Zhang Yuan is teaching Wang Wei how to close the gantry under the tent window. This is the most critical part of the gantry account. To make sure that the payment is equal to the deposit, if the two sides are closed, it means the account is done correctly. Otherwise, there is something wrong.
I need to check. Zhang Yuan had to teach Wang Wei Longmen Accounting for an hour every day from Hangzhou to Nanjing. Now Wang Wei has basically completed his studies——
Hearing the shouts of "We the Catholics are willing to die for God", Zhang Yuan was surprised to open the tent window and look towards the right bank of the Qinhuai River: In the afternoon of the second day of the winter, the sky over Jinling was overcast with snow, and there were about five or six people in the streets along the river.
Ten people were holding small yellow flags, waving flags and shouting, and paraded in a row from south to north. These people were all relatively plainly dressed, but some of them had exaggerated and fanatical expressions, shouting at the top of their lungs, and there was a huge crowd of onlookers, making a lot of noise——
Zhang Yuan ordered the boatman to moor the boat nearby. He wanted to go ashore and have a look. He had taken advantage of Catholicism. Those missionaries who traveled thousands of miles to come to the Ming Dynasty could be called foreign experts with good knowledge. They should make full use of their knowledge.
Serving the Ming Dynasty and being exclusively xenophobic is definitely a loss for the Ming Dynasty. Tolerating various ideological trends and religions without violating the law is the magnanimity of a great country——
Zhang Dai's boat, Fan Wenruo's boat, and Weng Yuansheng's boat all anchored when they saw Zhang Yuan's boat moored on the right bank. Eighteen people came ashore one after another. Zhang Yuan strode forward to stop this group of people waving small yellow flags.
The Catholics in front asked loudly: "Excuse me, where is President Wang Fengsu and Wang?"
Zhang Dai, Fan Wenruo and others also stood beside Zhang Yuan, but they just didn't understand what Zhang Yuan wanted to do——
The procession stopped, and the leader said angrily: "President Wang, Father Xie was arrested by people sent by Minister Shen of the Ministry of Rites!"
The crowd waving the small yellow flag was furious and shouted, saying that they were going to the Rites Yamen to ask for orders, and that they were willing to be imprisoned and punished together with Chairman Wang——
Zhang Yuandao: "Everyone, please stop shouting and listen to me - I am a friend of Chairman Wang. I wonder what crime Chairman Wang committed and was detained by the Ministry of Rites?"
The leader said: "The new Minister of Rites, Mr. Shen, forbids President Wang from preaching. Yesterday, he used President Wang's secret possession of firearms to instruct the censor to arrest President Wang and Father Xie——"
When Zhang Yuan heard the word "bird gun", he thought to himself: "Could it be the two flintlock guns that Wang Fengsu wanted to give me?" He immediately said loudly: "Fellow Catholics, Catholic doctrine emphasizes tolerance and humility.
Be quiet. If you want to read a book, go to "Po Feng Literature". But now you are marching in the streets, shouting and disturbing the citizens. This is against the Catholic doctrine. You will not help to release President Wang, it will only aggravate his pain.
Sin, please listen to my words and disperse immediately, leaving only one person as my guide. I will go to the Ministry of Rites to see Mr. Shen. I will definitely demand the release of President Wang."
These congregants heard what Zhang Yuan said was reasonable and seemed to understand some Catholic doctrine. Someone asked: "Who is the scholar? How do you know President Wang?"
Zhang Yuan thought that if he wanted to help Wang Fengsu, it would be impossible for him to remain anonymous. He cupped his hands and said, "I'm going down to Shanyin Zhang Yuan——"
Before he finished speaking, the crowd roared with "coaxing" and said one after another:
"It turns out to be Zhang Yuan, a young talent from Shanyin. He has four consecutive victories. It is said that Wenquxing descended to the earth, which is amazing!"
"He is also the head of Hanshe, the first literary society in Jiangnan. Even Dong Hanlin in Songjiang is afraid of him. Last year in the Imperial Academy, Mao Jiancheng was dismissed from his post because he offended him——"
"Wang Wei, the oiran from the old court, went to Shaoxing and hasn't come back for a year. She must have become the concubine of Zhang Dacai. Gee, what a blessing."
"..."
