"Your Majesty, you should eat something." Tang Yixian gently opened the door and quietly walked in with a plate of food. The door gently closed, only to see Emperor Zhengde sitting in front of the table without saying a word.
"Your Majesty, what kind of anger are you vomiting for? It's better to eat something first. "
"En!"
Tang Yixian saw that he didn't move, lightly sighed and coquettishly said, "You want to become an immortal without eating or drinking?"
"En!"
Tang Yixian angrily said, "Other than en ~ en ~ en ~ en, you don't know how to say anything else!"
Zhengde, "Ah ~"
Tang Yixian angrily said, "Yongfu and Xiang 'er are asking for an audience, it's fine if you don't want to see them, but you also don't want to see the Empress Dowager. This is against common sense, it's not good to be in a deadlock like this. No matter what, big brother has done a great service to the country, now that he's been stripped of his title and placed under house arrest, the court doesn't know the truth and will definitely think that Your Majesty is afraid of a meritorious minister, it's not good for Your Majesty's reputation. What's more, Your Majesty has the ambition to be the Emperor of Han and Wu, this will chill the hearts of the officials, it will affect the court too much. "
"Ai!" Zhengde heavily sighed and finally opened his mouth to speak, "Yang Ling, you've made zhen's heart cold! Zhen and minister Yang Ling treat each other with sincerity, sharing weal and woe. Towards Yang Ling, zhen knows how to use people well and does not doubt them.
Ever since he assisted the government, he's reformed bad governance, developed military equipment, promoted agriculture and commerce, pacified internal and external chaos, and expanded the country. His contributions are great and unprecedented. Zhen originally wanted to establish a harmonious relationship with him, for the people, for the officials, to help each other, to never leave or abandon each other! Who would have thought … … Who would have thought that zhen didn't suspect him, but he has a disloyal heart towards zhen! "
The cabinet, the six ministries and nine ministers, as well as some important officials of the court were standing outside the door, hearing the emperor's words, their expressions immediately changed, "Could it be … … Could it be like the rumors say, Yang Ling has a rebellious heart? Heavens! Currently, there are many people following Yang Ling's faction in the court. He was also the emperor's most trusted minister. If he rebelled, who else could the emperor trust? After this great purge, I'm afraid the massacre will be so extensive that even Hongwu's reign will not be as extensive. At that time, tens of thousands of heads will fall to the ground, and the reckoning will not end for ten years. Even we, these high-ranking officials, will be executed by the Emperor, who is full of suspicion and jealousy. "
Some of the officials' faces changed dramatically. It was such a cold day, but beads of sweat had already formed on their foreheads.
Emperor Zhengde slammed his fist on the table, and several ministers outside the door trembled.
He heard Emperor Zhengde roared, "Zhen has bestowed him the title of King, I want Shandong to be his vassal state, to guard the border for Zhen. He is close at hand, he can watch over Zhen, isn't that good? He … he actually dared to refuse Zhen's edict, saying that he would be bestowed the title of King with a different surname. This has never happened before. He doesn't dare to accept any more generous rewards, and only wishes to live as a carefree Wangye in the capital.
Hey! He is expressing his true feelings to me and avoiding disaster. He thinks that I am testing him to see if he has any ambitions. He is afraid that I will eliminate him one day out of fear of his great achievements. How sad will I be? Not only him, I, Ming Destiny, have both civil and military affairs, but those who have made great contributions to the country, and those who have made great contributions, Zhen will reward them. "
Emperor Zhengde suddenly stood up and said in a clear voice, "Opening the sea to trade, making friends with tens of thousands of countries, Zhen has opened Zhen's eyes. The world is so big, how can it be limited to China? How can all the faraway lands in all directions be desolate? Zhen wants to treat each other with sincerity and work together to rule Ming Destiny, to create the richest and strongest Ming Destiny, to create a world with an endless territory.
From now on, only the founding generation will be able to leave their names in history. Tang Taizong's Lingyan Pavilion has 24 virtuous people. When Zhen governs the world, those who have achievements should do their best. In the future, they will be bestowed the title of King or Marquis, and they will be given land and territory. In the future, Zhen will also build a Lingyan Pavilion. Zhen hopes that there will be 240 or 2,400 civil and military officials who can govern Zhen's internal affairs and make achievements outside. This is Zhen's aspiration.
Hateful, can it be that since ancient times, monarchs and officials can only be jealous of each other? Can it be that Emperors can only keep capable people who can be fierce tigers and eagles by their side as watchdogs? Can that kind of country be stable? Sooner or later, they will be taken away by outsiders. But Zhen trusts him so much, and he is actually worried that Zhen will be suspicious!
Good! Aren't you afraid of cooking the hounds when the hares are dead? Zhen will do as you wish! First, I'll cook you, Yang Ling! "
When the civil and military officials outside the door heard this, they finally understood what had happened. The Emperor wanted to bestow Shandong to Yang Ling as a vassal, but Yang Ling was worried that if he, a King with a different surname, became a vassal state, it would arouse the suspicion of the Emperor and all the civil and military officials, and ultimately lead to a fatal disaster. Therefore, he refused to accept it, and this instead hurt the Emperor's feelings.
