Based on Zhao Junchen's idea, the cabinet members quickly drafted an opinion and submitted it to Emperor Deqing through the Supervisor of Rites.
Emperor Deqing also quickly issued a reply and agreed with the cabinet's opinions.
Just as Zhou Shangjing guessed, Emperor Deqing was very interested in Jianzhou Jurchen's initiative to surrender, and considered this matter to be one of his great achievements. However, due to the interests of all parties, he did not express his position for the time being.
Now that I see that the ministers in the cabinet have found a suitable solution, they will naturally not object.
As a result, the matter was settled, and relevant officials were quickly dispatched to conduct preliminary consultations with the Jianzhou Jurchens. However, the officials were not informed from the beginning to the end, nor were they discussed at the court meeting. Many officials still
It will take a few days to receive the message.
This is also one of the benefits of Zhao Junchen joining the cabinet.
Before Zhao Junchen entered the cabinet, there were many major court matters for which he had no chance to express his opinions. Often, these matters had already been decided through private consultations between Emperor Deqing and the cabinet elders before Zhao Junchen could express his attitude.
After the decision was made, Zhao Junchen was only responsible for executing it.
Only those trivial matters over which Emperor Deqing and the elders disagreed and couldn't argue, or those important matters for which neither Emperor Deqing nor the elders were willing to take responsibility, would be discussed and done in the temple.
In the past, only at this time did Zhao Junchen have the opportunity to express his opinion.
But now, Zhao Junchen has also become an assistant cabinet minister and one of the internal decision-makers.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen can have an even more profound influence on the direction of the Ming Dynasty from now on.
*
In the next two days, the situation in the temple was calm and no major incidents occurred.
While the officials were waiting for the next successful report on the Hetao War, they were secretly observing Zhao Junchen's movements.
After all, according to Zhao Junchen's boast of Haikou, all the river engineering money will be raised within three days; within ten days, the Ministry of Industry and various local government offices can start work to dredge water transportation; within twenty days, the first batch of water transportation will be cleared.
Money and grain were transported by water to the capital.
Three days have passed since Zhao Junchen boasted about Haikou, but Zhao Junchen only squeezed out the first batch of river workers' silver from the remaining silver in the household department, and did not make any other moves.
Seeing Zhao Junchen so motionless and doing nothing, many officials secretly became excited.
Could it be said that Zhao Junchen was unable to solve the water transportation problem this time and was going to be in trouble?
Although everyone knows that if there is a problem with water transportation, no one will benefit from it, but Zhao Junchen is really in the limelight during this period. Among the hundreds of officials, there are countless people who are jealous and hateful. At this time, it is natural to endure
I can't help but feel some gloating anticipation.
However, those truly powerful officials knew clearly in their hearts that Zhao Junchen would definitely not take any action and must have a back-up plan. Therefore, they suppressed the eagerness of officials from their respective factions to wait until the situation became obvious before taking action.
.
In fact, the guesses of these powerful officials were not wrong, and Zhao Junchen's actions had already been carried out secretly.
Moreover, it is still a big move.
*
On this day, Li Chengru, the newly appointed Minister of Household Affairs, rushed to Jining Prefecture day and night.
This year's water transport jam was caused by the collapse of the river bank in Jining Prefecture. All water transport vessels were stuck south of Jining Prefecture.
After hearing about Li Chengru's appearance, Su Peng, the prefect of Jining, did not dare to neglect and hurriedly led all the officials and squires of Jining Prefecture to greet him.
Seeing Su Peng's grand welcome, Li Chengru looked vigorous and resolute, and directly refused Su Peng's banquet, saying: "I came to Jining Mansion non-stop, not to drink and eat, but to inspect Jining Mansion.
The river is blocked! Magistrate Su doesn’t have to be polite to me, he just needs to lead me to the blockage of the river! Only after I understand the specific situation can I come up with the specific amount of river workers’ silver.”
Su Peng is still young, only in his early thirties, and is a close student of Zhou Shangjing. The young and strong faction of the "Zhou Party" has always been smart and capable.
After hearing Li Chengru's statement, Su Peng's eyes flashed slightly, and he quickly smiled and complimented: "Li Shangshu is really resolute and resolute, caring about the court, and is really a model for all officials! In this case, I will lead the way.
