Chapter 6 find another way
Although three days ago, Tan Tai had a closed door, but Chen Mingxia did not give up his plan to go to the south of the Yangtze River to succeed Prince Yu Duoduo.Of course, he stopped looking for Tan Tai for the time being, and instead followed the way of Hong Chengchou, a scholar of the inner courtyard.This Hong Chengchou was originally the Crown Prince Taibao of the Ming Dynasty and the Governor of Jiliao with the title of Minister of the Ministry of War. He was once famous for his outstanding achievements in fighting against the peasant army, and was deeply relied on by Emperor Chongzhen.Three years ago, he fought against the Qing Dynasty on the Songshan and Jinzhou lines outside Shanhaiguan, but failed and was captured.At that time, people expected that he would die for his country, but he finally chose to defect and surrender.This widely spread incident had a great impact on the Ming Dynasty.Perhaps because of this reason, and naturally because of his reputation and talent, Hong Chengchou was also very respected and valued by the Qing court. He often participated in the decision-making of major military affairs, and became a very talkative figure in front of the regent Dorgon.Obviously, with the support and recommendation of this person, Chen Mingxia's plot also has the hope of being realized.However, there was another reason why Chen Mingxia decided to follow Hong Chengchou's way. This was Sun Zhixie's unauthorized shaving and modification. The so-called "reason" for refusing to meet him turned out to be none other than thinking that he didn't follow Sun Zhixie's example, so he also wanted to shave his hair and modify it!This caused Chen Mingxia to be astonished, and had to turn around and try to figure out whether the higher-ups really had such intentions.However, even so, he still insists that it is absolutely impossible to completely put aside the prejudice of "the distinction between Hua and Barbarians" and just think about the Qing Dynasty.Therefore, when he came to meet Hong Chengchou today, he still had a plan to speak to this powerful figure...
Now, with the sound of steady footsteps coming from the corridor outside the flower hall, Hong Chengchou's familiar figure finally came into Chen Mingxia's eyes.
The senior official, known for his ability and poise, was a thin man in his fifties.He has the typical high cheekbones and sunken eye sockets of a Southerner.The whole face can't be called handsome, but it has an air of elegance and wisdom.The most peculiar match is the eyes and eyebrows: his eyebrows are thick and black, dragging horizontally like a broom, but his eyes are thin and small, and they always seem to be unable to open them.This makes people think that he should be a man who dares to kill and is quite resourceful; on the other hand, he often secretly doubts the accuracy of this judgment.Of course, this may just be because the well-known former frontier official was suffering from a serious eye disease.Hong Chengchou surrendered before the Qing Dynasty entered the customs, so he had shaved off his hair, put on braids, and dressed in the same style as a Manchurian official.
"The old man is in vain, what can I learn?"
After finishing the usual salutes and sitting down among the guests and hosts, Hong Chengchou took out a handkerchief from the narrow sleeve commonly known as "horseshoe sleeve", looked at the guests inquiringly, and asked questions in Mandarin with a strong southern Hokkien accent.
"Oh, don't dare!" Chen Mingxia hurriedly arched his hands and said respectfully, and then noticed that the other party had raised his handkerchief to wipe his red eyes, and asked with concern: "My lord, I don't know what's wrong with you..."
"Oh, it's okay!" Hong Chengchou waved his hand, "It's a mild case of scabies, I've been sent to the doctor for consultation, and it will be fine in a few days!" After answering this way, he closed his mouth, obviously not wanting to worry about this question. It's a waste of time.
Chen Mingxia was aware of the other party's taboo, but still said: "Please take care of yourself!" Then he lowered his head slightly, not looking into the other party's eyes, and said: "Students know that adults take everything, if there is nothing important, I really dare not come to the door suddenly - just because there is a matter at present, which is related to the national plan. The students have been thinking about it for several days. Only come to see the adults for advice, and pray for detailed guidance!"
"Oh?" Probably Chen Mingxia said these few words quite solemnly, and Hong Chengchou's expression became more focused, "I don't know what kind of thing the old man wants to meet the teacher?"
