Chapter 362: Zhang Juzheng

Year 1553 AD, era name changed to Longqing,

And the "debauched" Ming Muzong from history also went online early.

Regarding this emperor who reigned for only six years, many people in history didn't know much.

But during Ming Muzong's reign, he did two things: the Longqing Opening of the Seas, and the Anda Tribute!

In other words, this emperor lifted the sea ban.

So why was his reign only...?

After all, opening the sea ban was equivalent to stabbing the lungs of the southern wealthy merchants!

You've stabbed a knife into someone's heart; if they don't get rid of you, they truly have no temper!

Why Zhang Cheng couldn't get along with Lin Ken and insisted on smashing his skull was because this bastard Lin Ken didn't follow the rules of martial arts; he wanted to liberate the black slaves, which was equivalent to treating the Far East Group and the southern plantation owners as "white fools"!

Not only did they not buy sunflower seeds, but they also wanted to plunder their "wealth"—wasn't this looking for death?

Therefore, Lin Ken's skull was smashed by Zhang Cheng and the southern plantation owners, to the point where it couldn't even be put back together!

In the hall filled with high-ranking officials,

The former Prince of Yu, now the Longqing Emperor, roared angrily: "Lu Bing, why hasn't the Gao Gong matter been investigated clearly!"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, regarding this matter, the Embroidered Uniform Guard truly found no clues; Lord Gao seems to have vanished into thin air!"

Looking at the Longqing Emperor before him, Lu Bing was also quite troubled.

Because as the Longqing Emperor's teacher, Gao Gong's status was extremely high, but the problem was, it was time for the settlement, and Gao Gong was gone!

Yes, the kind of gone where he just disappeared; Lu Bing had almost turned the entire capital upside down, but he just couldn't find where Gao Gong was!

If Gao Gong were a hermit master, Lu Bing would have accepted it.

But the problem was, Gao Gong wasn't!

He became the Prince of Yu's teacher just to wait for the day he could enter the cabinet!

But now, Gao Gong was gone; not only was the Longqing Emperor furious, but Lu Bing was the same, because he could leave, but couldn't he leave a letter?

"What are you Embroidered Uniform Guards good for!"

Speaking in anger, the Longqing Emperor couldn't help but scold.

But just at this moment, Zhang Cheng hurriedly cupped his hands and stepped out: "Your Majesty, this subject has something to report!"

"Lord Zhang, speak!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, the Longqing Emperor's temper subsided slightly.

After all, when he successfully ascended the throne, the contributions of Zhang Cheng and Zhang Juzheng were real!

Zhang Cheng blocked the officials and sent people to block his brother at his front door; otherwise, given Jiajing's situation at the time, it really wasn't certain who would have become emperor!

"Your Majesty, the General of Kyushu Island, in order to congratulate you on your ascension, has specially sent two hundred 'show maidens'!"

Speaking to the Longqing Emperor before him, Zhang Cheng smiled.

"Oh, is that so? It seems there are still people among the Japanese slaves who are loyal to the Great Ming!"

Speaking with a face full of smiles, Longqing then said: "Leave this matter to the Ministry of Rites to handle!"

"Your Majesty, this subject believes that with a new emperor ascending the throne, we should order the surrounding vassal states to pay tribute, otherwise we cannot manifest the might of our Great Ming!"

Looking at the Longqing Emperor before him, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but raise his head.

"Let's discuss this matter later, Lord!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng's face full of fighting spirit, the Longqing Emperor was also quite frightened.

Because just two days ago, Zhang Cheng had already spoken to him about this, but the Longqing Emperor didn't want to fight a war!

"Today we are discussing one thing: the vacancy in the cabinet. I intend to promote Minister of Rites Zhang Juzheng into the cabinet; does anyone have any objections?"

Looking at the officials below, the Longqing Emperor asked.

And hearing this, the officials' faces revealed expressions of understanding.

Because Zhang Juzheng's entry into the cabinet was already a foregone conclusion; trying to stop it wouldn't have any effect and would only offend people!

After the morning court, wearing a second-rank scarlet robe, Zhang Cheng walked toward the Imperial Study.

