On the surface, the central government's plan to take over the power of the six ministries in Nanjing was that the seventh prince Zhu Hejian and the prince's grand master Wang Baoren sat in Nanjing and were fully responsible. However, because of the great importance involved, it was of course impossible for Emperor Deqing to completely delegate power.
It can be said that he has been paying close attention to everything for a while. Whether it is the disturbance in Nanjing or the details of the implementation of the plan, Emperor Deqing will receive the news as soon as possible through the eight hundred mile express.
Therefore, Zhu Hejian and Wang Baoren planned to trigger a small-scale riot in Nanjing on the ninth day of March, taking the opportunity to completely ignore the affairs of the Six Ministries of Nanjing. Emperor Deqing also received the news immediately.
After receiving the news, Emperor Deqing naturally did not dare to neglect and immediately summoned the elders and six ministers to discuss the matter.
Today, the center of the imperial court is the three-legged power of the "Zhou Party", "Zhao Party" and "Xintai Zi Party", and most of the ministers and ministers are from these three parties.
Among them, Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen had secret arrangements in Nanjing, and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian went to Nanjing personally to take charge. Therefore, all the important officials in the imperial court were well aware of the changes in the situation in Nanjing and received relevant information.
The timing of the news was not much slower than that of Emperor Deqing.
Under such circumstances, when the elders and ministers arrived at the Imperial Study Room, most of them were mentally prepared for what would follow, and they all had plans in mind for the situation in Nanjing.
However, after the ministers met Emperor Deqing, Emperor Deqing's decision and reaction still exceeded most people's expectations.
After all, the Nanjing incident was not only related to the central government's plan to centralize power, but also related to the key to the abolition of the crown prince, so Emperor Deqing became completely serious.
It has to be said that once Emperor Deqing restrained his arrogance and became completely serious, his political skills would not be much worse than Zhou Shangjing's.
*
In the imperial study room, after all the pavilion elders and ministers had arrived, Emperor Deqing first informed everyone of Wang Baoren's next plan, saying that on the ninth day of March, a small-scale riot would occur in Nanjing City against the Six Ministries of Nanjing.
The imperial court center's plan to take back power has now entered its final stage.
Afterwards, Emperor Deqing looked around at all the ministers, and paused for a moment on the faces of Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, and then said slowly: "Judging from the current situation, the imperial court's plan to take over power is going well.
, maybe we can achieve success in one fell swoop, but I don’t dare to be too optimistic, and I still feel a little uneasy in my heart.”
After a slight pause, Emperor Deqing's expression became more solemn and he continued: "The uneasiness in my heart is mainly due to the civil riot that is about to happen in Nanjing City!
Although I also understand that the people in Nanzhili are still living a prosperous life, even if they participate in the riot in a moment of enthusiasm, they will definitely regain their composure soon, and this riot is mainly aimed at the six departments of Nanjing, not
Wang Baoren, the center of the imperial court, is well prepared... But there are too many variables in this kind of thing. Once control is lost and the scale of the riot continues to expand, there is a risk of shaking the foundation of the country, so I must be extra prepared.
Just enough!
Because of this, although I trust Wang Baoren's ability and means, in order to ensure nothing goes wrong, I think it is necessary to arrange for another experienced and courageous minister of the Zhu Kingdom to set off to sit near Nanzhili and be ready to take action at any time.
Clean up the mess!”
Having said this, Emperor Deqing's eyes fell on Zhou Shangjing's old face again, his expression full of determination that could not be rejected, and he continued: "I believe that only Zhou Shoufu can take on such an important task!
It just so happens that there has been a flood near Huaiyin Mansion north of Nanzhili recently, so I have drafted an imperial edict, and Zhou Shoufu will personally go to Huaiyin Mansion to inspect, and take the opportunity to stay there for a while to observe the situation in Nanzhili.
If the situation in Nanjing develops smoothly, Zhou Shoufu does not need to take any action and just wait and see how the situation changes. However, if the situation in Nanjing City is worried about getting out of control, he must immediately mobilize all forces in Nanzhili and take over all matters to ensure that Nanjing
The situation was brought under control in the shortest possible time!”
Upon hearing Emperor Deqing's instructions, the expressions of all the important ministers in the imperial study, including Zhao Junchen, changed slightly for a moment!
