Three months ago, news of the great victory on the Wei River reached the capital, causing shock to both the government and the public. All parties were either happy or worried. Even Zhou Shangjing, who had always been calm and calm, was surprised for a while.
At that time, Huo Zhengyuan was the only one who behaved unusually calmly. He suddenly found a reason for bad feng shui and the old house, so he decided to move and move the entire Huo family to an alley not far from Zhao's house.
.
The newly moved Huo Mansion is smaller in area, and the environment is not as quiet and elegant as before, but it only takes one stick of incense to walk to the Zhao Mansion. From that time on, the daily movement and contact between the two families was limited.
It's becoming more frequent and closer.
There is no doubt that Huo Zhengyuan is an extremely smart person - he never loudly cheers for Zhao Junchen or charges into battle, and he never actively expresses his loyalty or flatters him; his sense of existence is very low, and he always
Hidden behind the scenes, some people who don't know the details may even mistakenly think that he is just a fringe figure in the "Zhao Party", and he is rarely affected during party struggles... But Huo Zhengyuan often uses some seemingly inadvertent "little actions"
, prove his position and role to Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen always liked smart people, so he used him more and more.
This time, after receiving the summons from Zhao Junchen, Huo Zhengyuan arrived at the Zhao Mansion earlier than Li Chengru precisely because the two residences were close to each other.
Just as Li Chengru hurried to the Zhao Mansion, Huo Zhengyuan had a stiff smile on his face, sitting in the main hall of the Zhao Mansion, and together with Zhao Junchen...listened to Xu Qingyan's bragging.
*
Under Huo Zhengyuan's helpless gaze, Xu Qingyan stood in the middle of the main hall of the Zhao Mansion, dancing with joy, foaming at the mouth, and eloquently recounting his "glorious" experiences during this period.
"Young Master, and Academician Huo, you two don't know that the Zheng family has been divided into one party for many years. Every member of the clan is arrogant and arrogant. I have been repeatedly slighted since I first landed on the island.
I also encountered several threats, but I was negotiating with them on behalf of the young master. Every move I made meant the young master’s face, so how could I back down and show weakness?
Every time I encountered a provocation, I would fight tit for tat and never give in! If I wanted to argue verbally, I would always silence them. If I wanted to compete with each other, Xiao Lin had never met an opponent and defeated several of the younger generations of the Zheng family.
After this provocation, they finally did not dare to underestimate us and allowed us to meet Zheng Zhilong, the old man of the Zheng family!
The old man of the Zheng family was able to get into such a big business because his vision was very different. From the first time he saw Xiao Lin and I, he could tell that we were different. Coupled with my strong arguments, he not only
He made the decision on the spot for our future cooperation with the Zheng family, and also recognized Xiaolin and I as our grandnephews in public. That’s a close attitude..."
Xu Qingyan always couldn't help but get carried away when he was boasting. This talk was full of flaws. With Huo Zhengyuan's eyesight, he could naturally see through it at a glance and didn't believe it at all.
Apart from anything else, the Zheng family has been the king and hegemon at sea for many years, and is powerful and divided into one party. Zheng Zhilong is a thousand-year-old fox who is as sophisticated and calculating as Zhou Shangjing. How can Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin be easily convinced?
However, for Zhao Junchen's sake, Huo Zhengyuan not only couldn't expose him at this time, but also had to listen quietly, trying hard to maintain a smile on his face, nodding his head in approval from time to time, and cooperating with Xu Qingyan's talk about sex, but he felt uncomfortable all over.
On the other side, Mo Xiaolin, who returned to the capital with Xu Qingyan, looked embarrassed at this time and hesitated to speak. Apparently, he also thought that Xu Qingyan's bragging was too much.
Huo Zhengyuan couldn't help but observe Zhao Junchen's reaction out of the corner of his eye, but found that Zhao Junchen's expression was calm, without any reproach, and without any intention of interrupting. He just let Xu Qingyan do whatever he wanted.
"I have long heard that Xu Qingyan is an uneducated person, but he is a close friend of Zhao Gechen and has been with Zhao Gechen for many years. His father is also very kind to Zhao Gechen, so
Zhao Gechen has always been the most trusting and close to him...
