On this day, Prince Zhu Heyu publicly visited Zhao Junchen twice in a row without concealing his whereabouts, which attracted attention from all parties. However, it was also clear that Zhu Heyu did this deliberately and wanted to force Zhao Junchen to express his stance as soon as possible.
In contrast, when Shen Changmao visited the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian, he behaved in a simple manner and had a low-key attitude. When entering the Seventh Prince's residence, he even condescended to go through the back door.
Zhu Hejian is still just an ordinary prince, and Shen Changmao is the chief minister of the foreign cabinet. This meeting between the two has violated the taboos of the court, and it is easy for people to find evidence. Naturally, the fewer people who know about it, the better. .
In fact, before Shen Changmao secretly visited Zhu Hejian today, they had been communicating secretly for a long time.
Zhu Hejian wanted to take advantage of Shen Changmao's powerful position so that he could quickly gain a foothold after inheriting the throne. Shen Changmao also wanted to get close to the future prince's tree and stabilize his precarious position as chief minister. If you need anything, we'll hit it off.
On this day, Shen Changmao and Zhu Hejian met secretly to formally finalize the alliance between the two parties.
This matter is of vital importance. Zhu Hejian has not been in good physical condition these days, but he still worked hard to greet Shen Changmao grandly with an extremely humble attitude.
After the two met, they naturally had to be polite. Shen Changmao praised Zhu Hejian for his talent, while Zhu Hejian complimented Shen Changmao for being the mainstay of the imperial court. He was really friendly and harmonious, and they were happy.
After finally waiting for these polite greetings to end and the conversation was about to get down to business, eunuch Jia Lun quickly walked into the room with a serious expression, bent down and whispered a few words in Zhu Hejian's ear.
After hearing Jia Lun's report, the kindness and warmth in Zhu Hejian's expression suddenly turned into a sinister and cold expression.
Zhu Heyu and Zhao Junchen have most likely formed an alliance!
The impact of this incident on the temple structure cannot be overestimated!
In a way, Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu can be said to have complementary advantages. Once the two form an alliance, Zhu Heyu's status as prince and reputation for integrity will greatly enhance Zhao Junchen's reputation. Zhao Junchen's The city government's scheming can also greatly make up for Zhu Heyu's deficiencies in strategy and power.
The most important thing is that Zhao Junchen has always been very aware of Zhu Hejian's true nature and wolfish ambitions. Once Zhao Junchen informs Zhu Heyu of this information, Zhu Hejian will no longer be able to manipulate Zhu Heyu at will in the future, and maybe he will again. It affected the evaluation of Zhu Hejian by both the government and the public.
"Since this period of time, I have never had the opportunity to go to the East Palace to visit the prince, but I did not expect that he would change so drastically and that he would take the initiative to seek an alliance with Zhao Junchen! The meeting between the two lasted for nearly two hours, and it lasted ten hours. Eighty-nine have already formed an alliance! In this way, both the structure of the court and my situation will inevitably undergo earth-shaking changes!
Zhao Junchen's threat is far greater than that of Zhao Shancai. After Zhu Heyu gets his assistance, there may be a possibility of a comeback! The most important thing is that once Zhu Heyu learns about my situation from Zhao Junchen, Disguising and plotting, given his character, he will definitely break up with me. He may even expose it in public and confront me. This will definitely affect my image. We must find a countermeasure as soon as possible...
However, things may not develop to this point! Zhao Junchen has always been deep-tempered and selfish. He will never sincerely assist Zhu Heyu, and he will never tell all the news so quickly and without reservation. Regarding Zhu Heyu, even if he reached an alliance with Zhu Heyu, it was just to take advantage of Zhu Heyu. He would definitely not reveal his trump card too early. This would not do him any good. Zhao Junchen and I have not completely broken up. There is still room for easing the relationship. Maintaining the balance of power between me and the prince is his best choice..."