If this was the case, then he would be safe, at least he would not be purged. Some of the officials quickly took out their handkerchiefs to wipe the sweat on their heads. They only felt that their backs were drenched in sweat, and the wind was cool.
However, they also felt that Yang Ling's concerns were reasonable. In fact, everyone thought that after he was bestowed the title of King, he would be a carefree King in the capital for the rest of his life. Letting him become a vassal state was already unimaginable, and he was actually bestowed the title of Shandong. Shandong was too close to Northern Zhili. If he was bestowed the title of King with a different surname, what would happen if he became disloyal?
What's more, Shandong was also in charge of the Liaodong Guards. One in the north and the other in the south, it was just right to clamp down on the capital. How could such a dangerous place be given to an outsider? Thinking back to when Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed the title of an important official, Mu Ying was a subordinate who had followed him through hundreds of battles, and was also his adopted son. He was even far away in Yunnan. The Emperor's action was too rash, no wonder Yang Ling refused.
However, when the officials heard Emperor Zhengde's words, they felt their blood boil. It turned out that the current Emperor had such a great ambition. As an official, who didn't want to divide the land and be a vassal state, who didn't want to leave their name in history? Listening to the Emperor's words, didn't it mean that as long as they worked hard, everyone would have a chance?
"Ai! Your Majesty, you have painstaking efforts, but even if you and my Big Brother treat each other with sincerity, you can't guarantee that all the officials in the world will think the same, right? If he was really bestowed the title of King with a vassal state in Shandong, the rumors would be overwhelming. So what if he was as loyal as the Duke of Zhou? When the rumors spread, didn't everyone still believe that he harbored wild ambitions? Besides, Your Majesty has such lofty aspirations, as long as you show your sincerity and untie the knot in my Big Brother's heart, he will only be more grateful. If because he was angry that he couldn't understand the Emperor's will and punished him so hastily, what would the officials do? Isn't this killing a loyal official? Who would dare to serve Your Majesty with all their heart? Your Majesty, you should think about it carefully. "
Tang YiXian sighed, turned around and walked out of the room. After closing the door, she made a silent gesture and led the civil and military officials to the long corridor. She sighed and said, "Daren, did you see? Ai! The Emperor trusts my Big Brother the most and wanted to use this matter to set an example for the other officials, to let my Ming Destiny become more prosperous.
However, my big brother had a lot of misgivings. His Majesty persisted, but he refused again and again. Everyone here knows the Emperor's temperament. He was so angry that he put my big brother under house arrest. He insisted on punishing my big brother severely. With the Emperor's temper and stubbornness, even nine bulls can't pull him back. I've tried to persuade him many times, but the Emperor refused to listen. "
The officials knew where the crux of the problem was and knew how to deal with it. They didn't know what happened when the two big shots fell out. Who knew how deep the pit was and who dared to get involved. Now that they knew what was going on, they were no longer anxious. The officials quickly bowed and said, "Many thanks, Guifei niangniang. This official knows the reason and will think of a way to persuade the Emperor."
The officials hurriedly said their goodbyes and didn't leave the leopard room. All of them held their hands in their sleeves and formed a circle on the snowy ground. They discussed a few words and then went home … … to light a lamp and boil oil to write memorials to the throne.
Tang YiXian returned to Zhengde's room with a smile. Zhengde threw a half eaten duck foot back onto the plate and said with a grin, "Everyone left?"
"En!" Tang YiXian scratched the bridge of his nose with her finger and said with a smile, "My good husband, you really play the role of a dragon, elephant, dragon, tiger, elephant, tiger. No matter if you're an Emperor or an actor, you're so lifelike!"
"That's natural." Zhengde spat out a small piece of bone and proudly said, "When I was in the palace, I often learned how to act."
"En, you're panting when I say you're fat. This time, you even hid it from Yongfu, Yongchun and Xiang 'er. Be careful that they find out the truth and settle the score with you."
"That's none of my business. Let Yang Ling solve it himself." Zhengde immediately pushed the matter aside and said without any spirit of loyalty.
"Alright, don't be so busy. You're pregnant with our prince, quickly rest." Zhengde stood up and helped Tang YiXian to sit down.
Tang YiXian said with a smile, "How can I be so delicate?" Although she said that, Zhengde's care and concern made her feel even sweeter.
Zhengde let out a long sigh of relief. With this act, before tomorrow morning, all the civil and military officials would arrive. When the petitions from the hundreds of officials arrive, he would take advantage of the situation and forgive them. In this way, there wouldn't be much resistance for Yang Qing to monopolize the military power and go on an expedition to the Northern Frontier. Otherwise, when the land was divided, who knows how many people would clamor around him all day long.
In this way, everyone felt that Yang Ling was being punished and banished. Going on an expedition to the Northern Frontier compared to the enfeoffment of Shandong, even if his actions there were a little bigger, no one would be picky. Perhaps there would even be people who rejoiced in his misfortune.
Zhengde laughed softly.
First, he announced that he was going to lay people off. When everyone in the company was in a state of panic, he announced that the boss and the employees were in the same boat and would no longer lay people off. However, he would greatly reduce wages until the company's situation improved. The employees who would have been agitated or even strongly dissatisfied because of the reduction in wages, at this time, not only would they not complain, but they would be filled with gratitude. This was a story that happened in modern times.
