Chapter 835 924 Asking for Advice

The capital of the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City, Ciqing Palace.

Tonight, Empress Chen invited Concubine Li to dine with the young emperor Zhu Yijun and Prince of Lu Zhu Yiliu. I wonder if it was because of the shock today.

However, the emperor was young, and his brother, Prince of Lu Zhu Yiliu, was even younger. He was only two years old this year, so he naturally could not sit at the table. He just stood aside in the arms of the eunuch.

Empress Chen was not polite to other concubines of Emperor Longqing, but she was completely different to Concubine Li, who could leave blood for the emperor, not to mention that Concubine Li was once her personal maid.

If it weren't for this relationship, Emperor Longqing, who was still Prince of Yu, would not have succeeded.

Every drink and every bite was probably destined by heaven.

Among the sons of Emperor Longqing, only Concubine Li's two princes grew up safely, while the other two died young.

This can also be regarded as a royal family banquet. Although there are not many people, it is a happy family.

Food is the most important thing for the people. The Chinese nation has a deep research on food since ancient times.

During the Ming Dynasty, the emperors represented by the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang also had their own characteristics and preferences in terms of diet.

Ming Dynasty cuisine is mainly Anhui-style. The ancestral home of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang is Anhui, so many delicacies are also mainly Anhui-style.

During the Ming Dynasty, the staple food was mainly divided by the Huaihe River. The south of the Huaihe River was mainly rice, and the north of the Huaihe River was mainly steamed buns and pancakes.

Anhui's terrain is relatively special, and under the unique geographical environment, many unique delicacies have been produced.

In the early Ming Dynasty, there was frugality but no lack of meat dishes. The new regime had just been established. At this time, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang mainly ate coarse tea and light meals. The vegetarian dishes that often appeared on the table included dandelions, sorghum cakes, millet cakes, beans, etc.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang advocated frugality, meat dishes were still indispensable, such as braised pig's trotters, stir-fried prawns, boiled fish, etc., which often appeared on the table.

In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, the cooking process became more complicated. The diet of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty was significantly improved. Chicken, duck, fish and meat appeared on the emperor's table almost every day.

As the treasury was full, the emperor's taste was no longer limited to steaming, boiling, frying and stewing. A large number of excellent folk chefs were introduced to make exquisite and delicious dishes.

Each dish was processed and cooked with a unique process, which not only retained the freshness of the original ingredients, but also gave full play to the advantages of the chefs and met the needs of the emperor.

Many ingredients were made by frying, grilling and other means, and a large number of spices were integrated, such as tiger skin meat, Langya crispy candy, big roast goose, etc.

Although these foods are similar to today's junk food, they have become the favorites of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty, and many ministers and eunuchs have followed suit and become "foodies" in the Ming Dynasty.

"Nanjing Guanglu Temple Records" records the meals of several emperors in the early Ming Dynasty, from Zhu Yuanzhang to Zhu Di, with detailed records.

Of course, each emperor had different food preferences. For example, Emperor Yongle liked to eat shad, and he "expressed" shad from Nanjing to Beijing; Emperor Longqing liked to eat donkey intestines, and it is said that Emperor Chongzhen, who pursued "thriftiness", preferred to eat bird's nest.

Shad is distributed in the East China Sea and the South China Sea of ​​my country. It is a migratory fish. From April to June every year, it migrates to the freshwater rivers of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to spawn and reproduce, and returns to the sea after spawning.

In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Guo Pu's annotations to "Er Ya Zhushu" said: "馦, dangxiao, is a sea fish. It is similar to bream but with large scales, fat and many 鲲."

Here, "馦" and "魱" both refer to shad, and "鲠" refers to fish bones. This sentence shows that shad has a plump belly. Although the fish body has many thorns, the meat is delicious.

In order to satisfy his appetite, Emperor Yongle ordered the construction of a shad factory in Nanjing, i.e. a shad "express" station, to deliver shad to Beijing after the capital was moved to Beijing.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the shad factory was managed by the eunuchs of Nanjing garrison, who were responsible for the salvage and transportation of shad.

Since shad die soon after leaving the Yangtze River, and Nanjing and Beijing are more than a thousand miles apart, it takes more than a month to ship, so effective preservation measures for shad are extremely important.

When it comes to the young emperor Zhu Yijun, he seems to have restored the preferences of his ancestors. The young emperor also showed his love for shad, instead of liking to eat donkey intestines like his father.

So, Nanjing has started to pay tribute to the capital with shad in the past two years.

Today, it happens to be the day when the first batch of shad caught in April arrives in Beijing, and naturally it is placed in front of the young emperor Zhu Yijun.

"My son, eat slowly, be careful of the thorns."

Hils are delicious but have many thorns, so you have to be careful when eating them, otherwise you will be easily stabbed.

Later, Zhang Ailing said in her essay "A Nightmare in the Red Chamber" that there are three major regrets in life, "One is that the crabapple has no fragrance, the second is that the shad has bones, and the third is that the Red Chamber is unfinished."

