The next day, during the morning court, the situation in the temple had been stable for nearly a month, and finally something big happened.
That is, after Zhao Junchen's repeated impeachments and persistent pursuit, Emperor Deqing finally dismissed Song Hui, the governor of Shandong, because this man had always been unwilling to cooperate with Zhao Junchen's agricultural reform plan.
In this era, Shandong is full of saline-alkali land, which is not suitable for growing mainstream crops. On the contrary, corn, potatoes and other crops that Zhao Junchen fully promoted are more suitable for survival. Therefore, when Zhao Junchen is promoting agricultural reform, Shandong has always been a priority. The most important thing.
However, Song Hui, the governor of Shandong, may be dissatisfied with Zhao Junchen, or he may have conservative ideas. Anyway, he is unwilling to cooperate with Zhao Junchen's plan.
To this day, Shandong has completely missed the planting opportunity in the first quarter, so Zhao Junchen naturally hates Song Hui with a passion, and has been trying his best to bring him down and take the opportunity to scare the monkeys.
But it is never easy to bring down a feudal official. What's more, Song Hui used to be a close disciple of the former chief minister Shen Changmao. After Shen Changmao fell, he quickly switched to Zhou Shangjing's disciple. It can be said that It has a strong background and a profound background.
Zhou Shangjing may not like Song Hui, but out of consideration for the overall interests of the party, when he saw Zhao Junchen impeaching Song Hui, he had to protect him.
Therefore, for the past month, the "Zhao Party" and the "Zhou Party" have been fighting in the ring, and the quarrel has been very fierce.
Faced with this situation, Emperor Deqing once again showed his proficiency in imperial thinking. His actual position was to support Zhao Junchen, but he deliberately delayed it for a period of time, allowing the Zhou and Zhao parties to attack each other. When the conflict was about to get out of control, he finally stood up and expressed his support for Zhao Junchen, and Song Hui finally stepped down and lost power.
Because of Emperor Deqing's actions, the relationship between the "Zhao Party" and the "Zhou Party" has now become tense, and the tacit understanding of cooperation some time ago has completely disappeared.
Recently, Zhou Shangjing has been secretly plotting against the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, but he did not choose to join forces with Zhao Junchen. It was largely because of this incident that Zhou Shangjing was worried about the "Zhou Party" officials. emotional response.
In any case, Song Hui's dismissal caused a great response, allowing Zhao Junchen to achieve his purpose of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys, and it may be easier to promote the agricultural reform plan in the future.
Of course, the consequences are also serious. Zhao Junchen must find ways to ease the relationship with the "Zhou Party" and secretly prevent the "Zhou Party" from retaliating.
But on the other hand, this matter is not particularly important, because it does not really affect the situation in the temple.
In everyone's eyes, things that will really affect the future direction of the temple will not happen until Prince Zhu Heyu returns to the capital.
With various thoughts, all forces in the government and the opposition are silently waiting for this day to appear.
The recent stable situation in the temple is largely just the calm before the storm.
*
But he said that after the morning court, Zhao Junchen went to Wenhua Pavilion to handle official business with several pavilion elders, and also discussed various recent changes in Liaodong Military Town.
Then, at three quarters, Zhao Junchen finally left the palace and returned to his mansion to rest.
However, as soon as Zhao Junchen entered the mansion, he received a report that there were guests from Xuanfu Town.
This guest is Zhang Cheng.
Zhang Cheng, who was born in martial arts, was once the private soldier leader of Shi Song, the former commander-in-chief of Huamachi Camp. After Zhao Junchen killed Shi Song and formed the "New War Soldiers Army", Zhang Cheng became the "New War Soldier Army".
One of the main generals of the "New Fighting Army", because he is both civil and military and has a lot of strategy, he has always been highly valued by Zhao Junchen. At first, his status in the "New Fighting Army" was still that of Liu Manniu
, above Li Pi and others.
