My father is Yongzheng, and I am Qianlong?

Chapter 105 Emperor Yongzheng bestows a gold medal upon Emperor Hongli

"Yes!"

“Paintings are easily lost, especially those that promote the achievements of the new policies. They are likely to be deliberately sealed and destroyed by people who are dissatisfied with the new policies in the future.”

"But publishing a newspaper allows one to circulate a large number of proclamations among scholars from humble backgrounds."

"This will allow many scholars from humble backgrounds who support the new policies to understand the true intentions of the court, and they will be willing to preserve this information as material for praising the new policies in the future."

"After all, although most common people are illiterate, many poor scholars with a little wealth are literate and they are willing to reform the system."

"Firstly, they don't have much wealth, so they won't be dissatisfied with the new policy that curbs mergers; secondly, they are also often oppressed by powerful and wealthy families, and they urgently need to change the status quo, so they will also support the new policy."

"Therefore, publishing newspapers and distributing many similar publications like the Tangbao and Dibao throughout the country can make many scholars from humble backgrounds willing to acknowledge the achievements of the new policies and to pass them down in writing. It can also let the people know the goodwill of the emperor through them."

Seeing that Yongzheng was already keen to strengthen propaganda efforts, Hongli proposed the idea of ​​starting a newspaper at this time.

Yongzheng appeared to be thinking seriously.

Suddenly, Yongzheng nodded solemnly: "This is how it should be done."

"Newspapers can also be accompanied by simple and easy-to-understand illustrations, like the picture books of Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which can educate and entertain, and subtly instill the principles of etiquette in people's hearts."

"In this way, even those who know a little about writing can understand some principles through pictures and words, and will not mislead the good intentions of the wise and benevolent ruler."

"At the same time, let people who truly understand the new policies comment on current affairs, and spread the information through newspapers to set the record straight! We can also let the elderly, weak, sick and disabled people in Beijing sell newspapers to earn money, so that they can earn a living on their own."

Hongli knew that Yongzheng liked to explain himself and hoped that everyone would understand him, so he added some suggestions on strengthening public opinion guidance.

"I am pleased that you have noticed scholars from humble backgrounds and those with only a basic understanding of literature."

"This shows that you are indeed putting your heart into the new policy."

At this point, Yongzheng looked at Yinxi and said, "This matter will be entrusted to Hongli and you, the twenty-first prince, in the future. As Hongli said, start a newspaper and draw some easy-to-understand pictures in it so that more people can understand my thoughts. I am upright and honest, and I am not afraid of others' opinions. What I fear is that some people will form cliques and manipulate public opinion."

"As for the income, it will be used by you to expand your business and supplement your family income."

"But we have to wait a while longer. There are many important things to do, and I don't have many people I can use."

"Whoo!"

Yongzheng smiled and then took their arms and led them downstairs: "It's getting late, let's go to Yucheng Garden."

"Ok!"

Yucheng Garden.

Looking at the most luxurious restaurant in the capital that now belonged to him, Zhang Tingyu felt a mix of emotions, including regret and unease.

Because he knew very well why he was able to receive such a great favor.

"Remember this: you should be even more careful with the current Fourth Prince than you were with the Fourth Prince back then."

Even if it's truly for the Fourth Prince's good, you can't do things behind his back; you must ask for his permission first.

"Otherwise, they might not even understand how they died."

"This fourth prince nowadays prefers to use overt schemes, and he doesn't hesitate to use the worst intentions to speculate about us scholars."

"Also, don't be like Wang Yan!"

"What the Ming Dynasty could do, it doesn't mean this dynasty can do. Besides, the Qing Dynasty is not the Yuan Dynasty. Our gentry have already exhausted our own path! Only by strictly adhering to the traditional etiquette of ruler-subject, father-son, and so on, can we preserve the last glory of our gentry."

Wang Yan's death also seemed to have a great impact on Zhang Tingyu.

This made him even more cautious, as he had already learned the art of caution from his father, Grand Secretary Zhang Ying. He also specially summoned his children and gave them a serious lecture.

at that time.

Zhang Tinglu bowed and replied, "Brother is absolutely right. I did see something recently. Ruo'ai (Zhang Tingyu's eldest son) accidentally dirtied the painting of the neighboring scholar Dai's son. The other party didn't dare to make a fuss, and Ruo'ai didn't apologize either."

"When managing a large family, the family rules must be strict!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tingyu's face darkened, and he said in a stern tone, "..."

