During the morning court, all the officials of Zhao Junchen's faction, starting from Zuo Lanshan, Zhan Shanchang, Chen Dongxiang, Liu Changan and others, were all in high spirits and their faces were glowing.
West Factory! West Factory Supervisor!
Being in the officialdom, they naturally know what this means!
From today on, although Zhao Junchen has not yet joined the cabinet, with the power of supervision and arrest in Xichang, his power and influence will be enough to be on par with senior cabinet ministers such as Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, or even more!
And these people from the "Zhao Party" can finally walk sideways in the government and the opposition! Even Zhou Shangjing, the chief minister with all the power in the government and the opposition, or the crown prince Zhu Heyu, I am afraid they will not dare to do so casually in the future. Target them.
Although Emperor Deqing only asked Zhao Junchen to "temporarily serve" as the director of the West Factory, considering Emperor Deqing's favor for Zhao Junchen, and the West Factory was organized by Zhao Junchen, everyone knew that Emperor Deqing I say this just to stop Youyou from talking, but Zhao Junchen is "temporarily taking on a concurrent role", and I'm afraid he will have to hold the post for many years.
………
But unlike the officials from Zhao Junchen's faction, the officials from other factions looked at Zhao Junchen with awe. For them, Xichang was almost synonymous with "persecution of the government and the opposition". Zhao Junchen now How can we prevent them from being in awe of the West Factory?
However, no matter what the officials thought, after Emperor Deqing left the Taihe Palace, except for the prince's party who were full of hostility towards Zhao Junchen, they still gathered around Zhao Junchen, either politely or ingratiatingly, and said to Zhao Junchen Various words of congratulations.
However, when facing the congratulations of hundreds of officials, Zhao Junchen still behaved in an unusually low-key manner, humbly returning courtesy to the officials around him without showing the slightest hint of arrogance or pride.
However, the influence of a person's power depends not on whether he is arrogant or humble, but on the power he holds in his hands. At this time, no matter how low-key and humble Zhao Junchen is, the officials do not dare to underestimate him. he.
In fact, seeing that Zhao Junchen was still so low-key and humble, Zhao Junchen's image in the eyes of officials became even more unpredictable.
While being polite with the officials from the DPRK and the Central Government who had different thoughts, Zhao Junchen raised his head and looked around, only to see the officials from the prince's party walking away quickly and silently under the leadership of the prince Zhu Heyu. Prince Zhu Heyu's face was even more serious at this time, but he did not even look at Zhao Junchen.
Zhou Shangjing, the chief minister of the cabinet, also walked slowly outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony with the support of his officials. After noticing Zhao Junchen's gaze, his expression did not change and he still nodded to Zhao Junchen calmly. Indicate.
Then, the other two pavilion elders Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, for some unknown reason, came to Zhou Shangjing side by side. After chatting for a few words, they left the Hall of Supreme Harmony with Zhou Shangjing.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen frowned subconsciously.
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As all the officials left one after another, it didn't take long before only the "Zhao Party" officials were left in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
It seems that he knew that Zhao Junchen would be very busy next, and Emperor Deqing had no intention of summoning him privately again.
After seeing that there was no one else around, a group of "Zhao Party" officials gathered around Zhao Junchen, and they dared to make many remarks without restraint.
"Congratulations to Mr. Zhao. From now on, should we call you Shangshu Zhao? Or Mr. Factory Supervisor? Haha! From today on, we will have the protection of adults in the court, and we will no longer be afraid of anyone." Zuo.
Lan Shan smiled very happily at this time. As the Minister of Industry, he had the most respected status among the Zhao party, and he spoke more casually.
"Yes, yes, it's just that you have hidden it from us, Your Excellency. Since you recovered from your illness, we have asked to see you many times, but you have always avoided seeing us. You only sent a secret message to let us have some peace of mind."
Don't be impatient and wait for the opportunity. We people thought something big happened, but we have been worried these days. I didn't expect it to be a big thing, but it is a good thing. I am here to congratulate you."
Zhan Shanchang, the minister of household affairs, has always been closest to Zhao Junchen, and he was also the most excited at this time.
"Ever since I met you in Lu'an Mansion, I have been convinced that your future will be limitless. Now I see that it is really the case!" Liu Chang'an, the Minister of Civil Affairs, also hurriedly interrupted, but he was reminding everyone that he
Although he entered the center later, he was the first old man to seek refuge with Zhao Junchen.
