Chapter 129. The scheming of the emperor and the scheming of his courtiers.
Feng Desheng, the director of the East Factory, is about fifty years old. He seems to have a kind face, but his eyes are gloomy and he always looks like he is smiling but not smiling, which makes people feel chilly in their hearts.
As the second most powerful eunuch in the inner court, Zheng Lun, the chief eunuch, Cheng Le, the chief eunuch of the imperial horse eunuch, and Zhang De, the personal eunuch of Emperor Deqing, were naturally the most powerful eunuchs in the inner court.
High position.
But today, after entering the Yangxin Hall, Feng Desheng looked cautious and frightened.
Quickly arriving not far away from Emperor Deqing, Feng Desheng didn't even look at Zhao Junchen. He just kowtowed and saluted, and said loudly: "Old slave Feng Deqing comes to see your Majesty! Your Majesty, the East Factory has urgent information to report."
As he said that, Feng Desheng turned his head and glanced at Zhao Junchen. His meaning was very clear. Since it was important information, the rest should stay away.
However, before Zhao Junchen said anything, Emperor Deqing sneered and said: "Oh? Since it is important information, it naturally needs to be reported to me as soon as possible, but I don't know which piece of important information your Dongchang found?
Did the refugees from Heze, Shandong come to Beijing to complain? Or are there a lot of rumors in the capital now? Or maybe the prince and grand master Xiao Wenruan suddenly died suddenly? If you plan to tell me these things, then there is no need. Zhao Aiqing has already covered all these things.
You have reported it to me, and countermeasures have already been taken."
Hearing Emperor Deqing's rhetorical question, Feng Desheng's expression became even more embarrassed, and a hint of sinisterness flashed across his eyes.
In fact, since he saw Zhao Junchen appearing in the Yangxin Hall, Feng Desheng knew that he was a step too late this time.
In fact, since the reconstruction of the West Factory, the limelight of the East Factory has been completely overshadowed by the West Factory.
As the saying goes, "People in the same industry are enemies." But if one's peers outshine one's peers, then one is simply an enemy! Because such peers completely erase the value of one's own existence!
On the other side, when Feng Desheng was silent, Emperor Deqing slapped the emperor and reprimanded him loudly: "These days, I don't know why I support your East Factory! How long did it take for the West Factory to be built?
?How long has it been since your East Factory was built? How long has Zhao Aiqing been in charge of the West Factory? How long has your Feng Desheng been in charge of the East Factory? Why is your East Factory not as capable as the West Factory? He Ming’s murder case is the West Factory
It’s run by the factory. The west factory was the first to notice what happened today! Where is your east factory? If this continues, I think it’s better to withdraw from the east factory!”
Hearing Emperor Deqing's rebuke, Feng Desheng was even more frightened. For a moment, he couldn't care about anything else. He just kowtowed and said: "This old slave is guilty. Your Majesty, please calm down!"
Emperor Deqing snorted coldly and ignored it. He just allowed Feng Desheng to be embarrassed in front of Zhao Junchen.
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On the other side, Zhao Junchen listened to Emperor Deqing's angry and loud scoldings, and watched Feng Desheng pitifully kowtow to apologize, but he shook his head secretly in his heart and couldn't help but sigh.
Since Zhao Junchen met Emperor Deqing for the first time and learned Emperor Deqing's imperial mentality, Zhao Junchen discovered a pattern.
That is, when Emperor Deqing was really angry, he would always remain silent and face-stern, but would never reveal his emotions. But if Emperor Deqing looked furious and got furious, then all of this would
They are often just illusions. But illusions like Emperor Deqing's can always achieve a certain purpose.?br />
The situation today is exactly the same.
When Emperor Deqing rebuked Feng Desheng, he seemed to inadvertently set the West Factory as a target. In his words, he always compared the West Factory and the East Factory, praising the West Factory and belittling the East Factory, and praising Zhao.
Junchen scolded Feng Desheng.
As a result, in Feng Desheng's heart, the hostility towards Xichang and Zhao Junchen will naturally increase, and it will be difficult not to hate them.
