In the Zhao Mansion, there are two study rooms that Zhao Junchen often uses, one large and one small.
The large study room is where Zhao Junchen usually handles government affairs and meets with guests privately. It stores a large number of official documents and memorials, and he often chooses this place to discuss matters with his staff.
There is also a small study room, which is where Zhao Junchen actually handles core confidential affairs. Most of Zhao Junchen’s secret information and important letters are hidden in several secret compartments in this study room. On weekdays, only Fang Ru
Xu Qingyan and Xu Qingyan have the right to enter.
The purpose of Zhao Junchen's deliberate separation of the two study rooms was also carefully considered. The main reason was to prevent his staff from having too much contact with Fang Ru and others. This was both to avoid suspicion and to reduce risks.
The intelligence system controlled by Zhao Junchen's staff is mainly composed of Zhao Junchen's party members in the DPRK and China, as well as those business houses from various places that have cooperative relations with Zhao Junchen. The main task is to expand Zhao Junchen's official and business power and reputation between the government and the public.
The intelligence system controlled by Fang Ru, Xu Qingyan and others is composed of Tongji Temple, Jubao Trading Company, Storytellers Guild, etc. Its main task is to infiltrate the inner court and the army, and occasionally deal with some shady matters for Zhao Junchen.
matter.
The tasks of these two teams are independent of each other, and they do not interfere with each other. If they are exposed too much, it will increase the risk of being exposed. If Zhao Junchen's excessive reliance on internal forces is seen by the staff, it will also be affected.
The image of Zhao Junchen.
At this time, Zhao Junchen wanted to find Fang Ru for questioning, so he went straight to the small study.
According to Zhao Junchen's guess, Fang Ru was most likely helping Zhao Junchen handle things in the small study at this time.
When Zhao Junchen came to the small study, before he could open the door and leave, he heard Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er discussing something.
To be precise, Fang Ru was explaining some extremely important matters to Zhang Yu'er.
Just listen to Fang Ru's voice with a hint of laziness, and she said slowly and softly: "You should have noticed these days, Master, he has several intelligence channels in his hands, such as the news exchanges of the 'Zhao Party',
The staff are usually responsible for the information dissemination of various commercial banks, and I, and Xu Qingyan, are usually responsible for several other intelligence channels, the most important of which is the 'Tongji Temple'."
Then, Zhang Yu'er deliberately said with a humble and asking for advice: "Indeed, the 'Tongji Temple' has been very prosperous this year. I heard that their sect, Daoquan, also has some magical powers. There are many believers and it is developing rapidly. Whether it is
Common people, officials, and even eunuchs in the inner court are all loyal disciples of Zhang Daozhen. With this news channel, the troubles in the government and the public can no longer be hidden from the master's eyes and ears... I think all of this is
It’s because my sister is supervising and commanding in the dark.”
Fang Ru ignored Zhang Yuer's deliberate pandering, but continued unhurriedly: "Although this 'Tongji Temple' is extremely useful, it is also extremely sensitive. Once the relationship between the master and this sect is exposed, the master will inevitably
People will be accused of using evil cults to bring chaos to the country, so we must operate carefully, and we must keep an eye on the core figures of Tongji Temple. We must neither let them get carried away and reveal their flaws, nor let them become disloyal and lose control... Among them, the most important thing is
They are three people, namely Zhang Daozhen, the headmaster of Tongji Temple, Li Muhe, the host, and Ma Zhong, the eldest disciple."
After a pause, Fang Ru continued: "Among them, Zhang Daozhen is the spiritual leader of the 'Tongji Temple' and has some ability to confuse people. The rapid expansion of the 'Tongji Temple' during this period is also inseparable from his deception.
However, this person’s thoughts are too arrogant and his ability to do things is not strong. Although we want to use him, we cannot absolutely trust him, so we must be careful;
The host Li Muhe is from our Zhao family. It was because I was not confident about Zhang Daozhen's ability that I made Li Muhe the host of the 'Tongji Temple'. He has always been responsible for the actual operation of the 'Tongji Temple', so Zhang Daozhen and Li Muhe
Occasionally there will be conflicts between the two, and they must make good use of them and check and balance each other;
And Ma Zhong, the top disciple of Tongji Temple, hehe... This person has followed Zhang Daozhen for many years. He seems to be loyal, but in fact he is secretly treacherous. He even had an affair with his master's wife, and I caught him
Once I have the handle, it becomes a chess piece that I am lying next to Zhang Daozhen. It may be of great use at critical moments, but I still don't use him lightly in normal times.
Therefore, as long as you have a way to control these three people, it will be easy to control the information channels of 'Tongji Temple' in the future, and the risks can be minimized."