The Minister of Justice, Li Lide, was not to be outdone, and said: "Comrades, Mr. Zhao did not intend to hide it. This secret preparation of the West Factory was His Majesty's intention. If I were not in the Ministry of Justice and had some relevant experience, I am afraid that
I won’t know the news before my colleagues. However, now that the West Factory has finally been rebuilt, Mr. Zhao has also been promoted to the position of Factory Supervisor, so it’s not in vain that Xia Guan has been so busy these days.”
As he spoke, Li Lide looked proud, indicating to everyone that he had known about the reconstruction of the West Factory for a long time and had put in a lot of effort.
"My lords are right, such a great happy event must be celebrated. I know that Sir Zhao likes the dishes of Tianhailou. How about we hold a banquet at Tianhailou today to celebrate you?"
Gu Quan, the right deputy of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, suggested congratulations, and received unanimous responses from the people around him.
On the other side, Chen Dongxiang, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, seized the opportunity to lean next to Zhao Junchen and said loudly: "Master Zhao is in charge of the world's money and food. Now he has the power of the West Factory, and with the support of people like me, all the people in the court are in control."
, no one dares to underestimate him. The next step is to find a way to join the cabinet. If you can join the cabinet, I am afraid that even Zhou Shangjing will have to avoid you. I will wait for this matter.
Just plan well and do your best for your lord."
Chen Dongxiang is an extremely selfish person. Although Zhao Junchen was able to bring down Wen Guanliang and Chen Dongxiang played the most important role, Zhao Junchen has always been worried about him. Chen Dongxiang himself is not at peace among the "Zhao Party" and even betrays him.
While Zhao Junchen was running his own small circle, he was beaten several times by Zhao Junchen.
But now that Zhao Junchen has the power of the West Factory and his influence has greatly increased, Chen Dongxiang no longer dares to have other thoughts. At this time, he is seizing every opportunity to please Zhao Junchen.
Chen Dongxiang's words received enthusiastic cheers from many "Zhao Party" officials.
However, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but frowned as everyone in "Zhao Dang" talked more and more happily.
"Everyone, please be quiet." Zhao Junchen pressed his hands slightly and said in a calm voice: "Please listen to what I have to say."
Seeing Zhao Junchen say this, all the "Zhao Party" officials fell silent and just looked at Zhao Junchen quietly, waiting for instructions.
Zhao Junchen looked around him. These officials in front of him were his current support and influence in the court. Unfortunately, they were not good and upright officials. They were all corrupt officials and treacherous officials. Standing with Zhao Junchen at this time, he felt that he had no worries.
It deserves the word "complicit".
With a slight sigh, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked Zhan Shanchang: "Master Zhan, do you still remember what I said to you on the day Wen Guanliang fell from power?"
After listening to Zhao Junchen's inquiry, Zhan Shanchang finally understood that Zhao Junchen was a little unhappy, so he did not dare to neglect, and quickly replied: "Sir, you once said the golden words to your subordinates at that time, that is, 'Be high-profile in doing things, and be low-key in life.' Although
It's just a few crosses, but it taught me a lot. I admire him so much that I still use it to remind myself and I dare not forget it."
Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction, and then said to the surrounding officials: "Dear colleagues, I said this to Mr. Zhan before, and I want to remind you of it today. Although I am in control of the West Factory now, it can be regarded as
His power has increased greatly, but because of this, becoming the leader will arouse hostility and suppression from other factions in the court. Did you just notice? The two elders Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao were actually together with the chief minister Zhou Shangjing.
We moved together and left together. You can guess what the three of them are talking about now."
Seeing that the officials had different expressions and were thoughtful, Zhao Junchen added: "As the saying goes, 'the higher you climb, the harder you fall', and this is exactly the case now. Since we are in the limelight, we might as well keep a low profile and be humble.
, because we have the power in hand, no matter how low-key and humble we are, no one will dare to look down upon us, but we can still leave no excuses, attract people's favor, and reduce hostility. On the contrary, if we are arrogant and proud, it will make people look down upon, and even
It will also increase the hostility towards us, do you think this is true?"
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the "Zhao Party" officials no matter what they thought in their hearts, whether they were truly convinced or pretending to obey, but for a moment, they all nodded to express their acceptance.
