Chapter 474 Happy New Year
Ever since Duozuo asked that question.

Zhang Juzheng felt unwell.

He didn't get an answer to the question he asked, and then he fell into a mysterious state, as if a pit might suddenly appear somewhere at any time, and wave at him enthusiastically. The key was that he still jumped in obediently with a smile on his face.

Then when he looked up, he saw Yan Shaoting standing by the pit with a bright face, waving at him.

This feeling is really bad.

Especially after witnessing Yan Shaoting's subtle layout and style with his own eyes, this feeling became deeper and deeper.

after all.

In official circles, there are never true and permanent friends.

The so-called unbreakable political alliance will always end in a breakdown.

Zhang Juzheng deeply agreed with this point, and he believed that Yan Shaoting also held the same attitude and opinion.

and so.

He became more and more worried that Yan Shaoting might have subjected him to the same tactics over the years, and then one day in the distant future, he would suddenly fall victim to the same trick for unknown reasons.

But Yan Shaoting did not give an answer.

So the answer to this riddle is like a cat kept in one's heart, scratching its head and ears constantly.

Crackling.

clap clap.

Bang bang bang.

“It’s Chinese New Year!”

"New Year's Eve!"

In the city of Nanjing, with the arrival of night, on the last day of the New Year's Eve in the 44th year of the Jiajing reign, countless people walked out of their houses to light firecrackers and fireworks, with the sound of firecrackers bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.

In the snow-covered world, the bright red lanterns and beautiful window grilles echo each other in the distance.

Zhang Juzheng squeezed in like a ghost between Yan Shaoting and Wang Xijue, master and apprentice, who were lighting fireworks in the yard.

"Did you do anything to me?"

Zhang Juzheng's voice sounded like a stove that had not been used for decades had just been reignited.

Yan Shaoting and Wang Xijue were both shocked.

"Is there another Sun Kehong left for me?"

Zhang Juzheng asked again.

Yan Shaoting looked at the other person's sunken eye sockets and blackened cheeks, and felt a headache for a moment.

Wang Xijue glanced at the master and hurriedly explained: "Mr. Zhang, my master has been busy with state affairs in the court these years. How could he have time to do these things, let alone do it for you?"

It seemed that Zhang Juzheng was possessed by a ghost and his yang energy was almost drained away.

Yan Shaoting had not expected that he would be so stubborn, and he quickly said, "The emperor gave my son a name, Wuyou. I also hope that my uncle can worry less and relax his mind without worries."

Zhang Juzheng turned his head and asked: "You really didn't do anything?"

He looked Yan Shaoting up and down.

Based on his understanding of the other party, he always felt that this statement was not credible.

Seeing Zhang Juzheng's thoughts, Yan Shaoting was also helpless.

He swore that he really didn't expect that what he said just as a joke to tease Lao Zhang that day could make the other party become like this in just a few days.

Yan Shaoting patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, uncle. You and I may have different political views, but even if we have arguments in the court in the future, I will fight you as an upright teacher!"

"really?"

Although he still expressed doubts, Zhang Juzheng's expression finally eased a little.

Paji.

Yan Shaoting had already stuffed a handful of firecrackers into Zhang Juzheng's arms.

Then he and Wang Xijue held Zhang Juzheng on the left and right, and the three of them walked out of the West Garden and onto the street outside under the protection of Liu Wan and others.

Not far from the entrance, the group arrived at Gongyuan Street, the busiest street in Nanjing.

At this time, the streets were already crowded with people.

It was New Year's Eve, and in the secondary capital, the people had a much more enjoyable nightlife after dinner than people in other places.

The lights on both sides of the Qinhuai River in front of Gongyuan Street were bright. Countless fireworks were ignited on both sides of the river and rushed into the night sky, blooming into gorgeous fireworks.

"Today is New Year's Eve. In a few hours, it will be the 45th year of Jiajing!"

"Uncle, let's welcome the new year together!"

Talking.

Yan Shaoting lit a firecracker, then aimed his eyes at the place where there were the most children in the crowd and threw it in with perfect accuracy.

There was a bang.

The children let out sharp screams.

Then, in a swarm, countless lit firecrackers fought back.

Before Zhang Juzheng could react, he was pulled in front by Master Yan Shaoting and his apprentice.

The dignified Minister of Maritime Affairs of the Ming Dynasty was suddenly filled with horror.

"Whose child is this!"

"A whole string of firecrackers can also..."

Crackling.

A burst of firecrackers rang out and the air was filled with smoke.

In the smoke.

A column of smoke spewed out.

The lively wind blew gently, revealing the slightly scorched cheeks of the Ming Dynasty's naval governor.

……

same moment.

The city of Beijing is also bustling with activity.

Although the heavy snow in northern Zhili this year caused considerable trouble to the local area and caused many disasters and affected the people, overall the court and government provided timely relief and no real large-scale group disaster occurred.

Before the end of the year, Shuntian Prefecture also safely sent all the people surrounding the city of Beijing back to their homes and distributed supplies for the New Year.

