The welcoming team waited for Zhao Junchen for more than an hour, and it was indeed because Zhao Junchen deliberately delayed.
In fact, before Zhao Junchen entered the territory of Beizhili, in order to seize the time to return to the capital as soon as possible, he had been riding on horseback. Even Zuo Lanshan followed Zhao Junchen and abandoned his sedan chair for horses, which was naturally very fast.
However, after entering the territory of Beizhili, Zhao Junchen suddenly expressed that he was exhausted and unwell, so he abandoned his horse and changed to a sedan chair, and his forward speed slowed down a lot.
At this time, Zhao Dali, who was beside the sedan, soon discovered the welcoming team of Zhu Hejian and others, and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Sir Zhao, there is a team coming in front. The leader of the team is a man wearing a leather suit.
The young man, who seems to be a member of the royal family, and many officials of high rank, should be the team sent by the imperial court to welcome you.
Also, the villain took a look and saw that there were a large number of officers and soldiers on the official road ahead to maintain order. The people on the official road were all driven to both sides. Apart from welcoming the team, there was not a single pedestrian in sight.
This is obviously also to welcome your triumphant return to Beijing... Hehe, the imperial court really pays attention to Mr. Zhao, and it is so grand and grand."
Upon hearing Zhao Dali's report, Zhao Junchen, who was in the sedan chair with his eyes closed in deep thought, couldn't help but be slightly startled.
Zhao Junchen did not expect that the imperial court would be so grand to welcome him back to the capital this time! Before he arrived in the capital, a large team was sent to welcome him, and even drove away the people on the official road.
All pedestrians!
You should know that Zhao Junchen returned to the capital this time with only a few staff and guards around him, instead of leading an army back in triumph.
If Zhao Junchen leads the army back to Beijing in triumph, it is only natural that the court's welcome means will be grand and grand, because this honor is not only given to Zhao Junchen, but also to those who fought bloody battlefields and won consecutive victories.
All the soldiers in the army.
But this time Zhao Junchen returned to Beijing almost alone, and the imperial court still greeted him with such a grand gesture of war. The honor was equivalent to being given to Zhao Junchen alone, and the meaning contained in it was naturally completely different.
Unlike Zhao Dali, who was excited and proud, Zhao Junchen's expression showed a hint of solemnity.
The overt and covert fighting in the temple is more dangerous than the fighting between the two armies on the battlefield. Therefore, Zhao Junchen has been secretly on guard since he set out to return to Beijing. After seeing the unexpected grand welcome from the court, Zhao Junchen's
Instead, I felt a little uneasy, and the word "praise and kill" immediately flashed through my mind.
"Praise and killing" is also a very common political method. As the saying goes, "a big tree attracts the wind" and "everything must turn against itself". During this period of time, Zhao Junchen has had enough glory and aura. Any more may not be a good thing.
.
Although all this was extremely glorious and glorious, it also made him the target of public criticism. I am afraid that many of the Gong Gong princes in the temple were already jealous.
Thinking of this, a sneer flashed across Zhao Junchen's lips.
I don’t know who came up with such a method. Fortunately, I have a back-up plan. I am about to resign due to illness, otherwise I would really have to swallow this dumb loss alive.
*
All the thoughts just passed by, and Zhao Junchen's expression returned to normal in the next moment, and he ordered: "Since there are royal children and temple colleagues greeting them, we must not neglect... Stop the team, I want to
Get off the sedan and see them."
Following Zhao Junchen's order, the team quickly stopped, and Zhao Junchen also stepped out of the sedan.
After getting out of the sedan, Zhao Junchen immediately glanced at Zhao Dali.
Mr. Zhao was originally a rough and powerful person, but after following Zhao Junchen for a while, he gradually became much smarter. After seeing Zhao Junchen's eyes, he immediately walked to Zhao Junchen and stretched out his hand to support Zhao Junchen's arm.
, as if Zhao Junchen was no longer able to walk.
After seeing Zhao Dali's expression, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction, and then turned to look at the welcoming team.
Then, Zhao Junchen's expression couldn't help but be stunned again.
At this time, the welcoming team had arrived fifty meters in front of Zhao Junchen, so Zhao Junchen could clearly see the identity of the leader of the welcoming team!
It turned out to be the seventh prince Zhu Hejian!
At the beginning, when Zhao Dali said that the person at the head of the welcoming team was a royal descendant wearing a leather bean suit, Zhao Junchen thought this person was Prince Zhu Heyu.
After all, the leather clothes, crimson robes, red clothes, ribbons, etc. worn by the crown princes, princes, princes, princes, etc. of the Ming Dynasty are basically the same style. Only the number of turbans on the collar of the middle single is slightly different.
It was normal for Zhao Dali to be unable to distinguish the identity of the visitor for a while.
But Zhao Junchen never expected that the person leading the officials to greet him would be the seventh prince Zhu Hejian!
On such an occasion and opportunity, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, as the center of the imperial court and the representative of Emperor Deqing, came forward to greet Zhao Junchen, who had made great achievements in the war and was newly promoted to the cabinet. The significance of this matter is extremely important and is naturally thought-provoking.
