The day after Zhang Yunxiu sent the letter, the emperor issued an order to reorganize the garrisons and also issued it to the whole country through the Tongzhengsi.
Suddenly, the Ming Dynasty, which had received a huge amount of compensation because of its victory over the Japanese pirates, was once again in a state of turmoil.
The nobles were extremely frightened, and then became extremely angry.
Some people went from street to street, some fanning the flames behind the scenes, some openly submitted memorials to impeach, and some even made small paper figures to curse Zhang Yunxiu and Wang Zan.
In this regard, Zhang Yunxiu was not afraid of the itchiness even though he had too many lice and took it all in stride.
Just after noon that day, two people walked into the Zhang family's living room.
Walking in front was Zhang Yunxiu, who was dressed in casual home clothes, and walking behind was Shen Yongmao, who was dressed in disguise and looked frightened.
The two men sat down in the hall. Shen Yongmao let out a long sigh, his fair cheeks covered with sweat.
"Oh, my brother Zhang, you said you wanted to do this kind of thing, why don't you just do it yourself? Why do you have to drag me into it?" Shen Yongmao said unhappily, lifting his sleeves to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Now, the Zhang family compound is being watched by those nobles, if they knew that he was in contact with Zhang Yunxiu.
Well, I don’t want to have an easy life in the future.
He really couldn't understand why Zhang Yunxiu gave up a bright future, wealth and glory and insisted on getting involved in the affairs of those soldiers.
Even if things are done, the nobles will not remember your kindness.
If things fail, it will be a lot of fun.
"Haha, don't worry, Brother Shen. I will never let you work in vain. When you leave through the back door later, I will give you some gifts from Japan." Zhang Yunxiu laughed, pretending not to hear Shen Yongmao's complaints.
Shen Yongmao's expression softened a bit, and he said calmly, "What kind of relationship do we have? Talking about gifts seems a little strange."
"Yes, yes, yes, I spoke out of turn."
Zhang Yunxiu nodded repeatedly, looking apologetic, and suddenly changed the subject, "But this military system reform is not just my idea. Even the emperor has agreed. As the chief minister of the cabinet, your father should devote all his energy to this matter."
Before winning over Shen Shixing, Zhang Yunxiu had already won over Yu Shenxing and Li Youzi.
Although Pan Sheng was recommended by his own father, he was extremely conservative and stubborn and refused to change the ancestral system.
Zhang Yunxiu couldn't do anything to him, so he could only turn his attention to the wily old man Shen Shixing.
As long as he supports it, the cabinet will be stable.
Looking at Zhang Yunxiu's burning gaze, Shen Yongmao remained calm, picked up the tea on his left hand and took a sip, then closed his eyes and savored it: "Good tea, this tea must be the best 'Miyunlong Tea' among the tribute teas."
"Brother Shen has tasted tea countless times, he is truly amazing." Zhang Yunxiu complimented with a smile.
"Oh, it's not that great." Shen Yongmao put down the tea and deliberately showed off his wealth. "The growing area of this tea is extremely demanding. It is said that only a hundred kilograms of it are paid as tribute every year, and the best quality tea only has a dozen kilograms every year."
"My father is the chief minister of the cabinet, but he only gets one pound of rice every year."
Seeing that he was playing dumb and pretending to be ignorant, Zhang Yunxiu showed off his strength directly: "If Brother Shen likes this tea, I still have five kilograms in my house. I will give you two kilograms when you leave."
"Cough cough." Shen Yongmao was choked by saliva and started coughing violently with a red face.
When he looked at Zhang Yunxiu again, the fear on his face became even stronger.
His father only gained one kilogram a year, but he gained two kilograms with just a raise of his hand.
He was clearly telling himself that in the emperor's mind, he was more important than the prime minister of the cabinet.
Fortunately, Shen Yongmao was good at cultivating his Qi, so he was just distracted. He immediately smiled and waved his hands, saying, "Haha. As the saying goes, no merit, no reward. I'm afraid I'm not lucky enough to enjoy such a treasure."
"Oh, I don't like drinking tea, and I don't know anything about tea. It would be a waste if I keep it here." Zhang Yunxiu waved his hands randomly and shouted outside: "Someone come here!" Zhang Fu ran in like a melon.
Pointing at Shen Yongmao, Zhang Yunxiu looked at Zhang Fu and calmly ordered: "Go, pack some of the tea that the emperor gave you, and let Master Shen take it with him when he leaves later."
"Yes."
Zhang Fu just smiled and agreed without any regret.
On the side, the smile on Shen Yongmao's face had turned into a bitter smile.
At this time, Zhang Yunxiu continued with the previous discussion: "Brother Shen, I will tell you the truth. Regardless of whether your father supports it or not, the emperor has made up his mind to rectify the affairs of the guards."
"So, if your father does not express his opinion, or tries to please both sides, the emperor will definitely be unhappy."
"Oh, by the way, your father is fifty-five this year, right? He will soon be sixty years old, so it's time to think about the younger generations."
