Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 213 Key Points (Subscription Request)
As a party involved in the incident, Liang Fang was not very reassured about the three guys in front of him who claimed to be Zhuge Liang.

But now that his top general Wei Xing was so sure, he couldn't say anything else, but he still had a big question mark in his heart - after all, he didn't trust Chen Xi and Deng Chang'en enough to entrust his life to them.

After sending Chen Xi and Deng Changen away, Liang Fang told Wei Xing, "Remember, we still need to find Huangshan mica, and notify Nanjing and Guangzhou. Not a single person should be left behind when going to Huangshan. Only under this premise can we make colored glaze... If there is any deviation, no one will be held responsible."

Wei Xing asked in surprise, "Eunuch, are you worried about Master Deng?"

"It's true that he had some abilities in the past, but in recent months, he has never won a single battle with Li Zisheng. How can people trust him? Besides, even if that thing is colored glass, can he make an identical one?"

Liang Fang simply looked down on Deng Chang'en, who always avoided him whenever something important happened, and especially looked down on the mysterious confidence that he showed in front of him.

This matter concerns Liang Fang's future and even his life. Deng Chang'en will not be severely punished if he fails to accomplish the task. He shrinks his head and hides somewhere unknown. Once the storm passes, he will come out again to cheat people. Liang Fang does not want to put all his hopes on a Taoist priest.

Wei Xing nodded: "Of course, there will be no shortage of things to do, but I have asked Huizhou merchants in Beijing, and no one has ever heard of Huangshan mica."

"Never heard of it? How is it possible? Then how did the prince get it? Did he conjure it out of thin air?"

Liang Fang kept asking, her words full of anger.

Wei Xing shrugged and said, "So we have reason to suspect that the prince has found someone to secretly use colored glaze to impersonate Huangshan mica to make a telescope? The best way is to give Tan Ji..."

"It's far from a desperate situation."

Although Liang Fang was somewhat tempted, he was still afraid of angering the emperor… He thought that countless eyes were staring at him at the moment. Once there was any disturbance, Qin Chang, Wei Tai and others would be eager to take action, and he would definitely be the first to suffer. However, Liang Fang did not forget to add drama to himself and threatened: "But that Qin guy will not end up well either. I will definitely deal with him later, hum!"

"Yes Yes."

Wei Xing nodded in agreement, but he didn't agree in his heart.

It's already this late, why are you still looking back? Are you not going to get things done quickly while you still have the power, or wait for the prince to settle the matter when the disaster strikes?

"If you have time, call Zhang Jin here. Even if I succeed by chance this time, it won't have much impact on the Crown Prince. It's time to plan something else."

Liang Fang gritted her teeth.

Wei Xing didn't expect Liang Fang to think so far ahead. He hadn't solved the problem here yet, but he was thinking about launching the next wave of offensive? Especially since it might infringe on the interests of the East Factory, he immediately said cautiously: "As the governor of the Northern Pacification Division, although Zhang Jin has received your kindness, he is still Wei Tai's man after all. Will he..."

Liang Fang said mockingly, "Now that Huai'en is gone and Chen Zhun is dead, the East Factory is now a toothless tiger. Do you think you can do whatever you want like when Shang Ming was the governor of the East Factory? Now, can a mere eunuch who is the governor of the East Factory really have as much power as we have? Doesn't Zhang Jin know which side to lean towards?"

Wei Xing thought about it and nodded, "That's right."

Chen Zhun was the former eunuch commander of the Eastern Depot. He was Huai'en's man. After Huai'en was exiled, Chen Zhun was also punished by the emperor. In addition, he always insisted on the so-called "protecting honest officials" concept and could not bear to punish the officials who were wrongly confiscated. He actually tidied up his clothes and hanged himself, bringing a ray of light to the dirty history of eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty.

The person currently in charge of the East Factory is Wei Tai, and Wei Tai is Qin Chang's man.

Liang Fang didn't even take Qin Chang seriously, so naturally he wouldn't take Wei Tai seriously either.

As for the Jinyiwei... nominally, the Jinyiwei was under the guidance of the Dongchang factory supervisor who was the eunuch in charge of the pen. The Dongchang generally had to draw personnel from the Jinyiwei to do its work, but at least in the Chenghua period, the Dongchang did not have direct jurisdiction over the Jinyiwei, and the Jinyiwei commander did not need to be accountable to the Dongchang eunuch supervisor.

Liang Fang now wants to recruit a pacification envoy from the Northern Pacification Division of the Jinyiwei for his own use in order to suppress the prince.

……

……

While Liang Fang, Deng Chang'en and others were trying their best to make a telescope, the Zhang family was preparing to marry Zhang Yu into the palace.