But this kind of understanding and use of human nature was not an invention of modern people.
This act of hurting oneself to gain the confidence of others came from Zhengde's hand. In order to motivate the hearts of the officials, in order to inspire the civil and military ambitions, and also to take drastic measures to cut off the possible slander and rumors for Yang Ling, so that he could feel at ease to achieve his ambitions, and not always worry about the reaction of the court.
The ancients had the wisdom of the ancients.
※ ※ ※
Emperor Zhengde couldn't help but recall the conversation between the two of them. He remembered the only time since the 'Emperor's mausoleum geomancy case' when he was distressed and angry with him …
"Your Majesty, don't be angry. I knew that once I said it, Your Majesty would be furious …"
"I'll be furious? I'll be more than furious, you bastard! " Zhengde was furious and nodded again and again: "Good, very good, I thought you and I were of one mind, without fear of each other, and could be a pair of brothers who would support each other for a lifetime!
You are now in a high position, and your power is overwhelming. You are beginning to be afraid, afraid that I will see you as a thorn in my side, and not tolerate you. I conferred you the title of king because you have made great achievements. I want to show my strength and become a promising king. I need your support, but you banished yourself to the North Sea, a place that is extremely cold and inhospitable for humans to 'avoid disaster'. Do you want the world to criticize me? "
Yang Ling smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty, that … it's all the exaggeration of the ignorant historian. That … it must be Su Wu who came back to show off the suffering he had suffered, and exaggerated a little. That … maybe it was like that a long, long time ago. Not only is there a city, there are residents, there are large areas of fertile black land suitable for farming, there are forests, grasslands, and lakes, and the weather is not so bad. It is a little cold in winter, but the temperature in summer is similar to that of Nanjing City … "
"That is heaven! I won't let you go! " Zhengde's finger was almost at Yang Ling's nose, forcing him to lean back.
Zheng De sneered and said, "You'd better stay in Beijing like a good boy! When the day comes that I am about to die, I want you, King Wuwei, Yang Ling, to kneel in front of me and apologize that you have misjudged me! Yang does not betray Zhu, Zhu does not kill Yang, except for this, Zhu and Yang will always be one! I want you to see if as the Son of Heaven, you must be suspicious, ungrateful, and cold-hearted! "
"Your Majesty!" Yang Ling's face was full of 'pain'. He tilted his head and went around Zhengde's finger, then bowed down and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, are you willing to listen to what this subject has to say?"
"Did I gag your mouth? If you have something to fart, then say it! "
"Uh …"
"Say it," after Zhengde finished venting his anger, he sat down on the brocade stool. Lao squinted at him: "Let's see what else you want to fart about!"
Yang Ling smiled bitterly. He had calmly told Zhengde about his worries, not hiding anything. On the other hand, Zhengde's anger was because he was wronged. He was angry that Yang Ling would be so suspicious of him. This understanding touched Yang Ling very much.
Yang Ling said helplessly: "Your Majesty, this subject's worry is unnecessary, okay? This subject is only saying this to express a possibility, to tell Your Majesty the truth. This subject regards the relationship between us as ruler and subject as heavy as Mount Tai, so I am being cautious. En … this can be considered as being sentimental, worrying about the sky. If this subject really has suspicions about Your Majesty, Your Majesty, think about it, would this subject dare to tell the truth? "
Zhengde's expression became better. Yang Ling continued: "This is like listening to a play, the finale is placed at the back. It is the same for serving the main dish, there is no reason for the main dish to be served first. This subject wants to do this, but in fact, there is a more important reason why I have to do this. Your Majesty, this subject … can stand up and speak. "
Zhengde snorted and gestured with his lips: "Sit!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"No one is pouring tea for you, why are you putting on airs? Am I serving you? If you want to drink, pour it yourself. "
"Uh … Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Alright, bring up your main dish."
"Your Majesty, this subject will first talk about the situation of our Ming Destiny. First internal, then external, this subject will first talk about internal affairs. Our dynasty will reform the governance of officials, taxes, land, army, quell internal strife, develop industry and commerce, open up the market, and with the accumulation of the Former Emperor's dynasty, the dynasty will prosper, the people will be strong, and the army will be strong soon. This is internal affairs.
Next, the external situation. In the west, we appease the tribes with kindness and authority, and on the outside, we dominate the Western Region with economic trade. In addition, we have obtained two important mountain ranges from the Wala people to control Hami. Whether it is economic or military, our Ming Destiny Dynasty will have a strong influence on the 36 countries of the Western Region, and the Western Region will not be a problem.
In the east, we have defeated the Japanese, and Ming Destiny's navy has sailed from the inner lake to the sea. The East Sea and the South Sea are all within the scope of our Ming Destiny navy. Next year or two, we can gradually expand our influence to the South and even the West. Needless to say, in the south, there are many foreign countries, and it is difficult to be a big problem. The only problem for Ming Destiny is in the north.
In the north, we have taken back the Hetao grassland, and we have a treasure land to raise horses. With this as a bridgehead, we can form a certain restraint on the grassland tribes. In the Liaodong area, after the Duoyan guards give up their territory, the Liaodong guards will be connected to form a line, and their defense will be impregnable. Then, with the immigration to open up the land and the integration of the local Jurchen tribes, in 30 to 50 years, there will be no difference between the inside of the pass.
