Chapter 373 Old Husband and Young Wife Xu Wenchang

Outside the Wanshou Palace.

The atmosphere is eerie.

Zhang Juzheng, who was banished from the capital because he had angered the emperor, had a calm expression, as if he was not the one being banished.

However, Xu Jie, who was standing aside, glanced at the student indifferently and snorted in his heart.

It seemed that this student was banished from the capital.

But in the final analysis, this is not a demotion at all, it is clearly a new responsibility.

Li Chunfang stood beside Xu Jie, looking at Yan Shaoting and Zhang Juzheng with deep eyes, his brows slightly furrowed as if thinking about something.

Gao Gong and Yuan Wei, on the other hand, both had smiles on their faces.

Yuan Wei even raised his fist towards Zhang Juzheng and said, "Now that the prefect has become the governor, although Your Majesty thinks that overseas affairs are insignificant compared to the Central Plains, we, as ministers, cannot think so. The court now makes countless profits every year from overseas affairs. The governor has returned to the Suzhou Grain Supervision Office this time. He must be careful about everything. If he encounters any problems, he must report to the cabinet immediately. We in Beijing should immediately help the governor."

While saying this, Yuan Wei also glanced sideways at Gao Gong beside him.

According to his words, Gao Gong, who was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, would naturally give Zhang Juzheng a reassurance.

After all, the huge profits made by the court from its overseas missions every year all went into the Taicang Silver Vault of the Ministry of Revenue.

Gao Gong glanced at Yuan Wei and snorted in his heart.

Why would Yuan Fanzhong need to remind him about this matter?

Gao Gong looked at Zhang Juzheng with a smile on his face: "Taiyue used to work in the cabinet. He also went to Suzhou two years ago. This time he is in charge of the maritime affairs in Suzhou. I only have one thing to say..."

talking.

Gao Gong glanced around.

There was a hint of warning in his eyes.

Gao Gong waved his right arm behind his back and said loudly: "As long as Taiyue follows the law, if he encounters any difficulties or obstacles, I will make him see that no one can touch the money and grain of the Ming Dynasty!"

When Yuan Wei heard Gao Gong say this, his smile widened. He walked up to Zhang Juzheng and patted him on the shoulder, with his eyebrows raised.

"Now that Elder Gao has said this, Taiyue can rest assured when he goes south."

Zhang Juzheng knew what these two people meant.

Who among those present is not a shrewd person?

He smiled slightly, bowed his head and said, "Zhang Juzheng would like to thank all the ministers here. I will definitely live up to your trust and take care of the interests of our dynasty's maritime affairs when I go south to supervise the maritime affairs this time."

Yan Song smiled and waved his hand: "Since His Majesty has given the order, you should leave the palace early to pack your bags and go to Chaoyangmen Wharf in East City to take a boat south. If your wife and children are at ease, you can ask the cabinet to arrange for someone to escort them south later, so that you and your wife can be reunited."

Zhang Juzheng immediately turned around, bowed and said, "I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his concern for my family."

Say it.

Zhang Juzheng raised his head, looking hesitant.

Yuan Wei was the most observant, and immediately asked with a smile: "I wonder if Taiyue has any other concerns? Just tell me, and we will certainly help if we can."

Zhang Juzheng then looked at Yan Song and said hesitantly, "It's just that my eldest son and this son, the eldest is twelve years old and the second is eleven years old. They are usually taught by me and the teachers I invited in Beijing. But this time I am going south to supervise the maritime affairs, so I must be very busy..."

Yan Song's eyes turned and he immediately laughed.

The people present also understood what Zhang Juzheng said.

Yuan Wei looked directly at Yan Song and said, "Lord, Taiyue wants his two sons to stay in Beijing to study."

Yan Shaoting narrowed his eyes and stared at Zhang Juzheng with scrutiny.

Although Zhang Juzheng pretended to be hesitant and embarrassed before finally speaking his true intention, it was obvious that he hoped to allow his two sons to study in Changping Academy.

If not.

Why would he put on such pretentiousness in front of Old Yan?

Yan Song immediately waved his hand and said, "Although Changping Academy is not good at the imperial examination, Wen Wei, Ru Zhong and Hong Fu are the best in the study of classics in the capital. Although the young man of Taiyue family is young, he must be smart because of Taiyue's teaching since childhood. Today, I will write to the three friends of the academy and take the young man of Taiyue family as my disciple."

Before Zhang Juzheng could react, Yan Shaoting had already raised his brows in surprise. He did not expect that old Yan would actually act as a guarantor and allow Zhang Juzheng's two sons to become disciples of the three old masters Nie Bao.

Zhang Juzheng was even more delighted.

He originally just wanted to let his two sons stay in Beijing and study at Changping Academy.

Although Yan Song said that Changping Academy was not good at the imperial examinations, no one could or dared to take it seriously.

