By the time Zhao Dali led the two distinguished guests into the main hall of Zhao Mansion, Zhao Junchen had already restrained the gloom and contemplation on his face, and still looked as depressed as if he had not recovered from a serious illness.
Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin had valuable status. Zhao Junchen was still polite even when he was "seriously ill" and stood up first to greet them. However, his expression was distressed and his tone was dejected. He held his hands and said slowly: "I have met His Highness the Crown Prince.
Commander of the Flood Crossing! The arrival of these two distinguished guests is truly a blessing. However, I am still seriously ill and my legs and feet are extremely weak, so I cannot welcome them from far away.
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen secretly observed the changes in the demeanor of Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin, guessing their intentions.
On the other side, seeing Zhao Junchen actively greeting Zhao Junchen while dragging his sick body, Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin naturally did not dare to neglect him. They both walked quickly to Zhao Junchen, expressing genuine or fake concern.
Zhu Heyu's expression was obviously a little stiff, and he said in a deep voice: "I heard that Zhao Gechen was ill, so I came here to visit... Since Zhao Gechen is unwell, there is no need to be polite. Just return to your seat and rest quickly."
Hong Jin's expression was full of sincerity and concern, completely lacking his killing power as the commander of the Imperial Guards. He said repeatedly: "We are all colleagues in the DPRK. Minister Zhao must not be polite. I am the same as His Highness the Crown Prince. This time
The main purpose of visiting the Zhao Mansion is to check on Zhao Gechen's condition, and Zhao Gechen doesn't need to care about these false courtesy at all."
After hearing the concerns and condolences from Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin, Zhao Junchen nodded lightly and sat back down, without continuing to be polite.
At the same time, Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin also sat down respectively, and the servants of the Zhao Mansion served tea.
Then, Hong Jin secretly took a look at the prince Zhu Heyu, but found that Zhu Heyu's expression was still stiff, but he looked like he was looking at his nose and his mouth, and his mouth was looking at his heart. He was obviously the most noble among the three, but he had no expression at all.
Take the initiative to speak and stir up a conversation.
Obviously, Zhu Heyu was in quite an awkward mood at this time - he had been on the same level with Zhao Junchen, and he had repeatedly stated in public that Zhao Junchen was a national thief with unforgivable crimes, but now he took the initiative to visit him. Obviously
He wanted to ease the relationship between the two parties, but Hong Jin happened to bump into this scene again. Naturally, he was embarrassed and uncomfortable.
Hong Jin was a good person, so he naturally didn't show any abnormality at this time. Instead, he took the initiative to stir up the topic and avoid a silent situation.
Hong Jin's expression became more sincere, and he said to Zhao Junchen: "Zhao Gechen's great achievements during this period are very admirable. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is the pillar of the country! My incompetent nephew Hong Gaogong also got
After hearing the news of Zhao Gechen's triumphant return to Beijing, I have been looking for an opportunity to reminisce with Zhao Gechen and express my admiration and gratitude to Zhao Gechen. Who would have thought that before I could send my greetings, I would hear Zhao Gechen suddenly
When I heard the news that I had fainted, I didn't care about etiquette for a moment, so I hurried to Zhao's house to visit. I hope Minister Zhao won't blame me for coming unexpectedly."
These few words warmed the atmosphere and brought the relationship closer, as if he and Zhao Junchen were close friends.
Zhao Junchen shook his head repeatedly and sighed: "Oh! I never thought that my body was already so unbearable at such a young age. But after working hard for a while, it became completely unbearable. Now not only
I became sick due to overwork and left many root causes...
After returning to the capital, thanks to His Majesty's trust and the recommendation of my colleagues, I was able to join the cabinet to assist the government and rank among the cabinet ministers. However, while I was flattered, I also knew in my heart that my physical condition was no longer able to bear such a heavy burden!
In the past two days, I have repeatedly asked His Majesty to resign, but His Majesty has not responded..."
At this point, Zhao Junchen's expression became more miserable. He looked up at Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin and said: "Speaking of which, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the crown prince, and Commander Hong is a close minister beside His Majesty.
I also hope that you two can speak to His Majesty on my behalf and ask His Majesty to grant my resignation so that I can rest in peace... Otherwise, based on my current physical condition, I am afraid that I will be in trouble again soon!"
After hearing Zhao Junchen's request, both Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin showed slight changes in their expressions and did not dare to respond.
