Da Ming Xia 40

Chapter Forty : The Jing and Wei Rivers

Divide into One

. The sky was freezing cold, and the north wind howled.

Qiu Ju and Gu Dayong were warming themselves around the stove inside the house. On the table, pepper wine was warmed, and several steaming clay pots

were set up, emitting a fragrant aroma of meat.

Just then, Ding Shou approached, and Gu Dayong said cheerfully, "Young man, you've come at the perfect time! The meat is just cooked, fresh donkey

roe and sheep testicles. Old Qiu even had someone bring over dragon eggs, these are rare treasures. Come on, let's have a few drinks

."

Ding Shou's face was grim. He didn't care about drinking, but the problem was that he couldn't eat with these eunuchs.

He thought it was fine to eat dumplings and chew on donkey head meat during the New Year,

but the eunuchs preferred to eat the testicles of donkeys and cows. The females were called "roe," and the males were called "testicles." Sheep testicles

were sheep testicles. As for "dragon eggs," they were quite rare. Pure white horses were hard to come by, let alone

the testicles of a white stallion. Ding Shou didn't mind these things; eating them occasionally was a change of pace. But he couldn't stand eating them all the time.

The Second Master had been taking the "like cures like" approach to supplement his body, and he was getting a bit of a fever.

"I won't disturb your refined enjoyment, gentlemen. Is the Grand Eunuch here?"

Qiu Ju warmed his hands in front of the stove, slightly raising his eyelids to glance at Ding Shou. He said, "There have been many matters lately, and the Grand Eunuch

seems a bit listless. He's currently listening to A Yin play the zither in the quiet room in the back hall. Judging by the time, it's about time. Go and find him yourself."

Upon reaching the back hall, the zither music had indeed just ended, with only the lingering notes echoing in the air. Liu Jin's

voice , "I haven't been feeling well lately. Why don't you play another piece?"

Lei Changyin's tone was calm, without a trace of emotion. "The time it takes for an incense stick to burn is enough to calm the mind. Everything in excess is as bad as

deficiency. The Grand Eunuch's listlessness is probably due to too many thoughts. Playing another piece would be of no use."

Before long, Lei Changyin, with her zither case slung over her shoulder, strolled out, smiled and nodded at Ding Shou, and left alone.

Ding Shou secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. Look at that man's magnanimity! Daring to defy Liu Jin like that—Lei Changyin was

unique . This second-in-command had a very low profile, only playing the zither for Liu Jin each day, and rarely playing more than

the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Ding Shou had to admit that listening to Lei Changyin's music was indeed very beneficial. For example,

Zhu Yunwen had forcibly opened his eight extraordinary meridians, greatly increasing his power, but his mental state was far from matching his cultivation. It was like

a beggar suddenly receiving a huge fortune and not knowing how to spend it. But regularly listening to Lei Changyin play the zither allowed him

to calm his mind and cultivate his inner strength. Although the benefits weren't immediately apparent, he understood the gains and losses in his heart.

"Come in," Liu Jin's voice came from inside, tinged with weariness.

Ding Shou stepped in and saw Liu Jin leaning against the soft couch, eyes closed, resting. He said softly, "Have you been working hard lately, Eunuch

?"

He gently rubbed his temples. Liu Jin replied, "It's all because of the money. There are sacrifices in the suburbs of the capital,

rewards for civil and military officials, and preparations for His Majesty's wedding. The treasury can't withstand the financial strain. And

then , Korea comes to pay tribute. The emperor is pleased to have a foreign vassal come to pay tribute right after the change of reign, and he even wants to give extra rewards."

It's not like foreign countries come to pay tribute on a whim. The Ming Dynasty issues tallies according to the distance and relationship between the countries. Korea pays tribute three times a year,

Ryukyu once every two years, Annam and Siam and other Southeast Asian countries once every three years, and Samarkand in the Western Regions once every five years

. As for Japan, which is not well-liked, they pay tribute once every ten years. Of course, if you come shamelessly before the tribute period, the Ming Dynasty will

at most and then just have to accept it.

