Just when Zhao Junchen was thinking deeply, Zhou Shangjing was conversing with Song Qiwen in the study room of the Zhou Mansion.
Ever since he noticed that his energy was declining rapidly, coupled with the fact that his stomach ailment was still not cured, Zhou Shangjing's desire to retire and return to his hometown became more and more intense.
Zhou Shangjing's inner views were relatively conservative. He wanted to return to his roots while he was still able to act, and be buried in the Zhou family's ancestral grave after his death, instead of dying as the chief minister of the cabinet.
It is precisely because of this consideration that Zhou Shangjing has been vigorously raising his spirits and taking frequent actions during this period. On the one hand, he wants to eliminate the hidden dangers in his eyes as soon as possible, and on the other hand, he wants to pave the way for his political successor.
, only by achieving these two goals can he feel at ease when he retires and returns to his hometown.
In Zhou Shangjing's eyes, the hidden dangers that threaten the stability of the country are naturally Zhao Junchen and Zhu Hejian, two young men who do not know the rules and are ambitious. It has never been a secret that Zhou Shangjing's political successor is Song Qiwen, the Minister of Civil Affairs.
Therefore, Zhou Shangjing did not hide his overall plan from Song Qiwen from beginning to end this time.
At this time, Zhou Shangjing was explaining to Song Qiwen in detail his various arrangements after leaving Beijing.
Zhou Shangjing was seen leaning back on the recliner with his eyes slightly closed, while Song Qiwen was standing aside with his hands lowered in a respectful manner.
During the conversation, Zhou Shangjing's voice seemed breathless, but his tone was extremely serious and rare.
"This time, Your Majesty forced me to leave the capital and go south to take charge, and at the same time, he forced Zhao Junchen to go north for inspection. In fact, it was because of my secret encouragement. If I hadn't specifically encouraged him when he met with Your Majesty yesterday evening, it would have been difficult for Your Majesty to make a decision.
Determined to risk the instability of the temple and financial chaos, I will transfer both I and Zhao Junchen away from the center of the capital at the same time!"
Having said this, Zhou Shangjing slowly opened his old eyes, turned slightly to look at Song Qiwen, and asked with deep eyes: "And what I did is not just to take advantage of the opportunity to plot against Zhao Junchen and the Seventh Prince, but there is another
For an important reason... Qiwen, do you know what the reason is?"
Song Qiwen could be regarded as a political successor by Zhou Shangjing, so he was naturally a man of extraordinary intelligence. In addition, he knew Zhou Shangjing's overall plan very well, so after hearing Zhou Shangjing's inquiry, he immediately thought of the correct answer.
Song Qiwen's face was full of gratitude and respect, and he replied softly: "Teacher, you want to create a situation where students can stand alone and cultivate their reputation!"
Zhou Shangjing nodded happily and said: "That's right! Your Majesty, he temporarily removed me and Zhao Junchen from the center of the capital. Although it was just a temporary move, since he has made such a holy heart decision, he will definitely not
If you miss the opportunity, you will definitely take advantage of the time when I and Zhao Junchen leave the capital to suppress the ministerial power and expand the imperial power. By then, the interests of all officials will be harmed!
You have been the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs for many years, and you are not lacking in connections, qualifications, experience, reputation, etc., and you are also lacking in talents and means. However, you have always followed my lead and followed my lead, so all the officials in the court always regard you.
Being regarded as my appendage and shadow makes you always lack some prestige and courage, which makes it difficult for officials to follow you with peace of mind!
At the same time, Zhao Junchen's popularity in recent years has also attracted everyone's attention. Many people even regard him as the next representative of ministerial power after me, which makes you even more uncomfortable.
It’s conspicuous!
In the next period of time, both I and Zhao Junchen will leave the center of the capital, and His Majesty will take the opportunity to expand imperial power. This is also a great opportunity for you to show your courage and responsibility!
As long as you can take the initiative to stand up and lead the officials to resist His Majesty's various methods, even if it just prevents His Majesty's ideas from being fully successful, the officials will definitely look at you with admiration and be convinced, and then your authority will
Naturally, it stood up!
