According to the information provided by Wu Sangui, the reason why the civil unrest in Xingzhou spread rapidly was closely related to Zhang Su, the commander-in-chief of Jizhen.
When the civil unrest broke out in Xingzhou, Zhang Su showed no response and did not send troops to suppress it, so the civil unrest only became bigger and bigger.
If Zhang Su had reacted faster and taken action at the beginning of the civil unrest to extinguish the spark, the civil unrest would not have caused much trouble at all, nor would it have attracted too much attention from the central government, let alone
Triggered a series of subsequent changes.
Although the Ji Zhen garrison is far less experienced than the Liaodong Frontier Army and the Shaanxi-Gansu Frontier Army, and there are no powerful armies like the Liaodong Cavalry and Guan Ning Cavalry within it, but among the nine major border towns, the equipment of Ji Town is comparable to
The sources of troops are all the best, and Zhang Su himself is also a general who is diligent in training troops. It is more than enough to suppress thousands of rebels.
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At the beginning, after Zhao Junchen received the news of the Xingzhou Civil Uprising, he did not directly identify the "Zhou Party" as the mastermind behind it. Instead, he always secretly doubted the positions of Emperor Deqing and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. It was precisely because of Zhang Su's
reason.
Zhang Su and Zhou Shangjing had an old grudge, and Zhao Junchen could not imagine that the two of them would work together to target him.
But now, Zhao Junchen has understood that the reason why Zhang Su was indifferent at the beginning of the civil unrest in Xingzhou was entirely because of Liang Fuchen, so he sat back and watched the civil unrest get bigger and bigger, just to take the opportunity to cause trouble for Zhao Junchen.
, helped Liang Fuchen avenge his shame.
In short, what Zhang Su did did not have any far-reaching considerations at all, it was purely out of impulse and personal grudges!
After understanding this, Zhao Junchen was naturally disdainful.
As a very important figure who is responsible for guarding the capital and checking and balancing border towns, yet he makes decisions entirely based on impulse and personal grudges. Zhang Su's performance is completely unqualified.
Therefore, in Zhao Junchen's view, no matter how loyal, decisive, or alert Zhang Su is, it must not be difficult to deal with him.
Compared with Liang Fuchen, Zhang Su was far behind. No wonder he was also from the East Palace, but Liang Fuchen was now the second minister of the cabinet, a hereditary marquis, and also held the important position of governor of the three sides, while Zhang Su could only be a governor.
The commander-in-chief of Ji Town is here!
Especially under the current situation, Zhang Su's loyalty, decisiveness, alertness and other advantages are more beneficial to Zhao Junchen.
*
Just as Zhao Junchen expected, Zhang Su was in a dilemma after hearing his own inquiry. Although he knew the true intention of Zhao Junchen's question, he was unwilling to encourage Zhao Junchen's arrogance...
But in the end, Zhang Su replied without hesitation: "Why do you need to say such a thing? Your Majesty's will is absolutely correct. No matter whether the people don't agree with it or the officials don't understand it, they must do it firmly! If
In the end, it backfired. That was due to the incompetence of the person who was doing the work, rather than a mistake in His Majesty’s order!”
Loyalty is not absolute, it is absolutely disloyal.
Zhang Su's loyalty to Emperor Deqing was unquestionable, so at this time he was not even willing to talk about him and tried to avoid the question, but gave a clear answer on the spot.
However, Zhang Su still left some leeway, saying that people who do things under orders can also cause trouble due to lack of ability, and he is still unwilling to help Liu Zimin completely clear away his guilt.
However, there is still a big difference between "insufficient ability" and "heinous crime".
In fact, Zhao Junchen did not think that he could completely reverse the situation with just a few sophistry. His performance was just to show toughness and calm the situation.
But after Zhang Su's statement, it was enough to make Zhao Junchen invincible in Xingzhou, and then turn defense into offense!