"I wonder what the purpose of this pilgrimage by Joseon is?"

Although all tribute missions are accepted, there is always a reason for them to come: to congratulate someone on a birthday, to celebrate a festival, to request an official title

, to express gratitude, or to offer gifts. During the Yongle era, there were even

missions to the Ming Dynasty to send virgins and eunuchs. At that time, cosmetic surgery technology was not as advanced as it is now. However, Emperor Yongle was a meticulous person and specially sent someone to Joseon

to tell the Joseon monarch and his ministers that the quality of the virgins sent this time was not

very good. Considering their sincerity, he reluctantly accepted them. He told them to be careful when sending more. I don't know if Zhu Laosi (Emperor Yongle) was a hypocrite, putting on a show and then denying

it . In any case, there were never any shortage of Joseon concubines in the inner palace of the early Ming emperors.

Liu Jin, unsuspecting, said, "Besides congratulating the New Year, they also brought a personal memorial from King Yi of Joseon

, saying that he was grieving the untimely death of his crown prince, had fallen ill from grief, and requested that the affairs of state be entrusted to his younger brother, Yi Yi, and that the Celestial Empire bestow titles upon him, etc.

" "

Forcing someone to abdicate one day, and then having someone personally announce their abdication—Joseon

's move is cunning," Ding Shou murmured. "The matter in Haidong is probably not that simple."

"Oh," Liu Jin glanced at him, "What news do you have?"

Ding Shou leaned down and whispered the details in Liu Jin's ear. Liu Jin sat up abruptly, "Is this true?"

"We still need to verify with the Joseon envoy; it shouldn't be wrong."

Liu Jin stood up and paced back and forth, "What do you think?" " Your subordinate

believes that no matter who is the ruler of Joseon, they will not betray the Ming Dynasty. However , since we have this leverage, it would be a pity to let it go. It would be better to use it to coerce Yi Yi into offering money to relieve the urgent needs of the inner treasury. As for that Zhang Lushui ... " Joseon's concubines were not satisfied with just one encounter, Ding Shou said with a wicked smile: " I'll leave it to my care, what do you think, sir?" Seeing Ding Shou's lewd grin, Liu Jin knew what he meant and shook his head, saying, "Boy, if you're always thinking about things like that in your crotch, I really don't trust you with this responsibility." Ding Shou was about to speak when Liu Jin waved his hand to stop him. "Korea certainly doesn't dare to betray the Ming and declare independence, but gratitude and resentment are not the same thing. Your approach is too petty. There is no greater kindness than restoring the country. If you can help Yi Yi regain his throne , he will be devoted to the Ming Dynasty for life and will never forget your kindness." "As for Yi Yi," Liu Jin sneered, "His usurpation was not wrong, but his biggest mistake was deceiving the Emperor and the Ming Dynasty."

"Yes, Your Majesty, my knowledge is limited. Please punish me." Ding Shou bowed and said.

"There's one more thing," Liu Jin chuckled, "that poor, remote place, Korea, there's not much to squeeze out of

it ."

Indeed, Korea is not small, but its resources are limited. The Ming Dynasty's gifts to Korea often included books,

clothing, and other items. Just the pearl crown given to the Korean queen alone used more than seven thousand pearls of various sizes. With Korea's

craftsmanship not only could they not make it, but even if they did, Korea's treasury would be immediately depleted. Zhu Yuanzhang's initial

tribute to Korea included gold and silver, though in small quantities, which already caused great distress to the Korean king and his officials. Fortunately, there were people in Korea who

could help. Those eunuchs did not send them in vain. The Korean eunuch, Yin Feng, repeatedly advised, and only then were the gold and silver removed from the tribute list.

"Then what should we do next..." Ding Shou asked.

"Tomorrow His Majesty will summon us to the Qianqing Palace to discuss matters concerning Korea. Before that, settle this matter."

Liu Jin leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes again.

