Chapter 65 Liukangfu brought the top secret of the court

Except for the two of them, no one in Xiangyong knew about Kang Fu's trip to Beijing, so Zeng Guofan decided to meet Kang Fu in the bedroom, and told Jing Qi: "No one will be seen tonight." On the way back, Kang Fu thought carefully about how to report the information obtained in Beijing to Zeng Guofan.This trip to the capital is too important, and many secrets will never be known in Lianghu.If you don't understand the true intentions of the imperial court, no matter how good you act, it may become a random collision.For this reason, Kang Fu admired Zeng Guofan's decision to send him to Beijing very much.Kang Fu has never been an official, so he doesn't understand the secrets of officialdom.He thought that Zeng Guofan had worked so hard in the past two years to form Xiangyong and conquer Wuchang and Hanyang, and the court would definitely be full of praise.Unexpectedly, the big fallacy is not the case.Should I tell him the bad news?Kang Fu thought in distress for many days.Finally, he decided to tell the whole story.Kang Fu believes that this is the true loyalty to Zeng Guofan. If you report the good news but not the bad news, you will miss the important thing.

"My lord, I stayed in Beijing for ten days this time, and paid respects to Xueshi Zhou and Xueshi Yuan according to the order. Mu Zhongtang was ill. I didn't see him the first time, and I still didn't see him the second time I went. Mu Zhongtang sent his family to give the adults two jade balls. Kang Fu took out the ball from the bag. When Zeng Guofan saw these two familiar dark green Khotan jade balls, he was like seeing Mu Zhang'a who was weak and haggard, and a sense of sadness that was unpredictable in the ups and downs of the officialdom welled up in his heart. , he sighed deeply from the bottom of his heart. After the jade ball rolled twice in Zeng Guofan’s hand, it was placed on the desk. Kang Fu took out another picture from the bag and handed it to Zeng Guofan, saying: “ Mu Zhongtang also gave the adults a banner. "

Zeng Guofan quickly took it, and when he opened it, he gasped.It turned out that the banner was impressively written with the eight characters "A hero knocks out his teeth and swallows his blood", and a line of small characters next to it reads "Together with the virtuous deeds of Disheng".The handwriting is crooked, and one can imagine the difficulty of the writer in writing.Zeng Guofan felt sore in his heart.He never expected that the majestic mentor back then would actually send him such a line of words!Is it a vent of my own frustration and resentment, or is it a teaching to my disciples?

Mu Zhang'a is the chief executive of Zeng Guofan Daoguang's 18th year examination.This year, Zeng Guofan, who went to Beijing for the third time to take the examination, was the thirty-eighth Jinshi in Chinese style, and Guo Songtao, who was with him, failed the ranking.After the imperial examination, Guofan took the 42nd place in the top three, and was awarded the same background as a Jinshi.At that time, Zeng Guofan used the name Zeng Zicheng, with the word Bohan.After reading the yellow list, Zeng Guofan was depressed.According to the usual practice, the top three are generally not allowed to enter the Hanlin Academy, and are distributed to various ministries as directors, or go to various provinces as county magistrates, but Zeng Guofan's dream is to enter the Hanlin Academy.

"Junxian, let's set off for Hunan tomorrow!" Zeng Guofan said with a heavy heart after packing up the books one by one. "Leave tomorrow?" Song Tao was shocked. Guo Songtao was only 21 years old, and it was his first time to take part in the general examination. He didn't care about his lack of success.These days, he has been excited about Zeng Guofan High School.What touched Zeng Guofan was that on the day of the victory, Song Tao specially bought food and wine to congratulate Guofan; "Brother Bohan, there is still an imperial examination!" "No exam." Guofan threw the last book heavily into the bamboo box, "How many of the top three have entered Hanyuan? I'll just go home and wait for some remote county to go to!"

"Brother Bohan, when we visited Lao Yushi that time, he appreciated your talent and said that if he needed help, he would do his best. Why don't you go find him, maybe he has a solution." Yes, Shanhua Lao Chongguang is a person who loves talents and has a lot of friends, please beg him! With a glimmer of hope, Zeng Guofan came to Laofu in Cinder Alley. "There are a few of the top three in each subject." After listening to Zeng Guofan's words, Lao Chongguang pondered for a while and said, "However, those few exceptions either have very strong backgrounds, or have thousands of talents. Family wealth. You are a peasant boy in Xiangxiang County, you have no backing, no money, and you want to enter Hanyuan with the top three, you are afraid of difficulties!"

When Zeng Guofan heard it, it was as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and his whole body was cold. "In this case, I'll go back to Hunan in two days." He regretted that he shouldn't have come to Lao Mansion. "Wait a minute." Lao Chongguang had always been aware of Zeng Guofan's talent. Although he failed the first two examinations, all the Beijing officials from Hunan praised him.It was this time that he ranked top three in the imperial examination, and his house master, Ji Zhichang, was also aggrieved by it.Lao Chongguang has been in the capital for a long time, and he has read many people. He expected that this farmer's son would become rich one day, so why not help him now while he is in trouble.With a certain idea, Lao Chongguang patted Zeng Guofan on the shoulder and said with a smile: "They rely on their backing and money, but you can rely on poetry!"