At the end, Zhang Yunxiu stopped talking abruptly, with a hint of threat in his voice.
He raised his head and stared at Zhang Yunxiu who picked up the teacup and blew gently. Although his face was gentle, Shen Yongmao felt very cold.
That kind of pressure was something he had never experienced from his father.
Yes, my father is quite old.
The emperor doesn't like him very much either. Once he leaves the position of Prime Minister of the Cabinet, will he still be able to rise to the top?
On the other hand, Zhang Yunxiu was young and had a close relationship with the emperor.
It is said that he has close relationships with the most popular figures in the palace, Wei Qing and Wang An. It is foreseeable that Zhang Yunxiu will have a bright future in the officialdom.
Seeing that he had taken the bait, Zhang Yunxiu patiently said, "Brother Shen, the crown prince will soon be seven years old. A few days ago, the emperor asked me if he should be given some decent teachers to teach him classics and history."
"Ah."
Shen Yongmao's eyes lit up, his breathing became rapid, and he looked at Zhang Yunxiu with a fiery face.
As the teacher of the crown prince, once the emperor abdicates, he will have the merit of following the emperor. By then, not to mention entering the cabinet, even the unattainable position of the prime minister can be imagined.
Which scholar doesn’t want to enter the cabinet and become the emperor’s teacher?
To be honest, Shen Yongmao couldn't resist the temptation.
Facing Shen Yongmao's eager gaze, Zhang Yunxiu stood up with a smile and said, "Brother Shen, you and I are about the same age, our fathers worked in the same cabinet, and we were both successful candidates in the same imperial examination. With such a relationship, it's not an exaggeration to call us brothers."
"That's right." Shen Yongmao nodded with a smile.
"That matter of your father"
"Brother Zhang, please rest assured. I will go and convince father on this matter. Our dynasty has been nurturing scholars for nearly two hundred years. How can scholars like us stay out of such a matter that benefits the country and the people?" Shen Yongmao's face solemnly said with righteousness.
"Hahaha, Brother Shen is indeed quick-witted." Zhang Yunxiu laughed.
The two exchanged a few brief greetings. Shen Yongmao remembered Zhang Yunxiu's promise and became impatient, wishing to go home immediately.
Zhang Yunxiu was naturally happy to see this happen. With a smile on his face, he personally escorted Shen Yongmao to the back door.
The sun was shining and the breeze was gentle.
Shen Yongmao clasped his fists solemnly, bowed to Zhang Yunxiu who was seeing him off, and gradually walked away in the warm sun and breeze.
(End of this chapter)
Suddenly, the Ming Dynasty, which had received a huge amount of compensation because of its victory over the Japanese pirates, was once again in a state of turmoil.
The nobles were extremely frightened, and then became extremely angry.
Some people went from street to street, some fanning the flames behind the scenes, some openly submitted memorials to impeach, and some even made small paper figures to curse Zhang Yunxiu and Wang Zan.
In this regard, Zhang Yunxiu was not afraid of the itchiness even though he had too many lice and took it all in stride.
Just after noon that day, two people walked into the Zhang family's living room.
Walking in front was Zhang Yunxiu, who was dressed in casual home clothes, and walking behind was Shen Yongmao, who was dressed in disguise and looked frightened.
The two men sat down in the hall. Shen Yongmao let out a long sigh, his fair cheeks covered with sweat.
"Oh, my brother Zhang, you said you wanted to do this kind of thing, why don't you just do it yourself? Why do you have to drag me into it?" Shen Yongmao said unhappily, lifting his sleeves to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Now, the Zhang family compound is being watched by those nobles, if they knew that he was in contact with Zhang Yunxiu.
Well, I don’t want to have an easy life in the future.
He really couldn't understand why Zhang Yunxiu gave up a bright future, wealth and glory and insisted on getting involved in the affairs of those soldiers.
Even if things are done, the nobles will not remember your kindness.
If things fail, it will be a lot of fun.
"Haha, don't worry, Brother Shen. I will never let you work in vain. When you leave through the back door later, I will give you some gifts from Japan." Zhang Yunxiu laughed, pretending not to hear Shen Yongmao's complaints.
Shen Yongmao's expression softened a bit, and he said calmly, "What kind of relationship do we have? Talking about gifts seems a little strange."
"Yes, yes, yes, I spoke out of turn."
Zhang Yunxiu nodded repeatedly, looking apologetic, and suddenly changed the subject, "But this military system reform is not just my idea. Even the emperor has agreed. As the chief minister of the cabinet, your father should devote all his energy to this matter."
Before winning over Shen Shixing, Zhang Yunxiu had already won over Yu Shenxing and Li Youzi.
Although Pan Sheng was recommended by his own father, he was extremely conservative and stubborn and refused to change the ancestral system.
Zhang Yunxiu couldn't do anything to him, so he could only turn his attention to the wily old man Shen Shixing.
As long as he supports it, the cabinet will be stable.
