Before summoning the Liaodong generals, Zhao Junchen deliberately took time to reflect on himself again.
Zhao Junchen believes that he has always tied his own hands when doing things recently, probably not only because of selfish motives and fear of being picked off by Li Zehe, but also because after the situation in Liaodong gradually exceeded expectations, Zhao Junchen felt uneasy and timid.
In order to bear the cost of the failure of the plan, consciously or unconsciously, a self-protective approach was adopted.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen deliberately pretended to be aloof and indifferent, trying his best to avoid directly intervening in anything. He just hid behind the scenes and guided the situation secretly.
In this way, there is room for maneuver. After all, Zhao Junchen has not shown any attitude or inclination from beginning to end, nor has he taken any practical actions on the surface. Even everyone in Liaodong Town suspects that Zhao Junchen is responsible for everything.
It is difficult to find direct evidence of the person behind the plan. Even if the plan fails in the end, Zhao Junchen does not have to worry about direct retaliation from Liaodong Town and can escape unscathed.
On the surface, this is a very smart and rational approach. It leaves enough room for advancement and retreat, and can be said to be able to attack and defend with ease.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Yuan Shao, a prince who was once expected to unify the world, often adopted this approach, so he was rated as "doing great things but cherishing his own life" and became a negative example.
And Zhao Junchen is currently in the same situation: he cherishes his life when doing big things, and runs away when he sees small gains. He obviously can't bear the immediate benefits and can't help but take action, but after taking action, he will look forward and backward when encountering risks, worrying about gains and losses.
In fact, this approach is not necessarily wrong, but it is obviously not suitable for the current situation in Liaodong, let alone Zhao Junchen's ambitious goals.
In Liaodong, Zhao Junchen was limited by his lack of strength and did not have the capital to hesitate, let alone protect himself wisely while reaping all the benefits.
At least not yet.
If he wanted to protect himself wisely, Zhao Junchen should not have taken any action from the beginning, nor should he have aroused suspicion and hostility in Liaodong Town; if he really wanted to do something, he had to fight for it himself, fight for it with his own hands, and risk everything.
, only then can all the efforts be accomplished in one battle!
In short, "If you don't do it, don't do it; if you do it, do it!"
*
"In the final analysis, what kind of person you are is what you should do, and I have always been cautious, sensitive, and suspicious when things happen. This kind of personality can certainly not be regarded as an advantage, but it cannot be regarded as a shortcoming. It can only be
It is a characteristic that has both advantages and disadvantages...
The advantage is that you always make decisions before doing anything, think carefully, and have plans for any variables. The disadvantage is that you can easily become suspicious, often scare yourself, and fight with the air...
Under such circumstances, you should maximize your strengths and avoid weaknesses, decide your own way of doing things based on your own personality characteristics, and try to avoid doing anything you are unsure of or unprepared for!
But this time, my preparation in advance was far from sufficient. The opponent was a behemoth like Liaodong Town. There were too few plans and too many variables. It was simply a case of exploiting weaknesses and avoiding strengths. It not only amplified my tendency to be suspicious and worry about gains and losses after encountering trouble.
The shortcomings are that it completely avoids the advantage of making decisions before taking action... As a result, you are naturally tied up and almost miss a good opportunity!"
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen felt a little regretful, but his expression became calmer.
Zhao Junchen must thank Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, because Emperor Deqing's repeated suppression and Zhou Shangjing's repeated calculations made Zhao Junchen never dare to be pretentious, and he could easily accept and correct his mistakes.
You won't be easily frustrated due to a momentary mistake.
"Objectively speaking, since I arrived in Liaodong, I have always been lucky. I have been unintentionally inserted several times, and the effect of my alienation strategy has far exceeded expectations!
Therefore, even if I was not well prepared in advance, the pace of the plan was deviated, and the situation changed far beyond expectations, there is still a lot of room for maneuver, and there is still a lot to be done...