Zhu Heyu saw Zhao Junchen's pale face, listened to Zhao Junchen's weak tone, and thought that Zhao Junchen's illness was all for the sake of the Zhu family. He couldn't help but feel pity, but after hesitating for a moment, he
There is no expression.
Zhu Heyu knew very well that he no longer had any influence in front of Emperor Deqing; at the same time, out of consideration of his own position, Zhu Heyu did not want Zhao Junchen to withdraw from the court early at this time.
Therefore, Zhu Heyu just remained silent and did not respond to Zhao Junchen's request, but he also did not say any perfunctory words.
On the other side, Hong Jin also sighed and shook his head, as if he felt the same, and advised: "Minister Zhao, please don't think too much. Your Majesty is a holy king, and he has always been kind to our ministers. The reason why I was unable to approve your resignation this time is just because
The imperial court is currently at war, and the tasks of the Household Department are particularly heavy. It is really inseparable from Zhao Gechen's financial management and cash flow methods. This is entirely due to His Majesty's reliance and trust...
In my opinion, this is not a bad thing. After Zhao Gechen has dealt with all the affairs of the household department, he can take a rest and ignore the rest of the court affairs. When Zhao Gechen has fully recovered his health, he will still be the cabinet minister.
Your Majesty, Your Majesty, has deliberately reserved a cabinet position for you, Minister Zhao. Such a holy family member is the envy of others!"
Seeing that neither Zhu Heyu nor Hong Jin agreed to his request, Zhao Junchen shook his head and sighed, but stopped forcing anything.
Zhao Junchen's statement was originally a disguise, not only to mislead Zhu Heyu, but also to mislead Emperor Deqing behind Hong Jin. Naturally, he would not be entangled for too long.
Of course, it remains to be seen how effective this misdirection will be.
*
Next, Zhao Junchen talked with the two guests for some time.
During this period, Zhao Junchen talked about the current situation in the northwest frontier, while Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin talked about the recent changes in the temple center, and the atmosphere was quite warm.
However, Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin visited Zhao Junchen this time. The so-called "visiting a doctor" was just an excuse after all. In fact, they had their own agenda, but neither of them wanted to let the other party know the truth about their visit to Zhao Junchen.
The intention now is to talk about unnecessary gossip to delay time, hoping that the other party will be unable to bear it and leave voluntarily.
In this way, even with Hong Jin's sophistication and good at observing people's emotions, the conversation between the three of them gradually became awkward.
However, Zhao Junchen was unwilling to waste time like this. Seeing that the conversation was still showing no signs of getting to the point, he deliberately coughed twice, his tone became weaker and weaker, and he said slowly: "Your Highness, please speak with me."
Commander Hong, forgive me, I still want to continue talking with you two, but my body is already a little unable to hold on... If you two have nothing else to do, I will not accompany you to talk."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's statement, both Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin's expressions changed slightly, and they knew they could not drag on like this any longer.
In the end, Zhu Heyu hesitated for a moment, but still didn't say anything. Apparently he thought he could wait until tomorrow to visit Zhao Junchen again and was not in a hurry now.
However, this time Hong Jin visited Zhao Junchen with a special mission from Emperor Deqing. After the visit, he had to return to the palace to resume his duties. Seeing that Zhu Heyu still had no expression on his face, Hong Jin finally bit the bullet and said
He revealed his true intentions.
"Speaking of which, in addition to visiting Zhao Gechen's condition, I do have two other matters here that I need to consult with Zhao Gechen." Hong Jin's expression returned to seriousness and he said slowly: "The first is the suicide of Zhan Shanchang, the minister of household affairs, who committed suicide out of fear of crime.
There is something fishy about this matter! According to Jin Yiwei's investigation, just before Zhan Shanchang committed suicide in fear of crime, he came to Zhao Mansion overnight to visit Zhao Gechen... Now Jin Yiwei is ordered to investigate this case, but they hope that Zhao Gechen can tell,
Zhan Shanchang’s detailed account of his visit to the Zhao Mansion last night.”
Zhao Junchen frowned, clearly expressing his displeasure, and asked: "What? Does Jin Yiwei suspect that Zhan Shanchang's suicide is related to me?"
Hong Jin quickly shook his head in denial and said: "How is this possible? Zhao Gechen's status is valuable and his character is noble. How can it be related to this kind of thing? This interrogation is just a routine matter, nothing more!"