There is no doubt that Zhou Shangjing is the representative figure of the imperial court. He has never left the center of power in the temple over the years, and has been fighting openly and secretly with Emperor Deqing. If it were not for Zhou Shangjing's overt and covert confrontation, with Emperor Deqing's methods and character, the imperial power would have been
It has long overpowered the ministerial power, instead of the current check and balance between imperial power and ministerial power.
At the same time, because Zhou Shangjing has always been sitting in the center of the temple, all the careerists among the officials dare not cause trouble easily. Even Zhao Junchen has been suppressed by Zhou Shangjing recently.
This time, Emperor Deqing took advantage of the incident in Nanjing to transfer Zhou Shangjing away from the center of power in the temple for a period of time. Once the center of the temple lost Zhou Shangjing, no one could predict what would happen during this period.
misfortune.
It can be said that in the minds of many people, the importance of Zhou Shangjing's departure from the center of the capital is even greater than the subsequent changes in Nanjing.
However, Emperor Deqing's attitude was extremely firm and his reasons were fair and just. Although several important ministers had objections in their hearts, they could not find a reason to refute it for a while.
As a result, the imperial study room fell into a brief silence. No one reacted immediately. Even Zhou Shangjing seemed not to have expected Emperor Deqing's decision. After his expression changed slightly, he remained silent for a long time.
no respond.
In the end, after a short period of thinking and hesitation, Ge Lao Li He took the lead to break the silence and said loudly: "Your Majesty, Zhou Shoufu is certainly a minister of the Zhu Kingdom, and it is certainly foolproof for him to leave for Nanzhili and sit behind the scenes.
But Zhou Shoufu is getting old, has low energy, and has been in poor health recently. He may not be able to withstand the fatigue of travel, so I am willing to recommend myself to go in Zhou Shoufu's place!"
Later, Song Qiwen, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Zhang Boxhong, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, also took the initiative to ask for help. Like Li He, they expressed their desire to take over the important responsibilities in place of Zhou Shangjing. The reasons they used were also the same as Li He's. They both thought that Zhou Shangjing's recent health condition was not good and he would not be able to do so.
Suitable for those who are tired of traveling and traveling, and are mentally and physically exhausted.
These people are all the core figures of the "Zhou Party", and they all understand that Zhou Shangjing is the "Zhou Party" and even the backbone of the temple center. The "Zhou Party" and the temple center can temporarily lose their help, but absolutely
They could not leave Zhou Shangjing's seat, so they were all willing to take risks and shoulder the important responsibilities of the court in Zhou Shangjing's place.
However, after hearing these people's offer, Emperor Deqing did not give them any face at all, and said coldly: "Mr. Li Ge is rich in experience and has high prestige. It is true that he can be called a minister of the Zhuguo, but you are more
He is good at mediating means, but always lacks some courage, which is fine in ordinary times, but he is not the best person to turn the tide in times of crisis... As for Song Shangshu and Zhang Shangshu, they are somewhat lacking in experience and prestige, and they still cannot be regarded as
The best candidate, in my opinion, the best candidate for this matter can only be Zhou Shoufu, there is no more suitable candidate other than Zhou Shoufu!"
Having said this, Emperor Deqing stared at Zhou Shangjing and asked again: "How? Zhou Shoufu has always been loyal to the emperor and the country. Are you willing to share the worries of the court again this time?"
Emperor Deqing had already spoken to such an extent that Zhou Shangjing could not refuse even if he wanted to.
Therefore, Zhou Shangjing turned his attention to Zhao Junchen, seemingly hoping that Zhao Junchen would take the initiative to help him stop this matter.
However, at this time, Zhao Junchen was looking at his nose and mouth, without any reaction at all.
Seeing this situation, Zhou Shangjing's eyes flashed with disappointment, and after sighing, his wrinkled old face was full of fatigue, but he still raised his hands to Emperor Deqing and replied: "Since you trust me so much, Your Majesty."
Old minister, the old minister is naturally duty-bound and will do his best! After the court ends tomorrow morning, the old minister will immediately leave the capital and head south to Huaiyin for inspection and control!"
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, all the ministers in the imperial study suddenly changed their minds and kept thinking about the changes in the situation after Zhou Shangjing left the center of the capital.
Among them, compared to the other pavilion elders and ministers, Zhao Junchen, who had remained calm and silent, could think of more situations.
"Obviously, Emperor Deqing has received news from Nanjing City and found that the plan he originally planned for Zhu Hejian to seek benefits and avoid disadvantages has been cracked, because Zhou Shangjing used the means of building momentum to push Zhu Hejian to the embarrassment of being 'unpopular'
situation, so Zhu Hejian must personally take charge of the situation in Nanjing...
Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing must have been ashamed and angry. He was not only jealous of Zhou Shangjing's better methods, but also angry that Zhou Shangjing always made things difficult for Zhu Hejian. That's why he was so unquestionable that he had to let Zhou Shangjing go in person.
Sitting behind the scenes near South Zhili!
Emperor Deqing's approach was apparently just to ensure the safety of the situation in Nanjing. In fact, it tied the merits and demerits of Zhou Shangjing and Zhu Hejian together, so that Zhou Shangjing would not dare to target Zhu Hejian too much, even if Zhu Hejian would be in the future.
There was a mistake in handling the situation in Nanjing, which caused the situation to get out of control. Out of his duty, Zhou Shangjing had to escort him and clean up the mess, once again creating a favorable situation for Zhu Hejian with no faults and no merits!
At the same time, Emperor Deqing was also very aware that Zhou Shangjing was in poor health recently, but he still forced Zhou Shangjing to leave the capital and go south in person, making Zhou Shangjing tiresome, exhausted, and exhausted. This was also a warning method to express dissatisfaction... and then wait until Zhou Shangjing
After leaving the capital, Emperor Deqing will inevitably make other moves, taking the opportunity to expand the imperial power and suppress the power of ministers... but he picked a good time and a good excuse!"
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen was not only wary of Emperor Deqing's methods, but also began to think about the changes in the temple situation after Zhou Shangjing left the center of the capital.
In fact, Emperor Deqing just said that among the officials in the temple, only Zhou Shangjing has the prestige and the ability to turn the tide when the situation in Nanjing gets out of control. This statement is not accurate, because although Zhao Junchen is still young, his achievements in recent years have been
However, his civil and military achievements were extremely outstanding and were enough to be remembered in history. Naturally, he could replace Zhou Shangjing and go to Huaiyin Mansion to inspect and take charge. Once the situation in Nanjing changed, Zhao Junchen's methods and abilities were enough to turn the tide.
Therefore, if Zhao Junchen, like Li He, Song Qiwen, Zhang Bochong and others, had just taken the initiative to ask for help and expressed his willingness to take on important responsibilities in place of Zhou Shangjing, it would be difficult for Emperor Deqing to find a reason to refute.
However, Zhao Junchen had other plans in his mind and finally chose to stand by and watch.
In recent times, due to Zhou Shangjing's various suppressions and constraints, Zhao Junchen has often been restrained in doing things, achieving twice the result with half the effort, and has been forced to delay the implementation of many plans, so Zhao Junchen is also happy to see Zhou Shangjing leave the capital temporarily.
Center, this period of time is enough for Zhao Junchen to accomplish many things.
Although it is said that after Zhao Junchen went to Huaiyin Mansion to inspect and sit in place of Zhou Shangjing, it was more convenient to communicate with Nanjing City. He could even personally direct all the forces he deployed in Nanjing City to do things, and then he could grab more benefits from Nanjing officialdom.
But compared with the implementation of Zhao Junchen's other plans, the benefits of Nanjing's officialdom pale in comparison.
It was precisely because of this calculation that Zhao Junchen had no intention of stopping Emperor Deqing's plan, and allowed Emperor Deqing to force Zhou Shangjing to leave the temple center, intending to take advantage of Zhou Shangjing's departure from the capital center to seize various benefits for himself.
"Allowing Zhou Shangjing to temporarily leave the capital center for a period of time is actually good for him... After all, Zhu Hejian has been using the channels of the imperial kitchen to make Zhou Shangjing take diamond powder continuously, damaging Zhou Shangjing's gastrointestinal organs, and Zhou Shangjing left the capital during this period
, which means he is far away from Zhu Hejian's secret poisoning, and his physical condition will not continue to deteriorate, and he can persist for a longer time...
Well, I can also ask Divine Doctor Zhang or Divine Doctor Wen to leave the capital with Zhou Shangjing and take the opportunity to recuperate his body... From this aspect, although I stood by and took advantage of the situation this time, I can still be considered worthy of Zhou Shangjing!"
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen no longer felt any guilt in his heart. He just waited for Zhou Shangjing to leave the center of the capital and let go.
