On this day, the Zhao Mansion also received news that Zhao Junchen had returned to the capital.
Zhao Junchen went to Shaanxi and Gansu for business this time. He had been there for three months and experienced many wars. The girls in the Zhao family missed him day and night, and were also frightened.
After receiving the news that Zhao Junchen had returned to the capital, the girls in the Zhao family breathed a sigh of relief and were also filled with endless joy.
Fang Ru has been inexplicably excited, busy with everything, preparing for various matters to welcome Zhao Junchen back to the mansion. The servants and maids of the Zhao mansion are all in a hurry under her command;
Zhang Yuer seemed calm on the surface, but she started putting on makeup and dressing up from the moment she got up in the morning. She was still trying to match clothes and jewelry until noon, hoping to use her most perfect appearance to welcome Zhao Junchen's return;
As for Cui Qianxue, the wife of the Zhao family, she personally cooked with the help of Chu Jiayi. She also worked all morning and prepared a large table of delicious dishes, all of which Zhao Junchen likes to eat on weekdays.
.
Waiting until three quarters of noon, the three women received the news that today's court meeting was finally over, so they came to the main hall of the Zhao Mansion to wait for Zhao Junchen to return home. Everyone looked eager to see what was going on.
But in the end, the three women did not wait for Zhao Junchen to return home. Instead, they waited for the imperial edict from Emperor Deqing to designate Cui Qianxue as the first-grade imperial concubine.
In order to welcome this imperial edict, the Zhao Mansion was in a hurry again. After finally sending away the angel who delivered the edict, Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er's expressions were a little complicated, but Cui Qianxue and Chu Jiayi became even more happy.
After all, Emperor Deqing's reward was only given to Cui Qianxue, which represented the court's recognition. In addition, Cui Qianxue gradually restored her relationship with the Cui family, and her public position in the Zhao family was as stable as a mountain.
In this era, the status of the main wife and the side wife are so different. No matter how beautiful and intelligent Zhang Yuer is, no matter how trusted Fang Ru is by Zhao Junchen, it is impossible for Emperor Deqing to reward Zhao Junchen.
Think about both of them.
But soon, the girls of the Zhao Mansion received news again, saying that Zhao Junchen rushed directly to the Hubu Yamen to take charge after he left the court. Not only would he not return to the Zhao Mansion for dinner at noon today, but also because of the mess in the Hubu.
It must be dealt with as soon as possible. Because the task is extremely heavy, Zhao Junchen may not return to the Zhao Mansion to rest tonight, and may have to spend the night at the Hubu Yamen.
After receiving such news, not only Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er became more and more disappointed, but even Cui Qianxue couldn't be happy anymore - Cui Qianxue still hoped that she could see Zhao Qianxue sooner than she was awarded the First Grade Imperial Lady by the imperial court.
Junchen returned home.
*
In the main hall of the Zhao Mansion, Cui Qianxue looked at the entire table of exquisite dishes in front of her, but she had no intention of using her chopsticks.
This table of dishes was specially prepared for Zhao Junchen by Cui Qianxue who had been busy all morning. Without Zhao Junchen at the same table, these dishes would be unappetizing no matter how delicious they were.
Seeing the disappointed look on Cui Qianxue's fair and beautiful face, Chu Jiayi asked softly: "Madam, do you want to put away this table of food? Wait until the master returns home to heat it up before eating?"
Cui Qianxue forced a smile and shook her head: "No need, the food has been prepared. The two sisters are waiting at the table to eat. Why should they put it away? What's more, what kind of status does the master have? How can he eat the same food?
Old food? In late autumn, food is perishable, so these meals cannot be kept for too long... It doesn't matter, I will just wait until the master returns home."
After saying that, Cui Qianxue picked up the chopsticks and said to Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er: "Sisters, let's have a meal! If the master is not here, we can't go hungry. Please try my cooking."
Fang Ru picked up the chopsticks with a cold face, but her eyebrows were raised, her almond-shaped eyes were widened, her expression was full of vitriol, and she couldn't help complaining: "Your Majesty is really unkind! Doctor Zhang just said that when he returned home.
, the master's current body cannot withstand the most fatigue. Who would have thought that Your Majesty would not give the master a chance to rest at all. The master has just returned to the capital, and he has added a heavy burden to the master, making him go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to clean up the mess non-stop.
