Chapter 373 Xu Family

Wei Guogong's Mansion, in the back garden.

The evening breeze blew through the branches and leaves, swaying unsteadily.

Duke Xu Huizu of Wei stood in the pavilion, looking at the sparkling waves on the lake in trance.

"Brother, it's time to eat. It will be dark in two hours." Xu Miaojin approached him and reminded him in a low voice.

"Huh?" Xu Huizu turned to look at her: "Little sister, what time is it?"

"It's already You hour." Xu Miaojin said softly.

Ever since my eldest brother came back from the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion, he has been looking so glum, and even the Xu family has been in a bad mood. Today, my eldest brother was so unusual that he even showed no intention of eating at the meal point.

"Then go." Xu Huizu put away the lonely look in his eyes and forced a smile to his little sister.

Xu Miaojin nodded and walked side by side towards the inner house. As soon as she stepped onto the steps, she was stopped by someone.

"Sister-in-law!" A girl's voice sounded as clear and sweet as a lark, and then two girls with pink and jade sculptures ran over. They were the daughters of Xu Da's second son, the Chinese Army Commander-in-Chief, Xu Yingxu. .

"Why are Rong'er and Xian'er still playing crazy outside? Your parents are impatient." Xu Miaojin frowned and scolded.

Ronger stuck out her tongue and didn't respond.

Xian'er snorted: "Dad didn't come back. Why did my mother lock me in the room to study and practice calligraphy? I don't want to marry a nerd when I grow up."

Before she finished speaking, Ronger pulled her sleeves and showed a sweet and obedient smile to Xu Huizu: "Uncle, we just came out to enjoy the breeze. We will go back to the house right away."

Xu Huizu forced a smile and walked forward, leaving the two girls looking at each other and pouting.

Xu Miaojin glared at Xian'er: "Your father doesn't allow you to practice martial arts because he doesn't want you to marry a nerd in the future. Your mother just wants to scare you."

"Really?" Xian'er suddenly became happy, stretched out her hand to hold Xu Miaojin's arm, and said coquettishly, "Sister-in-law, my father listens to you the most. Please help me ask if I can stop reading and practicing calligraphy all the time in the future. "

Looking at Xian'er's expectant eyes, Xu Miaojin sighed helplessly. There was nothing he could do to her: "Okay, okay, I will ask my second brother, please let me go first."

"Okay." Xian'er quickly let go of her hand and jumped a few steps.

"Also, from now on, you two should stop running away all the time, you know?" Xu Miaojin warned with a straight face.

Ronger made a face again: "I know, sister-in-law, you are the most nagging."

After saying that, she took her sister's hand and ran towards the inner courtyard playfully, causing Xu Miaojin to stamp her feet.

When Xu Miaojin caught up with her elder brother and walked into the inner house, she passed through the hanging flower door and entered the flower hall. The hall was brightly lit and there were several people and children sitting at the table. When they saw the entrance, they all got up.

"Miaojin, come." An older woman greeted lovingly.

"Mother." Xu Miaojin walked to the woman and sat down. Her eyes fell on another empty chair. She was stunned for a moment, and then returned to her natural state.

The old woman is Xu Da's concubine, Sun, and the biological mother of Xu Da's second son, Xu Yingxu. As for the upright Mrs. Zhongshan Wang's Xie (the second daughter of Huaixi veteran Xie Zaixing, the wife and sister of Zhu Yuanzhang's nephew Zhu Wenzheng), she has already been married because of her nature. Arrogant and jealous, disrespectful in words and deeds, she was sentenced to death by Zhu Yuanzhang. Therefore, after Xu Da's death, although Sun was not the wife of the King of Zhongshan, she had a considerable status in the palace.

"What does this chair mean?"

Xu Huizu was embarrassed by being squeezed out of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion today and was in a very bad mood. He frowned and asked.

The wife of the second wife, Xu Yingxu, accompanied her and said cautiously: "The queen said that she might come back tonight to visit her relatives, and there will be no ceremony."

Xu Huizu was startled. Although the palace was very close to the Duke of Wei's residence, Queen Xu would certainly not be like ordinary people, returning to her parents' home to visit her. She must have something important to tell them this time.

Not long after, Xu Huizu saw his second brother Xu Yingxu back.

