Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 803 The Net-Drying Expert
The Zhou family members were to be taken to the new army for training.

In Empress Dowager Zhou's view, this was an excellent opportunity for advancement and the most effective way to integrate her family into the imperial grandson's military and political system. In the future, she could also receive political support from Zhang Luan, making her future limitless.

Unfortunately, the Zhou family didn't seem to appreciate it... In their view, this was the Zhang family's way of retaliating against the Zhou family.

It's not enough to just beat someone; they also want to destroy their spirit by sending them to the military to suffer.
No matter how much we train, we are still just relatives of the emperor and meritorious officials. We have enough to eat and wear, but according to the rules, we shouldn't expect to eat too well. We have never thought of going to the officialdom to make a living like your Zhang family.

Besides, we're not cut out for military service, so why should we be sent to the army to be tempered day and night?
Is it possible for our entire family to suffer a "catastrophic disaster" in order to achieve so-called success and make a name for ourselves?
That's just inhuman!

So when the news was released that day, Marquis Zhou Yu of Changning personally led people and gifts to the Marquis of Shouning's residence to apologize, but he did not see Zhang Luan himself.

After all, Zhang Luan had "important matters" to attend to and didn't have time to deal with the Zhou family.

Zhou Yu was unable to pay his respects to Zhang Luan. He tried to leave his gifts behind, but they were refused by the Zhang family. In the end, he had no choice but to return to his residence with a helpless expression, only to find that his elder brother Zhou Shou was already waiting for him at home.

"Why has my elder brother come here?"

As Zhou Yu entered, he quickly stepped forward and asked, "Why didn't you sit in the main hall?"

Zhou Shou waved his hand and said, "Tell me why I've come here? It's one thing for your grandson to bring trouble to your family, but why did he even bring people from my household inside? It's too hot inside, let's talk outside."

"This one……"

Zhou Yu looked troubled and said, "I'm also worried about this matter. I just took some people to the Shouning Marquis's residence... The Shouning Marquis is so arrogant. He not only refused to grant me an audience, but he also refused to accept any gifts."

Zhou Shou said, "Don't you even consider his status... Although he is a meritorious official, he is an indispensable close advisor to His Majesty and a Grand Secretary of the current court. Do you think you can just see him whenever you want?"

"I……"

Zhou Yu felt somewhat helpless.

Zhou Shou said, "I came here today to ask you how to resolve the matter of arranging for our descendants to join the army. Someone from the palace came and said that the old lady is very concerned about our family's affairs and asked about the injuries of the two families' sons... What do you want me to say?"

Zhou Yu said with a bitter face, "No matter how badly the eldest son of the Zhang family is injured, our two families are not much different. Speaking of which, Zhang Laizhan is ruthless enough. It was just a dispute between the juniors, why did he so quickly take action? After beating people up, he even made our two families send people to serve in the army? Isn't this obviously trying to torture our two families?"

"But the old lady doesn't think so."

Zhou Shoudao said, "She attaches great importance to the fact that our two families' children are joining the army, and she keeps urging us to do so. She also had someone tell us not to miss such a good opportunity."

"How could this be?"

Zhou Yu didn't quite understand.

Zhou Shou said, "It's just a minor dispute between the younger generation. But when Zhang Laizhan went to the palace to meet with the old lady, he mentioned helping the younger generation of the Zhou family to serve in the army. He also said that this new army is equipped with new firearms and can make great achievements in the Northwest in the future..."

“I think I understand now. Zhang Laizhan plans to use this new army to go beyond the Great Wall and fight the Tatars! Our two families’ younger generations will also go with them.”

"what?"

Zhou Yu was greatly surprised and asked, "Since it sounds so good, why don't the Zhang family members go themselves?"

Zhou Shou looked helpless and said, "Zhang Laizhan has two sons. One is helping His Majesty manage various affairs, while the other, it is said, was also ordered to enter the army for training after this incident."

Zhou Yu frowned: "I think I understand now. Zhang Laizhan is disciplining his own children, believing that jade must be carved to become a useful object, so he plans to send his children into the army... Hmph, he can teach his own children, why does he have to drag our two families' children into it?"

Zhou Shou asked, "The old lady's attitude is clear, can you object?"

"Why don't we go to the palace and go see her, and plead for her mercy?"

Zhou Yu asked tentatively.

"It's no use."

