After hundreds of years of accumulation in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, by the Ming Dynasty, story-telling novels had become very popular and soon became a pastime for everyone. Because the words are more popular and the content is simpler than those in dramas, even the merchants
Even the foot soldiers can understand it. However, in this era, after all, only a few people can read, so the profession of storytellers is becoming more and more prosperous.
Go to a teahouse and order a pot of tea for two pennies. If you are more sophisticated, you can also bring some snacks, and you can spend an afternoon.
The most popular and hottest novel at this time is none other than "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Although its author Luo Guanzhong seemed to have a problem with Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't pay much attention to it, but he was quite willing to read it.
However, after Zhu Di came to power, he thought that the book's description of the Han Dynasty emperor was not very respectful and made unreasonable remarks about loyalty and treachery, so he banned it.
However, great literary works can never be banned. Many scholars spread and copied this illegal book privately, and even private people secretly adapted it into a drama. Because this phenomenon was so common, the court turned a blind eye.
One eye.
When Zhu Houcong first came to the throne more than a year ago, he accidentally discovered the refined illustration version of the Three Kingdoms collected by his cousin in Zhengde's study. After looking through it, he was immediately moved.
It’s not because of the loyalty and courage of the characters in it, but because it happened to be a critical moment to fight for my father’s reputation. No one in the court listened to him. Seeing the story of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty brought him into the story instantly. As I read it, I burst into tears.
orbit.
He is Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty! Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty is him!
And Yang Tinghe is the dog thief Cao Cao!!
Faced with this situation, Jiajing immediately ordered the Supervisor of Ceremonies to stamp it! It must be stamped! So the Three Kingdoms completely became popular in the Great Ming Dynasty.
However, Jiajing may not have imagined that the poem written by the son of "Cao Tinghe", whom he hated, would eventually become the opening line of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and be sung by future generations. If he could really predict the future, the little emperor would probably roll his eyes with anger at this time.
For a whole year, the Three Kingdoms were everywhere in the streets and alleys of the capital. Storytellers made a lot of money, and shopkeepers saw that people liked it, so they began to request other historical romance novels from readers.
And "The Legend of Heroes" that Xian Ruxing is listening to now is one of the more famous ones.
This book mainly describes the story of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Taizu, who led a group of ministers to overthrow the rule of the Yuan Dynasty and cut off the separatist forces. In it, Zhu Yuanzhang is the reincarnation of the golden boy beside the Jade Emperor, and the other generals are also stars in the sky. The protagonist encounters difficulties every time he encounters them.
Gods Help, it can be called the main melody of the Ming Dynasty Edition.
Xian Ruxing yawned as he heard this. He was so sleepy that he wanted to turn around to see how the people behind him were talking. As soon as he turned around, he saw Zhu Houcong and the old man next to him looking at the stage with their bright eyes.
Xian Ruxing: "..." Is it that good-looking?
Seeing that he would be delayed in returning to the palace if he did not do serious things, Xian Ruxing coughed lightly. Zhu Houcong woke up from a dream and quickly said to the old man: "Mr. Sui'an, how about we eat first?"
The old man was dark-skinned and energetic. He did not refute Zhu Houcong's proposal, but he looked in the direction of the storyteller with obvious reluctance.
Seeing this, Xian Ruxing smiled and said, "In that case, why not bring the food over and let's eat here."
"That's good." The old man nodded. Xian Ruxing gave a few instructions to Deng Shi who was standing guard nearby, and then sat down again.
Deng Shiyi was so excited that he swallowed his saliva. God knows that he, a humble citizen, was so lucky to meet the Long Live Lord in the palace, not only His Majesty, but also his idol Yang Yiqing, Mr. Yangge! Following Master Xianxian was really what he had done in his life.
The most correct decision!
Yes, the old man at the dinner table was Yang Yiqing, who was famous all over the world at this time.
