Zhang Yanling bowed and said: "Your Excellency, please speak, I am all ears."
Zhang Mao smiled and nodded, turning his head to look at the slowly rising wisp of green smoke from the crane-billed incense burner in the corner of the tent, his eyes blurred.
"Duke Protector, when I was nine years old, our Ming Dynasty encountered drastic changes. In the Battle of Tumubao, our Emperor Yingzong and a group of important ministers lost all their honors. When the news came, everyone in the Ming Dynasty was panicked. The capital of the Ming Dynasty was filled with grief and panic.
"My British Duke's house was also filled with tears because my father, my late grandfather Zhang Fu, was also killed in this battle. I was only nine years old at the time." Zhang Mao said slowly.
Zhang Yanling nodded slightly, with compassion in his heart. What Zhang Mao was talking about was a disaster caused by the Yingzong emperor's personal expedition and the eunuch Wang Zhen's plan. During the Tumubao Incident, Emperor Yingzong was captured, and all the princes, ministers, and distinguished ministers who accompanied him were
They all fell. For the Ming Dynasty, it was a devastating disaster. Its impact was far-reaching.
"Fortunately... Yu Shaobao stepped forward to turn the tide and stabilize the situation. My Mingcai was not in danger. Looking back on that time, it was like a nightmare. I still remember the situation at that time. That night, I
I was playing around during the day and sleeping soundly. The old lady woke me up, hugged me and cried
: Your father is gone, and the Tatars are about to attack. Our Ming Dynasty is about to fall. At this time, although I was ignorant, I felt shocked and burst into tears. After thinking about it, it was in my heart that I had deep feelings for the country.
The fear of family destruction is something I have learned from my father since I was a child. It is deeply ingrained in my bones."
Zhang Mao spoke for a long time and was somewhat out of breath.
Zhang Lun said hurriedly: "Old man, slow down your tone and speak slowly. Don't be in a hurry."
Zhang Mao waved his hand and shouted: "You bastard, how much time does your grandfather have? If he dies, he can rest forever."
Zhang Lun nodded in agreement.
Zhang Mao continued: "I am not the eldest son, and the British Dukeship is inherited by my elder brother. But my brother Zhang Zhong is disabled and cannot succeed. Therefore, when I was nine years old, I became the British Duke. I was only nine
What can you understand when you are old?
I have done a lot of ridiculous things in the past years. But there is one thing that I will never be happy about, that is, I, the British Duke, have inherited the imperial favor and are attached to the Ming Dynasty. I must be a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty and be loyal to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This is not only the British Duke.
understanding, also
This is the consensus of all noble families of Dukes, Marquises and Lords. Our ancestors fought in all directions to open up territory for the imperial court. It is not so much that this world belongs to the Zhu family, but it is actually earned by the blood of our ancestors of this noble family. We and
The emperor is one
Yes, we eat from the same pot. We must remember this clearly and clearly in our hearts. Anyone who wants to smash this pot is our enemy. Whether it is the Tatars or those who want to rebel. Do you understand?
Do you understand?"
Zhang Mao asked twice, do you understand? Zhang Yanling said solemnly: "Junior understands."
Zhang Lun also said hurriedly: "My grandson understands."
Zhang Yanling understood in her heart that the relationship between the Xungui Group and the emperor was actually a symbiotic relationship. It was not only the loyalty of the courtiers, but also emotions and interests. Just like a large company, the Xungui Group was a shareholder and a shareholder.
Founder, so this relationship is extremely close and strong.
"Duke Protector, I am not saying these things to you because of my old age. I just want to express what is in my heart. Of course, this is also what I want to warn you two. Duke Protector is unparalleled in wisdom and bravery, and he is one of the descendants of the Ming Dynasty.
Leader, I will come out brightly
It is indeed a blessing for the court to have a person like you. But I also want to tell you that you must never forget your duty at any time. To serve the Ming Dynasty, it is for yourself and for the common people. It is to accumulate merit and respect your reputation.
On the contrary, your reputation will be ruined and you will be reviled by all generations."
