerging military group, has now become the chief military officer of Xuanfu Town, the head of the three towns of Xuanda, and has even been named General Shuo.
Even though General Zhenshuo only has one more "big" character than the former Xuanfu Commander-in-Chief Yang Guozhu, but just this one word, how many military men worked hard to serve the imperial court, but failed to win the title of general throughout their lives?
Even Zu Dashou guarded Liaodong for decades, and he only had the title of vanguard general for conquering Liao until his death. Even the title of "Uncle Ning Yuan" was given after his death.
It can be seen from this that Zhang Cheng, the "General Zhenshuo", is very valuable. What's more, he is now a super-ranked earl, and his status is far above all levels of civil servants and generals. privilege!
Zhang Fuzhen felt a hint of sincere respect from his words, and felt very grateful in his heart. He couldn't help but said: "Zhongchen, if all the soldiers in the towns of the Ming Dynasty were like you, there would be no need to worry about the slaves and thieves being destroyed and the bandits being unjust." .”
Zhang Cheng rode his horse without saying a word, but he was thinking in his heart: If all the soldiers in the towns of the Ming Dynasty were brave and brave, but the emperor was still at this level of ability, the world would probably only become more chaotic!
But these words could only be kept in his heart and could not be spoken out. He sighed secretly and said: "The governor has given me too much praise, and Zhang Cheng only did his part."
He went on to say: "Since Cheng was originally a soldier in the Xuanfu, it is indeed Cheng's duty to join the army and serve the country. Moreover, now that I have great favor and trust in Cheng, how dare I not repay him with death!"
Seeing that not far ahead, the outline of Chang'anling Fort was already vaguely visible. Zhang Cheng reined in his horse, stopped and said: "But in today's world, the Tartars are peeping from the outside, the bandits are raging inside, and the court is short of money and food, and it is unable to defend externally.
Tartars, internal suppression of bandits.
The reason for this is that there are constant party disputes at the top of the court, and at the lower levels, there are many corrupt officials at all levels, and there are not many people who truly love the people. Floods, droughts, and locust plagues are happening all over the place, and the people are in dire straits.
Naturally, there will be no end to those who follow the thieves, and their momentum will be strengthened. However, the various prefectures in the imperial court cannot even collect money and food, and they are unable to protect the land and the people, let alone prevent and suppress thieves."
As he spoke, he brought the topic to Zhang Fuzhen, and heard him continue: "As for Datuk, since I took up my duties and proclaimed the university, I have worked hard and worked hard to repair more than 10,000 feet of defense line of the Great Wall and cultivate more than 30,000 hectares of wasteland.
He collected hundreds of thousands of taels of silver for the imperial court.
Everything the governor has done for Xuanda has been witnessed by all. Not only the soldiers and people of Xuanda are grateful for the governor's kindness, but even the current emperor also praises the governor highly.
But even so, there is no lack of criticism in the court, and people who do their job sincerely are criticized by these mediocre people. Seeing this, Zhang Cheng is really depressed and angry, and he wishes he could kill all the young people in this generation."
Zhang Fuzhen was not angry but laughed when he heard this. He even comforted Zhang Cheng: "We act with a clear conscience, be loyal to the emperor, love the people, serve the country, and fulfill our mission. Why should we care about what others say."
He turned his head to look at Zhang Cheng, his eyes full of expectation and continued: "Zhongchen, you have already become the commander-in-chief of a town before you were even thirty years old, and you were even awarded the title of general and the title of Yong Ningbo. This shows that
The emperor values you so much that even a seventy-year-old man like me can’t compare to you!
However, when you are so young and in a high position, you are afraid of being jealous, so you must be more cautious and don't be too arrogant and give people the truth, which will only lead to right and wrong, and will not be beneficial to the great cause."
He turned his gaze from the distant castle to Zhang Cheng and advised him again: "Nowadays, the world is full of troubles and wars have appeared. You will definitely achieve great things in the future, so you must be extremely cautious in your actions.
Don’t be misled by the words of these villains.”
“The Governor’s words must be kept in mind and never forgotten.”
Zhang Cheng went on to say: "It's just that famines have continued in recent years, especially in the north of Henan Province. Most of the people are hungry and the court is unable to save them. Once the bandits enter, many will join the thieves in order to survive. If this matter is
If it is not handled properly, it may cause serious trouble."