Xu Yingxu is the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Army. Because he is a commoner, he only has the hereditary title of commander. He is usually a cowardly and good-looking man. He did not participate in today's meeting of the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army, but at this time he looked happy. look.

"Brother!" Xu Yingxu shouted, looking at him excitedly.

Xu Miaojin sighed in her heart. Regardless of whether she is a legitimate child or a concubine, anyone who is not a fool will know that the Xu family is in a difficult situation now, and Xu Yingxu is a weakling. At this time, the eldest brother wants to be transferred to an outsider, so there is no reason to look happy.

"What's wrong?" Xu Huizu asked calmly, his tone a little cold.

Xu Yingxu said with a smile: "You left early, and I didn't see that the uncles of the Governor's Mansion were killed by the imperial master today."

"oh?"

Xu Huizu was stunned.

Those stinky Qiu Ba from the Yan Army were all dragged down like the King of Heaven. How could Jiang Xinghuo kill Wei Feng?

Xu Yingxu happily told the family the story he had heard from his close colleagues. Unlike Xu Huizu, the arrogant and arrogant eldest son of the King of Zhongshan, Xu Yingxu had no temper. On the contrary, there were actually several people in the Governor's Mansion of the Fifth Army. A good relationship that can be called a friend.

The current situation is sensitive. Wu Gao, the Marquis of Jiangyin, Wu Jie, the Marquis of Anlu, Zhang Jie, the Marquis of Fengxiang, and Lizhuang, the Marquis of Luancheng, the four second generations of the founders of Hongwu who followed Li Jinglong and Xu Huizu, also have a tendency to step aside. Therefore, , but did not dare to send people to Wei Guogong's house to report the news.

"I'm not targeting anyone here, I'm saying you are all rubbish."

When he heard Jiang Xinghuo's words relayed by Xu Yingxu, Xu Huizu couldn't help laughing, but then he became curious about how Jiang Xinghuo walked out of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion safely.

When Xu Yingxu talked about Jiang Xinghuo's war theory again, Xu Huizu fell into deep thought.

Binding a certain interest to one's own chariot, especially the binding of interests that cannot be separated, is an extremely effective temple method.

After all, Jiang Xinghuo had inspired new manufacturing capabilities, and if these mass-produced goods could not find dumping markets abroad, they would have a devastating impact on the private cotton textile industry in Ming Dynasty.

The general can not only solve this problem through military means, but also obtain meritorious service and dividends from product sales. It can be said that he is full of motivation. If the entire war model really proceeds like this, then it will not be long before Annan sees the benefits. The entire Ming Dynasty's distinguished military ministers class will be firmly bound to the reform. At that time, whoever opposes the reform will cut off the financial resources of all military generals.

Destroying people's wealth is like killing their parents. If they dare to kill their parents, then these military generals and their subordinate captains will dare to lead their troops with knives to kill the whole family of those who oppose the reform.

In other words, as long as Annan is defeated and goods can continue to be sold in exchange for a steady stream of profits, then the reform will have taken the second step and become completely invincible.

After listening to Xu Yingxu's story about military rank and how Jiang Xinghuo was sent out respectfully by the generals who were arrogant at first and respectful at the back, Xu Huizu burst into a rare smile and said after laughing.

"Are there any dividends from the Jiangnan cotton textile industry handicraft factory? Jingchang is in charge of public security there. I'll write to you later to ask."

Seeing that the owner of the house was in a much better mood, and the family members no longer looked sad, at this moment, a message from a servant came from outside.

Empress Xu took several maids and eunuchs with her and returned to her parents' home in a low-key manner without making any fuss.

However, there are still necessary rules. The middle door is wide open, and Wei Guogong Xu Huizu descends and bows to him.

"I've met the Queen."

Xu Huizu knelt on the ground, his voice slightly hoarse, "Your Majesty Xu Huizu respectfully welcomes the Queen."

"I'm going back to my hometown today to visit my family. It's not appropriate to make any noise. Please forgive me." Empress Xu gently opened her red lips and said softly. Her voice was as soft as water, but the power around her was quite solemn.

Obviously, from King Yan/Princess Yan to Emperor/Queen, the identity transformation in the past year has not only changed Zhu Di. The couple has completely adapted to the new identity and everything that matches it.

