Although the assassination of Xu Xun happened last time, and Zhu Houzhao was depressed, angry and uncomfortable for a long time, the little emperor's life was generally more comfortable than before. Not to mention that the court was gone.
He was nagging in his ears that he was not allowed to do this or that, and he had to call his husband's ministers, that is, the palace, and all of them were replaced by the chamberlains that he liked. His life was much more relaxed. Of course, the most satisfying thing
However, Empress Dowager Zhang finally relented and agreed to postpone the wedding for another year, which not only satisfied his filial piety to wait until his father, Emperor Daxiang, passed away, but also satisfied that he could continue to hide his identity and hang out with Zhou Qiniang.
.
Of course, all this is not without cost, because while he is having fun, he must also make Empress Dowager Zhang happy. According to Empress Dowager Zhang's wishes, he must first choose a good marriage for his cousin Zhang Zongshuo. It should be noted that for
Empress Dowager Zhang was extremely dissatisfied with Zhang Jingxuan's previous marriage. Only her niece liked it and her son approved of it, so she had no choice but to accept it.
According to Zhu Houzhao's mind, this was not a big deal. He could just tell someone to do it all over the capital, but Empress Dowager Zhang had asked him to supervise it personally, so he couldn't disobey his mother's wishes. This afternoon,
He thought about it, and originally wanted to go to Liu Jin to discuss the matter, but instead sent Rui Sheng to be the Supervisor of Ceremonies, but he was told that Liu Jin had gone to the cabinet. Although the attendant who followed Rui Sheng to talk tried his best to ask the little emperor to wait a moment,
Or he could go to the cabinet for a visit, but Zhu Houzhao was not interested in dealing with the three cabinet ministers. After sending them away, he rolled his eyes and waved for Ruisheng to come over.
"Will Xu Xun be in the house these days?"
Ruisheng was startled by this question and shook his head hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I don't know."
"To be honest, I don't blame you!"
Ruisheng was really busy these days. As the youngest steward of Qianqing Palace in history, most of the people below him were dissatisfied with him. He followed the advice of Gu Dayong and Zhang Yong before it was too late to appease the backyard. He only inquired about Xu Xun
When the injury healed, he was busy with his own business. How could he have time to stare at his old master? Seeing the disbelief on the little emperor's face, he couldn't help crying and said: "Your Majesty, I really don't know. I follow the emperor all day long, running errands back and forth.
It’s too late, how can I have time to inquire about Uncle Pingbei’s movements!”
"Really, I don't even know this!" Zhu Houzhao slapped the armrest angrily and said with a tigerish face, "You are the first to get the moon. From now on, I will pay attention to where he goes every day, so that I don't have to look for him."
If you don't want anyone... go ahead and change your clothes and leave the palace!"
"Ah, does your Majesty know where Uncle Pingbei is?"
"You idiot, how could I know? But there are always people in this city who know everything!"
Although this is a mouthful to say, Zhu Houzhao certainly did not talk nonsense. He took Ruisheng and a few guards and went straight to the west factory of Lingji Hutong as soon as he came out of the palace. As a result, Huitong was frightened to death as soon as he appeared. He learned that the little emperor was actually
He came to ask about Xu Xun's whereabouts. He was initially a little embarrassed because of Gu Dayong's absence. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief and quickly smiled.
"Your Majesty, Uncle Pingbei left the city to go to the military camp. I heard that there is a big competition today, and Eunuch Gu was also dragged by Eunuch Zhang to watch the fun."
"Oh, what is it?"
Seeing Huitong shaking his head and saying he didn't know, Zhu Houzhao had originally asked Xu Xun to discuss important matters, but now he was even more interested. So, he immediately ordered without any doubt: "Find someone from Nao to lead me the way! This Xiyuan
The avant-garde of the army inside are practicing the same thing, I'm tired of seeing it, I want to see what they are doing without telling me!"
Since the little emperor was interested, Huitong naturally did not dare to stop him, but he did not dare to really let the master take just such a few people out of the city. On the one hand, he transferred a few reliable people from the West Factory and asked
I went to Jinyiwei to inform me. Within a quarter of an hour, a person rushed into the house like a gust of wind, but it was Li Yifeng himself who was in charge of the execution of thousands of households by Jinyiwei...
