First Minister of Ming Dynasty

As he spoke, Liu Bowen substituted tea for wine and drank a full cup, then grabbed a fist-sized lion's head and yelled, "Let's talk first, eat first! I haven't tasted the taste of my hometown for a long time."

As Liu Bowen ate and gorged, Song Lian shook his head, "A good and modest gentleman has become a lower class man! Vulgar!"

After complaining about Liu Bowen, Song Lian sighed to Zhang Ximeng: "Mr. Zhang, I have just played with words these years! A while ago, according to Mr. Zhang's division, I revised a textbook of general history and sent it to the following schools The book was written according to the division method of Zhang Xiang, and I am the editor-in-chief, I really feel ashamed!"

Hearing what he said, the big guys all rolled their eyes at Song Lian... All the scholars in the world want to read the books you edited. You have caught up with Confucius, Mencius and Zhu Xi. You are acting like a good boy for taking advantage of it!

Chapter 451 The Enlightened Mr. Zhang

Although these people gathered under Zhang Ximeng's command were officials, they were more bookish. For example, Song Lian presided over the Imperial Academy, which was a very academic yamen.

As for Ye Chen, he served as the young minister of Dali Temple, and was responsible for drafting bills full-time, taking over the powers that belonged to the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Punishment was responsible for implementing and implementing the provisions of the law.

From these changes, it can be seen that the official system of Ming Dynasty is rapidly becoming formalized and professionalized, and the speed of official expansion is far lower than the improvement of efficiency, and it is in a period of super ability to handle affairs.It is completely different from the kind of redundant officials everywhere and overstaffed people.

In line with the principle of using what is easy to use to death, Dali Temple is currently busy with several laws and regulations at the same time... The core of which is the Land Law, which is also the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Ximeng has been advocating the equalization of land for so long, and his intentions are repeated every now and then, and everyone is used to it.However, one of the most critical things is still missing, that is, to turn the land equalization order into a permanent land law, and Ye Chen is in charge of this work, and has already started.

"I don't expect to be able to accomplish so many things. As long as I can fix these few laws and regulations in this life, it will be enough to smile at Jiuquan. When I die, I don't want to be buried with me. I will put these laws and regulations in a box." If you are buried with me, I will be satisfied."

Hearing what he said, the big guys all turned against each other, you are even more shameless than Song Lian.These laws are the foundation of Ming Dynasty, you are destined to be famous forever, if you dislike it, let us!

Ye Chen also felt everyone's unkind eyes, and quickly diverted the topic away. He smiled and said to Jiang Nan: "Jiang Tiju, you can also talk about it! The branch bureau has been very prestigious in the past few years? After being an official of Daming, Quite rewarding, right?"

Jiang Nan put down his chopsticks, looked at the big guy, and suddenly smiled.

"That's not right! If it weren't for this official uniform, how could I sit at the same table with you Gao Xian? In the past, why don't you drive me out and say that I don't know the rules and offend the elders!"

Everyone was startled and couldn't help laughing.

Although the status of women has improved a lot, there are still not many who can enter the house. Take the government offices of various ministries as an example, Jiang Nan is the only person who can be in charge of a government office.

However, in other yamen, there are some female officials who are in charge of official documents, especially Yushitai, who walk in front of all the yamen. Maybe they think that the female officials are not easy to buy, or they think that the current female officials have nothing to do with other officials. Qingqing In vain, he is serious in his work, and he is very diligent in tracking down corrupt officials.

Recently, four female officials in Yushitai were promoted to supervisory censor because of their decisive handling of cases. They were called "Nvqingtian", which was also a good story.

"Jiang Tiju, don't tell jokes, I dare not underestimate you, otherwise the Du Branch Bureau will turn our Dali Temple into a Wuli Temple!"

Ye Chen's words elicited roars of laughter, at this moment Song Lian suddenly said, "Jiang Tiju, have you ever considered getting married?"