So at this moment, when Empress Chen saw the little Zhu Yijun eating the fish in a hurry, she hurriedly warned him.

Although Concubine Li was Zhu Yijun's biological mother, in this era, the mother was the eldest, so she could not have other thoughts and could only watch happily from the side.

After all, her son has been favored by the mother for a long time. When the child was just born, Concubine Chen spoiled the child so much that she had long been accustomed to it.

She could only thank the Bodhisattva and the gods in her heart quietly. At that time, she hoped that Concubine Chen would not give birth to a son, so that her son's position in the heart of the princess would not be shaken.

Now she has fulfilled her wish and her son has ascended to the throne.

For her son, this is nothing.

"Your Highness, Eunuch Feng outside wants to see you."

At this time, the maid of Ciqing Palace came in to report.

"What's the matter? Did you tell me?"

Empress Chen was annoyed when she saw Feng Bao. She was really frightened by his words and really didn't want to see this person.

"I don't know. I didn't say anything. He looked very anxious."

The palace maid replied.

Queen Chen and Concubine Li looked at each other and knew something must have happened, so they had no choice but to let him in.

"Mother, it's not good, it's not good."

As soon as he entered the palace, Feng Bao shouted without any discernment.

"What's the matter? You're whining like this."

Concubine Li said angrily.

After being reminded by Concubine Li, Feng Bao felt rude and hurriedly paid a visit to Empress Chen. After meeting with the Emperor and Concubine Li, he said: "I just received the news that Mr. Zhang Ge fell ill on the way back to Beijing."

"What's wrong with him?"

When she heard that Zhang Juzheng was ill, Queen Chen became anxious. Before she could speak, she heard Concubine Li next to her asking first.

Now Zhang Juzheng is not ill. If Gao Gong has second thoughts, how can they stabilize the outer court without Zhang Juzheng.

“I don’t know yet, but a doctor has already looked at it and heard that it might be heatstroke.

Mr. Zhang Ge has been patrolling around the Zhaoling construction site these days. It is so hot today, so I think it is very possible. "

Feng Bao said.

Heat stroke is not a small problem. Generally, it is uncomfortable to feel chest tightness and shortness of breath. But when it reaches the point of fainting, it is a serious problem and at least requires a period of recovery.

"Where is Master Zhang? Have you returned to the capital?"

The little emperor Zhu Yijun asked at this moment, "Let the imperial doctor from the Taiyuan Hospital take a look at it and treat it carefully."

"After Mr. Zhang Ge fell ill, he was put on a carriage and went into the city back to Zhang's mansion. I immediately went to send the imperial doctor over for diagnosis and treatment."

Feng Bao stood up in a hurry and was about to go out to deliver the order.

Well, what the little emperor said is the will, otherwise it is said that the ancient emperors spoke of the Constitution of Heaven.

If you say it, it will be transmitted.

"Wait a minute, you will also report the situation in the mansion over there later. I want to know if there is another banquet there tonight, and who is being hosted?"

Queen Chen suddenly stopped Feng Bao and gave instructions.

"Yes, in honor of your Majesty's decree, I will ask you now."

Feng Bao replied hurriedly.

After Feng Bao went out, Queen Chen stopped the little emperor Zhu Yijun, who was in a daze, and told him to continue eating.

The little emperor didn't know anything at this time, so he quickly transferred his energy to the sumptuous meal on the table, while Empress Chen and Concubine Li were a little uninterested and no longer in the mood to enjoy the delicious meal.

Feng Bao left Ciqing Palace and sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to find the imperial doctor, while he waited outside the palace gate.

After they arrived, they went to visit Zhang Juzheng's residence together.

Yes, he wanted to visit Zhang Juzheng in person and ask what to do next, so that the two nobles in the palace could make up their minds to get rid of Gao Gong.

After all, women are somewhat hesitant in doing things.

After Gao Gong's repeated attacks, Feng Bao was determined to fight Gao Gong to death, and now Queen Chen was also dissatisfied with Gao Gong, which seemed to be an opportunity.

Of course, he didn't forget to inquire about the current situation in Gao Gong's house.

Dongchang does not have a special espionage system, and relies on the intelligence personnel stationed in various mansions by Jin Yiwei to spy on secrets.

However, it didn't matter. After all, it was news that the nobles in the palace wanted to inquire about, so they informed Xu Jue directly and asked him to use the Queen's name to mobilize the Jin Yiwei people to investigate.

Sitting on the carriage heading to Zhang's Mansion, Feng Bao was still thinking about this.

It would be best if Gao Gong could say something treacherous again tonight. After spying on the news through the Jin Yiwei, he reported it to the palace himself, and soon everything was done.

No matter how much the Empress cares about her old minister, she will never condone the traitor and let Gao Gong, the traitor, continue to sit on the throne of chief minister.

At this time, in Gao Gong's mansion, Gao Gong was also making arrangements for his confidants: "Tomorrow morning, Liu Ke Yanguan will try his best to go to Huangji Gate. This matter cannot be stopped until Feng Bao is punished in the palace. .