In this case, there can no longer be any hesitation. Whether it is to reverse the situation that Liaodong Zhenwei cannot lose, or to take the opportunity to intervene in Liaodong's military power, if you really want to make a difference, you must make a decisive decision and cut through the mess quickly. Otherwise, if you just care about it like this
Just stay safe and wait until the Liaodong cavalry reinforcements from the Jinzhou camp arrive, and many things will completely ruin the good opportunity!"
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen finally suppressed his hesitation and strengthened his train of thought.
At this time, Jiang Quan quickly entered the tent and reported: "To inform the cabinet ministers, five generals from Liaodong Town have been invited to come to see you."
*
When the five generals from Liaodong Town filed into Zhao Junchen's tent, Ximen Sheng, the leader, clasped his fists and saluted, then asked straight to the point: "I have been ordered to come to see you, Zhao Junchen, please tell me clearly that you are summoning me this time.
What are you waiting for?"
Ximen Sheng's questioning tone was rather rude and impatient, but it was also excusable.
After all, Ximen Sheng has too many things to be busy with now. He must try to negotiate with the kidnappers in the dense forest to protect He Yu's life; he must investigate the true origin of these kidnappers as soon as possible and formulate a follow-up rescue plan; he must monitor
We must work with all the forces that control Hujiazhuang to prevent them from taking the opportunity to cause trouble; we must also be distracted from the daily defense of Liaodong to ensure the stability of the entire Liaodong region; and finally we must continue to scheming with Li Zehe and others to prevent these people's ambitions...
There were so many things to do and the tasks were so complex that Ximen Sheng was exhausted mentally and naturally he was unwilling to be further distracted in dealing with Zhao Junchen.
To be honest, Ximen Sheng was really relieved after seeing Zhao Junchen showing a prudent and indifferent attitude yesterday.
Therefore, on the one hand, Ximen Sheng was wary of Zhao Junchen summoning him and others without warning, and on the other hand, he was impatient to waste time, so he did not hide his rejection and took the opportunity to express his attitude to Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen glanced at Ximen Sheng, but did not pay attention to him. Instead, he asked Li Zehe: "General Li, how is your physical condition? Has it improved after you rest?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen was concerned about his physical condition for the first time, Li Zehe's eyes flashed with surprise, and then he pretended to be flattered, and quickly replied: "Thank you for your concern, minister. Your current physical condition has improved a bit."
, although I am still physically weak and feel nauseous from time to time, I am finally no longer in fear of my life!
This is also thanks to your timely help and wonderful treatment last night, cabinet minister. I am extremely grateful to you for your life-saving grace, and I will do my best to repay you in the future!"
As Li Zehe finished speaking, Ximen Sheng frowned and felt that Zhao Junchen's attitude towards Li Zehe seemed to have changed, and Li Zehe also had something in his words, taking the opportunity to hint.
Therefore, Ximen Sheng wanted to speak again and try to interrupt the series of events happening in front of him.
However, before Ximen Sheng could speak, Zhao Junchen asked again: "Common generals, did you feel uncomfortable living in the Forbidden Army camp last night? General generals must have heavy tasks these days, and I should also do it.
I will do my best to entertain you. If you have any needs, just ask them and I will do my best to satisfy you!"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's statement, several generals naturally expressed their gratitude one after another. They all claimed that living here with Zhao Junchen was very comfortable and secure, and they did not have any additional needs.
Zhao Junchen rolled his eyes and asked again: "Although some matters have been given to your Liaodong Town to take full responsibility, I should not interfere easily, but after all, I have to ask a few questions, and I cannot be completely unconcerned...
I summoned you this time. First of all, I wanted to ask if there was any change in the group of kidnappers in the dense forest today? Did they make any more demands? Didn't you further create difficulties for Mr. He because of my solo escape? "
Ximen Sheng frowned more and more. He believed that Zhao Junchen's remarks seemed innocuous, but in fact they were a precursor to his intention to interfere in the internal affairs of Liaodong Town.
However, Li Zehe was the first to answer: "For the record, cabinet minister, because of your clever escape, the group of kidnappers in the dense forest were naturally angry and almost going crazy. Although they did not express their anger at General He, they were not angry with us in Liaodong.