This question was very abrupt. Usually, Song Lian would never open his mouth, but now that the atmosphere is harmonious, he dared to ask.

Jiang Nan didn't care, but said lightly, "No."

"Then, why is that?"

"No reason!" Jiang Nan said: "I like the affairs of the branch office very much now, checking accounts, punishing evil and promoting good, and I can sit at the same table with all the virtuous and virtuous, and talk high-spirited. It’s about raising children again, who will be in charge of the affairs of the branch office? Is it possible that you have to take off your hard-earned official clothes? I won’t do it!”

Song Lian was slightly stunned, and couldn't help but said: "Jiang Tiju, you can't say that, marriage is still very important. As for other things, you can take it easy, or you can transfer to a leisurely yamen, it's not impossible."

When he said this, he took a peek at Zhang Ximeng.

Zhang Ximeng, who had been silent all this time, shook his head and said, "How can this work! If you have to give up or change your official position because of getting married, it would be unreasonable. You Song Xueshi did not resign from the Imperial Academy just because you have an old wife at home! "

Song Lian's old face collapsed in an instant, and he said with a wry smile: "Mr. Zhang, this, this can't be confused!"

"What can't be confused?" Zhang Ximeng said: "You are just saying that after a woman gets married, she has to have children and cannot concentrate on official duties. It is not as convenient as a man...You are right, but you can't take this as a rejection reason."

At this time, Liu Bowen, who had eaten three lion heads, suddenly raised his head and said, "That's right, I support Zhang Xiang's opinion."

Song Lian grinned wryly, "The lion's head can't shut your mouth, can it?"

Liu Bowen smiled and said: "This is how I see it. If a female official weighs the pros and cons and is willing to give up, then naturally she has nothing to say. But this cannot become a rule of the court, otherwise it will be used by others to attack the female official. And Brother Jing Lian, you Have you seen it in the local area? Do you know what peasant women are like? Do you think they are confinement?"

"Don't you want to sit down?" Song Lian was surprised.

Liu Bowen shook his head, "It's not that I don't want to sit, but I can't afford it! For a whole month, I have to be served by others for food and drink at home, and the farmers can't afford it! Many women have to go to the fields to work in about ten days after giving birth... ...I have also seen with my own eyes that a woman had a miscarriage the first day, and then went to harvest the rice the next afternoon. There is no way, it’s all about poverty.”

Lao Liu successfully brought the topic back to the people's livelihood economy, and everyone's interest suddenly dropped a lot. Looking at the delicacies on the table, it also faded a lot in an instant.

How difficult people's livelihood is!

At this time, Zhang Ximeng took over the words, "The suffering of survival falls on both men and women, and it is everyone's business. This is the most basic truth. Therefore, when it comes to the issue of female officials, we cannot simply distinguish between men and women. I feel that men are easy to use, but women are not easy to use... Having children is not just a woman's business. If you need a short rest because of the maternity leave, this should not be regarded as a loss to the court, but an increase to the world... an increase A new member is good for the whole."

"And there is one more thing, have you ever thought about it, a mother who is knowledgeable and capable, a mother who can look at the world and has a lot of things in mind... Is there a high probability that her children will be better? If we put our eyes on In the longer term, suppose this female officer's mother has cultivated a great talent for the world, a future minister, or other outstanding talents...do you still think that vacation is a loss?"

"This one……"

Everyone present was stunned, how could they still look at the problem like this?

But if you think about it carefully, it does make sense.

It is the business of all people in the world to have children and reproduce and prosper.

An excellent mother is indeed more conducive to the growth of children. Marrying a wife and marrying a good person has long been a consensus among the people.

How can a woman be said to be not outstanding if she can fight her way through the officialdom and gain an advantage in the competition with a group of men?

Talent, the next generation!

This is the hope of a country.