But now it seems that Zhao Gechen's attitude towards him is more than just trusting and close to him? He is simply deliberately conniving... Sigh! I have long felt that with Zhao Gechen's status and wise vision, he still favors such a ruffian. It is really a big deal.
It should be, if you lose your identity, it may create hidden dangers in the future and become a flaw around Zhao Gechen... We must find an opportunity to give Zhao Gechen a few words of advice..."
And just as Huo Zhengyuan was thinking secretly, Xu Qingyan's lengthy self-promotion finally came to an end.
When Xu Qingyan finally stopped talking, Huo Zhengyuan and Mo Xiaolin secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the awkward atmosphere in the room had dissipated a lot.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen tapped his fingers on the table. After pondering for a moment, he looked up at Xu Qingyan and asked slowly: "In other words, the Zheng family has indeed agreed to cooperate with us?"
Xu Qingyan talked a lot. Putting aside the exaggerated words, this was the only definite conclusion that Zhao Junchen could draw.
Xu Qingyan nodded repeatedly, his expression becoming more and more smug and frivolous, and said: "If I personally take the initiative, this cooperation will naturally be negotiated! Then you only need to send someone to discuss some details with the Zheng family, and the matter will be completely settled!"
Zhao Junchen nodded in approval and said: "Actually, I arranged for the two of you to have contact with the Zheng family. I didn't originally have many expectations. I just wanted to make preliminary contacts and act as a frontline. I never thought that you would directly facilitate it.
This cooperation is an unexpected blessing! With the help of the Zheng family, many of my plans can be accelerated... Qingyan, Xiaolin, you have done a great job this time, it is really a great achievement! Tonight,
I will personally celebrate your success."
Upon receiving Zhao Junchen's praise, Mo Xiaolin quickly bowed to show his humility, while Xu Qingyan became more and more proud.
Just when Xu Qingyan was getting more and more proud, Zhao Junchen took a deep look at Xu Qingyan, his eyes were quite meaningful.
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the untouched tea cup, stood up and handed it to Xu Qingyan, and added: "You have been telling the story for so long just now. Your mouth must be dry now. Take a few sips of tea first."
, moisten your throat, and take the opportunity to sort out your thoughts... Then, you need to tell me and Academician Huo your experience during this period again... This time, don't exaggerate, and don't miss anything.
Details, I want to hear the most authentic information!”
As Zhao Junchen finished speaking, the proud expression on Xu Qingyan's face suddenly froze, and then turned into embarrassment and ridicule.
Zhao Junchen ignored Xu Qingyan's embarrassment and continued slowly: "I have always been greedy and push myself to the limit. If this cooperation has not been negotiated yet, it will be fine, but now that it has been negotiated, I will endure it."
I can't help but want to go further. I hope that we can take the initiative in cooperation and control the overall situation, and we don't want to be used by the Zheng family in turn!
Therefore, before formal cooperation, we must have a detailed grasp of the current situation of the Zheng family, and we must not make too many misjudgments... Qingyan, you have had many contacts with the Zheng family during this period, so what first-hand information do you have?
, it is of great significance to our next stage of negotiations and future layout! Just now, I saw that you were really lucky to have traveled thousands of miles, so it didn't stop you from showing off, but now you are bragging.
That’s enough, we’ve had enough fun talking about sex, it’s time to get down to business!”
Hearing that there was no sarcasm or blame in Zhao Junchen's words, but his tone was very serious, and the look in his eyes was meaningful, Xu Qingyan's expression gradually became serious, and even a little nervous.
After drinking a large gulp of tea, Xu Qingyan's expression had returned to calmness, and then he used a completely different serious tone from before to tell Zhao Junchen and Huo Zhengyuan all the experiences he and Mo Xiaolin had experienced in the Zheng family.
The two talked about it.
This time, Xu Qingyan's complaint was completely without any bragging. It could be described as detailed and objective, without any attempt to avoid the important, nor did he hide his shameful experience of falling into the sea. He even completely blocked his subjective emotions. The content was detailed and trivial.
From the few words spoken by the Zheng family, to the price level in Taiwan, from the different personalities displayed by the core members of the Zheng family, to the decorative style of the Zheng family mansion, everything is missing.
There are many descriptions that seem meaningless, but they can infer some more core things from the side.
