I remember that when Zhao Junchen first came to this world, he regarded Emperor Deqing as his greatest support. Although he could not be said to be loyal, he still regarded how to please Emperor Deqing as his top priority.
However, time has passed, and as he has become more and more familiar with the environment of the times, he has become more and more integrated into today's role. Although Emperor Deqing is still Zhao Junchen's biggest support, Zhao Junchen is no longer willing to be controlled by Emperor Deqing.
.
This reluctance is getting stronger and stronger, even beyond Zhao Junchen's control, so that from time to time, the thought of "What will happen if Emperor Deqing is no longer around" will always appear in Zhao Junchen's mind. At first, he was thinking about how to change the situation.
This thought had appeared when the Zhao family women were in the draft, and the same thought appeared again now.
"Don't rush it."
Zhao Junchen murmured to himself, suppressing the impulse that appeared in his mind deep in his heart again, and resumed his normal thoughts.
Zhao Junchen doesn't like to do things impulsively.
………
Just as Zhao Junchen was thinking secretly, he had returned to the Zhao Mansion. After Zhao Junchen got off the carriage, he was about to enter the mansion. Xu Qingyan, who was next to him, suddenly reminded: "Master, it seems that the carriage has some intention. I saw it just now."
It has been waiting at the corner of the street, and now as soon as you appear, Master, it will come over."
After hearing Xu Qingyan's reminder, Zhao Junchen turned around and saw a carriage slowly driving towards the entrance of Zhao's mansion.
The carriage looks ordinary and low-key in style, but both the work materials and the large horses pulling the carriage are extraordinary and cannot be afforded by ordinary people.
After Zhao Junchen was stunned for a moment, he agreed with Xu Qingyan's statement. He simply didn't go back home and just stood here waiting.
In just a moment, the carriage arrived in front of Zhao Junchen. After the carriage stopped, the driver lifted his hat, raised his head and smiled at Zhao Junchen, saying: "Master Zhao, you are finally back. Is there any heat in the house?"
Can you warm us up with tea? It's freezing cold today, and while we're waiting for you, your body is almost freezing."
Seeing the coachman's appearance, Zhao Junchen's expression condensed, and he glanced thoughtfully into the carriage. He saw that the carriage was tightly covered. But the next moment, it was replaced by a flattered smiling face, and he kept saying:
He said in a voice: "Oh, it turns out to be Eunuch Zhang De. You are really neglectful. Come and enter the house quickly. Although there is nothing good in the house, there is still hot tea."
While talking, Zhao Junchen already pulled Zhang De into the house with an affectionate attitude.
It turned out that the horseman driving the carriage turned out to be Zhang De, the eunuch who was close to Emperor Deqing!
Considering Zhang De's status in the inner court, he is now willing to serve as a coachman. This person sitting in the carriage is probably unusual.
But precisely because of this, Zhao Junchen knew what was going on and did not ask any further questions. He just glanced at Xu Qingyan and allowed the servants of the Zhao family to take over the carriage and drove the carriage into the Zhao residence through the side door.
………
However, it was said that after Zhao Junchen led Zhang De into the Zhao Mansion, he did not go to the main hall to rest. Instead, he led Zhang De towards the side courtyard where the carriage was placed.
Zhang De obviously understood what Zhao Junchen was thinking, and followed him with a smile, but he didn't say anything, he just looked at Zhao Junchen's mansion with interest.
On the way, Zhao Junchen looked up and down Zhang De's driver's attire and asked: "Eunuch Zhang De's attire today is quite interesting. When I first saw my father-in-law, I was shocked. However, my father-in-law does not need to drive with me today."
?"
Zhang De laughed and said: "Today is a rare day off for our family. The New Year is about to pass, so we are inevitably lonely, so we came to see you, Mr. Zhao. Fortunately, Mr. Zhao is still willing to see our family. I heard that Mr. Zhao is not like us in the inner court these days.
The big deal was, our family thought we would be shut out."
Speaking of this, Zhang De looked a little more emotional and said: "However, Mr. Zhao doesn't know that our family was originally a horse eunuch. At that time, he was still a young eunuch. This matter of driving a horse and driving a carriage are all involved.
It's up to me to do it. Now I'm back to my old business, but I don't have any skills."
"My father-in-law is joking. You came to my house, and I haven't had time to welcome you. How can I dare to let my father-in-law be rejected? However, if I can allow you, Eunuch Zhang De, to return to your old career, the identity of the person sitting in the carriage must not be simple, right?"
Zhao Junchen asked.
Zhang De did not answer, but said slowly as if reminiscing: "Actually, our family didn't stay in the Royal Horse Prison for long, but within half a year, the late Emperor happened to be reorganizing the inner court again, and after a purge,
More than half of the great eunuchs in the inner court went to the guillotine. Although they also relied on the wealth from the purge and the shortage of manpower in the inner court, they were able to be promoted step by step, and our family is what it is today. However, looking back now, I still have lingering fears.