Zhang Yuan did not expect that he would be so famous in Nanjing. He only said the four words "Shanyin Zhang Yuan" to trigger such a noisy discussion. The leading Catholic said with surprise and joy: "It turns out that he is Mr. Zhang of Shanyin, President Wang."
He told us about Young Master Zhang, and Young Master Zhang told me about the Holy Religion——"
"Don't talk nonsense." Zhang Yuan interrupted this person and ordered: "Let the congregation disperse quickly. If you make the matter bigger, then I can't help President Wang. Disperse quickly, disperse quickly."
The leader, the Catholic surnamed Sun, hurriedly turned around to persuade the believers. Some people followed the instructions and walked back, while some people still stood and watched -
Zhang Yuan said sternly: "If you don't disperse, do you want to push President Wang into a desperate situation?"
At this time, a Westerner walked out from the crowd of onlookers, but it was the French missionary Jin Nige whom Zhang Yuan had met once in Hangzhou. He came to see Zhang Yuan, and Zhang Yuan bluntly accused: "Priest Jin, these missionaries
Were you the one who incited the crowd? Do you know how much harm this will do to the Catholic Church?"
Jinni Ge quickly defended himself in blunt Ming Dynasty Mandarin: "This is a spontaneous move by the church members to rescue President Wang, and I am here to dissuade him——"
Zhang Yuandao: "Then let them disband quickly, and you and I will discuss a plan to rescue President Wang. Such gatherings and processions will be even more taboo, and the forces that hate Catholicism are worried that they can't find an excuse to attack."
Under Jin Nige's persuasion, the parade of believers finally dispersed. Zhang Yuan invited Jin Nige and the Catholic named Sun to board his boat. The boat left Jubaomen Shuiguan and went down the river.
The people watching the excitement also dispersed——
In the small hall of the cabin, Jin Nige told Zhang Yuan how Wang Fengsu was arrested. The two flintlock guns were really the trigger for the rejection of Catholicism. At that time, Wang Fengsu showed the sharpness of Thai and Western firearms to the congregation in the church garden. Try to
After shooting a flintlock, he was reported that the Catholics were gathering for rebellion. Yesterday, Shen Que informed the censor patrolling the city to arrest him——
Jinnige said angrily: "There is no excuse for wanting to incriminate others. Even without those two flintlock guns, Minister Shen would have found another excuse to attack the Nanjing Jesuits. That Minister Shen is extremely hostile to our Holy Religion."
Zhang Yuan had heard about Shen Que, Minister Shen. Shen Que was from Wucheng, Zhejiang, and was the main force of the Zhejiang Party. He had contacts with his uncle Zhang Rulin. The missionary policy of the Catholic Church in the Ming Dynasty was to nourish Confucianism and suppress Buddhism. This was what Matteo Ricci said.
What he advocated was that Matteo Ricci's personal charm of being knowledgeable and memorizing both Chinese and Western knowledge was highly appreciated by some enlightened officials and gentry. The spread of Catholicism also started in the Ming Dynasty, which was naturally welcomed by Buddhists and Buddhist officials.
Jealousy, Shen Que once worshiped as a lay disciple under Master Lianchi of Qiyun Temple in Hangzhou. His opposition to Catholicism was particularly fierce. He advocated expelling all Western missionaries and punishing believers with hard labor. This Shen Que was an extremely conservative and extreme person.
people--
"Ms. Zhang, Wuding Bridge has arrived——"
Xue Tong, who was on the bow of the boat, shouted happily, ran into the cabin and asked Zhang Yuan: "Ms. Zhang, shall we go back to Youlan Pavilion first?"
Zhang Yuan asked Huang Zunsu to talk to Jinni Pavilion. He walked into the cabin and said to Wang Wei: "Xiu Wei will go back to Youlan Pavilion first. I'm going to the Rites Yamen now. No, I'm going to see Teacher Jiao first."
Wang Wei responded, "Okay." Then he asked, "Will your husband come to the old courtyard at night?"
Zhang Yuan said: "If you don't come after two drums, don't wait. I must be delayed by something." As he said, he reached out and touched Wang Wei's cheek, which was as smooth as porcelain glaze.
Wang Wei smiled sweetly: "Then I'll wait until three drums, sir."
Uncle Yao had already packed his luggage and went ashore at Wuding Bridge with Xue Tong and Huixiang. Wang Wei got off the boat last and watched the four boats of Shiba Juren passing under the bridge. He looked up at the sky and whispered to himself: "This day is It’s going to snow.”