It stands to reason that as the commander of the Jinyi Guards, Hong Jin does not need to be cautious at all even when facing Zhao Junchen, but now, for some unknown reason, he deliberately spoke softly.
Zhao Junchen secretly became a little more vigilant, but on the surface his face softened a little, and he sighed and said: "Speaking of which, this matter does have a lot to do with me! Last night, Zhan Shanchang saw that he colluded with the vassal king to charge
When the crime of bribery was exposed, he came here and begged me to cover it up for him... But this kind of matter related to the laws and regulations of the court, how could I show favoritism? I sternly rejected him immediately."
Regardless of whether Hong Jin and Zhu Heyu believed it or not, Zhao Junchen still continued talking on his own, and said: "However, thinking about the old relationship, I finally softened a little. After learning about his crimes, I did not act in time.
Impeaching him to Your Majesty gave him an opportunity to take the initiative to confess to Your Majesty, hoping that he could use this to reduce some of his crimes. But looking back now, maybe my attitude was too harsh at the time, and I finally
It drove him to commit suicide out of fear of crime...
Speaking of which, I used to be the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, so Zhan Shanchang's various crimes were also at fault of my poor supervision. Just half an hour ago, I submitted a memorandum of apology and offered my resignation to His Majesty again.
It’s a pity that Your Majesty still has no response.”
After he finished speaking, Zhao Junchen sighed again and shook his head.
Speaking of which, after Zhao Junchen saw Zhu Heyu and Hong Jin, he kept shaking his head and sighing, looking completely depressed and disheartened.
On the other side, Hong Jin looked convinced, nodding his head and saying: "So that's the case. In this way, the causes and consequences of Zhan Shanchang's suicide in fear of crime will completely make sense."
Then, Hong Jin did not continue to bother about Zhan Shanchang's suicide, and said: "As for the second thing, it has something to do with the northwest border defense! Some time ago, among the several memorials sent by Zhao Gechen to the center of the capital, there were many
This time it was shown that the northwest border defense was completely corrupted. Not only were the border soldiers mostly old, weak and timid, but many officials and merchants from various places were also colluding with the Tatars...
Today, His Majesty has made up his mind to thoroughly rectify the border defenses in the northwest provinces. In particular, those officials and merchants who colluded with the Tatars must be severely investigated and severely punished to eliminate internal troubles in one fell swoop! His Majesty has given full authority to this matter. Jin Yiwei is in charge."
Having said this, a trace of pride flashed across Hong Jin's expression.
In the past, although Jin Yiwei was powerful and powerful, he was always under the control and command of the East Factory. However, during this period, as the East Factory failed to do things many times, the West Factory was in constant turmoil. Emperor Deqing issued decrees many times. On this occasion, the two factories in the East and West were bypassed and handed over directly to Jinyiwei, which meant that Jinyiwei's power and influence increased significantly.
But Hong Jin quickly hid his pride, and instead said with a pleading look on his face: "Of course, I also know that the situation in the northwest border is extremely complicated, and the Jin Yiwei's control over the remote areas is also weak. I wanted to share your Majesty's worries, but I had no idea at all. I didn't know where to start, so I came here to ask Zhao Gechen for advice! Zhao Gechen has been in charge of military and political affairs in the northwest provinces during this period, and he must be very concerned about these matters. He has a keen eye for fire and knows it like the back of his hand. I hope Minister Zhao can give me some pointers!"
After hearing Hong Jin's request, Zhao Junchen fell into silence.
It was not until a long time later that Zhao Junchen finally said slowly: "Currently, the war in the northwest is at its most intense. The Mongols' counterattack is extremely fierce. It is also the time when the government, businessmen, soldiers and civilians from all over the border are most needed to work together. If the Jin Yiwei is chosen, At this time, the large-scale imperial edicts must have made people panic. It might delay the fighter plane and damage morale. It is really inappropriate! What's more, I have already dealt with this matter. With the governor of the three sides, Wang Zheng, the wealthy businessman The appeasement forces led by the Wang family have been completely eradicated long ago, is it necessary to investigate again?"
Hong Jin looked serious, nodded with a smile and said: "Of course it is necessary. Such disloyal people who are colluding with foreign invaders must be eradicated! How can one person be missed? When Zhao Gechen was investigating, he had quite a lot of time. In a hurry, it only takes about two months. I am afraid that I cannot catch them all, and there may be some fish that slip through the net! Of course, please rest assured that Zhao Gechen is the wisest of all, His Majesty. Although he is determined to rectify the northwest border defense, everything must be done After the war has settled, the Jin Yiwei will only focus on investigating in secret and will never go to war."