However, although the wishful thinking in Zhao Junchen's heart was rattling, as the saying goes, the agency is too clever, after Emperor Deqing saw Zhou Shangjing finally agreed to his request, the next moment he turned his attention to Zhao Junchen.
"I feel relieved that Zhou Shoufu is patrolling near Nanzhili and can step in to clean up the mess in Nanjing at any time. Zhou Shoufu is worthy of being a pillar of loyalty to the emperor and the country. I am very relieved... If all the officials in the temple were like Zhou Shoufu
If you understand justice so well and are selfless, what else do I have to worry about?
Now, in addition to the subsequent changes in Nanjing, I still have a worry, that is, the matter of the Liaodong military town. Ever since I accepted the tribute tribute from the Jianzhou Jurchen, the central court has always wanted to reduce the Liaodong defense area.
Otherwise, millions of taels of military supplies would be invested in Liaodong every year. The imperial government's finances would be under great pressure!
However, the Liaodong military town did not know how to sympathize with the difficulties of the court at all, and always acted against the will. One day it was said that there was civil unrest, the next day it was said that there was a mutiny, and the day after tomorrow it was said that Jianzhou Jurchens sent troops to provoke. In short, they were unwilling to cut military expenditures...
…”
Hearing this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but change his expression slightly again, and he had vaguely guessed what Emperor Deqing would say next.
Sure enough, Emperor Deqing continued: "Yesterday, there was another memorial from Liaodong, saying that the Jurchens of Jianzhou sent troops to provoke again and took the opportunity to ask for money and food from the court. Although the memorial from Liaodong Military Town seemed to be conclusive, I
But I don’t believe their words, so I want to arrange for another important minister to go to Liaodong for inspection...
I also know that things in Liaodong Military Town are very complicated. The situation cannot be changed in a short time. We must figure it out slowly. This time I sent important ministers to inspect Liaodong. It is not that I want to change the current situation in Liaodong immediately, but I must take the opportunity to show it.
With the majesty and determination of the imperial court center, I will give those military leaders in Liaodong a beating and let the Liaodong military commanders understand that I and the imperial court are not to be bullied at will!"
After saying that, Emperor Deqing stared at Zhao Junchen with bright eyes and asked: "Zhao Aiqing, are you willing to go to Liaodong on behalf of the imperial court and share my worries like Zhou Shoufu?"
Emperor Deqing seemed to be asking Zhao Junchen for his opinion at this time, but his attitude was still unquestionable.
When Emperor Deqing wanted to let Zhou Shangjing leave the capital and go south for inspection, the officials of the "Zhao Party" headed by Zhao Junchen chose to stand aside out of consideration of their own interests. Now Emperor Deqing wants to let Zhao Junchen
After leaving the capital and going north to inspect Liaodong, it was naturally impossible to expect the "Zhou Party" headed by Zhou Shangjing to stand up and say a fair word.
Therefore, under Emperor Deqing's unquestionable inquiry, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to bite the bullet and raise the objection first, saying: "Your Majesty clearly knows that I am naturally willing to share your worries for you, but the temple's finances have just gotten on the right track, and I cannot do without you.
, I am worried that after I leave the center of the capital, the temple's finances will fall into chaos again, and I am afraid that the gains will outweigh the losses..."
In fact, Zhao Junchen was willing to take the initiative to go to Shaanxi and Gansu to get chestnuts from the fire. This was because the troops stationed on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu were self-respecting and fought on their own. They were not monolithic with each other. Therefore, Zhao Junchen had the confidence to use wooing and beating
By using this method, he gradually controlled the civil and military officials on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu, and he could take the opportunity to intervene in military power.
But the situation in the Liaodong military town is completely different. After more than a hundred years of situation changes, although the Liaodong military town cannot be said to be monolithic, it has formed a community of interests that advance and retreat together.
Compared with the three countries of Shaanxi and Gansu, they are more united and extremely exclusive.
Therefore, even if Zhao Junchen goes to Liaodong, he will not be able to intervene in the military power of the Liaodong Military Town in a short period of time, or take the Liaodong Military Town for his own use. Instead, he will bear certain risks due to the xenophobia of the Liaodong Group——
Over the years, more than ten of the imperial supervisors and foreign ministers have died in Liaodong Military Town due to various reasons!
In normal times, Zhao Junchen would have just made a trip to Liaodong. After all, Emperor Deqing did not ask Zhao Junchen to immediately solve the stubborn problem of supporting troops in Liaodong Military Town. He just asked Zhao Junchen to try to beat the military leaders in Liaodong Military Town.
