Chapter 1117. Drawing cakes is a compulsory skill for politicians (4).
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"Oh? I wonder what it is?"
When asking, Cheng Yuandao's eyes flashed with vigilance, worried that Zhou Shangjing wanted to dig a hole for the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
Having been an official in the same dynasty for more than thirty years, Cheng Yuandao had been tricked by Zhou Shangjing too many times, and it was inevitable that he would suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. He always felt that no matter what Zhou Shangjing did, he had hidden evil intentions.
conspiracy.
In fact, Cheng Yuandao's idea is not correct, because Zhou Shangjing is better at using conspiracy.
On the other side, Zhou Shangjing seemed not to notice Cheng Yuandao's emotional changes at all, and just said slowly: "Sichuan salt!"
"Sichuan salt?" Cheng Yuandao was a little confused.
Zhou Shangjing nodded again and said: "Yes, Sichuan Salt! Since Zhao Junchen became the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, he has done a lot of practical things, such as treasury inventory, commercial tax rectification, agricultural reform, etc.
The results have been achieved... But only the development of Sichuan salt, although it was the plan originally proposed by Zhao Junchen, took the longest and involved a lot of investment, but the results were almost nonexistent."
Cheng Yuandao couldn't help but comment: "In the final analysis, Zhao Junchen's Sichuan salt development plan is to ask the court for policies and sell Sichuan salt to Shanxi merchants at a low price! The Shanxi merchants will naturally make a lot of money, and Zhao Junchen himself will inevitably make a lot of money.
A lot of bribes have been collected, but expecting this plan to be beneficial to the country and the people is just wishful thinking!
No matter what the world thinks of Zhao Junchen now, he is a corrupt official who favors and accepts private favors. Even if he occasionally makes some political achievements, he will only quench his thirst and fish from the lake! It will only cause more hidden dangers! I have said long ago that the imperial court will not
This person should be reused!”
However, Zhou Shangjing said something fair and sighed: "Zhao Junchen's original intention is good. Introducing merchants from Shanxi to Sichuan to invest in developing Sichuan salt will not only increase Sichuan salt production, suppress private salt prices, check and balance Huizhou and Zhejiang salt merchants, but also
Increasing the court's tax revenue can be said to achieve multiple goals with one stone!
But at present, Sichuan salt production seems to have increased a bit, but although private salt prices are not as high as food prices, there are no signs of decline. Although Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants have been suppressed in the private salt business, they have taken advantage of
The business of 'United Shipping Company' has made more money. As for the imperial tax revenue, there has not been a significant increase due to the development of Sichuan Salt... It can be said that it is on the verge of failure!
Alas, after all, Zhao Junchen was too young and trusted these profit-seeking merchants too much, giving these merchants too much room for maneuver. In addition, Sichuan's terrain was inconvenient and the sky was high and the emperor was far away. The Shanxi merchants wanted to cheat and deceive.
It’s also very easy to get off, so that’s why we’re in the current situation!”
After a pause, Zhou Shangjing finally saw the situation and said: "Under such circumstances, I believe that the imperial court must arrange for a powerful and courageous person to personally take charge of Sichuan to reverse the bad policies of Sichuan salt development in one fell swoop and completely eradicate it.
The bad behavior of Shanxi merchants...
I originally hoped that Zhao Gechen would personally take care of this matter, but Zhao Gechen himself was unwilling to let go no matter what, and the court was indeed unable to do without him... So, if the Seventh Prince is willing to go to Sichuan to resolve the matter, it will naturally prove that he
With his responsibility and courage, I will have no reason to hinder him from now on."
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Cheng Yuandao had almost no hesitation. He immediately shook his head and said: "Sichuan is really too far away, and the matter of Sichuan Salt is also extremely complicated. Even if we put aside the legitimate issues, once His Highness the Seventh Prince
I am responsible for this matter, but I am afraid that I will not be able to return to the center of the capital for less than a year and a half! Now is the critical period when the crown prince is deposed, how can His Highness the Seventh Prince stay away from the capital for such a long time? No! Absolutely not!"
When Cheng Yuandao rejected Zhou Shangjing's proposal, there was actually another reason he did not mention, that is, before Zhu Hejian officially came to power, the "New Crown Prince Party" was not willing to offend Zhao Junchen too harshly.
Although the development of Sichuan salt has not yet seen much results for the country and the people, it is undoubtedly one of Zhao Junchen's treasure troves. Once the seventh prince Zhu Hejian intervenes in this matter, it will inevitably cause a strong backlash from Zhao Junchen.
Although Cheng Yuandao always showed disdain whenever he mentioned Zhao Junchen, since Zhao Junchen took action to punish the former young master Guo Tang, all Qingliu saw that Zhao Junchen was not easy to mess with.