It's a pity that this person's luck was really bad. When he was leading troops to support Zhao Junchen during the Shaanxi-Gansu Trilateral War, his horse stumbled and fell and was seriously injured. His ribs were broken and his internal organs were inserted. Not only did he fail to catch up
He participated in the war and almost lost his life. Later, although he saved his life due to the careful treatment of the miracle doctor Zhang Decheng, he became a sick and consumptive ghost and lost all his martial arts skills.
At that time, Zhao Junchen felt sorry for Zhang Cheng's unfortunate situation and did not want him to waste his talents, so he gave him another task, which was to organize tens of thousands of people fleeing famine in Shaanxi and Gansu to move to Xuanfu Town.
There are large areas of wasteland and abandoned fields in Xuanfu Town. After being reclaimed and planted by these people fleeing from famine, it will not only increase the food supply of the court, but also solve the livelihood of these people fleeing famine. It will also strengthen Zhao Junchen's penetration into Xuanfu Town.
, it can be said that it kills three birds with one stone.
When Zhang Cheng saw that Zhao Junchen not only did not blame himself for delaying the fight, or despised him for losing his martial arts skills, but instead entrusted him with an important task, he was naturally grateful and tried his best.
Today, the relocation, resettlement, and land reclamation of the victims of the Shaanxi-Gansu disaster have come to an end, so Zhang Cheng rushed to the capital to report the progress to Zhao Junchen.
After learning the news of Zhang Cheng's visit, Zhao Junchen didn't even bother with lunch and immediately called him to the study for a talk.
*
"Zhang Cheng, a humble official, pays homage to Minister Zhao."
As soon as Zhang Cheng entered the study, he bowed his head.
Although he had left the frontier army, Zhang Cheng still used to call himself a "humble position" after meeting Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen helped Zhang Cheng up with his own hands. By the way, he carefully observed Zhang Cheng's face and found that Zhang Cheng's physical condition had improved a lot. Although his hands and feet were still weak, it was no longer hindering his daily activities.
However, when he helped Zhang Cheng up, Zhao Junchen still asked: "I don't need to be polite. How is your health now? Since this time, I have been worried that you will relapse due to overwork."
For Zhao Junchen, it is one thing to understand, but it is another thing to express his attitude by speaking out.
Seeing that Zhao Junchen's first words after receiving him were not to ask about the progress of the mission, but to care about his physical condition, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but feel warm in his heart, and said quickly: "The villain's physical condition is much better, although he still can't lift his hands.
I can't bear it, but at least I can take care of myself... All this is thanks to Zhao Gechen, who arranged for Dr. Zhang to treat the villain, otherwise the villain wouldn't be alive now."
Zhang Cheng didn't say anything in return, but his expression was full of a desire to die.
For Zhang Cheng, there are some things that are kept in mind and there is no need to mention them repeatedly.
Zhao Junchen smiled and patted Zhang Cheng on the shoulder, and then the two of them took their seats respectively.
Later, Zhao Junchen finally got down to business and asked Zhang Cheng about the progress of the relocation of Shaanxi-Gansu disaster victims to Xuanfu Town.
Zhang Cheng is a capable person and immediately said: "After the Shaanxi-Gansu disaster victims moved to Xuanfu Town, it was already late autumn when they were planting. In fact, they had missed the best time to plant. But fortunately, Zhao Gechen prepared in advance.
After getting the seeds and farming tools, especially the sweet potatoes recommended by Zhao Gechen, he was not very picky about the climate and land conditions. In addition, the victims of the disaster in Shaanxi and Gansu were also willing to work day and night. Finally, the project was completed before the winter snow came.
So far, more than 500,000 acres of land have been cultivated and cultivated, most of which are planted with sweet potatoes, and only a small part of it is planted with corn and wheat.
After the reclamation and farming were completed, I finally took the time to arrange housing for the victims of the Shaanxi-Gansu disaster and divide them into villages. Now, more than 130 villages have been built in the west, east and north of Xuanfu Town. Shaanxi-Gansu
The victims have all settled down.