Therefore, Zhao Junchen immediately showed respect and raised his hands again: "General Zhang is worthy of being the most loyal minister of the imperial court! That's the reason! This new agricultural reform policy is certainly proposed by this cabinet, but Your Majesty
At that time, they also expressed their support and issued an imperial edict and formulated relevant decrees. How can this matter be said to be a bad government or a cruel government? Those who think that agricultural reform is a bad government or a cruel government undoubtedly have ulterior motives and want to slander
Your Majesty’s Holy Wisdom!”
As Zhao Junchen finished speaking, the expressions of all Xingzhou officials headed by Lu Wensheng changed drastically, while Zhang Su frowned and fell into deep thought.
Zhao Junchen did not leave any chance for others to interrupt, and continued: "Your Majesty's attitude is very clear, that is, the agricultural reform must continue to be implemented unswervingly! General Zhang shoulders the important task of protecting the capital, so naturally he is
He is well-informed and well aware of the recent developments in the temple center. Since the civil unrest broke out in Xingzhou, a large number of officials have taken the opportunity to criticize the new agricultural reform policy with the intention of overturning this policy in one fell swoop. However, His Majesty did not relent from the beginning to the end.
Agree, but on the contrary, he has repeatedly shown his intention to protect...
Mr. Zhang, since you are the most loyal minister among all the officials of the Manchu Dynasty, you must not stand in the wrong team at this critical period. You must carefully understand His Majesty’s Sacred Heart and protect His Majesty’s ambitions! If you accidentally
It hindered His Majesty's grand plan and caused more trouble for His Majesty... As the saying goes, a loyal minister ignores his deeds but not his heart, how can he still be considered a loyal minister?"
In fact, the reason why Emperor Deqing secretly prevented Song Qiwen from overturning the New Agricultural Reform Policy was not only to take advantage of the opportunity to retaliate against the "Zhou Party" for its recent obsessive and covert violations, but also out of consideration for the overall situation.
Before Zhao Junchen left the capital, he repeatedly emphasized to Emperor Deqing that the hidden danger of food shortages in the Ming Dynasty had become increasingly serious. He also took advantage of Emperor Deqing's private visit incognito to take him to visit various grain stores in the capital.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing also knew very well that only by implementing agricultural reforms could the Ming Dynasty's food shortage predicament be alleviated, otherwise there would be big trouble sooner or later.
As long as there was no expenditure of internal funds involved, Emperor Deqing was quite reliable in this matter.
After Zhang Su heard this, he couldn't help but frown more and more.
For Zhang Su, taking the opportunity to retaliate against Zhao Junchen and avenge Liang Fuchen is certainly a very important matter, but if this matter violates Emperor Deqing's holy will and hinders Emperor Deqing's grand plan, then it is absolutely
Give up the basics and pursue the last.
Zhao Junchen continued his efforts and said: "As for the civil unrest in Xingzhou, whether Liu Zimin is responsible and how much responsibility he should bear... I believe that further investigation is needed before we can make a conclusion!
After all, it has been nearly two months since the civil unrest broke out in Xingzhou, but His Majesty has never issued a decree to convict Liu Zimin. Apparently he also believes that there are still many doubts about this matter that need to be investigated.
Investigate! Mr. Zhang, do you think this is true?"
After hearing this, Zhang Su finally changed his stance completely.
Although he is still hostile to Zhao Junchen, at least he will not deliberately target Zhao Junchen again regarding the civil unrest in Xingzhou.
Therefore, Zhang Su nodded slowly and said: "What you said makes sense! If your Majesty thinks that the Xingzhou Civil Uprising cannot be finalized yet, we and other ministers should further find out the truth for your Majesty until your Majesty is satisfied, and then continue
Leave it to His Majesty to make a final decision! I will be personally responsible for this matter!"
Then, Zhang Su took a serious look at Zhao Junchen and added: "In the meantime, if Zhao Junchen is not in a hurry to return to the capital, he can also assist the general in the investigation with Lu Wensheng, the magistrate of Xingzhou!"
As he spoke, Zhang Su emphasized the word "assistance".
Zhao Junchen has achieved his goal, so naturally he will not get entangled in these details. He nodded with a smile and said: "Although I am eager to return to the capital to assist Your Majesty in stabilizing the situation between the government and the opposition, the civil unrest in Xingzhou is also crucial, so I
I will stay in Xingzhou for a few more days to help General Zhang find out the truth!"
