First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 616

Seeing Zhang Ximeng pondering, Lao Li immediately said: "Master Zhang, don't be kind to women. Let me remind you that Goryeo paid tribute to the Yuan court with beautiful eunuchs. These concubines were eunuchs, and they committed crimes in the Central Plains. More than a hundred people were killed. Wan. Speaking of it, the old man is still merciful...I also think about future generations, and accumulate more Yin Gong, otherwise I will wipe out all of Goryeo!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded again and again, "Brother Li is right. Now in Koryo, the geese are overgrown. Your brother stewed the geese. Cut the leeks and plucked the roots. What are you going to do next?"

Li Shanchang laughed loudly, "It's not easy, just dig out the roots of the leeks, let's plant a new crop of rice, what's the difficulty? The old man also sees through it. The people in Korea, from the royal family to the civil and military ministers, are intricately intertwined. It is better to eradicate the roots and start from the beginning instead of working hard. After all, I have to thank the grand master for his help. When I succeed in my business, I will definitely share your share of the pie... But the grand master has a noble character and a strong personality. Living in the middle of the court, I think there is no chance to collect money, what a pity!"

Li Shanchang said, picked up a piece of veal, and ate it happily, "Master Zhang, your cooking skills are really good, just like in Chuzhou back then. I only ate it a few times when I came here, what a pity!"

Li Shanchang smiled and said: "Grand Master, what do you think of visiting Korea in a few years? Let me also do my best as a landlord and treat Grand Master well."

Zhang Ximeng rolled his eyelids, and said with a smile, "That's fine, then Brother Li will be in trouble."

"It's easy to say, it's the old man's luck to be able to get Zhang Xiang to come to the house, and it's also the luck of Korea!"

Just as they were chatting, a little fat man came in suddenly. He sniffed, smelled the smell, and immediately ran over with joy. There were no extra chopsticks, so he used a spoon to make quick beef and put it in his mouth .

"It's delicious, it's delicious! Dad, why are you cooking again? I begged you so much and you didn't agree!" Zhang Chengtian ate the beef in two mouthfuls, and wanted to try other dishes, but Zhang Ximeng gave a sudden Slap the table!

"Bastard! You bastard, didn't see Li Xiang here, do you know how to be polite?"

Zhang Chengtian quickly put down the spoon and saluted Li Shanchang.

"It's Uncle Li, please forgive me. I sent your son to prison some time ago and froze him for more than a day. There is nothing serious about him, except that his waist and knees are sore and his kidney energy is weak...he will give birth to a grandson for you, right? Otherwise, it will be a bit troublesome!"

Li Shanchang almost died of anger!

"Don't bother you, our Li family will never have a descendant!"

Zhang Chengtian smiled and said: "That's good, actually I don't want to trouble him, but I am the Commander of the Guard Division appointed by His Majesty... I can't help it, it's my vocation!"

Li Shanchang gritted his teeth. This little fat man was even more annoying than Zhang Ximeng back then. Old Li wanted to hit his fat face a few times!

"Grand Master Zhang, your son Qing is better than Lan because of Lan. I think he took over the job of the Guard Division, is he going to deal with us in the future? Did you arrange it in advance?"

Zhang Ximeng waved his hands hastily, "Brother Li, you are wrong this time."

"Wrong?" Li Shanchang snorted coldly, "Master Zhang, don't take me for a fool!"

Zhang Ximeng said helplessly: "It was indeed a mistake. No matter what, I couldn't arrange for my own child to take over as the guard... This matter was arranged by His Majesty."

"Superior?" Li Shanchang suddenly snorted coldly, "Isn't that the same? Grand Master Zhang, you are really deliberate!"

Zhang Ximeng was also a little at a loss for words, there were indeed some things that he couldn't get rid of.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Zhang Chengtian decided to help ease it.

"That Uncle Li, in fact, I may not be the one who will supervise you in the future. We are still good friends, so there is nothing to worry about."

Li Shanchang sneered, "So, are you planning to resign from your job at the Guard Division and do something serious?"

Zhang Chengtian shook his head, "No."

Li Shanchang was puzzled, and this was new, "You are still in the position of the guard, you can't play favoritism, right? This doesn't seem like the temper of your Zhang family?"

