[Zhu Ning] For the sake of the country

, put on a full-fledged attitude of admiration from the elders, and his eyes smiled.

Zhu Zheng recalled that in the spring, on the streets of Westgate Town, the two of them were strolling around the market. Several crabapple trees bloomed on the side of the road, and the sky was full of colorful falling flowers. The emperor also smiled at him like this. Memories are all sweet in my heart. At this moment, the two identical smiles overlapped. Zhu Zheng couldn't help being in a good mood, and naturally showed a comfortable smile that he hadn't seen for a long time.

King Ning's injury improved, and it was the golden autumn osmanthus season, the sweet-scented osmanthus fragrance was wafting in the air. The crown prince and King Ning left Jinling City and continued their journey north.

Autumn geese return to the south, and the capital is in the north. Zhu Zheng keeps his father's homework in mind, and often tells King Ning that he is in the same car and asks him about Oirat. The two have been together for a long time. Human favors, imperial power schemes, the official system of the court, current disadvantages, financial taxation, business interests, foreign wars, military deployment, are all involved, often on the road without realizing that the day has passed, and when you stop at the post, it is also a night of talking by candlelight. The prince's servant repeatedly reminded him to rest at night, and Zhu Zhengcai left King Ning for a while to go to bed. King Ning only freed up his hands at midnight to arrange the affairs of the feudal domain and his own conspiracy. .

Jin Yiwei escorted the prince all the way, and the prince was safe all the way, and no mistakes were made.People and horses set out from Jiangnan, entered Shandong, Henan, Zhili, and finally entered the capital.

The first light snow fell in the capital city in early winter, and the two changed into two royal carriages, one in front and the other in the back, and entered from the Zhengyang Gate of the capital. One after another knelt down and saluted, Zhu Zheng watched thousands of dawns surrendering to the ground through the gaps in the car curtains, and recalled the harvest he had experienced in the past year, and felt that he had great ambitions in his chest, and this great Ming Dynasty was the battlefield where he would gallop in the future.

King Ning sent the prince to the Meridian Gate of the palace. The prince jumped out of the carriage and looked up at the red walls and glazed tiles of the Forbidden City. For the first time, he felt the nobility of power, and he was so close to power. He turned and looked behind him. King Ning walked slowly and then As the car was parked, King Ning lifted the curtain, saw the prince in front of the carriage, and raised the corner of his mouth. Zhu Zheng sighed that the uncle's appearance was truly unforgettable, "His Royal Highness, I finally escorted you back to Beijing." He said as he stepped down Because they were already in the capital and near the inner courtyard of the imperial palace, the two of them dressed according to their respective identities, not as poetic as they were in the south of the Yangtze River. The crown prince wore a crown with a golden dragon and a jade crown, woven with two gold threads and silk sash. The finished hair bands are scattered on the shoulders from the ears, and a few strands of silk ribbons of the same color are dotted with the long hair on the back. He is wearing a light yellow brocade outer shirt, with a lifelike golden dragon on each shoulder, and a treasure belt on the waist, which is even more impressive. Tall and straight.King Ning wears a golden hair crown, and the hair is decorated with precious agates. Like the prince, he wears bright golden ribbons around his ears and behind his head. She wore a plain cloak, and the golden-brown silk on the hem reflected the bright luster in the setting sun, "Your Highness, enter the palace. I will greet you in the palace after the emperor announces that I will enter the palace."

Zhu Zheng knew that this was King Ning's farewell. Along the way, although there were guards, it was still much simpler and rough compared to the daily life in the feudal land and the palace. Winter, as usual, it is the day when all the vassal kings go to Beijing for pilgrimage, King Ning should not return to the vassal land, but is waiting to be summoned in Beijing. Thinking of this, Zhu Zheng waved his depression about parting just now, "Thank you, uncle, along the way!" Everything, after I enter the palace and tell my father, I must thank my uncle in front of my father."

"Where is your Highness, for the Emperor and His Highness, I will die." King Ning saluted.

Zhu Zheng nodded, and then slowly turned around. The Forbidden City in the setting sun was bathed in a magnificent orange halo. The prince took all the memories of his trip to the south of the Yangtze River and reluctantly stepped into the palace.

King Ning didn't restrain his smile just now, but he was also looking at the peak of power under the setting sun like fire. The evening light shone on his face, making his eyes look like amber, and the cloak fluttered in the wind. The man who chases the stag.

In Qianqing Palace, Mao Ying had already led the way to pay respects to the emperor. After reporting on what he had done for a year, when Mao Ying finished playing all the things, he who had been waiting outside was summoned by the emperor alone, "You don't understand? You have a layman Name? Born a monk?"

