Zuo of the Ming Dynasty is still there, but the honorable people in Jiangnan have lost their former glory.
The reason is just the word "money".
The sharp drop in fiscal revenue caused the Jiangnan nobles to begin to decline before the dynasty.
The occurrence of this situation can only be traced back to the Jiajing period.
Before Jiajing, it was the heyday of Jiangnan nobles.
At that time, the Jiangnan nobles held great power and were far away from the capital and the emperor. They could be said to dominate.
They also colluded with pirates. On the one hand, they trained a large number of officials to advocate maritime bans, and on the other hand, they monopolized huge profits from maritime trade. Their reputation was unparalleled for a while.
But what they did undoubtedly violated the interests of the imperial court and threatened the national defense and security of the imperial court.
Hence the suppression of Japanese pirates.
Many people in later generations were very surprised. Although the Japanese pirates were not that powerful, why did the Ming Dynasty fight them so fiercely and spend so much effort to put them down?
This is because, behind the apparent suppression of Japanese invaders, there is actually a game between two political forces.
In the end, the imperial court won a great victory, and the nobles of the southeast suffered heavy losses.
With this result, the merchants and craftsmen who were originally suppressed by the nobles began to rise, which eventually led to the emergence of the Donglin Party.
The opening of the sea in Longqing could be regarded as the first wave of impact of the emerging class on the noble families in the southeast.
Although it ended in nothing and seemed to have failed, Longqing's opening of the sea allowed the emerging class to get in touch with the southeastern pirates.
From then on, the emerging class was able to bypass the nobility, aristocratic families, and the government and have its own channels for maritime trade.
Not only that, relying on the powerful strength of the southeastern pirates, the emerging class began to squeeze the interests of nobles and noble families.
In the Wanli and Tianqi years, the situation of the noble and aristocratic families became even worse.
Because the emperor sent eunuchs to seize the pass, mines, and water and land transportation in various places. These were originally profit-making channels for nobles and noble families.
Therefore, if Emperor Tianqi's fall into the water was a conspiracy, then the biggest suspect is Xun Gui.
Although the Donglin Party is powerful, it cannot reach into the inner court and cannot plot against the emperor.
Only nobles who are closely related to the royal family can complete such a plot without knowing it and under the protection of eunuchs.
It was during the Wanli and Tianqi years that the eunuchs were rampant, forcing the nobles to bow their heads and choose to join the emerging class in the southeast.
Since then, the Donglin Party has degenerated from being simply a representative of the emerging class to becoming an emerging aristocratic class.
Later generations criticized the Donglin Party a lot, which also came from the various measures taken by the Donglin Party since then.
But there is no doubt that from monopolizing huge business interests to becoming a vassal of the emerging class, the decline of the Southeastern nobility is inevitable.
This is also the fundamental reason why Xu Yinjue, the eldest son of Wei Guogong, waved the flag and cheered for Zhang Cai.
The Neo-Confucian concepts advocated by Fushe are undoubtedly in the best interest of the nobles and provide ethical support for their actions.
The practical approach advocated by Liu Zongzhou will undoubtedly further attack and weaken the noble class.
"There are many gardens in Nanjing, and among them, none is more outstanding than the East Garden. Today, all the great masters hold a forum here to discuss Taoism. It is really a grand event. It is not a small thing, but I respectfully decorate it as the landlord. I just want to serve tea."
Pour some water and ask for a lucky name."
As a landlord, Xu Yinjue talked eloquently, but there was not even a trace of Xu Da's heroic spirit in his body.
The nobles of Nanjing have long been dulled by the flourishing of fireworks, and have become a waste of money.
When he thought of the virtue of this guy kneeling outside Nanjing to welcome the Manchus into the city, Zuo Menggeng wrote him down in his notebook.
Others were impressed by Xu Yinjue's style and complimented him one after another, making the scene quite lively.
Xu Yinjue looked at Liu Zongzhou, with a hint of agility hidden in his words.
"When Xiao Ke was young, he heard that Mr. Jishan was a master of Neo-Confucianism, and he admired him deeply. He never thought that after many years, Mr. Jishan's knowledge became more and more advanced, but Xiaoke was so ignorant that he could no longer understand. Today
I would like to ask Mr. Jishan to give me some advice in person."
This is a mockery of Liu Zongzhou's weak stance. He started with Neo-Confucianism but turned to the study of psychology.
How could Liu Zongzhou be hindered by his little tricks?
"All kinds of knowledge in the world lead to the same goal through different paths, but they are just seeking the truth. Only by learning from everyone's strengths in pursuit of the truth can we see the clear nature of the mind and finally achieve great success. If your son has this desire for knowledge, he should be taught."
After saying these words, Xu Yinjue's face turned red and he almost had a seizure.
Just tell Zhou Xingxing and Huo Yunxie Shen: Do you want to learn? I will teach you.
Those who understood, suppressed their laughter, for fear of offending Xu Yinjue. Those who did not understand felt that the famous Mr. Jishan was a model for teaching without distinction and was diligent in teaching others.
Xu Yinjue had a hard meal, knowing that he could not talk about the Grand Master, so he quickly changed the subject.
"As the saying goes, the spring river is warm and the ducks are prophets. It is spring and the peach blossoms are in full bloom. Today we will take a boat trip to Bailuzhou to discuss the truth through the beautiful scenery. Wouldn't it be fun?"
The most famous exquisite spot in the East Garden is naturally Bailuzhou.
