Chapter 171. It was a family five hundred years ago.
Lu Chunxiao was the right censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, with a second-rank official title. Logically speaking, he was considered to be of high power and respect. However, Lu Chunxiao's residence in Beijing looked rather simple, with low eaves and black tiles, with mottled doors and walls, and was only about the size of
There are only a dozen or so houses in two or three acres. Compared with Zhao Junchen's luxuriously renovated mansion that covers an area of 100 acres, it is a world of difference, but it is very clean and honest.
After arriving at the gate of Lu Mansion, at Zhao Shancai's signal, Zhao Mu took out two letters of recommendation from his arms, and then knocked on the door to ask for an audience.
Then, a servant of the Lu family opened the door to inquire. After learning that the visitor was actually holding letters of recommendation from He Ming, the former Crown Prince and Grand Master, and Wei Dongcheng, the former Wenhua Palace scholar, they naturally did not dare to neglect, and first invited Zhao Shancai in a polite manner.
The two servants waited for a while, and then hurried back to report.
Not long after, the servant of Lu Mansion appeared again, and his attitude became more and more polite and respectful. He bowed to Zhao Shancai and said, "Sir, my master invites you to come into the manor to speak."
…………
If it were Zhao Junchen's mansion, it would take a cup of tea to walk from the gate to the main hall of Zhao's mansion. However, Lu Chunxiao's mansion is not big, and it only takes a few steps to walk from the gate to the main hall of the mansion.
The main hall of Lu Mansion is also simple and simple, without too many decorations.
After walking into the main hall, Zhao Shan looked up and saw a middle-aged man wearing a Confucian robe with a white face and no beard sitting in the main seat of the main hall. The middle-aged man had an elegant temperament, but also had a serious look and bright eyes.
With his resolute expression, he was obviously Lu Chunxiao, the right inspector of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
Zhao Shancai took a few steps forward and saluted, "Student Zhao Shancai has met Mr. Lu and took the liberty of visiting me today. I hope Mr. Lu will not blame you."
Lu Chunxiao didn't answer. He just sat there and looked Zhao Shancai up and down. He saw that Zhao Shancai had a calm expression and a respectful attitude, but he could look at him calmly, with pure and bright eyes.
After looking at it for a moment, Lu Chunxiao finally smiled and nodded in appreciation: "You are the Jiangnan talent Zhao Shancai who is famous in the capital? You are indeed a formidable young man. Even my master once mentioned you to me. He said that you are already as good as He Lao
The true inheritance of the Grand Master should not be underestimated. In recent days, the situation between the government and the public has been changing. I was thinking about whether to contact you, but I didn’t expect you to come to me. Speaking of which, you and I can be considered peers. There is no need to say more.
Li. Sit down and talk!"
Zhao Shancai smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lu."
After Zhao Shancai sat down, Lu Chunxiao's expression suddenly became cautious and asked: "I never thought, Mr. Zhao, that you would have letters of recommendation from Master He and Grand Scholar Wei, but you didn't take them out until today, and again in
It’s such a sensitive time, maybe there’s something important going on?”
Zhao Shancai sighed and said: "Your Excellency, you are aware of everything. It is true. As a candidate for the examination, the examination has just ended and the apron ranking has not yet been announced. It is indeed a sensitive time to ask to see you at this time. The student originally wanted to wait until the end of the palace examination."
Later, I relied on these two letters of recommendation to seek an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince, but now that the situation is urgent and it concerns His Highness the Crown Prince, I can't care about this."
After hearing what Zhao Shancai said, Lu Chunxiao's expression became more cautious.
In fact, although the prince's party had a large number of officials in the court, Zhao Shancai only sought an audience with Lu Chunxiao, but this was done after careful consideration.
According to the information received by Zhao Shancai, Lu Chunxiao is not only one of the core figures of the prince's party and deeply valued by the prince Zhu Heyu, but also among the prince's party, Lu Chunxiao is also one of the few who is not pedantic in temperament and knows how to be flexible in his actions.
People. The most important thing is that as a disciple of Xiao Wenruan, Lu Chunxiao understands the power of He Ming best and will not underestimate Zhao Shancai because of his youth and qualifications.
Therefore, perhaps only Lu Chunxiao would really pay attention to some of Zhao Shancai's ideas and plans.
Now, seeing that Lu Chunxiao looked cautious and asked seriously without looking down on him, it was obvious that Zhao Shancai's consideration was correct.
On the other side, when Lu Chunxiao heard that it was about the prince, his expression became more serious and asked: "Since Mr. Zhao has won the true inheritance of Master He, he must have great things in his heart. If even you feel that the matter is urgent,
I think it must be a big deal, so you might as well tell me in detail."