And in the city of Beijing.

The new firecrackers and fireworks from Changping also became the best-selling items within a few days.

Waited until today, New Year's Eve.

The sky above the entire city of Beijing was occupied by gorgeous fireworks of various shapes.

Xiyuan Wanshou Palace.

Outside the palace gate, Guo Yuchuang brought several personal soldiers and lit firecrackers, which set off a huge roar in front of the palace gate. Then they lit fireworks on the Jade Bridge, echoing the night sky outside the palace.

On the platform in front of the main hall of Wanshou Palace.

The emperor, wearing a thick cotton Taoist robe, walked out of the hall, served by Lu Fang and Huang Jin, and looked up at the fireworks on the Jade Bridge.

There was a hint of emotion on Jiajing's face.

The hustle and bustle outside the palace was not blocked by the high palace walls and had long since spread into the palace.

Huang Jin seemed to have seen through the emperor's thoughts and whispered, "Prince Yu will return to the city from Changping after noon today. Should I send someone to the palace to invite the prince, princess, and the prince to enter the palace?"

The emperor is also an ordinary person.

During the festive season, people naturally hope to be reunited with their family.

Jiajing shook his head and said, "Today, the Prince Yu's Mansion has a Kunqu opera troupe and several plays arranged by the Yan family. We should not disturb their fun."

There was a flash of hesitation in Huang Jin's eyes and he glanced at Lu Fang.

Lu Fang shook his head, then said with a smile: "In that case, why don't you perform the White Dragon Fish Costume and play around in the world tonight?" These words convinced the emperor.

But Jiajing still looked at Lu Fang and Huang Jin with some hesitation.

Just at this time, Guo Yuchuang, who had just led his men to set off fireworks on the Jade Bridge, rushed back with his men.

"Your Majesty, the Western Garden is a forbidden area in the palace. It is not appropriate to set off too many fireworks. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Huang Jin quickly glanced at Guo Yuchuang.

The master was still thinking about worldly affairs at this time, but this guy said that there should be no more fireworks. Wouldn't that make the master sad again?

However, Guo Yuchuang quickly said, "But I heard that at midnight tonight, when bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, there will be an unusual fireworks display in Yanfu Lane, and the people of the city will enjoy it together. When the time comes, the emperor will be here and can see it."

When these words were spoken, Jiajing raised his eyebrows.

Lu Fang hurriedly urged him in again: "Master, Yanfu Lane is not far away..."

This is a reiteration of the idea of ​​letting Emperor Bailong Yufu sneak out of the palace to play around in the world.

In fact, in Lu Fang's opinion, although it was not in accordance with the rules to say so today, the master's health has not been very good for the past six months. In recent years, the government has improved, and the master should take a good rest and have a good New Year.

As long as the master leaves the palace, goes to Xufu Lane to watch the fireworks, and then stops by Prince Yu's Mansion to reunite with his children and grandchildren, there's nothing wrong with that.

So what if the ministers of the previous dynasty knew about it?
At worst, I can just say that it was a servant like me who did it, and I will take the blame. I have to make the master happy for a while.

Guo Yuchuang also reacted at this time. He immediately clasped his fists and bowed, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured. As long as I am here, I will never let Your Majesty make any mistakes! The three thousand emperors' close troops are willing to protect Your Majesty's body with their lives!"

Jiajing looked at the three people surrounding him, laughed, and pointed at Huang Jin who was smiling at him: "I think it's you who wants to go out for a walk!"

Huang Jin nodded immediately.

Lu Fang also echoed, "I haven't been out of the palace for many years. Please grant me this wish, Master."

Jiajing smiled and waved his hands: "Forget it! I will play around with you guys tonight!"

Seeing that the emperor finally nodded in agreement, Lu Fang and Huang Jin also bowed and expressed their gratitude.

Not long after.

Everyone has changed their clothes.

Jiajing was dressed like an ordinary wealthy master. Lu Fang and Huang Jin were naturally the housekeepers. Guo Yuchuang and his group of people were dressed as guards.

There were also countless other soldiers close to the emperor who had changed into their attire and, after the emperor left the palace, dispersed among the crowd around him, alertly guarding the emperor's safety.

When there was only half an hour left until midnight.

Jiajing finally led his group into Yanfu Lane and went around to the back door of Yan's mansion.

Bang bang bang there was a knock on the door.

The servant who opened the door recognized Lu Fang and Huang Jin, so the identity of Jiajing, who was walking in front of them, was naturally obvious.

The servant immediately knelt on the ground.

Jiajing's face flushed, and he waved his hand and went into the mansion with a smile: "Once I leave the palace, I am no longer that person. I will just be regarded as an ordinary friend visiting."

But the servant who opened the door did not dare to stand up.

Lu Fang could only cough and ask, "Where are Lord Yan and the people in the mansion now?"

The servant immediately waved his hand and pointed forward: "Replying to your question..., the old master, the master, and my young master are all gathering in the front yard. They will leave the house later and watch the New Year fireworks in the street in front."