"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Yes, I have also heard about what happened back then. During the late emperor's period, because of Wei Zhongxian's affairs, the inner court was indeed suppressed too much. If anything went wrong, there would be a purge, and everyone would be killed.
It is said that there are no less than 10,000 eunuchs, which makes me feel terrible when I think about it."
(Note: Regarding the number of eunuchs in the late Ming Dynasty, one said there were 100,000, and another said there were 70,000. I personally feel that these numbers are exaggerated. After all, the history of the Ming Dynasty was compiled under the auspices of the Manchus.
There are too many things to smear, but in the late Ming Dynasty, the average number of self-imposed candidates hired each year was around a thousand, which is also true, so the total number should not be small.)
Zhang De also agreed and said: "Yes, the late emperor hated the inner court's interference in politics the most and repeatedly purged and rectified it. Now that your majesty is on the throne, although he is much more lenient, there are still two incidents in the third year of Deqing and the nineteenth year of Deqing.
During the first purge, our family had already been admitted to the Bureau of Ceremony. Although we were closer to His Majesty, we didn’t know if we would be implicated in it. We were also in a state of panic all day long, and we couldn’t even sleep well.”
At this point, Zhang De paused slightly and turned to look at Zhao Junchen. Just when Zhao Junchen thought that Zhang De was about to get to the point, Zhang De turned around and said, "Mr. Zhao, haven't you always wanted to see Liu Qing?"
Master? It’s just that Master Liu Qing is old and in poor health, and it is inconvenient to enter and exit the palace. Although he has long understood your kindness, Mr. Zhao, he can never find the time, but today..."
Hearing Zhang De's words, Zhao Junchen straightened his face and asked in surprise: "Senior Liu Qing is here?"
Zhang De nodded with a smile and said: "That's exactly it. There's nothing we can do about the current situation. Master Liu Qing can't do it unless he comes."
After Zhao Junchen gestured to Zhang De, he couldn't help but speed up as he walked towards the side courtyard.
Liu Qing has been in charge of the inner study hall for many years. Most of the eunuchs in charge of the twenty-four yamen of the inner court are from his subordinates. They have a high reputation and great influence in the inner court. For such a person, Zhao Junchen would not dare to do anything.
Neglect.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Zhang De said nothing more and just followed him with a smile.
After a while, Zhao Junchen arrived at the side courtyard and saw an old man slowly getting out of the carriage with the support of servants of the Zhao family.
Although this old man has a fair face and a somewhat elegant temperament, he is extremely thin. He is old and trembling. He has no energy at all. Although Zhao Junchen is only looking at him from a distance, he can still feel the flow of life on him, and the richness of it.
The pungent smell of medicine came faintly. The impression left on Zhao Junchen was that this old man had reached the end of his years and had already run out of fuel.
After seeing the old man, Zhao Junchen turned to look at Zhang De, only to see Zhang De nodding to him.
After receiving the confirmation, Zhao Junchen's face straightened, he walked quickly to Liu Qing, bowed and said, "Junior Zhao Junchen, I have met senior Liu Qing."
Seeing Zhao Junchen being so polite, Liu Qing smiled. His voice was not as sharp as ordinary eunuchs, it was hoarse and gentle, and he said slowly: "Master Zhao is too polite. I am just a lowly eunuch in charge of the school hall."
Very, my lord, you are a second-rank minister and a high official in the foreign court, how can you salute an old man?"
While speaking, Liu Qing also bowed his hand to Zhao Junchen, intending to bend down to return the salute, but was supported by Zhao Junchen. As Zhao Junchen waved, the servants of the Zhao family stepped aside. Liu Qing was supported by Zhao Junchen himself, and faced Zhao Junchen.
Walk to the main hall of the mansion.
Liu Qing seemed to sigh at Zhao Junchen's respect, but did not refuse.
Along the way, Zhao Junchen carefully observed this long-famous old man. From the outside, he seemed to be just an old eunuch, but from his cloudy old eyes, Zhao Junchen could always see some sense of self-reliance.
.
Zhao Junchen knew very well that he was now supporting Liu Qing to walk, but it was only an empty support. Although Liu Qing's steps were trembling, he had no intention of relying on Zhao Junchen and was walking entirely on his own strength.
From this point alone, Zhao Junchen could see that this Liu Qing seemed ordinary, but his heart was as stubborn and strong as anyone else in the world. When this quality appeared in an old eunuch, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but
Somewhat surprised.
After everyone arrived at the main hall, the guests and hosts took their seats. The servants of the Zhao family also served hot tea. After Zhao Junchen took a sip, he looked at Liu Qing and said, "I have long wanted to see my senior, but unfortunately I never got the chance."
