Yang Ling had never led an army before. Fortunately, the generals under him were all veterans who had climbed their way to their current positions. Yang Ling had only imparted to them the theories that he did not fully understand, incorporating them into their battle experience.
Since there were only five hundred soldiers left, he could manage with his ability. Yang Ling did not train these five hundred soldiers according to the methods of training soldiers, but according to the methods of training officers.
There was no lack of talented people with better military skills among these people. With the guidance of the general and Yang Ling's bold support, they were able to use their firearms to attack, defend, retreat, ambush, detour, change from the inside line to the outside line, and outflank and surround them.
However, Emperor Zhengde could not understand so much at his age. In his eyes, it would be fun if he could not personally go into battle and kill the enemy. Now that Yang Ling's army was firearms, Yang Ling did not dare to let him take risks. However, the rumbling of cannons and bursts of gunfire made Emperor Zhengde, who had never seen such a scene, rub his palms together. Seeing the excitement, he could not help but say, "After my wedding, I will be practicing martial arts in the forbidden area. Firearms are too sharp. When the time comes, you will fight with me."
It might not be a bad thing to let the energetic little Emperor practice martial arts and train his troops. Perhaps it would be more of a brawl in the beginning, but as time passed, the little Emperor would surely have a better understanding of how to lead troops. At that time, if Yang Ling intentionally defeated the little Emperor a few more times, with the little Emperor's stubborn personality, he would surely study the art of war seriously.
These thoughts suddenly crossed Yang Ling's mind, but the matter of the Buddhist banquet was pressing on his mind. Right now, he was not in the mood to think so much. Let me participate in the Buddhist banquet? What should I say? If you knew what the world would be like five hundred years later, would you dare to stand on the platform of Tsinghua University and point fingers at the professors?
Yang Ling was worried. It was not until he forced a smile and sent off the exhausted Emperor Zhengde, that Yang Ling returned to the manor with a frown. Entering the flower court in the back garden, the two maids saw that the master had returned and hurriedly came forward to greet him. Yang Ling nodded his head absentmindedly, opened his eyes and looked around, asking: "Where is Furen?"
The maidservant, Gao Wenlan, was originally a niece of the Gao family. Yang Ling couldn't bear to let her do such menial work, so she stayed in the inner courtyard as a maidservant. She hurriedly came forward and said, "Madam, Miss Cher, and Sister Wen Xin have gone to the back garden to pick vegetables. They will be back soon."
Han Youniang couldn't stay idle. There was a large open space in the Gao family's inner garden. Young-niang felt it was a pity, so she opened up more than one mu of land to plant a lot of fresh dishes. At first, she only dared to point out what to do. Later, when she saw that Yang Ling didn't seem to care, she changed into rough clothes and went to work herself.
Her farm work was even more proficient than this mansion's maidservant; under her meticulous care, the vegetables in the field grew very well. Every day the fresh vegetables used in the mansion were all grown by themselves.
"Oh," Yang Ling mumbled. He walked into the inner study room and sat on a chair. Looking at the dazzling array of thread-bound books on the shelf, he suddenly remembered that when Wei Xiaobao was about to enter the Palace, Chen Jinnan wanted him to read those two thick stacks of secret martial art manuals … the table of contents. Yang Ling could not help letting out a bitter laugh.
A green shadow flashed by the door, it seemed a shadow of a person gracefully flitted past, but Yang Ling did not notice it. Immediately afterwards, that person suddenly flashed back and said in pleasant surprise, "Laoye is back?"
Yang Ling raised his head and saw that the beautiful maidservant in green standing at the door was none other than Yutang Chun. She looked like she had just gone to dry her clothes, her sleeves were half rolled up, revealing two snow-white jade-like wrists. Her bare face was not covered with any makeup, but she was still dazzlingly beautiful.
She saw that Yang Ling was still wearing his armor, there was not a trace of happiness on his face. Hastily she obediently stepped forward and said, "Laoye, do you have something on your mind?"
How could Yang Ling tell her that he was going to the examination hall? Was he scared? Hastily he forced a laugh and said, "Oh, nothing at all. I just went up the mountain to accompany His Majesty in the military exercise, I am a bit tired."
Only now did Yutang Chun feel relieved; she could not help smiling sweetly. She gracefully walked over and said, "Laoye's body is very good, wearing such a heavy armor going up the mountain, no wonder." Actually, Yang Ling should have returned to the camp to change his armor, but because he had something on his mind, plus he was closer to home after seeing off Zhengde, therefore he came back directly.
Yutang Chun said, "Laoye, let this servant help you unfasten your armor so you can rest." Yang Ling stood up and frowned, saying, "I already said that you don't need to call yourself this servant, why are you still saying that?"