Ever since Nie Bao and the other two masters stayed at Changping Academy, countless famous scholars from both north and south of the Yangtze River have been invited or uninvited to come and impart their knowledge at Changping Academy.

The reason why he sent his two sons to the academy was, firstly, because the academy was full of famous scholars with vast knowledge, and secondly, because he was aiming for Prince Yu Zhu Zaigui, who would serve as the president of the academy.

I just didn’t expect it.

His two sons could actually become the direct disciples of three old masters.

This is truly a huge favor.

Zhang Juzheng immediately clasped his hands and bowed deeply: "In that case, I thank you very much for your kindness. I will leave the capital today and dare not disobey your order. I will go home now and ask my wife to prepare the tuition, and choose an auspicious day to bring my two sons to the academy to pay homage to my teacher."

Yan Song still had a doddering smile on his face and waved his hand: "It's just a trivial matter. It's getting late now. You should go home and pack up quickly. Don't miss the emperor's order."

After finishing speaking.

Yan Song did not linger any longer. He glanced at Gao Gong and Yuan Wei, then led the way towards Wenyuan Pavilion.

Gao Gong and Yuan Wei also followed with smiles on their faces.

Apart from the political disputes in the court, the fact that the children of each family can learn from famous teachers is naturally a good thing that is welcomed and can be considered a good story.

However, Xu Jie's face looked tense.

I am Nie Bao's student!

However, ever since I invited the teacher to Beijing, except for the first day of the New Year when we met, it has been a long time and I haven't seen him again.

now.

Zhang Juzheng's son wanted to become Mr. Cheng's direct disciple.

This is really a matter of seniority.

Do I have to call Zhang Juzheng's two sons my junior brothers?

What about the relationship between myself and Zhang Juzheng...

Isn't this the opposite of Tiangang?
Xu Jie was thinking about his own little plans in his mind, without saying a word, he shook his sleeves and took Li Chunfang away from the gate of Wanshou Palace.

Only Yan Shaoting was left to accompany Zhang Juzheng.

The two men looked at each other without saying much. They each made a gesture of invitation and walked side by side towards Xi'an Gate, going in the opposite direction of Yan Song and others.

In the West Garden, the two walked in silence.

Wait until you leave the palace.

Zhang Juzheng still kept walking, as he had the emperor's oral order to leave the capital today.

But Zhang Juzheng continued to walk and said: "Thank you for your help today."

Yan Shaoting grinned and coughed twice: "Brother Taiyue is a bit stingy."

Zhang Juzheng was stunned and looked puzzled.

Yan Shaoting smiled and said, "Today I have done Brother Taiyue a big favor. When Brother Taiyue arrives in Suzhou this time, it won't be long before Mid-Autumn Festival comes. Brother Taiyue, should you send someone to send back some of Suzhou's famous Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs?"

After hearing Yan Shaoting's words clearly, Zhang Juzheng was stunned again.

Then he smiled and said, "I will definitely not forget the kindness you have given me when I go to Suzhou this time. I will definitely send a lot of hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake to Beijing."

After saying this, Zhang Juzheng's eyes turned again.

He continued, "There are also the Huajin crabs from the Daze River in ancient Danyang. We will also buy them and have someone send them back to the capital."

At this moment.

Instead, it was Yan Shaoting's turn to be stunned.

He couldn't help but look at Zhang Juzheng twice more and said, "I didn't expect Brother Taiyue to be so familiar with eating crabs."

Zhang Juzheng just smiled faintly. "On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the crabs are plump and fresh. It is the best time to enjoy crabs. Just wait in Beijing for the fat crabs from the south of the Yangtze River."

Yan Shaoting immediately smiled and clasped his fists.

He didn't care whether the crabs from Suzhou would go bad when sent to the capital.

During the Early Tang Dynasty, lychees were transported from Lingnan over the Qinling Mountains to Chang'an City.

What's more, nowadays, as long as we put more ice and put the crabs into water tanks, it won't take much time to deliver them to Beijing along the canal.

At this time.

Zhang Juzheng finally stopped.

Yan Shaoting followed the line of sight and saw several rows of horse-drawn carriages for hire parked on the street.

He immediately saluted and said, "Brother Taiyue needs to go home to pack up, so I won't bother you any more."

Zhang Juzheng nodded, chose a carriage, gave his location, and then merged into the crowd on the street.

Yan Shaoting watched the carriage in which Zhang Juzheng was sitting disappear on the street. The smile on his face gradually faded. After a low shout, he also hurried back to his home in Yanfu Lane.

Wait until you get home.

Lu Wenyan, who had now returned to the city, came looking for him immediately.

After seeing Yan Shaoting, Lu Wenyan smiled: "My husband is back!"

Yan Shaoting was alert in his heart, but smiled and said, "Madam, what good thing has happened to you?"