, allowing Li Shangshu to inspect the blockage of the Loop on site."
Then, Su Peng did not let the officials and squires of Jining Prefecture leave, but led everyone to the river blockage in Jining Prefecture.
Due to the collapse of the river bank, the blockage of the river near Jining Prefecture is indeed extremely serious. Because the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has issued the first batch of money, Jining Prefecture has begun organizing personnel to dredge the river, but the progress of the construction work is obviously not satisfactory.
Li Chengru came from Qingliu and did not know much about river engineering. Naturally, he could not provide any guidance at this time. After a pretentious inspection, he only said a few false and empty correct truths.
However, the officials and gentry of Jining Prefecture were extremely cooperative and appeared to be "suddenly enlightened". This greatly satisfied Li Chengru's vanity, and he felt that his reading of the sages' books had indeed not been in vain.
In a good mood, Li Chengru also showed some kindness and asked: "Prefect Su, do you still have any difficulties at present? If you have any difficulties, you should raise them as soon as possible while I am here, and I will naturally find a solution.
Solve it for you."
Su Peng smiled bitterly and said: "In the final analysis, there is still a shortage of money! I heard that the Ministry of Revenue handed over a total of 80,000 taels of silver to the two yamen of the Water Transport and the Ministry of Industry, but when this money was sent to Jining Prefecture, only 15,000 taels were left.
A thousand taels! Li Shangshu, you have also seen that in order to dredge the river as soon as possible, Xiaguan organized more than 3,000 people. Not to mention other expenses, just the morning and evening meals for these people are a large sum of money. This
A little money can't last a few days... If the Ministry of Revenue can't come up with the follow-up money, I'm afraid the work will stop soon. By that time, the river will inevitably be flooded with mud and sand, and all the hard work these days will be wasted.
.”
Li Chengru had long expected Su Peng's complaints about poverty. Before leaving Beijing this time, he also received special advice from Zhao Junchen and found a good strategy. At this time, he was confident.
Therefore, Li Chengru laughed and said: "The savings in the Ministry of Revenue have also bottomed out, and it is difficult to come up with another sum of money... However, this matter is not difficult to solve. It depends on whether the officials have the courage and responsibility.
Yes! Let me ask you, where do the imperial ships dock?"
Su Peng's eyes flickered again, as if he thought of something, and was slightly excited.
But in the next moment, Su Peng had regained his composure and replied: "We will dock ten miles south of here. Due to the blockage of the river, the river water has dropped significantly, and the canal boats are all large ships of more than a thousand stones. There are many ships."
They were all forced to run aground... The officials in charge of water transportation were furious at Xiaguan yesterday."
Li Chengru's expression suddenly became more solemn and he ordered: "Take me to the boat to take a look at the situation!"
After a pause, Li Chengru added: "Bring all the government servants and soldiers from Jining Mansion over."
After hearing Li Chengru's instructions, the officials and squires of Jining Prefecture vaguely noticed that something was wrong with the situation, but Su Peng, who had always been smart and capable, had no doubts and immediately agreed: "I will make arrangements now!
"
Not long after, Su Peng had summoned all the government servants and strong men in Jining Prefecture, and led Li Chengru and other officials and squires to the place where the watercraft docked.
When everyone arrived at their destination, at first glance they saw dozens of large cannon boats docked densely on both sides of the river. Even on the wide river, it gave people an airtight feeling.
Seeing Li Chengru, Su Peng and others suddenly appeared with a large number of people. The officials responsible for escorting the canal couldn't help but be a little nervous, and hurriedly came up to greet them.
Then, Su Peng quickly introduced each other, saying: "Li Shangshu, this is Wang He Wang Qianhu of Xuzhou Bingbei Road, who is responsible for escorting the first batch of water transport ships; Wang Qianhu, this is the newly appointed Hu
Li Chengru, Li Shangshu, Li Shangshu, after hearing about the blockage of the river, he personally came here to inspect it!"
After hearing Su Peng's introduction, Wang He of Qianhu of Xuzhou Bingbei Road quickly saluted Li Chengru and said hello, but Li Chengru ignored Wang He. Instead, he pointed to the cannon in the distance and said loudly: "Jining Mansion has no money.