I don't know how to kneel down to the emperor, "Caomin grew up in the Golden Pavilion Temple since childhood, and lived with his mother. I don't know that it is the nickname given to Caomin by the abbot. I am grateful to the prince, and I am willing to listen to a few gossips of Caomin, so... "The emperor stood up on the dragon chair, sighed and said, "He is a good boy, so I have wronged you."

Don't know how to look serious, "The grass people are lucky to follow the prince, and the prince will definitely become a wise king!" He made a promise for the rest of his life, and there is another agreement, the emperor will not know.This agreement will be exchanged for a lifetime, and I have no regrets.

"I asked King Ning to assist the prince, and use the power of the vassal to check and balance the four lords who are also vassals. Isn't it wrong?" The emperor looked at the palace lantern and said to himself, completely ignoring his ignorance.

"Your majesty, you can't be wrong. The crown prince just relies heavily on it now, and he will know what the emperor should do in the future." I don't understand, I was surprised that the emperor revealed his heart directly, but he still replied sincerely.

The emperor was silent, and sighed softly, "When I saw you, I felt kind, so, look at the prince for me."

When King Ning returned to the mansion in Beijing, the mansion had already been tidied up. Outside the study, there were long green bamboos, which were still evergreen in the winter night. Inside, he changed into his normal clothes and opened a letter. The salt business of King Jiangnan Valley was ruined by himself. It's almost time, it's time to take over the rich man's property and come to the capital's dignitaries.

Early the next morning, the emperor summoned important members of the cabinet and issued an order for the crown prince to supervise the country.The emperor has only one son, the crown prince, how fortunate the crown prince is, there is no danger of his brothers fighting against each other, and he is the only one who will inherit the country and society of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Houzhao stood next to his father's dragon chair, accepting the kneeling of the officials. Looking from a height, everyone bowed their heads, and the official uniforms were of different patterns. They couldn't see their faces, let alone their hearts. He would be confused, but now he has a plan in mind, and a firm heart is the real strong.

After the court meeting, the emperor summoned the prince and the prince alone, who was the prince's teacher. He was gifted by the emperor to live in the palace, which is convenient for teaching. The emperor has worked on state affairs for many years, and his health is not considered healthy. This year he has aged a lot. His temple hair was already grey, and his face was also wrinkled. He sat in front of the table in the royal study, looking at the prince and Bubu standing side by side, he was very pleased, "Father, you have worked hard for the country, and please take care of your body, my son." I must obey your will and be diligent in political affairs." After returning to Beijing, the prince felt that the emperor was getting old, and he was more focused on state affairs in order to fulfill his filial piety.

"Don't rush into political affairs. You are young and experience slowly. I don't worry. It's just that Oirat's border troubles and the vassal king's power are powerful. You still need to be on guard. Know that you must be prepared." I think some of the strategies mentioned are good, open up border trade, consolidate the Great Wall, strengthen border defense, station troops and reclaim fields, if they are realized one by one, Ming Dynasty will have ten years of border peace."

"Father, these strategies are not the work of my son and minister alone, most of them are taught by Emperor Ning's uncle." The prince said sincerely, and secretly glanced at the emperor's expression.

Knowing the son is not a father, the emperor can hear that the crown prince mentioned King Ning in an unusual tone, "King Ning has meritorious service in escorting you, and he sacrificed his life to save you. He really wants to reward you. I have already planned a reward. I don't understand what you brought with me The decree is to go to Prince Ning's mansion." The emperor directly gave the order to the ignorant, and did not allow the prince to comment.

The prince resentfully dared not say much, and he could not leave the palace at will without the permission of the emperor.

I don't know how efficient it is to follow the order, so I came to Ning Wang's mansion in the afternoon. The mansion of Ning Wang is located in the gathering place of the nobles and princes in the capital. What a coincidence.

The steward of the royal residence did not dare to neglect the guest who came by order, so he quickly invited him into the living room and offered good tea. He didn't know how to sit on the table, picked up the tea cup, and felt that King Ning really had a very high taste. The Jingdezhen official kiln does not produce a few high-quality goods in a year. It is convenient to be a king in Jiangxi, and this tea, which is full of body fluid and has a long aftertaste, is even more exquisite than the emperor's drink.

King Ning was tasting tea at the home of Li Qingzheng, the chief minister of the cabinet, and he gave a big gift by the way. The imperial salary is limited, and the ministers have to support their families to maintain a decent appearance. When he didn't know how to come here according to the order, he was just about to leave, and by the way, he would give the first assistant a performance of receiving the emperor's favor.

"Teacher is here, the hospitality is not good enough." After returning to the mansion, King Ning came to the main hall, put his legs on the table, put his hands on his head, and shook his head to King Ning, "See you, my lord."