, I finally got what I wanted today, and I feel really happy.”
Liu Qing also put down the cup in his hand tremblingly, and said: "I have already heard about Mr. Zhao's kindness from Xiao Dezi, but I am really old and have been in poor health.
I can't move even if I don't move, but I haven't been able to meet Mr. Zhao. However, I also understand what Mr. Zhao means, which is to let the people in the inner court reconcile with Mr. Zhao. However, things in this world are always not as good as
As expected, the confrontation between Mr. Zhao and the inner court is now more serious than before."
Hearing what Liu Qing said, Zhang De looked embarrassed. Obviously, the "little virtue" Liu Qing mentioned was Zhang De.
However, the only person who can call Zhang De "Xiao Dezi" is Liu Qing.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen also sighed and said: "Yes, there are always 10% unsatisfactory things in this world. The younger generation's friendship with the inner court is full of sincerity and the benefits are always provided. However, the inner court does not
As sincere as this junior is, not only did he receive the money but did nothing, he was owed a favor for nothing, and he even wanted an explanation but couldn't get it."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said: "Senior, if you are first betrayed and then despised by others, how should you deal with this situation?"
Liu Qing smiled, and the wrinkles on his face squeezed together. He seemed kind, but the words in his mouth were cold and ruthless: "Revenge, establish authority, and kill the chicken to scare the monkeys."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "The junior and senior have the same idea, so we did this."
Liu Qing sighed and said: "But what you are doing now, Mr. Zhao, is not to seek revenge and establish authority, nor to kill chickens to scare monkeys. Instead, it means to destroy the entire family. In this way, even Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong and the others are not
I can convince you, Mr. Zhao."
"The junior's temperament is actually quite stubborn in a certain aspect. Naturally, this kind of temptation with a lucky intention cannot convince the junior."
Liu Qing sighed again: "Yes, I think so too, but unfortunately there are always some people in the inner court who want to give it a try. This matter is indeed a mistake made by the inner court, and I am here to tell you
Mr. Zhao confessed and promised Mr. Zhao that this kind of thing will never happen again in the future. My words have some weight in the inner court. I wonder, Mr. Zhao, are you willing to let the inner court go this time? "
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said: "Sincerity, this junior needs the inner court to show some sincerity. Naturally, this junior can trust his senior, but after this incident, this junior is not sure that he can trust this kind of verbal guarantee."
"So in Mr. Zhao's opinion, what should the inner court do to be sincere?"
Zhao Junchen said calmly: "Senior Liu Qing, it is a sign of sincerity that you can come in person, but I still need an explanation. Why is the chief assistant accompanying you on the southern tour? News like this will be concealed by everyone in the inner court.
In the end, we can only find out from His Highness the Seventh Prince?"
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Qing was silent for a long time and finally said slowly: "Actually, what is the reason for this situation? The inner court has long understood what you mean, Mr. Zhao. A few days ago, Mr. Zhao had an affair with Xiao Dezi's apprentice.
, Zhang Xiu, the eunuch in charge of the Yangxin Palace, has had a detailed discussion, and what Zhang Xiu said is exactly what the inner court wants you to know, and the reasons behind the matter are also related to you, Mr. Zhao.
I guess there is no big difference. Are you satisfied with this answer, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Junchen thought thoughtfully and chuckled: "Let me tell you, why didn't Eunuch Zhang De happen to be away that day, and Eunuch Zhang Xiu and the younger generation were a little too eager? I see, it seems that the inner court has already agreed
Premeditated."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked: "I just don't know, the current position of the inner court is subordination? Is it cooperation? Or is it just a bet?"
In response to such inquiries, Liu Qing avoided talking and just asked: "Now that there is an explanation, I wonder, Mr. Zhao, are you willing to let the inner court go this time?"
Although he did not get an accurate answer, Zhao Junchen also had an answer in his heart and was not angry. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly smiled and said: "What does the senior mean by this? The junior has always cooperated closely with the inner court, so how can he not let it go?"
Speaking of which, the batch of cloth and satin that the inner court needs to hand over is so huge that it was delivered to the inner treasury three days ago, which shows how capable the inner court is in handling affairs."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Qing and Zhang De were both stunned.
And Zhao Junchen continued: "Speaking of which, Senior Liu Qing came just in time. I just have a piece of news to inform the inner court. Now the inner treasury is running well and there is enough money. From now on, the inner treasury will give dividends to the inner court. I am interested in doing so again."
Add another layer, what do you think, senior?"
Liu Qing suddenly smiled, and his expression seemed extremely cheerful: "Master Zhao is young, and it is really a good trick. But in this way, the inner court will cooperate with Master Zhao in the future, and I will feel relieved."!