Zhang Yuer's voice was full of joy and admiration, and she still deliberately complimented her: "Sister, you are indeed smart, wise and thoughtful. This is really a perfect strategy."
"In terms of intelligence and wisdom, I may not be as good as you, and in terms of knowledge and vision, I am even worse than you. But everything I do is for the master's important affairs. Naturally, I have to be as cautious and thoughtful as possible.
Just think more and do more... I hope you can be like me in the future and never act impetuously just because you are smart!"
"Listen to your elder sister's teachings. In the future, my younger sister will definitely learn from her elder sister to act seriously and be cautious!"
Hearing Zhang Yu'er's answer, Fang Ru's voice finally had a hint of satisfaction.
Next, Fang Ru explained the personalities and control methods of Zhang Daoquan, Li Muhe and Ma Zhong to Zhang Yuer in detail, and then told a lot of key information about "Tongji Temple".
Listening to the conversation between Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er in the study, Zhao Junchen was filled with surprise.
The night before, Zhao Junchen spent the night in Fang Ru's room. Fang Ru had consulted Zhao Junchen for his opinion at that time, saying that the "Tongji Temple" was getting bigger and bigger, and there were more and more things going on. Fang Ru thought that she
Gradually, she was unable to cope, so she wanted to ask Zhang Yuer to help her take charge of the "Tongji Temple".
At that time, Zhao Junchen didn't think much about it. He just felt that Zhang Yuer's methods and vision were sufficient and she had already proven her loyalty. It would be a good thing for Zhang Yuer to assist Fang Ru and reduce Fang Ru's burden, so he naturally agreed.
But now that she heard the conversation between Fang Ru and Zhang Yuer, Fang Ru was asking Zhang Yuer to help her deal with the "Tongji Temple" matter? She clearly wanted to entrust Zhang Yuer with all the "Tongji Temple" matters!
You must know that there are only three intelligence agencies in Fang Ru's hands, namely the "Tongji Temple" that uses religion to infiltrate all walks of life, the "Jubao Trading Company" that uses commercial interests to infiltrate military towns, and the newly formed "Pingshu"
People's Guild".
According to Zhao Junchen's idea, after the "Storytellers' Guild" is completed, it will also be handed over to his staff. Now Fang Ru has entrusted the "Tongji Temple" to Zhang Yu'er, which means that Fang Ru only has
There is only one "Jubao Trading Company" left!
Fang Ru has always been a strong woman. She has never been idle and strives to do more things. She just wants to do her best to help Zhao Junchen achieve great things. She has also had many conflicts with Xu Qingyan because of her insistence on power.
After a conflict, why did you completely change your temper today and take the initiative to delegate power?
In addition to being surprised, Zhao Junchen became more and more inclined to some speculations in his mind. He no longer hid outside the door and eavesdropped in the corner, but opened the door directly and entered.
Seeing Zhao Junchen enter the room, Fang Ru and Zhang Yuer, who were discussing something, both stood up to greet him.
Zhang Yu'er saw Zhao Junchen only staring at Fang Ru after entering the room, with a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes. She also saw Fang Ru dodge under Zhao Junchen's gaze and did not take the initiative to speak, so she said:
"Sir, just when you went to see the angel in the palace, the mansion received news that Prince Zhu Heyu had just left the capital and headed for Luoyang."
Then, Zhang Yuer's beautiful face showed a trace of mixed emotions, both gloating and feeling sad, and continued: "It is said that the prince left the capital this time to investigate the vassal king's violation of discipline, and I am afraid that he will not be able to return to the capital in a short time.
, but no one in the civil and military circles of the court came to see him off. The Sansi Yamen and Factory Guards only sent some low-level officials to follow him out of the capital to help with matters. Only the seventh prince Zhu Hejian showed up to see him off.
It makes people feel completely desolate.”
After hearing Zhang Yuer's report, Zhao Junchen shifted his attention slightly and said: "The prince is currently abandoned by the Qingliu people. It is when he is most weak and alone. It is a pity that I am now sick and unable to come out.
I am busy dealing with His Majesty again today, otherwise I would have to personally come out to see him off... However, once I carry Li Chengru out and contact my father-in-law to help secretly, the prince's situation should be much better...
By the way, the prince left the capital this time on the emperor's order to investigate the case, didn't even your majesty send someone to see him off?"
Zhang Yu'er shook her head and said with a smile: "No, Your Majesty is probably only focused on negotiating with you today and has no time to take care of the Crown Prince."