Lu Wenyan immediately stood on tiptoe, put her hands behind her back, leaned forward, raised her head and stared at Yan Shaoting.

"I have arranged a marriage for Mr. Wenchang!"

After finishing speaking.

Lu Wenyan glanced at Yan Shaoting with pride on her face.

It's as if I'm saying that Mr. Xu Wei is your aide, and you, as the boss, don't care about his affairs, and I have to step in to get this done.

When Yan Shaoting heard this, his eyes widened in surprise.

I have hinted at the idea of ​​getting Xu Wei another wife, but Xu Wenchang just evaded the question by saying that he was too old and didn't want to waste a woman's youth.

Who would have known that now my eldest sister would step in and accomplish this.

Just as he was about to ask in detail, who was the girl?

But Xu Wei came out from the side with a flushed face.

Lu Wenyan glanced at Xu Wei, with a smile on her face, and left with the maid beside her.

Yan Shaoting could only turn around and look at Xu Wei, whose face was flushed.

But before he could speak.

Xu Wei had already cupped his hands and said, "My dear, you came to the palace to make a remonstrance today. Have you settled everything?"

It was obvious that she didn't want to talk about his marriage.

Yan Shaoting walked slowly into the side hall and poured himself a cup of tea: "First, tell me which family in Beijing this young lady is from."

His face was full of gossip.

Xu Wei turned his head and said, "It is said that she is a girl from a noble family in Beijing..."

"Oh?"

Yan Shaoting said "oh" with an extremely wonderful expression on his face.

Then he raised his eyebrows and said, "That means the old man and young wife! Congratulations, Mr. Wenchang!"

Xu Wei quickly spat.

Yan Shaoting's face was full of smiles.

Although she is a daughter of a noble family in the capital, she must have been a young girl waiting to be married.

Although Xu Wei is old now, he has already held the position of Right Assistant Minister of the Chancellery. So if one looks into it in detail, it was still that family of noble relatives who benefited from Xu Wei.

after all.

In the Yan family, Xu Wei might just be Yan Shaoting's aide.

But outside, he was an official appointed by the imperial court, the Right Secretary of the Chancellery of the fifth rank!
Outside, even the cabinet ministers had to call Xu Wei "Xu ​​Shuzi" when they spoke.

As luck would have it, the Zhanshi Mansion is a subsidiary office of the Eastern Palace, which theoretically means it is the secret residence of the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty.

What a coincidence.

The unofficial but real crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, anyone with a discerning eye could see that it was undoubtedly Prince Yu Zhu Zaigui.

Zhu Zaigui happened to be the principal of Changping Academy.

then.

Even though Xu Wei is now over 40 years old, who dares to say that he will not be able to continue to rise in the court in the future.

After some gossip.

Yan Shaoting didn't pay any more attention to it.

He changed the subject and said, "Zhang Juzheng will serve as the Minister of Maritime Affairs in his capacity as the Right Assistant Censor of the Censorate, and will be stationed in the Suzhou Prefecture's Grain Supervisory Office. Your Majesty has ordered him to leave Beijing today."

Yan Shaoting briefly summarized what happened in Xiyuan today.

Seeing that Yan Shaoting did not bring up his marriage again, Xu Wei could not help but feel relieved and immediately changed his expression: "In this case, my husband's plan has been implemented step by step."

Yan Shaoting nodded and said, "Please help me grind the ink, Mr. Wenchang. I need to write a few letters to Zhang Juzheng."

Xu Wei didn't ask the reason and followed Yan Shaoting to the study in the mansion.

Not long after.

After the letter was written, Yan Shaoting had already ridden out of the house.

It's late afternoon.

Outside Chaoyang Gate in Beijing.

The Chaoyangmen Wharf, which is only used by civil and military officials, is no longer as busy as it is during the day.

Zhang Juzheng was also escorted out of the city and to the dock by his wife, children and servants.

Got off the carriage.

Zhang Juzheng did not linger too much. He let his servants bring his clothes, books and other supplies onto the ship, and then he boarded the ship with his wife and children.

Without waiting for Zhang Juzheng to explain the matter to his wife and children.

He heard footsteps coming from the cabin behind him, followed by a familiar voice.

"Brother Taiyue."

"Brother left Beijing for his new post, but he hasn't had this farewell drink yet."

As Yan Shaoting was speaking, he walked out of the cabin, holding a wine jug in one hand and two wine glasses in the other, and appeared in front of Zhang Juzheng, who looked surprised.

Seeing this, Zhang's wife and children immediately stepped aside.

However, Zhang Juzheng and his sons stayed with their mother, staring at the man who was waiting for his father on the boat.

Zhang Juzheng was surprised, but soon he smiled.

He waved his hand.

"Bring some wine to see you off."

"I will definitely drink a full cup for you, brother!"

…………

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(End of this chapter)