However, will the Wala and Duoyan guards no longer be a threat? No, their population is also constantly increasing, and the uncertainty of the White Disaster and Black Disaster in the grassland, it is destined that they will not be able to live peacefully just by relying on the grassland. At that time, in order to survive, their only choice is to start another war and attack the frontier fortress of Ming Destiny.
I think, in terms of culture and thinking, we should continue to integrate and educate them, so that they will not think of robbing others. In terms of economy, they must at least have clothes to wear and food to eat, so that they will not think of robbing others. An acre of land can support a family, but an acre of grassland can not even support a horse, so it is inevitable that they will develop from completely nomadic herding to semi-agricultural farming.
However, the grassland is limited by geography, and except for a few river areas, it is not suitable for farming, otherwise it will only become a desert, so where will their farmland come from? Ming Destiny can't give Liaodong and the inside of the pass to them, can he? The only way is to go north, where there are countless fertile fields.
This official's opinion is that rather than blocking them, it is better to spread them out. The officials and troops of the Great Ming Dynasty will guide these nomadic tribes to develop northward, gradually moving from nomadism to the path of nomadism and agriculture. Moreover, in this process, we will strengthen the integration of our two tribes. Trade, alliance, marriage, and gradually, they will be assimilated by us, and become one of us, no longer distinguishing between the Chinese and the barbarians. This plan will take a long time, but it is the safest and most effective way to solve the problem once and for all.
Your Majesty bestowed me the title of king, but I asked to leave the pass and go to the north, which is actually very important. Forming an alliance with the Mongolian tribes to develop the northern grassland, without a series of economic, cultural, religious, and political measures to follow, it is impossible to consolidate the developed land, and share the interests of the Mongolians for a long time until complete integration.
However, establishing towns and villages, appointing officials, stationing troops, developing culture and education, developing industry and commerce, migrating Han people, opening up wastelands, and all other aspects involved the coexistence of the two races. Even if the official was a governor or inspector, he or she would not have the authority to do all these things. But a vassal king could do all these things.
With the power of a vassal king, subduing them with authority, promising them with benefits, changing them with culture, promoting Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, setting up eyes and mouthpieces, developing agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and commerce. With all these together, the borders of Ming Destiny can be expanded to the far north of the world, eight thousand miles away!
Your Majesty, Qian King Ning Muying is the adopted son of Emperor Taizu, and he is also the founding general with outstanding achievements. In terms of merits, I am not as good as him. In terms of closeness, Emperor Taizu can let him be a vassal in Yunnan, guard the border forever, and live with Ming Destiny for generations. Why does Your Majesty think that letting me be a vassal in the north is like being exiled to the army? Isn't it good for us to live there? "
Emperor Zhengde was a little confused by his deception. He didn't understand why he couldn't live as a vassal king in the capital, but had to be exiled to the frontier fortress. He asked doubtfully, "Then … the far north, is it really not a barren land with four seasons of cold?"
"Your Majesty, think about it. Su Wu herds sheep, but the sheep eat grass. If it's really frozen all year round, can grass grow there? The northernmost region is indeed frozen all year round, but Your Majesty, the size of Siberia is no less than the current territory of our Celestial Empire. Our Great Ming Dynasty has four seasons of spring to the south and four seasons of winter to the north. That place has four seasons of spring to the south and four seasons of winter to the north. It is only the northernmost region that is uninhabitable.
Emperor Zhengde nodded thoughtfully.
Yang Ling continued, "Your Majesty, Empress Sophia of the Russian Empire in the west is a person of great talent and bold vision. This person sowed discord among the Siberian Khanates, causing them to fight endlessly and their national strength to decline day by day. I'm afraid that in a few years, the Russian Empire will launch an expedition to the east, annex them one by one, and occupy these tens of thousands of miles of land.
Time waits for no one now. If Your Majesty has the ambition to be an emperor like Qin Huang, why don't you let all of your subjects be famous generals like Meng Tian, Wang Jian, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing? Without the great talent and bold vision of Qin Huang, how can there be these generals who are like gods of war? Without these brave and good generals, how can the great achievements of Qin Huang and Han Wu be achieved?
If Your Majesty cares about me, you should let me do it, and let me be a good story, not let me live freely and die of old age in the capital! "
The more Yang Ling spoke, the more agitated he became. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty, since Qin Shi Huang built the Great Wall, only I, Ming Destiny, have been the most diligent in repairing the buildings. There are many passes, and the Ministry of War is preparing to build hundreds of passes and forts, but we still can't defend against them. There are endless troubles at the borders, and the nine borders are heavily guarded. How much did it cost?
If I, Ming Destiny, was strong and the borders expanded to the north, the grasslands beyond the Great Wall would just be a garden for Your Majesty to hunt in autumn. Why do I need to guard the gates of the country as the Emperor? I am willing to use my remaining years to do this for my, Ming Destiny, and ask Your Majesty to fulfill my wish! If you don't tear down the Great Wall, you are not a real man. Let Ma Beihai be a hero! "
"If you don't tear down the Great Wall, you are not a real man. Let Ma Beihai be a hero!" Emperor Zhengde slowly recited, and his eyes gradually lit up.