King Ning no longer bothered to argue with him about etiquette. "The Tai Tuo came to the humble house during his busy schedule. What advice do you have?" King Ning sat down in the master's seat, and the servant offered tea to King Ning. King Ning lifted the lid of the cup to test the temperature. Ye, I don't know how to see the curvature of his eyebrows.

"King Ning, don't be polite. If this mansion of yours is a humble house, the palace will be made of adobe, and it is impossible to even talk about giving advice. King Ning is the smartest person in the world." I don't understand a bit sour.

King Ning was amused by him, "Shouldn't the most intelligent person in the world be the Taifu, but a monk is born in the world, and he is above the temple, the peak of the ruling and opposition parties." King Ning didn't understand, he didn't grow hair Not wearing brocade clothes, but having a high position envied by everyone in the court, has long been rumored inside and outside the court.

"My lord, you are really flattering me." I don't know how to retract my legs and adjust my sitting posture. "It's been more than a month since my lord returned to Beijing. Among the important cabinet members and six ministers, which one is the lord who hasn't been active yet? Jiangnan Valley King Wealthy and powerful, wealth can rival a country, so it turns out that King Ning is also extremely rich, and he has spent thousands of dollars in his hands."

King Ning put down the teacup, rolled his eyes, raised his eyes to look at the incomprehensible, the corners of his mouth still had a hint of mockery, "Is the Tai Tuo worrying or accusing? If you are worried, then there is no need for it. Wang Xiaoxiao, a vassal king without power, can be honored by the six cabinet members. Tasting tea together is just a matter of nostalgia. The court affairs are handled according to the court's rules. How can this king be able to order the ministers after drinking a sip of tea? Alright? King Gu’s money is not King Gu’s, it’s the wealth of the world, and naturally it’s also the emperor’s. I just feel that I can’t drink the tea from all the courtiers for nothing, and leave some tea money. I don’t dare to violate the strict laws of the Ming Dynasty. Party formation, bribery and fraud,"

I don’t understand that when I just wanted to accept the move, King Ning didn’t give him a chance to speak, “If you want to come to the Taifu to teach the prince and assist the emperor, you must be very busy. Why do you still have time to pay attention to such trivial matters as us? It is estimated that someone is talking. When you hear such disturbing words, tell me directly, and I will definitely help Taifu sort out the noise. Huh?" King Ning pursed his lips and looked sideways.

I don't know about King Ning's liaison ministers in Beijing. He heard about the money being distributed around the emperor. That day, Ji Rong, the current commander of Jinyiwei, was Mao Ying's proud disciple who came to return to his command. He routinely reported what the officials in Beijing had done. I deliberately followed up all the whereabouts of King Ning's coming to Beijing. The emperor didn't say a word after listening to it, and he didn't talk too much if he didn't understand. Today, being whitewashed by King Ning's solemn and strict words, he can't tell the source directly, he can only fool Said, "King Ning, you can't stop the mouth of the world."

"That's right, how can the master stop it?" King Ning smiled and asked if he didn't understand, your rumors are no less than this king.

"King Ning thought of it one day and told me, there is only one thing, you can't use handsome or money. I'm already as handsome as you, but I'm definitely not as rich as you." Pointing to his own face, he took out the emperor's imperial pen in one hand and threw it directly to King Ning. King Ning saw that the yellow dragon pattern was an imperial decree. At this time, I didn't know that I had already walked out of the main hall, leaving only King Ning's back, he waved his hand, "The will is conveyed, and I will send it off without any effort."

King Ning breathed a sigh of relief. This is probably the most casual edict official in this dynasty. He unfolded the imperial edict, which rewarded him for his contribution to assisting the prince, increased food, and bestowed royal clothes on the feudal lord and tokens for entering the palace. There is no need to pass it in and out of the palace at any time, these rewards are enough to be the emperor's mighty grace, and to cooperate with the warning that I don't understand, the emperor, the emperor, this combination of grace and power is really very good.King Ning closed the bright yellow silk and held it tightly in the palm of his hand, but I will not hold my hands back.

Ten days later, the prince and the emperor went to the court meeting and were discussing the next year's taxes with the Minister of the Ministry of Finance and others. When the decree is implemented, each locality has its own way to deal with it. When King Ning and I were in the south of the Yangtze River, we saw with our own eyes that the local government distorted the decree and doubled and tripled it. "The emperor has been suffering from the wind and cold recently, and his spirit is not good. When he heard that the prince mentioned King Ning again in political affairs, he interrupted him directly, "I have already told you, don't bother King Ning if you have something to do, you..."

At this time, the servant hurried over and knelt down, "I report to the emperor, the prince, and King Ning to see you."