The Ministry of Rites' Hall had two sections, north and south, each with nine side rooms on the east, west, front, and back . Early the next morning, Ding Shou, accompanied by

a group of Imperial Guards, visited the Korean envoy.

"Yesterday I was preoccupied with official business and failed in my duty. I have come today to apologize. Please forgive me, Your Excellency," Ding Shou said with a broad smile, like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken. "Your Excellency is too kind. I am humbled. Your presence is an honor to our humble abode. Please come in and we will serve you tea, " Li Jifu said respectfully. The two sat down. Four Imperial Guards in flying fish robes stood with their swords at the foot of the corridor. Li Jifu thought to himself , "I already learned from Xiong Xiu yesterday that this is a rising star in the court. Is he coming so early this morning to solicit bribes?" A servant brought fragrant tea. Li Jifu offered it to Ding Shou, who smiled and nodded. He picked up the teacup, lifted the lid with his thumb and forefinger, and lightly sniffed the aroma. He casually remarked, "I've heard that Lord Li comes from the Qinghai Li clan, a prominent family in Korea. " "Indeed." Li Jifu spoke with pride about his ancestors, "My ancestor, whose name was Lan Gong , was renowned for his archery skills. Our nation's founding emperor admired his bravery and they became sworn brothers. He assisted the emperor in establishing the dynasty, thus laying the foundation for the Qinghai Li clan." Seeing that Ding Shou was only concerned with stirring the tea leaves floating in the tea soup with the lid, seemingly unconcerned about what he was saying, Li Jifu . He decided to try and build rapport, "Speaking of which, my ancestors had some connections with the Celestial Empire." "Oh? I'd like to hear more." Ding Shou casually took a large gulp of tea. He had eaten salty food that morning, and it had taken the second master a long time to let the tea cool down. Li Jifu cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the upper left and said, "My ancestor was a descendant of Yue Fei, the Prince of E." "Pfft—" Ding Shou spat out a mouthful of tea, not even having time to wipe the water stains from his clothes. "Your ancestor was Yue Fei !?" Seeing Ding Shou's loss of composure, Li Jifu was quite pleased with himself. "Indeed." Ding Shou was a little dazed, wondering if he'd been indulging in too much tea and drink lately, his mind a bit foggy . He carefully recalled what Zhang Lushu had said last night about the origins of the Qinghai Li clan while holding his penis in her mouth, and hesitated, " Wasn't Li Zhilan's original name Tong Doulan, originally a Jurchen, who changed her surname to Li after entering Korea?" "Absurd!" Li Jifu seemed greatly insulted. "Our ancestors were descendants of the Han Chinese, how could they be compared to barbarians ? Therefore, Yue Fei had five sons: Yun, Lei, Lin, Zhen, and Ting. Zhilan was a descendant of Ting. In the past, Yue Fei, filled with resentment at Fengbo Pavilion, was murdered by treacherous people. Ting secretly entered the Jin Kingdom, received an official position, married, and had children, thus giving rise to the Qinghai Li clan of today..." "Enough!" A loud shout startled Li Jifu, causing him to slump back in his chair. There's a limit to the absurdity of Yue Fei's son becoming an official in the Jin Kingdom. If your ancestor was Yue Fei, does that mean I, a man in the Eastern Depot, spend all my time offering incense to your ancestor? Should I become your sworn brother? Master Ding was exasperated and cut to the chase, "Do you recognize this person?" Li Jifu, still terrified, heard this and saw a brocade-clad officer enter from the corridor. He removed his gauze hat, revealing flowing, beautiful hair, strikingly beautiful. "You, you're Zhang Shurong! Aren't you dead?" Li Jifu, not wanting to see a ghost in broad daylight, turned deathly pale . "Good that you recognized him. Men, seal off the meeting hall. No one is to enter or leave without my official warrant. " Grabbing Li Jifu, Ding Shou sneered, "Lord Li, come with me to see the Emperor." " Li Yi of Korea has requested that his younger brother Li Yi be granted a title. The people of the entire country have no objections. His mother has also petitioned that Yi is older and more virtuous, worthy of being entrusted with important responsibilities. What does Your Majesty think?" In the West Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, three Grand Secretaries sat in chairs discussing matters with Emperor Zhengde. This was a habit fostered by Emperor Hongzhi. Zhu Youcheng respected the old ministers and granted them all seats during discussions. The emperor and his ministers would sit together to discuss and decide matters , and then go through the procedures of reporting and approving the reports the next day in court. Over time, the emperor's majesty and mystery disappeared. Of course, later Emperor Jiajing went to the other extreme, never explaining any decrees clearly, leaving the ministers to guess . Yan Song was the most trusted because he guessed accurately. "How can one abandon the country because of the loss of a son? I hereby appoint Yi to manage state affairs, and he will be enfeoffed after Li Yi's death." The young emperor harbored a malicious thought. He didn't want to be confined to this palace; he wanted to go out and see the Ming Dynasty. He could abandon his post after he died. The officials exchanged glances, and Li Dongyang spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe that Li Yi resigned due to a chronic illness, and Li Yi, as his younger brother, accepted the position. This shows that friendship remains intact, and we should grant his request." "Well…" Not agreeing to Joseon's request was merely a prank in Zhengde's mind, so he didn't care. Just as he was about to agree, Liu Jin strode in. "Your Majesty, Ding Shou, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, has something to report." After Ding Shou entered and explained the situation, Zhengde was furious, and the officials changed color. They immediately summoned Li Jifu, who claimed to be a young general from the Yue family, and Zhang Lushu. Zhang Lushu entered the warm pavilion and gracefully bowed, saying, "Your humble servant Zhang Lushu greets Your Majesty the Emperor." Zhang Lushu had two...