Hearing these words, Zeng Guofan felt as if he had come from an ice cave to a greenhouse, his whole body was full of warmth. "Senior, what if the examiner doesn't appreciate my poems and essays?" Of course it is the right way to enter Hanyuan with poems and essays, but isn't the imperial examination also a test of poems and essays?No matter how good your writing is, if the examiner doesn't like it, what can I do!Zeng Guofan stared nervously, looking at the leisurely Lao Chongguang, listening to his next words. "Bo Han, do you know the records of Juzi in the Tang Dynasty?"

Rolling scrolls was a custom in the imperial examinations of the Tang Dynasty.Candidates write their poems and essays into scrolls before the exam and send them to the dignitaries in the court. This is called "Xingjuan".Of course Guofan knew about it, but he never did it.Firstly, Guofan has no acquaintance with any dignitaries in the court, and secondly, he believes that his poems and essays in the court will be very good, so there is no need to write.After Lao Chongguang's mention, Zeng Guofan regretted it a bit. If he sent it through friends, the poems and essays he wrote on weekdays might reach the hands of one or two dignitaries in the court.However, it is too late now.

"Senior, the palace exam is over, what's the use of passing papers?" "It's too late for regular papers, but if the poems and essays you passed in the court exam can reach some dignitaries and celebrities before they are graded by the graders, things will be easy to handle. But the time is very short, just It’s going to be done in a day or two, and it’s tricky.” Zeng Guofan suddenly opened his mouth, and said excitedly: "The late student has a way to let many people see my poems and essays in the field very quickly, but I need to rely on the help of the old seniors."

"Any good ideas? Tell me!" "After the late students came out of the examination room, they came directly to the old senior's house. Please, the old senior, help me call ten copy hands, prepare ten fast horses, copy ten copies of my poems and essays in the field, and quickly distribute them to ten seniors. My lord, please help them." "Good idea, let's do it!" As soon as the imperial examination was over, Zeng Guofan rushed to Cinder Alley immediately without taking a rest and eating. Lao Chongguang had already arranged everything.In the evening of the next day, the scholar Mu Zhang'a who presided over the imperial examination and the other examiners heard from everywhere that the poems and essays of Zengzicheng, a top-ranked Jinshi in Hunan Province, were very good.Mu Zhang'a specially transferred the test paper, and read his theory first.The title of the policy theory is "On Cooking Afeng Jimo".The beginning of the article aroused Mu Zhang'a's interest: "Mrs., if you cannot know everything in the world, you must appoint a virtuous doctor. Reputation may not necessarily make you a bad official; what is destroyed by left and right may not necessarily make you a good official." "It's the words of Langmiao that make a sound argument." Mu Zhang'a read while thinking, and kept reading.When I read "If a husband and a virtuous minister are in office, they often have the festival of intermediary, without a great name, when they don't innovate to favor things, and don't go against the way to do things", I feel even more heartbroken. Mu Zhang and A Cai are mediocre, and there are many detractors from the government and the opposition, both at home and abroad.Emperor Daoguang once asked him tactfully: "Qing has been in power for many years, why has he not made great achievements?" Mu Zhang'a replied: "Since ancient times, good ministers have moved in accordance with the times, did not create new ideas, did not seek their own great fame, but only asked the king to rest assured, and the common people will always be at ease. Tranquility." Zeng Guofan's remarks touched Mu Zhang'a's heart, and he was truly an unknown confidant.Mu Zhang'a has presided over many examinations and read thousands of examination papers. Almost all the young new high school scholars are arrogant and speak big words, but this person is not like this, rare!He immediately designated Zeng Guofan as a scholar of the Imperial Academy.When ranking, rank first and third. When the list was presented to Emperor Daoguang, Mu Zhang'a specially praised Zeng Guofan's poems in front of the emperor.Emperor Daoguang took "Feng Afeng Jimo Theory", read a few sentences roughly, and felt clear and enlightened, so he used a Chinese ink pen to mark the name from the third to the second. Zeng Guofan was grateful to Lao Chongguang, and even more grateful to Mu Zhang'a.That night, Zeng Guofan went to visit Mu Zhang'a. Mu Zhang'a received the new student politely in the study.Zeng Guofan walked steadily and behaved dignifiedly, which fit Mu Zhang'a's wishes very well.After exchanging greetings, Mu Zhang'a said: "It's really not easy for me to enter the Hanyuan with one step. I read the poems and essays of my step, and thought that there is something extraordinary about my step, but my talent is only mediocre. But since ancient times, I have accomplished great things and made great achievements. People do not rely on talent, but rely on hard work. Hanyuan is the place where the country's talents are concentrated. Yongzheng Lord said: the country builds officials and divides duties, and it is especially cautious in the selection of Hanlin. It must be of good character