…
Zhang Yuan and others anchored at the entrance of Zhimaying Port. It was already three o'clock in the afternoon. Zhang Yuan asked Jin Nige and the disciple named Sun to stay on the boat. He, his eldest brother Zhang Dai, Huang Zunsu, Wen Zhenmeng Went to Danyuan to meet Jiao Hong. Huang Zunsu had been offered wine in Nanjian last year. Gu Qiyuan assigned him to Danyuan to assist Jiao Hong in compiling the "Records of Imperial Offerings". And Wen Zhenmeng had listened to Jiao Hong's lectures and was regarded as Jiao Hong's lecturer. Half of his disciples, so I have to go to see him. The rest of Fan Wenruo will not take the liberty to visit if others are waiting for him——
When we arrived at Dedan Garden, the old servant who answered the door said happily: "Master Zhang is here. My young master was talking about Mr. Zhang just now - Master, Master, Mr. Zhang from Shanyin is here."
Three people soon walked out of the Danyuan Teahouse. In the middle was Jiao Runsheng, who laughed and said: "Jiezi, I thought you would be in Nanjing in the next two days, haha. Brother Wenqi, my eldest brother, you two are here too." ,Very good."
The two people beside them are Luo Xuanfu and Ruan Dacheng. Ruan Dacheng ranked 19th in the Yingtianfu Township Examination of high school. In September, he returned to Tongcheng and rushed back to Nanjing to go to Beijing with Zhang Yuan, Jiao Runsheng and others to take the exam——
After a brief exchange of greetings, Jiao Runsheng led Zhang Yuan and the others to the library behind to meet his father Jiao Hong. The seventy-six-year-old Jiao Hong was still in good spirits. He was very happy to meet Zhang Yuan, Huang Zunsu and Wen Zhenmeng. A volume of "Jiao's Brushwork" on the desk said to Zhang Yuan: "Your Hanshe Bookstore is very good. I have read this book once, and there are only two typos. The rest of the paper is well-engraved."
Zhang Yuandao: "Students have also seen these two mistakes and have ordered the bookstore to reprint the edition. The book has not yet been printed. Hanshe Bookstore has become famous this year by publishing the two volumes of Teacher's book. Otherwise, it would be difficult for a new bookstore to start. Get a foothold."
When Jiao Hong heard what Zhang Yuan said, he felt great joy. Even the erudite scholars were very concerned about whether their books were selling well or not.
Zhang Yuan then told Teacher Jiao about the scene he had just seen at Jubaomen, and said that Wang Fengsu’s two muskets were brought by him from Taixi to Wang Fengsu——
Jiao Hong asked curiously: "What do you want the gun for?"
Zhang Yuandao: "Those two bird muskets are the latest flintlock guns from the West. The students want to use them to improve the firearms of our Ming army."
Jiao Hong praised: "Very good, you and Xu Zixian coincide with each other. They both want to use the wisdom of the Westerners to benefit the people of the Ming Dynasty. Xu Zixian tried planting sweet potatoes, corn and potatoes in Tianjin Wei, and wanted to grow sweet potatoes, corns and potatoes in the northwest. The barren and arid land is being promoted for planting. He also received a letter last month. He knows that you won the provincial examination and asked you to meet him when you pass through Tianjin when you go to Beijing for the examination. He said that he is eager to see you. Haha, you two are the same age. It is rare for us to be so congenial even though we are more than thirty years apart."
Zhang Yuanhan said with a smile: "Since we are from the same school, I must pay a visit to Senior Brother Xu." He thought to himself: "Senior Brother Xu Guangqi is a rare comrade of mine. With Senior Brother Xu here, I am not alone."
Jiao Hong knew that Zhang Yuan's intention in telling him about the flintlock incident was naturally to ask him to help rescue Wang Fengsu, and said: "The Minister of Rites in Nanjing, Shen Que, took office in June, and the Minister of Rites, Li Weizhen, suffered a stroke in September and was unable to serve as director. The Ministry of Rites in Nanjing is now governed by Shen Que is in charge of the ministry. Shen Que is a man who really wants to do something. He is extremely dissatisfied with the Catholics who despise Buddhism, do not worship their ancestors, and disrespect Confucius. He has repeatedly reprimanded him. This time, he has caught Wang Fengsu's hand——"
Zhang Yuandao: "However, this incident is due to the students. The students must explain it to Yousi and ask the teacher to mediate."