Xu Huizu stood up slowly, and everyone stood up one after another, standing on both sides.

After the salute was completed, Queen Xu felt much more at ease.

"They are all members of our family, let's go." Queen Xu said with a smile and walked towards the inner room.

Everyone followed closely behind and filed into the flower hall.

Queen Xu sat in the first seat, Mrs. Sun accompanied her in the second seat, and brothers and sisters such as Xu Huizu, Xu Yingxu and Xu Miaojin sat on both sides, but their identities were switched to the family banquet mode, commensurate with seniority.

"Let's have a bowl of bird's nest soup. I asked the kitchen to make it specially. It's very nourishing." Mrs. Sun said with a smile, holding up a small bowl of bird's nest and handing it to her.

"Thank you, mother (if you are not a biological child, if you are a biological child, you call me mother)."

Queen Xu nodded and said, but just put the bowl on the table in front of her.

"My eldest sister is going back to visit the family today. I don't know why?" Xu Huizu asked first after sitting down.

Empress Xu smiled and said: "I heard that a lot of things have happened recently, but brother, don't take it too seriously."

Xu Huizu smiled bitterly and said, "It's not my eldest brother's fault. Jingnan angered His Majesty, which led to the current situation of the Xu family. Fortunately, my eldest sister protected me."

Queen Xu nodded and glanced at everyone present. Xu Huizu was about to be transferred to the north. Xu Yingxu, who was born as a concubine, was neither expected to take the lead nor had the ability. The younger sister Xu Miaojin, Queen Xu shook her head slightly. Although Xu Miaojin was quite capable Talented, but after all, she is a girl, and there is no way to solve problems.

"It seems that I still need to give some tips to my elder brother." Queen Xu thought to herself.

Thinking of this, Queen Xu asked: "What does eldest brother think of the reform?"

Xu Huizu shook his head. He had no contact with Jiang Xinghuo, let alone understanding. It was just that he would not easily express his approval of the reform proposed by Jiang Xinghuo due to the inherent caution of the helmsman of the Duke of Wei.

Empress Xu couldn't say too much, so she could only say one sentence intentionally or unintentionally: "Cao Guogong will return from Japan next month. Cao Guogong is an old friend of the imperial master, and his attitude towards the reform has always been supportive. Hongwu Founding Honor Gui, most people should follow the lead of Wei and Cao. If by that time, some things will be too late."

Xu Huizu's almost hesitant caution was clearly demonstrated at this time. It was not clear to him that his eldest sister came with the emperor's wishes, but his instinct to obey order made him still undecided and clearly stated his support for the reform.

What's more, the opposition to the reform in the temple is so strong right now, and the reformists are obviously in an extremely disadvantageous situation.

This situation cannot be reversed by obtaining the support of noble military officials.

After all, most of the reforms involved administrative matters and rarely involved military matters.

Seeing Xu Huizu's appearance, Queen Xu also sighed in her heart, but she did not make it difficult for Xu Huizu to express his position. After all, Xu Huizu also had his own considerations and the Xu family was already in decline compared with before, but there was still Queen Xu. Backing up, even if someone is dissatisfied, they will not point the finger directly at the Xu family.

Queen Xu continued: "As long as we keep the foundation, we can always recover slowly."

As she said that, she moved her gaze to Xu Yingxu: "My second brother has been working as a sergeant in the Governor's Mansion of the Chinese Army for many years. He has worked hard even if he has no merit. I have told His Majesty that this time the evaluation of the general rank will be based on Qing Yu. You deserve to be evaluated."

"Sister, that's ridiculous. I'm just doing my duty." Xu Yingxu said modestly.

"Okay." Queen Xu paused and said, "I am here today to tell you some news."

As she said that, a smile appeared on Empress Xu's face: "Your Majesty has personally decided on the posthumous gift to the fourth brother (Xu Zengshou). He will be given to a military official who will inherit his father's business and be honest and upright. He will be promoted to Dr. Ronglu and Youzhu Kingdom, and he will be promoted to a noble title." He is the Duke of Dingguo, hereditary to his descendants, and his posthumous title is 'Zhongmin'. When the imperial decree comes down, Jingchang will ascend the title and become the Duke of Dingguo."