and pure knowledge. In order not to be obsessed with duty, so we cultivate talents in pavilions and pavilions, and stockpile tools for public support. The career of the whole life will start from here, and I hope I can do it myself." These few words of Mu Zhang'a were like enlightenment to Zeng Guofan, they were both real and high hopes.It was a great blessing to meet such a mentor.How will you repay your great kindness?With tears in his eyes, Guofan said in a trembling voice: "Lord Zhongtang, disciples will always remember your kindness as high as mountains and seas, and remember your earnest teachings tonight. Be a useful talent for the country and repay you for your disciples." The kindness of knowing you." Mu Zhang'a was very satisfied with Zeng Guofan's gratitude.He is an old bureaucrat with profound experience in the world. Based on his observations, he knows that the words of this Hunan countryman are from the heart.This kind of humble people, once they establish a belief and develop a feeling, they will remain unswerving throughout their lives; while those rich young masters who come from a family of officials and were born in a large city in Tongdu, although they speak eloquently, They swear to point out the sky and the earth, but most of their feelings come and go quickly, and there are more elements of performance than real things.Mu Zhang'a looked at Zeng Guofan with a smile, and said, "I want to ask about a state matter, you can talk about it according to your own ideas." Zeng Guofan felt terrified of Mu Zhang'a trusting him so much.He replied tremblingly: "I don't know what Master Zhongtang wants to inquire about? The sect has lived in a remote place for many years, and his knowledge has always been shallow. I am afraid that I will be humiliated to ask." Mu Zhang'a casually picked up two dark green Khotan jade balls from the tea table, stood up, walked a dozen steps steadily, sat down again, looked at Zeng Guofan modestly and smiled, the jade balls were always rolling smoothly in his hands.Mu Zhang'a's demeanor made Zeng Guofan overwhelmed. "It doesn't matter, just talk about it. In the past few years, Yingyi has caused troubles in our southeastern sea area. Last year, his East India Commander Ma Talun led a military ship to show off his might in Haikou, Guangzhou. The old man, the Emperor Hemeng, trusts him and is one of the power centers. It is easy to handle internal affairs, but it is difficult to deal with the invasion of Yingyi. There is no one else tonight, and the old man wants to hear the opinions of his step." At this time, Mu Zhang'a didn't know that Zeng Guofan had the ability to handle military and state affairs, but he had heard that the government and the public were annoyed about his handling of barbarian affairs. Let's talk, let's test the evaluation of the candidates, especially the Jinshi who passed the exam, on his actions.Zeng Guofan knew that Mu Zhang'a's attitude towards the outside world had always been soft, and this attitude was criticized by many young men.In front of these people, Zeng Guofan sometimes echoed a sentence or two.However, his external attitude is basically the same as that of Mu Zhang'a.Today, I happened to be in front of this mentor and poured out my opinion: "Master Zhongtang, on such a big national matter, you can ask your disciples about the underachievers, which makes the disciples flattered. Since Master Zhongtang trusts the disciples so much, the disciples will speak directly from the heart Bar!" Mu Zhang thought secretly: Listening to this tone, could this person be one of those radical teenagers?Did you see the wrong person? "Lord Zhongtang, in the past few years, the British and barbarians have dumped opium to our celestial dynasty, harming our people, swallowing our silver, and committing great crimes against our China. Moreover, they are willing to threaten us, especially shameless." As soon as he said the words, Zeng Guofan He was no longer cautious, and he talked eloquently, "Master Zhongtang was entrusted by the imperial court, and he dealt with it with gentleness. Regarding this kind of action, when the disciples were in Hunan, they also heard criticism; this time when they came to the capital, they also heard There are gossips among the exams in other provinces. But the disciples think that these people appear to be patriotic, but in fact they are irresponsible and ignorant of state affairs. " When Mu Zhang'a heard this, he already understood what Zeng Guofan meant, and he was very relieved: this person has been spotted. "Please go on." Encouraged, Zeng Guofan simply came up with impassioned words: "Since the Southern Song Dynasty, gentlemen have been fond of slandering the peace, and they have risen in the reputation of fighting for the love of the country, and the way of controlling barbarians and barbarians has been unparalleled in the world for five hundred years. Today's Yingyi, The ships are strong and the guns are strong, the national power is strong, and it is not comparable to the invasion of barbarians in the past. We should open the docks and trade with them, and the strategy of peace and appeasement is the most important. If we rely on a moment of enthusiasm, we will recklessly start a border war, and use today's Chinese ships and guns. , the disciples thought that it was impossible to completely defeat the British and barbarians; it was neither possible to complete the victory, but also a waste of money for the people, the