The most reckless man in the Ming Dynasty

Duke of Ying's Mansion.

As an old noble family, the luxury of its mansion is eye-catching.

Duke of Baoguo Zhu Hui followed Zhang Mao's son Zhang Lun through many twists and turns, and finally met the owner of the Duke of Ying's Mansion, Duke of Ying Zhang Mao, in the pavilion behind the rockery.

As soon as he saw Zhang Mao, Zhu Hui couldn't help but hurriedly said: "Old man, Tang Hao has been imprisoned, aren't you anxious?"

"What are you anxious about?" Zhang Mao replied calmly, still calm and indifferent.

"Oh my old man, I asked through my connections, and this madman Tang Hao has really caused a big disaster this time!" Zhu Hui lowered his voice and said with horror: "This madman not only strangled the boy Feng'er to death in front of your majesty, but also pointed at your majesty's nose and scolded your majesty for being useless!" "I have said it before, this Tang Hao is a barbarian thief who came out of nowhere, who knows no etiquette and lawlessness, and now he has caused such a big disaster, I am afraid your majesty will never forgive him..." Zhang Mao listened impatiently and looked at Zhu Hui coldly. "Dongyang, what do you want to say?"

"What?" Zhu Hui shouted in shock and anger: "Old man, have you forgotten? Our two families are still engaged to Tang Hao!"

"Although my daughter is a concubine, a maid born of a maid, she is still my daughter after all. How can I watch her jump into the fire pit..."

"So?" Zhang Mao sneered, "You just want to cancel this marriage to prevent Tang Hao from implicating you, right?"

"Zhu Hui, Zhu Hui, you are really a world apart from your father Zhu Yong. No wonder everyone laughs at you for being a "dog son of a general"!"

Zhang Mao's words were like a big slap in the face, so Zhu Hui's face suddenly darkened.

However, Zhang Mao was not only his nominal elder, but also the leader of the nobles today, so even if Zhu Hui had a hundred courage, he would not dare to make a fool of himself in front of Zhang Mao. Even if he was scolded, he could only endure it!

Zhang Mao was old after all, and he didn't want to blame Zhu Hui, a playboy, too much, so he analyzed it honestly for him.

"What you said is true. Tang Hao did commit a capital crime this time!"

"But why didn't you think about why His Majesty chose to put Tang Hao in the imperial prison instead of handing him over to Li Dongyang and other civil officials?"

This sentence woke the dreamer.

Zhu Hui was not stupid. After all, he had been a rich and powerful person for so many years, and he still understood some obvious truths.

"Why?"

"Because His Majesty still wants to keep Tang Hao, the Marquis of Zhongshan!"

"Otherwise, as long as Tang Hao fell into Li Dongyang's hands, the three judicial departments would definitely punish him severely and sentence him to death by beheading directly to set things right and clarify the law!"

"But His Majesty didn't do that, but threw Tang Hao into the imperial prison. Don't you understand?"

After saying this, if Zhu Hui still didn't understand, he would be a real fool.

"What the old man means is... Tang Hao still has a chance to be reinstated?"

Since His Majesty the Emperor has chosen to keep Tang Hao, then there is a very simple reason that Tang Hao is still useful to His Majesty the Emperor.

What else can he be useful for?

Of course, it means regaining control of the military power!

When Zhu Hui thought of this, his mind began to become active.

However, Zhang Mao suddenly poured a basin of cold water on him, which instantly made Zhu Hui's little thoughts cold again.

"Don't be too happy too soon!"

"Your Majesty can indeed save Tang Hao, but it's hard to say whether Tang Hao can be reinstated!"

Zhu Hui became more and more confused as he listened, and couldn't help asking: "Oh my old man, it's already this time, can you please stop keeping me in suspense?"

"First, Tang Hao committed a capital crime this time. Even if he can save his life and even his title, there is a rift between him and Your Majesty because of the boy lover Feng'er, so the possibility of him regaining military power in the future... is very small!"

"Second, Liu Jin, that bastard, colluded with Li Dongyang, that dog, and directly drove away the Prime Minister of the Cabinet Liu Jian has stolen the power of the government, and now the Grand Marshal who is in charge of the military affairs of the world has become Yang Yiqing! "

Zhang Mao said worriedly: "Yang Yiqing is a person that I have always paid attention to. He is a hard bone that is not easily influenced. He is neither Liu Daxia who can sacrifice public affairs for personal reasons, nor Xu Jin who is good at dancing with long sleeves!"

