Zhao Benxue, dressed in commoner clothes, stood outside the Meridian Gate, looking up at the red wall and gold tiles.
This is the forbidden palace of the Emperor of Heaven, but the left and right doors are open, and people wearing red, green, or even green official robes come in and out from time to time. Although there are some inspections, it is not very strict.
Yu Dayou stood aside and said: "Sir, come over, Lu Qianhu is still waiting."
Zhao Benxue wanted to come and see the young emperor, but he couldn't just refuse the invitation - not to mention it might harm Yu Dayou's future.
Now, the person who came to greet them outside the Meridian Gate was Lu Bing, who had arranged to go to the palace as an errand after the New Year.
"Zhifu! Is this Mr. Zhao? Jin Yiwei Qianhu Lu Bing has met Mr. Zhao."
Lu Bing was not scornful, because he knew that the emperor did not even attend the science and technology policy test that started today and the military affairs meeting in the Wuying Palace where Guo Xun attended. He only spared time to wait in the imperial study.
Lu Bing was convinced by Yu Dayou, the top martial artist.
As for Zhao Benxue, who taught Yu Dayou the art of war, since His Majesty specially invited him here, it cannot be said that he was at least worshiped by the Military Academy of Huangming University.
"Lu Qianhu." Zhao Benxue continued as usual, speaking concisely and to the point, and returning the greeting politely.
This is considered a meeting. Before coming here, of course, I had heard Yu Dayou say a lot that Lu Bing was a Jinshi in the same department of martial arts. Although he was the emperor's brother, his skills were not bad.
Following Lu Bing into the Forbidden City, Zhao Benxue felt that there were still people coming and going in the Forbidden City, just like a huge government office.
He has known for half his life that the Forbidden Palace has always been very strict. Unless there is a court meeting, only some important officials can enter and leave the Forbidden Palace, either because of summons or because of special favors.
Looking at this scene now, the conclusion he could draw was very simple: the emperor was very diligent, so that many major military and political affairs had to be run closer to his sight.
Sure enough, the legendary imperial study room has a courtyard gate at the right rear of the Guoce Hall.
Entering here, you are not only in front of the palace, but also close to the harem.
The descendants of the royal family of the Zhao and Song Dynasties first saw the Emperor of Heaven wearing ordinary clothes.
"Zhifu, since you have sent your mentor, you and Lu Bing should go to Wuying Hall to observe the military affairs meeting."
Lu Bing was startled: "Your Majesty, are you serious?"
"Listen more, learn more, speak less." Zhu Houcong said without any scruples, "One is my appointed number one scholar, and the other is my brother-in-law. Who doesn't know my intention of cultivating you? I only hope that you will be modest and prudent, and you will be able to take on the role as soon as possible."
Great job!"
Yu Dayou and Lu Bing couldn't help but express their gratitude gratefully.
Zhao Benxue naturally saw this scene.
Based on his experience, he could tell that this was not for him. Judging from Lu Bing's reaction, how important was the military meeting in Wuying Palace? The emperor really valued Yu Dayou's future and was very confident that Yu Dayou would not
will disappoint him.
However, as a result, he, the emperor and the imperial attendants were the only ones left in the imperial study room.
Even the bachelors who were accompanying him in the Imperial Study Room just now looked at him meaningfully, then bowed and left.
Zhao Benxue was still a civilian and had no official or position.
You don't need to pay attention to what the emperor and he talked about. What's more, one is the emperor of the day, and the other is said to be a descendant of the Zhao and Song royal families. Who knows what the emperor wants to talk to him?
"Mr. Zhao came to Beijing all the way from Quanzhou, and even spent the Spring Festival on the road. Don't you blame me for disturbing your life?" Zhu Houcong said with a smile, "Zhifu said that Mr. Zhao is a hermit and has no intention of becoming famous and becoming an official.
."
Zhao Benxue was silent for three to five breaths, and then he said: "The common people also want to have a look at the sky."
One is "I", the other is a commoner. One is a descendant of Zhao Song who lost his country, and the other is the Lord of Zhu Ming who conquered China.
Zhu Houcong felt a little emotional, and then went straight to the point: "Mr. Zhao has seen me now, and naturally he also knows that I am eager for talents. Although Zhifu has never seriously practiced military training, he had a deep understanding of the Book of Changes during the martial arts examination.
General Staff Yang and Wang Shangshu all praised Mr. Zhao for his talent in military strategy. Now I want to enrich the country and strengthen the army, and respect the Han and Tang Dynasties from afar. I wonder if Mr. Zhao is willing to serve the country and not let his pearls and jade become dust?"
"...The common people have little talent and little knowledge. May I ask what it means to pay homage to the Han and Tang Dynasties from a distance?"