…………
When Zhao Junchen left the Forbidden City with the support of his cronies, he found that Wei Huai and a group of waiters from the West Factory had been waiting outside the Meridian Gate for a long time.
As Zhao Junchen appeared, all the waiters from the West Factory knelt down and saluted Zhao Junchen without hesitation.
"I have met the factory governor in my humble position!"
These stall bosses of the West Factory are all elite forbidden troops carefully selected by Zhao Junchen from the twenty-six guards in the capital. At this time, while saluting, his voice was strong, his movements were capable, and he was full of momentum, which attracted everyone at the Meridian Gate.
People outside came to pay attention.
Zhao Junchen was used to seeing the formal and soft salutes between civil servants, but seeing such military etiquette for the first time, Zhao Junchen had a different feeling.
On the other side, the leader, Wei Huai, was also sitting in a wheelchair and bowed to Zhao Junchen, calling him "Factory Supervisor".
Today, Wei Huai has regained his dignity and meaning by working for Zhao Junchen. He is finally a little more humane, but he still has a sinister look on his face, which makes people feel cold in their hearts.
"You're here like this?" He led a group of party members to Wei Huai, motioned to the people of the West Factory to wait and stood up, frowned and asked: "Now His Majesty has just issued an order to rebuild the West Factory, and you are here like this with all your troops."
Outside the Meridian Gate, isn't it too eye-catching?"
Wei Huai still looked gloomy, and replied slowly with his unique hoarse voice: "Mr. Factory Supervisor, now the address of Xichang Yamen has been selected, close to Chengtian Gate, on the west side of Qianbu Corridor, with that
The Jinyiwei Yamen and the Dongchang Yamen are not far away. Now the people of the West Factory are waiting for your instructions in the Yamen, and the humble servants are here to lead the way."
"You are moving fast enough, but are there too many people leading the way?" After frowning and saying this, Zhao Junchen pointed at Wei Huai again and introduced to the officials around him: "His name is Wei Huai.
The governor of Fusi in Jinyiweinan Town, and now the head of Qianhu in Xichang, is one of our own, you can get closer to him in the future."
However, although Zhao Junchen said it normally, the Zhao Party officials looked a little unnatural when they looked at Wei Huai's pale complexion, skinny figure, sinister expression, and snake-like temperament.
However, Wei Huai's appearance matched the temperament they imagined of the West Factory personnel.
On the other side, after hearing Zhao Junchen's introduction, Wei Huai looked like he only had Zhao Junchen in his eyes. He had no intention of getting close to the Zhao Party officials in front of him. He just looked at the officials with a gloomy look and looked at them.
I remember the appearance in my heart.
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But it is said that on the east side of the Forbidden City, there is a very inconspicuous building called "Wenyuan Pavilion", and the cabinet of the Ming Dynasty was located here.
Although the building is inconspicuous, it is the core of power of the Ming Dynasty that determines court affairs and national trends here. The biggest dream of countless officials in the Ming Dynasty is actually just to have their own place here.
At the same time that Zhao Junchen was escorted by a group of Xichang stall bosses to the Xichang Yamen, the three cabinet elders, Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, were also discussing something here.
While sipping the fragrant tea in his hand, Huang Yourong said leisurely: "What a miscalculation. I didn't expect that Your Majesty would use the He Ming family murder case to rebuild the West Factory this time, and we didn't get any news. Alas, His Majesty is so
It’s just a drunkard who doesn’t care about drinking. We ministers from other dynasties will have a hard time in the future.”
As he spoke, Huang Yourong's expression seemed leisurely, but his eyes kept secretly glancing at the chief assistant, Zhou Shangjing.
On the other side, Shen Changmao did not beat around the bush and asked Zhou Shangjing directly: "Although these people like us don't know the news, I'm afraid the Chief Assistant already knows it, right?"
After Zhou Shangjing was silent for a moment, he also picked up the tea cup at his hand. He changed the topic, his voice was a little old and tired, and he said slowly: "From now on, we old guys can no longer work with Junchen.
Already. I once had high hopes for Junchen, but he could not escape His Majesty's control. Now it seems that his authority is getting heavier, but his dependence on the imperial power is also getting deeper. Now he can't stop, but with us old men, we can't.
We are no longer traveling together.”