※ ※ ※
"Don't snatch, don't snatch, you're the elder sister. Hey, look at how stupid you are. How did you get pushed by your little brother? Go back and learn martial arts from your mother. Xue 'er, look at how useless your brothers and sisters are. "Old Master Yang hugged the little girl, Yang Xue' er, and talked to her.
A pair of eyes that were like dots of paint stared at Yang Ling. The little Yang Cher didn't smile at all. She … was really too young. She couldn't understand what Yang Ling was saying at all.
On the bed, there were a few furry tiger skin shoes and a tiger skin hat made of real tiger skin. There were also huge Eastern pearls, which were a type of pearl taken from the Heilongjiang freshwater pearl mussel. Compared to the Southern pearls, they were crystal clear, round and huge. In addition, there were also big dates, pine nuts and other foods.
The children fought with each other. Yang Paner pulled all the Eastern pearls into her arms. Mr. Yang pounced and grabbed all the tiger skin hats. Yang Qichou was annoyed. Although he was young, he was strong. He threw his big brother to the ground. Mr. Yang was still holding on to the tiger skin hat.
Yang Ling was angry and amused at the same time. He shouted, "Didn't anyone tell you the story of Kong Long giving you pears? Come, come, come, sit down and listen to your father tell you a story. "
The children didn't give him any face. Yang Paner treated the bead as a glass ball. With a flick of her finger, she rolled away from the kang bed. Mr. Yang's eyes lit up. He threw away the tiger skin hat and chased after her. Yang Qichou was wearing open-crotch pants. His two shiny little buttocks were flashing. He also threw away the tiger skin boots and chased after her.
Sheridan chuckled and said to Yang Ling, "I heard from the Imperial Bodyguards that Fu Bao has been loitering outside the mansion every day. Unfortunately, the Imperial Bodyguards are under the Emperor's orders and can't come in. Presumably, it's not only her. The two Imperial Highnesses are also very worried. Why don't you think of a way to tell them and let them feel at ease? "
"It's hard to say. The court is full of civil and military officials. If they are not anxious, they will inevitably let the cat out of the bag. Don't worry, the three of them are not easy to deal with. Right now, they probably don't understand the situation and want to ask me. They don't believe that His Majesty really wants to kill me. If they really want to settle accounts with me because they are too anxious, I can push the blame onto His Majesty. They can't come in here because His Majesty didn't say anything. "
After Yang Ling finished speaking, he snorted at the three children on the kang bed who were pouting and pulling pine nuts from their bosoms. He said, "Look at you three useless children. Look, Little Cher is the most obedient. Let's go, Daddy will accompany you to sleep."
After leaving the noisy reception hall, Yang Ling went to Cher's room. He gently caressed Cher in his bosom and hummed a song. He couldn't help but think of the conversation he had with Emperor Zhengde. Thinking about it, Yang Ling couldn't help but feel a little ashamed. It was true that Emperor Zhengde was getting older, but at least for now, he didn't have a trace of hostility towards him. He didn't hold on to power and didn't have the heart to be afraid of a meritorious minister. He had watched too many palace dramas and thought too lowly of him.
In the end, they were good brothers who grew up together, who visited prostitutes together, who went to the countryside together, who shouldered a spear together, who shared the spoils together. Emperor Zhengde did not suspect that Wei Xiaobao wanted to raise an army to protect himself. On the contrary, he was very sensitive to the fact that Wei Xiaobao's authority and meritorious service had reached its peak. Therefore, Emperor Zhengde was extremely angry.
He didn't know if Cheng Qiyun's worries about the future would come true one day, but he requested to seal off the frontier fortress and keep an appropriate distance to maintain this intimate relationship and avoid that day. Now, this effort had been realized.
The child in his bosom had already closed his eyes and was breathing calmly. Yang Ling was still immersed in his own thoughts and memories.
The ruler and the minister met each other honestly and confided in each other. He had always been worried about whether the officials would slander him and whether the Emperor would have suspicions. He was full of confidence in integrating the nomadic tribes and developing together. How many capable and ambitious ministers and generals were unable to fulfill their ambitions because of the instability of the backyard? Although he comforted the Emperor, how could he really let go of his worries?
In the end, Zhengde still heard that his worries were not external but internal, so he painstakingly thought about it and helped him come up with this plan. Imagine a person who the Emperor originally wanted to give the land of Qilu and Liaodong to him, but refused to accept it. Because of this, he angered the Emperor and was demoted to the north of the Great Wall. He was ordered to open up new territories and make meritorious service to atone for his crimes. Who would still suspect him of having ambitions and obstruct him?
Three people make a tiger. Hearing too much gossip would hurt one's feelings. He had shut up the mouths of the officials in advance and dispelled their doubts. Moreover, through this play, he had aroused their lofty aspirations and made them change their old habits. He had actively thrown himself into the cause of internal strength and external expansion. Who would still make irresponsible remarks about their role models? Wouldn't that be cutting off one's chance to make a name for oneself in history?
Compared to Yang Ling's worries about the court, the Emperor was worried about beyond the Great Wall. He was worried about whether this prince, who did not bring any supplies and only had his own civilian army, no fief, and whose fief was still waiting for him to conquer, could occupy a dominant position in the alliance with the Duoyan Tribe and the White Cloak Army.