After hearing the conversation between Zhao Junchen and Zhang Su, and seeing the change in Zhang Su's stance, the expressions of all Xingzhou officials changed again.
But at this time, they were unable to reverse the situation.
*
Next, Zhang Su and a group of civil and military officials welcomed Zhao Junchen into the capital of Xingzhou.
Compared with the various messy scenes outside Xingzhou Fucheng, Xingzhou Fucheng is still in good order and the people's hearts are stable. It is obvious that they have not been greatly affected by this civil unrest.
While Zhao Junchen was observing secretly after entering the city, Zhang Su quickly said goodbye and left, obviously wanting to contact Emperor Deqing as soon as possible and find out what Emperor Deqing was thinking.
A group of Xingzhou officials headed by Lu Wensheng pretended to hold a banquet, hoping to cleanse Zhao Junchen's reputation.
Zhao Junchen didn't have time to make excuses with them, so he bluntly refused the banquet and the residence arranged for him by the Xingzhou government, choosing to live temporarily in Liu Zimin's residence.
When Lu Wensheng and others saw that Zhao Junchen refused to attend the banquet, they all secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
They were also pressed for time and did not want to compromise with Zhao Junchen. They were eager to contact the gentry from various places to discuss Zhang Su's countermeasures after Zhang Su changed his stance. They also wanted to inform Song Qiwen, the Minister of Civil Affairs, of the relevant news as soon as possible.
In this way, with Liu Zimin leading the way, Zhao Junchen quickly arrived at Liu Zimin's mansion.
Liu Zimin's mansion looks quite luxurious, and it is worthy of Zhao Junchen's status. It is obvious that Liu Zimin gained a lot of benefits while serving as the magistrate of Xingzhou.
After Zhao Junchen entered the Liu Mansion, he immediately sent out imperial guards to take over all security matters in the Liu Mansion and drove away all the idlers.
In Zhao Junchen's opinion, with Liu Zimin's ability and mind, someone must have arranged an informant in his house, and he needs to be extra cautious.
After the imperial guards had completely controlled the situation in the Liu Mansion, Zhao Junchen finally stepped into the main hall of the Liu Mansion, wanting to discuss the follow-up countermeasures with his confidants.
Sitting on the main seat in the main hall of Liu Mansion, Zhao Junchen's expression was still extremely solemn.
Although Zhao Junchen has successfully resolved the hostility and opposition of Zhang Su, the commander-in-chief of Jizhen, and won a certain degree of support from Zhang Su, Zhao Junchen still does not think that he can control the situation in Xingzhou at will.
Having Zhang Su's support only makes him invincible, but there is obviously still a certain distance between "invincible" and "complete victory".
Although Zhao Junchen was a high-ranking cabinet minister, and Zhang Su also held military power in Ji Town, Zhao Junchen and Zhang Su together only represented imperial power and central power!
There is an old saying that goes, "The imperial power does not extend to the counties, only the Jin gentry is under the county, and the Jin gentry are all self-governing"!
According to Zhao Junchen's speculation, the subsequent changes in the situation in Xingzhou will soon evolve into a conflict between imperial power and the power of the gentry! It will also be accompanied by a conflict between central power and local power!
Since ancient times, this kind of conflict has been common, but the imperial power and the central power have not always taken advantage and reaped benefits!
What's more, Zhao Junchen is not willing to delay for too long in Xingzhou, nor is he willing to further expand the chaos in Xingzhou.
And if you want to quickly and smoothly resolve the Xingzhou incident and put a final conclusion to this civil uprising, you need Zhao Junchen to show extremely high political wisdom and political skills!
Therefore, when Zhao Junchen sat in the main hall of Liu Mansion, he immediately fell into deep thought.
At the same time, Zhao Junchen's two close aides, Li Chuanwen and Niu Fude, are both well-informed and experienced people, and they all understand the tricky aspects of this kind of thing. They also have serious expressions, silence, and seriousness.
Think about countermeasures.