Chen Mingxia cupped his hands again, said "Don't dare", then leaned forward and said: "Recently, what the students are worrying about is the situation in the south of the Yangtze River. How to deal with it in the future is the best policy. After the Dingding was established in Beijing, the military power came, and the bandits collapsed and scattered in the western frontier. It was already a ghost fire, and it was difficult to become a climate. Nanjing resisted the order for more than a year, and finally surrendered. In the next year, it will surely be accomplished. In the future, it is time to stop martial arts and cultivate literature, plan for restoration and reconstruction, and start the great cause of the holy pilgrimage. However, the country has been war-torn and dilapidated. Although there are grand plans, the national treasury is empty and the people It's unbearable, I'm afraid it's hard to hope that the skin kung fu will be performed as soon as possible!"
After saying these few words, he deliberately paused.Finding that Hong Chengchou listened with lowered eyes, without any indication, he cleared his throat, and continued:
"Nowadays, Jiangnan has a vast territory and unique advantages. The market is prosperous and the products are abundant. In the past, one of the third taxes in the world came from this. And for more than ten years, it has not been ravaged by bandits, and its vitality has been preserved. Even because of the previous dynasty' "Three salaries", after many years of labor, the situation is not as good as before, but compared with other places, it seems to be much better. This land is actually the source of finances and the source of prosperity. Whether it is handled properly or not will have great gains and losses in the future of the country. Don't think carefully!"
Chen Mingxia knew that the decision-making circle headed by Regent Dorgon was already planning to suppress Jiangnan, but his statement was based on the long-term needs of revitalizing the economy and rebuilding the country in the future, not just limited to the immediate The ups and downs of the war situation at one time and one place do appear to be far-sighted and insightful, and to avoid the suspicion of having known in advance.This was a well-thought-out move, and it seemed to be quite effective.Because Hong Chengchou started to wipe his eyes again with a handkerchief, but after hearing these words, his cloudy eyes flickered for a moment, and then he asked:
"Well, according to the old gentleman?"
Chen Mingxia always maintained a solemn expression, but seeing that the other party had clearly moved his heart, he couldn't help but feel secretly proud.In order to make the matter more natural, he decided to let it go, so he folded his hands again, lowered his head slightly, and said in a deep and humble tone:
"How to deal with it is a matter of great importance. The students speak lightly and dare not make rash suggestions!"
Hong Chengchou let out a "huh", then shook his head, and said disapprovingly: "Old man, this is too much to worry about! There is a saying, it is a matter of eating the king's salary and being loyal to the king. But if it comes from the public heart and is beneficial to the country, why not say it outright?" Chen! What's more, today's son is holy, and the regent is open-minded, and it's the time for my subjects to serve the country wholeheartedly! Since the old man has good ideas in his heart, he should not hesitate to teach him!"
These few words are so clear and upright that it makes it difficult for Chen Mingxia to play tricks.However, he still hesitated for a while, then stroked his beard, and said slowly: "From the students' stupid point of view, the south of the Yangtze River is to the country, just like the warehouse is to others, even if there are two or three strong rats scurrying in it." , if you have no choice, you must try your best to get them out, lure them and bind them, and there is no reason to suddenly set fire to the warehouse, destroy the warehouse with troops, and ruin your own fortune! Now that the southern capital has returned to its fate, the overall situation in Jiangnan has been decided, and the situation is right. Instead of 'suppressing', we should 'suppress', try to avoid burning, killing and destroying, and preserve this treasury, so as to benefit the great plan of national revitalization and prosperity!"
After detours for a long time, he finally directly clicked on "Change and Suppression to Fu".It can be said that Chen Mingxia has extended his probing tentacles into the secrets that the decision-making circle does not plan to disclose at present.It does take a bit of a risk.Because he deliberately recommended himself, but also wanted to pretend that he didn't know about it, and hoped that the master would take the initiative to propose. As long as the timing of this full-hearted scheming is not right, it may backfire-especially when there is no mutual understanding. Between people who have too deep friendship, the risk is greater...
Sure enough, this time Hong Chengchou did not respond immediately.I saw him with his oily head slightly lowered and his gray beard curled up, and he didn't say anything for a long time.
Seeing this, Chen Mingxia was a little anxious and a little guilty.Because he knew that Hong Chengchou was a sharp and alert person, and it was not easy to fool him.What's more, the powerful official who is deeply favored by the regent, although he is quite sensible and easy-going, and he respects and cherishes talents, once he hates someone, he will become ruthless.Therefore, while waiting for the other party to speak, Chen Mingxia was so nervous that he stared intently, not even daring to breathe.