"This Yang Yiqing, his temperament is so strong, his loyalty to the emperor and patriotism is enough to be compared with the heavenly official Ma Wensheng. This is what I am really worried about!"

To be honest, even Zhang Mao did not expect that Li Dongyang, this idiot, would actually bring Yang Yiqing to the court to be the Minister of War!

That's Yang Yiqing!

Are you fucking crazy?

When Yang Yiqing is the Minister of War, it is not only Li Dongyang himself who is uncomfortable, but also these military generals and nobles!

This stinky stone in the pit is really stinky and hard. No one will give face. As long as you dare to do something illegal, he will dare to deal with you, without exception!

Compared to Tang Hao's loss of power, Yang Yiqing, the Minister of War, is actually a bigger headache!

"That Li Dongyang is ridiculous. He thought that with the friendship between him and Yang Yiqing in the past, plus the many times he recommended and supported him, Yang Yiqing would definitely return the favor and become the second Liu Daxia, using the power of the Ministry of War to help his Huguang folks seek personal gain!"

"How did he know that, let alone Li Dongyang, even Yang Yiqing would not give it to His Majesty the Emperor?"

Zhu Hui was confused when he heard this and couldn't quite understand what Zhang Mao meant.

"What do you mean, sir... Yang Yiqing will not let Tang Hao take charge of the Beijing Army again?"

"Definitely not!" Zhang Mao sighed, "Not to mention how long Tang Hao will be kept in prison this time before he can be released. Even if he does come out, His Majesty the Emperor will not let him take charge of the army immediately. Even if His Majesty the Emperor Let him take charge of the army, and Yang Yiqing will not be able to get through this easily! "

"Civil officials and gentry are opposed to generals and nobles taking over the military power. Although Yang Yiqing is upright, he is no exception, so it is almost impossible for Tang Hao to take charge of the army again!"

After hearing this, Zhu Hui finally understood.

That means Tang Hao is completely "wasted"!

Even if he is released, he will completely lose power and will not be able to regain military power!

To put it more bluntly, Tang Hao will be an idle prince from now on, becoming a mascot in the capital like Zhang Mao, so what else does a son-in-law like this do?

Besides, Zhu Hui had long known that Tang Hao was not a real descendant of the Tang family, but a barbarian who appeared from nowhere!

When Zhu Hui thought that his daughter was about to marry a barbarian with such a shaved head and beard, Zhu Hui felt very sick and disgusted to the extreme!

Just when Zhu Hui was upset, Zhang Mao's eyes flashed with cold light.

"At this point, we have to consider giving up on Tang Hao!"

"The situation was originally good, but it completely collapsed because of Tang Hao's own actions. I don't think he will resent me!"

Zhu Hui's expression suddenly perked up when he heard this, and he immediately understood what Zhang Mao meant.

"Sir, are you saying that we will re-select generals from Jiubian?"

"No need to choose!" Zhang Mao waved his hand, "After Tang Hao's incident, the civil servants and gentry have become wary and will not give us so much time!"

"Just that Qiu Yue from Ningxia Town!"

"This man is brave in battle and has military merit. He is also Yang Yiqing's old subordinate. As long as we operate properly, Yang Yiqing will not hesitate to recommend him. A guerrilla general is indispensable!"

"In the future, if you make some meritorious deeds and can barely get a title, you can be regarded as a candidate for Tang Hao. You can't put all your hopes on Tang Hao!"

"Dongyang, go make arrangements!"

Zhu Hui happily accepted the order and left.

He was indeed full of opinions, or extremely disgusted with Tang Hao.

The initial disgust was due to Tang Hao's status as a barbarian!

Later, it was because this damn barbarian didn't know how to repay his kindness and cut off several of his financial avenues in one breath. This made Zhu Hui hate Tang Hao with all his heart!

Now that Tang Hao has lost power, although it is a great loss for the Xungui Group, it is a great thing for Zhu Hui himself!

In addition, after the conversation just now, Zhu Hui finally understood that although Zhang Mao said it nicely, he had also lost confidence in Tang Hao, otherwise he would not be able to operate that Qiu Yue as Tang Hao. alternative character!

So, what if I cancel this marriage?

However, Zhu Hui was still a little undecided. He was afraid that Tang Hao would really make a comeback again.

After Zhu Hui left, Zhang Mao was still sitting in the pavilion, lost in thought.

Zhang Lun on the side couldn't help but said: "Dad, is that Tang Hao really useless?"

"In this case, we can't marry Shu'er to him!"