Everyone in the Xu family was undoubtedly very happy after hearing these words, especially Xu Huizu.

Although with the end of the Jingnan Campaign, the Xu family has lost its former status in the military, if they can have the treatment of "a family with two kingdoms", then the Xu family's influence will quickly return to its former glory. In its heyday, at least after Xu Huizu went north, he did not fall into too embarrassing a situation. As for the status of each house within the family, there is nothing to worry about for the time being. Xu Jingchang is the third generation of the Xu family and the eldest son of the fourth house. Xu Huizu, the second-generation eldest son, is still there.

The eyes of others also shone with tears of excitement. The Xu family was lonely, but now they finally saw hope of revitalization.

"Will Jingchang enter the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion, or lead the army outside?" Xu Miaojin suddenly asked.

"Jingchang has another appointment."

Empress Xu did not hide it from her family, and said directly: "The imperial master's reform in Jiangnan was very successful. The cotton textile industry was only the first industry. Later, steel, coal, and other real people Yuan and Zhang were engaged in 'Chemical industry', anyway, involves many industries. These new things are very different from the past. Private businessmen cannot take the lead in these matters. It is still the same as the voyage to the West. It must be done with the money of the royal family, clan, and nobles. Jingchang Not only is he a student of the Imperial Master, he is also a member of the noble circle, and he is also His Majesty’s nephew, so it is most appropriate for him to do this.”

Xu Huizu nodded clearly. Xu Jingchang's qualifications are so low that they are almost zero. He has no military exploits and is young. Even if he is a Duke, he will still be outclassed when he enters the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion. Instead, it is better to do something that requires specific candidates. The key errand can be regarded as a core linking figure and can play a greater role.

"Oh, by the way." Queen Xu turned to Xu Miaojin, "You also have errands."

"I also have an errand?" Xu Miaojin was stunned.

"When Cao Guogong returns to China, several figures from Japan will follow him to Nanjing for an audience. One of them is the prince of the Southern Dynasties of Japan. In other words, he is the princess (the king of Japan belongs to the prince level of the Ming Dynasty). He may go there then. Jiang Nan turned around and opened his eyes. Didn't you already say you wanted to go out to play? Let's go together then. This prince-in-law has the right to inherit. The Imperial Master told His Majesty that this woman can be the best excuse to start a war. one."

"Japanese!" Xian'er exclaimed, but Xu Yingxu's wife immediately covered her mouth.

It was okay that the little girl didn't say anything, but as soon as she spoke, Empress Xu suddenly thought of something again.

"When the emperor's eldest grandson reaches the age where he should enter school, in addition to a few enlightened Hanlin officials, His Majesty has also appointed a national teacher to take care of him. When the time comes, you can also be with him."

Ronger quietly hid behind her mother and was ruthlessly taken out.

"You have to go too."

Then I cried "Wow", but it was a pity that I couldn't shed any tears.

"There's no point in pretending to cry!"

Xu Miaojin knocked on her niece's head and immediately stopped the crying that lasted for a breath.

The meal was not finished, and it was almost time to finish talking. Queen Xu said to Xu Miaojin alone: ​​"Little sister, please accompany me on the way."

Xu Miaojin knew that her eldest sister had something to say to her, so she nodded knowingly.

After the two of them left the Duke of Wei's mansion and entered the jade chariot, Xu Miaojin sighed softly: "Sister."

Queen Xu stretched out her hand to hold her down and interrupted her: "Don't worry, listen to me and tell you slowly."

Seeing that Queen Xu looked serious, it was obvious that this was not a joke, so Xu Miaojin immediately agreed.

After Xu Miaojin nodded, Queen Xu explained everything that had happened so far.

"Your Majesty supports the reform, but your eldest brother is stubborn and too cautious. If the Xu family wants to restore its past glory, it is not just Jingchang who has to do things. Your Majesty and I also wanted to arrange a marriage between you and Jiang Xinghuo. , but Jiang Xinghuo is a banished immortal, and he wants to be a saint in the human world, and even a noble girl is not what he wants. I am here to ask you what you think today, after all, forceful melons are not sweet."