The wedding day was set for February 12th, and now it was already February 10th, and all preparations were going on in an orderly manner.

At this time, there was another major event happening in the capital. The imperial examination of the 23rd year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty was about to begin on February 15th. The chief examiners of the examination had been confirmed to be Yin Zhi, the Minister of War and Hanlin Academician, and Wu Kuan, the Right Instructor of the Right Spring Office.

After entering February, the examination atmosphere in the capital has become very strong.

As the imperial examination approached, groups of candidates could be seen in the teahouses and restaurants in the capital.

On the morning of the tenth day, Zhang Yanling was about to go out to look for Chai Meng when Zhang Luan hurriedly called him to his side.

"Yanling, your father is going to your uncle's house today. It's not the uncle who often comes to our house, but another uncle." Zhang Luan introduced the current situation.

Zhang Yanling asked with a smile: "Are you going to see Minister Xu?"

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "Yes, your aunt came to our house before, but she didn't say anything at that time. Afterwards, your uncle sent someone to say that we should have a good gathering and chat when we arrived in the capital. Maybe he couldn't bring himself to come to our house, so he specially sent someone to inform us. It's really... strange."

"Haha, I can totally understand that. After all, he was a bachelor of the Imperial Academy, and he is now the Minister of Personnel, assisting the Ministry of Personnel in handling matters such as the selection, assessment, and appointment and dismissal of officials. He also has certain decision-making and executive powers, and can be said to be the target of public criticism. He is already being polite by inviting you to meet him..."

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Think about it, if Uncle Xu came directly to our house, and we are preparing to have an in-law, who knows how outsiders would view it. Since none of us want to see this situation, it is naturally the best choice for you, father, to go to Uncle Xu's house."

Zhang Luan glanced at Zhang Yanling and asked in surprise: "From what you said, it seems that you understand him very well?"

"What? You don't understand?"

As Zhang Yanling spoke, he organized the small bag in his hand.

Zhang Luan sighed, "I don't know what to say to your uncle when I see him. Since your aunt married into the Xu family, I have only met him twice. One time, he was on his way from the capital to Yingtian Prefecture and passed by Xingji. At that time, Minister Chen was still powerful, and he went to Xingji City to see your second uncle."

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "There was another time, when you sent your aunt off for marriage?"

"cough!"

Zhang Luan cleared his throat to hide the embarrassment on his face, and said unnaturally, "Aren't you very powerful? Give me some advice on what I should say when I see him. What do you think is his purpose in asking me to come?"

"Dad, I'm not a god... How would I know if you ask me?"

Zhang Yanling turned around and was about to leave, but his old father grabbed him and begged him, "Son, how about... you come with me?"

Zhang Yanling didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and asked, "Dad, what do you think is so special about you that Uncle Xu should make an exception and meet you?"

"Humph, his position as a minister was obtained by me, your father. Please don't look down on me, okay...Okay, okay, knowing that it is your contribution, your father will not compete with you...Are you trying to say that your uncle still looks down on you as before?"

Zhang Luan seemed to have finally realized the current situation.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "We are all family members, there is no such thing as looking down on each other... He may just want to meet Li Zisheng and ask you to act as a middleman or something. You also know that scholars value their reputation the most, and he has suffered a great loss from the eunuchs, so he is very taboo about these things...

"Father, just deal with it casually. If you don't feel happy with each other, just say goodbye and go home. You don't have to save face for anyone. The prince is lying low, and we are not in a powerful position now. Later... hehe, even if he comes to visit in person, he may not be able to see you."

"Hey hey hey..."

Zhang Luan had a sly smile on his face, as if he was extremely yearning, but in the end he still shook his head, "Your words are quite pleasant to the ear, but you always like to dream about the Spring and Autumn Period... He is a dignified Minister of Personnel. Even if I have a title in the future, I still can't hold my head up in front of him."

Zhang Yanling said disdainfully: "Dad, the present is different from the past, and the future will be better than the present. As long as the prince ascends the throne, you can expect unlimited glory. Your son-in-law will definitely be arranged for you, whether it is earl, marquis, duke, etc., and everyone will be shocked!"

"Hey, you just flatter your dad!"

Zhang Luan instantly gained confidence after hearing what his son said. He waved his fist with high morale and said loudly, "Okay, son, I will do as you say. If he is willing to meet me, I will go to meet him. If he gives me a cold shoulder, I will just walk away. After all, he is the one begging me instead of me begging him. It doesn't matter whether I can be an official or not, but if he doesn't have anyone to support him, his career may be over, haha!"

