In the imperial study room, Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty asked Hong Tianren, the Minister of War, to sit on the chair specially brought for him.
Then he told Wang Xiaosi: "Go and ask the imperial kitchen to make a bowl of lotus seed and white fungus soup for Hong Aiqing."
"Yes." After Hong Tianren was settled, Wang Xiaosi responded, bowed and exited the imperial study, and slowly closed the door.
After walking out of the door, Wang Xiaosi raised his head and looked at the sky, and couldn't help but sigh to himself: "It's noon now, and it won't be long before it's lunch time. The emperor specially requested to cook a bowl of porridge for Mr. Hong. It seems that the emperor will
In my mind, Mr. Hong is really useless."
In the imperial study, Ming Chengzu slowly walked to his dragon chair and sat down with a smile on his face.
"After Huai Lai went hunting, I heard that Hong Aiqing's physical condition has not been very good. Has Aiqing taken the nutritional supplements that were sent to her?"
"I'm using it, I'm using it." Hong Tianren was filled with gratitude and wanted to stand up and salute.
"Don't, don't move." Ming Chengzu stretched out his right hand and quickly stopped him, "Your body is getting worse day by day. I see it in my eyes and feel even more anxious in my heart. The Ministry of War is the most critical department of the imperial court.
If you have three strengths and two weaknesses, who else can let me put the military department under his control?"
"Your Majesty," a wry smile appeared on Hong Tianren's face, "the veteran himself is worried about the Ministry of War. However, with this body, the veteran knows that he cannot sustain it for much longer. The Ministry of War, in charge of the entire army of the Ming Dynasty, must endure
Only those who have passed various tests and are confirmed to be extremely loyal to the court and the emperor can the Ministry of War be handed over to his hands."
Ming Chengzu nodded: "Today, I will take Hong Aiqing to my imperial study room. First, I want to sit with Hong Aiqing, talk, and ask how your physical condition is. The other purpose is to ask Hong Aiqing, is he okay?
Find your successor."
"After returning from hunting in Huailai, when I felt that my health was not good, I began to consider a suitable candidate for the Minister of War. The emperor happened to ask about this, so I recommended someone to the emperor."
"who?"
"Young Minister of the Ministry of War, Yang Wen." Looking at Ming Chengzu, Hong Tianren said solemnly.
"Yang Wen? He's a suitable candidate," Ming Chengzu said.
Straightening his body back, Hong Tianren showed a touch of confidence on his face: "Since five or six years ago, the veterans have begun to train Yang Wen as his successor. During the emperor's several northern expeditions, the veterans watched from the side.
He is responsible for the deployment of the army. Whether it is the rationality of the deployment or the execution ability, the veteran is very satisfied. With him in charge of the Ministry of War, the veteran can rest assured."
"Okay, I have taken note of your suggestion. I will observe again and listen to other people's opinions. If there is no problem, after you, the Ministry of War will be handed over to Yang Wen to take charge." Ming Chengzu said with a smile.
While he was talking, Wang Xiaosi walked in, holding a wooden plate in his hand with a delicate blue and white porcelain bowl on it.
"Lord Hong, this is the lotus seed and white fungus soup made for you by the emperor's personal request from the imperial kitchen."
With his body slightly bowed, Wang Xiaosi placed the small bowl in front of Hong Tianren.
Hong Tianren looked horrified: "Your Majesty, how dare I eat food without any rules in front of you?"
"I specially ordered the imperial kitchen to make it, so don't refuse. The weather is hot, and in your current physical condition, you still insist on standing in the main hall for morning worship. I feel distressed when I see this. This lotus seed and white fungus soup can cool down and remove heat.
Fire also has nourishing effects, so drink it while it’s hot." Ming Chengzu said with a smile.
"In spite of his busy schedule, the Emperor is still worried about my health. I can't express it. I just drank it."
With tears in his eyes, Hong Tianren picked up the small bowl with trembling hands.
There is no need for a spoon inside, just raise your head when drinking, take a few sips, and drink it all.
"This lotus seed and white fungus soup needs to be drank slowly one spoon at a time. Just pour it into your stomach at once, just like drinking wine." Ming Chengzu was so angry that he couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"I am in a hurry to talk to the emperor. I don't want to waste time eating porridge." Hong Tianren smiled awkwardly, raised his sleeves, and wiped his mouth.