Although Xu Miaojin has always been very well-behaved and sensible during the days when the Xu family lost power, her character is actually more like her father, General Xu Da, and she is also a bit stubborn.

In normal times, no matter how difficult it is, she will do her best for the sake of her family, but when it comes to her own future, she must be cautious.

Seeing the vague hesitation on Xu Miaojin's face, Queen Xu shook her head.

"Little sister, you are also the legitimate daughter of the Xu family. If you don't want to, no one will force you."

Xu Miaojin lowered his head silently.

Empress Xu saw the guilt and self-blame on her little sister's face, so she gave her gentle words of advice.

"Actually, I can't blame you for this. No one thought that things would turn out like this. Originally, in the 30th year of Hongwu, Emperor Taizu Gao should have proposed you to the prince in marriage. Unfortunately, something happened at that time. Jingnan caused chaos and was delayed for another four years. Now it depends on what you want."

Xu Miaojin bit her lip and said: "Guo and Jiang Xinghuo are certainly the most rare and elegant people I have ever seen. They are knowledgeable and have talents that can be regarded as the best in the world. Even in person, they are extremely handsome and have an appearance that can be called... The God of Wind has eight sides, but I always feel that he is very distant. People admire him but cannot get close to him, let alone start a family and live together."

Queen Xu was slightly startled and asked, "Why is this?"

"just like"

Xu Miaojin thought for a while and then said: "Just like the old monk Dao Yan, he doesn't ask for anything. Worldly fame and fortune are like floating clouds. His life is unreal. Maybe people's knowledge has reached this level. This is the case in every situation."

Queen Xu nodded and said, "Jingchang told me that what the Imperial Master seeks is not good family members, but people who are on the same journey."

"My fellow travelers, where is he going? What is he doing?"

"I don't know either."

Queen Xu shook her head and said, "Maybe you can ask the old monk. You should be able to get the answer from him."

Xu Miaojin was silent for a long time, and finally nodded slowly and agreed.

Seeing this, Queen Xu touched the top of her younger sister's hair happily: "In any case, my Xu family's daughter has no reason to worry about not being able to get married. If the answer you get from the old monk is not what you want, elder sister will give you some advice." You just choose the person.”

"Well, thank you, eldest sister." Xu Miaojin looked up at Queen Xu, "eldest sister, you are tired too. Go back to the palace and rest early."

Queen Xu nodded slightly: "Yes."

When Xu Miaojin left the jade chariot, Queen Xu's expression immediately darkened.

Although what she said just now was meant to encourage the younger sister, it was more about paving the way for the Xu family in the future. Queen Xu's health was getting worse and worse.

Although she is a queen, there are some things that she cannot change at all. She sees the fight between the eldest and the second oldest for the heirloom, and if the younger sister successfully marries Jiang Xinghuo, the reform will overwhelm the conflict over the heirloom, and she As the queen of Muyi Tianxia, ​​life will be much more comfortable. In the future, the Xu family will completely re-establish its status with the success of the reform.

In this way, even if I can't protect the Xu family in the future, with Jiang Xinghuo's help, the Xu family will not be reduced to the state it has been in the past two years.

However, as expected, Xu Miaojin, who turned down a street and went to visit the old monk at the Rongguo Palace, also missed the opportunity.

——————

Jingxing Academy, Jiangning Town, Yingtianfu.

Yao Guangxiao, who mysteriously disappeared, got off the carriage and looked at the plaque of the academy. It was easy to think of the origin of the name of the academy. It was not from the "Mountains look up and the scenery stops" in "The Book of Songs·Xiaoya·Chejia", but from The last sentence of "Poems of Zhao Family's Luoshan Academy", "What you see is what you see, what you see is what you do" is also some kind of memory of the owner of the academy who was the dean of Luoshan Academy.

Sure enough, as I stepped across the threshold and into the academy, the sound of reading loudly lingered in my ears.

"Chinese studies are in the country, and rural schools are in the countryside. In Sui, it is called Xu, and in the party, it is called Xiang.

During the Yu, Xia, Yin and Zhou Dynasties, the system was very detailed. The family also has a private school for cultivation and storage.

If you have been raised for a long time, you will never know it. He became a scholar at the bottom, and a prince at the top.

There is always a teacher who can support you. Human beings and the like rely on this to survive."