!
Ha! How did the mess in the Hubu Yamen come about? Doesn’t Your Majesty himself not know? If he hadn’t been eager to suppress the master’s influence and wantonly purged the master’s cronies in the Hubu Yamen, how could the Hubu Yamen be in the chaos it is today?
Like? Just like that, he has the nerve to ask the master to help him clean up the mess!
They just rewarded me with some trivial gold and silver jewels, ginseng and Ganoderma lucidum, and the title of a first-grade wife. I just want to appease the master and suffer the loss of being dumb while working for him. Do you really think that others are fools?"
At this time, in the main hall of the Zhao Mansion, in addition to Zhao Junchen's three wives and concubines, there were also the confidants of these three wives and concubines, so Fang Ru had no scruples when speaking.
Cui Qianxue looked a little embarrassed when she heard Fang Ru mention "Mrs. Yipingaoming".
When she received the imperial title just now, Cui Qianxue was quite grateful to Emperor Deqing, but now that she thinks that her husband has to drag his illness to work for the imperial court, she also feels that Emperor Deqing is unkind and can't help but nod in agreement.
.
Seeing that Cui Qianxue actually nodded in agreement with Fang Ru's words, Chu Jiayi behind her couldn't help but feel a little helpless - Cui Qianxue's charming and naive temperament has not changed fundamentally, so she did not notice Fang Ru's words at all.
Insinuations, vaguely aimed at.
On the other side, Zhang Yuer's beautiful face was full of thoughts.
After carefully considering the current environment of the court and Zhao Junchen's character, Zhang Yu'er's expression moved slightly, her bright eyes turned to Cui Qianxue, but she chuckled: "Actually, the dishes on this table are my wife's hard work, even if I keep them for now.
It doesn't matter...if Yu'er's prediction is correct, the master should be returning home soon."
Cui Qianxue was stunned for a moment and asked in confusion: "Master will be returning home soon? But Master, he just sent someone to inform him that not only will he not be returning home for lunch today, but he may not be returning home even tonight.
To rest, I might have to stay in the Hubu Yamen for the night. According to the master's wishes, I might have to stay in the Hubu Yamen for a long time..."
At the same time, Fang Ru was thoughtful, vaguely thinking of something.
Zhang Yuer, on the other hand, had a charming smile on her face and slowly explained: "Madam, you just heard from Sister Fang Ru that the chaos in the Household Department is entirely due to His Majesty targeting the master, but our master is not at a disadvantage.
Do you have the temper to fight back? Don’t forget, Master, he had already fallen ill once when he was at Huamachi Camp. Even if he falls ill again now, it would not be an accident! Once Master
After 'falling ill', the situation in the household department will continue to be chaotic, and all major court affairs such as battlefield logistics, autumn tax collection, and annual salary distribution will be delayed... At that time, your majesty will have to ask the master!"
While explaining, Zhang Yuer's beautiful eyes could not help but shine with excitement, as if she was extremely looking forward to the next development of the situation.
Once Zhao Junchen fell ill suddenly... Zhang Yu'er's character has always been restless and she was always afraid of chaos in the world. She couldn't wait to see the temple in chaos and Emperor Deqing in a state of distress.
After Cui Qianxue heard the word "sick", her expression suddenly changed, but she was not stupid. She quickly understood that Zhang Yu'er's "sick" was just Zhao Junchen's special disguise, and she couldn't help but feel relieved.
tone.
On the other side, Fang Ru glanced at Zhang Yu'er and had to admit that Zhang Yu'er's knowledge and vision were better than hers.
Then, Fang Ru said with a serious expression: "Speaking of which, the master once pretended to be ill in order to harm the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu. At that time, His Majesty personally rushed to our house to investigate. I'm afraid there will be no surprise this time...
…In this case, we need to prepare in advance!”
*
While the three daughters of the Zhao family were discussing, Zhao Junchen rushed to the Hubu Yamen in a sedan chair.
It's late autumn now, and the wind is chilling to the bones. Zhao Junchen's physical condition is indeed not good. Even though the environment of the sedan chair is enclosed and can block the wind and cold, he still feels cold, and he can't help but wrap up the fox skin tightly.