Jiao Hong said: "Shilang Shen and I have some friendship. I can invite Shilang Shen to discuss it, but I have something to say. Zhang Yuan, you have to tell Wang Fengsu and other Jesuits——"
"Teacher, please speak." Zhang Yuan said respectfully.
Jiao Hong said: "Because of Xu Zixian, I have a little understanding of Catholic doctrine, but there is nothing very profound or brilliant about it. Only its astronomy, calendar, and mathematical mechanics are quite impressive. What I value most is their study of things to achieve knowledge." If it’s not their teaching, you must be the same—" He looked at Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan said: "Yes."
Jiao Hong nodded and continued: "But in the past two years, Wang Fengsu's preaching in Nanjing has been too public. He built a new church in Zhengyangmen. It is majestic and magnificent, and various Catholic ceremonies are held publicly. Male and female parishioners often gather to read scriptures and pray. Even holding statues of gods swaggering through the market has aroused the dissatisfaction of many officials, gentry and people. What's more, before, Catholics could still worship their ancestors and worship Confucius, but now it is prohibited. If you believe in God, you are not allowed to worship your ancestors and Confucius. It’s no wonder that officials like Shilang Shen were extremely dissatisfied. When Li Gong was alive, Catholicism was not allowed. Li Gong can be called a great Western Confucian. His knowledge and magnanimity are beyond comparison with people like Wang Fengsu——"
Zhang Yuan thought: "Matteo Ricci is very far-sighted. He has a thorough understanding of the current situation of the Ming Dynasty. He knows the difficulty of spreading Protestantism in China where Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have existed side by side for more than a thousand years. Therefore, he has always put science and technology first and is cautious. Walk away from the Ming gentry. However, after Matteo Ricci's death, Long Huamin, who succeeded him as president of the Eastern District of the Society of Jesus, went against Matteo Ricci's missionary rules and became quite radical. He believed that Ricci's caution was due to a lack of confidence and he was afraid to move forward. The Diocese of Nanjing Wang Fengsu was even more public and high-profile, recruiting a large number of lower-class people as believers, and was not allowed to worship ancestors or Confucius. This has exceeded the tolerance bottom line of traditional Confucian society in the late Ming Dynasty. Although Buddhists do not worship ancestors or Confucius, they can Don’t forget that the anti-Buddhism and the extermination of Buddhism in the Han and Tang Dynasties were fierce. It took more than a thousand years of hard work. Now Buddhism has been fully integrated into Chinese society. Catholicism has only entered China not long ago. If it is so public, it is inevitable to suffer setbacks. But take this opportunity. I can show my kindness to the missionaries, or I can force them to return to Matteo Ricci's missionary path. I must take those two flintlock guns to Beijing, how can they be confiscated by Shen Que——"
This is what Jiao Hong wanted to say. He asked Zhang Yuan to give advice to the Jesuits in Nanjing. They should be careful in preaching and do not become enemies of Confucian scholars and Buddhists. Of course, Zhang Yuan only said so, so Jiao Hong asked his son Jiao Runsheng to support him. The famous post went to invite Shen Que to the Danyuan dinner, and said: "Invite Gu Jijiu and have a gathering together. Zhang Dai, Zhang Yuan, Huang Zunsu, and Ruan Dacheng are all here. They are all senior disciples of Nanjing."
Zhang Yuandao: "Let the students invite the patrons to the bar."
Jiao Hong said: "Okay, go and come back quickly."
Jiao Runsheng went to the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites to ask Shen Que. Zhang Yuan, his elder brothers Zhang Dai, Huang Zunsu, and Ruan Dacheng went to the Imperial College Jijiu House to meet Gu Qiyuan. The Jiujiu House was on Chengxian Street West Road, next to Shimiao Temple and Shepu. Gu Qiyuan The four of them are naturally happy to see Zhang Yuan, especially Zhang Yuan. Eighteen-year-old Xie Yuan graduated from Nanjian. This is the honor of Nanjian. This Nanjing Imperial College master who is proficient in Kanyu Feng Shui offers wine, Gu Qiyuan Xindao "I built the Qingyun Pavilion in the Kan position of the South Prison, and the Star-Judging Pavilion in the Li position, and used the two Zhenxun trees to light the fire, which showed the show of civilization. In this way, within three years, there will be a first-class candidate in the South Prison. Could it be that he should be here? On Zhang Yuan?"