Obviously, Xu Qingyan really paid attention during this period and kept everything he saw and heard in his heart. Now he is very organized when expressing his opinions. It seems that he has considered reporting to Zhao Junchen in advance.
Xu Qingyan's transformation not only surprised Huo Zhengyuan, but even though Zhao Junchen had been with him for many years, he had rarely seen such a serious attitude from Xu Qingyan, and a trace of relief flashed in his eyes.
*
In fact, Zhao Junchen had already seriously considered Huo Zhengyuan's concerns.
In recent years, due to various circumstances, Zhao Junchen's power has expanded too fast. Not only has it exceeded Zhao Junchen's own expectations, but the growth of the people around him has gradually been unable to keep up. In many cases, even those who have always been
Fang Ru, who is smart and capable, will also feel powerless when dealing with certain affairs - this is one of the reasons why Fang Ru is willing to gradually delegate power to Zhang Yu'er.
In this case, let alone Xu Qingyan, who has always been frivolous and unskilled.
However, Xu Qingyan is Zhao Junchen's long-term follower and confidant. He knows most of Zhao Junchen's secret plans and is often responsible for running errands and liaisons. He must not continue to be incompetent and frivolous.
As Zhao Junchen's power expanded more and more rapidly, the threat he posed to Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing could not be ignored, and the pressure and threats he faced became stronger and stronger. With a character and ability like Xu Qingyan's, naturally,
It will become a flaw and hidden danger around Zhao Junchen, and someone might take advantage of him at some point.
Although Xu Qingyan's loyalty is extremely rare, loyalty does not mean everything. If Xu Qingyan fails to grow, it may not be a good thing for him to stay with Zhao Junchen.
Of course, Zhao Junchen still cares about his old relationship and has been trying to cultivate Xu Qingyan.
Zhao Junchen has never been a talkative person, but every time he makes plans and arrangements, he always takes the trouble to explain his deep considerations to Xu Qingyan, and often analyzes the changes in the situation between the government and the opposition to Xu Qingyan, just to open up new opportunities.
Moreover, Zhao Junchen also repeatedly gave Xu Qingyan many opportunities to practice and prove himself.
Initially, Zhao Junchen asked Xu Qingyan to manage the "Tongji Temple", but Xu Qingyan's vision, awareness, and thoughtfulness were far from enough. This not only slowed down the progress of Zhao Junchen's various plans, but also caused the "Tongji Temple" to have a
There were signs of losing control, so Fang Ru was forced to take over.
Later, Zhao Junchen handed over the task of contacting and subduing Guan Wuyuan to Xu Qingyan, but Xu Qingyan still failed to complete the task well-until Zhao Junchen took advantage of the opportunity of the Shaanxi-Gansu War to personally tame Guan Wuyuan, Guan Wuyuan always existed
There are signs of yang and yin going against each other, swinging left and right.
Later, Zhao Junchen once again handed over the task of secretly kidnapping and guarding Liang Fuchen to Xu Qingyan. Xu Qingyan's performance this time was somewhat improved, but there were still serious flaws. If Zhao Junchen hadn't been prepared and personally cleaned up the mess,
All his efforts will be in vain and come back to bite him.
In short, Zhao Junchen has been teaching Xu Qingyan and giving Xu Qingyan opportunities, but Xu Qingyan's performance has always been unsatisfactory. Whenever Zhao Junchen wants to hand over a task to Xu Qingyan, he will
We must also take into account the possibility of Xu Qingyan messing up the matter, and spend more effort to formulate another plan, ready to wipe Xu Qingyan's butt at any time.
This time, Zhao Junchen arranged for Xu Qingyan to go to Taiwan to have secret contact with the Zheng family, still with the idea of letting Xu Qingyan take the opportunity to prove his worth... Even as the situation in the temple changed drastically, Zhao Junchen became increasingly intolerant of having people around him.
There are obvious flaws, this may be Xu Qingyan's last chance.
If Xu Qingyan still cannot prove himself this time, then Zhao Junchen will have no choice but to let him leave the capital and return to his hometown. From now on, he only needs to support his parents, enjoy wealth, and be a rich man with peace of mind; even if Xu Qingyan is not willing to leave then, he will die or die.
Zhao Junchen can only be a pure errand boy and follower from now on, but he will no longer have access to Zhao Junchen's core secrets.