Moreover, because there are still a lot of abandoned fields and wastelands within the jurisdiction of Xuanfu Town, Beizhi has been introducing new victims from Shaanxi and Gansu during this period. By the end of this year, the number will reach at least 100,000!"
Zhao Junchen nodded slightly, with a hint of relief on his expression. The resentment he had caused because of Shandong's missed planting opportunity was slightly relieved, and he slowly said: "After planting potatoes, it will take about three months.
can be harvested, but the agricultural reform plan I implemented in the court was not particularly smooth. Now, except for Shaanxi-Gansu, southern Shanxi, and some areas near the capital, only Xuanfu Town has large-scale planting of new crops.
things...
Therefore, after the harvest, you must not sell or eat all the harvest. At least two-thirds of the harvest should be kept as seeds for further promotion nationwide in the second half of the year. I will let the 'Jubao Trading Company'
I'll exchange it with you for other grains.
Also, these tens of thousands of people under your command are all serious people of Xuanfu. From now on, you should never call them victims of the Shaanxi-Gansu disaster... I moved them from Shaanxi-Gansu to Xuanfu without going through the process.
The imperial court agrees that it is best not to let others find any evidence."
Zhang Cheng nodded immediately to express his understanding.
In fact, the fields cultivated by the Shaanxi-Gansu refugees are all owned by Zhao Junchen. If Zhao Junchen wants them to hand over two-thirds of the amount, there is no need to exchange it with other grains, he can just directly expropriate them, but these
After all, the people still have to live, and Zhao Junchen also hopes that these people can further return to his heart.
Next, Zhao Junchen's expression became more solemn and he asked again: "I asked you to assist the Jubao Trading Company in infiltrating the Xuanfu Military Town. How is the progress now?"
Xuanfu Military Town is the closest military town to the capital, and its strength is not weak. Once something changes in the capital in the future, the garrison in Xuanfu Town will be able to play an immediate role, and the reaction speed is second only to the Forbidden Army near the capital, so
Zhao Junchen always spared no effort when infiltrating Xuanfu Town.
Zhao Junchen was kind to Zhang Cheng in promoting, saving his life, and reinventing himself. For most ancient people, these kindnesses were enough to make them die in repayment. The same was true for Zhang Cheng, so many things Zhao Junchen did were not deliberate.
Hiding it from him.
Zhang Cheng did not disappoint Zhao Junchen and replied without any doubt: "It's going very smoothly! Because 'Jubao Trading Company' has great influence in Xuanfu Military Town. In many cases, his words are more effective than those of Zhao Zicheng, the general guard of Xuanfu.
In particular, General Gao Yang has always obeyed the advice of Jubao Trading Company. In addition, when Zhao Gechen went to Xuanfu Town last time, he took the opportunity to eradicate those dissident forces, so our people have never been active during this period of time.
will encounter any obstacles.
To date, more than 1,500 people from humble positions have been selected to join the Xuanfu Town garrison, and a militia team of more than 2,000 people has been formed. The military craftsman camp and the government yamen have also infiltrated... These people are all
They are loyal to Zhao Gechen, and under the operation of the 'Jubao Trading Company', many people will occupy some low-level official positions in the future...
This situation only needs to last for three to five years. Once I receive an order from Zhao Gechen in the future, I will be at least 50% sure of controlling Xuanfu Town to serve Zhao Gechen!"
At the end of the speech, Zhang Cheng lowered his voice, but his attitude was firm.
After Zhao Junchen nodded, he said: "50% certainty... is still too low. It's best to be foolproof, so you need to work harder and be more attentive...
If nothing unexpected happens, I will purchase a batch of sophisticated guns from overseas in half a year at the latest, and some of them will be handed over to you at that time. You must prepare in advance and give priority to equipping those soldiers who can be fully trusted.
"
After a pause, Zhao Junchen's expression hesitated for a moment, and then ordered: "I have one more thing here that needs you to do with your own hands... I believe you have also heard that our Majesty has not been idle recently.