Great cloak.
Then, Zhao Junchen began to think about all the things before and after today's court meeting, sorting out his thoughts.
"It is true that my body can no longer bear it. I must rest for a while, otherwise I will die of illness before His Majesty takes action... Speaking of which, His Majesty knew that my physical condition was not good, but he still let me
It's not necessarily that I don't have such thoughts... Once I die from exhaustion, not only will the future dangers of the Zhu family be eliminated, but the "Zhao Party" will also be scattered, and no one will speak for me.
At that time, as long as he fabricated some random charges, he could search my property and enrich his internal funds..."
While he was thinking deeply, Zhao Junchen's expression showed no trace of disappointment or sadness.
When things developed to this point, Emperor Deqing's hostility was already expected.
What's more, it's not just Emperor Deqing who is plotting against Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen is also plotting against Emperor Deqing. Everyone has evil intentions, and there has never been a real relationship of trust between the two parties. Naturally, Zhao Junchen will not feel sorry for Emperor Deqing.
vicious.
Then, Zhao Junchen thought of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian and the elder Zhou Shangjing.
In addition to Emperor Deqing, these two people are also opponents that Zhao Junchen cannot ignore.
"Today is a great opportunity for Zhu Hejian to formally go to the stage, but he suddenly left the Hall of Supreme Harmony. If nothing else, his body must have been unable to bear it! It's a pity that his true body was not exposed this time.
Given the circumstances, this person's perseverance and ruthlessness are really unexpected... I deliberately tried to harm him this time, and with his character, he will definitely come back with revenge, so he must be secretly careful."
"Also, when Zhou Shangjing congratulated me after leaving the court today, he said meaningfully, 'You must pay attention to your health when working in the household department.' I don't know if he has already guessed my next step.
One step plan! However, even if he guesses my plan, I will not be afraid of him, because I have already guessed his final plan... Although Zhou Shangjing is wily and sophisticated, he is old after all.
, he must consider the things behind him, this is his biggest weakness!"
Before this, Zhou Shangjing had always been the person that Zhao Junchen feared the most, because Zhao Junchen had never been able to guess Zhou Shangjing's true purpose.
But just a few days ago, Zhao Junchen received the news and learned that Zhou Shangjing fully supported him in joining the cabinet to assist the government. After considering that Zhou Shangjing had been trying to resolve the conflict with Emperor Deqing over the years, as well as his last year
In order to protect his grandson Zhou Suhai from taking risks, Zhao Junchen finally roughly guessed Zhou Shangjing's final plan!
All in all, Zhou Shangjing wanted to cultivate Zhao Junchen to become Emperor Deqing's biggest enemy, to divert Emperor Deqing's attention, and then take the opportunity to turn enemies into friends with Emperor Deqing! And his ultimate goal was to
Preserve the long-term wealth of the Zhou family!
As of today, Zhou Shangjing's plan is mostly successful.
From this aspect, Zhao Junchen is also a little late-minded.
But after Zhao Junchen guessed Zhou Shangjing's goals and plans, although he was still afraid of him, he was no longer afraid of Zhou Shangjing targeting him.
This is because, according to Zhou Shangjing's plan, he will not yet use all his strength to deal with Zhao Junchen, and will even further allow Zhao Junchen to expand his power.
What's more, after Zhao Junchen understood Zhou Shangjing's final plan, he also understood Zhou Shangjing's weaknesses and had countermeasures in the future.
"However, this also means that after my strength further grows, in order to resolve the conflict with Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing will inevitably assist Emperor Deqing and become my enemy! This matter must be prevented as soon as possible! Once this happens,
It is Zhou Shangjing who has joined forces with Emperor Deqing. Even if I complete all my plans, I may not have a 50% chance of winning... Under such circumstances, it is best to give Zhou Shangjing a 'sucking fire' plan..."
And just as Zhao Junchen was thinking deeply, he suddenly found that his sedan chair had stopped.
Then, Zhao Junchen heard Zhao Dali's report from outside the sedan chair.
"Master Zhao, the Hubu Yamen has arrived."
*
When Zhao Junchen stepped out of the sedan, he raised his eyes and looked towards the Hubu Yamen.