Zhang Chengtian grinned, "Well, Uncle Li, have you ever thought that someone robbed your Koryo King?"

"what?"

Li Shanchang was furious, his face was completely dark, and he looked at Zhang Ximeng suddenly.

Zhang Ximeng said that I was wronged, and I didn't want to grab it. Not only me, but our family's cubs probably wouldn't either, after all, Goryeo is still too poor.

The Zhang family didn't like it at all.

Zhang Ximeng couldn't help but said: "Stinky boy, have you learned how to play tricks? To be honest, what's going on?"

Zhang Chengtian could only obediently say: "Father, it really has nothing to do with us. Didn't the news just come that someone raided the Goryeo palace and captured the Goryeo royal family... At this time, Goryeo has changed."

"What?" Li Shanchang was shocked again, "Who, who did it?"

"It is said that they are some sea merchants, and I don't know the situation!" Zhang Chengtian spread his hands.

Li Shanchang was stunned for a long time, and suddenly roared: "Zhang Ximeng, tell the truth! Did you do it? You, did you let Lan Yu do it, or Zhu Di?"

Zhang Ximeng is being wronged, "Brother Li, don't think so badly of me, okay?"

"You are so bad! Although the old man is the supervisor of Gaoli in name, the soldiers and horses of Gaoli don't listen to me at all. Zhu Di, Lan Yu, these two bastards were arranged by you, and now you arrange someone to take away my Gaoli , I'm not finished with you, let's find the superior to reason!"

Li Shanchang pulled Zhang Ximeng and left. At this time, Zhang Ximeng's brain turned and he came to a judgment. Sapphire and Zhu Di, they would definitely not order such a thing.

But these two boys are likely to tell soldiers and horses not to listen to Li Shanchang... and even if they listen to Li Shanchang, they will not listen to Li Qi and others...

It is not surprising that Lao Li's command is not effective, and Gao Li's side is completely lost. It is not surprising that several maritime merchants took advantage of the loopholes.

"Brother Li, don't worry, let's give up some benefits, maybe we can settle the matter, King Han is still yours."

Chapter 852 Ignorance

"Your Majesty, the old minister's life is miserable!"

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang, Li Shanchang fell to the ground and cried loudly.

That's called a miserable and desolate place, stop crying blood, and weep those who hear it.

Zhang Ximeng and his father were dragged over by Lao Li, they stood behind Li Shanchang, Zhang Ximeng was indifferent, as if nothing had happened.

The little fat man was dumbfounded... This Korean man, Li Xianggong, why doesn't he even want to be decent? Why are you crying like this, why did my classmates get beaten, and you ran to the teacher to complain? You can't make something tasteful thing?

Zhang Chengtian was really right, this is to sue the teacher... The problem is that there are not many people who are qualified to sue.If it were someone else, regardless of whether Lao Zhu agreed or not, he would not be able to enter this palace gate.

Not only did Li Shanchang come in and see Zhu Yuanzhang, but Zhang Ximeng didn't dare to break his face.

This is kung fu, this is skill!

Sure enough, Zhu Yuanzhang said helplessly: "Sir, you see that Mr. Li is so old, he came to Beijing to see us, crying like this, you should persuade him!"

Zhang Ximeng had no choice but to say, "Your Majesty, this matter really has nothing to do with me. It's all brother Li's conjecture and false accusations. I'm really wronged!"

As soon as Zhang Ximeng finished speaking, Li Shanchang immediately said: "Grand Master Zhang, all the soldiers and horses of Goryeo are controlled by Lan Yu, is it true?"

Zhang Ximeng nodded. Lanyu not only controlled the Ming army stationed in Goryeo, but was also in charge of managing the Goryeo soldiers... Some people might wonder why no one escorted the Goryeo royal palace when it was broken down?Where are the troops stationed everywhere?That's all for palace guards?

To be honest, this is another use of experience from the Central Plains to trick overseas barbarians.

It is true that Goryeo learned from the Central Plains Dynasty, and the civil and military officials also have some appearances.But I'm sorry, I can't stand the toss over the past few years.

Sapphire Warlord will definitely take back all the commanding powers of soldiers and horses.