It was more than four miles from the Imperial Academy to Danyuan. During this round trip, the sky became dark. The lanterns hung high in front of the Danyuan gate were swaying gently in the cold wind. There was an official sedan parked by the door. You would know if you asked. Minister Shen has already arrived first——
In the Danyuan dining room, Jiao Hong, Gu Qiyuan, and Shen Gue took a seat. Jiao Runsheng accompanied Luo Xuanfu, Zhang Yuan, Zhang Dai, Huang Zunsu, Ruan Dacheng, and Wen Zhenmeng took two seats. Jiao Hong waved and said: "Zhang Yuan, here we come. Come and sit here."
Zhang Yuan went to Teacher Jiao to offer wine, and Shilang Shen complained about the crime of trespassing. He accompanied him at the end of the table, and looked at the waiter Shen Que calmly. Shen Que was about forty years old, his face was slightly pale, his cheekbones were ridged, and his brows were raised. He is slightly wrinkled, his eyes are slightly sunken, and he looks like he is not a very talkative person——
The wine was Qiulubai, a tribute wine. It was given to Jiao Hong by Xing Long, the garrison eunuch of Nanjing. It was mellow and strong, but Jiao Hong did not dare to drink it because he was old. He only drank home-brewed yellow rice wine to accompany him, so the feast was relatively light. , the eels from Elbi Mountain in the Yangtze River are the most valuable——
After drinking for three rounds, Shen Que began to ask Zhang Yuan what he had said. Previously, Taishi Jiao was embarrassed for Wang Fengsu's cheeks. Taishi Jiao must give him face, but attacking the Church of Jesus was the political achievement that Shen Que wanted to pursue. He also Wanting to make this incident bigger, he has already written a letter to the imperial court called "A Visit to the Far Away", requesting a thorough investigation of the evil Catholic party. As long as the imperial court approves it, he will arrest missionaries and Catholic people on a large scale. Now if How could he be willing to settle the matter because of Taishi Jiao's intervention? Taishi Jiao was standing up for Zhang Yuan, so he had to convince Zhang Yuan. He didn't want to hand over the two blunderbuss to Zhang Yuan, because then there would be no way to arrest him. Wang Fengsu’s reasons——
"Where did Mr. Zhang meet Wang Fengsu, a native of Taixi?"
"I was introduced to me by my senior brother Xu Zixian through letters. Wang Fengsu visited me in Shanyin in the twelfth month of last year. He mentioned the sharpness of the new firearms from the West. I would like to ask Wang Fengsu to ask someone to bring two flintlock guns from the West to see if they can be improved. I am the blunderbuss of the Ming army."
Shen Que had already interrogated Wang Fengsu and gave the same answer as Zhang Yuan. He sneered in his heart: "You are just thinking about improving the firearms of the Ming army. Who gave you the power? Using these messy firearms from Yuanyi will only break them." I regulate the weapons of the Ming Dynasty." But Zhang Yuan replied like this. Due to Jiao Taishi's face, he really couldn't keep the two flintlock guns that he had confiscated from Wang Fengsu. Moreover, Zhang Yuan was also a grandson of Zhang Rulin, so the conversation became heated. Turning around, he said: "Master Zhang is probably unaware of the sinister intentions of these distant barbarians. These Western barbarians pretend to be asking Daxi to fight against our Ming Dynasty. They falsely claim that God overpowers our Ming Dynasty, and they also create a new calendar to disrupt our Ming Dynasty calendar. A large number of missionaries sneaked into our southern and northern capitals to deceive the common people and secretly hurt Wang Hua. Wang Fengsu was especially rampant in the southern capital. He built beamless halls and hung Hu statues. He advocated stupid people not to sacrifice their ancestors, which was to trap people in unfilial piety. , and also banned the people from worshiping their ancestors. Could it be that he is a big thief of Confucianism, who foolishly thought that Wang Fengsu entrusted Zhang Gongzi with blunderbuss to prepare for his future shipment of large quantities of firearms from the west of Taipei to the southern capital, and that he wanted to gather people to rebel and shake the foundation of our Ming Dynasty——"
Zhang Yuan frowned when he heard this. If this was before and after the Opium War, such suspicion would be justified. Now is the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. It is really nonsense to say that missionaries want to subvert the Ming Dynasty. This is really a crime that cannot be blamed. .As for accusing missionaries of falsely creating a new calendar and disrupting the Ming Dynasty calendar, it is extremely conservative and foolish. The calendar controlled by the Qin Tian Jian of the Ming Dynasty has never been revised. In the thirty-eighth year of Wanli, the Qin Tian Jian made a serious error in predicting the solar eclipse. Matthew's calculation was not wrong at all. Shen Que could not face up to this, which showed that his efforts to suppress the Catholic Church were unfair and unfair. It was completely impossible to reason with this kind of person. I heard Shen Que say again: " The Lord and the evil party meet each other and make the sign of the cross on this day, which is the code for rebellion."