This is also the reason why Zhao Junchen's eyes just looked at Xu Qingyan were full of meaning.
Fortunately, Xu Qingyan's performance this time was generally satisfactory, and he discovered Zhao Junchen's desire to take the exam in time, quickly reversed his frivolous mentality, and proved his growth and awareness to Zhao Junchen.
In fact, Xu Qingyan can promote the cooperation between Zhao Junchen and the Zheng family this time, which does not mean anything. After all, the Zheng family also has its own interests to consider. Zhao Junchen is now the most powerful official in the temple second only to Zhou Shangjing. As long as the Zheng family
If you want to use Zhao Junchen to expand your own interests, this cooperation will naturally hit it off.
The reason why Zhao Junchen really thinks that Xu Qingyan has grown up is because when Xu Qingyan first came into contact with the Zheng family, although he lost face because of his accidental fall into the sea, which can be said to be a bad start, he was still able to adapt to the situation and respond in time.
Choosing the most effective strategic adjustment, playing the clown without hesitation and giving all the glory to Mo Xiaolin, these are enough to prove Xu Qingyan's awareness.
At this time, Xu Qingyan's detailed explanation also proved his dedication and seriousness during this period, as well as his improvement in observation and thinking.
*
"Speaking of which, the general framework of the Storytellers' Guild has now been established. This organization can manipulate public opinion and collect intelligence information. Its role is not inferior to that of the Tongji Temple, and its nature is consistent with Xu Qingyan's nature... Xu Qingyan's
He has indeed grown a lot over time, and I can feel more at ease leaving this organization to him in the future..."
Such thoughts only flashed through Zhao Junchen's mind, but soon Zhao Junchen had restrained his irrelevant thoughts and began to listen carefully to Xu Qingyan's story. Niuba Literature Network
After Xu Qingyan finished speaking again, Zhao Junchen also had a smile on his face, nodded and said: "Very good, these things are enough to show your intention and hard work! I am very happy to see that you have finally gained true enlightenment...
... I can feel free to put more burdens on you from now on. Old Master Xu entrusted you to me because he just wants you to get ahead and shine, so it’s not good if I always ask you to run errands.”
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan's expression was stunned, and he was a little at a loss for a moment.
This is the first time that Zhao Junchen has expressed his approval of him in recent years, which is naturally of great significance to Xu Qingyan - after all, Xu Qingyan's various efforts during this period, including his nonsense and self-bragging just now, are actually of great significance to Xu Qingyan.
Just to win Zhao Junchen's approval.
But soon, Xu Qingyan calmed down the abnormality in his expression and returned to his usual self-satisfied look, as if the changes he showed just a moment ago were just an illusion.
Seeing Xu Qingyan's appearance, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. Then he turned to look at Huo Zhengyuan, only to see that Huo Zhengyuan was full of thinking at this time. He no longer showed the disapproval he had at the beginning. It was obviously from Xu Qingyan's
I gained a lot of useful information from this talk.
Zhao Junchen waited for a while, and after seeing that Huo Zhengyuan was no longer deep in thought, he said: "Master Huo, I invited you to see you today precisely because of the Zheng family's affairs. Now, I have convinced your majesty, and I am very confident that you will
You become the permanent imperial envoy of the southeastern provinces of the imperial court, or a new full-time governor is established... When you get there, you will not only take over the huge fleet and smuggling business of the "Eight Kings Ship Company", but also cooperate with the Zheng family
It is also the top priority. Now the Zheng family has agreed to cooperate with us, but the specific details of cooperation will need to be discussed with them in person at that time."
Huo Zhengyuan was shocked when he heard what Zhao Junchen said. Zhao Junchen had told him about this plan a long time ago, but he originally did not think that this plan could be implemented quickly. After all, he had to convince Emperor Deqing to agree to a project in the southeast.
It is by no means an easy task to establish a new permanent imperial envoy in each province, but he did not expect that Zhao Junchen would create all the conditions so quickly.
At the same time, Huo Zhengyuan was more excited. He knew very well how huge and shocking Zhao Junchen's official smuggling plan was and how far-reaching it was. He would be the specific person in charge of this plan and would definitely be the winner in the future.
The benefits are endless.