Zhao Shancai asked: "Students have heard that the court has handed over the grievances of the people from all over the country to the prince to deal with the aftermath of the blunders in the preparations for the southern tour. I don't know if this is true?"
Lu Chunxiao nodded and said, "That's exactly it."
Zhao Shancai asked: "So, in your opinion, is this a good thing? Or a bad thing?"
When Lu Chunxiao heard Zhao Shancai's inquiry, he couldn't help but be startled and replied: "This is naturally a good thing. If the prince quells the grievances of the people everywhere and deals with the corrupt officials of the people, not only can the damaged reputation be made up for, but he can also help
In order for His Highness the Crown Prince to establish prestige between the government and the public, I think His Majesty understands this, so he entrusts this matter to the Crown Prince... Could it be that you have other opinions, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Shancai sighed: "Things in this world change treacherously, and good and bad fortunes depend on each other. It is often difficult to tell whether something is good or bad. Many things seem to be good, but if some specific conditions are added, they will change.
It will cause a great disaster, and the prince's current situation is exactly like this!"
"Master Zhao, please tell me clearly." Lu Chunxiao asked with a frown.
Although he did not dare to underestimate Zhao Shancai, Lu Chunxiao still felt that Zhao Shancai was being alarmist at this time.
Seeing Lu Chunxiao's slightly disapproving look, Zhao Shan explained in detail: "As your Excellency said, if His Highness the Crown Prince deals with corrupt officials in various places and calms the people's grievances and dissatisfaction, he can naturally reverse his reputation and increase his prestige. It seems that
It is a good thing, but now there are three additional restrictions, which turn this good thing into a disaster."
"Oh? I wonder what the restrictions are?"
"The first is the two-month time limit, the second is Dongchang's participation, and the third is the prince's upright character."
Having said this, Zhao Shancai looked at Lu Chunxiao with sharp eyes and asked: "If what I expected is true, the two-month time limit, as well as Dongchang assisting the prince in investigating the case, will even hand over the matter to the prince to handle the case.
It was all driven by Zhao Junchen, right?"
Lu Chunxiao was stunned again. After pondering for a moment, he nodded slowly and said, "That's true. In the morning of the morning, His Majesty asked the officials who should be responsible for the aftermath of the Southern Tour preparations. Zhao Junchen was unexpected.
After recommending His Highness the Crown Prince, everyone in the court was astonished;
Then, Zhao Junchen announced that His Majesty's southern tour was imminent and that His Highness the Crown Prince had the important responsibility of supervising the country. Therefore, there was a two-month deadline. Then in order for the Crown Prince to complete the task within the deadline, Zhao Junchen also volunteered to let Xichang
Assisting the prince in investigating the case was rejected by His Majesty, and was instead handed over to Dongchang for assistance..."
Speaking of this, Lu Chunxiao seemed to have noticed something, and couldn't help but look solemn. He said in a serious voice: "After you reminded me. Now that I think about it, it is not an exaggeration to say that Zhao Junchen was responsible for pushing this matter from beginning to end.
.”
Zhao Shancai asked: "So, Mr. Lu, do you really think that Zhao Junchen has such good intentions and would actually want to help His Highness the Crown Prince reverse his reputation?"
Lu Chunxiao was silent, but his expression was full of deepness and his brows were furrowed tightly.
Zhao Shancai sighed and explained in detail: "As the student just said, many things seem to be good, but if some special conditions are added, they will become a big disaster! This is the case now! The flaws in the preparations for the southern tour,
The grievances of people all over the country, from North Zhili to South Zhili, involve dozens of prefectures, prefectures, and counties! But how can it be completely resolved in just two months?
In order to complete the task within the deadline, the prince will inevitably try the next case quickly and strictly, and there will inevitably be mistakes during the process. But if that is just the case, then that's it. However, under the instigation of Zhao Junchen, His Majesty, in order for the prince to be able to
After completing the task within the deadline, people from Dongchang were sent to assist the prince..."
At this point, Zhao Shancai sighed again and continued to explain: "Since Zhao Junchen was ordered to rebuild the West Factory, the West Factory has repeatedly made great achievements, and the limelight has completely surpassed the East Factory. How can the East Factory be willing to do so? Now it will definitely be a single-minded effort.
Thinking of competing with Xichang for favor and credit! And this time they will assist the prince in investigating the case. For Dongchang, it is a great opportunity to rectify his merits!
However, according to Dongchang's usual habits, in order to make more meritorious deeds, he will definitely try his best to organize major and serious cases, try his best to make the matter bigger, and even frame Zhongliang out of nothing! But the prince only has two
Months of investigation time, there is no time to carefully check and verify the various cases and evidence found in Dongchang. In addition, the prince's character is too upright and he only wants to eliminate evil. These three points are combined together.
, what consequences will it have, Mr. Lu, have you ever thought about it?"