Zhang Yanling gave his old father a thumbs up and praised him, "Dad, since you came to the capital, your realm has improved a lot. This is the material for doing great things. I will also work hard to make a lot of money for our family."

"Let's encourage each other, let's encourage each other."

Zhang Luan ignored the dignity of his elders and was polite to his son. If an outsider saw this scene, they would definitely laugh their heads off, but for Zhang Luan and his son, it was perfectly normal, so they said goodbye and went about their own business.

……

……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Jianshen was not busy reviewing memorials at the imperial desk in the front hall, or it could be said that Emperor Chenghua had no interest in handling state affairs at this time. However, he liked to have people from the Imperial Household Department review memorials in front of him in the Qianqing Palace and seal them immediately, as if he had everything under control.

At this time, Zhu Jianshen, who was in the back hall, was reminded of Concubine Wan by the things she saw. He held several relics of Concubine Wan in his hands and shed a few tears. Then he calmed down a little and drank the medicine prepared by the imperial physician of the Imperial Medical Bureau and delivered by a special person.

"Ahem... My health has not improved. Is this the heart disease that others often talk about?"

Zhu Jianshen suddenly said something for no reason.

At this time, there were three people from the Imperial Household Department in the back hall. In addition to the seal holder Tan Chang, there were also the eunuch Chen Zusheng who held the pen and the eunuch Xiao Jing who served as the attendant. The latter two were working hard in front of the desk by the window, facing the pile of memorials. Tan Chang came up with a cup of warm water and whispered: "Your Majesty, instead of being reminded of the past by the sight of things, it is better to put aside the past and recite the Heart Sutra a few more times, maybe you can be free from distractions."

Zhu Jianshen took the hot water and rinsed his mouth to wash away the bitter taste. Then he said, "How many days has it been since Wan Shi left? Do you think I am the kind of heartless person?"

Tan Chang was speechless.

Zhu Jianshen said, "Don't always talk to me in Huai En's tone. You are different from him after all. Do you understand?"

Qin Chang became increasingly embarrassed and could only use a fake smile to hide his embarrassment.

"How has Liang Fang been doing these days? Has she been raising funds for the telescope?"

Zhu Jianshen suddenly asked.

Tan Chang hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Eunuch Liang was running around to find Huangshan mica. He even asked Huizhou merchants in Beijing about the situation overnight and even sent people to Huangshan to look for it. He really worked hard!"

Zhu Jianshen curled his lips and said calmly, "The so-called Huangshan mica theory is just the words of Tan Ji's family. He believes everything they say? Does he have a brain?"

Tan Chang was speechless for a moment.

Your Majesty, you also know that the so-called telescope made of Huangshan mica is not credible?
Then why did you ask me to send someone to talk to him?
Is it intentional misleading?
Zhu Jianshen asked again: "Is there a possibility that the merchants from Huizhou deliberately said this in order to elevate the status of Huangshan Mountain?"

Tan Chang said: "But... Huangshan is a fairy mountain, there is no need for others to elevate it."

"Right."

Zhu Jianshen nodded and said, "If there are so many amazing things in Huangshan, does it mean that immortals once lived there? Can we find immortal medicine among them?"

"This……"

With Qin Chang's calmness and sophistication, he didn't want to mention anything like the elixir of life in front of the emperor.

That would make him look very careless.

It is best to leave that kind of talk to people like Li Zisheng and Deng Changen.

"My body..."

Zhu Jianshen stroked his aching lumbar spine and felt inexplicably sad again.

Qin Chang understood as soon as he heard it.

Now the emperor is in worse health than before and has begun to fear death. This may also be related to the death of Concubine Wan, which makes the emperor feel that he may very likely follow in her footsteps.

Qin Chang comforted him, "The people from the Imperial Hospital have examined your Majesty and found that he is fine, but..."

"Just what?"

Zhu Jianshen asked.

"Your Majesty's liver and spleen are not in good condition. You need to calm down and take care of them. Also, you must not be depressed all the time... Depression hurts the liver. Your Majesty, please put your health first."

Tan Chang persuaded.

Zhu Jianshen smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Wan Shi left just like that, how can I not have wild thoughts? I also know that I can neither be depressed nor angry, but sometimes I just can't help it... Recently, there is nothing happy that can relieve the depression in my heart. Once I calm down, I will think too much... My mood becomes heavy unconsciously, alas!"

Qin Chang suggested: "Why not find someone from the Jiaofangsi to perform a few days of Tianxi Opera in the palace, maybe..."

"forget it."

Zhu Jianshen waved his hand and said, "Instead of listening to those actors' babbling and adding to my troubles, it's better to go to various famous mountains and rivers to relax and look for a panacea. Has there been no movement in Longhu Mountain recently?"