Although they both have the same surname Yang and are about the same age, he has nothing to do with his chief minister Yang Tinghe. Yang Yiqing has been a well-known child prodigy since he was a child. He is not an ordinary child prodigy. He was so smart that even the then Emperor Chenghua had heard of him, and even learned from the cabinet
He chose a teacher to teach him directly. Yang Yiqing also lived up to the expectations of the emperor and successfully passed the Jinshi examination at the age of seventeen.
After that, he cheated all the way, except Liu Jin, Dou Jiangbin, and promoted Wang Shouren. He was also capable of literary and military skills, and took charge of the northwest military affairs. He fought many victorious battles, and many people among the people were his fans.
Such a versatile person was imprisoned several times for contradicting Zhengde, and was finally kicked out of the court to stay at home. After Jiajing succeeded to the throne, he was invited to come out several times, but perhaps out of frustration, the old man declined.
Now that Jiajing has called Zhang Cong back, he is expected to have another fight with Yang Tinghe. In order to smoothly transfer power, it is obviously necessary to have such a Dinghaishenzhen. So when he heard that Yang Yiqing was obsessed with storytelling after becoming an official, Zhu Houcong specially chose a day
I invited him over, but I didn't expect that I would be attracted as well.
"When I was still in Anlu, I heard my father say that there were three heroes in Chu, Liu Daxia, Li Dongyang and sir. The trivial matters in the court had not been settled before. Now that I am free, I will come to visit you immediately and ask for your help.
I can help you!" After saying that, the young man stood up and bowed deeply to Yang Yiqing.
"Young Master's words are serious." Yang Yiqing hurriedly stretched out his hand to help him. It would be a lie to say that the emperor was so polite to the corporal. But he also had his own concerns. When he was young, he was not afraid of anything. He thought that in the worst case, he would die, but he would be old.
It is inevitable that he will cherish his life. He cannot change his bad temper. If he is convicted for his words again, his family will be hurt.
Just as he was hesitating, the prepared food was brought up, and he quickly changed the topic and smiled at Xian Ruxing: "I have long heard that Master Xian Xian is not only a profound Taoist, but also good at internal affairs. Everyone who has eaten the food in the imperial dining room is full of praise.
I am considered blessed today."
"It's all the hard work of Shang Shi in the palace, Pindao is just talking." Xian Ruxing kept refuting.
However, when the food box was opened and he saw the food inside, Yang Yiqing was stunned.
Stone buns, Huanggui persimmon cakes, gourd chicken...
I thought it was something new, but it turned out that they were all northwest dishes, and they were all Yang Yiqing used to eat. He served as the trilateral commander-in-chief, and often led his soldiers to guard the border. What he ate was all convenient food.
I grabbed it directly with my hands. The northwest wind was strong, and eating a steamed bun always left my mouth full of sand. But looking back now, it was the most fulfilling and happy period in my life...
He picked up a piece of persimmon cake and put it in his mouth. It was sweet and soft in the mouth. As soon as he ate it, he could tell that it was specially made by a famous chef in the northwest. Yang Yiqing nodded to Xian Ruxing and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Taoist priest. It's not easy to do this in the capital."
.”
As the saying goes, you can only tell the subtle things. If the person sitting opposite was Zhengde, then his adopted sons Qian'er would never do so much just to treat him. Looking at the two people around the emperor, Huang Jin, the companion, was cautious, and the Taoist priest Xian Ruxing acted prudently.
After many years, no one can find any fault. From this, we can see the character of their superior Zhu Houcong. At the very least, he really wants to be a wise king. That is enough.
Yang Yiqing pondered for a moment, looked at Jiajing and said: "Young master treats me like this, it is wrong for me to shirk it anymore. If you don't think I am old and useless, then I am willing to assist you."
Seeing that the matter was finally done, Zhu Houcong looked at each other excitedly with Xian Ruxing, feeling extremely happy and seeing Yang Yiqing become more approachable. The two of them ate the food and tasted the following "The Legend of Heroes" together.
Xian Ruxing didn't like noodles very much and put down his chopsticks after only two bites.