"First, he found a reason to let the forces of the Luo family of Yixing Hou enter the West Factory, obviously to check and balance me, and now he has increased the hostility and rejection of me in the East Factory... How worried is Emperor Deqing about me?
…”
Thinking like this, Zhao Junchen secretly smiled bitterly.
Emperor Deqing only made a few understatements, but Zhao Junchen was inevitably in trouble. This was probably the so-called emperor's mentality.
In fact, Zhao Junchen also wondered why Emperor Deqing did this.
In the past few days, as unexpected events have occurred one after another, Emperor Deqing must have felt that the situation between the government and the opposition was somewhat beyond his control. At this time, with Emperor Deqing's consistent approach and mentality, he must have had the idea of "helping foreigners first"
As for the grievances between Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu, although Emperor Deqing has always pretended not to know about it, he has always seen it clearly. Although Zhao Junchen's performance today satisfied Emperor Deqing, he seemed to be loyal and devoted himself to Deqing.
The emperor thought about it, but with Emperor Deqing's suspicious nature, how could he completely trust Zhao Junchen? At such a critical time, he naturally found ways to make checks and balances.
This was because Zhao Junchen had been prepared a long time ago, and showed his loyalty to Emperor Deqing as soon as possible, and tried his best to remove himself from suspicion. If not for this, Emperor Deqing might not just be
Checking and balancing Zhao Junchen is so simple.
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After scolding Feng Desheng again, Emperor Deqing asked Feng Desheng to leave.
Seeing that it was getting late, Zhao Junchen originally planned to say goodbye and leave, but Emperor Deqing hesitated and asked Zhao Junchen to stay.
"Junchen..." Emperor Deqing was pondering, and actually asked Zhao Junchen: "The preparations for this southern tour were originally planned by you. I originally planned to let you be responsible for it, but things didn't work at that time.
Unfortunately, you suddenly fell ill, so I had no choice but to leave the matter to the prince, but now because of the preparations for the southern tour, the prince has got into a lot of trouble..."
Seemingly sighing, and seemingly wēixié, Emperor Deqing changed the topic and said: "However, the prince is the crown prince after all. If he is trapped by rumors, my country will not be stable. But in this situation, it is not possible."
I need to think of some solutions. Junchen, can you give me any advice?"
After finishing speaking, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen with a gentle expression but piercing eyes, not missing the slightest change in Zhao Junchen's expression.
At this time, Zhao Junchen, who knew the state of mind of Emperor Deqing, naturally did not dare to cheat. After pondering for a moment, he explained in a deep voice with a look of serious consideration: "Your Majesty, I was actually planning the preparations for the southern tour.
At that time, I had considered this, so I suggested to Your Majesty that the preparations for the Southern Tour should be divided into two parts to separate the central government and local authorities. The central government would be responsible for supervision and distribution of money, while the local yamen would be responsible for
The specific implementation is to worry about the central government not being implicated in all the public resentments that will arise if something goes wrong."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled bitterly, and added: "However, I originally planned to recommend Zuo Lanshan, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, to take charge of this matter. Unexpectedly, I ended up causing trouble for His Highness the Crown Prince."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but smile bitterly. It was because of Zhao Junchen's "good advice" in preparing for the southern tour that Emperor Deqing made the decision?
, leaving such a thankless task that is likely to damage Qingming's reputation to Prince Zhu Heyu, but now it's too late to regret it.
Thinking like this, Emperor Deqing asked: "You mean to blame all the things on the local officials and thereby exonerate the prince? That makes sense. I have always understood the prince's temperament best.
How could he be so messy? It must be those local yamen who deceived the superiors and deceived the subordinates, ruining the big thing!"
Zhao Junchen shook his head, then sighed and said: "If we follow the original plan, it should be like this, but now it is not easy."
Emperor Deqing frowned and asked, "Oh? How do you say that?"
Zhao Junchen smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty, I am afraid that those local officials will take advantage of you! The money distributed by the Ministry of Household Affairs to the local areas was carefully calculated. I dare not say that it was neither more nor less, but it was comparable to what was needed for the preparations for the southern tour.