Zhang Yuan almost laughed out loud, thinking that if you want to attack Catholicism, you should at least understand a little bit about Catholicism. It’s better to know your enemy and yourself. Isn’t it too clumsy of you to talk nonsense like this? He said bluntly: "Shilang Shen’s words are wrong. Catholicism The sign of the cross is a sign of prayer and blessing. It is in harmony with Buddhism. The Taoist ritual and the layman's bow are the same - "
"Zhang Yuan, don't be rude." Jiao Hong shouted softly. Although he knew that Zhang Yuan was right, he still wanted to blame Zhang Yuan. This was a taboo for the elders.
Zhang Yuan immediately avoided the table and bowed his head to Shen Que to confess his crime. Shen Que was a little embarrassed and secretly annoyed Zhang Yuan. He said to Jiao Hong: "Even so, Wang Fengsu and the two muskets have already been appointed by the censor who patrolled the city." Mr. Sun will be handed over to the Department of Soldiers and Horses, and the lower officials cannot overstep their authority and ask the Department of Soldiers and Horses to hand over guns and release the people. I also ask Taishi Jiao to forgive me. If Wang Fengsu is indeed innocent and has no treachery, then he will naturally be released without charge in a few days."
Since Shen Que said this, Jiao Hong couldn't force it anymore and said with a smile: "Drink, drink, it will be snowing in the evening, can you have a drink?"
Before he finished speaking, a servant was heard shouting: "It's snowing - it's snowing -"
Jiao Runsheng walked outside the hall and took a look. Reflected by the lights, there was fine snow falling. He came back and crossed his hands to Jiao Hong and said, "Dad, it's really snowing."
Shen Que had no intention of drinking anymore and excused himself because of the snow. Jiao Hong asked his son to see off the guests for him. Zhang Yuan also followed him out and said to Shen Que, who was already sitting in the official sedan, "Shilang Shen really can't do that." Will the two flintlock muskets be returned to Wan Sheng?"
Shen Que said impatiently: "Sorry, I have already said that the guns and men have been handed over to the Military and Horse Department, and they have nothing to do with my Rites Department." He bowed slightly, got up in the sedan chair and left.
Jiao Runsheng whispered: "Shilang Shen is eager to make political achievements and be promoted. Shilang Shen has a good relationship with Eunuch Xing. Jie Zi should go directly to Eunuch Xing to ask for someone."
Zhang Yuan thought: "Shen Que is from the Zhejiang Party, and the Zhejiang Party will be the Eunuch Party in a few years. Shen Que has a good relationship with Xing Long, and I have a better relationship with Xing Long and Zhong Benhua. It seems that I have decided to wear the Eunuch Party hat. It's just that I offended Shen Que again today——"
Zhang Dai came out and said, "Jie Zi, I have something to say to you when I call you to offer wine."
Zhang Yuan went in and stood with his hands crossed, Gu Qiyuan said: "Zhang Yuan, take my name card and go to see Xing Long, the garrison eunuch of Nanjing tomorrow, and ask him to come forward to release Wang Fengsu and Wang Fengsu, and return the musket to you."
Zhang Yuan said happily: "Thank you very much for offering wine."
Gu Qiyuan said with a smile: "I know you were the first to advocate the Han Society, and everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the country. This is an excellent saying, so try your best to do it."
Zhang Yuan said to Jiao Hong: "Teacher, the student will go now. Come back and talk to the teacher tomorrow."
Jiao Hong smiled at Gu Qiyuan and said: "Zhang Yuan has a warm-hearted heart that is eager to help others when they are in trouble - well, go ahead and remember my words and ask those Jesuits to restrain themselves."