When the town contacted them, their attitude became more and more arrogant, and they once again increased the amount of ransom. However, the ransoms they asked for were all pearls and treasures. It is not easy for us in Liaodong Town to raise all the money, so the current situation is still
Deadlocked!"
Zhao Junchen asked again: "Then... have you found any clues about the origin of this group of kidnappers?"
Valley Grain
This time, Ximen Sheng finally spoke first and said: "Thank you very much, Zhao Gechen, for your concern, but I and others are incompetent and still haven't been able to find any reliable clues."
In fact, as the most powerful and deep-rooted local snake in Liaodong, as long as Liaodong Town investigates seriously, nothing in Liaodong can be concealed for too long.
Therefore, Liaodong Town has initially discovered some clues, and believes that several single farmers in Hujiazhuang are quite suspicious. They left Hujiazhuang in a hurry on the day He Yu was kidnapped, and their whereabouts are still unknown. Ximen Sheng is currently secretly conducting an in-depth investigation.
, but he was obviously unwilling to reveal the truth to Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen did not go into details, but just asked again: "I once wanted you to provide clues that the group of kidnappers may be related to the Jianzhou Jurchens. Have you continued the investigation along this clue?"
"this……"
This time, Ximen Sheng was a little speechless.
After Li Zehe sneered, he complained: "I hope you will know that although you have provided us with clues, it stands to reason that we should continue to investigate along the clues you provided, but...
General Ximen insisted that this kidnapping had nothing to do with the Jianzhou Jurchens. He believed that if we followed this clue to investigate, it would only be a waste of time and energy. Therefore, under the obstruction of General Ximen, Liaodong Town naturally
It is impossible to investigate in depth, and naturally there will be no results!"
Zhao Junchen finally turned his attention to Ximen Sheng and asked: "General Ximen, is this really true?"
Ximen Sheng gritted his teeth and lowered his head and replied: "I hope Cabinet Minister Zhao can forgive me. I really believe that although the Jianzhou Jurchens have penetrated the Liaodong area pervasively, they still don't have the ability to kidnap the General Soldier and you under the nose of Liaodong Town!"
The person who can do this kind of thing will only be one of the forces currently staying in Hujiazhuang!"
Zhao Junchen also frowned and asked: "So, General Ximen Ginseng, you don't trust the clues provided by this pavilion?"
This time, Ximen Sheng remained silent, vaguely expressing a default attitude.
Seeing Ximen Sheng's attitude, Zhao Junchen was not angry. He just smiled and said: "Well, General Ximen doesn't trust me. Of course I am very unhappy, but it doesn't matter if I am unhappy.
I am just a little worried about General Ximen’s reputation..."
Ximen Sheng was stunned for a moment, then raised his head and asked, "What's the reputation of humble position? I've always had a clear conscience. I'm upright and not afraid of shadows, so why worry about reputation?"
Zhao Junchen said slowly: "I also know that Ximen Sheng has done nothing wrong, but others may not trust Ximen Sheng as much as I do, and all kinds of rumors in this world are out of control!
Ming people don't tell secrets. You and the Jianzhou Jurchens have always been friends and foes, and have a close relationship. On the one hand, you have been fighting with the Jianzhou Jurchens for many years to resist the invasion of the Jianzhou Jurchens. On the other hand, you are secretly in charge of Liaoyang.
Trade, through the smuggling business with Jianzhou Jurchens, making money day by day...
Under such circumstances, if you insist that the kidnapping of this pavilion and Mr. He has nothing to do with the Jianzhou Jurchens, the world will inevitably think that you are selfish, so you will try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens!"
At this point, Zhao Junchen increased his tone and said word by word: "Even... after seeing that Ximen Shen will try his best to clear the relationship with Jianzhou Jurchen, some people may think that it is you, Ximen, who is so ambitious that you secretly covet Liaodong.
You hold the position of Commander-in-Chief, so you secretly contacted the Jianzhou Jurchens and worked with them to kidnap Commander-in-Chief He. Then you can successfully take charge of Liaodong!