Since then, there have been very few direct conflicts with Zhao Junchen.
After all, although the Qingliu people are proud of "straightforwardly admonishing", the premise is that Emperor Deqing will only remove them from official positions if they make mistakes and directly remonstrate. Most of the Qingliu people are from wealthy families and have never worried about food and clothing.
, if Emperor Deqing deposes them because of their outspoken remonstrances, it will only greatly increase their reputation.
But Zhao Junchen is different. Once he takes revenge, not only will the Qingliu people be dismissed from their posts, but they will also be imprisoned. Even the family industry will be affected. In this way, the conflict between the Qingliu people and Zhao Junchen will naturally be
You must carefully consider the consequences!
In recent times, Zhao Junchen's reputation in the government and the public has gradually changed. In addition to Zhao Junchen's deliberate friendship with great scholars from all over the world and his excellent political performance, it is also related to the fact that the number of times the Qingliu people impeached Zhao Junchen has gradually decreased.
Zhou Shangjing naturally knew what Cheng Yuandao was thinking, but he did not force it. He just changed the topic and said: "If Sichuan is too far away, what about Liaodong? Liaodong is very close, right?"
Ever since Jianzhou Jurchens surrendered to the imperial court, the central government has been trying to reduce the military expenditure of Liaodong Town, but Liaodong Town has been unwilling to cooperate and has made frequent secret moves. Today it is said that there is a mob in the territory, and tomorrow it is said that there is a mutiny in a certain battalion.
From time to time, they would risk breaking the peace treaty to provoke the Jianzhou Jurchens, but they were unwilling to cut military spending anyway!
The imperial court is currently having a headache because of this matter, and it also needs a prestigious and courageous person to take charge. How about leaving this matter to His Highness the Seventh Prince? Mr. Cheng Ge doesn't have to worry about legitimate issues at all, I will naturally handle it.
That’s right! If His Highness the Seventh Prince can slightly improve the situation in Liaodong Town, I won’t have any worries about his responsibility and courage!"
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Cheng Yuandao was startled again, and shook his head again and again, saying: "No, absolutely not! You also know, Zhou Shoufu, that Liaodong Town is not only too big to lose, but also daring to do anything. The supervisor sent there by the imperial court
Several members of the army have died in mysterious circumstances! As the saying goes, nobles do not go into danger, so how can we let the Seventh Prince go to danger?"
"This won't work, that won't work either... As long as it's a little difficult, the Seventh Prince will be completely unable to participate. If this is the case, how can he prove his responsibility and courage?
In this case, I will still stick to my own ideas. Even if your Majesty asks me to question me in the future, I will still have the same attitude as now. The current situation of our dynasty cannot leave the foundation to a do-nothing king who does good things! Today Cheng Ge
If you invite me to a banquet on purpose, I will miss you, but from now on we just need to drink tea, there is no need to continue discussing."
When expressing his stance, Zhou Shangjing's expression was calm, but his attitude was extremely tough - if the seventh prince Zhu Hejian cannot prove his responsibility and courage, Zhou Shangjing will do his best to prevent him from ascending to the throne in the future!
With Zhou Shangjing's influence, anything in the temple will be extremely difficult to accomplish as long as he is unwilling to nod! Not to mention that another powerful official in the temple, Zhao Junchen, is also leaning towards Prince Zhu Heyu. This paragraph
For a long time, because of the joint efforts of Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, the dethronement of the crown prince has been delayed again and again. No one knows how long this situation will last!
As the saying goes, "delay will lead to change." Cheng Yuandao naturally understood this truth, so he was eager to change Zhou Shangjing's position as soon as possible and was unwilling to let the seventh prince Zhu Hejian's ascension to the throne continue to be delayed.
Therefore, Cheng Yuandao showed the most sincere attitude and said seriously: "Zhou Shoufu, whether it is the development of Sichuan salt or the military expenditure of Liaodong, His Highness the Seventh Prince will definitely work hard to solve it in the future, but now the time has not yet come!
I hope Chief Minister Zhou will seriously consider whether there are any other options? It can’t be too far away from the capital, it can’t take too long... and of course it can’t be too dangerous! I made these requests not because the Seventh Prince is unwilling to take them, but it is indeed the current situation.
Not the right time!”
In fact, Zhou Shangjing knew very well that Cheng Yuandao would definitely not agree to his first two proposals, but he still deliberately raised them just to pave the way for his last proposal, enhance his persuasion and chance of success, and force Cheng Yuandao to
Think carefully with Zhu Hejian.
It can be said that Zhou Shangjing's intention from the very beginning was to get Cheng Yuandao and Zhu Hejian to accept his last proposal!