Storytelling in this era is not like that of later generations. You can start with a table and a gavel. Storytellers in the Ming Dynasty had many skills. Not only did they talk a lot, they also played three immortals in their hands and had a "brush" tied to their right leg.
The "board" is a kind of percussion instrument. Whenever the plot is exciting, the sound of the strings, the sound of the board, and the human voice are combined into one, making it crackling and lively.
However, the reader's efforts obviously cannot cover up the boredom of the plot. It may be that the writer did not dare to say that Zhu Yuanzhang killed all the heroes and killed the heroes, so the death of the last few ministers only said that they had completed their merits in the world and were called back by heaven.
Already.
Xian Ruxing was originally not very interested in this, but suddenly noticed that Zhu Houcong next to him looked yearning after hearing this, and his heart suddenly froze.
You know, for Emperor Jiajing, superstition was the foundation of his soul. Under the influence of his father since he was a child, he could recite the "South China Sutra" without even memorizing the Three-Character Sutra. And it was precisely relying on this that Xian Ruxing was able to go smoothly.
to where we are today.
However, it is a trivial matter to believe in religion, but it is necessary to indulge in it. In order to prevent it from gradually slipping into history, Xian Ruxing immediately spoke up, severely criticizing "The Legend of Heroes" from the writing and plot to the depth of thought, and said that there are many good-looking novels.
, it’s okay if you don’t want to watch this low-end version of Three Kingdoms!
As soon as he finished speaking, a male voice was heard from a table not far away: "Young lady, you have such a strong tone. I, Guo Xun, don't believe you can find a better book than "The Legend of Heroes"!"
Hearing this name, Xian Ruxing was stunned for a moment.
Wudinghou Guo Xun is the fifth-generation grandson of the famous founding general Guo Ying. There are only a few honorees awarded during the Hongwu period, and Wudinghou is one. However, because it is far away from the center of the court, Wudinghou's house has declined in recent years.
Xian Ruxing had previously discussed with Jiajing how to support nobles, but ended up being frustrated by Xu Guangzuo. In the end, she chose to recommend Wu Dinghou.
He was chosen because his family was in decline and he could only cling to the imperial power when he got up. Secondly, Guo Xun himself had some talents. He had made military exploits in Guangdong and Guangxi. Most importantly, Zhang Cong secretly scolded Yang Tinghe when he wrote a letter.
He agreed. So in the end he was brought to the capital to help Lu Song, and together they were in charge of the regiment camp.
Why is he here? Xian Ruxing was puzzled, but Deng Shishi whispered: "It is rumored that Wu Dinghou hired someone to compile "The Legend of Heroes and Martyrs"."
Xian Ruxing suddenly realized, and she asked, why in the book, every time Zhu Yuanzhang goes to the battlefield, Guo Ying has to block the sword for him! Although Guo Ying is indeed a guard, but he will not directly become a substitute messenger!
Thinking of this, Xian Ruxing was a little dumbfounded and lamented that Guo Xun was really a talented person who could think of such ways to flatter him. If she hadn't intervened, it is estimated that her family's status in the emperor's heart would have skyrocketed.
What he said was indeed a bit offensive, so he turned to Guo Xun and said, "My little girl just now has no status, I hope you don't take it personally."
Guo Xun was very proud of himself these days, so he took a break from bathing today. He wanted to come to the teahouse to listen to his masterpiece. As soon as he sat down, he heard someone slandering him, and he couldn't help but ridicule him.
However, when he saw that person for the first time, he stayed where he was.
In order to avoid attracting attention, Xian Ruxing did not wear a monk's robe. She only dressed up as a normal woman. She also had the most popular hairdo with a bold headband. She just sat there without wearing any makeup.
.
Because Xian Ruxing deliberately stayed away from sensitive issues such as military power, and the two had never met, Guo Xun didn't know that the woman in front of him was the one who decided his fate. He only felt as if his heart had been hit, and he smiled when he saw her.
, the first reaction in my mind is: She has me in her heart!