The people were organized to dredge the rivers, and the bank deposits in the household department were gradually bottomed out. However, the water ships in front of us are all money and grain paid by the southern provinces this year's autumn taxes! In this case, why not directly collect money from these water ships?
Take a sum of money out of the money to use it for the construction of dredging the river?
Of course, the money and grain transported by water transport have not been collected into the national treasury for accounting, so it is indeed against the rules to take it out directly. However, the current situation of the court is somewhat difficult, so special measures must be taken! This time, I came to Jining Mansion in person
, also brought a group of officials from the Ministry of Accounts, who happened to be able to record the expenditure figures of Caoyin on the spot, so it was regarded as being collected into the national treasury in advance, and there was no fear of accounting problems in the future! Otherwise, a large number of Caoyin ships would have been stranded.
There is no solution here!
Magistrate Su and Wang Qianhu, what do you two think?"
Hearing Li Chengru's suggestion, Su Peng smiled and said: "Sooner or later, the money and grain transported by water must be handed over to the Ministry of Revenue. Mr. Li, you are the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. If you have the final say, it is also feasible to withdraw a batch of water money in advance for river construction.
Naturally, Li Shangshu will take charge of everything!"
On the other side, Qianhu Wang He's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed: "This approach is absolutely impossible!"
Because Wang He's reaction was too intense, everyone's eyes were on him.
Wang He also noticed his gaffe, but he did not care about the image problem, and hurriedly objected again: "Li Shangshu must be considerate of the difficulties of a humble position. This approach is absolutely impossible! The boat arrived in Beijing to be accounted for.
No changes are allowed before. This is the rule of the imperial court. How can it be changed at will?
Before I was responsible for escorting the canal ship, all the money and food in the canal ship were sealed. They had to wait until they arrived in the capital and were collected into the national treasury before they could be opened and counted. If the money and food in the canal ship were misappropriated in advance, it would be a dereliction of duty.
After returning to Xuzhou Bingbei Road, you will definitely have to take responsibility!"
However, Li Chengru disagreed and said: "I am the current Minister of Household Affairs, and the treasury is also within the scope of my authority. As long as I give my nod to this matter, and everything about the accounts is easy to discuss, there will be no problems!
And...this is also what Zhao Gechen meant!"
Having said this, Li Chengru looked at Wang He with a scrutinizing gaze and asked: "Why is Wang Qianhu so excited? Could it be that there is something wrong with the money and food in the canal?"
Wang He's expression changed drastically once again, and he shook his head and said: "How is this possible? I have always fulfilled my humble duty and guarded the water transportation of money and grain day and night, so how can there be any problems? But this matter is indeed against the rules of the court, please.
Li Shangshu must think about it again..."
But before Wang He could finish speaking, Li Chengru said coldly: "Since there is no problem, what are you worried about? Even if the sky falls, I will be responsible for it! If I can't bear it, I will still have Zhao Gechen!
"
After speaking, Li Chengru stared at Wang He with suspicion for a moment. When he saw Wang He sweating profusely and looking pale, he seemed to have determined something in his heart. He sneered and waved his hand: "Come here! Follow me to the canal.
Boat! After getting on the boat, the officials from the Ministry of Revenue were responsible for recording the accounts and counting the money and food. The Yamen of Jining Prefecture were responsible for controlling the situation and carrying the money in the boat! There was still a shortfall of four to five million yuan for the river workers.
The money should be enough!"
Following Li Chengru's order and Su Peng's active support, the government servants and young men from Jining Prefecture began to board the ship one after another. Although Wang He intended to stop him and had a group of soldiers under his command, he was only from a thousand households, so what?
Do you have the courage to conflict with the current Minister of Household Affairs?
In the end, despite the painless obstruction by Wang He's soldiers, Li Chengru and others successfully boarded the water transport ship.
Next, everyone followed Li Chengru's instructions. Officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs were responsible for counting and keeping accounts, while the government servants and young men from Jining Prefecture were responsible for carrying the money.
But not long after, an "unexpected" situation occurred.
After an official from the Ministry of Revenue went to the cabin to check, he quickly rushed to Li Chengru with a serious expression and reported: "Master Shangshu, after I went to the cabin to check, I found that there was not only this year's autumn tax money and grain in the cabin...
There’s something extra!”
Li Chengru first looked relieved, then flashed a hint of ecstasy, and finally asked coldly again: "There's something extra? What is it?"