Yutang Chun was helping him unfasten the silk ribbon on his armor. Hearing this, her pretty face blushed for no reason. She shyly lowered her eyes and said, "This servant still hasn't … hasn't … His Majesty still hasn't gotten married."
This girl was too embarrassed to say it directly, so she changed the topic to the Emperor's wedding. In any case, everyone now knew that the Emperor's wedding was Yang Ling's wedding. Hearing this, Yang Ling was so embarrassed that he could not say anything.
His armor was well made. Not only was it beautiful and handsome, it was also very heavy. The middle of the shelf was filled with books. Yutang Chun folded the books and stood on her tiptoes, wanting to place the armor on Gao Ge, but she was too weak to do so, so she squatted down and placed it on the shelf.
Yang Ling looked at her from behind. Her curves were exquisite and charming, and she was wearing a tight-fitting green maid's robe. When she squatted down, her perky buttocks were round, as if they were drawn by a compass. The lines were indescribably enchanting. His heart couldn't help but jump. He quickly turned his eyes away and sat back down on the chair to pick up a book to read.
Suddenly, his shoulders sank. Yang Ling turned his head and saw two slender hands on his shoulders, gently massaging his shoulders. Yang Ling thought of Su San's unfortunate fate. Originally, it was destined that Su San would fall into prostitution. She would first marry a merchant as a concubine, go through a prison, and finally marry Wang Jinglong. As for whether she would be happy after becoming Wang Jinglong's concubine, no one knew. In any case, in the story, everything had a happy ending.
What about now? This obedient and beautiful girl came to his side by a freak combination of factors, and Wang Jinglong went to Tai Ling instead. What would her fate be? Who would she end up in the future?
Yang Ling suddenly pressed her hand and asked softly, "Su San, how old are you this year?"
With the back of her hand pressed by him, Yutang Chun could not help but blush as she replied, "I bought it with a pound of gold. When I came here, I was only seven. Now I am already fifteen."
"Fifteen …" Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat and he asked, "Your family … Do you still remember? If there is a chance to meet again … "
Yutang Chun quickly interrupted, "I don't have a family!"
Yang Ling could not help but be speechless. He then remembered that she was sold to a brothel by her parents for a few hundred copper coins. At that time, she was already seven, how could she not remember? If there was no hatred in her heart, how could it be possible?
Yutang Chun's body moved closer and she said in a low voice, "I was born into a humble family and have fallen into prostitution. I have long forgotten how I came to be and where I will go. Ever since I entered the Yang Family and met Master and Madam, it was as if I had entered a heavenly paradise. Every day is happier than a year. Today, the Yang Family is my home. You and Madam are my family. "
As she moved closer, Yang Ling's shoulder, which was only covered by a thin robe, suddenly felt a strange feeling. It was so elastic, soft and wonderful. Yang Ling immediately understood that it was her breasts. His heart could not help but pound, and all the tactile nerves in his body seemed to suddenly concentrate on his right shoulder.
Zi Yi felt the wonderful and ecstatic feeling, soft and elastic. She was only fifteen years old. Could it be that all beauties mature at such an early age?
The weather seemed to be getting hotter. The cicadas outside the window were very annoying. Why was there no wind at all?
Yutang Chun spoke emotionally and unconsciously said, "Young-niang jiejie told us about your worries. Master, you are willing to think so far ahead for us. Cher and I do not know how grateful we are. Other people have always only looked at our appearance, who would be willing to think for us?"
Yang Ling felt a chill on the back of his palm. Sparkling and translucent tears were already falling down, "Life is like a dream. Yu Er only hopes that after suffering for so long, she can have a beautiful dream. Who would care about the length of a dream? Isn't it said that when the golden wind and jade dew meet, it is better than countless things in the world? Why would Master have such a strange thought? Don't you know … don't you know that Yu Er's heart has long been given to you? "
Hearing such a beautiful woman whispering in his ear, whose heart could be as hard as iron and stone? Yang Ling temporarily put aside the annoying secret at the bottom of his heart. He only wanted to turn around and say a few words to comfort her. But as soon as his shoulder moved, Yutang Chun already felt that she was snuggling too warmly. She couldn't help but let out a tender cry and suddenly bounced away.
Yang Ling turned his head and saw this famous beauty in history. Her eyes were filled with tears as she looked at him. Her rosy and shy cheeks were brimming with a sweet smile that seemed to seep out honey. She had a gentle appearance that could take anything she wanted.
Yang Ling's heart suddenly rose with a heroic spirit: If this beauty that has been passed down through the ages can be conquered by me, what else do I have to be afraid of? Could it be that this scripture banquet is so scary that I can't conquer a few old men?