In Zhao Benxue's sight, the young emperor just smiled and glanced at the map of the Ming Dynasty hanging on the wall of the imperial study room.
Then, there was a clear and powerful voice: "If you are close, the people will not be hungry or cold, and the Ming Dynasty will be free from foreign troubles. If you are far, the force will deter foreign enemies, or drive them away, or they will be willing to serve as Han ministers. Civilization governs the world, the officials and the people are diligent, and the Yi and Di
They all yearn for it. It is as strong as the Han Dynasty, as prosperous as the Tang Dynasty, and as rich as the Song Dynasty. Although the prosperous times are not enough to describe, they can be said to have laid the foundation of China for all generations."
Zhao Benxue looked at his high spirits, and then heard the emperor smile heartily: "I am not bragging, I prefer to call it an ideal. I think that all people with lofty ideals in our country should take this as an ideal. Mr. Zhao feels that
Woolen cloth?"
Zhao Benxue recalled that although the Song Dynasty was mentioned, only the Han and Tang Dynasties were respected.
I felt a little bitter in my heart: Ancestors...
"...Your Majesty's arrogance is admired by the common people." He raised his head, "The remaining people in the countryside can see your majesty's beauty and hear the Mingjun's ambitions, which is comforting. He has lived in seclusion for half his life, only knowing about scholarship. His ambitions and achievements are only due to his extraordinary talent.
It is not the result of ordinary people. Although I have the heart to serve the country, my family motto comes first. I hope your majesty will forgive me."
Zhu Houcong frowned: "Family motto?"
"Don't dare to deceive the emperor. Our ancestors have a legacy. As a common people, we will not change our surnames to disobey our ancestors, nor seek honor. We will forget all the ups and downs and enjoy serving the people from generation to generation."
"Ancestor..." Zhu Houcong looked at his age, calculated the time, and then could only smile, "When Meng Yuan came to power, he warned future generations to stay safe. Why should Mr. Zhao be so rigid?"
If it is more formal, there will be formal titles for the eighteen generations of ancestors. This ancestor may be the ancestor of Zhao Benjia's branch in Quanzhou, or he may actually be the eighth generation ancestor.
If we calculate it that way, wouldn't it mean that the Southern Song Dynasty was completely gone, and the Yuan Dynasty just drew the line between several people?
The destruction of a country and a family does not mean total destruction. Naturally, we must warn our descendants not to dwell on the glory of the past and to save their lives first.
Zhao Benxue looked at the emperor and was silent for a while before saying: "Your Majesty established the imperial examination, selected local virtuous people, rewarded brave generals, promoted skillful craftsmen, and appointed officials. The common people are despicable and confused. Now that you have never tested the common people, why?
Are there any useful talents among the people of Xincao?"
Zhao Benxue really didn't have much interest in becoming an official. He was mainly interested in and curious about the young emperor.
Family motto comes first, and he does not hope that starting from his own generation, future generations will have any attachment to wealth. Mismatched talents and virtues are the source of disaster.
What he said now was his real doubt.
He didn't believe it was because of Yu Dayou. There were so many new scholars in civil and military affairs, but he didn't hear that the emperor would specially invite other people's teachers because of their talents. What's more, Yu Dayou had more than one teacher, and that was Jingchu who traveled to Quanzhou.
Isn't Changjian the one who sent me away from Quanzhou with helpless eyes and incomprehension?
He had thought that when he got here, the emperor would at least have a lot to ask and want to test him, but he got straight to the point as soon as he got here and said something like "I am thirsty for talents."
"Mr. claims to be despicable, but I have never even visited the thatched cottage." Zhu Houcong joked first, and then said solemnly, "Among the hundreds of officials, there are many descendants of the previous dynasty. I first admired Mr. Xin Zhifu for his talent;
I issued an edict specifically to summon you to the capital because of a sentence reported by Zhifu."
"..." Zhao Benxue didn't expect that it was because of Yu Dayou, but which sentence made the emperor make an exception and issue an edict to personally announce the summons, instead of letting Yu Dayou persuade him to take the initiative to seek recommendation and become an official?
"Zhifu said that after he made up his mind to take the martial arts examination, he said something: 'I have learned all my life as a teacher, and I hope you will pass on the mantle and return to the country again!'" Zhu Houcong looked into his eyes and slowly said
Said, "Zhao Song has a son who regrets the mountains and rivers. I also want to see him. He is already able to write books and establish his opinions, and his virtue is even more indifferent to fame and fortune. Sir, I have regrets in my heart. Don't you want to help the new master of China and take a look at your ancestors?
Magnificent mountains and rivers that cannot be seen?”
My initial thoughts, when I heard that there was such a person, I just thought that he was someone who could lay the foundation for the next generation of famous generals for Yu Dayou, so it would be no problem to be enshrined in Huangming University.