In this way, when I try to recommend you to the cabinet to assist the administration, I can retire and return to my hometown with peace of mind, passing on my many years of management to your hands!"
Hearing Zhou Shangjing's detailed explanation, Song Qiwen was even more moved and solemnly promised: "Students will do their best and will never let the teacher down!"
Zhou Shangjing was a little dissatisfied with Song Qiwen's guarantee. He shook his head and said: "It's not that you try your best, but you must do it! And what you do is not to satisfy me, but for yourself and Bai Bai."
Official interests, or even for the long-term stability of the entire Ming Dynasty!"
Having said this, Zhou Shangjing couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
In this world, everything always has pros and cons, just like Song Qiwen. The reason why Zhou Shangjing regards him as his political successor is not only because of Song Qiwen's ability and wisdom, but also because Song Qiwen sincerely respects and loves him.
Zhou Shangjing also knew how to be grateful and repay, so after Zhou Shangjing handed over his political assets to Song Qiwen, Song Qiwen would definitely reciprocate the favor and fully support the career prospects of the descendants of the Zhou family so that the Zhou family could maintain their wealthy status for a long time. He would never
There is a risk of someone taking the tea cold.
But precisely because of this, in Song Qiwen's heart, Zhou Shangjing's weight seemed too heavy. At this time, he only thought that he would never let Zhou Shangjing down.
"Alas, there are some things that cannot be forced to happen quickly... Qiwen has always been my assistant and executor in the past, and certain awakenings will have to wait until he actually sits in that position to gradually appear!"
Thinking of this, Zhou Shangjing spoke with relief again: "Your task is not easy, but the chance of success is not low. Not only have I arranged many countermeasures for you in advance, but when Zhao Junchen left the imperial study today, he just started
He also mistakenly thought that it was his short-sighted choice that caused the situation where I and he both had to leave the center of the capital. When he talked with me afterwards, he not only repeatedly admitted his mistake, but also made many concessions...
Therefore, when you take the initiative to stand up to resist His Majesty's expansion of imperial power in the future, not only will everyone in our 'Zhou Party' look up to you, but everyone in the 'Zhao Party' will also fully support you! Once the 'Zhou Party' and the 'Zhou Party'
The two factions of the 'Zhao Party' have joined forces, and coupled with our advance arrangements, His Majesty may not be able to obtain benefits in a short period of time!"
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's relief, Song Qiwen also knew that his thoughts and positions were still somewhat biased, so he immediately changed his firm look and reassured: "The teacher taught you this! The students must do whatever it takes to complete the task! If the students cannot
If you complete the task properly, you will not be qualified to succeed you, teacher, and lead the ministers!"
Zhou Shangjing finally nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "It's good to be so enlightened!"
Afterwards, Song Qiwen hesitated for a moment, but then asked: "Teacher, you just said that when Zhao Junchen communicated with you today, he mistakenly thought that it was his short-sighted behavior that caused you and him to temporarily leave the capital.
situation...could it be said that he noticed something later?"
Hearing Song Qiwen's inquiry, Zhou Shangjing immediately showed appreciation on his face, nodded and said: "Zhao Junchen is not only suspicious by nature, but also smart and intelligent. I just showed some abnormalities, and he immediately noticed many clues!
When he was talking to me today, he began to test me repeatedly. If my guess is correct, although he is not completely sure yet, he should have discovered what I am plotting against him."
When Song Qiwen heard Zhou Shangjing's answer, he did not show any concern that his plan would fail.
Zhou Shangjing has always been the best at conspiracy, but what is conspiracy? That is, even if you know that there is a trap in front of you, you must jump in with your eyes closed and your teeth gritted!
Therefore, Song Qiwen just asked: "Teacher, did you let Zhao Junchen find out the clues on purpose?"