"Huh?" Zhu Houzhao was originally very impatient and wanted to bring more people. After seeing Li Yifeng salute, he said that he had assigned eight capable subordinates and he would accompany him personally. He couldn't help but be overjoyed that he knew what he was doing and nodded repeatedly, "
Well, I’ll just keep you company! Zhong Hui, don’t follow me. Since Gu Dayong has gone there, there’s no one here!"
Huitong had no ambition to be promoted, so when he heard the emperor's order, he immediately agreed with a smile. When he was sending the person out, he took advantage of others not paying attention and patted Li Yifeng's shoulder lightly, murmuring in a low voice.
: "Opportunities must not be missed and will never come again. You must follow closely. If you can take a step forward, this is an excellent opportunity!"
Others don't know about the relationship between Huitong and Xu Liang and Xu Xun. Li Yifeng personally followed Ye Guang to Nanjing back then. Now he is in charge of Beizhen Fusi and almost takes charge of Jinyiwei. How could he not know? Li Yifeng nodded calmly.
, after getting on the horse, he naturally followed the little emperor closely. When he reached the mountain road, he even shouted and sent out men. When Zhu Houzhao saw that Ruisheng was a little weak on the horse, he stopped the horse to signal for a rest.
When he did, he smiled and handed over a copper jar.
"This is……"
"Your Majesty, this is reed root water that quenches thirst. It clears away heat and promotes body fluids. Although the weather is cold now, drinking this is still useful."
Zhu Houzhao opened the lid and took a sip as instructed. Although the entrance was a little bitter, there was a slight sweetness immediately after. Compared with him who often drank honey water, rose water, etc. in the palace, he felt more refreshing. He drank it.
After taking several sips, he handed the copper jar to the pale Ruisheng: "I forgot that you are not used to riding horses. Take a few sips, but not too much, otherwise your stomach will be swaying, which will make riding a horse even more uncomfortable!"
Ruisheng quickly agreed and noticed that others were looking at him. He only touched his lips briefly and quickly handed them back with his hands. After taking a rest for a cup of tea, Zhu Houzhao waved his hand to indicate that he was going to go.
When a simple barracks not far from the mountain col was said to be arriving, he suddenly sped up and rushed ahead.
Li Yifeng was afraid that something might happen to the little emperor, so he chased after him on horseback.
"Who?"
The two wooden gates were tightly closed at this time. A patrol sentry on the tall wooden tower saw twenty or thirty people rushing below. He was shocked and shouted sharply, and beat the drum above. But suddenly
In a short time, Zhu Houzhao saw many black heads appearing on various high platforms, with bows and arrows fully drawn, aiming at him condescendingly. He was still able to hold on, but Li Yifeng beside him suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
They all came out and shouted hurriedly.
"I am Li Yifeng, the head of the Fusi Department of the North Town of Jinyiwei, and I have come here to check on my orders!"
Despite these words, the archers on several high platforms did not put down their bows and arrows. They just pointed their bows and arrows diagonally at the ground. The sentry just looked at them for a few times and said loudly: "Pingbei Bo and Jingyang
Eunuch Bo Zhang and Eunuch Gu Eunuch are presiding over the competition, please wait outside the camp gate for me to report!"
Seeing him go down the wooden ladder in a hurry, someone else immediately came up to replace him. The others were still waiting in full formation. Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction. At this time, a chamberlain next to Ruisheng said jokingly: "Your Majesty, Uncle Pingbei, although
The young man is very well-organized in running the army, but Li Qianhu said that he was not allowed to go directly in due to the decree, but he actually looked like Zhou Yafu was running the Xiliu Camp."
Ruisheng didn't study much and was now learning and practicing calligraphy, but Li Yifeng was not as rough as some military positions. Seeing the capable face of the chamberlain in his early thirties, he smiled and said: "Zhou Yafu is in charge of Xiliu Camp.
Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty was used to establish his power. Now Ping Beibo and the others are presiding over the big competition inside. It is necessary that the gate of the camp should be strictly guarded. Otherwise, anyone can come in and out of the important military camp. Wouldn't it be a joke? The father-in-law used this analogy.