Song Lian was a little stunned, and hurriedly bowed in admiration, "Mr. Zhang has a great opinion. I am so impressed. I really admire it." Song Lian said again: "I still want to ask, Mr. Zhang. If you get married, don't you mind if your wife works for an official?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled generously: "It's a good thing to be an official if you have the ability, what do I mind?"

Song Lian bowed deeper this time, and praised loudly: "Zhang Xiangzhi's enlightenment is truly unprecedented. I have nothing to say except admiration!"

Everyone else followed suit, except Jiang Nan, who frowned and asked back: "Mr. Zhang, I think you are just saying that, and the Song scholar is also the same. If you join Mrs. Qi Guogong as an official in the court, you don't need to avoid suspicion? No Will it cause gossip?”

At this time Liu Bowen smiled, "Jiang Tiju, you are blind. Others may need to avoid suspicion, but Zhang Xiang's character and knowledge are known to everyone. If anyone insists on shouting to avoid suspicion, I think Du Zhiju can do it." Check, see if this person is clean? Don't be a ghost in your heart!"

"Okay!" Jiang Nan said with a smile: "It's settled. If someone really chews his tongue at that time, I will check his account and it will fall into my hands. Don't blame me for being rude!"

As he said that, Jiang Nan picked up a piece of honey sauce and ate it on his own, unaware of the meaningful looks in his eyes.

And Song Lian and Liu Jiwei nodded inexplicably. They both knew each other and were thinking about whether to continue... At this time, Guo Ying rushed over suddenly. Seeing them having a dinner together, Guo Ying's saliva flowed out enviously. .

"Zhang Xiang, I, I am also your subordinate! Why did you forget me?"

Sun Yan said very bluntly: "You don't want to join in the fun, the guard department has always been directly under the superior, and Zhang Xiangke has never overstepped his authority!"

Song Lian also said: "That's right, Commander Guo, we are having fun together at the upper and lower levels, what trouble are you making?"

Guo Ying smiled wryly and shook his head, "I don't want to disturb you either, but there is indeed a great thing, I have to say it."

"What's the matter?" Song Lian asked subconsciously.

Guo Ying paused and did not speak, but Song Lian immediately realized something. At this moment, Zhang Ximeng got up and dragged Guo Ying to the next room.

"Tell me, what is it?"

"Zhang Xiang, some time ago, Mao Gui sent Tian Feng to answer the sky. He hoped that we could provide 20 shi of rations, [-] pairs of armor, and some bows and crossbows to restrain the cavalry. He was going to rescue Liu Futong, but he was struggling with food and weapons. If it’s not enough, ask us for help.”

Zhang Ximeng was stunned, "We can't agree to this hastily. We also want to send troops to the north. Mao Gui can help, but he can't affect us."

Guo Ying nodded, "Indeed, Li Xianggong also meant the same thing, but things have changed recently."

"What changes?"

"It's that Tian Feng...he, he said that Ming has a sage king and famous ministers, and he will definitely be able to rule the world...he, he wants to see Prime Minister Zhang."

"see me?"

Guo Ying nodded, "That's right, I guess he wants to talk to Mr. Zhang about surrendering."

Zhang Ximeng frowned slightly, and Guo Ying added: "Tian Feng used to be a rebel army in the Yuan Dynasty, and his strength is not bad. Now he occupies Dongping, with 3 to [-] horses, and he is also first-class under Mao Gui. General, if he can surrender, most of the Han and Song soldiers in Shandong will belong to us."

Zhang Ximeng did not rush to nod, but murmured: "Mao Guiren is the dragon and phoenix, Tian Feng is just a lone duck!"

"Let's go, I'm going to meet Tian Feng." Zhang Ximeng walked away...

Chapter 452 Little tricks

This Tian Feng is not that Tian Feng, not the one in the Three Kingdoms, he is the rebel army Wanhu of the Yuan court, and his subordinates control a bunch of thousands of households, and his strength is not bad.Later, he surrendered to Liu Futong, and later Mao Gui attacked Shandong, and from this Northern Expedition, Tian Feng also cooperated with Mao Gui to use troops to attack the city and conquer the land, and made a lot of contributions.