The woman, named Pin Shurong, was thus addressed as "your subject."

The people in the warm pavilion scrutinized the kneeling woman; her skin was as white as snow, and she stood tall and graceful. Grand Secretary Xie stroked his beard

, secretly thinking that this woman was more beautiful than his own wife and six concubines. He hadn't expected such a beauty to exist in this small country east of the sea.

Zhengde stared intently at Zhang Lushu, and Ding Shou thought to himself, "Oh no! Has the young emperor taken a fancy to this woman ?"

He glanced at his own black gauze hat, feeling a pang of envy.

"Hey, woman, where did you get this attire?" Zhengde asked, and Ding Shou nearly collapsed.

Zhang Lushu, in her haste to see the emperor, hadn't had time to change. Her flying fish robe was already an overstepping of authority, so she had put on a sleeveless, see-through gauze before entering the hall

. Now, it accentuated her dashing figure, attracting the young emperor's attention.

Liu Jin coughed softly, bringing Zhengde's thoughts back to normal. He hadn't even been married yet, so how could he understand

matters of love and sex? Unlike a certain emperor of a thousand ages, who already had children of several years old at this age. "What is it you wish to report?"

"My husband, Li Jifu, has been imprisoned by a traitor, his life hanging by a thread. I implore Your Majesty, considering my husband's loyalty and service to the Ming Dynasty

, to immediately extend a helping hand and rescue him from this predicament."

"Li Jifu, you are a traitorous minister plotting rebellion! Do you know your crime?"

"Your Majesty, do not listen to the words of this wicked woman who has brought ruin to the country!" Li Jifu kowtowed repeatedly. "The foolish ruler Li Jifu

has acted perversely , destroying Buddhism and Confucianism, imposing cruel punishments such as dismemberment, branding, disembowelment, and bone-crushing. He has turned

temples into brothels, instigated the killing of scholars, defiled the palace, and violated human ethics. The people of our country suffer daily. Our rebellion was a last resort

to protect ourselves."

Tears streamed down his face, moving both the emperor and his minister.

Liu Jian angrily said, "How can such a foolish ruler govern a region and seek happiness for the people? He should be deposed."