"I have received news a long time ago that Prince Zhu Heyu was in a bad situation during this period. He was repeatedly punished and banned by Emperor Deqing. His prestige was greatly damaged, but he did not expect that things had developed to this extent! Deqing
The emperor asked Zhu Hejian to come forward to greet me on behalf of himself and the court. Apparently he had made up his mind to depose and replace the emperor!
...It's a pity that I received a secret letter from Ru'er some time ago, saying that Prince Zhu Heyu finally changed his stubbornness and prejudice and wanted to cooperate with me. I once seriously considered this possibility... But if
If Emperor Deqing has made up his mind, it will be irreversible..."
While thinking deeply, Zhao Junchen, with the support of Zhao Dali, stepped towards Zhu Hejian.
At the same time, Zhu Hejian also reined in his horse and stopped ten meters in front of Zhao Junchen, then got off his horse and walked quickly towards Zhao Junchen.
When the two of them approached each other, they were both in serious moods and wary. They both had kind and gentle smiles on their faces, and they both took this opportunity to observe each other carefully.
Speaking of which, Zhao Junchen and Zhu Hejian have been "close friends for a long time" and have cooperated secretly several times. However, because Zhu Hejian's identity is a bit embarrassing and he has been hiding in his house to "recuperate", there is no chance for the two to meet.
But they are very few and far between. Even if there are occasional opportunities to meet and talk, they are only fleeting and disappear in a hurry.
Today, the two of them can finally meet and talk openly, and naturally they can't help but want to observe each other in detail.
However, neither Zhao Junchen nor Zhu Hejian knew that not only were their moods and behaviors similar at this time, but their inner thoughts were also very similar.
*
"We haven't seen him for three months. Zhu Hejian has changed a lot. He used to hide in the dark, his identity was sensitive, and he never dared to show his true nature. He was obviously a little reserved and careful in his speech and behavior, but now
Maybe it's because he is about to walk to the stage, but there is more confidence and arrogance in his movements. This is probably because he has gradually lost his ambition... This may be something that can be used in the future.
.”
Zhao Junchen thought secretly.
"I haven't seen him for more than three months, but the change in Zhao Junchen's temperament is extremely obvious! In the past, he was notorious and weak in power, and always deliberately suppressed his energy and pride. But now, perhaps because of his military exploits,
For this reason, there is obviously a calmness and confidence in his demeanor and demeanor, and he no longer bothers to hide his true nature... This may become a flaw in him, and we must pay attention to it secretly!"
Zhu Hejian thought to himself.
"Miscalculation! I didn't expect Emperor Deqing to make up his mind to depose and replace the reserve so easily. It's also his fault that his original methods were too hasty and his vision was too short-sighted. He has always wanted to bring down the crown prince Zhu Heyu! At present,
It seemed that the plan was successful, but the new crown prince turned out to be Zhu Hejian, who was even more troublesome!
This person has a tolerant character and ruthless methods. He is undoubtedly a real enemy! Alas, if I had known this, I should have used lighter methods when dealing with Zhu Heyu. If I keep him for a while, Zhu Hejian will
It won’t be so easy to walk to the stage..."
While thinking deeply, a trace of annoyance flashed in Zhao Junchen's eyes.
"What a pity! I didn't expect that it would be so easy to overthrow the third brother. I thought that if I wanted to win the position of prince, I would spend a lot of time and energy, so I took the initiative to show Zhao Junchen
Well, I hinted to him my ambition and details, and wanted to join forces with him to deal with the third brother!
It’s also that I was too impatient! After Zhao Junchen knew my details and methods, he must have been jealous and secretly guarded against me! Alas, if he had known about this, he should not have taken the initiative to reveal his details to Zhao Junchen. If Zhao Junchen
If you don’t know my details, you won’t have any precautions. It will naturally be much easier to deal with him in the future!”
Thinking of this, a trace of regret flashed in Zhu Hejian's eyes.
"At first, I thought he was just a sick prince. Even if he was ruthless and scheming, he would not be a serious problem, so I did not deliberately suppress him. This is obviously because I underestimated him! This person
If he becomes an enemy, the threat is no less than that of Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing! However, with his extreme personality, it is only a matter of time before he becomes an enemy. He will definitely not be able to tolerate me in the future! Fortunately, I have already prepared a back-up plan, so I will be stable for now.
Stop him!"
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen's expression became more cordial and friendly.
"I used to underestimate Zhao Junchen. I thought he was just an ordinary treacherous official who was good at financial management and cheating. Even if the city was deep and his methods were good, he would not be a formidable enemy after all, so I didn't deliberately target him! But!
Now looking at what he has done during this period, it is obvious that I have despised him! No matter what the reasons are, Zhao Junchen will definitely be a serious problem in the future! Fortunately, I have hidden a trump card to deal with him, but
I can’t let him discover my hostility yet.”
As he was thinking deeply, the smile on Zhu Hejian's face became more and more sincere.