Finally, Hong Chengchou raised his head:
"Jiangnan is the birthplace of the Ming Dynasty, and it has been cultivated for three hundred years. Its power can be described as a tree with deep roots. Even though the main trunk has fallen, the branches and tendrils are still there, and they are intertwined. It's not easy, is it?"
When he said this, he was just talking about the facts, and he was still tight-lipped about the decisions made by the high-level officials, but at least he didn't show doubts about the intentions of the guests, and he was obviously willing to discuss further.Therefore, when Chen Mingxia heard it, he was greatly relieved, so he straightened up and said quite confidently:
"My lord's concerns are certainly not bad. However, since the apocalypse and Chongzhen in the previous Ming Dynasty, the world was in turmoil, and most of the soldiers' salaries depended on the south of the Yangtze River, almost to the extent of exhausting the lake for fishing. The turmoil is far more than Qi and Zhen. It is the anger of the sky and the blame of the people. Up to now, the hearts of the people have been lost. It is a big proof that the king of Yu went south and the prefectures and counties returned. Naturally, there will be more Some stubborn people have evil intentions, intending to incite the people and create rebellion. However, I have returned to heaven and people, and the general trend has been achieved. It is only necessary to ask them to get the law.
"Oh, I don't know what this 'touching the law' refers to?"
"Don't dare! From the humble opinion of the students: if you want to win the world, you must first win the people's hearts. Strictly order the troops, do not disturb the people, and go to Xiaoling to offer sacrifices in person, and set up a shrine for Shi Daolin in Meihualing, Yangzhou. The most respectable person is to make a law with the people, not to shave their hair, not to change their obedience, which makes the people very angry Feeling happy and enthusiastically submitting are all examples! Besides..."
When Chen Mingxia was complacent, he just talked along his own train of thought, but forgot that the master had shaved his hair. It wasn't until his eyes accidentally fell on the other party's bald head that his heart suddenly moved and he stopped.
On the contrary, Hong Chengchou didn't seem to think that he was disobedient, and he still brushed his beard: "Well, let's go on!"
Chen Mingxia was determined, but there was still a little hesitation in his heart.However, regarding Sun Zhixie's shaving of hair, it was one of the purposes of his visit to speak to the favored head of the Han official.Therefore, after a while, he finally broke his heart and went on:
"Besides, there are things big and small, slow and urgent. The most important and most urgent thing for me to enter the lord of China is nothing more than calming the world, unifying the world, and creating the foundation of the eternal emperor. Anyone who is beneficial to this matter, It should be obeyed; anyone who is not conducive to this matter should be put on hold. If the issue of shaving hair and changing clothes is related to the uniformity of the country's customs, it is also a major matter, but it is not an urgent task when compared with governing the world. What's more, if the custom that has been followed for a long time is suddenly changed, it will definitely cause fear in the people's hearts, and even the heart of divorce. If they are taken advantage of by others and cause catastrophe, the students will fear that the common people will suffer endless misfortune, and the world will be peaceful, and I don’t know how many years will be delayed!”
Chen Mingxia spoke more passionately, and his voice rose unconsciously.Because he firmly believes that this is out of loyalty to the new dynasty, and the facts will prove that his judgment is correct, so even if it violates a little taboo, he will not hesitate.However, Hong Chengchou's face obviously became a little gloomy. As soon as the guest's voice fell, his eyes flashed sharply and asked:
"The imperial court intends to shave their hair and change their clothes—what is the basis for the old gentleman's words?"
"This—the student has no basis, but is worried about the country's affairs, so he made this statement." Chen Mingxia confessed frankly, "However, it is not without reason—" So he reported Sun Zhixie's behavior and went to see Tan Tai. I talked about being rejected, and at the end, I said: "The heaven is smart and sensitive, and the regent Wang Yingrui has a far-sighted vision. He must have looked down on this reason. Then the students are just worrying for nothing!"
Hong Chengchou fell silent.He began to wipe his eyes again with the veil.It wasn't until Chen Mingxia couldn't bear it anymore and was about to ask questions that he stopped and said casually: "If the student remembers correctly, the old man's hometown is like Liyang?"
Chen Mingxia froze for a moment: "Oh, yes, yes."
"It's not far from Tao Lake, isn't it?"
Chen Mingxia blinked, feeling puzzled by the sudden change of the subject by the master, but still had no choice but to answer: "Your memory is correct. My town is just south of Taohu Lake, only a few miles away!"