But between Tian Feng and Mao Gui, or people like Tian Feng, how could they be truly loyal to Han Song!

"I have met Zhang Xiang."

Tian Feng bowed his body and looked up at Zhang Ximeng with a fawning face.

"General Tian, ​​you sit down first, let's talk slowly if you have something to say." Zhang Ximeng kept calm and demeanor, he asked Tian Feng to sit down, and then invited someone to serve tea.

Tian Feng, on the other hand, was sincere and fearful, he only dared to sit on one-third of his buttocks, and he was very skilled in horse gait.

"General Tian, ​​don't be nervous. You must know some of our Ming's propositions. We have always focused on the restoration of the Northern Expedition, and we have always faced some like-minded people with a broad mind."

Zhang Ximeng's opening remarks made Tian Feng feel a little relieved, but he didn't dare to be careless in the slightest, and was still sincere and fearful.

"Returning to Zhang Xiang, although I was an official in the Yuan court in the early years, I also knew that the Yuan court was perverse and harmful to nature, but there was no way out. After the rise of the Red Scarf Army, I joined the rebel army and made some contributions. It's just Recently, I have been quite disappointed. I feel that King Xiaoming and Grand Master Liu are ignorant and their future is bleak. I also see that Daming is flourishing and extraordinary, so, therefore, I have the idea of ​​abandoning the dark and turning to the bright. I think, I want to ask Daming to take care of me!"

As Tian Feng said, he fell to his knees and crawled in front of Zhang Ximeng.

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "General Tian, ​​you'd better get up!"

In the end Zhang Ximeng had to pull him up with his own hands and let Tian Feng sit down.

"General Tian, ​​it's a good thing that you have a heart for Daming. I welcome it very much... But the matter is very important. Can we have a chat first and clarify the matter."

Tian Feng nodded hastily, "I will listen respectfully to Zhang Xiang's instruction."

Zhang Ximeng said: "I can't talk about it, just chatting casually... You have a deep understanding of Yuan Ting. Yuan Ting is not just the emperor who is stupid and the officials are greedy and contemptible. There is no cure. You are able to take refuge in the rebel army, which is to follow the tide and is a meritorious deed."

Tian Feng hurriedly said: "Thank you, Mr. Zhang, for your approval. I'm sincerely afraid."

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said: "I said, our Ming Dynasty takes destroying the Yuan Dynasty as its main mission. If you join us now, will it cause the collapse of the Shandong Rebel Army and threaten the overall anti-Yuan situation?"

Tian Feng was taken aback for a moment, why is there something wrong with these words?

"Zhang Xiang, I'm not capricious... It's just that in today's Great Song Dynasty, the atmosphere is smoggy, Liu Futong holds the emperor hostage, Weifu is self-defeating, the people below are eccentric, and even a group of scholars from aristocratic families are shaking their lips and tongues, sowing discord, not to mention others , even Mao Pingzhang has been criticized, internally and externally. I really have no choice but to ask Mr. Zhang to look into it!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "What you said is correct, but I want you to think about it, if you come here now, and Daming also accepts you, what will happen to the Red Scarves in Shandong?"

"This... I'm afraid there will be trouble, but..."

Zhang Ximeng waved his hand, interrupted him, and continued to ask: "Then what's next? What will happen to Han Song and King Xiaoming?"

Tian Feng paused, and said helplessly: "Chahan Timur's army is pressing down on the border, besieging Kaifeng from all sides. His Majesty King Xiaoming is all pointing at the Shandong reinforcements. If the Shandong soldiers and horses don't arrive, I'm afraid, I'm afraid they won't be able to support it."

Zhang Ximeng nodded again, "That's it. In this way, it doesn't mean that the land of the Central Plains is handed over to Chahan Timur? In the end, it is the Anti-Yuan Rebel Army who lost!"