Therefore, Huo Zhengyuan nodded quickly and said: "Please rest assured, Zhao Gechen, I will do my best and will not neglect anything! In fact, during this period, I have secretly recruited two staff who are proficient in maritime affairs, and three more have participated in ocean-going
The man in the smuggling business has also read a lot of relevant information, and now that he has heard preliminary information about the Zheng family from Brother Xu, he can feel more relaxed when he goes to work in the future."
On the other side, Xu Qingyan added: "This time the Zheng family not only arranged for a fast boat to send me directly to Tianjin, but also sent someone to follow me to Beijing to meet the young master. This person's name is Zheng Ming, and he is one of the descendants of the Zheng family.
He is the leader of the group. He was the one who advocated cooperation with us during the negotiations. After I arrange for him to meet with the young master, I can also arrange for him to meet with Academician Huo. With Academician Huo’s perspective, he can naturally gain more from him.
A lot of maritime information and the Zheng family’s foundation.”
Huo Zhengyuan nodded towards Xu Qingyan, his eyes changed slightly when he looked at Xu Qingyan, and he said with a smile: "Of course this is the best."
Then, Zhao Junchen and Huo Zhengyuan discussed some specific details, and Xu Qingyan occasionally expressed his opinions based on what he had seen during this period.
And just as the three of them were talking more and more deeply, someone from the Zhao family came to report that Li Chengru, the Minister of Household Affairs, had finally arrived.
*
When Li Chengru entered the main hall of the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Junchen, Huo Zhengyuan, and Xu Qingyan had already ended the topic. They did not mention the cooperation between Zhao Junchen and the Zheng family, and did not talk about Zhao Junchen's official smuggling plan at all. They only talked about some
Trivial affairs of the government and the public.
After all, only a few people in the inner circle of the "Zhao Party" know about these matters, and Li Chengru has not officially surrendered to Zhao Junchen, let alone Zhao Junchen's confidant, so naturally he wants to deliberately hide it from him.
However, because Prince Zhu Heyu was about to be deposed, Li Chengru was also preoccupied at this time and did not notice anything unusual about Zhao Junchen and others.
For Li Chengru, this is a critical moment of decision. Should he continue to remain loyal to the prince? Or take the opportunity to return to Qingliu and join the Qingliu people to join the seventh prince Zhu Hejian? Or simply change the family and completely join Zhao Junchen?
When Li Chengru came all the way to Zhao Mansion, he was thinking about this issue repeatedly.
At this time, when Li Chengru raised his eyes to see Zhao Junchen, looked at Zhao Junchen's calm expression, and recalled the various benefits he had gained from Zhao Junchen, his thoughts went deeper - if he wanted to be thorough
How can I find a high-sounding reason for taking refuge in Zhao Junchen, so as to maintain my past aloof image and show that my complete surrender to Zhao Junchen is just for justice, not selfishness?
While his thoughts were spinning, Li Chengru remained calm on the surface. He took the lead in saluting Zhao Junchen and said: "I have met Zhao Gechen! Hearing Zhao Gechen's summons, I hurried over, but I don't know why Zhao Gechen summoned me.
?But...because of His Highness the Crown Prince's affairs?"
After Zhao Junchen took a deep look at Li Chengru, he let out a long sigh, raised his hand and pointed to the guest seat, and said: "It is indeed because of His Highness the Crown Prince's matter. This matter is not trivial. We must discuss it in the long term. Li Shangshu should sit down and talk first.
Bar."
Li Chengru had a solemn expression and slowly sat down opposite Huo Zhengyuan, then pretended to listen to Zhao Junchen's explanation.
Seeing Li Chengru's appearance, Huo Zhengyuan's expression flashed with sarcasm.
Obviously, since Li Chengru met Zhao Junchen, he deliberately suppressed his eagerness and hesitation, and showed a calm and composed appearance, as if there was no change from usual.
But with Huo Zhengyuan's eyes, he still saw something unusual about Li Chengru.
In the past, Li Chengru always relied on his seniority and high reputation, and he was Zhao Junchen's immediate boss. He always liked to act unique and would deliberately highlight his differences in some details - also
It is commonly known as putting on airs - for example, when he met Zhao Junchen in the past, he would always sit down on his own before Zhao Junchen said the word "please sit down", as if he was not under Zhao Junchen's control at all.
generally.