The Ministry of Household official replied: "A lot! There are refined salt, silk, porcelain... They should all be smuggled goods!"
Following the answer from the Ministry of Revenue official, Wang He of Qianhu who stood beside him immediately collapsed and fell to the ground.
Li Chengru turned to look down at Wang He and asked slowly: "Tell me, who do you plan to hand over this batch of smuggled goods to the capital after they arrive in the capital? You have to think clearly before you answer, and don't take any chances! This can't happen!
This is not an ordinary smuggling case, but a smuggling case using the imperial court's boats. This is much more serious than ordinary smuggling. It is definitely not something that a mere thousand households like you can afford. No matter how loyal you are, your boss
, your backer can’t protect you! If you confess frankly, you might still have a chance to survive!”
Wang He's face became paler. After his expression changed for a long time, he finally said in a trembling voice: "None of this has anything to do with me. I'm just helping people! It's the task given by Chief Sheng of Xuzhou Bingbei Road. Let me put this in After a batch of smuggled goods arrived in the capital, they were all handed over to Sitong Trading Company... This matter really has nothing to do with me!"
Whether this matter had anything to do with Wang He or not was just a trivial matter. Li Chengru didn't care. It was enough that Wang He was willing to tell Sitong Trading Company.
The owner of Sitong Trading Company was Shen Cheng, the nephew of Shen Changmao, the chief minister of the dynasty! Moreover, Shen Changmao also owned 50% of the shares in Sitong Trading Company and received a large dividend every year!
Therefore, Shen Changmao is destined to be in big trouble this time!
Thinking of this, Li Chengru could not help but feel a little excited because he could not change his nature. He also increasingly realized the benefits of following Zhao Junchen.
I remember that when Li Chengru was working with Prince Zhu Heyu and Qingliu, he repeatedly attacked the powerful ministers in the court, but the end result was often disgraced, and he could not steal the chicken but lose the rice. In no time, he had a great opportunity to overthrow the leader of the dynasty!
"It's not in vain that I traveled day and night to get to Jining. This trip was not in vain!"
Just when Li Chengru was inexplicably excited, Su Peng, who was watching coldly from the side, had a smile of unknown meaning flashing across his face.
He knew that his teacher Zhou Shangjing was about to take back the position of chief assistant!
*
What happened in Jining Prefecture quickly spread to the capital.
Zhao Junchen, Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao and others received the news almost at the same time.
After Shen Changmao received the news, his expression suddenly changed, and he roared: "Zhao Junchen, this treacherous villain! On the surface, he wants to raise river workers' money, but in fact, he is here for me! I must fight with him Till death!"
Even as he roared, Shen Changmao still looked stern and felt guilty.
He knew that he must be in big trouble this time.
Several powerful officials in the temple were secretly involved in the use of water transport vessels to smuggle various goods, and it was considered one of the year-end benefits of the major political parties.
The carrying capacity of water ships is huge. A few ships of goods can often earn profits of tens of thousands of taels. The local government does not dare to investigate. Naturally, taxes can be easily evaded. This is not only safe and secure, but also profitable. The water transportation government I would turn a blind eye to such a situation, just go along with the situation and give favors to others, and also share some profits along the way.
However, after all, the Water Transport Yamen is Zhou Shangjing's territory. In previous years, it took the lead in helping the "Zhou Party"'s trading houses to smuggle goods. Only after everyone in the "Zhou Party" had eaten and drank enough and made the most profits could it be the turn of other factions. .
But this year's situation is very different. Perhaps because Shen Changmao became the chief minister of the cabinet, he actually helped Shen Changmao smuggle goods in the first place. After receiving the news, Shen Changmao felt complacent. I just thought that after I became the chief minister of the cabinet, my treatment was indeed very different, but I didn't expect that I would be involved in such a thing!
Everyone knows this kind of thing tacitly, but they can only do it but not say it. Once they are caught, it will be a disaster!
After Shen Changmao roared for a few words, he also knew that just roaring could not solve any problem. He reluctantly calmed down and thought for a moment, and then ordered: "This matter must be assisted by the seventh prince! Go to Taichang quickly. Temple, ask Wang Lun, the minister of Taichang Temple, to tell the seventh prince the news, and ask the seventh prince to go to the palace to see His Majesty as soon as possible, and try to give me some room for maneuver... Tell the seventh prince that as long as he helps me complete this matter, I will From now on, we will definitely repay each other with springs of water!"