Seeing that the time was now ripe, Zhou Shangjing put on an attitude of "no more than three things" and said slowly: "In that case, I will mention one more thing. This matter is also of great importance, but it has been shelved for too long.
If His Highness the Seventh Prince can solve the problem smoothly, I can also see his responsibility and courage."
"What's the matter?"
"This matter is the takeover and abandonment of the Six Ministries of Nanjing! As early as a year ago, the imperial court was determined to take back the power of the Six Ministries of Nanjing and transfer all the powers and responsibilities of the Six Ministries to the central center of the capital... This plan was also originally planned by Zhao Junchen
He took the lead in making suggestions and made detailed plans. It can be said that everything is ready, all he needs is the east wind!
In order to implement this matter, the current Crown Prince and Grand Master Wang Baoren has been in Nanjing for nearly a year and has been unable to return to the capital. Now the time is ripe and it should have been done long ago. However, because the court has too many things recently,
The situation in the temple has never been stable, so it has been delayed until now...
But this kind of matter is of great importance and cannot be delayed any longer! If His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince can go to Nanjing to assist the Crown Prince and Grand Master Wang Baoren in promoting the imperial court's abolition and takeover of power of the Six Ministries of Nanjing, it will be a great contribution. No one can do it in the future.
I dare not say that the seventh prince’s courage and responsibility are insufficient!”
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's proposal, compared to the difficulties and dangers of the first two proposals, Cheng Yuandao felt that this proposal was easier to accept.
So, after Cheng Yuandao pondered for a moment, he finally nodded and said: "Although Nanjing is a bit far from the capital, there is the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal. It only takes more than ten days to travel by speedboat. Moreover, Nanjing is located in the hinterland of the imperial court, so there will be no
Too much risk...it is indeed more appropriate!
However, I am hosting a banquet with the Chief Minister of Zhou today to discuss it, and I am making my own decision without consulting His Highness the Seventh Prince in advance, so whether this matter can be done or not will ultimately depend on His Highness the Seventh Prince!"
Zhou Shangjing smiled and said: "In that case, I will wait for the seventh prince's decision! I also hope that Mr. Cheng Ge will tell the seventh prince that as long as His Highness the seventh prince can prove his courage and responsibility, not only will I not continue to embarrass him in the future,
And I will do my best to help him get to the top!"
*
In this way, the discussion finally came to a conclusion, and the banquet came to an end.
Zhou Shangjing was getting older, and after chatting some more with Cheng Yuandao, he soon showed a lack of energy, so he said goodbye and left not long after.
Compared with Zhou Shangjing, Cheng Yuandao was more than ten years younger, so he could still bear it at this time. After he went out to see off Zhou Shangjing in person, he didn't care that there was already a curfew in the capital at this time, and immediately ordered someone to prepare a sedan, and then left.
He rushed to the seventh prince Zhu Hejian's residence in a sedan chair, wanting to report the news to Zhu Hejian.
When Cheng Yuandao arrived at the seventh prince's residence, Zhu Hejian had just received the news that Zhou Shangjing and Cheng Yuandao had gathered for a private discussion.
Just as Cheng Yuandao said, he entertained Zhou Shangjing today on his own initiative and did not discuss it with Zhu Hejian beforehand. Therefore, when Zhu Hejian received the news, he couldn't help but have doubts and couldn't understand why Cheng Yuandao suddenly entertained Zhou Shangjing.
.
Just when Zhu Hejian was secretly guessing, he received a report of Cheng Yuandao's overnight visit, so Zhu Hejian put away his doubts, still pretended to be a courteous corporal, and personally welcomed Cheng Yuandao into the study.
commune.
After Cheng Yuandao entered the study, he pretended to be asking for credit and told Zhu Hejian in detail the reason, process, and results of his banquet with Zhou Shangjing today.
After listening to Cheng Yuandao's story, Zhu Hejian was dumbfounded and secretly angry!
These gentlemen always pride themselves on themselves, have no actual ability to do things, but they like to give advice. They often put on an attitude of "I am doing it for your own good" and do things without authorization. However, Zhu Hejian is actually a dictatorial person.
People like this are naturally extremely disgusted with this situation.
However, Cheng Yuandao is the leader of the Qing Dynasty in the DPRK. He is not only the number two figure in the "New Prince Party", but he is also the only cabinet elder who fully supports Zhu Hejian, so Zhu Hejian cannot refute it.
Because of Cheng Yuandao's face, not only could he not criticize Cheng Yuandao for making his own decisions, but he had to be sincere, endure his anger, and deliberately praise and express a few words of gratitude.