Guo Xun thought that he had a heroic appearance and a noble birth, so there was nothing to be afraid of. So he stepped forward confidently and said to Xian Ruxing: "It doesn't matter, it's a miscellaneous book. It doesn't matter if Miss Bo smiles. I'm Guo Xun, a person from the capital. These days
Are you a member of the young lady’s family?”
As soon as these words came out, the room was filled with silence.
Huang Jin and Deng Shiyi looked at him in shock, Yang Yiqing frowned, and Zhu Houcong, who had his back to everyone, had a face as dark as water.
Xian Ruxing:...huh?
…
If anyone in the DPRK is having the worst time, then Yang Tinghe, the chief minister of the cabinet, is definitely one of them. He originally wanted to help the civil servants of the Ming Dynasty fight for some say, but in the end he was stabbed in the back, and even implicated his friend Mao Zedong.
Cheng was demoted and punished. In the end, his junior Zhang Cong, who had pointed his nose at him and scolded him, was transferred back. It was true that he lost his wife and lost his army.
However, Yang Shoufu didn't seem to care about these things, and continued to work and live as usual. He even wrote poems praising the new foods made in the imperial kitchen. It has to be said that the skill of nourishing qi is really first-rate.
Yang Tinghe is not pretending, he really doesn't care. After living like this, power, fame, wealth... he has all these, and he has reached a certain point. After solving the shortcomings left by Zhengde, he even has political integrity.
All the ambitions have been realized. Anyway, relying on decades of merit, the emperor can't touch him, so it's better to relax and enjoy life.
But he doesn't care, but his son does.
You must know that for Yang Shen, his father has been perfect in his heart since he was a child. All his efforts and persistence are in the hope of getting Yang Tinghe's approval. Therefore, when his father is wronged by others, it is more difficult than killing Yang Shen.
Uncomfortable.
Years of education in loyalty and patriotism prevented him from blaming the emperor, so this hatred was naturally transferred to another person - Zhang Cong.
Yes, in Yang Shen's eyes, this man named Zhang is a villain who relied on flattery and stepped on his father's rise to power! Not only did he embarrass Yang Tinghe in public, but he also deceived the Holy Emperor, which can be called a scourge to the court! His father was dedicated to the Ming Dynasty, and he was a slave.
As long as he could remember, he could only see his tired and tired back. Zhang Cong did not hesitate to frame Zhongliang in order to gain power. How could he spare such a traitor?
When Yang Shen was born, Yang Tinghe was already a editor at the Hanlin Academy, and his career went as smooth as cheating. He had been cute since he was a child, and he was extremely smart. The adults he met pampered him to the extreme. At that time,
When Li Dongyang, the chief minister of the cabinet, met Xiao Yang Shen for the first time, he suddenly fell in love with talents and accepted him as a closed disciple regardless of avoiding suspicion.
When he won the top prize, some people questioned that his father was a senior executive and was suspected of cheating. However, when they saw Yang Shen's test paper, everyone could only marvel.
His family background, talent and appearance made Yang Shen's life smooth sailing. Not only his elders, but also his peers were all led by him. This made him develop an arrogant, domineering and lawless character.
Perhaps being inspired by being put in a sack before, Yang Dacaizi, a disciple of a high official, came up with what he thought was a brilliant idea for Zhang Cong - he wanted to beat him to death!
Yes, no matter how educated, rich or handsome he is, when Yang Shen, a princeling, encounters a problem, his first thought is to use his fists.
But how to fight is also a problem. The risk of fighting is too great. The civil servants of the Ming Dynasty have a better way, which is to solve it near the Zuoshun Gate in the palace.
Speaking of Zuoshunmen, it is also an old story in the palace.
During the Tumu Fort Incident, Yingzong was deceived by the eunuch Wang Zhen into marching on his own expedition. In the end, the entire elite of the capital was lost on the grassland. The remaining officials wore filial piety and went to court every day until their eyes were swollen.
Even after this, Wang Zhen's accomplices did not stop, and even made loud remarks in the court, accusing the emperor of being unable to protect the emperor because of the useless entourage. This was something that no one could bear, so one day the two sides bumped into each other at the Zuoshun Gate.