We have been repeatedly cleaning up the officialdom of Shaanxi and Gansu, so I hope you can take the time to write to Liu Manniu, Li Pi and others, suggesting that they move all their wives, family members, etc. to the Xuan Mansion and leave them to you to take care of them.
Just in case something goes wrong in the future...
Regarding this matter, it is not appropriate for me to come forward. It is best for you to propose it. You are their former colleague, and they will not think much about it after hearing your proposal."
Upon hearing this statement, Zhang Cheng's expression suddenly changed slightly.
Liu Manniu, Li Pi and others were Zhao Junchen's confidants in the Shaanxi-Gansu border army. At this time, Zhao Junchen tried to move their family members to Xuanfu. To put it mildly, it was for protection, but in other words
The more unpleasant thing is that they are hostages!
Although Zhang Cheng was loyal to Zhao Junchen, he also had feelings for Liu Manniu, Li Pi and others, so this time he couldn't help showing a hint of doubt and asked: "Zhao Junchen...don't you
Are you assured of their loyalty?"
After Zhao Junchen was silent for a moment, he slowly replied: "I won't hide it from you. I tried to move their family members to Xuanfu. Of course, it was to protect their family's safety and let them do things without worries, but it was also
It is indeed a secret precaution!
So far, they have all been loyal to me. This time, Wu Xinyan, the director of the Xichang Factory, personally went to Huamachi Camp to clean up the Shaanxi-Gansu border troops. Their performance was also good, and they followed my instructions completely.
My plan was successfully realized, and I was worried that they would overthink it, so I didn't take action in advance, but waited until the limelight had passed before trying to transfer their family members."
Zhang Cheng asked doubtfully: "Since Liu Manniu and Li Pi are both loyal, why do you have to guard against them secretly? Even if I come forward in this matter, they won't think much about it for a while, but they will come back sooner or later in the future.
After a while, there will be dissatisfaction..."
Zhao Junchen shook his head and sighed, waving his hands and saying: "Of course I want to treat people with sincerity, and I don't want to use such methods, but I have never had much confidence in the word 'people's hearts'..."
It is true that they are still loyal to me at present, but their current loyalty does not mean their future loyalty. People's hearts are always fickle! Their current loyalty is largely because my prestige still exists, and they themselves are also loyal.
You don't have much to lose, so you can serve me faithfully without any scruples.
But if my plan goes well, they will surely rise to prominence among the frontier armies in the future, and each one of them will become a local emperor in their respective jurisdictions. By then, when they are used to being domineering, they will definitely worry about losing their power and wealth.
When faced with a choice, will you still follow me without any worries like today?
Regarding this kind of thing, I don't want to think too much, I don't dare to think too much, but I have to think too much... In my position, I must always judge the gentleman's belly with the heart of a villain, and I never dare to judge the heart of a gentleman with a villain's heart.
Be sincere to others! So, there are some things that should be done!
But you can rest assured that although I will guard them secretly, I will never mistreat them! And I also believe that their family members will never suffer any injustice under your protection."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, his attitude was also sincere. After Zhang Cheng was silent for a moment, he finally nodded and agreed: "In that case, I will wait until the purge operation in Shaanxi and Gansu is over and write to them, and follow Zhao Junchen's instructions.
Just do what you're told."
At this point, the atmosphere in the room was inevitably a little awkward.
Zhao Junchen also knew that what he was doing was unkind, so he changed the topic again and said: "By the way, I asked you to build a small town in the northeast of the border of Xuanfu Town. How is the progress now?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen had deliberately changed the subject, Zhang Cheng naturally would not continue to pester him and quickly replied: "After receiving your instructions from Zhao Gechen, I have already selected the address and initially leveled nearly a hundred acres of land.
By the end of this summer, preliminary construction will be completed...