There is a small island in the lake, and peach blossoms are planted along the lake. Every spring, the water is as green as jade and the peach blossoms are sparkling. People walk on the boat, far away from the world, and it feels like a peach paradise.
This is not what everyone is concerned about, and there is no objection.
Take them into the park together and board the boat one by one.
Only then can we see that Jiangnan Xungui’s background is still there.
Due to the limitations of the cruise ship, everyone could not board the ship, so Xu Yinjue arranged many tables and chairs around Bailu Lake, each with its own unique charm based on the beautiful scenery.
Those who were not qualified to board the ship were invited to different seats, and they were able to sing along with the people on the cruise ship, so they were not alone.
There are also many stages set up in the middle, presumably there will be various performances, but it is lively and lively enough for everyone to have fun.
However, something happened when we boarded the ship.
Seeing the four young and beautiful women around Zuo Mengeng, Xu Yinjue was a little unhappy.
"As a host, I will make my guests feel at home, but this little friend has gone to unnecessary lengths."
People who didn't know it all started laughing, thinking that Zuo Mengeng was a country bumpkin and had insulted his master's face.
Zuo Mengeng laughed and introduced loudly: "This is Zhuojing. I have long admired the outstanding people and places in the south of the Yangtze River, so I came here to see it."
Everyone cheered and looked at him like a monster.
Did you bring your wife to such an occasion?
Xu Yinjue was full of lawsuits and wanted to have Zuo Mengeng kicked out. Fortunately, he was cautious and asked: "I don't know what your name is?"
Zuo Mengeng seemed to be smiling but not smiling.
"I don't dare to be the crown prince's enquiry. Dongchang Assistant Counselor Zuo Menggeng is just accompanying the teacher to recite Taigong's appointment today."
The crowd was excited again, and many people's eyes quickly changed, and they all wanted to get closer.
Xu Yinjue and Zhang Cai were really shocked. They thought that Zuo Menggeng was so young and was just a descendant of Liu Zongzhou. They didn't expect that it was the first military general of the Ming Dynasty who had been causing a lot of quarrel recently.
Yes, after the Battle of Qingshui Pass, Zuo Mengeng was rated as the best general of the Ming Dynasty by the good guys, regardless of whether saying so would make Zuo Mengeng hate him.
But this is what everyone in the world does.
Especially after facing Hou Jin's various humiliations over the years, someone finally won a battle, which really made people all over the world feel bad.
Even though Zuo Mengeng was just a martial artist, he still received praise from countless people.
By the Bailu Island, everyone bowed together and paid their respects.
"General Zuo's battle has greatly enhanced our power and revitalized the morale of the people. His merits are immeasurable. I never expected that he would be so open-minded and open-minded. He is indeed a role model for our generation."
Qian Shisheng, the Minister of Rites, greatly praised Zuo Mengeng and stood clearly on this side.
He is a veteran of the Donglin Party. He originally studied with Gu Xiancheng and Gao Panlong, and his teacher was Qian Longxi.
Last year, Qian Shisheng resigned angrily because of Qian Longxi's injustice. It was not until this year that he was reinstated as the Minister of Rites in Nanjing.
If Qian Shisheng set up Zuo Menggeng's eyes for the same purpose as Dong Lin, Xiong Mingyu would be much more affectionate.
"When the Eastern invaders invaded, I happened to be in the capital, and General Zuo's various achievements were displayed on the desk, which was really amazing. At that time, everyone inside and outside was in ruins, fearing that the Eastern invaders would be too powerful and Tai'a would hang upside down. Fortunately, General Zuo had outstanding military exploits and protected him.
Our Ming Dynasty will last forever."
Xiong Mingyu was the Minister of War in the capital at the time. As a person involved, his words are naturally very credible.
The crowd followed up with another burst of praise, and Zuo Mengeng faintly surpassed Liu Zongzhou and became the focus of the field.
"The last general is able to be promoted simply, thanks to the boss's favor. It is really the junior's fault that he has never thanked me in person."
Hou Xun had already told Zuo Mengeng about the process of becoming Dongchang's assistant general. He knew that Xiong Mingyu had played a role in this.
Therefore, it is appropriate to say thank you.
Xiong Mingyu held his hand, feeling very happy.
"We are devoted to the country and loyal. If we see someone with great talent, of course we will recommend him to Your Majesty to benefit the world."
Nowadays, the political situation in Nanjing is very delicate. It is quite difficult for Xiong Mingyu and Qian Shisheng to fight against the other people who are not from the Donglin Party.
Qian Qianyi traveled around the mountains and forests and no longer got involved in political disputes, which really deprived them of a helping hand.
Seeing the conflict between Zhang Cai and Liu Zongzhou today, Xiong Mingyu suddenly discovered that the Donglin lineage actually split into this.
Xiong Mingyu was very angry about the behavior of Zhang Cai and others getting involved with nobles and noble families. Taking advantage of Zuo Mengeng's opportunity, he would of course speak out loudly and reiterate his principles.
Zhang Cai and others naturally understood the mystery behind his words. They all looked ugly, but they could not refute.
In terms of knowledge, they can question Liu Zongzhou, after all, this can be regarded as communication.
But they did not dare to show any disrespect to Zuo Mengeng.
After all, in this era of tens of thousands of troops, Zuo Mengeng was the only general who defeated Hou Jin. If he collided with him when he was at the peak of his power, whoever collided would die.
Seeing Zuo Mengeng respectfully accompanying Liu Zongzhou, Zhang Cai and others became even more anxious.
Liu Zongzhou has such a godlike retinue, can they really win this time?