Zhang Pu and Zhang Gandu, who was born in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, were the most powerful "Charge Captain" under the Donglin Party, the founder of Fushe, and the most famous "scholar leader" in the world during the Chongzhen period. This person had already done countless major things before he passed the imperial examination, from organizing riots to storming government offices, setting fire to cities, beating officials, etc. The intensity of his battles was definitely no less than that of the May Fourth Movement in later generations. , really seeking fame even at the risk of life and death.
——Zhang Pu was born in poverty, but he was eager to learn at a young age and was known as a child prodigy. In the fourth year of Tianqi (1622), he began to form a society to comment on current affairs, and gained fame. It was first named Yingshe (Imperial Examination Group), and later changed to Fushe (Imperial Weightlifting Examination Group), with a maximum membership of more than 3,000 people; In the sixth year of Tianqi's reign, he participated in the Suzhou anti-tax riot and wrote "Five People's Tombstones", which denounced the Eunuch Party and became famous all over the world. In the first year of Chongzhen, he "organized the masses" to expel Gu Bingqian, the backbone of the Eunuch Party, and became a superstar among the world's scholars! The momentum of restoring the society has since shaken the government and the public. It is known as "the gathering of the Spring and Autumn Period, and the streets are full of clothes" and "everyone who visits a city knows that there are people who have restored the society." Its influence spreads across all provinces in the north and south. Wherever it goes, the streets are packed with people and there are countless fans.
If that's all, then Zhang Pu's speech ability is at most extraordinary, equivalent to the level of Martin Luther King in the United States in later generations. But the scary thing is that Zhang Pu is not only extremely politically fanatical, but also very ambitious and skillful. After becoming famous, he refused to go through the process of getting promoted step by step. Instead, he tried to rise to the top in one step. He recruited many disciples to control the intelligentsia and the academic field, and finally achieved the goal of controlling the political power - and for a time he actually succeeded! Even Zhou Yanru, the chief minister of the dynasty, was under his thumb and had to obey his orders. On one occasion, Zhang Pu even directly gave Zhou Yanru a booklet full of names of people, some of whom wanted to be promoted, and some who wanted to be dismissed from office. However, Zhou Yanru actually complied with all the orders and did not dare to disobey at all.
Think about it, a mere "civilian" without any actual position can actually remotely control the decisions of the court thousands of miles away from home, decide on the appointment and dismissal of officials in the Ming Empire, and regard the Ming Dynasty as a plaything in the palm of his hand... This is so overwhelming. In the modern world, which country idler under thirty years old (Zhang Pu is twenty-nine years old this year) can achieve such arrogance and ability?
Controlling the imperial court in the countryside and ruling the world as an idler... Zhang Pu was able to achieve this, which is unprecedented.
Of course, it is said that Zhang Pu was assassinated by Zhou Yanru or some other big boss because he was too arrogant in the end...
Therefore, Governor Zou Weilian felt very afraid of Zhang Pu's sudden visit, as if he saw hungry wolves and tigers coming to his door.
※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※
Obviously, to Donglin Party officials such as Fujian Governor Zou Weilian, Zhang Pu, a junior who they spent money to support and promote, was almost equivalent to an undercooked mad dog, allowing him to bite the eunuchs and Xun Party officials. Political opponents like Gui are invincible and win many battles, but once they turn against them, it will be deeply heartbreaking...
Apart from anything else, Zou Weilian couldn't help but feel disgusted just seeing this guy sitting in front of him in a grand manner, discussing friendship with himself, the governor of Fujian, as his equal - you Zhang Pu and Zhang Qian were only thirty years old, last year I have just passed the imperial examination and passed the imperial examination. My official position is just a scholar in the Hanlin Academy. Now I am still living at home because of my filial piety. How dare I be so presumptuous in front of me, a high-ranking official in the border area? ! Even in terms of age, I am twenty years older than you! Where have all the dignity and etiquette gone?
But Nai Wai returned to Nai Wai. Thinking of this guy's astonishing fame and tens of millions of fans, as well as the looming Donglin bigwigs behind this visit, Fujian Governor Zou Weilian, no matter how unhappy he felt, he had to endure it. Temperament, listen to this guy chattering in your ears:
"...We, the people who are studying, need to uphold righteousness for the world! Even though we are far away from the rivers and lakes, how can we not think about national affairs?! In recent years, natural disasters have continued in various provinces, bandits have appeared in the northwest, corruption has occurred in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces; slave establishment is rampant in Liaodong, The capital was in shock overnight; Shandong, Henan, and Beizhili were also in constant turmoil, and treacherous officials and villains gained power in the court, forcing the nobles of Donglin and Ao to resign. The Zhou Kun bandits came across the ocean in large iron ships, built a stronghold on the high ground near Qiongzhou Prefecture, built a city and paved roads, and recruited soldiers and horses... Well, they bought ships, smuggled goods, and colluded with rebel warriors from Fujian and Guangdong provinces. , plundering the population, its power cannot be underestimated. The current situation is already unstable. It would be unimaginable if the southern thieves take the opportunity to cause chaos again. ”
In the small flower hall of the governor's yamen, Zhang Pu held a teacup in his hand and talked eloquently, "...Now, the Qiongzhou thieves are colluding with Huangshi in southern Fujian, colluding internally and externally, killing good people and common people to enrich themselves, and they are getting bigger day by day. Their plot is really terrible." Horrible. We can only attack first and tell the world to attack this traitor in Huangshi, eradicate Funing's army, and cut off the help of Kun's thieves. Only in this way can we eliminate the serious troubles in the southern provinces, protect the country at the top, and bring peace to the people at the bottom..."