"Although Li Yi and others have acted rebelliously, it is understandable," Li Dongyang interjected.

Xie Qian concluded: "Issue an edict to reprimand Joseon, ordering Yi Yeok to apologize. Also, send this vixen directly to the brothel

or to serve as a slave to a meritorious official."

The Grand Secretaries were about to finalize the matter with their comments. Zhang Lushu looked panicked. Ding Shou was about to

speak when Liu Jin calmly said, "This old servant has something to say, Your Majesty."

Zhengde nodded in acknowledgment. Liu Jin said, "Li Yi has held the title of a prince in a foreign land for twelve years. If Yi Yeok is a relative, then he is

a subject of that country. The roles of ruler and subject are fixed, and their order cannot be reversed. Even if Yi Yi is truly unjust,

we should listen to the Grand Queen Dowager's report

and wait for China to make a new appointment. Now, a subject has usurped the throne, a younger brother has deposed his elder brother, and he has made false and deceptive statements. Yi Yeok has no loyalty to the country,

no loyalty to China, and no loyalty to Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao's face grew increasingly grim as he listened. "This traitor has gone too far! Who will denounce his crimes on my behalf?"

Ding Shou excitedly said, "I am willing to follow the example of Ban Dingyuan, lead troops to punish the guilty, and restore the imperial authority."

"Good, my dear minister, you are indeed a loyal subject. I order you to lead the army..."

Li Dongyang began, "Your Majesty, you mustn't."

Zhengde said displeased, "The traitorous minister of Korea has deceived the emperor so much, does Grand Secretary Li not wish to punish him?"

"I dare not," Li Dongyang said to himself, "Korea was founded on the name 'Shining Sun

' bestowed by the Great Ancestor. The Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty stipulate that we should never wage war. Even if there are faults, we should not resort to arms."

Xie Qian chuckled, "Commissioner Ding wants to emulate Ban Chao, and indeed he has great ambitions. Ban Chao,

the Marquis commanded more than fifty countries in the Western Regions with his thirty-six-man delegation, and roamed the foreign lands for thirty-one years, with none daring to disobey. Today, Korea is merely

a vassal state in the East Sea. With a young hero like Commander Ding leading the charge, it will surely be pacified with a single proclamation."

What does this mean? You want me to lead thirty-odd men to help someone restore their country? Do you think I'm Superman? Even if I

wore my underwear on the outside, people would just stand there and let me... " Even if I chop, I'll be worked to death," Ding Shou was about

to retort when Liu Jin sneered, "Grand Secretary Xie, there's no need to provoke us. The Imperial Guard is full of talent; no need to waste resources. Thirty men

are enough."

Uh, this damned freak wants me to die far from home. Ding Shou's eyes turned unfriendly. Zhengde, upon hearing this

, assumed the two had already planned it and nodded, "Alright, let's do as Old Liu says." He then said to Ding Shou, "

Go and come back quickly, hurry back to attend my wedding."

I guess my own wedding will have to be held in the underworld. After Zhengde, his ministers, and Zhang Lushu and others had all left, Ding

Shou said resentfully, "Father-in-law, are you really only letting me take thirty men to Korea?"

"That's right." Before Ding Shou could speak, Liu Jin continued, "There aren't enough men, but I can give you something

else..."

In a private room by the window in Songhe Tower, Ding Shou and Wang Ting were locked in a fierce battle, while

Jiang Bin by watching.

"Cannon to the fifth rank, checkmate." Ding Shou placed his piece, and Jiang Bin laughed heartily.

Wang Tingxiang was a skilled player, but Ding Shou, having read several books like "The Secret of the Orange" and "The Plum Blossom Manual" in his later years, was

full of ingenious moves. He had just devised a "Thirteen-Move Sacrifice Horse Checkmate," and with the outcome decided in thirteen moves, Jiang Bin was

inexplicably defeated on his first encounter with Ding Shouxiang, feeling utterly frustrated.