But this time, Li Chengru had always adhered to official etiquette since meeting Zhao Junchen. He waited until Zhao Junchen asked him to take a seat before he took any action. Although this change seemed insignificant, it also showed Li Chengru's awe.
It is obvious that his attitude towards Zhao Junchen has undergone subtle changes.
The most important thing is that Li Chengru has always claimed to be loyal to the crown prince Zhu Heyu, but now is the critical moment related to the dethronement of the crown prince Zhu Heyu. After seeing Zhao Junchen, Li Chengru not only did not rush to inquire about the relevant information, but instead went to him first.
Zhao Junchen saluted and said hello, expressing the importance he attached to Zhao Junchen's summons, and then secretly asked about Prince Zhu Heyu... This undoubtedly proved that Li Chengru already had a preference for his future path.
While thinking about it, Huo Zhengyuan didn't know if Zhao Junchen was aware of these details, so he wanted to give Zhao Junchen a few hints, but when he turned to look at Zhao Junchen, he found that Zhao Junchen had already started the topic.
I saw Zhao Junchen sighing deeply again, with an unprecedented serious expression. There was also some faint guilt and self-blame for not being able to do what he wanted. He said slowly: "Because the lawsuit between His Royal Highness and the princes is too big, Your Majesty can be said to be...
Lei Lei was furious... and I didn't hide it from Li Shangshu. Your Majesty, while he left me alone in the imperial study room to talk, he had already expressed his determination to formally depose His Highness the Crown Prince! It is hard to violate the Sacred Heart, although I think His Highness the Crown Prince has done nothing wrong.
, I also argued hard with His Majesty, but in the end I still couldn't reverse the Holy Will..."
Although Li Chengru had been mentally prepared for a long time, after hearing Zhao Junchen's explanation, he still couldn't help but turn pale and murmured: "Your Majesty... is he really determined to depose His Highness the Crown Prince? The situation is actually like this.
So bad? No chance of recovery?"
Zhao Junchen shook his head regretfully and said: "I tried my best, but in the end I was powerless! The deposing of His Highness the Crown Prince is now a certainty, and there is no chance to reverse it... Moreover, according to His Majesty's arrangement, the matter of deposing the Crown Prince is not a trivial matter and must be done."
A powerful minister must be the first to stand up and express his position, impeach His Royal Highness in public, and guide the direction of public opinion in the court. Your Majesty has given this task to me. I still cannot defy His Majesty's will and can only be forced to accept it.
...So, not only am I unable to save the situation for His Highness the Crown Prince, but I will also become the direct cause of His Highness the Crown Prince being deposed. I hope Li Shangshu can understand."
Li Chengru's expression became paler and his eyes kept flickering. He didn't speak for a long time, but he didn't know what he was thinking at this time.
Seeing that Li Chengru was silent for a long time, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to go straight to the topic and said: "Speaking of which, Li Shangshu was willing to cooperate with me in the first place because I had reached an alliance with His Highness the Crown Prince. Our goals and interests were the same.
Same, there are naturally no obstacles to cooperation! But now, His Highness the Crown Prince is about to be deposed, and the alliance between me and His Highness will be difficult to maintain. And Li Shangshu, you have always been loyal to His Highness the Crown Prince, but you don’t know where you plan to go in the future?
"
After a pause, seeing that Li Chengru remained silent, Zhao Junchen continued: "Since this period of time, Li Shangshu and I have been cooperating happily and seamlessly. I also hope that our cooperation can continue...even,
This kind of cooperation can go further and become closer!
Of course, if Li Shangshu thinks that our cooperation is no longer necessary after the prince is deposed, then I naturally dare not force it! I only hope that Li Shangshu can understand that I have great expectations for Li Shangshu and
Sincerely! Considering the overall situation, the stable operation of the imperial court cannot be separated from the Household Department, and the stable operation of the Household Department cannot be separated from the cooperation between you and me!"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Huo Zhengyuan was secretly anxious.
In Huo Zhengyuan's view, Li Chengru was obviously inclined to completely surrender to Zhao Junchen. At this time, he only needed to say something nice and give Li Chengru a step up to achieve his goal. However, Zhao Junchen's last words were vaguely threatening.