country was restless, and those who lived in the pivot should take the overall situation of the country as the most important thing, and must not act on a whim. The disciples deeply admire the adults for their long-term plans Deep, the attitude of a prime minister who puts state affairs first. When dealing with the British and barbarians, we should maintain an attitude of loyalty. The sage said: Be faithful in words and respectful in deeds. Respect is the foundation. As for the matter of opium, it is advisable to settle the matter with the British and barbarians. This kind of thing cannot be regarded as a normal trade product. Internally, officials and people who collude with the British and barbarians to smuggle opium and make huge profits from it will be punished severely. Those who smoke should also be severely punished. As long as we strictly prohibit it internally, the disciples think, the opium of the British and barbarians will naturally disappear in the Chinese market. The soup is just boiling." Mu Zhang'a appreciated Zeng Guofan's remarks very much.He looked at this thick-faced and deep-faced new Hanlin, and felt that he was the most talented and insightful person among his disciples, and his future was limitless.Mu Zhang'a stopped the jade ball in his hand and said, "Your step has deep thoughts on state affairs, which shows that your step has extraordinary knowledge. Excuse me, who gave you the name of your step?" "It was started by the student's great-grandfather." Mu Zhang'a shook his head and said, "'Zicheng', the name is a bit stingy. If you don't mind, how about I change your name for you?" Hearing that the bachelor was going to change his name, Zeng Guofan was overjoyed, and hurriedly said, "Please give it to me, my mentor." Mu Zhang'a stared at Zeng Guofan for a long time, and said solemnly: "Your step is now the Imperial Academy, and most of the ministers and ministers of our court come from here. Don't limit yourself as a scholar, but aspire to be a pillar of the country. The old man wants to change the name to Guofan with one step, which means to be a national fence. What do you think?" "Thank you, teacher, for the reward. The student will be renamed Zeng Guofan from today!" Zeng Guofan left his seat, knelt down in front of Mu Zhang'a, and kowtowed respectfully. Mu Zhang'a has served as Minister of Military Affairs for more than ten years, and his disciples and old officials are all over the world. Zeng Guofan is very grateful to have such favor from him. "There are people in the court who are good officials." Zeng Guofan has always been most worried about the fact that there is no one in the court.Now I have finally found a backer, and it is the most reliable backer.The spring day is bright, the spring breeze is blowing, and the spring is going well. The generations of farm children in the lotus leaf pond are determined to make full use of all available external conditions, and to solidly accumulate knowledge and hone their talents. In this highest power competition field, through After twenty or thirty years of struggle, he defeated all his competitors and ascended to the pinnacle of power—the throne of the Great Scholars. Heaven pays off.With Mu Zhang'a's deliberate win-over, and later Tang Jian's sincere praise, Zeng Guofan's official career was smooth sailing, and within a few years, he was promoted from the fourth rank to a bachelor of the Imperial Academy.Zeng Guofan's fame gradually became more prominent, but he was more modest and prudent. He had a prosperous family, and every time he took fullness as a warning, he named the study "Qiuqian Zhai" to remind himself from time to time. "Zeng Guofan, I heard that your study is called 'Qiu Que Zhai', what does it mean?" After a lecture, Emperor Daoguang asked Zeng Guofan. Zeng Guofan replied: "I am thirty-seven years old this year. I have grandparents, parents Chunxuan Chongqing, younger brothers and sisters, wives and children. I am also blessed with the emperor's favor and work in Hanyuan. I think what a stupid and humble person I am, how can I be able to do this?" Enjoy this rare family bliss. This life is enough, what more do you want for your husband! So he named his study as 'Qiu Zhai', seeking the whole in the hall, and seeking the meaning of what is lacking in his own body." After hearing this, Emperor Daoguang nodded frequently.Emperor Daoguang was a very respectful person.He didn't expect that among the four-rank officials around him, there were still grandparents, parents, younger siblings, and wives who had all kinds of blessings.He was very pleased with this, thinking that it was his benevolence that inspired the world and blessed people.Emperor Daoguang is over sixty years old, and what he thinks most about recently is what will happen to him a hundred years later.Emperor Daoguang had nine elder brothers.The eldest elder brother died at an early age, the seventh, eighth, and ninth elder brothers were all young, and among the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth elder brothers, only the fourth elder brother Yichi and the sixth elder brother Yixin were his favorites.Yi Pai is plain and honest, Yi Shi is smart and sensitive, who will inherit the great rule?He had an idea.It was the time when the spring was warm and the flowers were blooming. Emperor Daoguang first issued an edict: Tomorrow, I will go hunting in Nanyuan, and all elder brothers who can go will accompany me.Yichi asked his teacher Du