Regarding this matter, Beizhi wanted to ask Zhao Gechen. Although the imperial court and Jianzhou Jurchens have reached a peace agreement and there will be no war in the next few years, Beizhi believes that sooner or later the war will rekindle, and that small town
However, the terrain is flat and the transportation is convenient, so there is no danger to defend. Moreover, Zhao Gechen, you also specifically warned that no city wall higher than one foot should be built outside the town...
In this way, when the war between the imperial court and the Jianzhou Jurchens resumes in the future, this small town may be attacked by the Jianzhou Jurchens in an instant. Wouldn’t it be necessary to expend resources and energy in the small town?
Is it all in vain?”
Seeing that the awkward atmosphere had disappeared as the topic changed, Zhao Junchen felt a little relieved and explained with a smile: "After the town is built, you will be responsible for the specific management, so I won't do it either."
To hide it from you, I asked you to build a small town there just to entertain the Jurchens from Jianzhou!
You only need to organize people to initially build the town, and there is no need to build too many houses in the town. The subsequent work will naturally be taken over by Jiangsu and Zhejiang businessmen!
After the construction and improvement of those Hui and Zhejiang merchants, that small town will soon become the most luxurious and enchanting place north of the capital. It is specially used to entertain the middle and high-level figures of Jianzhou Jurchen, and also focuses on operating gambling houses and brothels.
Businesses such as pubs and theaters are, on the one hand, to make them addicted to it and corrupt their will. On the other hand, they can also take the opportunity to bribe relevant people and collect intelligence information. If all plans go well, they can also be used to
Harvest the wealth of Jianzhou Jurchen.
This town is specifically targeted at the middle and high-level Jianzhou Jurchens. At the same time, I will take advantage of the opportunity for trade between the two sides to teach farming techniques to the lower class people of Jianzhou Jurchens... Hey, once it is the Jianzhou Jurchens
The middle and high-level people only care about enjoying luxury, while the soldiers and civilians at the bottom only focus on the harvest in the fields, so they will not be in trouble in the future!"
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen expressed his expectations and said: "So, you don't have to worry about that small town being conquered by Jianzhou Jurchens in the future. If that small town can successfully complete its mission, it will be worthy of the victory."
The role of the 100,000-strong army will be completely worth it even if it turns into scorched earth in the future.
However, regarding this matter, you must try to keep a low profile as possible, because this plan is my private work. The court does not know about it and may not support it. If this small town is known to the court officials, they will follow the clues to find out in the future.
Here, Your Majesty will definitely not believe that what I did is just out of public motives, and will only suspect that I am secretly colluding with the Jurchens for evil intentions."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's explanation, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but express his admiration. He felt that whether it was arbitrarily resettling the victims of the Shaanxi-Gansu disaster or secretly corrupting the Jianzhou Jurchens, Zhao Junchen had done too many things in private, all for the sake of the country.
Public spirit for the people.
Such a person, even if his methods are despicable and he always thinks of himself as a villain, is still much better than most gentlemen in this world.
Thinking of this, most of Zhang Cheng's previous grudges were eliminated, and he immediately agreed in a deep voice: "Please rest assured, Zhao Gechen, I will definitely go all out to complete your big plan in the future!"
After noticing the change in Zhang Cheng's mind, Zhao Junchen also nodded in relief.
*
On this day, after the morning court ended, while Zhao Junchen and Zhang Cheng were talking secretly, the great scholar Yang Xun also came to the imperial study room to meet Emperor Deqing under the leadership of the palace eunuch.
It is worth mentioning that when Yang Xun came outside the imperial study, he found that Zhu Hejian, the seventh prince who had been the most popular during this period, was also waiting outside the imperial study for the summons of Emperor Deqing.
Emperor Deqing didn't think much about it at first, but summoned Yang Xun and Zhu Hejian at the same time.
However, when Yang Xun and Zhu Hejian entered the imperial study, Zhu Hejian immediately took out a copy of the imperial newspaper from his arms and said to Emperor Deqing with a bitter face: "Father, please take a look at this imperial newspaper."
Please make sure to make the decision for your son!"