"I can't thank you enough for how much trouble Mr. Cheng Ge has taken on this junior's matter! Zhou Shoufu has deliberately made things difficult for this junior many times in recent times. This junior has always been confused and thought he had offended others without realizing it.
, If Mr. Cheng Ge hadn't gone out to find out in person today, I would never have been able to guess what Zhou Shouxu was thinking!"
Hearing Zhu Hejian's continuous praise and sincere gratitude, Cheng Yuandao felt that he had solved a big problem for Zhu Hejian, and said proudly: "Although Zhou Shangjing is powerful, he still has to give up some face when facing me!
Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, we have never been able to figure out Zhou Shangjing's thoughts before, and we have no way to deal with his deliberate attempts to create difficulties. We can only resort to tricks!
But now, we already know that Zhou Shangjing actually misunderstood the Seventh Prince, and mistakenly believed that His Highness the Seventh Prince did not have responsibility and courage, so His Highness the Seventh Prince only needed to prove his responsibility and courage, and Zhou Shangjing would no longer have any reason to be an enemy of His Highness.
We must also fully support His Highness the Seventh Prince. At that time, only Zhao Junchen’s obstruction will not affect the overall situation at all, and the matter of the crown prince’s dethronement will be finalized!”
Having said this, Cheng Yuandao looked at Zhu Hejian with a smile and asked: "I don't know, what does His Highness the Seventh Prince think of Zhou Shangjing's proposal? Do you want to go to Nanjing in person to resolve the matter of taking over the power of the six ministries? In my opinion, this matter has great potential!
For the six departments in Nanjing, the central court has been planning for nearly a year. It can be said that it is well planned and well prepared. After the Seventh Prince went to Nanjing, he was even able to get the help of the Crown Prince and Grand Master Wang Baoren. With Wang Baoren's identity and position,
We must fully support His Highness the Seventh Prince, so this matter has a high chance of success!"
After hearing what Cheng Yuandao said, Zhu Hejian did not dare to agree easily.
After all, no one can guarantee whether Zhou Shangjing’s proposal will be a trap!
So, after pondering for a moment, he slowly said: "I don't know much about the imperial court's plan for the Six Ministries in Nanjing, so I don't dare to agree to it easily. I hope Mr. Cheng Ge can give me a few days to consider it in detail."
Take a moment and then reply."
Cheng Yuandao also knew that Zhu Hejian would not agree easily, so he nodded and said: "In this case, His Highness the Seventh Prince will seriously consider it, and maybe seek His Majesty's opinion.
Moreover, His Highness the Seventh Prince does not have to worry about Zhou Shangjing going back on his word afterwards. As far as I know, Zhou Shangjing has generally kept his word since he has been an official for decades.
Obviously, Cheng Yuandao was generally inclined to let Zhu Hejian agree to Zhou Shangjing's proposal. After all, this matter was all due to Cheng Yuandao's own initiative. If it succeeded in the end, Cheng Yuandao himself would be able to consider himself a hero.
Hearing Cheng Yuandao's hint, Zhu Hejian's eyes flashed with anger again, but on the surface he still had a sincere attitude, nodding his head and saying: "This junior will definitely consider it seriously!"
Next, seeing that it was too late, Zhu Hejian personally sent Cheng Yuandao out of the house. As he watched Cheng Yuandao's sedan gradually move away, he finally couldn't help but snorted and said in a cold voice: "These clear streams, when
It's true that he doesn't succeed enough but fails more than he fails, yet he still likes to make his own decisions!
Cheng Yuandao, relying on his high reputation and qualifications, acted recklessly and discussed such an important matter with Zhou Shangjing without authorization, without consulting me at all in advance... This kind of person will never be used in the future!"
Behind Zhu Hejian, the eunuch Jia Lun hesitated for a moment, but then said: "From our perspective, Zhou Shangjing's statement actually makes some sense. Your Highness, you treat these clear streams too softly, and naturally you give people the impression that you have no independent opinion."
The impression is that it is precisely because of this that a self-proclaimed old guy like Cheng Yuandao dares to do things without permission!"
After a pause, Jia Lun asked again: "Due to Zhou Shangjing's repeated difficulties during this period, we have prepared various counterattack methods. We were about to take action, but now... do we still want to fight back?
Zhou Shangjing?"
Zhu Hejian hesitated for a moment and said: "Don't fight back just yet... Now that Zhou Shangjing has made a price, I really have to seriously consider his proposal and I can't completely break up with him!"
Jia Lun asked again: "What about the plan to use diamond powder to poison Zhou Shangjing in the imperial kitchen?"
This time, Zhu Hejian replied without hesitation: "This plan must continue to be implemented! Zhou Shangjing, an old fox, cannot be kept here no matter what!"