All the soldiers and horses in Goryeo had to obey Daming. Without Daming's order, none of them could be mobilized.

It seems that Gao Li is used to it, and there is no objection.

Next are the palace guards, the soldiers and horses in Beijing, and the servants of various yamen... Are these people gone?

indeed!

In the name of frugal spending, Li Shanchang reduced the number of guards several times, and in the end, Lao Li didn't pay the few remaining guards.

They are called palace guards, but they have to go to the street to sell snacks, help carry goods, and earn some money to make ends meet... These people are not bad if they don't run away, and you expect them to protect the safety of the palace?

As for the soldiers and horses in the yamen, under Lan Yu's toss, many "useless" yamen were abolished by him, and the people in the yamen were also dismissed.

In a word, the entire Goryeo has been hollowed out, and the only one with some strength left is Li Chenggui.

He was also sent to Busan by Li Shanchang, in the name of guarding the Wa country. Although Goryeo is not too big, but this distance, it is impossible to return to Shiqin Wang immediately.

It is true that the country has strict rules, layers upon layers, and rules and regulations that are almost impeccable... But the lower limit is also a bit low. If you don’t consider the issue of recognition, if you have a pasture, add up to twenty or thirty family workers, you can claim Jianguo... as long as no one hits you, you can exist safely.

Of course, the premise is that the treasury earns enough money to pay taxes, otherwise, if the tax collectors bring people over, it will destroy the country.

Li Shanchang said that Goryeo is already ripe and just waiting to pick it, but it is really not empty talk.

Unfortunately, someone snatched it away, can Lao Li not be impatient?

With a sullen face, Zhu Yuanzhang reluctantly listened to Li Shanchang's complaints, and watched him snot and cry. It was indeed miserable, but that's all.

"Mr. Zhang, how can the country outside be so unbearable?"

Zhang Ximeng said helplessly: "My lord, I have already said that the situation in Goryeo is not bad. In fact, there are a lot of messy countries overseas. If you put it in Daming, it is a village. Gather dozens of people, with armor and weapons. , after entering, you can become a king the next day... If there are soldiers and horses, civil and military officials, and the laws and regulations are very complete, then why are you encouraged to go to sea?"

Old Zhu was dumbfounded. After a long time, he said: "Mr. Zhang, according to you, this world is like this? No country can match Daming?"

When Lao Zhu asked this question, Zhang Ximeng thought about it seriously, "Your Majesty, there are Timur in the river and Ottoman who can be regarded as opponents now. This country is very powerful...there is another one that has existed for thousands of years Country, East Rome."

"Thousands of years? Then this country is very good, are they powerful?"

Zhang Ximeng rolled his eyelids and said with a wry smile, "How should I put it? Compared with them, Da Song can be regarded as iron-blooded and good at fighting."

In a word, Lao Zhu was instantly speechless.

Can such an aggrieved country still exist for 1000 years?

Why don't you just die?

If no one is willing to do anything, our Daming is not afraid of hard work, just send dozens of people over there.

Apparently, Lao Zhu oversimplified the matter. Although Eastern Rome was stretching its hips, it occupied a good place. It would not be so easy to break through the city and destroy the thousand-year-old empire.

However, in terms of time, the days of Eastern Rome are indeed numbered. In a few decades, Ottoman will break Constantinople, and Jing Luo's tears will not be far away.

Zhang Ximeng, Zhu Yuanzhang, and the weeping old Li got together and talked, and the topics became more and more concentrated.

"Actually speaking from Daming, young people should be encouraged to act boldly and let go of their hands and feet... Although they will hit the iron plate, as long as they succeed, they will get a lot of money. There is no reason to refuse!" Zhang Ximeng talked eloquently.

Zhu Yuanzhang deeply agreed.

Li Shanchang cried, "Your Majesty, Grand Master Zhang, you can encourage whatever you want. But you can't use Goryeo to practice your hands, and you can't encourage people to pick peaches. This thing is really unkind!"

Zhang Ximeng said with a dark face: "Brother Li, I really didn't do anything, why don't you believe me?"