After getting into a quarrel again, no one knew who punched Wang Zhen and his colleagues.
This punch opened the door to a new world. Angry Ming officials swarmed them and beat them to death.
Faced with a group of murderous men, the then emperor Jingtai gave up and could only acquit them.
From then on, Zuoshunmen became a holy place in the hearts of civil servants, and the imperial court also acquiesced. According to precedent, people who were beaten to death here could not be held accountable.
So when Yang Shen talked to a few close friends about his plan, they agreed without thinking, and among them was the lecturer He Mengchun and Zhang Chong.
"I have received news that today is the day when Zhang Cong and his wife will go to Beijing to report on their duties. They will definitely pass by Zuoshunmen on the way. This is the best opportunity!"
Yang Shen stepped on the stool and stood at a high place and said loudly: "Everyone! It has been 150 years since the country has supported the people, and today is the day of sacrifice for justice! In order to prevent your majesty from being deceived by traitors! Now is the time to use you and me.
!Do you think we should retreat?"
"It shouldn't be!" More than a dozen young officials shouted in unison. It has to be said that Yang Shen does have two brushes. These remarks severely pierced the hearts of young people. Isn't that what they study and become officials for? Qing Junzi
, punish the traitors, even if they are killed in the end, they will be remembered forever!
Among them, the loudest one is He Mengchun. He has always been on good terms with Yang Shen and is reserved and proud. He has long been disgusted with Zhang Cong, a second-level Jinshi scholar, who has been promoted several levels in a row because he is afraid of dragon farts.
So the response was the most positive.
Zhang Chong, on the other hand, was a little reluctant to go. He felt that even if the other party was not a good person, he would not be punished to death. This move was really insulting to politeness.
He Mengchun saw his reluctance, and in order to prevent the news from leaking out, he directly grabbed Zhang Chong and shouted: "Whoever leaves today will cut off his robe and sever ties with everyone!"
Seeing a group of people looking at him, Zhang Chong had no choice but to nod in agreement, and then the group headed towards Zuoshunmen.
Speaking of people like Yang Shen, they are good at talking, but they really have no practical experience. Besides, the people who can hang out with Yang Shen are all princelings with good family backgrounds. The Confucian scholars of this era have long lost those who were both civil and military.
It seems that the six arts of a gentleman are only briefly mentioned in the school. These gentlemen usually have to be served even for dressing and eating, and they have no chance to practice it.
So when Zhang Cong received the order and entered the palace, when he walked near the Zuoshun Gate, he saw a group of half-grown men gathering sneakily in the corner, muttering constantly to cheer him up.
Zhang Cong: "..." Something is wrong.
Although he didn't know the "beautiful legend of Zuo Shunmen", as a person who complained angrily to the chief minister of the dynasty and quarreled with the scholars, Zhang Cong knew that he was not welcome. To be honest, it was true that he returned to the dynasty after just one year.
It was a bit beyond his expectation. But since His Majesty could use him, he was already ready to share his worries.
At this time, the lecturers should have gone home. What are they doing here? Zhang Cong was a little confused and subconsciously took two steps forward. However, he suddenly noticed a short official secretly waving his hand towards him and shaking his head crazily.
He stopped, a little surprised, no way...
At this time, Yang Shen and others also saw him and shouted, "That's him! Let's get in quickly!!"
"Kill!!!"
The young officials rushed forward, but one of them accidentally bumped into each other before they could stand still, and they all fell to the ground. But it doesn't matter, just get up and continue!
Because their clumsiness gave Zhang Cong a chance to breathe. Although he had already passed the fifth grade, he was depressed because he had failed all the time and always went hiking, which helped him develop a good body.
...At the very least, it is much better than those bastards behind him.
Then a strange scene appeared in the huge palace, with a person running in front and a group of people chasing after him.
It was the time to change shifts, and there weren't many servants around. Even if there were, they were trembling with fear and didn't dare to say anything, so these officials were running around...