But it’s not appropriate.”….
Zhu Houzhao seemed not to notice the exchange of words between the two, and said nonchalantly: "Zhou Yafu had evil intentions and used the emperor as a target to make himself famous. Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty was also suspicious and ungrateful. It was too obvious for the emperor and the courtiers to do it.
Otherwise, why would Zhou Yafu die in prison if he was raised by a high-ranking official with generous salary? Those emperors of the Han Dynasty were always willing to barbarize three tribes and nine tribes. This is too narrow-minded. I will not take them!"
Li Yifeng couldn't help but sweat on his forehead when he heard the little emperor commenting loudly on the famous Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty. He dared not interrupt but couldn't help but think in his heart that in recent years, although
Occasionally, ministers were executed, but clan executions were indeed rare. However, the bloody storms during the reigns of Taizu and Taizong of this dynasty were definitely appalling to the Han Dynasty, which frequently wiped out three tribes and nine tribes.
The king and his ministers were delayed for a short while, and the gate to the camp opened. Xu Yanche and Qi Jiliang, who came out quickly, saw Li Yifeng on horseback and were about to say hello, but immediately recognized Gu Pan on horseback.
The proud Zhu Houzhao was greatly surprised. But before they had time to come forward to greet him, Zhu Houzhao jumped off his horse and walked over with a smile and a whip.
"Yes, yes, you two look more heroic! Stop talking nonsense, don't kneel down with me, hurry up and take me to have a look... I'm warning you, don't tell anyone!"
When Zhu Houzhao said this, Qi Jiliang, who had originally planned to send someone to pass on the news, immediately gave up the plan. He and Qi Jiliang looked at each other, and after all, they each bowed deeply, and then they both stood on the left and right to lead the way. Although they had already made a decision
Such a posture, but the important people are inside the school grounds, and the entrance is full of ordinary officers and soldiers. Who would have thought that Li Yifeng came not to check on orders, but to check on the little emperor, so it was quiet and quiet, and no one was smarter.
The people led by Qi Jiliang and Xu Yanche who went to report the news were smart, but under the eyes of the little emperor, no one dared to disobey the order.
So, Zhu Houzhao walked straight into the school grounds so gently and skillfully. When he saw the high platform for the review in the distance, he heard the uniform and deafening shouts of killing. At this time, he finally couldn't help it anymore, and hurried forward regardless of it.
When he went there, he noticed at a glance that there were actually two teams fighting each other fiercely. Faced with this real swordsmanship, he took a deep breath, grabbed Qi Jiliang next to him and asked:
"Are you actually practicing like this? Aren't you afraid of death or injury?"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty all brings in swords that have not yet been sharpened from the armory, so under normal circumstances, only someone will be injured, and there will be no fear of life. Of course, if there is an emergency, it is unavoidable, but you can practice and fight on weekdays.
Fighting in a battle formation is different. If you don't dare to let go of training because you are worried about getting injured, you will easily collapse when you see blood or encounter setbacks in the battle formation."
Zhu Houzhao's eyes lit up when he heard these words, and he immediately urged Qi Jiliang to lead the way. However, he was not busy going directly to the high platform to meet people, but instead walked in a circle around the school grounds, and saw that the two sides were actually rehearsing a fight.
He couldn't help but be more interested in the battle formation instead of simply putting on airs. But as he watched, he saw that many people lying on the ground were dragged out at every opportunity. When they finally rushed up to the high platform, he spoke.
He shouted: "This is a good drill, but what about the injured?"
When Zhu Houzhao spoke, Xu Xun, the divine hero Chen Xiong, and Gu Dayong Zhang Yong, who were whispering to each other on the high platform, all suddenly came to their senses. They were all people who had met the little emperor without looking up and looking down. They were surprised.
Xu Xun was the first to jump up: "Why did the emperor come so far without even informing you? What if someone is found in the palace?"...
Seeing that everyone was in a mess on the ground and bowing, Zhu Houzhao shouted impatiently, walked forward, and unceremoniously sat down on Xu Xun's original seat in the middle. Then he said bluntly: "I am not
Little child, you have a plan in your mind. The morning political discussion in the Wenhua Hall has been completed. Other government affairs naturally include the cabinet and the director of etiquette. Besides, the West Factory and the Jinyiwei know what happened to me. Don't be distracted. I'm asking you how the wounded are doing.
manage?"