"I'm a fool if I believe it! Lan Yu was arranged by you, and you encouraged young people to go to sea. You said that the matter has nothing to do with you, do you think I will believe it?"

Zhang Ximeng was also speechless, "What you said basically means that you are assisting His Majesty, and I am assisting His Majesty, so we are both loyal ministers...it is totally illogical!"

"That's right! I'm an honest and loyal minister, and you are a treacherous sycophant!"

Li Shanchang had fully demonstrated his ability to be savage and unreasonable, and he bit Zhang Ximeng with one bite, and even Lao Zhu was ashamed.

"Mr. Li, if you ask me, it's too much to give you the whole of Korea. It's not bad to share a little bit now. The young people are aggressive, and we, the elders, should be encouraged!"

Li Shanchang broke down in tears, "What the superior says makes sense, but the superior always cuts the flesh from the veteran, the veteran is in unbearable pain!"

Zhang Ximeng finally spoke, "Brother Li, the position of the King of Korea is still yours. The big deal is to draw a city from the south and hand it over to Zhang Dong and the others. Let your Majesty issue a decree to make a marquis and reward the pioneering work. You What do you say?"

"Not so good!" Li Shanchang immediately rebuffed, "Master Zhang, Goryeo has long been our vassal state and allowed us to garrison troops. It is really hard to explain what happened now. It really damages the dignity of Ming Dynasty. I think it should be given to Zhang. Dong and the others should be punished!"

Zhang Ximeng said bluntly: "Pull it down! In fact, I think Zhang Dong made such a fuss to help you out. Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain why you would annex Korea for no reason. This is why you have been reluctant to do it. Now the matter is simple, let’s say that the people of Goryeo raised their troops angrily and killed the faint king. Zhang Dong and the others are helping, but the people of Goryeo are the ones who are really doing their best...Hanging the people and punishing crimes! ?”

Zhang Chengtian whispered: "This...you can have it!"

Zhang Ximeng was startled, then smiled and said: "As expected, Brother Li, why can't you show that he helped you? It's too stingy!"

Li Shanchang's face was still dark, "Master Zhang, do you want me to thank you for cutting the flesh from this old man?"

At this time, Zhang Chengtian suddenly said, "Mr. Li, why are you so obsessed with Gao Li? You are too worthless. Zhang Dong and the others have set an example. You also have sons, grandsons, and so many subordinates... ...Don't you want to follow suit and grab more land? Show off your ingenuity! Let me remind you, if you are always so worthless, and Li Qi is such a waste...I will bury you in your house in a few years armor!"

Li Shanchang was taken aback, "What do you want to do, kid?"

"Let's just say that your Li family is planning to do something wrong, and I will run your family, and then let your majesty set up the Koryo province, what do you think?" Zhang Chengtian grinned, grinning.

Li Shanchang stared at the little fat man for a while, and suddenly his back felt cold, he felt uncomfortable all over, and even felt a little uneasy.

This thing is interesting.

Lao Li is relying on the old to sell the old, and messing around. It is true that there will be no disadvantages, but there is another saying that fists are afraid of the young and strong, and don't bully the young and poor.

If you really offend Zhang Chengtian, your old Li died early, there is nothing to be afraid of, but your descendants can't bear it!

And one thing is obvious, overseas development depends more on one's own ability, and one can't rely on Daming for everything.

Li Shanchang has no problem with this, but the descendants of the Li family are not even a star.

Old Li gritted his teeth, "Boy, you are cruel! Old man, of course I will let him out of Busan, but he must not be crowned king, let alone go on endlessly. One after another, everyone will go to Korea to make trouble. One cuts a piece of meat, that one grabs a piece." Pi. I have nothing left!"

Dare to love Li Shanchang Yemenqing, if something happens, don't expect it to happen.

The key is not to have it in the future.

Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang also looked at each other and smiled, as expected!

"Okay, let's make an order according to Mr. Li's intention!"

According to Lao Zhu's will, Zhang Dong was granted the title of Marquis of Yongyi because of his pioneering work, courage, determination, and vigor, and the fief was placed in Busan.

The entire port, extending thirty miles inland, is all his fiefdom.

After the decree was issued and the news spread, the most surprised person was Zhang Ziming who went to Beijing with rice on his back.