Looking at Zhang Yunxiu's burning gaze, Shen Yongmao remained calm, picked up the tea on his left hand and took a sip, then closed his eyes and savored it: "Good tea, this tea must be the best 'Miyunlong Tea' among the tribute teas."
"Brother Shen has tasted tea countless times, he is truly amazing." Zhang Yunxiu complimented with a smile.
"Oh, it's not that great." Shen Yongmao put down the tea and deliberately showed off his wealth. "The growing area of this tea is extremely demanding. It is said that only a hundred kilograms of it are paid as tribute every year, and the best quality tea only has a dozen kilograms every year."
"My father is the chief minister of the cabinet, but he only gets one pound of rice every year."
Seeing that he was playing dumb and pretending to be ignorant, Zhang Yunxiu showed off his strength directly: "If Brother Shen likes this tea, I still have five kilograms in my house. I will give you two kilograms when you leave."
"Cough cough." Shen Yongmao was choked by saliva and started coughing violently with a red face.
When he looked at Zhang Yunxiu again, the fear on his face became even stronger.
His father only gained one kilogram a year, but he gained two kilograms with just a raise of his hand.
He was clearly telling himself that in the emperor's mind, he was more important than the prime minister of the cabinet.
Fortunately, Shen Yongmao was good at cultivating his Qi, so he was just distracted. He immediately smiled and waved his hands, saying, "Haha. As the saying goes, no merit, no reward. I'm afraid I'm not lucky enough to enjoy such a treasure."
"Oh, I don't like drinking tea, and I don't know anything about tea. It would be a waste if I keep it here." Zhang Yunxiu waved his hands randomly and shouted outside: "Someone come here!" Zhang Fu ran in like a melon.
Pointing at Shen Yongmao, Zhang Yunxiu looked at Zhang Fu and calmly ordered: "Go, pack some of the tea that the emperor gave you, and let Master Shen take it with him when he leaves later."
"Yes."
Zhang Fu just smiled and agreed without any regret.
On the side, the smile on Shen Yongmao's face had turned into a bitter smile.
At this time, Zhang Yunxiu continued with the previous discussion: "Brother Shen, I will tell you the truth. Regardless of whether your father supports it or not, the emperor has made up his mind to rectify the affairs of the guards."
"So, if your father does not express his opinion, or tries to please both sides, the emperor will definitely be unhappy."
"Oh, by the way, your father is fifty-five this year, right? He will soon be sixty years old, so it's time to think about the younger generations."
At the end, Zhang Yunxiu stopped talking abruptly, with a hint of threat in his voice.
He raised his head and stared at Zhang Yunxiu who picked up the teacup and blew gently. Although his face was gentle, Shen Yongmao felt very cold.
That kind of pressure was something he had never experienced from his father.
Yes, my father is quite old.
The emperor doesn't like him very much either. Once he leaves the position of Prime Minister of the Cabinet, will he still be able to rise to the top?
On the other hand, Zhang Yunxiu was young and had a close relationship with the emperor.
It is said that he has close relationships with the most popular figures in the palace, Wei Qing and Wang An. It is foreseeable that Zhang Yunxiu will have a bright future in the officialdom.
Seeing that he had taken the bait, Zhang Yunxiu patiently said, "Brother Shen, the crown prince will soon be seven years old. A few days ago, the emperor asked me if he should be given some decent teachers to teach him classics and history."
"Ah."
Shen Yongmao's eyes lit up, his breathing became rapid, and he looked at Zhang Yunxiu with a fiery face.
As the teacher of the crown prince, once the emperor abdicates, he will have the merit of following the emperor. By then, not to mention entering the cabinet, even the unattainable position of the prime minister can be imagined.
Which scholar doesn’t want to enter the cabinet and become the emperor’s teacher?
To be honest, Shen Yongmao couldn't resist the temptation.
Facing Shen Yongmao's eager gaze, Zhang Yunxiu stood up with a smile and said, "Brother Shen, you and I are about the same age, our fathers worked in the same cabinet, and we were both successful candidates in the same imperial examination. With such a relationship, it's not an exaggeration to call us brothers."
"That's right." Shen Yongmao nodded with a smile.
"That matter of your father"
"Brother Zhang, please rest assured. I will go and convince father on this matter. Our dynasty has been nurturing scholars for nearly two hundred years. How can scholars like us stay out of such a matter that benefits the country and the people?" Shen Yongmao's face solemnly said with righteousness.
"Hahaha, Brother Shen is indeed quick-witted." Zhang Yunxiu laughed.
The two exchanged a few brief greetings. Shen Yongmao remembered Zhang Yunxiu's promise and became impatient, wishing to go home immediately.
Zhang Yunxiu was naturally happy to see this happen. With a smile on his face, he personally escorted Shen Yongmao to the back door.
The sun was shining and the breeze was gentle.
Shen Yongmao clasped his fists solemnly, bowed to Zhang Yunxiu who was seeing him off, and gradually walked away in the warm sun and breeze.
(End of this chapter)