Hey, if we really talk about it, the Jianzhou Jurchens are certainly unable to kidnap me and Mr. He under the nose of Liaodong Town, but if General Ximen cooperates secretly, there will be a chance for this to happen!
"
Ximen Sheng's expression changed drastically again, and he asked angrily: "Zhao Gechen, how dare you slander this general like this? Do you really think that this general is a soft persimmon who can be manipulated by others?"
Zhao Junchen was also full of anger and asked: "When did I slander you? I just raised a possibility, worried that the world would be so suspicious of Ximen Shenjiang, and it was entirely out of suspicion of Ximen Shenjiang.
With such concern, why would General Ximen Ginseng think that I have slandered you? He simply regards my kindness as a donkey’s liver and lungs, and does not know what is good or bad!”
In fact, most of the rumors in this world are secretly spread and promoted by conspirators.
Before this moment, no one suspected that Ximen Sheng was related to He Yu's kidnapping, let alone that Ximen Sheng secretly coveted the position of commander-in-chief, so he secretly colluded with the Jianzhou Jurchens and kidnapped He Yu.
Yu.
But after Zhao Junchen's "kindly" reminder, the relevant rumors are destined to spread quickly!
At least, Li Zehe and Gan Cheng's eyes lit up at this moment, and they were secretly excited. They felt that they had found another good way to deal with Ximen Sheng!
Just like what Huang Ke reminded, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others had been secretly worried that after the Liaodong Cavalry reinforcements from Jinzhou Camp arrived here, Ximen Sheng would have an overwhelming strength advantage. By then, they
Not only will it be impossible to realize his ambition, but his life may also be at risk.
Therefore, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others have been trying to accumulate their own strength in order to compete with Ximen Sheng.
But now, after hearing Zhao Junchen's "goodwill" reminder, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others quickly thought of another possibility!
Yes, they can still use rumors and slander to pour dirty water on Ximen Sheng and portray Ximen Sheng as the man behind the kidnapping of He Yu!
Zhao Junchen also thoughtfully provided them with a quite complete, convincing, and bound to attract attention logic of the rumor!
The reason why Ximen Sheng was unwilling to investigate along the clues provided by Zhao Junchen was because Ximen Sheng wanted to try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens. And Ximen Sheng wanted to try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens because of the kidnapping of He Yu.
It was originally due to the secret cooperation between Ximen Sheng and the Jianzhou Jurchens. The reason why Ximen Sheng wanted to secretly cooperate with the Jianzhou Jurchens to kidnap He Yu was because Ximen Sheng was ambitious and secretly coveted the position of He Yu's commander...
As for the complex interest relationship between Ximen Sheng and the Jianzhou Jurchens, who are both enemies and friends, it provides circumstantial evidence for the logic of this rumor!
Only Ximen Sheng and Jianzhou Jurchen secretly joined forces to kidnap He Yu and Zhao Junchen under the nose of Liaodong Town!
Although the logic of such a rumor cannot convince the wise, it is enough to deceive the vast majority of ignorant people.
In this world, there are only a very small number of wise people, and most are ignorant people.
At the same time, as a very small number of wise men, they will inevitably be coerced by the majority of ignorant people!
Once such rumors intensify and have a considerable impact, even if the Liaodong cavalry reinforcements loyal to He Yu from the Jinzhou camp arrive here, they will naturally have doubts after hearing the relevant rumors and will not dare to fully cooperate with Ximen
Sheng, and even secretly take precautions...
In this way, Ximen Sheng will not be able to have an overwhelming strength advantage, and he will still be unable to do anything to Li Zehe and others!
A simple rumor directly eliminated most of Ximen Sheng's potential advantages, which was enough to be worth countless careful calculations by Li Zehe and others!
Wonderful!
Thinking of this, Li Zehe exclaimed in his heart that although his scheming methods were considered to be top-notch in Liaodong Town, in terms of despicableness and subtlety, they were still far different from those of powerful officials in the temple like Zhao Junchen.
The difference is too far, it is simply incomparable!
After all, big figures like Zhao Junchen who are above the temple are better at this kind of intrigue and intrigue!