Zhao Junchen sighed: "Your Majesty is also heartless... Seeing that the new year is approaching, and it happens to be his birthday, the battle in Hetao will soon be settled. It is the occasion of three happy events and universal celebrations. At this time, the prince is asked to go to the capital for business.
It was difficult for me to do anything, but now I don’t even send anyone to give me a lift!”
Zhao Junchen was full of emotion, but it was just emotion. These situations were all expected.
If Prince Zhu Heyu cannot bear even such a little hardship, then Zhao Junchen will not count on him in the future.
After ending the topic about Prince Zhu Heyu, Zhao Junchen turned his attention to Fang Ru again.
Seeing Zhao Junchen's performance, a hint of disappointment flashed through Zhang Yuer's bright eyes again.
But Zhang Yu'er always knew how to read the atmosphere, and quickly adjusted her emotions, still smiling like a flower, and said: "It seems that you have something to do with Sister Ru'er, sir, so I will leave first, and Sister Ru'er happened to be handed over to her."
I have some things that need to be dealt with as soon as possible."
After saying that, Zhang Yu'er signaled to Zhao Junchen and Fang Ru and left directly.
When leaving, Zhang Yu'er deliberately passed by Zhao Junchen, leaving a scent of fragrance behind, as if she wanted to remind Zhao Junchen of her existence.
But Zhao Junchen ignored Zhang Yuer's hint. He just waited until Zhang Yuer left the study, stepped closer to Fang Ru, and looked at Fang Ru's face intently. When Fang Ru's cheeks turned red and she lowered her head, her eyes gradually moved to
Fang Ru’s lower abdomen.
Then, Zhao Junchen put his hand on Fang Ru's lower abdomen and asked: "You...have it?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Fang Ru's delicate body trembled slightly, as if she was frightened, and her usual aggressive and competitive look was completely gone.
Finally, Fang Ru lowered her head again and hummed softly.
"Really?" Zhao Junchen confirmed his suspicion. He couldn't help but look happy and asked: "Why didn't you tell me clearly? When did it happen?"
At this moment, Zhao Junchen finally understood why Fang Ru wanted to hand over all the "Tongji Temple" matters to Zhang Yu'er!
Fang Ru always wanted to prove her importance to Zhao Junchen in the past, so she grabbed power everywhere and tried her best to help Zhao Junchen do everything.
All this is not due to Fang Ru's character and instinct, but just because of Fang Ru's lack of security in her heart.
But now that Fang Ru has a child, her uneasiness has finally been alleviated. Her attention has gradually shifted to the child in her belly. Because the child does not want to be distracted too much, she handed over the "Tongji Temple" to
Zhang Yuer.
When Zhao Junchen thought of this, he couldn't help but feel guilty, feeling that he had not paid enough.
On the other side, Fang Ru said softly. "It should have happened before the master left Beijing last time. It has been five months now! Ru'er has always wanted to tell you about this matter, master, but... master, you have just started to be busy.
With the war between Shaanxi and Gansu, and after returning to Beijing, she focused on court affairs, and also had to guard against open and covert attacks from all parties. Ru'er was worried that you would be distracted, sir..."
In fact, Fang Ru also hid some thoughts.
She had always devoted herself wholeheartedly to Zhao Junchen. Zhao Junchen's thoughts and reactions were as big as the sky to Fang Ru.
Therefore, after Fang Ru found out that she was pregnant, she was ecstatic but also secretly worried - if after she confessed the news of her pregnancy to Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen would still only focus on the intrigues in the temple, and his care and concern for her would not be obvious.
If so, this situation would be enough to make her sad and sad for a long time, and she was afraid that she wouldn't be able to bear it.
Or because of past experiences, Fang Ru may appear to be a strong woman, but inside she feels more insecure than anyone else. Especially when it comes to things related to Zhao Junchen, she can't help but think about it.
Fortunately, Zhao Junchen's current joy is sincere, and his performance is sincere and enthusiastic enough. Fang Ru is not only relieved, but also feels warm in her heart, and feels that all her efforts are worth it.
"Silly Ru'er! Is there anything in this world that is more important than our children!" Zhao Junchen held Fang Ru in his arms and said softly: "...You also know that I have always been cold-tempered. It's because of my character.
It’s not an exaggeration to be cool. I don’t always have much sense of identity with this world, which also makes you always feel uneasy... This is my fault! But what I want to tell you now is that this world is worth my sincerity.
Not much, but you are! And so are our kids!”
At this point, Zhao Junchen stopped talking, as if he wanted to give more assurance to Fang Ru.
But my mind was full of thoughts, and I couldn't say many words, they just felt superfluous.
In the end, Zhao Junchen just said softly: "Don't worry, I will treat you well."