Shoutian for this matter overnight.After careful consideration, Du Shoutian taught Yi Chi a strategy.When hunting in the evening of the next day, Emperor Daoguang asked all elder brothers to report the number of hunting.Yixin got the most, and Yipin didn't send a single arrow.Emperor Daoguang was surprised, and played in Yichi: "It was mid-spring, when birds and beasts were breeding, and my sons and ministers couldn't bear to hurt life to make peace with the world." After hearing this, Emperor Daoguang was overjoyed: "My son's words are the words of a true emperor." Immediately Li Yipin was the prince.However, Emperor Daoguang also knew that Yi Chi had mediocre talent after all, and was too kind and gentle, so he must break the rules and recruit a few people with good character, honesty, reliability, and talent to assist him.Emperor Daoguang thought: Zeng Guofan is only thirty-seven years old. It is better to say that he is blessed by God than by God!Looking at Zeng Guofan who was kneeling at his feet, Emperor Daoguang said softly: "Zeng Guofan, come to Yangxing Hall tomorrow morning, I have something to tell you." Early the next morning, Zeng Guofan came to Yangxing Hall.The Hall of Yangxing is the palace where the calligraphy and paintings of previous generations of celebrities are collected in the imperial palace. The emperor usually does not meet his ministers here.The great eunuch who guards the palace is named Guo Yeda, known as Grand Duke.After Guofan greeted the Grand Duke, he sat in the Hall of Cultivation and waited for him.Sitting for two full hours, it was noon, but there was still no call. Guofan felt suspicious, so he asked the Grand Duke to inquire.After a while, the grand duke told him: The emperor is not coming today, and will be summoned in the Hall of Mental Cultivation tomorrow. Zeng Guofan is a careful person. When he returned home, the more he thought about it, the more strange it became.I have been working in the Imperial Academy for seven years, and I have been summoned by the emperor several times, but I have never encountered such a situation, nor have I heard of such a thing.He quickly got into the carriage, went to see his teacher Mu Zhang'a, and asked him what was going on.Mu Zhang'a also felt strange.After inquiring about the ins and outs of the matter in detail, after rolling the Khotan jade ball through a hundred circles in his hand, he understood.Mu Zhang'a immediately asked his servant to bring three hundred taels of silver to find the Grand Duke, and asked the Grand Duke to copy out the furnishings in the Yangxing Hall, especially the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, without missing a single word.At night, the Grand Duke sent a copy of the bill.Mu Zhang'a asked Zeng Guofan to read it well and memorize it. The next day, Emperor Daoguang summoned Zeng Guofan in the East Pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. "I was delayed by something yesterday, Qing sat in the Yangxing Hall for a long time, have you seen all the calligraphy and paintings in the hall?" Mu Zhang'a is really clever!If he hadn't memorized the Grand Duke's copies, how could Zeng Guofan explain the numerous calligraphy and paintings hanging on the four walls of the palace. "Yesterday, when I was waiting for my driver in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, I browsed a little bit." "What are there?" "I remember that on the east wall of the hall are the "Spring Tour" by Zhan Ziqian of the Sui Dynasty, the "Bucharian Picture" by Yan Liben of the Tang Dynasty, and the "Han Xizai Night Banquet Picture" in the Gu Pavilion of the Five Dynasties. On the west wall is the "Five Niu Tu", Song Guoxi's "Nest Stone Ping Yuan Tu", Li Gonglin's "Linwei Yan Mu Fang Tu", Zhang Zeduan's "Qingming Shanghe Tu". Hanging on the south wall are Yan, Liu, Ou, Su, Huang, Mi, Dharma books written by Cai and Zhao Mengfu, Dong Qichang, Shen Zhou, Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin, Qiu Ying, Xu Wei, Zhu Qi, Huachang and other famous masters. On the north wall enshrined on the north wall is the Grand View of Emperor Qianlong, which is the most admired by the emperor. The emperor rides on the red The white and white horse, dressed in military uniform, holds the bow in his right hand and the rein in his left hand. He is majestic and heroic. He is really a god, and no previous emperor can match it! Especially the five rhythms written by Emperor Qianlong himself is even more bold and bold. It is not comparable to the pen and ink of those literati and poets in the Tang and Song Dynasties." "Can Qing recite it?" Emperor Daoguang was very satisfied with Zeng Guofan's fluent answers. "Able." Zeng Guofan recited fluently, "Soldiers of the Eight Banners, Jianrui lives here in the camp. There is no other temptation to gather together, and you can be diligent and refined. Watching the formation for a while, waiting for the city in another day. It has also been found to be effective, and the Western Division is quite good. Famous." Emperor Daoguang was secretly surprised: this person's detailed observation of things and strong memory are very accessible, such a rare blessing and capable minister! Soon, Emperor Daoguang personally presided over the grand examination, and promoted Zeng Guofan to a cabinet bachelor and the title of Minister of Rites.Zeng Guofan was very pleasantly surprised. He was promoted from the fourth rank to the second rank, and was promoted to four ranks in