Hearing this, Zhang Mao glanced at Zhang Lun in surprise and sneered: "As a father, when have you ever cared about Shu'er?"

"I've spent the whole day either on horseback riding or safari, but I've been very brave and fierce, and now I still have the nerve to say something like this!"

Faced with his father's accusation, Zhang Lun just laughed dryly and then explained the reason.

"Dad, it's actually the Marquis of Wu'an Zheng Ying. His son Zheng Dun has fallen in love with my Shu'er, so he wanted to ask his son to find out what you are like."

"This marriage is much better than that of Tang Hao! Not to mention Tang Hao's current difficult situation, Zheng Dun is also the prince of Wu'an Hou, and will inherit the title of Marquis of Wu'an sooner or later. Moreover, the old Zheng family of Wu'an Hou is also the Jing family. Nan Xungui has the same roots as our old Zhang family..."

As expected, Zhang Lun became a lobbyist, which made Zhang Mao frown.

However, this somewhat brave son did not notice his father's face, and was still talking eloquently.

It wasn't until he found that his father had not responded, but was looking at him expressionlessly, that Zhang Lun wisely closed his mouth.

"Finished?"

"How much did you charge Zheng Ying?"

As soon as these words came out, Zhang Lun suddenly became anxious.

"Dad! Shu'er is also my daughter after all. How could I..."

There was a loud "bang", and Zhang Mao slammed the desk, which made Zhang Lun tremble.

"Let me ask you, how much did you charge him?"

"One thousand taels! I only received one thousand taels!"

Zhang Lun replied hurriedly, trying to explain something.

However, Zhang Mao slapped him and cursed angrily: "You beast!"

"How could I have a son who is worse than a beast like you!"

"Then Zheng Dun has been frail and sick since he was a child, and it seems that he is not going to live long. How much of a beast do you have to be to marry your biological daughter to him for some money?"

"Dad!" Zhang Lun argued, holding his cheek: "Even if Zheng Dun fails to live up to his expectations, as long as Shu'er gives birth to a son for him, he will be the Marquis of Wu'an from now on!"

"But what about Tang Hao? Not to mention whether he can keep his title, whether he can survive this time is a question. If you don't break off the engagement now while His Majesty's punishment has no results, you have to wait until Tang Hao is deposed. Will our government be disgraced?"

In desperation, Zhang Lun did tell a few truths.

After Zhang Mao heard this, he couldn't help but smile bitterly.

After being silent for a long time, Zhang Mao sighed.

"Go and call Shu'er!"

Hearing this, Zhang Lun was overjoyed and immediately went to pass on the message.

After a while, Zhang Jingshu walked gently into the pavilion with small steps, and then knelt down to worship her grandfather Zhang Mao and her father Zhang Lun.

This whole set of kneeling and worshiping movements can be said to be of an impeccable standard.

From stretching the sleeves, to kneeling on the ground, to placing palms on the forehead, a set of movements flows smoothly, revealing an elegant beauty that has been immersed in for many years.

"Ahem, Shu'er, get up quickly!"

Zhang Mao said with a smile.

He had many children and grandchildren in his life, but he only had two granddaughters, one a legitimate daughter and the other a concubine.

The direct son who married Zhu Hui was considered a close relative, and the two princes' offices were closely linked.

As for the concubine, this is Jingshu in front of me. Although she is a concubine, she is naturally beautiful and intelligent. She is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and is deeply favored by Zhang Mao.

"Grandfather, father, there is something unclear about Jingshu."

Hearing this, Zhang Lun's face changed slightly and he smiled awkwardly.

Because on the way here, he had already informed Zhang Jingshu about Marquis Wu'an's marriage proposal.

"Shu'er, you're talking about your engagement, right?"

Zhang Mao said with a smile.

"Grandpa called you here because he wanted to hear your own opinion."

"Dad, how can Shu'er have any opinions on the parents' orders to find a matchmaker?"

Zhang Lun urged impatiently, hoping to get Zhang Mao to change his mind and marry his daughter to Lao Zheng's family.

Mei Wanyan raised her head and stared sharply at her father Zhang Lun.

This girl is very beautiful, with eyebrows like Liu Dai, eyes like autumn water, delicate face, and a slightly straight nose.

The black hair is gathered up, and the bun is tied with a jade hairpin, and is dotted with some pure green ribbons, which adds to the beauty and cuteness.

But for some reason, her thin lips lost a little blood, and she looked very delicate and helpless, and her thin body revealed an emaciated and youthful charm.