At this moment, Wang Shouren entered, lifting the curtain. "Why are you all so happy?" "

Brother Bo'an, you've come at the right time. I've long heard of your superb chess skills in your youth. Come and teach him a lesson for his

arrogance ." Wang Tingxiang addressed Wang Shouren by his courtesy name.

Wang Shouren glanced at the chessboard and smiled, "I'm afraid I can't help you achieve your goal. In my youth, I was addicted to chess and

neglected , I didn't change my ways. In a fit of anger, my father threw all the chess pieces into the river. I suddenly realized my mistake, wrote a poem to express my resolve, and never played chess again.

"

"Oh, I wonder what poem you wrote? Would I have the pleasure of hearing it?" Ding Shou smiled and offered him a seat.

"It's just a game, I fear it might offend your ears." Wang Shouren sat down and began to recite: "Chess brings joy all day long

, but alas, a strict father can easily discard it. Pawns fall into the river and cannot be saved, the general drowns and all is lost. The horse travels a thousand miles with the waves, the elephant

enters the three rivers and chases the waves. The cannon roars and the heavens and earth tremble, suddenly startling the sleeping dragon with sorrow."

"Suddenly startling the sleeping dragon with sorrow..." Ding Shou read a few lines in a low voice, "Brother Wang, you compared yourself to the sleeping dragon in your youth, harboring

lofty ambitions, I admire you."

"Youthful nature, unrestrained and carefree, now I am truly ashamed," Wang Shouren said calmly.

"Haha..." Wang Tingxiang laughed loudly, "The Wang family tradition is not to flatter the world or fawn on the powerful. Your father admired

Mr. Cunzhai's philosophy of mind and was especially good at controlling the mind. If you, Wang Yangming, do not have some of the bold and unrestrained nature, how can you be called a member of the Wang family

?"

With a "thud," the chess piece Ding Shou was playing with fell to the ground. He stared at Wang Shouren as if he didn't recognize him. "

Brother Bo'an is Wang Yangming?!"

The two looked at each other in astonishment. Wang Tingxiang said, "Brother Bo'an resigned due to illness in the fifteenth year of Hongzhi and returned to Yue.

He built a hermitage in Yangming Cave on Kuaiji Mountain, the tenth grotto of Taoism, and studied there. He then called himself Yangmingzi. Brother Ding, don't you know?"

I know it all too well. Wang Yangming! He established merit, virtue, and words. He

is a figure who can be compared with Confucius. All the important ministers of the Meiji Restoration in Japan were disciples of the School of Mind. The so-called "God of War" Togo Heihachiro bowed to

Yangming

his life. After Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the isolated island, he renamed the mountainous area on the outskirts of Taipei City Yangmingshan in his memory. Such a person is sitting next to me. Isn't this like finding a treasure in broad daylight?

"Ah, well, I'm ignorant and truly don't know," Ding Shou said, changing the subject. "Brother Ziheng

summoned us here, and everyone is already gathered. What is the purpose?"

Wang Tingxiang glanced at Jiang Bin sitting to the side and said, "It's to discuss the matter of the Xuanfu military merit report."

This was the first time Jiang Bin had sat at a table with several civil officials, and he felt extremely restrained and uncomfortable. Hearing that it concerned

his own , his heart tightened again: "Has there been another setback?"

"No, the military report has the approval of the governor, general, and garrison commander of Xuanfu. The performance evaluation is fine;

the documents have already been issued. It's just a matter of rewarding merit and punishing wrongdoing. However, His Majesty is concerned about this matter and will certainly investigate the delay."

Wang Tingxiang said slowly, "The Ministry of War has indeed handled this matter improperly, delaying military operations. The punishment could be serious or minor. If His

Majesty is not satisfied, there will inevitably be turmoil within the Ministry of War. Today we are discussing how to determine the punishment."

Wang Shouren interjected, "Actually, Chief Secretary Huang did not intentionally delay. It was someone in Xuanfu who asked him

to handle this matter slowly. He was happy to do a favor, and indeed, he was somewhat unaware of the gravity of the situation. My brother, you are a close advisor to His Majesty,

and this time it was you who advised the Emperor. If you were to submit the memorial, the Emperor would surely accept your advice. I wish to ask you for a favor to settle this matter

peacefully."