"...Ahem, dryness! As you just said, the Central Plains is in turmoil, bandits are on the rise, the rebellion in the southwest is undetermined, the Guan Ning Army has suffered a new defeat, and the Liaodong Tartars are arrogant for a while, and the world is in turmoil. In the autumn, how can we still stir up trouble and cause trouble to the current Holy Emperor? ”
Regarding this empty talk that was completely divorced from reality, Fujian Governor Zou Weilian rolled his eyes when he heard it, but he could not get angry, so he had to cough dryly and patiently persuaded him, "...Huangshi, this official, is indeed supporting the troops in Fujian and respecting himself." , committed many illegal activities, but at least he did not rebel, and the taxes in various places in Fujian were almost paid. At best, he was a little domineering, just like Li Chengliang in Liaodong in the past.
As for the Kun thieves who are entrenched in Qiongzhou, they have indeed fought several battles with the officers and soldiers, but according to what I heard, the Australian has now accepted the recruitment, and since then he has neither stolen nor robbed nor killed nor plundered. Attack the city, pay taxes according to regulations, and pay taxes on time Apart from doing some business, he didn't seem to have much intention to be an enemy of the imperial court... Previously, the pirate leader Zheng Zhilong was rampaging across the Fujian Sea, committing many evil deeds and conquering countless prefectures and counties. Governor Xiong (Xiong Wencan) was still able to appease him and entrust him with it. heavy responsibility. Why should we be so fussy now and not tolerate a group of thieves who live in remote areas and are engaged in business? ”
——As for the "encirclement and suppression of the bandits and their return with a great victory" reported by the Guangdong side, the Australians could only huddle in the "Hundred-Ren High City" which was easy to defend and difficult to attack and did not dare to come out... That was all done specifically to fool the emperor. It's better not to mention such nonsense among well-informed and sensible people like them.
"...Sir, you can't say that! That Huangshi not only colluded with the bandit Kun, but also wanted to be punished. Last year, the bandit went to Japan without authorization. Not only did he leave the station without permission to send troops, but he also attacked the "No Expedition" decreed by Taizu. country', which These are enough to constitute a serious crime of rebellion! And although Qiongzhou is remote, it is also the territory of our Ming Dynasty. Overseas thieves defend themselves in Qiongzhou and do not listen to the teachings of the saints, causing the world to become a mess, like this..."
"...Oh, why are you so demanding?! Now that the world is restless and the Central Plains is in turmoil, it's already great that we can maintain peace and tranquility in the southern country. Besides, when the Francons occupied Haojing'ao, they have been unable to do so until now. I didn’t leave, but I didn’t cause any big trouble.”
Zou Weilian couldn't help but interrupt Zhang Pu, "...Nowadays, there are many troubles in the world, and there are not many cases of military men being domineering? I heard in the north that some officers and soldiers massacred the county town and killed the county magistrate while they were chasing thieves. Later, Still no one is pursuing them! Compared to this, Huang Shi's domineering and rebellious actions are nothing. There are also swarms of thieves in Fujian Province today, and they cannot do without the Funing Army to guard the territory and keep the people safe - Gandu must understand the principle that when the water is clear, there will be no fish! Moreover, Qiongzhou Prefecture is under the control of Guangdong, even if they have to send troops to attack Kun! The thief has nothing to do with Fujian, so why bother coming to Fuzhou to talk about it?”
"...Ahem, sir, my original intention is not for Fujian to violate the imperial system and launch an expedition to Qiongzhou."
Zhang Pu quickly explained, "...but Huangshi, this traitor, really cannot be tolerated any longer. I also ask you to send an official document quickly to seize his military power, disperse his tribe, and eliminate such rebellious vassal towns for the country. Dukes of Donglin I will also support you in the northern and southern capitals and praise Mr. Zou for his unparalleled loyalty..."
"...Gan Du's words are really ridiculous! All the ministries under Huang Shi's command are his direct followers who have followed him in Liaodong for many years. They have always only seen the generals and not the court. In the past, Governor Xiong had planned all kinds of things, but he was unable to do anything with this generation. Can it be won with just a letter from the governor’s office?”
Zou Weilian sighed and said, "...and the Funing Army not only monopolizes the benefits of sea trade, but also has overseas thieves who think it can provide assistance. It has many brave men under its banner and can fight with no less than 30,000 troops! Even if all the troops of Fujian Province are used up, , and it is difficult to be an enemy. If you take risks rashly, you will have no chance of winning. Is it a good thing that the war in the South is getting worse? What's more, the current cabinet is dominated by treacherous ministers, and the evil will prevail over good. The new chief minister, Wen Tiren, has always hated me. If you add insult to injury, the situation will only get worse!”
(Ancient literati generally did not call others directly by their names when talking, except when swearing.)
At this point, Zou Weilian almost begged, "... Gandu, I am not unaware that the situation in the DPRK has changed drastically, the traitors in the DPRK have gained power, and the princes of Donglin are in a critical situation. But at this time of internal and external difficulties, I Gentlemen of this generation should keep calm, and would rather stay dormant for a while, and then try to figure it out slowly. They must not indulge in random tricks for the sake of quick success, and end up causing a huge disaster.”
In short, no matter how eloquent Zhang Pu was and how he threatened and lured him, Governor Zou Weilian was determined to push back. He refused to rashly attack Huangshi and the "Australians" in Fujian, and served as a self-bred dry food for the Donglin bosses in the south of the Yangtze River. Pathfinder cannon fodder sent to death.
Finally, when Zhang Pu had no choice but to say goodbye, Zou Weilian couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, thinking that this test was finally over.
However, he did not notice the fierce look in Zhang Pu's eyes before he said goodbye and left... Don't forget, this man looks like a humble gentleman, but in fact he is He is a super murderous person who has always used unscrupulous means to kill officials and burn down government offices without taking anything seriously...