At this time, the officials of the Hubu Yamen, large and small, had received the news and rushed outside the gate of the Hubu Yamen to greet Zhao Junchen.
Even Ma Sen, the left minister of the household department, who was born in the "Zhou Party", and Hong Zhengshuo, the new right minister of the household department, who was born in the "Emperor Party", rushed outside the Hubu Yamen in advance to wait for Zhao Junchen's appearance.
The Hubu Yamen is still familiar to Zhao Junchen, but these Hubu officials in front of him are somewhat unfamiliar to Zhao Junchen.
Most of the confidants Zhao Junchen was familiar with were gone, replaced by many new faces. These new faces were obviously members of the "Imperial Party" recently appointed by Emperor Deqing to the Ministry of Household Affairs.
At the same time, after Zhao Junchen was promoted to the cabinet, the position of Minister of Household Affairs has not yet been decided and is currently vacant.
After seeing Zhao Junchen step out of the sedan, all the officials from the Ministry of Revenue, led by Ma Sen and Hong Zhengshuo, saluted Zhao Junchen and said in unison: "I and others welcome Zhao Junchen!"
Zhao Junchen tightened the fox fur cloak tightly around him again, walked up to the officials of the Ministry of Revenue, and said with a smile: "You don't have to be polite. Although I am now in the cabinet to assist the government, I am also from the Ministry of Revenue. For
This is the most familiar place, everyone is one of our own, so let’s go in and talk.”
After saying that, Zhao Junchen took the lead and walked towards the main hall of the Hubu Yamen, followed by Ma Sen, Hong Zhengshuo and others.
After everyone arrived at the main hall of the Hubu Yamen, Zhao Junchen still sat on the familiar main seat and looked around at the Hubu officials in front of him.
Ma Sen is also an acquaintance. He originally took up the position of Minister of Household Affairs entirely because Emperor Deqing wanted to provoke a conflict between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing, so he mixed sand and nails into the spheres of influence of both parties. "
Ma Sen from the Zhou Party became the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, and Liu Changan from the Zhao Party became the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
During this period of time, all the core officials of the "Zhao Party" have been in constant trouble. Even Zuo Lanshan is in danger. Only Liu Changan is still sitting firmly in the position of Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Obviously, Emperor Deqing wanted to
The idea of causing conflict between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing remains unchanged.
It is precisely for this reason that Ma Sen has always been secretly excluded in the household department. He has always been powerless and has no influence. After Zhao Junchen took a look at him, he stopped paying too much attention.
He turned his attention to Hong Zhengshuo.
Hong Zhengshuo is about forty or fifty years old. He has a slender figure and a rather elegant appearance and temperament. However, his eyes are a bit small and look like the eyes of a mouse, but they also give him a shrewdness.
gas.
He was originally Wen Guanliang's disciple, and he was in charge of the imperial salt envoy's job. When Wen Guanliang was overthrown by Zhao Junchen, he promptly took the path of Wang Shou, the Minister of War, and suddenly became a fringe of the "Imperial Party"
figure.
Hong Zhengshuo was also well-known for his shrewd calculations and was quite good at turning things around. Emperor Deqing obviously had high hopes for him to serve as Minister of Household Affairs this time.
As Emperor Deqing continued to appoint members of the "Emperor Party" to serve in the Ministry of Household Affairs, Hong Zhengshuo has now become the most powerful person in the yamen of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
At this time, Hong Zhengshuo obviously noticed Zhao Junchen's attention on him, but he lowered his head and looked respectfully. He just took the lead and said: "According to your Majesty's decree, while Zhao Junchen is in charge, all the large and small households in the household department
All matters, officials from top to bottom, are led by Zhao Gechen! Now all the officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs are here, and Zhao Gechen is invited to give instructions."
Zhao Junchen nodded lightly and said slowly: "Among my colleagues, some are old people who have followed me for many years, and some are new faces who have recently joined the household department, but I have now left.
The Ministry of Household Affairs will treat you all equally! If you work hard, you will be rewarded. If you work perfunctory, you will be punished!
Nowadays, the Ministry of Household Affairs is in the midst of the most arduous tasks of the year. The autumn tax collection of local yamen, the annual salary distribution of hundreds of officials and clans, and the statistical report of this year's treasury revenue and expenditure are all of great importance and need to be done as soon as possible.