According to the agreement between Shen Changmao and the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian, in order to avoid criticism, the two of them will have secret contact through Taichang Temple during this period.
*
For the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, compared to Shen Changmao's "repaying each other with springs" which may not be possible, the better choice is to accept all the forces of the "Shen Party"!
In fact, when Shen Changmao passed the news to Taichang Temple, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian was also talking to Taichang Temple Minister Wang Lun in Taichang Temple.
After receiving the news, Zhu Hejian asked with a half-smile but not a smile: "Shen Changmao really thinks that all this is Zhao Junchen's fault?"
Wang Lun nodded repeatedly and said: "That's right. Shen Shoufu thinks all this is because Zhao Junchen deliberately targeted him!"
"Such knowledge is so stupid!" Zhu Hejian sighed: "All this is obviously the method of Mr. Zhou Ge! Only Mr. Zhou Ge can influence the water transport yamen and let the canal ships carry Shen Changmao's smuggled goods first. , that's why Shen Changmao's smuggled goods were blocked in Jining, and Zhao Junchen got caught... After all, both Zhao Junchen and Shen Changmao were taken advantage of by Mr. Zhou Ge!
Hey! Jiang is still old and hot. What Zhao Junchen did was not only helping Mr. Zhou Ge to eradicate Shen Changmao, but he also did not get much benefit. Instead, he offended the Gonggun princes! After all, the Gonggun princes in the imperial court The public does not have Zhao Junchen's means of making money. The use of water transport smuggling is one of their most important ways of making money. Zhao Junchen just opened the lid. In the future, only Mr. Zhou Ge will be able to use his influence on the water transport yamen. We can barely maintain this way of making money, but all factions other than the 'Zhou Party' have lost this way of making money. There will definitely be a lot of people who are angry at Zhao Junchen for his bad deeds!"
After hearing Zhu Hejian's emotion, Wang Lun's expression changed and he asked: "Seventh Prince, are you saying that all this is Mr. Zhou Ge's plan? Mr. Zhou Ge...is planning to take action against us?"
When asking, Wang Lun couldn't help but look panicked.
After all, everyone in the "Shen Party" actually knows very well that the reason why they have remained standing and formed their own faction over the years is because Zhou Shangjing did not want the "Zhou Party" to become a dominant family in the temple, so he deliberately stayed in the temple. He was just following them. If Zhou Shangjing really wanted to deal with them, they would be absolutely powerless to resist.
Therefore, Wang Lun was naturally panicked when he heard that Zhou Shangjing now wanted to deal with the "Shen Party".
The seventh prince Zhu Hejian nodded and said: "Of course there is no lie. If you think about it carefully, isn't today's situation the usual method of Mr. Zhou Ge? It's no wonder that Mr. Zhou Ge suddenly takes action. The court is currently the easiest to take action. When it comes to political achievements, various plans will soon bear fruit. How could Mr. Zhou Ge allow Shen Changmao to pick peaches? Naturally, he wants to take back his position as the chief minister of the cabinet."
After a pause, Zhu Hejian asked: "So, Mr. Wang, if you continue to support Shen Changmao, you will become Zhou Shangjing's enemy in the future. But how can Shen Changmao be Zhou Shangjing's opponent? You will only be defeated by him in the end." Implicated, Zhou Shangjing was also kicked out of the temple! Therefore, taking this opportunity to completely abandon Shen Changmao is your best choice!
Although my words are somewhat cold-blooded, I know very well that Shen Changmao is fierce and short-sighted. I really can't bear to see you delaying your career like this, so I say these kind words. I hope Mr. Wang can you Think about it seriously!”
After Wang Lun heard Zhu Hejian's statement, his expression changed for a long time.
He was not willing to abandon Shen Changmao so easily, but he was really afraid of Zhou Shangjing's methods. What's more, taking this opportunity to switch to the future prince Zhu Hejian seemed to be an excellent choice.