After confirming the news, Jiajing walked towards the front of Yan's house with his hands behind his back without waiting for Lu Fang to speak again: "Lead the way, lead... lead us there."

When Yan Song, Yan Shifan and others saw the emperor suddenly appear before them from their own backyard, the entire Yan family was dumbfounded.

However, Yan Song reacted the fastest. He held his great-grandson in his arms and was about to kneel down to worship the emperor.

Jiajing immediately stepped forward to support his Prime Minister, and pinched the chubby face of his great-grandson, saying, "Tonight, we are leaving the palace to have fun with the people. There is no need to be formal."

As he spoke, the emperor stuffed a jade pendant from his waist into the hand of the fat boy whom he had given the name.

Seeing that her son had received the emperor's reward so quickly, Lu Wenyan, who was leading the female members of the family, was so excited that her eyes almost burst into tears.

Yan Shifan stepped forward and took his grandson from his grandfather's arms.

Yan Song finally had time to accompany the emperor: "I never thought you would come at this time. If I had known in advance..."

Jiajing glanced at the Prime Minister and said, "You knew about it in advance and led the ministers to dissuade you? I heard Lu Fang, Huang Jin and others kept saying that your family had an unusual New Year's fireworks display at Zizheng time today. They were arguing so loudly in my ears that I couldn't stand it anymore, so I led them out to watch the fun."

Yan Song glanced at Lu Fang and Huang Jin, and understood what was going on. He nodded with a smile and said, "It's almost time. Why don't I take you to the front of the mansion to have a look?"

Jiajing raised his head slightly: "That's very good."

In front of the Yan residence, because the Yan family released the news during the day, countless people had already gathered there to see the novelty.

The Yan family did not stop these people from blocking their door, but instead sent out hot tea and snacks continuously, making it clear that the Prime Minister wanted to have fun together with the people.

It was for this reason that many jugglers and wanderers in the city gathered here to make more money.

Yan Song waited on Jiajing to the gate of the mansion, and when he appeared outside the mansion with his whole family, he did not attract much attention.

Looking at the crowds of people outside, it was very lively.

Jiajing smiled and couldn't help but sigh: "If I were like this every day, what a sight it would be."

Yan Song echoed, "Although our dynasty cannot live like this every day under the reign of the Holy Lord, the people can still live and work in peace and contentment, which is also an extraordinary achievement."

Looking at the lively scene in front of him, Jiajing nodded in approval with a smile on his face, and then changed the subject, "Runwu has done a good job over there. A few days ago, the Censorate submitted a memorial mentioning that Gao Hanwen was a bit ruthless in his work in the south. However, the various prefectures in the south of the Yangtze River are indeed clearing out the land that they have occupied over the years, so this is a good thing."

Suddenly, he turned from the lively New Year festival to the errands in the south of the Yangtze River.

Yan Song immediately collected his thoughts and answered carefully: "One family's wealth is not as good as the bustling lights of thousands of families. This time, the nobles in the south have set an example and their contribution is indispensable."

The emperor and his relatives are naturally one.

No matter how the nobles and relatives sought benefits in the past, they were still closer to the emperor than the civil officials.

Jiajing smiled and said, "There has been a lot of rumors in the court recently. A few days ago, Hai Rui submitted a memorial, but I suppressed it and kept it in the court without letting anyone know about it. After the Lantern Festival, I hope the court will discuss it."

The emperor changed his self-proclaimed name.

Yan Song grasped this point keenly: "Hai Rui has always acted eccentrically. I am afraid that the memorial he submitted this time will also be harsh in words. When Your Majesty displays it to the public for discussion, I, an old minister, will reprimand him."

Not knowing what Hai Rui actually said, Yan Song could only interpret the situation from the worst perspective.

Jiajing shook his head and said, "There's no need to scold him. By then, the Prime Minister will know what he is talking about. As for Runwu, he has been in the south for more than half a year. Let's find a day after the New Year to let him come back for a family reunion."

The emperor seemed a little mysterious.

Yan Song was confused for a moment and was about to thank the emperor for giving his great-grandson a name.

Up ahead, the time has come.

With a cheer.

The entire Yanfu Lane was suddenly bright, as if the sun had risen.

Then the whole half of the city became noisy.

I saw that half of the night sky was dominated by a curtain of fireworks.

night sky.

The four big words "Happy New Year" can be seen clearly by everyone in the city.

Countless fireworks of different shapes and combinations continue to appear in the night sky.

In an instant, the last day of the 44th year of Jiajing and the first day of the upcoming 45th year were ignited.

And not far from Yanfu Lane is the Jinyiwei Yamen.

There are fireworks outside.

In the imperial prison, there were also sounds of whipping and screams.

Sun Kehong and others, who had been secretly escorted back to Beijing, were lined up and tied to a rack.

Zhu Qi glanced through the small window of the imperial prison, looking at the grand fireworks show outside that occupied the entire night sky, with a smile on his face.

"Sun Duyun."

"It's been the forty-fifth year of Jiajing."

"happy New Year."

…………

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(End of this chapter)