"No."

Qin Chang felt helpless.

You plan to take the elixir of immortality when you are sick, but that thing... is too weird, where can you find it?

From ancient times to the present, I have never heard of any emperor finding the elixir, including the Qin Shi Huang, Han Wudi, Tang Taizong and Song Taizu!

Afterwards, the impatient emperor sent all the people in the Silijian back to their duty room to work.

Wei Tai was sorting out memorials. When he saw Qin Chang coming back with his men, he hurried over to greet them and asked in confusion, "Shouldn't you be busy until late at night with so many memorials to bring to the Palace of Heavenly Purity? Why did you leave so early?"

Qin Chang sighed, "Your Majesty is so depressed that he often misses Lady Wan, and he can't concentrate on governing the country, so he drove us out. Alas!"

Speaking of this, Qin Chang also felt very sorry.

After Concubine Wan died, the emperor was indeed in a bad mood and liked to sit there and daydream when he had nothing to do.

"It was fine the first two days..."

Wei Tai said casually, and then instructed Xiao Jing, "Kegong, put the things here. And take the things I sorted out earlier to the flower hall in the back. I still need to review them after nightfall."

Then Wei Tai helped Tan Chang sit down.

Qin Chang said with a sad face, "A few days ago, because the crown prince presented a telescope and soap, His Majesty was very happy and used them to look around. He didn't miss Empress Wan as much as he should have. But these past two days... the novelty of the telescope has worn off, and His Majesty has been talking about it again. What's going on?"

Wei Tai nodded thoughtfully: "Your Majesty should be distracted from other matters. It would be best if we could have some fun. Didn't you say that we could have someone perform a play or something?"

"I told you."

Tan Chang smiled bitterly and shook his head. "What you can think of, we have also thought of. Even the ladies in the palaces have tried their best to please His Majesty, but do outsiders need to talk about the friendship between His Majesty and Lady Wan?"

Wei Tai said helplessly: "That's right, His Majesty is still thinking about Lady Wan. It's only been a month, and His Majesty will obviously not forget about her so quickly. If anyone can please His Majesty at this time, it must be..."

Qin Chang reminded him seriously: "What you can see through, others can also sense. If someone takes the opportunity to seek favor, it may be very disadvantageous to us. Don't create conditions for others casually."

Wei Tai nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, we must be careful of Liang Fang."

"Ah."

Qin Chang picked up the tea bowl, just gently put it to his lips and took a sip, then put it down and said softly, "In the past, the Imperial Stables always suppressed our Imperial Household Department, and it was all thanks to Eunuch Huai that the situation was supported. Now that Eunuch Huai is not in the court, we have to rely on the Crown Prince to barely suppress Liang Fang. Now we would rather help the Crown Prince than give Liang Fang and his group any more chances."

Wei Tai nodded: "Then... should we remind the Crown Prince... or inform Tan Ji? Let him help the Crown Prince make some plans to please His Majesty? To show the Crown Prince's filial piety?"

Qin Chang shook his head: "It's useless. Regarding the telescope, the prince was just lucky at best, or it was just a coincidence. How can you expect the prince to do something that even the empress in the harem can't do? What we have to do now is to stop Liang Fang from trying to curry favor with us. What we are most afraid of is... something unspeakable."

"Are you afraid that there will be another Wan Niangniang?"

Wei Tai took the initiative to speak for him.

"You're looking for death. How dare you say that casually?"

Tan Chang shouted sternly.

"Eunuch Qin, there are no outsiders here, and we all know what's going on." Wei Tai said, "Now that His Majesty is sick with longing for Lady Wan, he needs comfort. If Liang Fang and others find a considerate beauty outside the palace and secretly send her to the palace, then wouldn't that be..."

Qin Chang frowned and said to himself: "Is it that easy?"

Wei Tai said: "Isn't it true that Emperor Minghuang of Tang had a deep affection for Concubine Wu Hui? After Concubine Wu Hui died, didn't everything change?"

Qin Chang said: "After hearing what you said, I really have to be careful."

The implication is that this is what you said, I didn't mention it.

Wei Tai was also very tactful and said, "But recently Liang must have been very busy tinkering with the telescope. I just heard that he even recruited Deng Changen, who was like a stray dog, to his side, and seemed to want to use Deng Changen to build a telescope for him. Isn't this a desperate attempt to find a cure?"

Qin Chang picked up the tea bowl again, his expression became much more relaxed and cheerful, and said: "It would be best if this incident could make the Liang family completely doomed."

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(End of this chapter)