Zhang Yuan resigned and left the hall. Zhang Dai followed him and said, "Jiezi, do you want me to accompany you?"
Zhang Yuan said: "No need, brother, please go back to the boat and rest. I may not go back to the boat at night."
Zhang Dai came closer and whispered: "Jiezi is going to the Youlan Pavilion in the old courtyard. I want to go to the Xiangzhen Pavilion. I'm afraid Li Xueyi has guests there, which would be embarrassing."
Zhang Yuan smiled and said: "Brother, do you still miss Xueyi Niang? Let's make an appointment tomorrow. We will stay in Nanjing for two more days." After that, he, Mu Zhenzhen and Wu Ling left Danyuan and headed for Zhimaying Pier.
The old servant who answered the door chased him out and gave Zhang Yuan a wide-brimmed bamboo hat to cover the snow. Zhang Yuan thanked him and gave it to Mu Zhenzhen to put on.
"Master——"
Mu Zhenzhen was about to take off the bamboo hat and return it to Zhang Yuan, but Zhang Yuan stopped him and said, "Put it on, don't be verbose."
There was light snow all the way, but fortunately it was only more than two miles away. When they arrived at the boat docking place, Zhang Yuan shook off the snow from his scarf and shoulders, said a few words in a hurry to Jinni Ge, and said hello to Fan Wenruo and others, and then
Let Laifu follow him ashore with a load of gift boxes, which he had prepared to give to Eunuch Xing in Shanyin. Even if there was no incident with Wang Fengsu, he would still have to visit Xing Long when he arrived in Nanjing——
Wang Dachui ran to the bow of the boat and begged: "Master, let Dachui go with the young master. Dachui has been following the young master these days and has done nothing but eat and drink. He feels very uneasy."
Zhang Yuan smiled and said to Laifu: "You stay on the boat and let the sledgehammer do the work. He will be busy."
Wang Dachui was overjoyed, jumped ashore, and said to Laifu: "Brother Laifu, just rest, I'll come." He grabbed the gift basket, followed Zhang Yuan, and headed for Tongji Bridge with Mu Zhenzhen and Wu Ling.
Come.
It was already the second drum hour when Zhang Yuan arrived in front of the inner garrison gate of Nanjing. Seeing that the guard sergeant was unfamiliar, Zhang Yuan did not ask to see Eunuch Xing, otherwise the sergeant would definitely not inform him at such a late hour. He held an umbrella and said in his hands: "We are going down the mountain.
Yin Zhangyuan, I went to Beijing to rush for the exam, and I have an old relationship with Liu Gaoya and Liu Zhangban. I wonder if Liu Liu Zhangban is on duty today?"
The sergeant in the camp neither cared about the imperial examination nor was interested in the affairs of talented men and famous prostitutes. He really didn’t know who Zhang Yuan was, but he heard that Zhang Yuan went to Beijing to take the exam, which meant that he was a civil servant, so he was in awe: "Zhang Xiaolian"
Do you want to see Liu Baihu? I will inform you right now." He ran and after a while, he saw Liu Gaoya striding out——
Zhang Yuan put away the oil-paper umbrella in his hand and handed it to Mu Zhenzhen, bowed to Liu Gaoya and said: "Liu Baihu, I haven't seen you for a year, you are more elegant than before."
Liu Gaoya, who had been promoted from the head of the Dongchang to the manager of the hundred households in the Dongchang, was surprised and said: "It's really Mr. Zhang, please come quickly, please come quickly, Mr. Zhang, no, Zhang Jieyuan, Zhang Jieyuan is here to visit Eunuch Xing, I'm afraid he has already taken a break."
I'm sorry, I'll go and ask first." Ask Zhang Yuan to wait in the small hall of Yimen for a while. He hurriedly came in to announce. After about a moment, he burst into laughter, cupped his hands and said: "Zhang Jieyuan, please." Accompany Zhang Yuan.
After entering the Yimen, he whispered: "Only Zhang Jieyuan is willing to meet my father-in-law. Otherwise, even if the six ministers of Nandu come to visit, my father-in-law may not be willing to receive him."
Zhang Yuan said with a smile: "I have to thank Liu Baihu for his kind words."
Liu Gaoya felt very happy after hearing this sentence——