Ding Shou frowned. According to him, it wouldn't be excessive to confiscate the property and execute that Huang fellow. However, the two men in front of him

had shown favor to him at the Wenhua Hall, and he had just learned that Wang Shouren was actually a great historian. He was quite inclined to win

them over, but if he gave them face, he was afraid it would damage their old friendship. So he turned to ask, "Third brother, what do you think we should do about this

?"

Jiang Bin had been uneasy ever since he heard what Wang Shouren had said. He was taken aback by Ding Shou's question. "Ah? What?

Oh, as long as the document is approved, I'm fine. I'll listen to you, young master."

Hearing this, Ding Shou clenched his fist and said, "In that case... let's determine that Huang Zhao, the head of the Department of Military Affairs, acted improperly and

be fined three months' salary. Let the rest of the Ministry of War take this as a warning. What do you two brothers think?"

This was quite a show of respect. Wang Shouren cupped his hands and said, "I thank you on behalf of my colleagues in the Ministry of War."

"Don't thank me yet, I also have a favor to ask." Ding Shou said with a mischievous smile, "Do you two brothers know that I

will be going to Korea as an envoy?"

The two nodded. The Six Ministries were located in the capital, and Wang Shouren's father, Wang Hua, worked in the Ministry of Rites, so this matter

was not exactly a secret.

"Then do you know the details?"

The two looked at each other blankly.

Ding Shou then briefly recounted the Korean palace coup and said, "

Going to the East as an envoy is inherently dangerous. In the past, those who went to Korea were either eunuchs or graduates of the imperial examinations. As a military officer, I am afraid of arousing Korea's suspicion. I wish to

request Do

you two brothers have time to go to the East?" "When I was young, I accompanied my father to experience the scenery of the frontier, but I never had the chance to see the customs of Liaodong. Now that I have this

opportunity , how can I miss it?" Wang Shouren said with a smile.

Wang Tingxiang frowned. "Bo'an, you're still suffering from a hemoptysis, how can you endure the bitter cold of Liaodong?

Let ."

The two men, disregarding the risks, were courageous and willing to take on the task. Ding Shou secretly admired them and advised, "Since Brother Bo'an is afflicted with this chronic illness

, we'll trouble Brother Ziheng this time."

Wang Shouren was about to speak when Ding Shou said, "Brother, don't worry. My restless nature

might lead me to the Western Regions again. Then I'll trouble you again, how about that?"

The group laughed, and the important matter was settled. Ding Shou wanted to resume the war with Wang Tingxiang, but Jiang Bin looked uneasy and said

, "Young man, since the Ministry of War's document has been issued, I'll return to Xuanfu immediately and not linger in the capital."

Ding Shou teased, "What's wrong, Third Brother? Missing your delicate little wife at home?"

"Don't joke," Jiang Bin said solemnly. "Judging from what you've said, the outcome of this mission is uncertain.

I will come to lend you a hand after I report back."

Ding Shou said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. You are in a military position, which is inconvenient. After all, Korea is a vassal state of the Ming

Dynasty, and we dare not make things difficult for the envoy. I appreciate your kindness."

Jiang Bin nodded. "Try to go home when you have the chance. Your family is very worried about you."

Ding Shou nodded with a wry smile. He thought to himself, "I would like to, but I haven't found my elder brother yet.

How can I face going back?" He had already instructed the 14th Thousand Household Division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to draw a picture and search for Ding He, but Ding He disappeared without a trace

.

After seeing Jiang Bin off, the group sat down again. Wang Shouren watched the two playing chess and suddenly asked, "Brother,

why did you join the Eastern Depot?"

Ding Shou was focused on the game and casually replied, "A meal from a friend."

"Oh? I would like to hear the details." Wang Tingxiang made a move.