"Of course there are dedicated military doctors to deal with the injured. The minister has transferred forty military doctors from various armies with the best treatment. All kinds of medicines for bruises and injuries are also fully prepared. Those with minor injuries can resume training after lying down for three to five days.
, If it hurts your muscles and bones, I can't afford to wait for a month or two. Now that you have selected someone, you must give them time."
Because of what Zhang Yong and Shenying said before, although Xu Xun had already informed Luo Qing to impress Ma Yongcheng and others, he knew that this would treat the symptoms rather than the root cause. He originally thought that when there was a general plan here, he would let him
The little emperor came to the scene to observe, and he must prevent the border troops from entering the capital from the source. At this moment, seeing Zhu Houzhao coming to the door himself and showing an interested expression, he said frankly: "Of course, that's all.
Still not enough.
After all, he is my boss, and he will not be ruthless even if there are rewards and punishments, so in the next step, I am going to organize them into a small team and drag them out for practice, and I have even found the living target for the practice."
As he spoke, he motioned for someone to bring up the topographic map and told Zhu Houzhao each of the marks on it. When he learned that Kinki was actually hiding a dozen groups of bandits, large and small, Zhu Houzhao became dark without knowing it.
Face. When Xu Xun said that he had recruited two masters who were best at catching horse thieves and was going to have them train a team of three to five hundred people to specialize in catching thieves, his expression suddenly brightened.
stand up.
"You mean, use this for actual combat? Do those rabble-rousers need to mobilize troops like this?"
"Your Majesty came just in time today. I originally wanted to find an opportunity to report this matter. Your Majesty, don't underestimate these so-called mobs. The Guanxing Mansion once sent troops from the Central Guard to rectify the situation, but the final result was that the troops were destroyed and the matter could not be dealt with.
Some of these people just went to the mountains to become bandits because they couldn't live a good life, but some of them have been operating in the mountains and forests for many years. It is a tradition inherited from father to son. In addition to being deeply rooted, there are also local people who inform the people. Therefore, I do not
We plan to let these troops go to suppress the bandits under the banner of the banner, but prepare to establish a separate mountain top. Otherwise, if the imperial court moves, everyone up and down the army will share the same hatred, and then it will only scare the grass and scare the snake."
Xu Xun has asked Luo Qing to send more detailed information about the White Lotus Sect. The reason why he did not use Xichang or Jinyiwei is because these believers of the sect are too deeply rooted, and it is easy for the news to leak out if they are not careful.
Even in front of Zhu Houzhao, he kept his mouth shut. Even so, what he said still made Zhu Houzhao full of anger. He glanced at the others and said in a deep voice: "I thought the world was peaceful, but I didn't expect this world to be so uneven!
"
These words were very serious. No matter it was Chen Xiong, a military general, or Zhang Yonggu, a lieutenant, they didn’t know what to say for a moment. At this time, as a provocateur, he raised this topic
Xu Xun, the initiator of this, had to say: "Your Majesty, the peace of the world is based on the general trend, not these small details. Thinking about Taizu and Taizong's talents and strategies, at the beginning of Taizu's founding of the country, there was an endless stream of provinces rising up, and Taizong has been in power for many years
, there was still the Shandong Rebellion caused by Sai'er of the Tang Dynasty. Then during the Xuande period, there was rebellion in Songpan, and later in the Chenghua period, there was rebellion among the Da Tengxia Yao people. Even in times of peace, these major and minor disturbances never stopped."
Having said this, he paused again and said: "However, since we are in Gyeonggi, even if we are just a clown, we cannot underestimate them and we cannot allow these hidden dangers to become serious problems."…
"No wonder Liu Jin presented me with a brochure this morning, which lists many laws that need to be changed. If this is the case, I will turn back to the cabinet and say, starting from the capital, we should first forgive the owed Chen Fu!
"
Liu Jin wants to change the law?