"It so happens that the student has a question that has been in his mind for many years, but he has not been able to solve it. The old man's hometown is just south of Taohu Lake, so he must be able to teach me!" After saying this, Hong Chengchou did not wait for the guest to answer , Going on: "Students have already heard about the 36,000 hectares of Taihu Lake when they entered the school. For example, "Yixing Ji" said that Taihu Lake, Shehu Lake, Guihu Lake, Yanghu Lake, and Taohu Lake in Guixiang were the five lakes; Wei Zhao called Taohu Lake, Xu Lake, Lihu Lake, Gehu Lake, and Taihu Lake as the five lakes; The Shui Jing also lists Changdang, Taihu, Shehu, Guihu, and Gehu as the five lakes. In addition, there are also "Tujing" and "Historical Records". The old man has lived in this place for generations, so he must have a clear vision to solve the students' confusion!"
From asking Chen Mingxia's hometown to researching the origin of the names of the five lakes, it can be said that it is getting farther and farther.Obviously, no matter what the reason was, Hong Chengchou was also deliberately avoiding the earlier topic.This made Chen Mingxia quite disappointed and a little dissatisfied, but his strong desire to achieve his goal forced him to control his emotions as much as possible, and replied:
"Your Excellency is full of knowledge and insight, and you can see everything in the book, which is heart-wrenching. When it comes to the five lakes, there have always been different opinions, and there is no consensus. In fact, there are many lakes in my hometown. It is really difficult to pinpoint which one is the five lakes. It is better to rely on it." According to Zhang Bo's "Wu Lu": "Because it travels five hundred miles a week, it is named Wuhu. Instead, it can save you the trouble of textual research and disputes!" After perfunctory the other party with such a general statement, he immediately put After changing the topic, I returned to the situation and countermeasures in Jiangnan:
"However, as far as the students can see, the current difficulty lies not in verifying the names of the five lakes, but in how to appease the people on one side and get the law, so that they can know the deep kindness of the imperial court, appreciate it, and never have any other ideas. ,Then……"
He originally wanted to continue talking in order to present his own set of governance ideas to this high-ranking inner court scholar, so as to win the other party's understanding and support.However, Hong Chengchou didn't even let him have such an opportunity, and interrupted indifferently: "The old man's words are wrong! How can they be called five lakes after traveling five hundred miles a week? You must know that five hundred and five are a hundred times the same." Poor—it can be said to be extremely incomprehensible! Students speculate that the five lakes are connected to the five ways? For example, Yu Fan once said in the Three Kingdoms period: Taihu Lake is connected to Changzhou Songjiang in the east, Anji River in the south, and Yixing in the west. Jingxi leads to Gehu Lake in Jinling in the north, and Jiuxi in Jiaxing in the southwest—no more, no less, just the number of five characters! Aha, how is it? Looking at all theories, this theory is undoubtedly true!"
Hong Chengchou talked enthusiastically, for a while, he even forgot to wipe his eyes.However, Chen Mingxia, who was stuck in a chair and became an audience member, felt more and more unhappy.In fact, he was a very arrogant and conceited person, but because he came today because of a request, he had to be careful with Hong Chengchou again and again.But the other party didn't take his suggestion seriously at all, and just pretended to be stupid, Chen Mingxia couldn't help but feel angry; later, this kind of anger became helpless because he found that the other party was clearly fooling himself. Homemade.
"Lord Zhongtang!" As soon as Hong Chengchou's words fell, he stood up straight and said angrily, "The purpose of the students coming here today is to discuss the country's affairs with you, not to explore the study of Fangyu. If you, my lord, If you think the students are not good enough to communicate with each other, you can speak up as much as possible to save wasted time!"
Seeing him like this, Hong Chengchou stopped talking, but he didn't seem to be angry, he just looked at him quietly, and then he stretched out his hand and picked up a cup of tea on the square table.
"Send-off-guest-off!" The servant standing outside the door yelled loudly.
Chen Mingxia had already expected this move to some extent, but he still felt his face became hot.He widened his eyes in anger, intending to scold the other party severely.It was just a momentary thought that the other party had a higher position and more power than himself, and at least he had to leave some room for meeting in the future, so he gritted his teeth and swallowed his bad breath back; at the end, he clasped his hands together and said: "Farewell!" Then he turned around and strode out with both resentment and frustration.
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