After hearing this, Zhang Lun hurriedly said: "Old man, what are you talking about? Isn't it rude? The Lord Protector is loyal to the court."
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "Brother Zhang Lun, the old man is just warning us. It doesn't mean that we will really do anything. It doesn't mean that we have done anything extraordinary."
Zhang Mao smiled and said: "Zhang Lun, look at the protector of the country, this is called transparency. I am a man who is about to die, and his words are also good. Do you think I say these words to others easily? If you don't ignore it, The Protector is my nephew, if I don't regard him as one of my own, how can I say these words to my face."
Zhang Lun bowed and said, "This is what my grandfather taught me."
Zhang Mao sighed and looked at Zhang Yanling and said: "Duke Protector, I am not going to die soon. I have been protecting two things all my life. One is the country of Ming Dynasty, and the other is the honor and status of my British government. The first one is The first one is official, and the second one can be considered selfish. Unfortunately, compared with our ancestors, each generation of my noble family in the Ming Dynasty is not as good as the last generation. I won’t talk about other people’s families, but this is the case for my British government. I am not as good as my father. , Loyal, courageous, resolute, and behaved appropriately. My son, who was unlucky and died young, was nothing more than that. He wrote poems, painted, and sang about the wind and moon all day long. Only in Zhang Lun's generation did he become somewhat decent. Although Zhang Lun lacked talents, he acted fairly calmly. He is peaceful and has a strong temperament. It's a pity that his abilities still need to be tempered."
Zhang Lun blushed and said: "Old man, my grandson has wasted his time and disappointed you."
Zhang Mao looked at Zhang Lun and said, "I'm pampering you because I'm afraid you'll suffer. But it's really hurting you. Do you know what I'm most worried about? After I die, how will you support yourself outside and at home?" These two heavy responsibilities. The position of regimental governor is so important. I'm afraid that you can't bear it, your reputation is not enough, and you will end up making a fool of yourself."
Zhang Lun whispered: "The old man looks down on people too much."
Zhang Mao shouted: "Don't be too talkative. Aren't you convinced? Look at Chaozhong, Yang Tinghe, Yang Yiqing, and the Duke Protector around you. Which one is not the best among people? It's the people around you, Zhu Lin, Xu Yande and the others. , they are all those who have made great achievements. It’s just a matter of family. Tell me, if you succeed as the governor of the regiment, how will you obey? Others will say that you have no merit and only relied on the influence of your ancestors to get the official position. When the time comes, you will be doing it behind the scenes. The governor is afraid that he will not be able to do it."
Zhang Lun's face was red and his ears were red, and he was silent.
Zhang Mao sighed and said in a deep voice: "Zhang Lun, grandpa is not belittling you, but thinking for you. If someone with insufficient ability and reputation takes the position, it will cause disaster. Therefore, I have invited the Lord Protector here today. I want to discuss something with him. The position of the regimental governor..."
Zhang Yanling suddenly smiled and interrupted: "Old man, please forgive me for interrupting. I don't agree with your opinion on Brother Zhang Lun. In my opinion, Brother Zhang Lun is the most suitable candidate. The post of regimental governor is a must. He is a person who can make decisions calmly and act calmly. Brother Zhang Lun has always been friendly to others and good at uniting everyone. These are the most important qualities for a governor."
Zhang Mao looked at Zhang Yanling with a smile and said, "Oh? Is that how you see it?"
Zhang Yanling nodded and said: "Of course. If you take me for example, I have a bad temper. I am irritable and can't be content with things. I am also outspoken and make enemies everywhere. If I become the governor, won't I have to be beaten by everyone? Jealousy is not good for the regiment. Not to mention other people, if I am not talking nonsense, they are not as good as me. My eldest uncle, Xu Yande, has great talent and talent, and is scolded by my father-in-law every day. Young Master Zhu Lin is reckless and impulsive, and is not suitable for him. .Among our nobles, apart from Zhang Lun, I really can’t think of anyone else who is suitable. This is what I say from my heart.”
Zhang Mao was silent for a long time, then he laughed, and he was breathless and coughed. Zhang Lun hurriedly stepped forward to wipe his back, and Zhang Mao took a few breaths and calmed down.