While he was thinking secretly, Zhu Hejian's expression was gloomy and uncertain, and his eyes kept flashing with a sinister look.
In just a short moment, Zhu Hejian had dozens of sinister and sinister ideas popping up in his mind.
On the other side, seeing Zhu Hejian's performance, Shen Changmao couldn't help but be shocked.
The sinister temperament displayed by Zhu Hejian, although it was only fleeting and happened in the blink of an eye, it still made Shen Changmao, a powerful official who had been in power for many years, feel frightened.
But in the blink of an eye, Zhu Hejian once again regained his previous warmth and cordiality, making Shen Changmao feel that he had just had an illusion.
Then, Zhu Hejian turned to look at Shen Changmao, and said with a smile: "I just received some incredible news. Hejian was quite surprised. He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, but it made Shen Shoufu laugh."
After Zhu Hejian's words, Shen Changmao couldn't help but change his attention and quickly asked: "I wonder what news is it that makes His Highness the Seventh Prince so surprised?"
Zhu Hejian's expression was very complicated, mixed with disappointment and sadness, and he said slowly: "This kind of news is not confidential. If Shen Chieffu stays in his house now, he must have also received the news. ... Just after today's court meeting, His Royal Highness went to the Zhao Mansion to visit Zhao Junchen twice. Especially during the second visit, His Royal Highness and Zhao Junchen talked in secret for nearly two hours! Alas, what if If nothing else, the two of them should have joined forces to form an alliance!"
"What!? The prince and Zhao Junchen? They have always been on the same side, but now they are joining forces?"
After hearing Zhu Hejian's explanation, Shen Changmao couldn't help but be stunned.
Accustomed to the tit-for-tat confrontation between Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu, Shen Changmao could not imagine that the two men would put aside their old grudges and form an alliance in the blink of an eye.
At the same time, Shen Changmao still felt a faint sense of powerlessness deep in his heart.
In recent years, as Zhao Junchen's power has become more powerful, the changes in the temple structure have become more and more drastic. Although Shen Changmao is a veteran and powerful minister at the center of the imperial court, he is now the head of the cabinet with more power than one person and more than ten thousand people. Assistant, but the direction of the situation in the temple has long been out of his control and calculation, and he can only be led by the situation in the temple.
Feeling deeply powerless in his heart, Shen Changmao became more and more eager to form an alliance with Zhu Hejian.
Shen Changmao knew very well that his ability to become the chief minister of the cabinet was just a stop-gap measure for Emperor Deqing. His strategy, vision, and power were far inferior to Zhou Shangjing's, and he was not able to stabilize the government and rule the opposition like Zhou Shangjing. Overall, as the situation in the temple gradually becomes chaotic, sooner or later he will become the person to take the blame for the chaos in the court. In the end, not only will he lose his position as the chief minister of the cabinet, but he may also be ruined!
But Shen Changmao did not want to lose his position as the chief minister of the cabinet, let alone lose his reputation, so he had to get close to Zhu Hejian, who was about to become the new crown prince, in order to consolidate his position.
At this time, seeing the change in Zhu Hejian's expression, Shen Changmao thought he had guessed Zhu Hejian's thoughts, and quickly put on an indifferent sneer and said: "Ha! His Majesty's thoughts are already obvious. He has already I am completely disappointed with the prince, and I have long been dissatisfied with Zhao Junchen's domineering behavior. They are just two broken ships that are about to sink. How can they cross the ocean if they are tied together? Your Highness, Seventh Prince, you can rest assured. The position of the crown prince Sooner or later, it will all be yours! Even after the prince forms an alliance with Zhao Junchen, he will never be able to avoid the fate of being deposed, and it will only attract more fierce suppression from your majesty!"
Shen Changmao now wants to get close to the big tree of Zhu Hejian, and his relationship with Zhao Junchen has always been bad. Now he is naturally extremely hostile to the alliance between Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu.
Seeing that Shen Changmao still looked stern and angry, Zhu Hejian couldn't help but feel a burst of contempt in his heart.
If Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu are broken ships that are about to sink to the bottom of the sea, then who is Shen Changmao? A rotten wooden board that can only float with the waves?
Emperor Deqing will not completely abandon Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu in a short period of time, but Shen Changmao is not sure! Even if the chaos between the government and the opposition is not preceded some time ago, it is said that the Hetao War is currently underway At the most intense moment, the Household Office responsible for logistical supplies has been unable to operate, which has gradually affected the frontline war. Once something goes wrong, Shen Changmao will be the first to be scapegoated!
If he hadn't taken a fancy to Shen Changmao and had some power and influence, Zhu Hejian wouldn't have wasted his efforts in dealing with him!
But on the surface, Zhu Hejian still had a humble attitude, and his expression was full of sorrow. He sighed: "Alas! I don't care whether I can inherit the reserve position. I just feel sad that the third brother gave up his bottom line in order to stabilize his reserve position." Since you chose to cooperate with a corrupt official like Zhao Junchen! Although the third brother was reckless in the past, at least he had a good reputation. But if this matter spreads, wouldn't the third brother's reputation be ruined in one day? "
Hearing Zhu Hejian's hint, Shen Changmao's eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded: "That's true! The prince has always had an excellent reputation and has won the support of the elite. Now he has chosen to cooperate with a corrupt official like Zhao Junchen. Not only will his reputation be lost, but the Qingliu people will also soon abandon him, and I'm afraid the gain will outweigh the loss!"
Speaking of this, Shen Changmao predicted meaningfully: "I dare say that in just three days, this matter will be known to everyone, and it will inevitably attract endless criticism!
Hehe, speaking of it, ever since the prince lost his favor, the position of the Qingliu people has been wavering. They are leaning towards His Highness the Seventh Prince, but they are not willing to abandon the prince at will. Now they only need to guide public opinion a little to make them completely It is easy to change camps and support His Highness the Seventh Prince without reservation!"
Seeing that Shen Changmao understood his hint, Zhu Hejian still sighed and shook his head, looking very worried about Zhu Heyu.
Using Shen Changmao's channels to publicize the alliance between Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu everywhere, thereby triggering public pressure between the government and the public, was just a means for Zhu Hejian to try to destroy the alliance between Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu.
In fact, Zhu Hejian did not expect such a method to succeed, because he knew very well that Prince Zhu Heyu had a stubborn character and would not succumb to the pressure of public opinion. Moreover, Zhao Junchen's reputation has now undergone a fundamental turn, and Qingliu They may not react too violently.
Just like Shen Changmao's guess, Zhu Hejian's real goal is to take advantage of this opportunity to completely take over the Qingliu forces for his own use.
However, Zhu Hejian still has follow-up methods.
Then, Zhu Hejian said: "We must not just watch the prince go astray! Speaking of which, after Wang Baoren took over the position of the prince's master, he took on the responsibility of teaching the prince. We might as well inform him of this news. , let Master Wang come forward to admonish the prince."
However, Shen Changmao hesitated and said: "Wang Baoren has always been a shrewd person who will not let go of eagles when he sees rabbits. Now he is representing the imperial court in Nanjing officialdom to purge the major yamen. This matter will not do him any good, I'm afraid it will not Will you intervene?"
Zhu Hejian asked softly: "I heard that the imperial court's plan against the Nanjing Six Ministries this time was all based on Zhao Junchen's idea? The Nanjing Six Ministries have always been the foundation of Wang Baoren's power. This time he personally came out to clean up the Nanjing officialdom, but was only dismissed. If you do it under pressure, you will definitely feel resentment in your heart! As long as we inform Wang Baoren of this news, Wang Baoren will definitely remember Zhao Junchen’s conspiracy, and he will definitely try his best to prevent the alliance between the prince and Zhao Junchen!”