Seeing Zhou Shangjing speak, Huang Yourong's expression flashed with some relief, and he said with a smile: "Yes, since ancient times, ministers who are attached to the imperial power, even if they can be arrogant for a while, few of them will end up well."
Shen Changmao snorted coldly and said: "I never thought that Zhao Junchen was the same as us. The three of us worked with him to set up a trap for the prince. Although Zhao Junchen also participated in the initial plan, but later The specific implementation, but there is no intention to join, and they keep trying to disassociate themselves."
Zhou Shangjing seemed unwilling to go further on this topic, but asked Huang Yourong: "Speaking of arrangements for the prince, Mr. Huang Ge, how are your preparations going?"
With a kind and harmless smile on his face, Huang Yourong said: "Under the guidance of my people, some people who were displaced or even had their families destroyed due to the preparations for the southern tour have rushed towards the capital. There are no less than a hundred people in total, and they are preparing to complain to the emperor. What’s the status?”
Zhou Shangding nodded and said slowly: "That's good. It's just in time for the Spring Trial Examination, so I'm not afraid that things won't make a big fuss. The reason why the crown prince's position is stable is, firstly, because of His Majesty's protection, and secondly, because of the virtuous people. Reputation, but this incident is enough to shake his foundation. It's a pity that the murder case of He Ming was unlucky, and the effect may be compromised, but... it's enough."
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At the same time, in the prince's mansion, the prince's party gathered together and were discussing various things that happened in the morning.
"My father is too indulging in these treacherous ministers and traitors!" The prince's face was full of anger: "It's not enough to hand over all the positions of examiners of the Jinke Examination to Zhou Shangjing's people. He actually rebuilt the West Factory and appointed Zhao Junchen as the chief examiner. Factory Supervisor of Xichang! With Zhao Junchen’s villainous character and Xichang’s notorious reputation, Father, does he think our Ming Dynasty is not chaotic enough?!"
Xiao Wenruan, the Crown Prince's Grand Master, frowned and said in a trembling but serious voice: "Prince! Be careful what you say!"
Zhu Heyu was stunned for a moment, then realized that his remarks were inappropriate, and quickly confessed to Xiao Wenruan, but then he sighed again, looking quite disappointed.
Seeing Zhu Heyu like this, Xiao Wenruan sat down tiredly on the imperial chair specially arranged for him by the prince, and said slowly: "Prince, don't be anxious. What will happen if the Jinke Examination is given to Zhou Shangjing? Every Chunwei Examination will be held There is only one subject in three years, and this is just one term. Are you afraid that Zhou Shangjing will monopolize the talents of our court? Just take it back next time. As for the matter of the West Factory, there is no need to worry, Zhao Junchen is certainly powerful because of this It's a bit bigger, but there are more places where people can easily make mistakes. What's more, I established the Chaoxi Factory twice, but both were abolished in the end. Neither of my two terms as factory supervisors of the West Factory ended well. , Prince, do you think this is a coincidence? Just be patient and watch. As a king, you must be patient and remember this."
Seeing the prince standing up and saluting him to express his acceptance, Xiao Wenruan sighed secretly.
There were some words that he did not say clearly after all, but hoped that the prince could understand them on his own.
Emperor Deqing's establishment of Xichang did not necessarily mean to consider the prince. Now that the prince is hostile to many important ministers in the court, with Xichang suppressing him, the prince's future succession will be more secure.
Moreover, although Xichang was powerful, it was the power in the hands of Emperor Deqing, and in the future it would also be the power of Prince Zhu Heyu.
It is precisely because of this that Xiao Wenruan stopped the prince early in the morning.
"I'm old, I'm old." Xiao Wenruan only said a few words, but he already felt physically exhausted. He couldn't help but thought to himself: "It's a pity that Brother He Ming was killed, and my energy is not as good as before. If there is another accident, , with the prince’s temper, what should we do? However, I heard that Zhao Shancai, a talented man from the south of the Yangtze River, is the direct disciple of Brother He Ming, and has obtained the true biography of Brother He Ming, or..."
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PS: Today there is a thunderstorm here in Chongzi, and there are constant short circuits and power outages at home. Every time I write a thousand words, there is a sudden power outage before I can save it, and then I have to rewrite it. In short, I am going crazy with the tossing. There is only one chapter of 5,000 words today. , everyone forgives me! (To be continued. Please search Piaotian Literature, the novel will be better and updated faster!)