"Duke Protector, the Ming Dynasty will depend on you in the future. What I said is true. Zhang Lun? It seems that you see things more comprehensively than me. But if Zhang Lun becomes the governor, you brothers must help him well.
If he has something inappropriate, feel free to tell him off, but don't be polite. This is my promise, and it is also his blessing." Zhang Mao said in a deep voice.
Zhang Yanling cupped his hands and said: "Don't worry, old man, I have said before that our noble family must be united, and all will be prosperous and all will suffer. When Brother Zhang Lun is the governor, I will do my best to help. Whatever Brother Zhang Lun assigns in the future, I will do my best.
Whoever dares to touch our honorable home and cause trouble for us, I, Zhang Yanling, will be the first to refuse."
Zhang Mao nodded with a smile, looked at Zhang Lun and said: "Zhang Lun, did you hear that? The Lord Protector has expressed his stance. Remember, when encountering problems in the future, you must weigh the considerations and ask the Lord Protector for advice. If you have any issues, please discuss them more. Don't be hurt.
Be kind. Do you understand?"
Zhang Lun bowed and said, "Don't worry, my grandson will do it."
Zhang Mao looked at Zhang Yanling again and said: "Duke Protector, Zhang Lun will entrust you to me."
Zhang Yanling said hurriedly: "If you don't dare to take it, I will do my best to assist you."
Zhang Mao nodded slowly, took a breath, his expression became relieved, and the muscles on his face instantly relaxed.
"Then...I feel relieved. Hey, life goes by so fast. When I was nine years old, after I ascended the throne, I accompanied Emperor Xianzong on a hunt in Xiyuan. I used my bow and arrow to shoot at the target, and I hit three of the three shots. Your Majesty,
Praise. Reward me with a golden ribbon. Chenghua
For ten years, I was in charge of the Governor's Office of the Central Army, and in that year I was in charge of the affairs of the fifth military camp. After that, I was in charge of the governor of the regiment camp. The emperor's favor is so great, the emperor's favor is so great. In the blink of an eye, seventy years have passed. Everything is like a dream.
." Zhang Mao whispered to himself.
Zhang Lun said: "Grandpa, if there is nothing else, I asked the Protector to go back. I pulled him off the bed at midnight."
Zhang Mao seemed as if he had not heard anything. He said to himself: "In the fourth year of Hongzhi, during the Great Wall Battle at Jiayuguan, I led the army against the little prince. The battle was so dark that the ground was covered with dead bodies. I went home and took a bath for three months, and my body smelled like blood.
It was really tragic. Back then... the girl in the red sleeves in Yangzhou's Slender West Lake was really nice, with a soft figure and big breasts. She felt like she was kneading dough, so comfortable..."
Zhang Yanling was stunned, and she and Zhang Lun looked at each other. Zhang Lun made a gesture, and Zhang Yanling bowed her hands to Zhang Mao and came out quietly. Zhang Mao murmured to himself, silently in his memories.
Outside, Zhang Lun frowned and sighed: "It seems that the old man is really in trouble. Hey, he is already confused. I apologize to you for what he said just now. I apologize to you for what I offended you."
Zhang Yanling waved her hand and said: "Apologise? What the old man said is true, and what I said is also true. Brother Zhang Lun, please spend time with the old man. I'm afraid it will be tonight."
Zhang Lun nodded and bowed. Zhang Yanling returned the gift, said goodbye and left.
On the road, Zhang Yanling rode his horse slowly, thinking about what Zhang Mao said. He knew that the purpose of Zhang Mao's invitation tonight was to worry that after his death, his grandson Zhang Lun would not be able to sit still.
The position of the regimental governor is so he has to say a word of his own.
Of course, I would not compete for the position of regimental governor. To be honest, I still don't like that position. Zhang Mao has worked hard.
At the first moment of the ugly hour in the early morning, the British mansion was filled with loud cries. The British Duke Zhang Mao died of illness at home at the age of seventy. This was the end of the Ming Dynasty's heroic generation.