a row. Although he was eager to be promoted every day, he did not expect to be promoted so quickly. Zeng Guofan thought: In ten years, only Fangshi Ji Zhichang, Zhang Xiaopu and himself were among the scholars who became scholars from Jinshi. , only by myself.He is grateful to his mentor Mu Zhang'a for his deep concern and the great kindness of the emperor.Yes, without Mu Xiang, without the emperor, how could he, a humble farmer from the lotus leaf pond, become the second most important person in the imperial court in just ten years! Just as Zeng Guofan followed Mu Zhang'a closely and was loyal to Emperor Daoguang, Emperor Daoguang took the honor of the guest.Crown Prince Yi Chi ascended the throne, namely Emperor Xianfeng.When Emperor Xianfeng was the crown prince, he hated Mu Zhang'a's cliques in the court. Not long after he ascended the throne, he withdrew all of Mu Zhang's posts and forced him to resign.Because Zeng Guofan was cautious, he was not regarded as a Muslim party by Emperor Xianfeng, and he was still trusted. However, Zeng Guofan has since lost a strong backer.When he was in Beijing, Zeng Guofan also went to the Mu Mansion quietly several times.He is eternally grateful for Moo Jang Ah's kindness.This time Kang Fu was sent to the Mu Mansion, although he was there to ask for news, he also asked Kang Fu to visit him on his behalf.Unexpectedly, after more than two years of absence, the teacher has weakened to this point!Zeng Guofan felt cold in his heart. Seeing the two jade balls and a picture of characters, Kang Fu made Zeng Guofan ponder for so long, and was a little puzzled. He didn't dare to ask rashly, so he just stood aside. "Vendor, please speak slowly and carefully, don't be afraid of being wordy, the more detailed the better." After a long time, Zeng Guofan came to his senses, rolled up the banner himself, put it in a bamboo box, and said to Kang Fu. These two sentences dispelled Kang Fu's worries, and he said slowly: "In addition to Kai Zhou and Yuan, I also met my two distant relatives and heard some discussions." "Which yamen are they in?" Zeng Guofan was a little surprised that he had never heard that Kang Fu had relatives in Beijing. "I don't have any rich relatives who work in the yamen." Kang Fu said with a wry smile, "The one who runs a Nanhuo store outside Chongwenmen is the brother-in-law of my grandfather's cousin. The other opens a small pharmacy in Dashilan outside Qianmen." , is the younger brother of my mother’s natal family.” Zeng Guofan couldn't help laughing in his heart: It turns out that they are such distant relatives, no wonder Kang Fu never mentioned it. "Personally speaking, there is no need for such relatives to move around, but I want to know what the lower class people in the capital think of Xiangyong. It is appropriate to ask them." Zeng Guofan nodded slightly in approval.Kang Fu continued: "When I arrived in the capital, the good news of the recovery of Wuchang and Hanyang on the same day had already arrived. My cousin and uncle were full of praise for the achievements of the adults and Xiangyong. My cousin said, 'After all, we are still in Hunan. The man is amazing'. The cousin also proudly said that he had met the lord, when the eldest son fell ill, he personally delivered medicine to the house, saying that the lord is the current Guo Ziyi." "It's too much." Zeng Guofan said modestly, but he was happy in his heart: Don't underestimate these few words, this is the public opinion of the capital! Kang Fu took a sip of tea, and continued: "I went to visit Zhou Xueshi that night, and it happened that there was a guest at home. Zhou Xueshi left a letter for him from an adult, asking me to go again tomorrow night. The next night I went to Zhou again. The bachelor is very polite, and it can be seen that he is a bold and open-minded person who is very easy to get along with." Kang Fu's evaluation of Zhou Shouchang surprised Zeng Guofan.Ever since Zhou Shouchang drank flower wine in a brothel that time, Zeng Guofan didn't like him, and believed that he was a flirtatious and dissolute talent, like Du Mu and Tang Yin, not a person who would become a great talent.It was only the last time Zhou Shouchang wrote to Guo Songtao, talking about the recommendation of Yixin and Sushun, which made Zeng Guofan feel that he also valued friendship and loyalty, so he took the initiative to write to him, and Zhou Shouchang also replied to the letter. reconcile.As for Zhou Shouchang's open-mindedness and being easy to get along with, Zeng Guofan didn't pay enough attention to it before, but after Kang Fu mentioned it, thinking about it, it was indeed the case.He thought: I always boasted that I know how to know and employ people. Bai and Zhou Shouchang have been together for many years, but they are not as accurate as Kang Fu, who met once! "Scholar Zhou said that he has always respected his lord. In the past, he only focused on his moral articles, but did not discover his military talents. Zhou Xueshi said that his lord really has the talent to rule the world and stabilize the country. Since his lord wants to inquire about the affairs of the court, he put As far as I know about the situation related to your lord, tell me everything, and I want you to come back and tell your lord, so that I know what I know." "Yunong knows a lot of inside information." Zeng Guofan felt a little ominous, and focused his eyes on Kang Fu, listening to his next words. Kang Fu said: "Xueshi Zhou heard