Hearing what Zhu Hejian said, Shen Changmao's eyes suddenly lit up again, and he said with his hands: "Wonderful! The central government wanted to take back power from the Six Ministries of Nanjing, and it was indeed because of Zhao Junchen's strong push! It was also based on his Only the central government of the imperial court would set up a trap to plot against Wang Baoren and let him personally destroy the foundation of his power and come forward to purge the Six Ministries of Nanjing!
However, as compensation, His Majesty also promised Wang Baoren that he would join the cabinet to assist the government and take charge of power!
If Wang Baoren knew the truth of the matter, he would definitely hate Zhao Junchen. Even if he could not prevent the alliance between Zhao Junchen and the prince, he would completely become their enemy!
At that time, Wang Baoren will most likely seek refuge with His Highness the Seventh Prince, and His Highness the Seventh Prince will also have the support of a cabinet minister!"
While praising him repeatedly, Shen Changmao couldn't help but ignore Zhu Hejian's young age and deeply admired Zhu Hejian's scheming methods.
Just by guiding the situation a little, Zhu Hejian expanded his power, recruited allies, and caused a lot of trouble for Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu. Even many temple veterans would be ashamed of such clever means of making a huge difference. Out of reach.
However, while admiring Zhu Hejian's ingenious methods, Shen Changmao's mind suddenly flashed back to Zhu Hejian's cold temperament just now, and he felt a little more awe in his heart.
On the other side, seeing Shen Changmao being so understanding and cooperating with him, Zhu Hejian's eyes flashed with satisfaction, he nodded and said with a smile: "Prince, it is unwise for him to choose to form an alliance with Zhao Junchen! Even if he wants to seek allies to support him, , we should also choose ministers like Shen Shoufu who are experienced in seeking the country!
Of course, I also know that Shen Shoufu has encountered some troubles during this period. Because of the unstable situation in the temple, my father is indeed a little unhappy, but I think that all the chaos in the temple is related to Shen Shoufu. It has nothing to do with it. If it weren't for Shen Shoufu's efforts to maintain it, the situation in the temple would probably be even more chaotic! Please rest assured, Shen Shoufu, that when I go to the palace to see my father in the next two days, I will definitely put in a good word for Shen Shoufu. of!"
Hearing what Zhu Hejian said, Shen Changmao was immediately overjoyed.
Isn't it because of Zhu Hejian's promise that he took the initiative to visit Zhu Hejian today and put down his posture to cater to him?
As a result, Shen Changmao's old face also had a hint of smile, and he nodded and said: "I am really pleased that His Highness, the Seventh Prince, can show sympathy to me!"
Zhu Hejian's smile became gentler, and he added: "Shen Shoufu has always been the senior I admire most, so we should communicate more. However, you and I have sensitive identities, and a direct meeting like today will inevitably be confusing. Sorry, it’s better to communicate through intermediaries in the future.”
Having said this, Zhu Hejian thought for a moment and suggested again: "I heard that Wang Lun, the Minister of Taichang Temple, is Shen Shoufu's confidant? Taichang Temple has always been in charge of the ancestral temple etiquette and has not been noticed by all parties. I mentioned it earlier Nian also often goes to Taichang Temple to learn etiquette. If you and I have something to do in the future, how about we contact him through Wang Lun, the minister of Taichang Temple?"
After Shen Changmao thought for a moment, he also felt that Zhu Hejian's statement was reasonable!
Before Zhu Hejian officially became the crown prince, if the two people were in constant contact, they would easily be caught. It was safer to communicate through an intermediary.
From all aspects, Wang Lun, the Minister of Taichang Temple, is the best candidate to be the intermediary between both parties.
So, Shen Changmao nodded and said: "That's fine! If His Highness the Seventh Prince needs my help in the future, you can pass the news to Wang Lun, the Minister of Taichang Temple. If I need His Highness the Seventh Prince's assistance in something, I will also pass the news on." Staying with Wang Lun will only cause trouble for the Seventh Prince to go to Taichang Temple from time to time."