He suddenly stood up and grabbed Sister Yu's hands. As soon as Yutang Chun's hands were held tightly by him, her eyes suddenly became misty as if water was about to seep out. Her red lips were also half-open and her body was about to go limp.
She only saw Yang Ling grab her soft hands and said affectionately, "Yu Er …"
Yutang Chun's heart was pounding. After a long while, she moaned from her throat, "Huh? Old … Master … "
"Go, help me find all the history books. I want to read all night today!" Yang Ling said in high morale.
Yutang Chun, "…"
※ ※ ※
The scripture banquet finally resumed.
Every day, the Hanlin scholars and imperial messengers wrote blood letters to celebrate and rejoice: How can an Emperor who does not hold a scripture banquet be considered a good Emperor? Now all the Gods and Buddhas were influenced by their spirit, and the Emperor finally returned to the right path of a wise ruler.
But the news that General Yang Ling of the Shenji Battalion was also going to attend the scripture banquet shocked them again. The scripture banquet was a place where the civil and military officials preached to the Emperor. Ming Destiny never stipulated that military officials could not attend the scripture banquet, but there had never been a military official who took the initiative to attend the scripture banquet. Even if Yang Ling was a scholarly general, was his knowledge enough to show his skills at the scripture banquet?
If the Emperor wanted to give him military power and put him in an important position, he would endure it. This scripture banquet was a sacred place for civil officials. Was it for people like him? This was the most serious provocation!
Emperor Zhengde's first scripture banquet was the focus of attention.
Hanlin Academy, the Inspectorate, Jameson Province, and the civil officials in the court were like the first time they went to the capital to take the exam. They quoted the classics and worked hard all night. A text was deliberated over and over again, cut and cut again. In the end, they wrote it beautifully and memorized it. They had to amaze the world and make Yang Ling disgraced.
In the Hall of Literary Glory, hundreds of officials had gathered before the hour arrived. It was even livelier than during the court session. Emperor Zhengde had said that all civil and military officials could attend today's scripture banquet. Even if they had nothing to do, they still came to watch the excitement.
Today the scripture banquet was reopened. The three scholars of the cabinet also attached great importance to it. Liu Jian, Xie Qian, and Li Dongyang were the three Tongzhi Prefects of the scripture banquet. The Minister of Personnel Ma Wensheng, the Minister of War Liu Daxia, the Minister of Revenue Hangul, and the new Minister of Ministry of Rites Wang Hua were all present. The lecturer was the scholar of Jameson Province, Yang Tinghe. The scribe was the scholar of Hanlin Academy, Wen Xu.
This could be said to be unprecedentedly luxurious. The Chief Eunuch of the Department of Rites, Wang Yue, personally led two chief eunuchs and eight eunuchs. They carried a collection of classics and histories to set up the imperial table and lecture. As soon as they arrived at the Hall of Literary Glory, they saw many military officials. Even Old Wang Yue was startled. He had served four generations of Emperors and had never seen so many military officials come to attend the scripture banquet. Among these people, there were many military officials who only knew how to write their own names. Why did they come to join in the fun?
Although Wang Yue held a high position of power, was the head of the Minister of Internal Affairs, and controlled Dongchang and the West Factory, he was loyal, devoted, and had no ambition. Although he favored and trusted Dai Yi, when he heard that Dai Yi had concealed the fact that the Former Emperor's mausoleum had been leaking water, Wang Yue's grief and anger were no less than Emperor Zhengde's. Therefore, when the dignified Chief Eunuch of the Department of Rites was imprisoned, Wang Yue did not care at all. From beginning to end, he stayed out of the matter. Because of his attitude, the Dongchang Fan Ting, who was on good terms with Dai Yi, did not dare to act rashly. As a result, even Zhang Xiu was fearful of rescuing Yang Ling.
Now that Dai Yi had been released from prison, he secretly hated Wang Yue for not doing anything. However, although this Old Wang Yue was the head of the secret service, he was very honest and did not notice it at all.
The Hall of Wenhua was originally the world of the civil officials. Today, the number of military officials in the capital was actually not less than the civil officials. This was indeed the first time since the founding of Ming Destiny. Therefore, the civil and military officials followed the rules of the court. The civil officials stood on the left side of the hall, and the military officials stood on the right side. The head of the civil officials was Liu Jian. Although the military officials ranked Liu Daxia first, when the insignificant third-rank General Yang Ling stood in front of the hall, all the military officials, no matter their rank, retreated half a step and surrounded him like stars around the moon.
Excited! Long face! Today, the military officials could finally walk into the Hall of Wenhua with their backs straight. As for General Yang's knowledge … Don't think that these military officials were stupid because they were illiterate. They had already inquired about him in advance. Even the prodigy scholar Yang Tinghe had praised him. How could he be lacking?