Zhou Shou shook his head and said, "My sister has always hoped that our children would be successful and not just drift through life like us... But I always felt that this was simply unrealistic, and our children were not cut out to be soldiers."

Zhou Yu frowned and said, "Then what should we do? Just sit and watch all this happen? We get beaten, and then we have to send the child to the army to suffer? All for that seemingly unattainable military merit?"

Zhou Shou said, "I came here to tell you to find a way to apologize to the Zhang family and have Zhang Laizhan take the initiative to speak to that person in Qingning Palace. Our Zhou family will not get involved in this matter!"

"Yep."

Zhou Yu strongly agreed.

Clearly, the Zhou family did not believe that their children were capable of achieving anything.

It's already quite good if you're lucky enough to get a title and be able to pass it down through generations. Do you really want to rely on military merit to gain a foothold in the Ming Dynasty court, or even become a scapegoat?
forget it!
My head isn't big enough to fit such a big hat.

We just want to be lazy and do nothing, nobody can stop us!

Zhou Shou continued, "While pleading for your family, please also put in a good word for my child! We'll just have to pay more compensation! We weren't a match for the Wan family before, and we're certainly no match for the Zhang family now! Also, let me remind the younger generation that if they provoke the Zhang family again, next time it won't be as simple as just getting beaten up!"

"Are we really going to back down like this?"

Zhou Yu appeared very unwilling.

"What else can we do?"

Zhou Shou said angrily, "If you're so capable, you can suppress the Zhang family! I'm just afraid that in the end, people will be beaten and the blame will still fall on us... That's why His Majesty sent someone to our house to reprimand us."

"Even the old lady doesn't support us, she thinks our kids are just messing around! But who can blame her when the Zhang family... is so favored by the old lady?"

Zhou Yu said with a dark face, "That's right, she'd rather trust that adopted nephew than help her own son and nephew! This old woman... she's really something else!"

……

……

Zhang Luan returned to his comfort zone.

Then he finished all the things he hadn't completed before in one go, and kept busy until dark. By the time Qi Niang came in and lit the candlestick, Zhang Luan had been dozing off for more than half an hour.

"Master, are you awake?"

Qi Niang went over and picked up a palm-leaf fan to fan Zhang Luan, saying, "You're covered in sweat."

Zhang Luan asked, "When did I fall asleep?"

Qi Niang smiled and said, "I heard from those who went out earlier that Master had been sleeping for a while. For some reason, he suddenly seemed to faint and slumped over. I was about to call someone in to check on him when I heard that he had started snoring, so I didn't pay much attention and let you rest a little longer."

"Master, you must be exhausted these past few days."

Zhang Luan looked very embarrassed.

He came back to show his masculinity, but he just gave up halfway there?

Then... wouldn't I be very useless?
No wonder Lady Qi was secretly laughing!
Zhang Luan seemed to care a lot about his male dignity, and said with a flushed face, "It's all because of my second son. Before I even got back, he sent people to beat up the Zhou family to avenge his elder brother... Humph, for the sake of the so-called prestige of the maternal relatives, he's even shameless! Today he even made me go to the palace to smooth things over... It's such a hassle!"

Lady Qi said, "Master, you've worked hard! A banquet has been prepared at the manor. When will you be joining us?"

"I can't eat!"

Zhang Luan shook his head and said, "A little congee will do. Try to eat lighter meals these days."

Qi Niang said, "Didn't the Second Young Master say that it's okay to eat lightly, but it's essential to ensure nutrition? These are all quite exquisite dishes, which will surely whet your appetite. After all, among the women sent this time, there are some with excellent culinary skills. Now, just let me know which part of the food you'd like to eat."

Zhang Luan asked curiously, "Have I opened another restaurant?"

“If that’s how you want to think, that’s fine too,” Qi Niang said with a smile. “However, this restaurant is opened just for you, so we have to take good care of you whenever you come.”

Zhang Luan said, "It looks more like a brothel to me! Everyone says it's a nice place, but I haven't been there many times. Why do I always feel like I shouldn't be stuck here all the time?"

Qi Niang teased, "Is it true that homegrown flowers don't smell as good as wild ones?"

Zhang Luan looked somewhat embarrassed and said, "Alright then. How about this, bring me hot pot. I can't eat anything else right now, just that stuff... Sesame paste is a must. Can you grind it fresh in the summer?"