Only when Yang Ling uneasily spoke of his relationship with Cui Ying 'er and Yin Qi did Emperor Zhengde, who had been in a daze for a long time, firmly shake his hand. He had a complicated expression on his face, but he said nothing, leaving Yang Ling baffled.
Yang Ling was still puzzled. Could it be that the Emperor thought that one of them was a bandit who killed without batting an eyelid, while the other was a barbarian who ate raw meat and drank blood, extremely uncouth?
Inexplicable, really inexplicable …
* * *
Before the first snowfall of Ming Destiny's capital had even melted, the snowstorm of memorials from the civil and military officials had already reappeared in the martial world.
The Imperial Cabinet, the Six Departments, the Six Departments, the Thirteen Departments — memorials begging for forgiveness for Yang Ling flew like snowflakes to the Leopard Room, to the Imperial Palace, to the Aurum Imperial Hall, making it impossible to avoid.
After the ostentatious Emperor Zhengde withdrew and stayed in the palace for two days, he had a sincere talk with the court officials. He reconsidered his life's great ambitions and reprimanded Yang Ling for his inconsiderate and suspicious behavior. Only then did he reluctantly announce that Yang Ling would be conferred the title of King of Siberia, with his fief set between the Heilongjiang River and the Greater Khingan Mountains.
With this, Nu's son's Commandant was split into two. Half of the guards and immigrants were transferred to Yang Ling's fief. Nu's son's Commandant was a general of Northern Yuan who had surrendered to Ming Destiny. He was the leader of a large Mongolian tribe and was a hereditary Commandant. In fact, he was no different from a Marquis. With this, not only did he lose half of his territory, he was also under the control of Yang Ling.
What was comforting was that the Emperor, probably out of compensation, gave him a great amount of autonomy. In addition, for five years, his territory only needed to pay taxes of five sea holly, 20 eastern pearls, and 100 fox fur coats to the court.
At the same time, due to the large number of foreign tribes and complex power, and the distance between the extreme north and the capital, transportation was inconvenient. He was allowed to launch attacks, defenses, and alliances according to the time and place. He could also transfer troops to Nu 'ergan and the Liaodong Army.
However … it was said that the strange name Siberia was because further north was the extremely cold land where Su Wu used to herd sheep. It was a pity that Yang Ling, who had avenged the humiliation of Ming Destiny's Tumu Fort and made great achievements in opening up new territories, was sent to this barren land to lead a group of barbarians, fallen people, and immigrants to build a kingdom from scratch. He was also a king, and he was also a king. As a king, it really made people shed tears of sympathy. How pitiful!
Everyone in the world pitied the King of Wuwei, who should have been a good king, the pitiful King of Siberia, who should have enjoyed fine tea and happiness by Jinan's Ming Destiny Lake, but they did not know that the most pitiful person was the Emperor of Zhengde, who had to take the blame for him again. However, Emperor Zhengde did not care that he would be the scapegoat. He was the Emperor, who would dare to do anything to him? The Empress Dowager and the three princesses, who did not know the truth, still had a few scapegoats waiting for him. A dead pig was not afraid of boiling water.
There was an inconspicuous thing in the imperial edict of Zhengde, which was that Yang Ling had a fief but no palace. The King should have ordered the Department of Rites and the Ministry of Works to supervise the construction of a palace, and then the vassal king could set off. But now, there was no mention of the King's Mansion, and it was announced that Yang Ling would soon return to the Great Wall to preside over the construction of Duoyan's city.
In this case, the King of Building Mansion in the western suburbs of the capital would still be an authentic King's Mansion, and the palace that Yang Ling built on his fief could only be called a side palace. There were too many interesting things to ponder about. Some of the more observant officials noticed this and faintly felt that the King of Building Mansion would not lose the Emperor's favor just like that, and would not be demoted beyond the Great Wall and never return to the capital.
The Emperor of Zhengde summoned Yang Ling to the Golden Palace, reprimanded him with 'still anger', and announced the appointment, and then … bestowed a painting, a painting that the Emperor had personally painted. This matter once again became an extremely curious matter for all the civil and military officials, and even the people of the world.
When Yang Ling went to the Nine Cities to find a doctor and openly disobeyed the imperial edict, the Hongzhi Emperor punished him to kneel at the Meridian Gate. After pardoning him, the Emperor gave him a painting. This painting once saved Yang Ling's life on the execution ground, so many people knew about it. Even the poem inscribed by the Hongzhi Emperor on the painting had long been spread.
'Although there are many programs in the forest, when used for the building, he is still a pillar of the country.' What kind of praise was that? The Emperor really had a golden mouth, and Yang Ling had really become a pillar of the Ming Destiny Dynasty.
Now, Yang Ling had disobeyed the imperial edict and offended the current Emperor. What kind of painting did the Emperor give him? What kind of poem would it be?
No one knew, not only Elder Jiao, who had a close relationship with him, but also Yang Shen, Yan Gaocai, Yan Song, Yu Yong, Huang Qiyin, Wu Hanchao, Jiang Bin, He Bingwen, and other important civil and military officials, who later became the right-hand man of the King of Siberia and became famous in Europe, did not know. Even the sons of the Yang Family, who later inherited the titles of King of Northern Ying, King of Shunming, and King of Siberia, did not know.
