This gathering between Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao could be described as a very pleasant conversation and went extremely smoothly.
It is said that when Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao left Shangxian Building, they were not only smiling, but even walking hand in hand, looking very close, as if they had completely forgotten the unpleasantness of the past.
Obviously, the two elders Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao have formed an alliance.
This is normal. For mature politicians like Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends, only eternal interests.
But no matter what, this is a major event that will shock both the government and the public!
…………
When Xichang passed the news to Zhao Junchen, it was already afternoon, and Zhao Junchen had also returned to the mansion. He was discussing matters with Chen Dongxiang, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, who secretly visited him in the living room of the Zhao mansion.
After hearing the report from Xichang Fanzi, Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "It seems that Mr. Huang Ge is very determined this time! Although he and Mr. Shen Ge are in similar situations and have a basis for alliance, the two of them People's interests often conflict. Some time ago, they were fighting over the job of staying in Beijing to assist the government. Now, even if both parties are willing to form an alliance, there are still many prerequisites that need to be negotiated... But the alliance was reached so quickly. I think it was Huang. Mr. Ge has given up a lot of benefits..."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen's expression flashed with admiration, and he said: "Mr. Huang Ge has such courage and decisiveness this time, which is very different from the past calculations. But I underestimated him in the past. So I said , Frustration and crisis are sometimes not a bad thing, and today's Mr. Huang Ge is an example. In the past, he had long been accustomed to His Majesty's protection and Zhou Chieffu's tolerance. Although it cannot be said to be smooth sailing over the years, setbacks are rare. He had long forgotten the cruelty and insidiousness of the party struggle, so he was often passive during the fight with us this time. But now that he has encountered setbacks and crises, not only did he not crush him or scare him, but he was inspired. His fighting spirit and courage, if he had such mental courage from the beginning, I'm afraid he might not be able to defeat him. It's a pity... it's still too late after all..."
After learning about the alliance between Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, Zhao Junchen not only had no worries, but also commented on Huang Yourong's changes with great interest. Chen Dongxiang couldn't help but be stunned when he saw this scene.
Nowadays, the party dispute between Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong has long been an endless situation. Although the fighting will stop for a while because Emperor Deqing is about to tour the south, after all, the feud has been forged. When Emperor Deqing ends After the southern tour, the battle between the two factions will only become more intense and cruel.
During the fight between the two factions, although Huang Yourong was temporarily at a disadvantage, he was not without the ability to fight back. Now he has formed an alliance with another Pavilion elder Shen Changmao. His strength has doubled, so how can he easily cope with it? Maybe. Continue. If you are not careful, Zhao Junchen and his party will turn from victory to defeat and fall short!
Therefore, although Zhao Junchen seemed indifferent to the news of Huang Yourong's alliance with Shen Changmao, Chen Dongxiang was worried.
Therefore, Chen Dongxiang carefully reminded: "Mr. Zhao, although Shen Changmao's power is slightly less than that of Huang Yourong, it must not be underestimated. Now that he has formed an alliance with Huang Yourong, it can be said that the pressure has doubled for us! Especially this One of them is vicious and the other is ruthless. If there is only one of them, we can still deal with it, but if the two of them join forces, their personalities will complement each other and it will be difficult to find shortcomings, so in my opinion, we should still be more careful. , and you should take precautions early.”
Seeing Chen Dongxiang's worried look, Zhao Junchen smiled again and waved his hand: "You don't have to worry about this. Although the alliance between Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao is a bit unexpected, it will not disrupt my next plan. As long as I If the next plan can go smoothly, Huang Yourong, not to mention forming an alliance with Shen Changmao, even if he forms an alliance with Zhou Shangjing, will inevitably fall and lose power... The timing is just after the southern tour is over, we just need to wait quietly now. .”
Seeing Zhao Junchen's confidence, Chen Dongxiang hesitated for a moment and finally chose to believe Zhao Junchen. After all, Zhao Junchen had repeatedly proven to him how terrifying his scheming methods were.
Therefore, Chen Dongxiang said respectfully: "Since you have been prepared, my lord, I can rest assured. With your methods, Lord Zhao, even if Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao join forces, they will never be your opponent, Lord Zhao."
As for the "plan" Zhao Junchen mentioned, Chen Dongxiang couldn't help but feel curious. He didn't know what kind of plan it was that made Zhao Junchen so confident. But since Zhao Junchen didn't elaborate, Chen Dongxiang naturally didn't dare to ask.
…………
Zhao Junchen smiled softly, but changed the subject and asked: "Forget about Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, let's talk about you first. What happened to you when you came to see me this time? Is it Huang Yourong? After they suffered a loss this morning, they began to suspect that your secret defection this time was just a ruse?"