Yao Guangxiao said "heh".

"Tsunajo Mingjiao."

After walking through the corridor, in front of him was the lobby of the academy. Yao Guangxiao was about to continue walking forward when he was blocked by a girl in plain clothes: "Master, who are you looking for? But what's the matter?"

Seeing the girl's delicate face, Yao Guangxiao's heart moved slightly: "My surname is Yao. I was invited by your grandfather to attend the meeting."

The girl didn't seem to expect that the old man in front of her was the legendary figure and the "Monk" in the students' mouth. She opened her eyes wide in surprise and waited for a while before speaking: "Oh, that's it, then please come with me. Bar."

The two of them headed towards the backyard from the other side, and after a while, they arrived at a quiet and unique pavilion.

The trees outside the pavilion are lush and green, and moss covers the stone steps. A gust of wind blows by, making a rustling sound. There are bamboo tables, bamboo chairs, and some potted flowers and plants placed in the pavilion.

There was only one person sitting in the pavilion, with his back to the two of them.

Hearing the footsteps, the man turned around slowly, revealing an old face, looking like he was in his seventies or eighty years.

Of course Yao Guangxiao recognized him. The person in front of him was Gao Xunzhi, a figure who is as big as Mount Taishan and Beidou in the Ming Dynasty Confucian circles.

Gao Xunzhi, courtesy name Shimin and nickname Si'an, was a native of Xiaoxian County, Xuzhou. In the late Yuan Dynasty, he was the dean of Luoshan Academy. During the Hongwu Dynasty, he entered the Imperial Academy and was responsible for compiling the history of the Yuan Dynasty. In the second year of Jianwen, he was moved to the Ministry of Civil Affairs and co-chaired the examination with Dong Lun, who had resigned. In that session, Yang Rong, Yang Pu, Jin Youzi and others , are all students of Gao Xunzhi.

In the world of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, Cao Duan, who was called "the crown of Confucianism in the early Ming Dynasty" by later generations and could be single-handedly biographed in the "History of the Ming Dynasty", was currently giving lectures in Heluo and had not left the mountain.

Therefore, in the Ming Dynasty Confucian circles, almost no one can rival this eighty-year-old man.

Gao Xunzhi was considered gentle and gentle back then. Although he is old now, he still has the temperament of a Confucian, and there is a certain calmness and righteousness in his every move, which makes people feel sad.

The girl in plain clothes retreated, leaving only the two of them talking.

"The master is sailing away, but the swallows are empty guarding the beams. When the fruits are ripe, no one picks them, but they are left for passers-by to taste."

"Brother Yao, I haven't seen you for many years. How are you?"

Yao Guangxiao couldn't tell that this poem was a subtle insinuation that Emperor Yongle, the "swallow", occupied the magpie's nest, while Emperor Jianwen, the "master", had already left.

"My health is still good, but it's a pity that the ten friends of Beiguo have already withered away."

Yao Guangxiao walked to the table, picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of tea for Gao Xunzhi, poured another cup for himself, took a sip, and praised: "Good tea!"

Mentioning the acquaintance back then, Gao Xunzhi's eyes flashed with sadness, and he couldn't help but recall the situation back then. However, he was not an ordinary person after all, and he quickly calmed down.

"Since Brother Yao is here, why don't you inform me so that you can fulfill your friendship as a landlord?"

Gao Xunzhi said calmly, with a distant tone in his tone.

Yao Guangxiao sighed: "If I informed you, Brother Gao might not have time to receive me."

Both of them remained silent in tacit agreement.

After a while, Gao Xunzhi raised his head and asked, "Brother Yao, what is the purpose of coming here this time?"

"I came here this time to confirm something."

Yao Guangxiao kept his eyes on the old friend in front of him, took a deep breath, and finally said.

"Brother Gao, you are deeply appreciated by Emperor Jianwen. If I am not mistaken, the plaque of 'Lectures and Prosecutions' given by Emperor Jianwen was hanging in your academy just now. The Yan army crossed the river. As the Minister of Taichang Temple, Hang up your crown and leave. Some people say that you will be a hungry man in Xishan like Boyi Shuqi, and you will never be willing to serve as an official again."

"Now there is a sudden storm in the temple. Do you have any involvement in this?"