Xu Qingyan has grown rapidly in recent times and arrived in Xingzhou several days in advance. He is even more aware of the complex situation in Xingzhou and remains silent, patiently waiting for Zhao Junchen to express his position.
Among the people, Liu Zimin was the only one who was completely unaware of the seriousness of the matter. Ever since Zhao Junchen decided to temporarily live in Liu Mansion, Liu Zimin had been extremely excited, thinking that Zhao Junchen's decision was a preference for him, and thought
Stand up for yourself publicly!
Therefore, Liu Zimin was so excited that he did not notice the solemn atmosphere at all. He just shouted and ordered his servants to prepare rooms and tea for Zhao Junchen and others, and then ran up to Zhao Junchen.
"Minister, you are really extraordinary in your methods! Hehe, in just a few words, you managed to win Zhang Su over to our side! With Zhang Su's military power and your power in the government and the opposition, we will soon be able to control him.
Now that the situation in Xingzhou has been resolved, we can then draw a conclusion, reverse the public opinion of the government and the public, and put all the blame on Lu Wensheng, the magistrate of Xingzhou!
When the time comes, the students will naturally have peace of mind under your protection, and no one will dare to question your new agricultural reform policy! Hehe! A bunch of blind people, how can they gain anything by opposing cabinet ministers..."
Hearing Liu Zimin's gushing, Zhao Junchen felt noisy and couldn't help but frowned.
But Liu Zimin didn't know it, and still said loudly: "What you said, minister, really speaks to the students' hearts! A student is a pure minister, not only a pure minister of the imperial court, but also a pure minister of His Majesty.
, I am also your pure minister..."
After hearing this, Zhao Junchen finally couldn't listen anymore.
At this time, there were no outsiders in the main hall of the Liu Mansion, and Zhao Junchen did not have to continue to hide his anger.
Therefore, before Liu Zimin finished speaking, Zhao Junchen stood up directly and kicked Liu Zimin hard.
This kick was so powerful that it knocked Liu Zimin to the ground and slid more than ten feet away.
In shock and panic, Liu Zimin completely ignored the pain in his body and just looked at Zhao Junchen in horror.
Zhao Junchen still didn't understand his hatred, and quickly chased Liu Zimin, kicked him hard again, and reprimanded angrily: "My pure minister? My pure minister? How dare you say such a thing? I, this pavilion,
If you are a minister and not a king, how can you be a pure minister? Do you still think that you have not caused enough trouble for this court?
This cabinet wants to protect you, but do you really think that this cabinet has forgiven you? For a fool like you, this cabinet wants to strangle you with my own hands! Yes! This cabinet has said that it wants you to fully implement the new agricultural reform policy.
But I gave you three years, not one year to complete this matter! Do you know how big this trouble really is? How much effort does this cabinet need to put in to solve this trouble?"
After being kicked and scolded like this, Zhao Junchen finally calmed down his anger a little, turned around and returned to his seat, leaving Liu Zimin where he was constantly twitching in pain.
But this time, Liu Zimin finally learned his lesson and no longer dared to speak out.
Then, Zhao Junchen turned to look at Xu Qingyan.
Xu Qingyan's injuries and condition have obviously not recovered yet, and he is still pale and weak.
Zhao Junchen sighed softly and asked: "Qingyan, you have worked hard during this period! I am very pleased to see your hard work! How is your current physical condition? Can you still persist?"
Since the vocal cords in his larynx were damaged, Xu Qingyan has always had a hoarse voice. He cherished words like gold and replied concisely: "My body is fine and I can persevere!"
Zhao Junchen felt a little relieved and nodded: "I don't want to tire you all the time, but we must control the situation in Xingzhou as soon as possible, so it's not time to rest yet. After returning to the capital, I will arrange for Divine Doctor Wen to personally recuperate you...
Now, please tell me about the intelligence on Xingzhou that you have collected these days."
The various countermeasures formulated by Zhao Junchen were all based on the intelligence information provided by Wu Sangui. However, Zhao Junchen did not completely believe Wu Sangui's intelligence, so he had to compare it with the intelligence information collected by Xu Qingyan to confirm each other.