Tian Feng was stunned, this truth is correct, but the question is aren't you the prime minister of Ming Dynasty?

Why are you worried about Han Song's life and death?

Isn't this pedantic?

Wouldn't it be a good thing to let Liu Futong and Chahan Timur die together?

"General Tian, ​​it's a good thing that you want to join us. But at this moment, I don't think it's appropriate."

Zhang Ximeng said patiently: "Now we are allies with Liu Futong, and we are working together with Mao Pingzhang to fight against the Yuan... I thought that at the moment, Chahan Timur, carrying the prestige of defeating the Northern Expeditionary Army, marched southward, as many as There are tens of thousands of people from Taihang to Henan, and from Shandong to Guanzhong. If they are allowed to take Kaifeng, annex the Central Plains, and even control Shandong at this time, it will be very difficult for them to think about the Northern Expedition. "

Tian Feng was even more astonished. He looked at Zhang Ximeng stupidly. The reasoning was correct, but you insisted on opposing me with tens of thousands of people. Are you the prime minister of Ming Dynasty or the courtier of Han Song?

I can hardly comprehend your thoughts!

"General Tian, ​​I think that things have their own priorities. At present, fighting against the Yuan is the main thing, and our differences with Liu Futong are secondary. The most important thing at the moment is to put aside the dispute and focus on dealing with the Yuan army. We have sent troops to Nanyang, Immediately, we will provide assistance to Mao Pingzhang, and we will go north to fight against Yuan."

Zhang Ximeng said: "General Tian wants to join us. We can send people to each other and communicate with each other. Let your army understand our Ming's proposition and know some of our strategies. Make friends first, and then we can become a family. At that time, General Tian It will be much more convenient to belong to Ming Dynasty."

Tian Feng was taken aback, "Master Zhang, what do you mean, you want to send someone to my side? This, I'm afraid you will startle the snake?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and shook his head, "Don't worry about this, we will definitely arrange it properly and will never reveal your identity easily. We will also do our best to protect your safety. If there is a real risk of safety, there will definitely be someone here to protect you , please rest assured!"

Tian Feng was even more surprised, subconsciously said: "Mr. Zhang, is there someone beside Prime Minister Liu?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled confidently, "I can't tell you the specifics. But I can say with certainty that our Daming is not the kind of bandits and bandits who rely on high-ranking officials and rich salary, money and beautiful women to buy people, or a decadent dynasty. We have our own ideas , have our own opinions. Regarding the overall situation, we advocate expelling the barbarians and restoring China. In terms of economy and people's livelihood, we advocate equal land and equal endowment, and the unity of the four peoples. In the selection and appointment of talents, we recruit according to their ability. In our court , and even many maids.”

"Of course, what we value most is a person's ideas and concepts. The key is to agree with our proposition... This is also what I hope to send people over, or you can send people over. We can talk to each other, which is the best. of."

When Tian Feng heard this, his heart moved slightly, his expression was still humble, and his posture was more honest, but in his words, the enthusiasm was a little bit less...

"Zhang Xiang, the subordinates are all a bunch of bastards who haven't read any books. I'm afraid they don't understand some profound truths!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "It doesn't need to be very advanced. We just talk about the survival principles of ordinary people. They can learn without reading. There are many gentlemen in our army. They started with literacy. To be honest, there are more than [-] literate people in the army. , these soldiers are a valuable asset of Ming Dynasty!"

"Soldiers know how to read, understand why, and know why they are fighting. They are full of courage and invincible. This is also the magic weapon for us to sweep the south. General Tian, ​​there is nothing difficult in the world. As long as you have the heart, nothing will become an obstacle."

Zhang Ximeng stared at Tian Feng like a kind teacher.

But Tian Feng felt more and more uncomfortable. He peeked at Zhang Ximeng, thought for a while and said, "Mr. Zhang, since both parties need to understand each other, can you let me go back and discuss with the people below before making a decision?"