Finally, Wang Lun gritted his teeth and replied: "I dare not refuse the seventh prince's kindness! Please rest assured, seventh prince, I will contact Young Master Zhang Cheng, Minister of Rites Lin Wei and others to persuade them to take advantage of this opportunity. Switching to the Seventh Prince's sect... Please rest assured, the Seventh Prince, they are not as loyal to Shen Changmao as I am, and they will definitely not refuse at this time. From now on, I and these people will be the only ones who follow His Highness the Seventh Prince!"
Zhu Hejian's expression was indifferent, but he shook his head and said: "I am not a real prince, so how can I recruit friends? However, if my colleagues are willing to trust me, I will fully assist my colleagues and make progress with you in the future. Retreat together!"
Just like this, just when Shen Changmao was looking forward to Zhu Hejian giving him a hand, Zhu Hejian had quietly emptied Shen Changmao's family fortune.
When the conversation ended and Zhu Hejian left the Taichang Temple Yamen, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
In fact, Zhu Hejian's time to infiltrate the "Shen Party" is still short. Today, he directly adopts the "Shen Party" for his own use. He also bears certain risks. He may be directly rejected by Wang Lun. Not only will it be impossible to annex "Shen Dang" will also directly fall out with Shen Changmao.
But after Zhu Hejian received the news from Jining Prefecture from Dongchang, he knew that he had to take risks.
Zhu Hejian did this to avoid direct conflict with Zhou Shangjing!
Zhu Hejian is the most proficient in the emperor's mental tricks, so he also knows the terrifying aspects of Zhou Shangjing best. Unless he has the righteousness of the court like Emperor Deqing, Zhu Hejian does not have much confidence that he can compete with Zhou Shangjing.
Therefore, by simply sacrificing Shen Changmao, he can take advantage of the "Shen Party" forces and avoid conflicts with Zhou Shangjing, which is naturally the best result.
"Zhou Shangjing is about to die of old age. There is no need to conflict with him and make my plan change!"
Zhu Hejian thought to himself.
While Zhu Hejian was thinking deeply, the eunuch Jia Lun asked from the side: "Your Highness, can we go back to the mansion?"
After Zhu Hejian pondered for a moment, he shook his head and said: "We can't go back to the palace. We have to go to the palace to see the emperor! I have taken the people of the Shen Party for my own use. From now on, I can't hide it from my father's eyes no matter what. I must tell the emperor He confessed frankly... Taking advantage of this opportunity, I will take another step forward!"
Jia Lun didn't particularly understand Zhu Hejian's meaning, but he didn't like asking questions as much as Xu Qingyan did. He just nodded and helped Zhu Hejian sit in the sedan, and then let the sedan bearers carry the sedan to the palace. .
At this time, Emperor Deqing also received news from Jining Mansion from Dongchang, and was thinking about countermeasures in the imperial study.
After Zhu Hejian entered the imperial study, he knelt down and said: "Father, I have come to apologize!"
Emperor Deqing was slightly stunned and asked: "What crime are you guilty of?"
Zhu Hejian bowed his head and replied: "Just now, Wang Lun, the minister of Taichang Temple under Shen Changmao's family, invited me to Taichang Temple. I have often gone to Taichang Temple to learn etiquette over the years, so I am not surprised, but After going to Taichang Temple, Wang Lun said that the "Shen Party" officials had received news that Shen Changmao's use of canal boats for smuggling had been exposed by Li Chengru, the Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs. He was afraid that he would not be able to protect himself, so he wanted to I want to join the sect of Erchen and get his protection... Erchen is not the official prince and crown prince yet. Logically speaking, he cannot recruit cronies. However, Erchen thought about it carefully and agreed to them. This violated the imperial court. According to the rules, I came to my father to apologize."
After hearing Zhu Hejian's statement, Emperor Deqing's eyes lit up and he asked: "Let's not mention the matter of asking for forgiveness for the moment. First, tell us what you thought about it at the time? Why did you agree to Wang Lun's surrender?"
Zhu Hejian replied in a low voice: "With the gradual rise of Zhao Junchen, the situation in the temple has undergone earth-shaking changes. Wen Guanliang, Huang Yourong and others have either collapsed or moved away from the center of the temple. Shen Changmao cannot hold on for long. Such a situation There are only two main forces left in the temple, and that is the 'Zhao Party' and the 'Zhou Party'! But neither Zhao Junchen nor Zhou Shangjing are easy-going people. They must suppress one or two secretly. Father and Emperor are against each other. They are also wary. If I am unwilling to accept the surrender of the members of the 'Shen Party', they may turn to Zhao Junchen or Zhou Shangjing. By then, their power will further increase, and it will be even more difficult for my father to suppress them... …That’s why I agreed to their surrender.”