, but under the current situation, Zhao Junchen was unwilling to leave the temple center like this no matter what.
However, before Zhao Junchen finished his rebuttal, and before several "Zhao Party" officials could echo their words, Emperor Deqing waved his hand and said: "Since the imperial government's finances are on track, Zhao Aiqing can leave temporarily.
It shouldn't be a big problem to stay in the temple center for a while! What's more, the Liaodong defense area is not far from the capital, and the road is convenient. Zhao Aiqing's task is only to attack the Liaodong military town on behalf of the imperial center, and he will surely return to the capital soon. Even if
The temple's finances were in a bit of chaos during this period, but once Zhao Aiqing returns to the capital, things will soon be rectified... I fully trust Zhao Aiqing's ability."
At this point, when Emperor Deqing saw that Zhao Junchen still refused to agree, his voice suddenly turned cold and he asked: "What? Zhao Aiqing really doesn't want to share my worries?"
When Emperor Deqing spoke to such an extent, Zhao Junchen was naturally unable to continue to refute.
Moreover, from what Emperor Deqing said just now, Zhao Junchen also sensed Emperor Deqing's determination!
During this period of time, Zhao Junchen has always relied on the fact that the court's finances cannot be separated from him. He just made it clear that once he leaves the center of the capital, the court's finances will fall into chaos. Under normal circumstances, Emperor Deqing considered the overall situation
, there would be a slight compromise at this time, but this time Emperor Deqing made it clear that regardless of whether the imperial court's finances would fall into chaos, Zhao Junchen must leave the capital for a period of time and go to Liaodong. This undoubtedly showed
Emperor Deqing’s firm determination.
After noticing Emperor Deqing's resolute attitude, Zhao Junchen also knew that the matter was irreversible, and couldn't help but secretly regret in his heart.
"Emperor Deqing obviously cannot tolerate the further expansion of my temple power, so when he transfers Zhou Shangjing away from the center of the temple this time, he will not let me stay alone in the capital to dominate the family and reap the benefits.
Therefore, I am also forced to leave the capital for a while...
Moreover, Emperor Deqing's actions today are obviously a plan to move the tiger away from the mountain. After moving Zhou Shangjing and I away from the center of the capital at the same time, he will completely lose the constraints and checks and balances from his ministerial power, and he will be able to let go of many things.
for……
Emperor Deqing's actions this time were extremely determined, and he must have wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to make some big moves. Whether he asked Zhou Shangjing to go south to ensure that Nanjing's changes were safe, or he asked me to go north to attack the Liaodong military town, it was just a matter of time.
It's just his convenience...
But these decisions of Emperor Deqing were made without any warning. I knew Emperor Deqing very well, but I couldn't guess what he really thought at this time. This situation was really nerve-wracking!
Alas! I was too short-sighted just now, focusing only on the expansion of my own interests, and did not immediately object to Emperor Deqing's transfer of Zhou Shangjing from the capital to go south for inspection... Now I can only reap the consequences."
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help turning his head to look at Zhou Shangjing, only to find that Zhou Shangjing was also looking at him at this time. The expression on his old face was also extremely serious, and his eyes staring at Zhao Junchen were full of questioning.
meaning.
Zhao Junchen quickly avoided eye contact with Zhou Shangjing, and then under the gaze of Emperor Deqing, he also bowed his hands and said: "Since Your Majesty trusts me so much, I also have no shirking responsibility! Let's talk to Zhou Shoufu
Normally, after the morning court tomorrow, I will leave the capital and go north to inspect Liaodong!"
Seeing Zhao Junchen's surrender, Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction, and then explained some matters to the important ministers before letting everyone leave the imperial study.
*
But he said that after Zhao Junchen and everyone left the imperial study not far away, the first thing he did was to walk to Zhou Shangjing.
After all the ministers and ministers saw this situation, they all walked aside knowingly and let the two powerful ministers talk alone.
Later, Zhao Junchen directly admitted his mistake, bowed to Zhou Shangjing and apologized: "Zhou Shoufu, you and the younger generation were divided and conquered by His Majesty today. They are all to be forced to leave the center of the temple, so that His Majesty will be able to completely destroy the temple in the next period of time."
The loss of checks and balances is all the fault of this junior’s short-sightedness, but it’s too late to say anything now. I just hope you can give me some pointers and give this junior a chance to forgive!”