Qi Niang helped him up, smiling as she said, "Master, if you want to eat, you can have it anytime. But Master, have you finished taking care of things at home?"

"do not care!"

Zhang Luan said, "Those two brats are impossible to control! I can just enjoy myself! My daughter is married and I don't need to worry about her future children. I'm just a lazy bum, at worst... I'll live a few more years of carefree life, and as for the future, I'll just take it one step at a time."

……

...The training of the new army is progressing rapidly.

These new recruits were like blank slates, ready for anyone to draw and paint on them. After rigorous training, they quickly learned to fire firearms, and used them as a basis for troop deployment. They also received appropriate training in horseback shooting skills and combat in special environments.

The detailed training plan formulated by Zhang Yanling is progressing steadily.

As the chief instructor of this group, Wang Yue conducted the training entirely according to the methods listed by Zhang Yanling.

Even Wang Yue himself didn't expect the results to be so good.

That day, Zhu Youcheng came to inspect the troops again.

As the army personally built by Zhu Youcheng, he took great care in training.

Because Zhang Yanling was busy with the research and development of new firearms, Wang Yue accompanied the emperor to watch the drills. Wang Yue explained the situation while reporting the latest progress to Zhu Youcheng.

“Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, if this army were transferred to the Northwest, it would surely rout the Tatars,” Wang Yue said. “I am confident that we can pacify the grasslands in one fell swoop.”

Zhu Youcheng laughed and said, "Minister Wang, isn't it a bit too early to talk about this?"

Wang Yue said, "Your Majesty, I am truly confident. Please give this old minister a chance."

Wang Yue often showed a positive attitude, after all, the biggest problem for him was that he was getting old and might not be able to keep going for many more years.

If this group of people is allowed to develop step by step, by the time they have truly completed their training, he will have already passed away, and then the restoration of the royal family's title will be completely hopeless.

Zhu Youcheng said, "Firearms are being improved... If we can build better firearms, we can definitely fight the Tatars. The ones we have equipped right now... are not enough."

"Isn't this enough?"

Wang Yue said in surprise, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the firearms currently equipped in the army are sufficient to confront the Tatars head-on, and even gain the upper hand. As long as the number of Tatars is less than ten times, they can be wiped out."

"not enough."

Zhu Youcheng seemed greedy, saying, "If we can only fight against ten at once, the risk is still too great. What I want is for the Ming Dynasty's banner to be invincible wherever it goes. If we still have to rely on a large-scale frontal battle to have a chance of winning, then it would be too hasty."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yue couldn't help but feel that the young emperor before him seemed to have even greater ambitions than his father.

Not only must the grasslands be pacified, but everything must be accomplished without any suspense.
Are the goals set too high?

Zhu Youcheng said, "No matter what, Minister Wang has worked hard... Your contributions are significant. I have decided to discuss with the court officials and give you an official position so that you can focus on training the new army... Just wait for good news."

"Your subject thanks you for your grace."

What Wang Yue naturally hoped to obtain was a noble title.

But he also knew that if he could not make meritorious contributions on the battlefield, the emperor would at most grant him a military post in the Governor's Office that looked very important but was actually useless, or a civil official post, probably a nominal governor or vice minister of the Ministry of War.

After all, he had served as Minister of War. Giving him any official position now would not be as practical as restoring his noble title.

……

……

The fact that Wang Yue was training a new army for the emperor gradually became known to the court and the public.

Considering that the emperor had not previously appointed a general to oversee the three border regions, many people began to realize that the emperor might have wanted to give Wang Yue an important position, but for some unknown reason, he ultimately stopped it.

As for Wang Yue's purpose in training the new army, most people believe that the emperor intended to use it to launch a counterattack against the nomadic tribes of the grasslands. Wang Yue had several precedents of advancing into the grasslands and achieving brilliant victories, so it seemed that Wang Yue was the most suitable person to lead this army.

However, the civil officials still harbored considerable suspicion towards Wang Yue, precisely because Wang Yue did not usually have close interactions with them.

To put it bluntly, Wang Yue was not a traditional Confucian official; he was more like an opportunist. The system and logic of civil officials always seemed out of place for Wang Yue, and no one was willing to treat him as one of their own.

That morning, the court session began.

Zhu Youcheng had Li Rong announce a memorial drafted by Zhang Luan, requesting that Wang Yue be appointed as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War to assist in the daily training of the new army.

The ministers were puzzled.

Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War?
Isn't this Zhang Luan's own official position?
Is Zhang Luan planning to abandon his post again and hand it over to Wang Yue, while Wang Yue watches from the sidelines?

Liu Jian stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of War cannot have two Left Vice Ministers. Moreover, Scholar Zhang is currently serving in the Ministry of War and is doing a good job. Why should we appoint someone else?"

Even Zhu Youcheng frowned secretly this time.

Mr. Liu, you're describing my father-in-law's lackadaisical work style at the Ministry of War as "diligent and conscientious"? Don't you think that's an embarrassing assessment?

Li Rong said, "Grand Secretary Liu, Scholar Zhang is in poor health and has not been to the Ministry of War for a long time. His Majesty originally intended to have Scholar Zhang oversee the daily training of troops, but unfortunately the conditions do not allow it. Now, Wang Yue will take his place, so both His Majesty and Scholar Zhang can rest assured."

Liu Jian asked, "Then what should Scholar Zhang do?"

Li Rong smiled and said, "His Majesty's intention is to let Scholar Zhang continue to recuperate at home, and to discuss other matters after he has recovered."

Previously the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, now the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, it seems Zhang Luan doesn't want to waste his time in the court and prefers to hand over his official position to someone else.

It seems that he only has the title of cabinet minister now, and it is not said that he has completely relinquished his power. However, since Zhang Luan himself does not serve in the cabinet, it seems that whether he entrusts it to others or not does not make much difference.

"Mr. Liu, do you think this is inappropriate?"

Zhu Youcheng said, “The new army always needs someone to be in charge of daily training and other matters. I think that Minister Wang is the most suitable candidate. Unless someone else can replace him... If any of you ministers have better candidates to recommend, please say so now.”

The emperor was too lazy to say anything, so he said, "We'll discuss it later."

If you oppose Wang Yue becoming the Left Vice Minister of War, then choose a more suitable person... Of course, this person will have to give up many affairs of the Ministry of War, which means that he will have to take care of both the Ministry of War and the New Army at the same time.

If you think about it this way, it seems much more reasonable to list Wang Yue and Zhang Luan as Vice Ministers of War.

Because neither of them... seemed to be full-time vice ministers; they were more like people just passing the time. One was in charge of the new army, while the other was recuperating at home.

In fact, whether there are two vice ministers or no vice ministers, the effect is the same.

Because they almost never appeared at the Ministry of War.

Liu Jian looked at Xu Pu, as if to say, "Shouldn't you, as the Grand Secretary, step forward and voice your opposition?"
At this moment, Xu Pu seemed to have lost his hearing, standing there deep in thought.

Naturally, some people wanted to stand up and object, but the problem now is...

The emperor asked them to recommend more suitable candidates... They didn't approve of training a new army in the first place, so if they recommended someone, it would be tantamount to acknowledging that the emperor's actions were in accordance with the law.

It would be better not to get involved from the beginning and let the emperor directly use unconventional people to train the new army. That way, even if problems arise later, it will have nothing to do with the court officials.

It was the emperor himself who was making a fool of himself.

They could even make a significant contribution to history.

"Gentlemen, do you have any objections?"

Zhu Youcheng said, "If not, let's leave it at that for now. Also..."

At this point, Zhu Youcheng seemed to have finally made up his mind, and said loudly, "The Empress is pregnant and is expected to give birth this autumn. I did not want to disturb you, but now that things have come to this, I feel there is nothing to hide, so I will tell you now."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Your Majesty..."

Although the ministers had strong opinions about the Zhang family gaining power.

However, faced with the fact that the emperor was about to have a child, they still had to immediately offer their congratulations.

After all, if the emperor can have offspring early, it means that the throne will be passed down in the emperor's lineage, and there will be no dispute over the throne, which will help maintain the stability of the court.

After all, if the emperor has no heir, it will cause infighting among the various factions under him. Some people may even resort to underhanded tactics, and others may wonder if the emperor's policies will be inconsistent.

Now it seems we don't need to worry about that anymore.

The fact that the emperor was able to get the empress pregnant so early shows that the emperor's physical condition and fertility were beyond doubt.

This is much better than the previous Chenghua Emperor.

If marrying an empress can result in pregnancy so early... then the matter of taking concubines can perhaps be put on hold for now. After all, the Zhang family is just that capable and lucky.
(End of this chapter)