Hearing what Shen Changmao said, Zhu Hejian's eyes flashed with a hint of pride that his plan had succeeded.
For Zhu Hejian, looking for an intermediary to communicate between the two parties is a lie. Taking the opportunity to defraud Shen Changmao's permission and openly contact the "Shen Party" officials is Zhu Hejian's true intention!
Taichang Temple is a Qingshui Yamen. As a third-rank official of the imperial court, Wang Lun, the minister of Taichang Temple, is of noble status and has qualifications and connections, but he has too little real power. After all, he is only a marginal figure in the "Sink Party" , there must be some unwillingness in the heart!
Such a character is the easiest to conquer!
Moreover, once Zhu Hejian conquers Wang Lun, the minister of Taichang Temple, he can use Wang Lun's connections and channels to further recruit all the "Shen Party" officials under his sect! In the end, the entire "Shen Party" will submit to Zhu Hejian.
Zhu Hejian is a selfish and suspicious person. He never needs the support of allies. He only needs to obey and tame his subordinates!
Therefore, Zhu Hejian never truly formed an alliance with Shen Changmao from beginning to end—in Zhu Hejian's eyes, Shen Changmao was not worthy of being his ally!—He wanted to take advantage of Shen Changmao's power and connections from the beginning!
In the end, even Shen Changmao himself could only follow Zhu Hejian!
Back then, Zhao Junchen could use Zhan Shanchang to bribe most of the "Wen Party" officials. Now I, Zhu Hejian, use Wang Lun to take over all the "Shen Party" officials for my own use. It is definitely not a problem!
"If I annex the forces of the 'Prince Party' and the 'Shen Party' at the same time, Wang Baoren, who is about to join the cabinet to assist the government, will soon become my supporter... By that time, I will have no less power than With the power and influence of Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, coupled with the support and maintenance of my father, my position will be unshakable, so what if Zhao Junchen forms an alliance with the prince?"
Thinking of this, Zhu Hejian's smile towards Shen Changmao became more sincere and humble.
"In this case, I will ask Shen Shoufu for more advice from now on!"
*
Just as the meeting between Zhu Hejian and Shen Changmao ended, Zhou Shangjing also received detailed information.
The intelligence received by Zhou Shangjing not only contained the news that Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu had most likely formed an alliance, but the news that Shen Changmao secretly visited Zhu Hejian also failed to escape Zhou Shangjing's informants.
When Zhou Quan, the steward of the Zhou Mansion, reported the news to Zhou Shangjing, Zhou Shangjing was in the study room reviewing the relevant memorials about the Hetao War with a very focused expression.
Like Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing attached great importance to the imperial court's war to regain the Hetao, and he also invested a lot of effort during this period. However, seeing the increasing chaos in the Hubu Yamen, and his own old age, Zhou Shangjing also gradually developed some unsustainable problems. Feeling of powerlessness.
After hearing Zhou Quan's report, Zhou Shangjing put down the memorial in his hand and slowly closed his eyes, his tired old face full of thoughts.
"The development of the situation in the center of the temple is becoming more and more interesting... Zhao Junchen chose to form an alliance with the crown prince Zhu Heyu, while Shen Changmao joined hands with the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. The structure of the temple is completely different from the past... His Majesty's thoughts It is also difficult to predict... Alas, I am really old, and I can't figure out the direction of such a new pattern for a while...
It is necessary to eliminate some unpredictable factors and make the situation in the temple clearer and simpler... Well, let's start with Zhao Junchen... The Hubu Yamen has been too chaotic during this period, which has affected the frontline war. Zhao Junchen He is hiding behind, pretending to be sick and unwilling to take responsibility. He doesn't know his true intentions. We must force him to come to the front of the scene as soon as possible!"
While he was thinking secretly, Zhou Shangjing had already made a decision in his mind. He opened his eyes again and said in a slow voice: "If the message is sent down, the grain supply matter can take place."