As Zhao Shancai finished speaking, Lu Chunxiao's expression finally changed drastically!
The combination of the tight time limit, Dongchang's greed and deceit, and the prince's stern character to eliminate evil and do his best, has resulted in really terrible consequences if you think about it carefully!
That must be a large number of unjust, false and wrongful convictions!
And once these unjust, false and wrongful cases are exposed, then the prince responsible for this matter...
Thinking of this, Lu Chunxiao stood up suddenly and said seriously: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for reminding me! I didn't expect that there were such hidden dangers in this matter. I know Dongchang's habits best.
, Mr. Zhao, these worries you have are indeed very likely to happen! If things really develop to that extent and result in a large number of unjust cases and wrongful convictions, then the prince’s reputation among the government and the public will be completely ruined! "
…………
On the other side, seeing that Lu Chunxiao valued his opinion so much, Zhao Shancai was not only not happy, but frowned subconsciously.
Otherwise, Zhao Shancai did not expect that although Lu Chunxiao valued his opinion, he only focused on the reputation of Prince Zhu Heyu and did not consider other aspects at all.
In fact, if only the reputation of Prince Zhu Heyu was damaged, Zhao Shancai would not have to worry so much. Zhao Shancai, who inherited the emperor's mentality, did not pay much attention to reputation, but regarded it as a practical goal. Nang Huizhi's nephew
Weijiao 6 In this era, reputation and public opinion are most controlled by rongyi, and they can be completely reversed with just a few tricks.
What Zhao Shancai is really worried about is that Prince Zhu Heyu, under the bewitchment and deception of Dongchang, is organizing major and important cases everywhere. Local wealthy families and nobles will be implicated one after another, which will offend too many local forces!
If the reputation is ruined, there are ways to make up for it, but if it offends too many local forces and creates a situation where both parties are fighting to the death, how can we make up for it?
Before coming to Lu Mansion, Zhao Shancai once explained to Zhao Mu that the prince's greatest advantage and foundation now is not his reputation. It is that among the princes, no one can compete with him! In the absence of a better choice,
, Emperor Deqing could only focus on cultivating Prince Zhu Heyu!
However, if the prince offends too many local forces, coupled with the dissatisfaction of the major factions in the central government, the future enthronement will cause too much chaos and turmoil, making Emperor Deqing feel that the gains outweigh the losses if the crown prince Zhu Heyu ascends the throne, affecting the inheritance of the Ming Dynasty.
.and questioned the ability of Crown Prince Zhu Heyu to govern the country... Then Zhu Heyu's position as crown prince is no longer stable!
It is precisely with this in mind that Zhao Shan is so anxious and worried!
And Zhao Junchen's layout plan seems to be smooth sailing without any trace, but if it is realized, it will be like pulling firewood from the bottom of the cauldron for the prince! It will greatly shake the foundation of the prince Zhu Heyu!
But Zhao Shancai didn't expect that Lu Chunxiao was one of the few talented people in the prince's party, but he didn't see this at all, and only focused on Zhu Heyu's reputation!
The prince's virtuous reputation was originally the greatest advantage of the prince's party, but now the prince's party has begun to be dragged down by such a virtuous reputation!
Therefore, Zhao Shan couldn't help but remind him: "Master Lu, this reputation and public opinion are actually the easiest to control. You can always find some ways to save it, and you don't need to worry about it. But in this case, he will still offend the prince.
A large number of local forces will definitely oppose the crown prince's ascension to the throne in the future, and the prince's ability to do things will definitely make your majesty doubtful. This is the most important thing! I hope Mr. Lu can give it more thought!"
On the other side, Lu Chunxiao was slightly startled when he heard what Zhao Shancai said, but he didn't know whether he heard it or not. He just nodded and said: "Mr. Zhao is right. I will write a letter right away and convey your thoughts to His Highness, Mr. Zhao."
, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has just left the capital today, so it’s not too late to think about things!”
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When Zhao Shancai left Lu Mansion, it was already late and twilight appeared in the sky.
And Zhao Mu followed Zhao Shancai, recalling the conversation between Zhao Shancai and Lu Chunxiao just now, he couldn't help but show admiration, and said: "Young Master is still thinking too far, I didn't expect that there are such hidden dangers in the matter, but that Zhao Junchen
No matter how cleverly the layout plan is concealed, it can't be hidden from the master's wisdom. And with the master's reminder, I think Zhao Junchen's plan will come to nothing!"
Zhao Shancai didn't look happy. Instead, he sighed, shook his head and said, "Not necessarily."
Zhao Mu was slightly startled and asked: "Is it possible that even with your reminder, Master, there are still variables in this matter?"