"I know you are impatient, so I don't blame you. However, I have an important thing that I need you to handle personally. I hope you can agree." Ming Chengzu put away the smile on his face and said seriously.
Hong Tianren was stunned.
Now that I am like this, what else does the Emperor need to do personally?
However, since the emperor has spoken, it is a big deal and he must do it.
Perhaps, this will be the last time that I personally serve the emperor.
Thinking of this, Hong Tianren's eyes couldn't help but feel a little moist.
He raised his head and tried his best to straighten his body: "Your Majesty, please tell me that as long as a humble minister can do it, even if he is so old, he will definitely do it for the Emperor."
Holding the table with both hands, Ming Chengzu stood up and walked to Hong Tianren's side with a serious face.
He stretched out his right hand and pressed it on Hong Tianren's shoulder.
Quietly staring into Hong Tianren's eyes: "From tomorrow on, you will not come to the morning court."
"emperor?"
"Have a good rest at home. If you have anything to do or if you want to see me, go directly to the palace and come to my imperial study." Ming Chengzu said softly.
"Your Majesty, do you think that this veteran has become old and useless?"
Hong Tianren's voice was low, full of disappointment.
"No." Ming Chengzu shook his head gently, "I want you to live longer, but I don't want you to tremble all over and have to stand in the main hall to accompany me in the morning."
"Your Majesty, I cannot leave the main hall. If I are not allowed to attend court early, I estimate that I will leave in a few days."
Hong Tianren's voice had a hint of crying.
"Why are you such a stubborn old man?" Ming Chengzu smiled bitterly and said, "I will never allow you to do early morning court. Otherwise, you can go back and clean up and move into the palace. I will finish my morning court every day.
Shall we continue our morning service with you in the study room?"
"It's impossible." Hong Tianren waved his hand hurriedly, "In this palace, besides the emperor, there are eunuchs and maids and concubines. How can I live in the palace? I still follow the emperor's instructions. I miss you and come to the imperial study to find you.
"
"You old guy, you're already going to be buried, and you still care about these tedious things." He raised his right hand and pointed at Hong Tianren with his index finger, and Ming Chengzu laughed.
Regardless of Ming Chengzu's teasing, Hong Tianren straightened his face and said seriously: "Your Majesty, there is something that I was confused about and almost forgot to report it to you."
"Oh? What's the matter?"
"The Ministry of War received a report that a large number of Japanese pirates have recently appeared in the coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The Jiangsu and Zhejiang Guards sent out soldiers and horses several times, but with no results. Should we arrange for Dongchang to go and arrest them?"
With that said, Hong Tianren looked at Lin Shangli, the master of Dongchangchang who had never spoken.
"Sir, Mr. Hong, our Ming Dynasty has many guard posts and countless elite troops. Why do you only have a soft spot for Dongchang? Have you already thought about using Dongchang to deal with Japanese pirates?
?" Looking at Hong Tianren, Lin Shangli said angrily.
"To be honest with Mr. Chang Gong, the word Dongchang flashed in my mind as soon as I got the tip. Although these Japanese pirates cannot be said to come and go without a trace, as soon as the officers and soldiers of the guard station are dispatched, they will
They just disappear. When the officers and soldiers leave, they appear. The garrison army, which is suitable for frontal combat, really can't do anything to them."
The disappointment on Hong Tianren's face had long since disappeared, replaced by a smile.
"Using guards officers and soldiers to deal with Japanese pirates is really ineffective." Ming Chengzu turned around, walked towards the desk, and slowly sat on the dragon chair, "Hong Aiqing's proposal is not in line with my ideas.
And if you let Captain Ziyi lead Dongchang's magic soldiers to exterminate the Japanese pirates, you should get unexpected results."
"Your Majesty, Xiao Chen is now in charge of Gongchang's disaster relief. Besides, he cannot leave at all due to Dingxihou's rebellion." As he spoke, Lin Shangli's face lit up with joy.
If the emperor is anxious for Dongchang to deal with the Japanese pirates, can't he ask Xiao Chen to carry out the due punishment on Dingxihou in advance?
Thinking of this, looking at Hong Tianren, who was hunched over on the chair, he suddenly felt more cordial.
You brought me a pillow as soon as Dongchang fell asleep. You are such a good person.