It is suggested that if Li Chengru is unwilling to surrender to Zhao Junchen, he will not be able to secure his position as Minister of Household Affairs in the future. This threat may stimulate Li Chengru, who always prides himself on being aloof, and have the opposite effect.
However, Li Chengru's next reaction left Huo Zhengyuan stunned and he gained a deeper understanding of Qingliu's character.
In short, no matter what you do, Qingliu must build a memorial arch for yourself!
Under Zhao Junchen's earnest gaze, Li Chengru, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke.
"Zhao Gechen doesn't have to blame himself at all! Whether His Highness the Crown Prince is about to be deposed, or Zhao Gechen has to take the lead in impeaching His Highness the Crown Prince, these things are indeed unbreakable for the Sacred Heart! But in my opinion, this situation is not necessarily a bad thing!
Since Your Majesty asked Zhao Gechen to take the lead in impeaching His Highness the Crown Prince and guide the direction of public opinion in the court, then when Zhao Gechen impeached His Highness the Crown Prince, he could have avoided the serious and focused on the minor, avoided the truth and focused on the weak, so that the charges would not be too serious when His Royal Highness was deposed!
At that time, even if His Highness the Crown Prince is deposed, his reputation will still be intact. The government and the public will also complain about His Highness the Crown Prince. They think that it is really inappropriate for His Highness the Crown Prince to be deposed without any fault! At the same time, we
You can also secretly build momentum, publicize His Highness the Crown Prince's various achievements, and let the world know the benefits of His Highness the Crown Prince!
In this way, as long as the new crown prince makes a mistake in the future, we can help His Highness the Crown Prince make a comeback! After all, His Highness the Crown Prince did not commit any misconduct when he was deposed, nor did he have any serious charges. This time he suppressed the vassal king.
The power is all for the overall interests of the imperial court, and there will definitely be a chance to regain the position of prince in the future!
Therefore, as long as Zhao Gechen is willing to assist His Royal Highness to make a comeback in the future, I will also be willing to continue to cooperate with Zhao Gechen, and I am willing to follow Zhao Gechen's lead!"
When expressing his stance, Li Chengru's expression was full of consciousness, as if he would do anything for Prince Zhu Heyu.
Hearing Li Chengru's statement, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but gradually widen his eyes, and his eyes staring at Li Chengru were full of shock and disbelief.
On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan could clearly see that Li Chengru's eyes were constantly moving as he spoke. It was obvious that this wording was just a temporary idea.
In fact, the core content of this remark is only the words "Only Zhao Gechen follows the lead". The rest of the content is just an excuse. Even if Zhao Junchen is unwilling to assist Zhu Heyu in making a comeback in the future, Li Chengru will never do it again.
Bring up old things.
Therefore, after hearing what Li Chengru said, a hint of sarcasm flashed through Huo Zhengyuan's eyes again.
"These Qingliu... are really hypocritical! Even when they surrender to the enemy, they can find a high-sounding reason for themselves! Ha! Obviously they are reluctant to give up Zhao Gechen's benefits and want to fully join Zhao Gechen's disciples, but they have to show themselves
It’s all because of Prince Zhu Heyu that he turned to Zhao Gechen. It’s really ridiculous!”
While thinking deeply, Huo Zhengyuan turned to look at Zhao Junchen, wanting to see Zhao Junchen's reaction.
Then, Huo Zhengyuan discovered that Zhao Junchen, who had always been a dignified man, was now a little out of sorts, his expression was obviously stiff, and his eyes were filled with incredulity, as if Li Chengru had just revealed some huge secret.
In fact, Li Chengru's words were all made up temporarily, just to find a high-sounding excuse for himself so that he could abandon the prince Zhu Heyu with a "clear conscience" and completely surrender to Zhao Junchen.
However, by chance, this improvised excuse turned out to be very close to Zhao Junchen's real plan.
Zhao Junchen also didn't expect that Li Chengru would suddenly guess his follow-up plan. He was secretly shocked and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
And Zhao Junchen's rude appearance fell into the eyes of Huo Zhengyuan, a very smart man, and he naturally noticed something more.
"Could it be that... what Li Chengru said just now is actually Mr. Zhao's true plan?"
Huo Zhengyuan looked at Zhao Junchen and then at Li Chengru, and he was also secretly shocked.