a very confidential matter from a prince." Zeng Guofan's heart tightened. "That day, the emperor was reviewing memorials in the East Pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and the internal memorial office sent news of the victory of Wuchang and Hanyang's recovery. After reading it, the emperor happily left his seat and stood up, saying loudly: "I never thought that a scholar Zeng Guofan would make this special honor." , I want to reward him heavily', and immediately ordered the cabinet to draft an order. After the cabinet was drafted, the emperor personally added a sentence: "Zeng Guofan will reward the second-rank Dingdai for his work, act as the governor of Hubei, and give Dai Hualing a favor." The cabinet handed over the imperial decree from the Ministry of War. On the second day, Qi Junzao, a senior scholar, met the emperor. The emperor tried his best to praise him in front of Qi Junzao, and said that it was fortunate that he came out to intercede that year, otherwise he would have wronged his loyal ministers. Who knows That old man Qi Junzao not only didn't speak up for the adults, but instead," Kang Fu hesitated for a moment when he said this. "Instead of what, go on." "On the contrary, Qi Junzao said: 'Zeng Guofan is only a registered servant, and he is like an ordinary man. An ordinary man lives in his house, and he responds to every call. I am afraid it is not the blessing of the imperial court.'" "This old master, how can you say such a thing, the more you live, the more confused you are!" Zeng Guofan cursed fiercely in his heart. Seeing Zeng Guofan's displeasure, Kang Fu stopped while drinking tea. "How does the emperor hear this?" Zeng Guofan asked. "Scholar Zhou said that the emperor seemed to be reminded by what Qi Junzao said, and said: 'The old man is mature enough to seek the country, and his loyalty is commendable. I was happy for a while, but I didn't think of this level. It seems that Zeng Guofan is not suitable to be the acting governor of Hubei. Qi Junzao said: "The old minister is here today for this matter. In the system of our dynasty, all soldiers are world-class, and all generals are transferred to make up. The soldiers themselves are listed in the national register, and their family names are recorded in the military registration. Ji, for the country, the generals are selected and replaced by Quan, and they are operated by the Ministry of War, so the army belongs to the central government. Although when the Bailian Sect rebelled, all provinces organized village warriors, but they only defended the village and suppressed the bandits. The number of personnel was only tens or hundreds .Now Zeng Guofan has 20,000 brave men, and the brave generals will be recruited to obey Zeng Guofan's orders. These 20,000 horses have become an army that obeys the orders of Zeng Guofan alone. Has the emperor ever thought about granting Zeng Guofan the governorship now? What will happen if you hold the local real power? Your Majesty, the old saying is good: water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it!" Title it!'" I see!After a while, he asked Kang Fu: "Is the news about Xunong reliable?" "Xueshi Zhou said that this is what the prince told him personally, and it is absolutely reliable." "What else did Yunong say?" Zeng Guofan suppressed his anger and asked after a short pause. "Scholar Zhou said that shortly after the conquest of Wuchang, the emperor once said in front of Pan Zuyin and other officials in the South Study Room that Jiangbei Daying encircled the north of Jiangning, Jiangnan Daying encircled the south of Jiangning, Guiming, Duolong, etc. Ah's army attacked Jiangning from the north bank of the Yangtze River, and Zeng Guofan's Xiangyong marched towards Jiangning from the south bank of the Yangtze River and on the river. I have deployed four armies to surround Jiangning. Whoever captures Jiangning first and captures the leader alive, I will seal him Be king." "The emperor really said that?" Zeng Guofan expressed doubts.After the pacification of the San Francisco Rebellion, the Qing Dynasty no longer made the Han people kings.Could it be that the emperor has forgotten the ancestral system?Or is it because the emperor is offering such a reward because of the rampant long-haired hair and it is difficult to calm down?Or did the emperor decide that he, the only Han Chinese among the commanders-in-chief of the four armies, could not be the first to capture Jiangning? "Xueshi Zhou said that the emperor did say so. There were several Hanlin scholars who heard this. Moreover, Master Yuan also knew about it." Like a Shang and Zhou Yi Ding suddenly appeared before the eyes of an antique lover, a wave of heat rolled over Zeng Guofan's body, and his two triangular eyes shone brightly.When a man is born, he will be named Marquis of Ten Thousand Households.Now it's not just a prince, as long as he works hard, he can get the honor of a king who is under one person and above ten thousand people.The son of generations of farmers in the lotus leaf pond, even at the most fanatical time, did not dare to hope to reach this step.He secretly made up his mind in his heart: as long as he can overcome Jiang Ning first and be crowned a prince, he will endure all the hardships, grievances, and even insults in front of him and in the future.Thinking about it this way, the resentment just now almost disappeared immediately.He changed a relaxed tone and asked: "How is Shuliu? Is he still