Walking together, Zhang Juzheng turned his head: "Now that everything is waiting to be done, why do you wish to provoke border conflicts?"

"The matter of opening the seas must be accelerated; we don't have much time!"

Looking at Zhang Juzheng beside him, Zhang Cheng turned serious.

"The prime of life is still here, how can you say there's no time?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Zhang Juzheng was puzzled.

"Is it possible that by engaging in petty politics in the imperial court, we can get things done? A month ago, the Yellow River burst its banks, countless people were displaced, food was scarce—how long has this been argued about? How much longer must this go on?" Looking at Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Cheng was also unhappy.

Because this matter should have been handled quickly, but because the appointment of the imperial envoy had been undecided, it caused a delay.

And in terms of money and food, Jiajing truly hadn't saved any money!

If it weren't for the Iwami Silver Mine and the Kai gold that Zhang Cheng had conquered, the Ming Dynasty would be in a state of total chaos now!

According to his idea, if there's not enough money, rob; if there's not enough food, "borrow"!

The neighbor hoards food, I hoard guns; the neighbor is my granary!

You've called yourselves the Celestial Empire for so many years, but when the Celestial Empire asks to borrow something, you hem and haw—are you not giving face?

Judah: The Bible is the map, do you recognize it?

Rabbit: Wait, I...

South Asian countries: Damn it, wait for what, your ancestors are gone, but my ancestors are still here!

"Look, you're anxious again!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Zhang Juzheng said: "You just can't calm your mood? We can't do things so anxiously!"

"I receive the decree in the morning, I set out in the afternoon, and I can attack South Asia in the evening—you tell me who's anxious?"

Looking at Zhang Juzheng beside him, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but say: "Don't say I didn't warn you, the food in South Asian countries is harvested three times a year!"

"How many harvests?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng in shock, Zhang Juzheng opened his eyes wide in astonishment.

!. Read

"Three harvests!"

Looking at Zhang Juzheng with annoyance, Zhang Cheng retorted.

"Then why didn't you say so earlier? Let's go, we'll go see His Majesty now, but this battle can only be won, not lost!"

Dragging Zhang Cheng forward, Zhang Juzheng was also panicked.

"Look, you're anxious!"

Looking at Zhang Juzheng's appearance, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but retort.

"If we don't hurry, we won't make it for the spring planting! What do you know!"

Speaking to Zhang Cheng, Zhang Juzheng roared.

In the Imperial Study, the Longqing Emperor looked at the show maidens before him and stroked his chin: "Hmm, not bad!"

But just at this moment, Jia Jingzhong entered: "Your Majesty, Lord Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Xinzhi request an audience!"

Looking at the Longqing Emperor before him, Jia Jingzhong hurriedly spoke.

"Proclaim them!"

Waving his hand, the Longqing Emperor stroked his chin: "This Zhang Xinzhi is very good at conducting himself; it's no wonder he holds a high position at such a young age. It makes sense that the late Emperor liked such important officials!"

Two hundred show maidens, and all with exotic flair—never mind anything else, he, the Longqing Emperor, would give a thumbs up first!

But after Zhang Cheng and Zhang Juzheng arrived, the Longqing Emperor was shocked: "What, three harvests? But wouldn't that be too..."

"Your Majesty, this subject hasn't read many books! So, to some extent, I have no benevolence or righteousness!"

Looking at the Longqing Emperor, Zhang Cheng almost told him clearly: at a time like this, why talk about rules!

"Lord Zhang's words are reasonable! He truly hasn't read many books!"

Hearing Zhang Cheng's words, Zhang Juzheng also hurriedly nodded.

And seeing that both of them were on the same side, the Longqing Emperor still intended to say something, but Zhang Cheng hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, South Asian women are also very beautiful, and they are also moist..."

"Issue the decree, issue the decree! The chaos in Lingnan is something We haven't settled with them yet; they actually dare to anger the might of the Celestial Empire—do they really think We are just for show?"

Roaring, the Longqing Emperor couldn't help but scold.

And watching this scene, Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhang Cheng in shock, because this guy truly knew how to grasp the Emperor's thoughts!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 363 =====