Because after Yang Ling finished reading it, he locked the painting in a copper box and sealed it with wax. From then on, he put it on the shelf, leaving only one order: "Within five hundred years, do not open it!"
It was not until five hundred years later that the descendants of the Yang Family and the Zhu Family scattered all over the world gathered in the ancestral temple of the Yang Family at Lake Baikal. Under the watchful eyes of the public, they asked experts to open this important cultural relic and broadcast it to the whole world.
At that time, the Yang Family and the Zhu Family were famous and influential in the political, business, military, and even art circles of several big countries. The fact that they gathered together to unveil the ancestral secrets naturally attracted the attention of the world.
Unfortunately, when the painting was opened, it only led to a bigger mystery. No one could guess what the meaning of Emperor Zhengde's personal painting was, and where it came from.
In the painting, there was a handsome, elegant, and tall man. He looked very much like the ancestor of the Yang Family, Yang Ling, who was worshiped in the ancestral temple. In the painting, there was only one man and one horse, wearing a marten coat and holding a pipa, standing on the dirt mountain, looking back sadly. In the distance, the winding Great Wall was vigorous and vigorous! The whole painting was a version of Yang Ling's Departure from the Frontier.
Next to it were six big words: "Yang Ling, you have suffered!"
Emperor Zhengde's painting and postscript to tease and tease his good brother. It was this painting of Yang Ling's Departure from the Frontier and the ambiguous sentence of "you have suffered" that caused countless speculations from later generations.
In history, the wise and farsighted Wu Zong Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty had sent his most important official, Yang Ling, on an expedition to the North of the Great Wall. From then on, he had created a powerful country with the largest territory and the strongest power, standing at the pinnacle of the world. What kind of unknown relationship did these two legendary figures have? What was so strange about this painting?
Many experts and scholars had worked until their hair turned white, but they still didn't know. All kinds of speculations were spread everywhere. After careful research, experts and scholars from a certain island country, who liked to feel inferior, came to the conclusion that the wise and mighty Emperor Zhengde and the King of Siberia, Yang Ling, were not Han Chinese, but people of their country.
But because the reason was too far-fetched and absurd, the ridiculous evidence was written in two thick books, and no one could not understand it. The descendants of the Zhu and Yang families finally came to a unanimous decision: if they insisted on inviting their ancestors to be ancestors, then let them be. They couldn't be bothered to argue with them.
Another island country, whose main export was AV, was also unwilling to be left out. Several major film and television, news, publishing, and gaming industry giants, with their usual dirty mentality, concocted a very eye-catching story. They believed that the emperor and the king were a homosexual couple who gave up their love for the sake of the country, and claimed that they were going to shoot an epic film.
The legend of Beibei Mountain spread like wildfire, and this caused a big trouble. This speculation caused strong dissatisfaction among the descendants of the Yang family and the Zhu family. Under the joint suppression of the two families, these commercial giants who produced H movies, H games, and H comics all went bankrupt, causing huge losses to the country's economy.
From then on, no one dared to make such conjectures. Everyone only talked about the story of Bei Bei Shan in secret …
※ ※ ※
Zhengde was at Mount Tai.
In December, people gathered at Mount Tai. Civil and military officials, eunuchs and ceremonial guards, the Empress led the noblewomen, and the carriages of the ceremony stretched for hundreds of miles. Accompanying them were the envoys and chiefs of the Nanyang, the Western Region, and the Eastern countries.
Four miles south of the mountain, a mound shaped altar was built. It was decorated with five-colored soil, and was called the "Sacrificial Altar". Another altar was built at the top of Mount Tai. It was five feet wide and nine feet high, and was called the "Sacrificial Altar". An octagonal square altar was built at the head of the society, and was called the "Sacrificial Altar".
According to the ceremony set by the Ministry of Rites, the Emperor first had to worship the Heaven at the "Sacrificial Altar" at the foot of the mountain. The next day, he ascended to the top of the mound, and was conferred a jade on the "Sacrificial Altar". On the third day, he went to the "Sacrificial Altar" at the head of the society to worship the Earth God. After the Emperor's first offering, the Empress raised the altar to offer the second offering. After the ceremony, he had to accept the congratulations of the officials.
Concubine Tang was pregnant and did not accompany him, but the three princesses were all present. After the ceremony, Yang Ling would leave the fortress, but in the spring of next year, he would rush back to the Prince's Mansion to get married. Then, he would bring his family back to the new city and live with his sweetheart. Yongfu, Xiang 'er, and Fu Bao were all filled with joy.
Yongchun was also very happy. She beamed with joy and chattered like a happy magpie. It was good to have a capable brother-in-law. Imperial Brother had already promised that when her sister got married tomorrow, she could accompany her out of the fortress to play outside the Great Wall. With this one time, things would be easier. In the past, the princess could not find a good excuse to go out of the palace. In the future, if she wanted to go out to play, a reason of deep sisterhood would be enough. Then, wouldn't she be able to go outside the Great Wall whenever she wanted?
"When the weather is hot, I will go out of the fortress. When the weather is cold, I will come back. The snow here is not bad. The snow outside the Great Wall must be even more beautiful, right? If I like it, I can also go out in the winter. "Yongchun was very happy with her wishful thinking.