If the palace still hasn’t made a decision tomorrow, then I will mobilize more people in the court to report the matter and put pressure on both sides. I am not afraid that the empress will not agree."

In Gao Gong's view, forcing the palace to punish the eunuchs might make Empress Chen dissatisfied, but he also had to take action when the arrow was ready.

He had already offended the eunuch, and the eunuch was known to retaliate, so Feng Bao had to be killed at once, otherwise there would be endless troubles.

In the palace, the officials from Liu Ke Lang went to force the palace to force Empress Chen to give in, while she mobilized the officials from outside the court to respond. They cooperated internally and externally, so there was no need to worry about the failure of the major event.

In the hall, Gao Gongzhi was so proud that he let his disciples drink happily.

In his opinion, although the palace did not issue an order to punish Feng Bao today, Queen Chen had been frightened by the officials and it was only a matter of time before she agreed to the conditions.

But what he didn't know was that standing outside the hall, an inconspicuous boy was pretending to be nonchalant, listening carefully to the conversation inside, and keeping these words in his heart.

"Mr. Ge suffered a mild heatstroke because the weather was sultry and he inspected the construction site under the scorching sun.

Fainting is actually caused by overexertion.

If it hadn't been for this trip, it would have only accumulated in the body, waiting for it to explode, which would not be a good thing.

Speaking of which, Mr. Zhang Ge was a blessing in disguise this time. As long as he takes good care of himself for some time, his body will recover and he will become healthier. "

Outside Zhang Juzheng's bedroom, the imperial doctor was telling the Zhang family and Feng Bao about the pulse diagnosis.

"Because I am busy with government affairs, I already have hidden illnesses. I have been running around the construction site for days. I also had a slight heat stroke, so I fainted. As long as I rest for a few days, I will be fine."

Feng Bao repeated it again according to his own understanding.

This is to report back to the palace and avoid mistakes.

"That's it. Mr. Zhang Ge only needs to rest. If he takes the prescription I wrote, he will be fine."

The imperial doctor twirled his beard and smiled.

"Butler You, ask someone to get some medicine."

Feng Bao said to the steward of the Zhang family who was accompanying him.

"Is it okay if I go in and have a few words with Mr. Zhang Ge?"

Feng Bao asked the imperial doctor again.

"It shouldn't take too long."

The imperial doctor nodded and replied.

After receiving the letter, Feng Bao naturally stepped into Zhang Juzheng's room.

At first, Feng Bao really didn't dare to set foot there without being diagnosed and treated by an imperial doctor. He was also worried that Zhang Juzheng might have contracted something unclean from Zhaoling, and that he would also get it if he went in there.

"Mr. Ge, are you feeling better?"

Feng Bao came to Zhang Juzheng's bed and called softly.

Zhang Juzheng was resting with his eyes slightly closed, but when he heard the voice of a male duck, he opened his eyes and saw that it was Feng Bao.

He knew that Feng Baolai had come to the house, and the imperial doctors had come out, so he smiled and said, "It's okay to worry about it. It's not in the way."

"The empress knew that Mr. Ge was ill and was anxious, so she asked the Za family to come and see Mr. Ge."

Feng Bao smiled.

"Thank you for your trouble, please Eunuch Feng. Please return to the palace to report. I'm in good health. I just need to rest for a few days."

Zhang Juzheng hurriedly expressed that he was fine.

After a while of greetings, Feng Bao also explained his intention.

"Mr. Zhang Ge, must you know what happened at Huangjimen today? Gao Gong showed no mercy to the Za family. Please teach me, sir."

"Haha, what did Eunuch Feng say to the nobles in the palace?"

Although Zhang Juzheng still felt uncomfortable in his chest, he still cheered up and asked.

"When Xu Jue brought your husband back the day before yesterday, the Za family seemed to understand what he meant."

At this time, Feng Bao suddenly changed his address to Zhang Juzheng from Mr. Ge to Mr. to show his respect for him.

"After what happened outside Huangji Gate today, I think I am convinced."

Zhang Juzheng forced a smile and asked.

"Queen Chen still has some concerns, but Concubine Li has already approved it."

Feng Bao replied.

"Your Majesty doesn't know?"

Zhang Juzheng frowned when he heard this.

"His Majesty was not there at the time."

"Your Majesty must know about this."

Zhang Juzheng thought about it and said, "Although His Majesty has ascended the throne, he is still young after all, so he should be very scared.

Since His Majesty is worried, I think the two empresses do not want to see His Majesty having trouble sleeping and eating. "

Having said this, Zhang Juzheng looked up at Feng Bao again and said, "Since the palace has agreed to consider this matter today, I think tomorrow Gao Gong will ask the Liuke Yanguan to go to Huangjimen to ask for the results, and even mobilize foreign officials to ask for the results." All officials from the court participated, making the momentum even greater.

Among them, it cannot be the spontaneous formation of hundreds of officials, there must be a series of connections."

Feng Bao left Zhang Juzheng's house without staying in Zhang Juzheng's house for too long, and hurried back to the palace to recover.