Zhao Shancai smiled bitterly and said: "The prince has a stubborn temper, and now he is bent on punishing the corrupt local officials who bullied the people during the preparations for the southern tour. However, these speculations of mine are just words and unfounded. If I can meet the prince in person,
Your Highness, I still have some possibility to convince the prince, but if I tell the prince through Mr. Lu, how can the prince take it to heart even if he listens to it? Even if he takes it to heart, the prince is inexperienced after all, and now he is pressed for time.
He also couldn't see clearly what Dongchang had deceived him, so this time, the prince might be in trouble again!"
Zhao Mu was stunned again and asked, "Master, what you did today, wasn't it a waste of effort?"
Zhao Shancai shook his head again and said: "That's not necessarily the case. It's up to people to plan things, and it's up to God to make things happen. But if there is a chance, I will give it a try after all. If things don't work, then wait until the prince stumbles in the future.
If you get into trouble, you will definitely think of me immediately. And no matter how much I can help the prince solve the trouble, from now on, the prince will definitely be convinced by me. From this point of view, it is considered a good thing.
Good thing!"
After hearing what Zhao Shancai said, Zhao Mu nodded thoughtfully.
…………
Just like that, during the conversation, the master and servant had left the West District of the capital and arrived at the bustling commercial South District.
I thought everything was settled for today, but on the way back to the inn, while walking in the night market, I saw that it was getting late, so Zhao Shan was planning to find something to eat.
Suddenly, someone from behind shouted loudly: "Isn't this cousin Shancai? Cousin Shancai! Cousin Shancai!"
Zhao Shan couldn't help but be startled when he heard someone calling him, still calling him "cousin". He turned around and saw a young man in luxurious clothes and a frivolous expression walking quickly.
This person seemed to be very familiar with Zhao Shancai, but Zhao Shancai couldn't remember his identity for a while. He just looked familiar and couldn't help but frown slightly.
As the saying goes, "People with the same surname were members of the same family five hundred years ago." The surname "Zhao" was a common surname in Jiangnan. Many people with the same surname have close or distant relatives.
And Zhao Shancai was born in a large family in Suzhou and Hangzhou in the south of the Yangtze River. He has no less than dozens of cousins within three generations of blood. If he also includes those distant relatives who can only carry eight poles, the specific number will probably be countless!
Therefore, Zhao Shancai didn't know the young man in front of him who called him "cousin". He just felt that his expression was frivolous and full of playfulness, and he subconsciously felt a little unhappy in his heart.
Zhao Mu remembered these things clearly and reminded Zhao Shancai softly: "Sir, this man is the third son of the Zhao family in Yangzhou. His name is Zhao Xuancheng. He has some weak blood ties with us. Before you went to Beijing to take the exam, Mr.
Met him once."
"Yangzhou Zhao family?"
After hearing Zhao Mu's reminder, Zhao Shancai frowned again.
The Zhao family in Yangzhou is also a wealthy family, but its reputation is not very good, and there are often rumors of bullying men and dominating women.
Even so, when Zhao Xuancheng walked up to Zhao Shancai, Zhao Shancai still bowed his hands politely and said: "It turns out that you are the third son of the Zhao family in Yangzhou. I never thought that you would also come to the capital. We meet in a foreign country. We are really destined."
Zhao Xuancheng is different from Zhao Shancai. Although he is also from a wealthy family, he is just a minor figure in the family. Even Zhao Shancai does not remember that he has such a distant relative.
However, for some reason, Zhao Xuancheng's expression was full of pride at this time. He only remembered himself when he saw Zhao Shan, and his pride became even more intense.
"Haha, you might as well tell your cousin that I am coming to Beijing to visit relatives with my father!" Zhao Xuancheng said proudly with some eagerness to show off.
"Oh, the Zhao family in Yangzhou also has branches in the capital?" Zhao Shancai didn't care and just asked casually, perfunctorily.
After hearing Zhao Shancai's inquiry, Zhao Xuancheng became even more excited and proud, and said: "Hey, it can't be said that it is a separation of families. He is now a hot and important figure in the court. It is not certain who will separate the family in the future. It's just that the master back then
We had some disputes and grudges with the clan, and we have stopped contacting each other since then, so we keep it secret for fear of making others unhappy.
But after all, we are still a family. The elder sent someone to contact the clan years ago, and he wanted to repair the relationship. This was a great thing, and even the clan leader did not dare to neglect it. Not long after the new year, he personally took care of it.
Several elders from the clan came to Beijing, and my father was among them, so I also came with them..."
At this point, Zhao Xuancheng showed off again and asked, "Cousin Shancai, why don't you guess who this adult who is related to us is?"
After hearing Zhao Xuancheng's inquiry, Zhao Shancai smiled and said: "There are many senior officials named Zhao in Beijing, but..."
Halfway through his words, Zhao Shan suddenly looked strange after thinking about some rumors in the officialdom.