"And because of that damn Tang Hao, Shu'er is almost seventeen this year and has already reached the age of marriage."

Although the laws of the Ming Dynasty clearly stipulate that men can get married when they are sixteen years old and women can get married when they are fourteen years old, but because there are no clear provisions on the penalties for violating relevant regulations, "early marriage" still exists among the people and is relatively popular.

When common people get married, the marriage ceremony can only be performed when men are over sixteen years old and women are over fourteen years old.

However, experience has shown that the body of a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old woman has not yet matured and cannot bear the pain of childbirth. If she gets married and has children early, it will inevitably cause indelible trauma to the body and her life will not be long in the future.

Therefore, no matter whether it is a royal prince or a high-ranking family, there is usually an unwritten rule, which is to wait until a woman is 28 years old before getting married to avoid tragedy.

As for the common people, no one cares about it. If you have that ability, you can put a gun into a hole at the age of eight.

If the imperial court hadn't been worried that early marriage and early childbearing would become a common practice, which would have a negative impact on the population growth of the Ming Dynasty, they would not be such a bad person and use the Ming Dynasty law to limit the age of marriage.

But facts have proven that this law is of little use to the common people.

And the age of sixteen has become the best age for a daughter of a wealthy family to get married. It is neither too early nor too late.

After all, women these days tend to get married relatively early. Most of them have decided to get married before they are sixteen years old. Seventeen-year-old Zhang Jingshu is already getting married late.

If it were an ordinary family, the official media from the local government would come to the house to force the marriage.

If you don't marry, you will delay the performance of the local magistrate and have you beheaded and dipped in a pig cage!

"Father, why can one daughter marry two husbands?"

As soon as these words came out, Zhang Mao and Zhang Lun both changed their expressions.

Zhang Lun couldn't keep it off his face, he immediately put on his father's attitude and angrily yelled at his daughter: "Asshole! What are you talking nonsense about?"

"My daughter is not talking nonsense, she is telling the truth!"

Zhang Jingshu did not give in at all and looked at her father coldly.

"My grandfather has promised me to Tang Hao, the Marquis of Zhongshan. I dare to ask my grandfather, is this true? Have you ever discussed this matter with the elders of the Marquis of Zhongshan?"

Zhang Mao looked at his precious grandson with a complicated expression, and finally nodded.

"Yes, I have indeed made an agreement with Tang Ren!"

"In this case, Jingshu is already the wife of the Tang family. If my grandfather and father have to cancel this marriage because the Marquis of Zhongshan is now in prison, how will the world view my British Duke? Jingshu doesn't want to You brought shame to the government because of yourself!”

Zhang Jingshu spoke resolutely, leaving Zhang Mao speechless.

However, Zhang Lun was anxious. After all, he had received money from others!

"The orders of your parents and the words of your matchmaker, how can you, a girl like you, act recklessly?"

"My father has already made an agreement with the Marquis of Wu'an. As long as you marry, you will be the eldest son's wife. Your eldest son will inherit the title of Marquis of Wu'an. He is thousands of times better than Tang Hao who shaved off his hair and beard. So, Shu'er..."

Before Zhang Lun could finish speaking, he suddenly exclaimed, and even Zhang Mao was so frightened that he stood up.

"Shu'er doesn't want it!"

Zhang Jingshu was seen holding the scissors against her neck.

Then, under the watchful eyes of his father and grandfather, he cut off a lock of hair.

"Please forgive me, grandfather and father!"

"No matter whether Marquis Zhongshan lives or dies this time, Jingshu will only be Tang's wife for the rest of her life!"

"If Father cannot explain to Marquis Wu'an, you can go ahead with this strand of hair."

After saying this, Zhang Jingshu put away the scissors, placed the strand of hair respectfully on the desk, then turned and left.

The father and son looked at each other in confusion for a long time.

Finally, Zhang Mao raised his head again and slapped Zhang Lun so hard that he was blinded.

"You really gave birth to a wonderful daughter!"

"Dad, Shuer, she..."

Before Zhang Lun could finish his words, he received another slap.

"If you had even half of her wisdom and integrity, as a father, you wouldn't have trouble sleeping and eating. You'd be worried that after you leave, there will be no one to support the overall situation of this huge government!"

As long as this son of his has a little bit of brains, Zhang Mao will not dare to die.

"..."

Zhang Mao slapped her away again, then looked at the back of his precious granddaughter and couldn't help but sigh.

"It's a shame that I'm not a man!"