Chen Dongxiang nodded and said solemnly: "Your Excellency is wise, and the purpose of Xiaguan's visit is exactly like this. After the morning court today, University Scholar Huo Zhengyuan suddenly made an appointment with Xiaguan. Although he did not say anything explicitly during the period, his intention to test was very obvious. I wanted to come to the morning court today. All the above have made them begin to doubt the real intention of Xianguan to join them. However, because the list and evidence of crime given to them by Xianguan really caused us a lot of losses, so they are just doubting it now. , and nothing has been determined.”
While speaking, Chen Dongxiang hesitated for a moment and then asked Zhao Junchen for advice: "It's just that after this incident, I think Huang Yourong and the others will never trust my subordinates again out of caution. So, please give me your instructions. Should Xianguan simply have a showdown with them and continue to work for you openly from now on? In the past few days, Xianguan has been between the two factions, and he has not dared to speak casually even in the morning. He is really frustrated. "
After Zhao Junchen thought about it for a moment, he shook his head and ordered: "Since you haven't shown any flaws yet, just stay there for now. I asked you to pretend to join Huang Yourong and the others not just to bring down Yan Pengfei and the others. Liu Quanan, these two people are not worthy of me fighting so hard. The real purpose of your rebellion this time is to try to get closer to Huang Yourong's cronies. When Huang Yourong falls in the future, we can be the first to take over Huang Yourong. those forces and cronies.
Next, it doesn't matter how much Huang Yourong and the others suspect you. You don't need to pry for information. Just try to build a good relationship with Huang Yourong's cronies. After all, the list and evidence of guilt you gave them before are indeed useful. No matter how suspicious they are, they can't blatantly exclude you.
Of course, I also know that now you are still mine on the surface, but you have secretly taken refuge with Huang Yourong under my instruction. It is most embarrassing to be between the two factions, but I will bear with you for the time being. As I just said, wait until
After His Majesty's southern tour, your mission will be over. At that time, I will naturally reward you."
After seeing Chen Dongxiang nodding in agreement, Zhao Junchen thought for a while and then said: "In addition, Your Majesty is about to tour the south. Originally, I put you in the list of accompanying officials, but now things have changed, and the situation has changed.
It was very different back then, so it would be better for you to continue to stay in the capital when the time comes, and I will have other important uses for you."
Chen Dongxiang said quickly: "Please give me your orders, my lord. I will definitely fulfill my mission."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "It's not convenient for me to elaborate on your specific mission now, but during His Majesty's southern tour, many things will happen in the capital. When the time comes, I will send someone to send you a secret letter. You just need to press
Just follow the instructions in the secret letter. I think with your intelligence, you will be able to understand my deep meaning when the time comes."
Hearing Zhao Junchen's instructions seemed to be related to the "plan" vaguely revealed before, which made Chen Dongxiang feel that Zhao Junchen was unfathomable, and he did not dare to neglect it, so he quickly agreed.
While Zhao Junchen was talking to Chen Dongxiang, Xu Qingyan suddenly appeared outside the living room door and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Master, someone from the palace has come, saying that His Majesty, Master, has come to the palace to discuss matters."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seeing that Zhao Junchen was summoned by Emperor Deqing and seeing that Zhao Junchen had no other instructions, Chen Dongxiang naturally left quickly.
After Zhao Junchen changed into his official uniform, he walked out of the gate of Zhao Mansion and saw an envoy from the palace, but it was Zhang Xiu, the eunuch of Yangxin Palace.
Now Zhao Junchen has a good relationship with the inner court, and is even more familiar with Zhang Xiu, so after a few polite words to each other, Zhao Junchen directly asked: "Eunuch Zhang Xiu, I don't know why your majesty suddenly summoned me to see you.
matter?"
Zhang Xiu knew that Zhao Junchen did not want to meet Emperor Deqing unprepared, so he asked him for information.
If it were normal, for the purpose of currying favor, Zhang Xiu would take the initiative to reveal it without Zhao Junchen opening his mouth. Anyway, Zhao Junchen has always been generous and would never treat him unfairly.
However, this time, Zhang Xiu was helpless and said with a wry smile: "Master Zhao, our family doesn't know the reason why Your Majesty summoned you this time. We only know that after His Majesty finished reviewing the document, he suddenly made this decree and
I didn’t reveal too much, but it should not be a trivial matter, because Your Majesty has not only summoned you, but also the Chief Minister Zhou, Mr. Huang Yourong, Mr. Huang Ge, Mr. Shen Changmao, Mr. Cheng Yuandao, Mr. Cheng Ge, and all the six ministers.
Got summoned."
Zhao Junchen nodded thoughtfully. Although Zhang Xiu didn't know more information, the details he revealed were enough for Zhao Junchen to guess a lot.