Yang Ling braced himself and stood there. He made up his mind to say less than more. If he didn't understand, he wouldn't say anything. Whenever he had the chance, he would talk nonsense. He knew nothing about history and classics. Other than knowing 'When three people walk, there will always be a teacher' and 'Isn't it pleasant to learn from time to time', he couldn't recite more than a few lines. He couldn't fight literature, but he could talk big, right?
Therefore, at this time, Yang Ling was wearing a suit of armor. He looked extraordinarily handsome. His feet were standing on the ground. His eyes seemed to be closed, and his expression was as calm as water. If he had a big beard, people would think that someone had brought the statue of Emperor Shengjun here.
The internal official, Liu Jin, and the others had been fooled by Yang Ling's stories about foreign countries. They really thought that he was well-versed in Chinese and Western culture and knew everything. That was why they came up with such a bad idea. Emperor Zhengde listened blindly and believed blindly. When he heard that it was time for the lecture, for the first time, he excitedly came to the hall to listen to the lecture.
Emperor Zhengde ascended to his seat. After the hundreds of officials kowtowed three times and kowtowed nine times, the imperial bodyguards with sabers carried the lecture table to Zhengde's Dragon Writing Desk. The Honglu Official began to deliver the imperial edict. Because it was Emperor Zhengde's first lecture, Lun Wenxu and Yang Tinghe, as lecturers, did not give a long speech. They only talked about Emperor Hongwu's lecture and the importance of the Emperor learning from the hundreds of officials and the Confucian classics. Then they smiled and retreated to one side, leaving the battlefield to the civil and military officials.
The newly appointed Minister of the Ministry of Works, Yang Shousui, immediately came out and began to talk about the Four Books and the Five Classics. His speech had been prepared long ago. He quoted the classics and the cadence. When he got to the point, the civil officials were overjoyed and praised him endlessly. The generals, who had been waiting to see the battle with their eyes wide open, yawned continuously. Even Emperor Zhengde's eyes were fixed on him.
With great difficulty, Yang Shousui's bombardment of exhaustion stopped. Then came Xinyang's Old Scholar, Wang Yan. Wang Yan had consecutively ranked as the top scorer, the top scholar, and the third scholar. He had almost ranked as the third scholar. There was nothing to say about his knowledge.
Old Teacher Wang then used Yu Yong to chase a desperate enemy. He recited an eight-legged essay without stopping. Even Yang Ling, who had pricked up his ears to try and find something to talk about, listened until he was tired.
Yang Ling could not help but sigh to himself. These people were all talking about moral essays. Occasionally, they would touch upon something real. But the situation of the world and the distribution of power that the sages of thousands of years ago faced was vastly different from the situation of today. There was no point in using them mechanically. The so-called Confucian Banquet was really boring. It must have been hard on the children of the Zhu family. How did they endure these past hundred years?
Wang Yan finished speaking and retreated. Yang Fang went into the fray again. His son, Yang Lin, colluded with Wang Jinglong to frame Yang Ling. Although three scholars pleaded for leniency, saying that his son was young and inexperienced, greedy and vain, and blindly joined in the ruckus, Zhengde did not punish him. Instead, he issued an edict to harshly reprimand Yang Fang.
Who did not believe in their own son? Moreover, Yang Fang had always thought that Yang Ling flattered the emperor and was an ignorant and incompetent villain. Yang Fang looked coldly at Yang Ling, who was standing upright and looking straight ahead. His two sparse eyebrows furrowed, and he said in a clear voice, "Just now, Mr. Yang and Lord Wang talked about the Four Books and Five Classics, the way of the sages. Now that the Classics are finished, I will talk about history."
"Your Majesty, since ancient times, when emperors ruled the world, they always used morality to educate the people. Therefore, choosing the virtuous and capable, keeping the virtuous officials away from the villains, then becoming a sage. On the other hand, keeping the virtuous officials away from the virtuous ones would play and play, neglecting government affairs, causing the villains to rule and the government to become corrupt.
In the past, Emperor Ling of Han favored the Ten Imperial Attendants, Emperor Wu of Liang was superstitious about Buddhism and Taoism, Emperor Huizong of Song favored Tong Guan and Cai Jing, indulging in pleasure, causing the government to be controlled by a group of eunuchs and traitors. The officials deceived the emperor, the villains seized power, and the subordinates rebelled, causing the country to perish. This should be a warning for future generations! "
Emperor Zhengde yawned, his eyes lifeless as he said, "I did not open a lecture, yet you all cried and shouted for me to open a lecture. When I open a lecture, is it just to talk about these so-called Classics and History?"
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