"Tinglu, go home and handle this. According to family rules, have Ruo'ai whipped twenty times, and then you will represent the Zhang family to apologize and make amends!"

Then, Zhang Tingyu turned to look at Zhang Tinglu.

Zhang Tinglu opened her mouth slightly, but did not say anything, only nodded in agreement.

Zhang Tingyu, along with some of his adult sons, continued to wait at Yucheng Garden for the arrival of Yongzheng and Hongli.

If he hadn't already known that Yongzheng was coming, he wouldn't have come to Yucheng Garden in person.

After accompanying Yongzheng to the vicinity of Yucheng Garden, Hongli saw Zhang Tingyu waiting for him at the east gate of Yucheng Garden.

"Your subject pays respects to the Fourth Prince, to the Fourth Prince, and to Prince Yinxi."

Upon meeting Yongzheng, Hongli, and Yinxi, Zhang Tingyu first performed a grand salute.

At this time, Hongli also noticed that Zhang Tingyu addressed Yongzheng as "Fourth Prince".

This made Hongli certain that Zhang Tingyu was different from Yongzheng. He called Yongzheng "Fourth Master," which must have been a deliberate request from Yongzheng.

Just like Zhu Yuanzhang, who would have those close to him address him as "Your Majesty" instead of "Your Majesty."

Outsiders would only assume that Zhang Tingyu was the son of Zhang Ying, the teacher of Emperor Yongzheng.

However, it is possible that the two had a close relationship long before Yongzheng ascended the throne.

Hongli thus understood why Emperor Yongzheng, on his deathbed, decreed that Zhang Tingyu be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

This is undoubtedly related to the fact that Zhang Tingyu had always been trusted by Emperor Yongzheng and regarded as a confidant.

Emperor Yongzheng smiled and helped Zhang Tingyu up: "Hengchen, I have come to bother you today with my sons and brothers!"

"It is my honor to be able to entertain the Fourth Prince and the Princes!"

Zhang Tingyu behaved very respectfully, and did not dare to lose any manners just because Yongzheng was kind to him.

When Yongzheng led Hongli and Yinxi into Yucheng Garden and sat down in a banquet hall filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, Zhang Tingyu, after obtaining Yongzheng's permission, had the dishes served.

Yongzheng carefully observed everything around him.

After all, this was his first time visiting Yucheng Garden, a prestigious garden in Beijing.

After observing the place for a while, Emperor Yongzheng couldn't help but remark, "The Wang family knows how to make a restaurant elegant."

Hongli smiled slightly at this.

Clearly, in terms of decoration, the Yucheng Garden, which conformed to the aesthetics of Han literati and was elegant and refined, also suited the tastes of Emperor Yongzheng.

Before long, the servants had served all the dishes. Yongzheng suddenly noticed that among them were several new dishes that Hongli had recommended to him that day.

"This is?"

Yongzheng asked Zhang Tingyu with some surprise, and then looked at Hongli.

Zhang Tingyu immediately bowed and said, "Your Highness, these were all brought by Prince Hongli, who instructed me to arrange for their delivery. I haven't had a chance to inform you yet, so please forgive me!"

"Yes, Father, I saw that you didn't enjoy your meal today, so I had Li Yu go back to Yongshou Palace and have the imperial chef prepare a portion. I'll send it over first. If you're interested, you can take some to try. If not, you can have the portion made tomorrow."

Hongli also rose and reported.

Yongzheng's eyes reddened slightly, and he smiled as he scolded Hongli, "You rascal, are you worried that Hengchen's Yucheng Garden doesn't have any decent food? Do you need to be so concerned about it?"

Hongli knew that although Yongzheng was scolding him, he was actually pleased, so he replied directly, "Your subject is only acting out of filial piety. Whether you eat it or not is up to you."

“I refuse to eat it. I want to taste the flavors of Hengchen’s Yucheng Garden.”

Yongzheng said something as capricious as a child, and then actually picked up another dish and put it in his mouth, chewing it carefully as if he found it quite delicious.

Upon seeing this, Hongli and Yinxi exchanged smiles and then took their seats.

Yongzheng seemed unwilling to disappoint others' kindness, so although he said it in a willful manner, he still didn't want Hongli to be saddened, so he casually tore off a gold medal from his body and handed it to him:

"It's rare to see such filial piety from you. I'll give you this. From now on, you don't need to announce your arrival when you go to see me at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Just don't bother your father late at night!"

(End of this chapter)