fat?" Shuliu was his nickname for his in-law Xiangtan Yuan Fangying. "Xueshi Yuan is indeed very fat. He asked me to tell my lord that he has been released to the prefect of Suzhou and will soon leave Beijing to take up his post." "Shuliu is truly blessed. There is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. If you let me be the magistrate of Suzhou for a few days, this life will not be in vain." Zeng Guofan's mood brightened, and his words became more humorous. "Bachelor Yuan's wife also gave Madam a piece of clothing and a pair of gold bracelets for the eldest lady. Put them in the bag and take them out together later." "You just said that Shuliu also knew what the emperor said, what else did he say to you?" Zeng Guofan was not interested in his wife's clothes or daughter's jewelry, what he cared about was the imperial court's treatment of him and Xiangyong. view. "Xueshi Yuan knows more about this matter than Xueshi Zhou. Yuan Xueshi said that what the emperor said in the South Study Room was immediately spread, and everyone was talking about it. It is said that a few days later, Seng Gelinqin, Prince of Horqin, told the emperor that the emperor awarded the highest title to those who captured Jiangning, which must be a great encouragement to the front line.But he reminded the emperor that the Jiangbei Camp is led by Qi Shan, the Jiangnan Camp is headed by He Chun, and the North Army is led by Gui Ming and Duo Long'a. They are all Manchus. .But the waterway and the south road are under the command of Zeng Butang. If Zeng Butang conquers Jiangning first, if he is named king, the ancestral system will be broken, and if he is not named king, he will break the trust of the world. The emperor said that Qishan and Hechun were next to Jiangning, and of course they were the first to attack Jiangning. The Monk King said that was not necessarily the case, Qi Shan and He Chun were not the ones who made such a great achievement, unless the emperor sent more soldiers and pay to the two battalions in the north and south.Yuan Xueshi said that since then, the imperial court has given preferential treatment to the northern and southern battalions in everything.Yuan Xueshi was quite angry about this, and said: The emperor wants the Han people to contribute, and the Manchus can be crowned king. " Yuan Fangying's words shocked Zeng Guofan greatly. No wonder the copays from Shaanxi and Jiangxi haven't arrived yet. Could it be that the imperial court transferred it to the Jiangnan and Jiangbei battalions?A feeling of grievance came to my heart. "Fatty Yuan likes to talk nonsense, and he will suffer from this in the future." Of course he said the truth, but such truth can be said casually!Zeng Guofan was very worried about his in-laws who were not very good at words and deeds. "Bachelor Yuan also told me a top-secret thing." "What's the matter?" Although Zeng Guofan was worried and happy when he heard these words, the news was indeed too important.Hearing that there was another top-secret incident, Zeng Guofan couldn't help but get nervous. "Bachelor Yuan said that it was when Xiangyong had not yet left the territory of Hunan. One day, the emperor suddenly summoned him, and Bachelor Yuan came to the Maoqin Hall quite nervously. The emperor asked, "Are you in-laws with Zeng Guofan?" Yuan Xueshi answered He said "yes", and thought to himself, how could the emperor know? The emperor asked again: "Some people say that Zeng Guofan practiced bravery in Hengzhou and received a sword from the descendants of Mrs. Wang, and this sword was given by Yongli in the previous Ming Dynasty. Hold this sword to fight against my army going south. Do you know this?' Yuan Xueshi told me that when he heard the emperor's question, he was covered in sweat and his underwear was soaked, and he was shocked and frightened. Which turtle grandson told this secret?If the emperor intends to pursue it, it is possible to add a charge of treason.He didn't know anything about the gift of swords from the descendants of Mrs. Wang.袁学士说，幸而他曾经访问过王夫之故居，知道王氏家藏的这把宝剑的来历，于是他对皇上说：'曾国藩受没有受王夫之后人所送的剑，这事我不知道。但有一点我清楚，藏在王夫之故居的那把剑，并不是永历赠给王夫之的，而是洪武赐给王夫之祖上的。 '皇上问：'你怎么知道？ '袁学士答：'臣是湖南湘潭人，湘潭离衡州只有两百余里。臣少时在衡州读书多年，到过王夫之的故居，见过这把剑，并且从王夫之后人那里打听过这把剑的来历。 '皇上说：'既不是永历赐给王夫之的，那这事就不消过问了。 '袁学士说：'皇上圣明。据臣所知，王夫之虽然做过前明的臣子，他后来还是拥护我大清的，故康熙爷赠米给他，死后还被宣付国史馆立传，乾隆爷修四库全书时，还收了他的四部著作。曾国藩乃一荆楚下士，蒙两朝圣恩，才有今日的地位。其耿耿忠心，皇上是知道的。何况此剑并非王夫之的，即便是王夫之的，也不能据此而对他的忠心有所怀疑。臣听说曾国藩在湖南练勇，艰苦备尝，其为人刚正廉明，疾恶如仇，在湖南得罪不少人，或许有人挟嫌亦未可知。祈皇上明察。 '皇上称赞袁学士奏对得体，没有再问下去了。袁学士对我说，挟嫌之人很可能就是陶恩培。此人惯行的手段是用重金收买京官，又最喜欢向朝廷上密折。衡州知府陆传应是他的心腹，船山后人赠剑事，多半是陆传应得知后，再告诉陶恩培，陶恩培再密告皇上的。袁学士又说，德音杭布极有可能是僧格林沁等满蒙亲贵安置在湘勇中的密探，要大人加倍提防。 " 康福一直谈到半夜才离开。下半夜，曾国藩一直未眠。两件大惑不解的事总算有了解答。衡州出师之日所受到的降二级处分，改署抚为兵部侍郎衔，原来都事出有因。这些事，年轻的王闿运看得透彻，自己有时反而不清醒。他深悔不该接受王世全所赠之剑，那时只想到这是攻克江宁的吉兆，却没有料到会授仇人怨家以把柄。好危险啊，若不是袁漱六能言善辩，岂不招致巨祸！“人无远虑，必有近忧。”曾国藩反复默念先哲的格言，仿佛觉得今夜长进了很多。他从心里佩服皇上的圣明，感激皇上的信任，对皇上优待江北江南大营，也宽怀释然了。曾国藩发誓，今生今世要竭忠尽力为国效劳，以报答两朝圣主的知遇之恩。转念，他又想：皇上还年轻，识人和治国的经验都不够，难保今后没有人在他面前再进谗言。 尤其是那批满蒙显贵，对汉人从来就抱有深刻的偏见，对手握重兵的汉人更不放心，皇上也最听得进他们的话。历史上带兵在外的将帅，为取信君王，有刘秀遣子侄于朝、王翦索赏田园以示无大志的先例。曾国藩想，到一定时候，这些都可以仿效。而眼下先要在皇上面前建立一个谦虚谨慎、不居功不自恃的形象。他走到书案前，抽出一张纸来，给皇上拟了一道奏折：臣奉命援鄂皖，肃清江面，岂不知艰大之责，非臣愚所能胜任。只以东南数省大局糜烂，凡为臣子，至此无论有职无职，有才无才，皆当毕力竭诚，以图补救千万一。递自忘其愚陋，日夜愁思，冀收天下之效。然守制未终，臣之方寸，常负疚于神明。虽治军近两年，平日墨绖素冠，常如礼庐之日，而夺情视事，此心终难自安。日前田镇大捷，皆臣塔齐布、罗泽南、彭玉麟、桂明、多隆阿等人之功，微臣毫无劳绩。刻下臣拟会同水陆两路，向九江进发。嗣后湖南之勇，或得克复城池，再立功绩，无论何项褒荣，何项议叙，微臣概不敢受。伏求圣上俯鉴愚忱。倘借皇上训诲，办理日有起色，江面渐次廓清，即当据实奏明回籍，补行心衷，以达人子之至情，而明微臣之初志。 写好后，天已放明，曾国藩正准备出门散散步，塔齐布急忙来报：“长毛伪翼王石达开已到江西，在九江、湖口一带修筑堡垒。请大人下令，急速东下。”