But as soon as Yu Dayou relayed that sentence, Zhu Houcong had a clearer image in front of his eyes.
Even if such a person cannot become a famous minister, at least he will do one thing well with ambition and belief, right?
Zhao Benxue sighed in his heart, is it just because of this same desire?
Zhu Houcong added: "Sir, if you don't seek fame and position, there are ways to work around it."
"...The common people are puzzled."
"Sir, let's entrust your ambitions to your disciples." Zhu Houxuan looked at him and said, "I originally intended to invite you to a banquet to offer sacrifices to the Military Academy, but now I hope that you can continue to help Zhifu walk faster. I have already accepted his invitation.
Datong is training troops to guard the border. The situation in the border town is complicated, and Zhifu is appointed as a border general in the name of Wu Zhuangyuan, so he inevitably has many chores. There are disputes in the officialdom, and he always needs someone around him to help make plans."
"...Your Majesty, it is your Majesty's opinion that ordinary people should join the Zhifu Curtain?"
Zhu Houcong nodded: "He still has a lot to learn about training and using soldiers, and dealing with officialdom. I am cultivating him, but I am worried that he will become arrogant and arrogant if he goes smoothly. As my teacher, I can teach him to guard against arrogance and impetuosity."
As a staff member, you really don’t have any reputation, you are a person behind the scenes.
But what the emperor said according to his own mentality was this reason.
Now it is even more clear that the emperor's cultivation and expectations for his disciple are really a bit unimaginable, and it is almost like holding it in his hand for fear that it will melt away.
Does he listen better when speaking as a teacher? It’s really...
Zhu Houcong looked at him with a smile: "What do you mean, sir?"
Gold will always shine, and the environment will make people change.
If this Zhao Benxue is really talented, then it would be better to throw him to a border town first. Not only can there be a practical scene for him to verify his military skills, but also continue to teach Yu Dayou some things to let him grow and prevent him from being proud.
Under the pressure of Bei Yuan, a powerful enemy who would fight fiercely sooner or later, Zhu Houcong needed more immortal generals.
Now Qi Jiguang is still breastfeeding!
As for the old ministers like Guo Xun, they have the ambition to perform meritorious service, but the upper limit of their abilities is there. At this point in time, only people like Guo Xun who are trustworthy and can go to the town with their status as marquises can be allowed to go first.
Make do with it.
Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren are both old, and Zhu Houcong also hopes that they will spend their skills on temple calculations and "conquests" instead of being on the front line as commanders. It is better to live tiredly than running around on the battlefield with a tired mind.
several years.
Zhao Benxue's feelings towards Yu Dayou are quite complicated.
To be honest, at this point, he is truly a disciple, and his weight in his heart is comparable to that of a parent and child.
He thought for a while and then asked: "Zhifu asked for orders at the end of last year, but he hasn't set off yet. Could it be that His Majesty is just waiting for the common people?"
"We are also waiting for Marquis Wu Ding to set off together." Zhu Houcong said meaningfully, "On the way together, if Marquis Wu Ding wants to ask for advice, I hope you can speak freely. They are all going to deal with the northern barbarians, so they can manage the army and use troops, and the generals and counselors will learn from each other."
Zhao Benxue was slightly shocked when he thought that the emperor asked Yu Dayou to attend the military affairs meeting.
Could it be that there was a big plan for going there, and it was not just that Wu Dinghou was punished for his crime and asked to guard the border?
Letting Yu Dayou know the tip of the iceberg was clearly to create an opportunity for Wu Dinghou to discuss the matter with someone he could trust.
Zhao Benxue looked at Zhu Houcong and felt that his trust in Yu Dayou and himself was really unreasonable.
But... damn trust always makes some people's blood boil.
"...It's what you wish for." Zhao Benxue left his seat and saluted, "The common people should be cautious, hoping that Zhifu can achieve great achievements and comfort my life ambition. If Wu Dinghou asks, the common people will know everything and tell him everything.
"
Zhu Houcong knew that he understood, so he laughed: "I have seen some of Mr. Wu's talent and talent. With the prestige of Wu Dinghou, the bravery of Zhifu, and Mr.'s experience, together with General Counselor Yang, Wang Shangshu will feel more at ease in the capital."
Zhao Benxue further confirmed that this was not a battle situation in which the generals on the front line suddenly changed the situation and the monarchs and ministers at the rear fully supported it?
There is certainly no shortage of people who can serve as advisors at the front, but putting yourself close to the core is just to confuse the enemy and yourself.
What kind of situation, even some of our own people have to be hidden first.
The young emperor seems to have a big appetite.
"...Your Majesty is so majestic and magnificent that even ordinary people can see it."