Zhang Fuzhen also shook his head and sighed: "Hey, I can only do my best and obey fate."
At this time, a cloud of smoke and dust floated in the distance in the direction of Chang'anling Castle. It was obvious that cavalry were galloping towards them. Zhang Cheng raised his finger and pointed in front of him and said, "Supervisor, Liu Shoubei is here to greet us."
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In the early morning of the next day, the cavalry was still leading the way, with the chariot battalion in the middle and the infantry battalion in the rear holding down the formation. Thousands of soldiers drove out of Chang'anling Fort towards Diaohao Fort.
Chang'an Ridge guard Liu Shizun personally sent him several miles away before bidding farewell to Zhang Cheng. Before leaving, he sincerely begged Zhang Cheng, hoping that he would have the chance to fight again next time and take him to the front line to gain experience and experience.
To put it bluntly, Liu Shizun is still jealous of the military honors obtained by the generals in battle!
Nowadays, the military attaches on Xuanfu North Road and East Road are very jealous of the generals who often follow Zhang Cheng in battles. Every time they return from a battle, a group of them will be promoted and make a fortune.
Didn't you see that the hundreds of households back then are now powerful guerrilla generals, and like Chen Zheng, Zhang Guodong is expected to be promoted to another level this time and become a general in Xuanfu Town.
The current speed of promotions, not to mention in Xuanfu Town, even if you look at the entire Ming Dynasty, you can't find a few, how can it not make people jealous.
After bidding farewell to Liu Shizun who was guarding Chang'an Mountain, Zhang Cheng and Zhang Fuzhen no longer rode horses this time. Instead, they both boarded their respective carriages and walked slowly behind the cavalry team.
There are a total of four carriages here, occupied by Zhang Cheng, Zhang Fuzhen, Tang Chunru, and the Wu family's mother and daughter. The entire team stretches for several miles, and is filled with cavalry, convoys, and infantry camps. It is really a mighty force.
, mighty and majestic.
Although the north wind is howling outside, the doors and windows of each car have thick felt curtains, and the interior is decorated with a layer of flannel to resist the cold. Finally, there is a heater inside the car, so you don't feel the slightest chill.
Meaning.
At the time of application that day, Zhang Cheng and his party arrived at Diaohao Fort smoothly. Liu Zhongshi, a member of the Qian family, had already prepared a banquet and a place for them to stay.
Diaohao Fort is located on the North Road, an important official road that connects with the outside world. Zhang Cheng has passed through this place many times before, and Liu Zhongshi has already expressed his loyalty to him, and now he is trying his best to please Zhang Cheng.
Zhang Cheng was already feeling a little tired after the long journey, not to mention the 70-year-old Zhang Fuzhen, as well as Tang Chunru, the mother and daughter of the Wu family and other female generation.
Especially Tang Chunru, she had always lived in the palace before. Although she was later given the gift of Zhang Cheng by Emperor Chongzhen, she had also lived in the palace for a long time and had never left the capital.
This was the first time she had left the capital as an adult. Everything outside surprised her. She felt refreshed along the way. Even her physical fatigue was diluted by this excitement.
A lot.
But as the journey progressed, the novelty of the scenery along the way gradually weakened, and physical fatigue set in. By the time they arrived at Diaohao Fort, Tang Chunru was already complaining in her heart.
But even so, she could only force herself to be patient in her heart, and did not dare to show any fatigue or complain at all. Perhaps this was a virtue she had developed while in the palace.
Along the way, the Wu family's mother and daughter got along well with Tang Chunru. Tang Chunru's life in the palace was very repressive. In addition to abiding by the rules, she had to be careful everywhere. A small mistake could lead to severe punishment.
Since she was given to Zhang Cheng, although she has lived alone in the palace for a long time, she has lost the rules in the palace and feels much more comfortable.
Later, after Zhang Cheng returned to Beijing from his victory in Liaodong, he also doted on her. The entire Earl's Palace naturally respected her, and she never put on airs in front of the servants, and she remained innocent and innocent.
On this trip from Beijing to return to Xuan, she also treated her aunt from the Wu family with the courtesy of an elder, which really pleased her. Even Wu Tingyue had some objections to Tang Chunru because of her grievances against her best friend Ji Xuanzhu.
But after getting along with her for a few days, my view of her has changed greatly!