The ratio is almost the same, and it has been clearly stated that if the needs are insufficient, the Ministry of Revenue will continue to add more. However, after the prince took charge of this matter, more than 87,000 taels of silver were finally saved. It can be seen that the prince's allocation
When you have enough money, you must save as much as you can. In this way, even if the local area is short of money, it will have a reason to increase taxes."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "Also, Your Majesty, you also know the prince's temperament. Although it was agreed upon to separate central and local powers and responsibilities, as far as I know, when the local yamen were actually implementing it, what the prince did
It's not just about supervising and supervising, it's as simple as distributing money. It can almost be said that it means intervening in everything and interfering in everything. So now there is something wrong with the things that the local government is responsible for, although it must be that they deceived the prince and ruined the prince's name.
But if all the blame is put on their heads, how can they be willing to do so? I'm afraid they will spit blood and bite the prince back."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing's face darkened and he said coldly: "Are we going to let the prince's reputation be damaged? The local officials are clearly at fault for this matter, so why should we let them go?"
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said: "Your Majesty, I have absolutely no intention of doing this. But what I want is to place the blame on local officials so as to clear the crown prince's name. However, the method and means must be somewhat different. He should act with thunder and kill with a sharp knife."
When local officials are convicted of chaos, they can be convicted quickly without much interrogation and without giving them a chance to defend themselves. This way, they can cut off the possibility of them biting back. Otherwise, if this matter is handled according to regular procedures,
I'm afraid that the quarrel will get bigger and bigger, and it may even turn into a factional attack in the temple. If that happens, it will be troublesome to deal with it again."
Emperor Deqing was stunned for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully, seeming to agree with Zhao Junchen's proposal.
Zhao Junchen continued: "In addition, there are countless rumors about the prince now. Even if the local officials are convicted, the people are ignorant and do not know the root cause. I am afraid that the prince's reputation will still be damaged. So I think that this arrest and interrogation will
The prince and the Metropolitan Procuratorate can take charge of the affairs of local officials. Only in this way can the people's doubts about the prince be alleviated to the greatest extent and the prince's name be restored. Please give me your Majesty's advice."
After Emperor Deqing hesitated for a moment, he finally nodded and said: "Ai Qing has considered a way. This is indeed a good way to restore the reputation of the prince. Let's do it like this!"
Seeing that Emperor Deqing finally agreed with his opinion, Zhao Junchen was overjoyed. The plan he had been planning for a long time was finally fully realized at this moment.
…………
In this world, good intentions and bad intentions are always the most difficult to distinguish.
For example, Zhao Junchen secretly helped the prince gain the authority and responsibility to prepare for the southern tour, and presented "good advice" to Emperor Deqing. It seemed to be a good intention, but in fact, it put the prince Zhu Heyu into the current unfavorable situation.
.
Another example is that not long ago, Zhao Junchen ordered Xichang to restrict rumors and arrest those who spread them. It seemed that he was helping the prince Zhu Heyu, but in fact, because of Zhao Junchen's order, the rumors intensified, and the prince's
Public dissatisfaction also increased.
Another example is now, Zhao Junchen's ideas seem to be to help the prince restore his reputation. They are thoughtful and far-reaching, but what is the actual effect?
If local officials directly convict someone without interrogation, and the prince is directly responsible for the matter, what will the officials think? What will the common people think?
In the end, not only will the prince offend a large number of local forces, but it will also make people feel that the prince is persecuting local officials and making local officials take the blame for him!
If we say that today's rumors are mainly affecting the people, then after this incident, those in the officialdom and those in the government and the public who do not know what happened will also have doubts about the prince, thinking that this is a sign of the prince's guilty conscience.
.
And the various suspicions of people in the officialdom will turn into rumors and affect the attitude of the people. In the end, the reputation of the prince will still be greatly damaged.
Unfortunately, it was difficult for Emperor Deqing to think of this, so he was still taken advantage of by Zhao Junchen.
Regardless of whether it was from a conceptual perspective or a direction of thinking, Emperor Deqing was very different from the rest of the world because of his different status and stance.