In a way, Zhao Junchen and Zhu Hejian are the same, even their experiences are similar, so it is not a particularly strange thing that the two have similar thoughts.
In this way, the two of them had their own secrets, and while their thoughts were changing, their steps did not stop, and they soon reached each other.
*
"He Jian received the order from his father and came here to welcome Zhao Gechen's triumphant return to the capital! He Jian heard about Zhao Gechen's great achievements during this period. It can be said that he bowed down to Yuanmen and yearned for it. He wished he could fly to Shaanxi and Gansu.
Follow Zhao Gechen's tent and witness Zhao Gechen's illustrious achievements with your own eyes! This time He Jian can personally welcome Zhao Gechen back to the capital, which is even more of an honor!"
After the two people walked in front of each other, Zhu Hejian spoke first and took the initiative to salute. His attitude was extremely humble. He even called himself "He Jian" and took the initiative to place himself below Zhao Junchen. There was no hint that he was about to become the crown prince.
arrogant attitude.
After seeing Zhu Hejian's attitude, Zhao Junchen's expression was no less cordial and kind. While returning the gift, he also said: "His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince is really overrated. It's just luck, just luck! I thought it was
I returned to the capital in a low-key manner to report to His Majesty, but I didn’t expect that the Seventh Prince would greet me in person. I was really flattered and frightened!"
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen raised his head and looked around, and asked: "But, isn't such a battle too big? I am ashamed to have troubled His Highness the Seventh Prince and all my colleagues, and what's more?
The officers and soldiers of the Forbidden Army maintain order and clear the official channels, but it is too much to mobilize troops and mobilize the people. What should we do if we disturb the people?"
Zhu Hejian said with a smile: "With Zhao Gechen's current achievements and reputation, the imperial court wants to show its attention. All this is a matter of course. Zhao Gechen does not need to care too much."
Zhao Junchen took a deep look at Zhu Hejian and asked: "So, this is all the idea of His Highness the Seventh Prince?"
Zhu Hejian smiled and said nothing, neither refuting nor admitting. He just turned his eyes to Zhao Dali's arm supporting Zhao Junchen, but with a look of concern on his face, he asked: "Master Zhao, is he not feeling well? He still wants to get off the bed."
Walking with help?"
Zhao Junchen did not ask further questions, but just shook his head and sighed: "Life in Shaanxi and Gansu is poor, and all kinds of military and political affairs are extremely heavy. Especially during the battle against the Mongolian coalition, I worked day and night, exhausting my energy and energy, so
After everything was settled, he soon fell seriously ill and has not recovered yet."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Zhu Hejian bowed to Zhao Junchen with a solemn expression, as if he really admired Zhao Junchen's actions in his heart, and said slowly: "It's really a blessing for Zhao Junchen! If it weren't for Zhao Junchen,
Fortunately, the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu did not have the great victory today, let alone the possibility of regaining the Hetao. Both the people and the court benefited a lot. He Jian is here to thank Minister Zhao."
Zhao Junchen quickly dodged away and said: "His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince is too polite. I don't dare to accept it. I am ashamed to accept it!"
At the same time, when the surrounding officials saw this scene, they were all filled with admiration. They thought that Zhu Hejian took the initiative to put down his airs and bow to Zhao Junchen, which was undoubtedly a wise and sincere performance. Even Zuo Lanshan next to him also expressed his gratitude to Zhu Hejian.
He cast an appreciative look.
After seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen's eyes flashed with a hint of displeasure.
What Zhu Hejian did was obviously using himself to improve the favor of the officials.
But Zhao Junchen had other plans and did not intend to argue with Zhu Hejian on this matter.
Zhu Hejian wanted to praise and kill Zhao Junchen, so why didn’t Zhao Junchen want to praise and kill Zhu Hejian?
The more tolerant a person is, the more unscrupulous they will be when they gain power! If you are a hypocrite, you will never be able to pretend for a lifetime! If you can pretend for a lifetime, you are a true gentleman!
Zhu Hejian is obviously not a true gentleman, so sooner or later his true colors will be revealed!
The better Zhu Hejian's current performance is, the stronger the goodwill the officials will have towards him. When he reveals his true face in the future, he will be more and more disgusted and rejected by the officials. At that time, once he falls to the ground, he will be
There is no possibility of turning around anymore!
Therefore, not only did Zhao Junchen not care about Zhu Hejian's use of himself to show off, but he praised Zhu Hejian lavishly, almost describing Zhu Hejian as a perfect man.
In this way, no matter what their true thoughts were, the contact between Zhao Junchen and Zhu Hejian could be described as a harmonious atmosphere, they got along very happily, and they complimented each other constantly.
However, because Emperor Deqing and the officials were still waiting for Zhao Junchen to return to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and Zhao Junchen himself was "unwell" and "difficult to hold on", the courtesy between the two did not last long.
Soon, Zhao Junchen had returned to the sedan, and the two teams merged into one place and headed towards the capital.
…
Chongzi finally organized his thoughts.
Therefore, starting from today, normal updates will resume, the number of chapters will increase, and the plot rhythm will speed up.