Jade Emperor Peak, Sacrificial Altar.
Only the sky was above, and no mountains were equal. Raising one's head, the red sun was near; turning one's head, the white clouds were low. What kind of sign was that?
"… Outside the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Emperor Zhengde. The Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall … " With the Great Wall, the Great Wall, the Great Wall … "
His voice was loud and clear as he recited the Book of Heaven. After all the rites were completed, Zhengde stepped onto the Sacrificial Altar alone and threw the book inside. The civil and military officials stood a hundred feet away, looking up at the sky and the clouds. The north wind whistled, the Great Wall, the Great Wall, and the Great Wall. For some reason, Zhengde stood there for a long time, but he only felt lonely and cold.
"Summon, Yang Ling to the front." Zhengde stared at the jade imperial watch at the bottom of the altar in a daze and suddenly gave the order.
Du Fu, who was at the bottom of the altar, hurriedly announced the decree. Yang Ling, whose nose was red from the cold, hurried to the bottom of the Sacrificial Altar.
There was a long table under the altar. The table was covered with seven feet of yellow silk. On the table was a jade plate with a brush beside it. If the Emperor had any personal wishes to pray to the Heavens, he could write them on the jade plate and throw them into the Sacrificial Altar, sealing them together at the top of Mount Tai.
Zhengde stepped down from the Sacrificial Altar. His nose was also red from the cold and his face was a little pale, but his complexion was very good. Zhengde walked to the front of the long table and said, "Minister Yang, come to the front."
The civil and military officials, noblewomen, relatives of the Emperor, guards, and eunuchs were watching from afar, but they did not know what was engraved on the jade plate.
Fingers gently stroking the smooth jade cover, Zhengde slowly opened the jade plate tied with golden thread and said with a smile, "Minister Yang, take a look."
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Yang Ling cupped his hands and stepped forward. His eyes flashed and looked at the jade plate. On the jade plate, there were lines of golden characters, "… Zhen inherited from a young age, a heavy responsibility on my shoulders, in fear and trepidation, I worked hard to govern. Patrolling the nine borders, opening the sea ban, reforming corrupt politics, developing industry and commerce, suppressing the craftsmen, governing through culture, it was voluminous, more than ten thousand words. At the beginning of ruling the country, I accepted the will of heaven, investigated the feelings of the people, assisted by loyal and virtuous officials. First, I destroyed the pirates of the East Sea, second, I surrendered to the foreigners of the Southern Border, third, I obeyed the barbarians of Western Shu, fourth, I eliminated the White Clothes of the Central Plains, fifth, I pacified the rebellion of the vassal states, sixth, I pacified the northern grasslands. With the achievements of the six battles, the glory of opening up the frontier, I shined in the imperial court, and announced to the ghosts and gods of heaven and earth!
I served the Heaven with propriety, established myself with righteousness, served my relatives with filial piety, and educated the people with benevolence. My only wish is that within the Four Protectorates, there will be prefectures and counties; the four barbarians and eight barbarians will come to offer their tributes, and the Heaven will never end. The pillar of the country, Yang Ling, has prepared for the future of the country, devoted himself to the utmost, on behalf of the Son of Heaven, patrolled the land under the heavens, raised the country's prestige against the barbarians. Scholarly and military accomplishments, meritorious service to the country. Zhen and minister Yang are willing to treat each other with sincerity, to share weal and woe, to sincerely announce to the Heaven! … "
"Your Majesty!" Reading to this point, Yang Ling's head turned hot.
Zhengde suddenly laughed and said, "This jade plate of zhen's is zhen's meritorious service in praying to the Heaven and earth, it is also a proof to the Heaven and earth that you and I, as ruler and minister, have mutual affection between you and me. Afterwards, it will be sealed inside the Dengfeng Altar. It will forever remain on the summit of Mount Tai. Zhen wants to sign it together with you. "
Yang Ling's emotions surged, all the things that happened since he met Zhengde suddenly flashed before his eyes. Seeing Emperor Zhengde closed the jade book and picked up the brush, Yang Ling suddenly said, "Your Majesty, please wait, minister … is willing to write for Your Majesty!"
The brush was dipped in the specially made gold powder, a line of big golden characters flashed like floating clouds and flowing water: 'Ming Destiny Emperor Zhengde, Your Majesty'. Writing to this point, he suddenly remembered the time when he returned to the Capital after getting rid of Maitreya Jiaozhu Li Fuda at the Jingjing Inn, he saw the little Emperor's straightforward and true temperament in the restaurant. He could not help smiling slightly, dipped the brush in the gold powder and continued, "Was here!"
Seeing this, Emperor Zhengde was startled at first, but immediately understood. That was because he was besieged both internally and externally, the resentment and sadness at that time all welled up in his heart. He heaved a long sigh, spat out the bitterness of the past, and suddenly took the brush. 'Shua, shua, shua, shua, shua' he wrote another line of big characters: 'Ming Destiny, Siberian King Yang Ling, was here!'
After Zhengde finished writing, he threw the brush and laughed. Gradually, Yang Ling also laughed. His laughter was on the summit of Mount Tai, whistling along with the strong wind!
(End of full text)
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