The emperor nodded.

King Ning, who entered the palace to thank him, wore a brocade robe, and strolled from outside the Nuan Pavilion. He was tall and straight, and walked calmly. After entering the room, he knelt down on the side of the emperor's seat and bowed, "See the emperor, see His Royal Highness the crown prince." Dang and several ministers kept their eyes on him.

The emperor said gently, "Stay flat."

King Ning got up, and his movements were smooth and flowing. He happened to be standing side by side with the prince. Turning his head slightly, he could see Zhu Houzhao's eyes looking at him. He was kind and tender, with a sweet smile on his mouth. I haven't seen you for two months. The prince is more handsome than before Yes, King Ning responded to him with the same warm eyes and smile, the two looked at each other and smiled tacitly, and the emperor had a panoramic view.

"Your majesty, are you okay?" King Ning greeted the prince directly without staying on the prince for too long.

"Troubleshooting." The emperor's elder demeanor was more majestic and heavy than King Ning's extravagance.

"My servant came to the palace to express my gratitude to the emperor, long live my emperor!" King Ning's entry into the palace today was approved in advance, but the prince didn't know it, and there was still joy on his face that he hadn't seen for two months. King Ning followed the usual etiquette , Said to the emperor.

"You deserved it for your meritorious service in protecting the crown prince," the emperor waved away several important officials from the household department.I just don't understand, Prince.

"I don't dare, but my Majesty will protect you." King Ning bowed his hands and lowered his eyes.

"As long as you are loyal to protect the lord, how can you be humble." What the emperor said had profound meanings for both the speaker and the listener.

King Ning kept his posture unchanged, "Yes!"

At this moment, when the imperial doctor asked for a pulse, the three of them exited the warm pavilion and walked into the imperial garden, "Is the emperor free to enter the palace today?" The prince kept his eyes on the figure beside him, and felt that his words were abrupt, Hastily greeted, "I haven't seen you for a few days, Uncle Huang's complexion has improved a lot, is the injury healed?"

The three sat in the gazebo in the garden, King Ning always smiled, and the crown prince stared at his pale lips, trying his best to force himself not to recall the forbidden taste, "His Royal Highness cares more, it's much better."

I don't know how to clear my throat, the prince didn't pay attention to others, "The emperor's injury was caused by me, every time I think about it, I feel guilty. If the emperor's injury is still not healed, I really don't know how to face the emperor." Zhu Houzhao In fact, the original intention is only in the last sentence.

"Your Highness..."

"Your Highness!"

King Ning and Bubu called at the same time, but King Ning stopped talking when he didn't understand, "Since the two of you have something important to discuss, I won't bother you. Let me go." After saying that, he stood up and nodded to the prince before leaving. .

Zhu Houzhao "..."

I don't know how to clear my throat again, this time the waiter hurriedly brought tea and served the two of them, I don't know how to pick up the teacup and glanced at the prince, feeling guilty for no reason.

Zhu Houzhao withdrew his gaze from chasing the figure, not hiding his disappointment.

"Your Highness, the New Year's Eve is approaching, and the four kings and the vassal princes are about to make a pilgrimage to Beijing," Bu Bu Bu finally opened the topic.

Putting aside his inner turmoil, Zhu Houzhao did not relax his vigilance at all about the current situation. Because of the winter in the garden, the branches still had faint residual snow that fell last night.

The Four Kings are the most worrying problems within the territory of the Ming Dynasty. They cannot be cut or tolerated. After these four forces, a new check and balance force has slowly formed. I am eager for his help. At the same time, the flower of power has not yet bloomed. Can you predict its brilliance, and when you stand on a high place, can you appreciate its magnificence or be covered in its brilliance?

Zhu Hou looked at the cold tea in the cup in a trance, the teacup in his hand was warmed by his palm, and the familiar back was always in his mind.

Jin Yiwei can inquire about all important officials in the capital, and King Ning also has his own intelligence spies. He left the palace this day, and on the carriage back to the mansion, he opened the secret report that was delivered to him by the eyeliner in the palace just now, "The emperor's condition is getting worse."

The emperor was not as cold as he had announced in the court meeting before, he was burdened with state affairs, overwhelmed with thoughts, and suffering from old diseases tormented his unhealthy body, maybe his time was really numbered, King Ning thought, the emperor is a hard-working man. The government loves the people and is a wise king with the world in mind, but only kindness and benevolence will not be able to become a generation of heroes. Yes... He smiled sarcastically, crushed the small piece of paper with his fingertips, destroyed the traces, leaned against the comfortable cushion, enjoyed the shaking comfort brought by the rolling wheels, and headed for the intended destination.