Good! At the same time, the logistics supply for the Hetao War is a top priority and a top priority!"
After saying that, Zhao Junchen turned his eyes to Hong Zhengshuo and asked: "Mr. Hong, how are the logistics supplies for the Hetao War prepared now? I have just returned from Huamachi Camp, but I know that there is only enough food and grass on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu.
A month's worth of expenses! Considering that various armies are now rushing to the northwest for support, the consumption of food and grass in Shaanxi and Gansu will further accelerate, so the Hubu Yamen must prepare all the food and grass within half a month! With
At the same time, we must speed up preparations for the military merit rewards for the frontline soldiers, and we must not delay for too long!"
After hearing Zhao Junchen's inquiry, Hong Zhengshuo said with a grimace: "I would like to inform Zhao Gechen that only about 30% of the logistics supplies for the frontline war have been prepared, and there is still a gap of 70%! As for the military merit rewards for frontline officers,
On the contrary, everything has been prepared and can be transported to Shaanxi and Gansu to be distributed to the soldiers at any time... However, after sending out this batch of reward silver, the national treasury will be completely out of money."
After hearing Hong Zhengshuo's answer, Zhao Junchen was not surprised at all.
Zhao Junchen knows the current situation of the Ministry of Household Affairs very well. There is still some money in savings, but there is no grain at all. If it weren't for the autumn tax storage period, autumn grains from all over the country are entering the treasury one after another.
The situation will inevitably make the monarchs and ministers in the DPRK sleep and eat uneasily.
At the beginning, in order to support the war between Shaanxi and Gansu, Zhao Junchen specially used the stipends of hundreds of officials and clans for emergencies. From this, we can see the dilemma of the imperial court in saving food.
Today, Hong Zhengshuo can still provide 30% of the food and grass needed by the front line, which means that he has tried his best during this period.
However, although Zhao Junchen understands the difficulties of the Hu Bu, he has now left the Hu Bu, and Hong Zhengshuo is not his crony, so naturally he will not have any understanding.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen's expression darkened immediately and he reprimanded: "The progress is too slow! The frontline soldiers can receive their military merit rewards later, but how can they not get enough food later? There is actually a 70% gap in logistics food and grass.
Once this kind of news spreads, it will inevitably seriously affect the morale of the frontline soldiers. If there is an accident in the Hetao War, how can the Ministry of Revenue be held responsible?"
Hong Zhengshuo hurriedly complained: "I hope Minister Zhao will be wise to this. The Ministry of Household Affairs really has no food left! The autumn taxes from various places have not been sent to the capital yet, and the Ministry of Household Affairs has nothing to cook! I heard that the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal was blocked during this period.
The arrival of autumn grain into the warehouse is even slower... During this period, Xiaguan has already tried his best to prepare 30% of the grain."
Zhao Junchen did not listen to the explanation at all and said: "In military and national affairs, I only care about the results! Even if I understand your difficulties, do the enemies on the battlefield still need to understand your difficulties? If the soldiers cannot have enough to eat,
, are your explanations enough to feed them? With such a big gap in food and grass, it can only be said that the Ministry of Revenue is derelict in its duties! Only incompetent people can make excuses for their dereliction of duty!"
Hong Zhengshuo lowered his head and said: "That's what Zhao Gechen reprimanded! But there is indeed no food in the treasury at present, and the official is really helpless, but the official knows that Zhao Gechen, you must have a way. The Ministry of Household Affairs has never been under Zhao Gechen's management in these years.
There have been troubles, and Zhao Gechen's means and vision are far beyond those of lower officials... So, I would like to ask Zhao Gechen to tell me what to do next!"
Hong Zhengshuo is indeed a shrewd person. Although he was humiliated by Zhao Junchen's training, he did not talk back or explain again. He immediately admitted his incompetence, but also kicked the ball back to Zhao Junchen's feet!
…
Well, it’s still a big chapter of 6,000 words.
Tomorrow at noon, this book will be free for a limited time. I hope that I am in good condition and can write more, and let everyone read more words for free, so I can take this opportunity to repay everyone for their persistence over the years.