Emperor Deqing took a deep look at Zhu Hejian and said slowly: "I have also received news about the Jining Mansion. Just like your concerns, I was hesitant just now because I was worried that after Shen Changmao's collapse, Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing will become increasingly uncontrollable! You can think of this, and you have indeed lived up to my expectations! Well, since they want to join you, just accept them. The third child is about to leave. Temple, you should gradually come out."
A trace of excitement and excitement flashed in Zhu Hejian's eyes.
Emperor Deqing's statement meant that he had tacitly approved Zhu Hejian's intervention in court affairs in the future.
But on the surface, Zhu Hejian replied calmly: "My son obeys the order! Since my father did not blame my son, I will help my father to control them from now on and let them cooperate with my father's actions."
Emperor Deqing had a smile on his face, nodded and said: "I am also happy that you are so sensible!"
In this way, the conversation between the two people could be described as a loving father and a filial son, and there was peace.
However, Emperor Deqing was suspicious by nature. As Zhu Hejian gradually came to the forefront, his mentality towards Zhu Hejian also gradually changed. Although he now believed Zhu Hejian's words, he still vaguely felt that something was wrong.
A seed of doubt has begun to germinate after repeated watering and fertilization.
*
Zhao Junchen also received news from Jining Mansion.
After receiving the news, Zhao Junchen's expression was neither happy nor worried. Taking down Shen Changmao was not a big deal, it was just part of the deal between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing.
Sitting in the study, closing his eyes and thinking for a moment, Zhao Junchen smiled softly and said: "Some things, if you don't put it on the scale, it only weighs four or two, but once you put it on the scale, it weighs four or two." It weighs a thousand kilograms! Now it depends on whether Shen Changmao can bear this thousand kilograms of burden! Even I can't predict the subsequent development. His Majesty's attitude is especially unpredictable. I only hope that he will turn his attention to Zhou Shangjing and let me More breathing space...
Alas! The Hetao war should end soon. Only after the dust of this war has settled, can I confidently and boldly strive for the task of negotiating the imperial envoy, leave the capital and go to the Xuanfu military town to negotiate with the Jianzhou Jurchens, and avoid it for some time in the future. Trouble……"
While muttering to himself, Zhao Junchen looked up at Niu Fude, the staff in front of him, and ordered: "Go to the Zhou Mansion in person and tell me what Mr. Zhou Ge asked me to do. I have already completed it. The follow-up matters." We need Mr. Zhou Ge to put in more effort."
*
With Zhou Shangjing's intelligence channels, there was naturally no need for Zhao Junchen to specifically report the news.
After receiving the news, Zhou Shangjing also looked neither happy nor worried.
It's just a matter of dealing with Shen Changmao, and it's not worth Zhou Shangjing's excitement.
In fact, after receiving the news from Jining Mansion, Zhou Shangjing's name never appeared in Zhou Shangjing's mind. He was more thinking about the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
"Everyone thought that this time I wanted to deal with Shen Changmao and regain the position of chief minister. Even the two foxes, the big one and the small one, His Majesty and Zhao Junchen, were deceived... My goal has been from the beginning. It started with the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian! Zhao Junchen said that the Seventh Prince had another true identity, but it was just his one-sided story. I had doubts in my heart, but I couldn't be sure, so I had to personally test the Seventh Prince and weigh him. Let’s find out his temperament!
Previously, Zhu Hejian and Shen Changmao had secretly joined forces! This time I brought down Shen Changmao just to test Zhu Hejian's reaction and make him face a choice, and he had to make a choice! This is just the beginning, I will continue to do so in the future. Let him face different situations and make different choices! In the end, based on his different choices, I can infer his true nature...
Once his true nature is determined, I have no choice but to personally participate in the fight for the heir apparent! Zhu Heyu, Zhu Hejian... Oh, after all the choices, are these two the only ones?"
Thinking of this, Zhou Shangjing frowned slightly, and the wrinkles on his face deepened.