At the same time, Xian Ruxing and Zhu Houcong returned to the palace after handling the matter. On the way, Xian Ruxing comforted the little emperor, whose body pressure was still very low: "It's okay, Marquis Wu Ding doesn't know who I am, haven't I already punished him?
, look at me, I’m not even angry.”
Because he left the palace incognito, Zhu Houcon didn't want people to know that he had a private meeting with ministers. When he went there, he only brought two guards with him, and when he came back, there were only three of him, Xian Ruxing and Huang Jin. After a while, you can reach Xuanying along the left gate.
When the time comes, we will drive back to Qianqing Palace, and everything will be unnoticed.
"It's just a year's salary. After all, it's too cheap for him." The young man frowned. Because there was no one around, he could express his emotions very calmly. In fact, it's not his fault for being angry. Apart from anything else, you know
At this time, the defense between men and women was serious. What Guo Xun said to Xian Ruxing was already very rude. If the upbringing had been stricter, the woman's reputation might have been ruined!
"It's impossible for a strict tutor to let his daughter go to a teahouse." Xian Ruxing shook his head, "The whole capital was watching when he helped Wu Dinghou rise, so he couldn't fall down because of such a trivial matter. Besides, he knew he was wrong.
When you turned around, that guy was so frightened that his face turned pale."
"That's right!" Zhu Houcong said fiercely.
Seeing that he was still furious, Xian Ruxing smiled and said: "Well, your Majesty, doesn't he like story books? Anyway, I've been busy with all my work recently, so I'll take the time to write one for you. I guarantee it will be better than that "The Legend of Heroes"
nice."
"Really?" Zhu Houcong glanced at her and grumbled: "Okay then, you keep your word."
"Of course, look at when I deceived you, I..." Before Xian Ruxing could finish his words, he was interrupted by a scream, and he was stunned. "What's going on? Who is killing pigs in the palace?"
The two of them followed the source of the sound and saw Zhang Cong, disheveled, climbing to the top of the ginkgo tree in the palace, surrounded by a group of young officials below.
The sound just now was made by someone trying to climb up to catch Zhang Cong, but was kicked to the ground by an invincible old man in his fifties, who was wailing at this time.
Yang Shen was also having a hard time. His hat hung crookedly on his head, and his whole body was wet with sweat. The sweat left deep and shallow stains on his official uniform.
He pointed at Zhang Cong and said out of breath: "Traitor, if you have the ability, come down!"
"Young kid! If you have the ability to challenge me to a duel! I'll give you a hand!" Zhang Cong is indeed a professional troll, and he can still make people think in this situation.
Sure enough, Yang Shen was so angry that he jumped up. Zhang Chong next to him pulled his clothes and almost begged: "Yong Xiu, let's go before things get too big..."
"Go away!" Yang Shen pushed him away and yelled angrily: "Don't think I didn't see you tipping off the traitor! I'll settle the score with you later!"
Xian Ruxing Jiajing, who rushed here, was in a state of brain failure after figuring out the whole story.
Xian Ruxing was fine, but Jiajing was so angry that he trembled after reacting.
"Lawless! This is so! It's so lawless!!" The young man didn't care so much, walked forward and slapped Yang Shen hard on the back.
Zhang Cong was still chattering on the tree, and Yang Shen was so angry that his eyes were red. At this time, there was a sudden pain in his back. Thinking that Zhang Chong was looking for trouble again, he turned around and hit him with his fist.
"Bang——" there was a muffled sound.
The slender young man who had never made a move with anyone in his life and who had grown taller but not fleshy fell to the ground.
Xian Ruxing: "..."
Zhang Cong: "..."
Yang Shen: "..."
Quiet, deathly quiet.
Suddenly, Huang Jin, who was behind him, broke down and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Escort! Escort! Someone come quickly! Long live the guy who was beaten unconscious!"
Zhu Houcong, who was hit so hard that stars were shining in his eyes. When he came back to his senses, he felt so embarrassed that he wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl in: "...":,,.