Xu Xun had really never heard of this, so he couldn't help but be stunned at this moment. But now was not the time to ask this question. Hearing that the little emperor just talked about the Chen Fu that he owed before, he moved his brows slightly, but did not say anything in reply.
Others would not interfere with such government affairs. Zhang Yong and Gu Dayong even praised the emperor's benevolence. The proud Zhu Houzhao naturally left the worries just now.
Out of the blue, I immediately remembered the true purpose of today.
"Then you continue to host that big competition. I'll have a few words with Xu Xun."
Seeing that Zhu Houzhao dragged Xu Xun away without any reason, Shenying couldn't help stroking his beard and said: "The emperor's trust in Uncle Pingbei is really increasing day by day, so we can finally feel more at ease."
"I don't know what kind of problem it is to come here specially." Zhang Yong knew the little emperor's temperament well. He glanced sideways at Gu Dayong and asked quietly, "Could it be that there was some trouble with Miss Zhou again?
?”
Gu Dayong, who smiled naively, shook his head. After returning to his seat and sitting down, he said to Zhang Yong thoughtfully: "It's not like that. If that were the case, the emperor would be furious. He probably has something difficult to do."
If we leave it to Uncle Ping Bei, such as important matters such as protecting matchmakers, we are determined not to do it properly, so it is better to go to Uncle Ping Bei."
When Xu Xun heard that Zhu Houzhao had given him the arduous task of finding a suitable match for Zhang Zong, he almost fell over. Before he could stutter and express that he had no connections in Jingchao City, he even
It was impossible to go to someone's house and ask about any girls. The little emperor couldn't help but said: "You found the most suitable one like Sister Shen for yourself, and you helped me find Qiniang. Now you tell Zhang Zong to find another one."
What's the difficulty? I haven't given you a deadline. Just find someone before the Chinese New Year next year so that the Zhang family can make the decision in February. Besides, Shouning Hou and his wife Shouning Hou both trust you. Zhang Zong said that
It was you who recommended this boy to send me to the Yansui Army. You must not be responsible for his marriage?"
To put it bluntly, Zhu Houzhao blamed him for this trouble. No matter how reluctant Xu Xun was, he had no choice but to agree.
Just as the monarch and his ministers were muttering, there was suddenly a burst of shouting and yelling from outside the custody room, and immediately after, Ruisheng poked his head in from outside the door curtain.
"Your Majesty, Uncle Pingbei, and Uncle Xing'an's Mansion have sent news, saying that Uncle Xing'an and Mrs. Uncle Pingbei have arrived!"
"Why so fast!"
Although he was looking forward to his father-in-law and his wife's arrival in the capital day and night, when he heard the news, Xu Xun was still shocked and jumped up. Now he is no better than before, and news from all sides is unimpeded. He has the whole journey of the Nanjing ship in his heart.
Countless people had heard that the ship was in Linqing before, so why did it suddenly arrive in Tongzhou now? When he thought about the possibility of something happening on the way, his expression suddenly changed. But Zhu Houzhao didn't notice it, and said with a smile
A slap hit him on the back.
"Come on, I know your heart is about to fly back, so I'll give you leave and hurry up to pick up Lao Naozi's wife!"
The emperor meant well, but no matter how anxious Xu Xun was, he couldn't really leave the competition that was only half over today and just rush back. Thinking that if something really happened, the news would always be mentioned in a sentence or a sentence,
He smiled and said: "It's okay, whether it's public or private, I haven't finished my official duties here yet. How can I be worthy of my salary if I go back like this? And if I really rush back, I'm afraid the old god
Lao Chen, Lao Zhang, Lao Gu don’t know how much they are going to laugh at me. Everyone is scrambling to be the first in this competition, so I have to go back and watch now.”
Zhu Houzhao tilted his head and looked at Xu Xun for a while, then suddenly smiled and said: "Okay, in that case, I will go back with you to see, and then we will go back to the city together... Hey, I haven't eaten Xing'anbo's braised pork for a long time.
Got it!"
As soon as he heard this, Xu Xun couldn't laugh or cry. His father's food was good, but it was just a home-cooked meal. How could Zhu Houzhao be thinking about it all the time? [To be continued "The text of this article is provided by Tien".
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