Zhou Shangjing shook his head slowly, but the admiration on his expression became more and more obvious, and said: "It's not that I deliberately let Zhao Junchen find out the clues, I just didn't spend too much time to deliberately hide it from him, plus
Zhao Junchen's alertness was far beyond ordinary people, so he was allowed to find out many things through some clues.
However, I am not worried that Zhao Junchen will discover my plan. In fact, the more he discovers the truth this time, the more panic and worry he feels in his heart. The more he takes every precaution when doing things, the more likely he is to fall into a trap!
However, at my current age, after all, I am no longer as decisive as when I was young. Even when I am plotting against others, I am always unwilling to kill them all, and will deliberately leave a glimmer of hope! Now, whether I am plotting against the Seventh Prince,
, or plotting against Zhao Junchen, it’s all like this!
I had sternly warned Zhao Junchen some time ago, telling him to learn how to advance, retreat, and exercise restraint, and to abide by his duties as a minister. If he had indeed listened to my original good words and advice, then my plan this time would be very harmful to him.
On the contrary, it is beneficial and harmless, everything depends on his own choice!"
Hearing Zhou Shangjing's words, Song Qiwen couldn't help but shake his head slightly, thinking that Zhao Junchen would never be able to seize that glimmer of hope because Zhao Junchen was too ambitious and proactive, and was never willing to defend passively.
, and has never been a minister who abides by his duties.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen will definitely fall into the pit!
*
In fact, Zhou Shangjing's method of calculating Zhao Junchen this time was very simple. It all stemmed from Zhou Shangjing's conversation with Emperor Deqing yesterday evening.
Yesterday evening, Zhou Shangjing estimated that Emperor Deqing had received the relevant news. After discovering that Prince Zhu Heyu was returning to the center of the capital without authorization, he met with Emperor Deqing in time.
After meeting Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing expressed his position directly, saying that after repeated thinking and considering the long-term stability of the country, he still believed that the seventh prince Zhu Hejian was not a suitable candidate for the crown prince, and he still supported the current crown prince Zhu He.
It can be said that he directly opposed Emperor Deqing's plan to abolish the crown prince.
Emperor Deqing had just received the news and discovered that Prince Zhu Heyu was returning to the center of the capital without authorization. At this time, he saw Zhou Shangjing's clear attitude that he planned to fully support Zhu Heyu. Naturally, he was deeply angry and reprimanded Zhou Shangjing on the spot for his overstepping.
At the same time, the idea of letting Zhou Shangjing temporarily leave the capital center naturally came up.
After being reprimanded by Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing did not argue with Emperor Deqing, but just managed to turn the topic to Zhao Junchen.
Then, Zhou Shangjing took the opportunity to put forward a very interesting idea - Zhao Junchen is too young, but his achievements are huge. Sooner or later, he will achieve great success and shake up the master. Under such circumstances, it is naturally the most critical to distinguish whether Zhao Junchen is loyal or traitorous.
The method to tell whether Zhao Junchen is loyal or traitorous is actually very simple. Just ask Zhao Junchen to leave the capital and go to a border town, and then arrange for a loyal military general to pretend to defect to Zhao Junchen.
Just fine!
If Zhao Junchen was a loyal minister, he would definitely refuse the general's offer to join the army! But if Zhao Junchen had a disloyal heart, he would definitely not let go of this opportunity to intervene in the military power, and would definitely
This military general secretly used it for his own purposes!
Then, it will be clear at a glance whether Zhao Junchen is loyal or traitorous!
This is why Zhou Shangjing just said that the more uneasy Zhao Junchen is at this time, the more likely he is to fall into a trap!
When Zhao Junchen found out that Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing were working together to plot against him, he must have been panic-stricken and would seize every opportunity to increase his resistance capital. How could he refuse a general in the army under such circumstances?
The temptation to take refuge?
In Zhou Shangjing's eyes, eradicating the hidden danger of Zhao Junchen has never been his own business, but the responsibility of Emperor Deqing - and he only needs to choose the right time to secretly push, strengthen Emperor Deqing's determination, and speed up Zhao Junchen
The speed of death is good!
So, what happened in the imperial study room today.