What can make Yu Dayou grow faster and move faster? A real battle!
It is even more necessary to go, otherwise, what would happen if Yu Dayou, who had never really experienced himself in official circles or on the battlefield, would be caught in such a war?
In fact, Guo Xun in the Wuying Hall had been looking at Yu Dayou from time to time, who was sitting at the end with his head down and listening, but could not hide the shock on his face. He didn't understand.
Therefore, after the meeting ended here, he went straight to the Yangxin Hall to ask for an audience. When he saw the emperor, he hurriedly asked: "Your Majesty, we have a rough plan ahead. Isn't Wang Dutai the only one among the Xuanda generals? Will Chen and General Fu know about it?"
Then Yu Dayou..."
Zhu Houcong said while reading the memorial: "He is fine, please stay close to him."
"..." Guo Xun thought to himself, if you don't tell me, I will be the first serious imperial examination champion in the Ming Dynasty.
"It's not that I have any other plans that I'm hiding from you." Zhu Houcong put down the memorial and looked at him, "I hope you will rely more on your strategic intentions and expectations for the direction of the war. In addition to discussing with several staff members in the rear who are planning this war,
You can only discuss it with Wang Xian at the front. Wang Xian is the Governor of Xuanda. Besides this bright line, I will give you another hidden line."
"...Is this Yu Dayou who has never led an army? I am not saying that he has no skills, but he is the number one scholar in martial arts after all."
Zhu Houcong knew that his worries were justified, and it could not be said that Yu Dayou was already a star-studded SSR.
"Just remember that he was selected by me. He is absolutely loyal to me and the Ming Dynasty, and he also has some skills. This is enough." Zhu Houhuang sighed, "I am not only giving you the opportunity to make meritorious deeds, but also
I'm helping you worry about whether the meritorious service is good enough. It's better than having to rely on your own brains after you go, right? Over there, meeting each other has its benefits! After Yu Dayou went, you can also learn from his
The angle can see things that generals who have been in border towns for many years cannot see."
"Your Majesty is thinking of me like this, I..."
"Okay, okay, don't be like this." Zhu Houcong felt that the expression of the middle-aged macho man was a bit disgusting, "I am not specialized in military tactics and strategies. Please make my intentions and directions clear, and you can take advantage of the few days you can still stay in Beijing.
Let's discuss it with some of the staff. When you arrive in Datong, I and they will not easily dictate your arrangements there, so we should deduce as much as possible first. Whether your son can still be a marquis depends on your ability.
Not being picky and making good use of those who can be used is also part of your skill."
"..." Guo Xun felt that the emperor's words seemed to include him. If there were the British Dukes of the past or even those fierce generals at the founding of the country, the great contribution of this plan would not be his.
He is also one of those people who is "not picky".
"I have been training soldiers for five years, studying military books diligently, and if I am thirsty for battle, I will live up to His Majesty's high expectations!"
"You are brave and courageous! Is there anything else?"
Guo Xun felt that the emperor's refusal to be moved by passion with him was a little perfunctory.
"No! I will go and continue the deduction with General Staff Yang and the others, and learn about the old situation of the Xuanda Zhufortresses from Wang Shangshu."
Zhu Houcong nodded with satisfaction: "That's right, let's go."
Seeing that he had resigned, Zhu Houcong continued to pick up the memorial that he had not finished reading before, and frowned deeply in thought.
Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren specially jointly communicated for this plan. Under the possibility that the Ming Dynasty monarchs and ministers thought that Bei Yuan, which was full of hidden dangers of internal strife, shared the same enemy and wanted to suppress the Ming Dynasty's desire to look north, they proposed a declaration.
Candidates for the civil and military reinforcements on both sides of the defense line were presented.
The two sides just defended, but they had to guard against the reaction caused by the low morale of the soldiers after the Ming Dynasty was "defeated" in the early stages of the battle.
Faced with this list of candidates, Zhu Houcong chose to believe in Yang Yiqing and the others.
But he also added two people.
Tang Shunzhi, Mao Bowen.
Take young mules and old horses out for a walk.
I hope they come back safely and grow stronger.
At this moment, in the Wenlou and Wulou in Bauhinia City, Tang Shunzhi and the others were taking part in the planning examination of the system.
In the previously vacant room on the southwest side of Wuying Hall, Huang Jin just came over to check on the progress of the sand table production in the Xuanda area that His Majesty and the others were concerned about - it was not that detailed, but it would be more intuitive than the map.
On the grassland, Fengzhou Beach and the southwest, northeast and other directions are full of fast horses.
The weeds on the grassland and the willow trees in the south of the Yangtze River have just begun to sprout new buds. I wonder who will grow faster and stronger this year.