Emperor Deqing was an emperor on earth, with divine power granted by heaven, and the world bowed to him. Although he was well aware of the emperor's mind, he was used to controlling everything, and was limited by his class position. Thinking from the emperor's position, he always subconsciously took it for granted, thinking that as long as the plan was
Okay, people in the world should act according to their own ideas. He cannot easily guess the petty thoughts of many ordinary people.
Unfortunately, although these ordinary people's petty thoughts are often ignored by those in power, they can always play a great role.
During this period of time, facing Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen was no match for his power, scheming, and methods. Since he came to this world, Zhao Junchen has been controlled by Emperor Deqing, like a butterfly in a spider web, unable to stop.
, there is no way to break free. And the difference in conceptual perspective and thinking direction may be the only thing Zhao Junchen can take advantage of now.
Compared with the "emperor's scheming", this may be called the "minister's scheming"!
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After thinking about it secretly, Emperor Deqing was probably very satisfied with the ideas that Zhao Junchen came up with. When he looked at Zhao Junchen, his eyes softened a lot, but he sighed and said: "It's a pity that although these plans of yours are
Well, it's a pity that it can't be cured. Now rumors are spreading everywhere, and the impact is not small. No matter what I do, the prince's reputation will not be as wise as before. So, I have to think of some ways next...
"
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen secretly sighed. Although Emperor Deqing didn't like Zhu Heyu, Zhu Heyu was still the crown prince after all, and Emperor Deqing was still thinking about Zhu Heyu after all.
While sighing secretly, Zhao Junchen showed a hesitant look and deliberately let Emperor Deqing notice it.
Emperor Deqing raised his eyebrows and asked, "Oh? Junchen, what do you think?"
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he hesitated and said to Emperor Deqing: "I do have some ideas, but I dare not say them."
Emperor Deqing was stunned for a moment, but then he smiled and said: "Tell me, I forgive you. The only reason is that you have said too many things that you shouldn't have said in front of me."
Zhao Junchen seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then gritted his teeth and said: "Your Majesty, I think that the prince's reputation is now damaged, which may not be a bad thing."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen, who already understood that Emperor Deqing was jealous of Zhu Heyu's reputation as a wise man, continued: "Your Majesty, although the prince is the prince, he is still just the prince after all. Today's Ming Dynasty is still your majesty's.
Yours, however, His Highness the Crown Prince's reputation has always been so good that no one in the court can match it. There are also many people who cheer for the Crown Prince all day long, boosting the momentum. Therefore, the people are eagerly looking forward to the Crown Prince's enthronement.
I don’t know how many…”
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen saw Emperor Deqing's expression gradually darkening, but he remained silent.
Many things just need to be settled.
Emperor Deqing originally planned to arrange for the prince to do some things in the next period of time, to carry out some face-saving projects, and to find a way to completely restore the prince's reputation. However, after Zhao Junchen's "tips", he
It is to give up such attention.
Emperor Deqing nodded in deep thought and said, "What you said makes sense. The prince's days will be long in the future, so he is not in a hurry."
At this point, Emperor Deqing seemed to have stopped talking. He looked at the sky outside the palace and ordered Zhao Junchen: "It's getting late, so you should step aside. So many things have happened today. Are you afraid?"
If you are too busy, go and have a rest early."
Zhao Junchen had just agreed and was about to leave when Emperor Deqing added: "After the morning court tomorrow, prepare yourself and come with me to visit Xiao Mansion. Xiao Wenruan has been with me for decades, and now he is dead.
When the king and his ministers are together, I always have to pay a visit."
Zhao Junchen was stunned, thinking that after he went to Xiao Mansion, he would meet many princelings and face a lot of embarrassment. He didn't know why Emperor Deqing suddenly had such an idea.
However, Zhao Junchen did not dare to object to Emperor Deqing's wishes and agreed anyway.
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ps: The symptoms of heat stroke have not been relieved at all. On the contrary, because I have been smoking while typing, I am coughing to death!! However, although my condition is not good, I still present 5,000 words!! (To be continued...)