There was nothing shameful about it, so Ding Shou recounted how he met Liu Jin, went to the capital to pay off his debts, and asked Liu Jin

to find his brother and others to enter the Eastern Depot.

The two kings exchanged a glance, and Wang Tingxiang said, "I have a word of advice for you."

Seeing his seriousness, Ding Shou smiled and said, "Brother, please speak freely."

"Throughout history, powerful eunuchs and treacherous officials have never met a good end, and those who follow them often find it difficult to escape unscathed. My virtuous brother is both learned and skilled in martial arts,

a pillar of the state. Why should you kneel before eunuchs?"

Seeing the two men's bright eyes, Ding Shou sat up straight and said, "Not to mention that Eunuch Liu has shown me kindness,

even if all the officials in the court regard me as a sycophantic villain, without the protection of the Eastern Depot, where would I go?" "

The officials in the court are not narrow-minded. With my father's mediation, they will surely be able to set aside past grievances. At that time, my virtuous brother will have

the Emperor's and the support of all the officials without. Just as you said in your article: the future is as vast as the sea, and the days ahead are long,"

Wang Shouren advised.

"I'm puzzled, why do you two brothers look upon me with such favor?"

The two exchanged a smile, and Wang Tingxiang said, "Literature expresses one's aspirations. We firmly believe that

the person who can write 'A Discourse on Young China' must be one of our kind. The three of us working together can surely make a lasting contribution to the people and the Ming Dynasty, a

contribution that will endure as long as the heavens and the nation."

Unfortunately, the article was plagiarized. Looking at the red and black chess pieces on the board, Ding Shou's heart churned. He could see

that the two were sincerely trying to persuade him. He had always worried about being labeled a member of the eunuch faction. It would be best if he could remove that label,

but what if he joined the civil service...? Thinking of Liu Jin's guidance and support over the past year, repeatedly entrusting him

with important tasks , while Zhu Houzhao in the deep palace was merely a rubber stamp, and now Weng Taibei was imprisoned

and ignored. The old and senile court officials were scheming against each other...

"Young man, if I don't agree, will Brother Ziheng still accompany me on my journey to Haidong?"

"The journey to Haidong is a royal affair. No matter the reply, I, your humble brother, will accompany you," Wang Tingxiang

solemnly replied.

"In that case, I will disappoint you both." Since we're both going to be subordinates, why not follow a

leader who trusts, values, and protects you? Although this leader's strength is somewhat lacking now, as for the outcome

, well, I really don't have high hopes for those in the court.

"Please think it over

carefully, my worthy brother." "This matter requires careful consideration. Perhaps you should think it over for a few more days."

"My mind is made up." Ignoring their advice, Ding Shou quickly placed the chess pieces back in their original positions.

The red and black pieces were clearly distinct. Looking at the pieces on the board, he stood up and laughed loudly, "Life is like a game of chess, where players manipulate events,

moving forward and backward against their will. Fighting for generalship and life and death, all is just a joke to the world." He then strode away.

Wang Tingxiang looked at Wang Shouren, "Did we two act too hastily?"

Looking at the chessboard, Wang Shouren shook his head, "Perhaps we shouldn't have forced them in the first place."

Liu Jin, his face grim, held several pages of letter paper in his hand, saying, "These are the exact words, there's no mistake, is there?"

Qiu Ju shook his head, "Songhelou was a spy I personally planted. There are listening copper pipes in the private rooms, and the scribes

are all experienced transcribers; there won't be any omissions."

With a cold snort, Liu Jin remained silent.

"This kid is too restless, always causing trouble. Now he's being watched, and he seems quite interested

. If this goes on, he might turn against us, isn't that…?" Qiu Ju raised his hand to strike.

"You don't need to worry about this. You can leave." After Qiu Ju left, Liu Jin's hand holding the letter paper

trembled , and several pages spontaneously combusted. Watching the flames engulf the paper, Liu Jin sneered, "Two little bastards

, trying to poach our talent…"

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