After a pause, Hong Jin slightly emphasized his tone and emphasized: "I hope Minister Zhao can understand that all this is His Majesty's intention!"
Hearing what Hong Jin said, Zhao Junchen's eyes flashed with a hint of evil.
Xiang Zhuang dances with his sword, aiming at Pei Gong.
It is obvious that both Emperor Deqing's intention to reorganize the northwest border defense and the Jin Yiwei's upcoming investigation are all actions against Zhao Junchen, all of which are aimed at attacking Zhao Junchen's power and connections in the northwest provinces.
When Zhao Junchen took control of the military and political power in Shaanxi and Gansu, he did not expect that he would be able to lead the northwest frontier army to a great victory over the Mongolian coalition in the future, nor did he expect that he would be able to conquer officials, businessmen and soldiers from all over the northwest on a large scale in the future, so he did not think much about it. , they submitted many memorials to Emperor Deqing in succession, stating that the northwest border defense was extremely corrupt and the imperial court must take action to completely rectify it.
When Zhao Junchen wrote these memorials, he did so out of a public spirit, but looking back at them now, he just shot himself in the foot!
Officials, businessmen, troops, etc. from all over Shaanxi and Gansu have now taken refuge in Zhao Junchen's sect, becoming an important part of Zhao Junchen's strength. Although this power is extremely corrupt, Zhao Junchen is still not
He was willing to give up easily, so once the imperial court began to reorganize the military and political affairs in the northwest, Zhao Junchen's power would inevitably suffer a huge blow.
Of course, Zhao Junchen had long expected that Emperor Deqing would sooner or later cleanse his forces in various parts of Shaanxi and Gansu. However, Zhao Junchen never expected that Emperor Deqing would be so impatient. The war in the northwest frontier was obviously the most anxious one.
Now, he can't wait to prepare secretly!
As for Hong Jin's "asking for advice" from Zhao Junchen this time, he even dug a trap for Zhao Junchen, which is definitely out of good intentions.
Once Zhao Junchen gives Hong Jin any advice, no matter whether the "advice" is true or false, more or less, and regardless of whether Hong Jin believes Zhao Junchen's "advice", when the Jin Yiwei will launch large-scale prisons in the northwest in the future,
They can all raise the banner of Zhao Junchen to indicate that the Jin Yiwei arrested certain civil and military officials, merchants and gentry all because of Zhao Junchen's "report"!
At that time, all walks of life in Shaanxi and Gansu will think that Zhao Junchen betrayed them, and Zhao Junchen's prestige will soon be destroyed!
Therefore, Zhao Junchen must not give Hong Jin any response at this time.
However, Hong Jin's reasons were upright, and he emphasized that all this was the will of Emperor Deqing, but he could not tolerate Zhao Junchen's refusal.
In fact, Zhao Junchen had long been on guard against Emperor Deqing's purges and suppression, and had left many arrangements and back-ups on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu. Most of them are still in progress now, and they just need to buy time.
In the end, Zhao Junchen did not reject Hong Jin's request, but just said: "The military and political affairs in Shaanxi and Gansu are indeed intricate and can affect the whole body. But these days, my mind is dazed and my thoughts are not clear.
Qing, for a moment I don’t know how to help Commander Hong... Well, I hope Commander Hong can be tolerant for a few days and allow me to sort out my thoughts, sort out a text, and then give it to Commander Hong. How about that?
"
After Hong Jin pondered for a moment, he did not press forward. He just smiled and said: "According to His Majesty's decree, I will rush to the northwest to investigate in three to five days. I hope Zhao Gechen can do it before I leave Beijing."
Have this text ready."
Zhao Junchen nodded lightly and said: "This is natural, and we will never make things difficult for Commander Hong!"
After receiving the reply, Hong Jin was full of gratitude, and after saying a few polite words, he glanced at the prince Zhu Heyu from the corner of his eye, and immediately left, without any intention of staying to listen to Zhao Junchen and Zhu He.
The meaning of the conversation between the two.
After seeing Hong Jin leave quickly and neatly, Zhu Heyu, who had been taciturn most of the time since entering the Zhao Mansion, finally began to speak slowly.
…
Well, let’s resume updates and make a good start for 2020.
Also, in the new year, I wish you all good health and all the best!