So far, Emperor Deqing's southern tour plan has been smooth and smooth overall, although there have been occasional setbacks.&
But at the same time, some chaos gradually emerged in the official situation in the center of the capital.
This is also to be expected.
In the whole dynasty, there were only two people who had the ability to control the overall situation. One was Emperor Deqing, and the other was the chief minister Zhou Shangjing.
Nowadays, Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing are both absent, and no one in the capital can control the overall situation - whether it is the prince Zhu Heyu who supervises the country, or the elder Huang Yourong who assists the government. They have great reputation, experience, means, and strategies.
They all have shortcomings in other aspects, and they are all people who are unwilling to be lonely.
As a result, it is inevitable that the situation in the capital will become chaotic.
*
This chaos is mainly reflected in the intensifying conflict between the parties in North Korea and China!
After Emperor Deqing left Beizhili, in order to retaliate against Zhao Junchen, Huang Yourong couldn't bear it anymore and couldn't wait to rekindle the conflict between the "Zhao Party" and the "Huang Party". With the help of his power as the Assistant to the Government, he
They repeatedly suppressed the officials of the "Zhao Party" and took the opportunity to seize the power of Zhao Junchen's faction. However, because the "Zhao Party" was leaderless, it was at a disadvantage and suffered consecutive defeats.
The prince's party was naturally happy to see this situation, and even abandoned their past prejudices and joined forces with the "Yellow Party" to suppress Zhao Junchen's faction.
For a time, all the "Zhao Party" officials in the capital were in a state of panic, and everyone was impeached and punished to a certain extent. Among them, Gu Quan, the right censor of the Capital Procuratorate, and Liu Chang'an, the minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs,
He was even dismissed from his official position, and Zhan Shanchang, the Minister of Household Affairs, was also ordered to suspend his duties and reflect.
It can be said that this is the most embarrassing period for the "Zhao Party" since its establishment. Many Zhao Party officials have abandoned their original positions and defected to other factions because they could not withstand the pressure and panic and in order to seek self-protection.
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Of course, this situation was expected by Zhao Junchen. But Zhao Junchen did not prepare too many response plans!
Because, in Zhao Junchen's eyes, Huang Yourong and Zhu Heyu's joint suppression may be an opportunity for "Zhao Party" to temper themselves, and they can take the opportunity to squeeze out some officials with weak positions and bad temperaments.
In this way, Zhao Junchen will also reduce a lot of resistance when he reforms the "Zhao Party" in the future.
Moreover, according to Zhao Junchen's guess, this situation will not last long, because Prince Zhu Heyu and Ge Lao Huang Yourong will never continue to work together.
The next development was just as Zhao Junchen expected. Zhu Heyu and Huang Yourong had different positions and completely different plans, coupled with conflicts in the distribution of interests. The two soon abandoned their cooperative attitude and began to cooperate with each other.
A conflict arose.
Among them, Zhu Heyu is the prince of the supervisory state, and Huang Yourong is the elder of the auxiliary government. Zhu Heyu's status is more noble. The power left in the capital is also more complete, and Huang Yourong is rich in experience, his methods are more sophisticated, and he has also obtained
The full support of the Shen Changmao faction! In this way, the two sides are basically evenly matched, so the conflict between the two factions is extremely fierce. They contain each other and are evenly matched, but no one can do anything to the other.
Because of this, Zhu Heyu and Huang Yourong both turned their attention to each other and gradually neglected to suppress the "Zhao Party", and the "Zhao Party" also had a chance to breathe.
Moreover, the situation of partisan strife is not only between the "Zhao Party", the "Yellow Party" and the "Princeling Party". As the situation gradually becomes chaotic, all parties in the DPRK and China are implicated, whether it is Zhou Shangjing's "Zhou Party" "Party", Shen Changmao's "Shen Party", or centrists are all inevitable.
In this way, the various factions in the DPRK began to indulge in strife with each other and gradually became unable to extricate themselves, so they could not be expected to seriously discuss political affairs.
In fact, during this period of time, the efficiency of the capital center has been extremely low whether it is deliberation or administration. All officials have focused on party disputes. Once a party in the DPRK puts forward suggestions, there will definitely be Another party stood up to oppose it, so many government affairs were delayed.
*
Just when Zhao Junchen, Bao Wenjie, and Huo Zhengyuan arrived in Huai'an, thousands of miles away in the capital, Prince Zhu Heyu was also worried about the chaotic situation in the court during this period.
In the East Palace, except for Bao Wenjie, the minister of rites who accompanied the southern tour, all the "princeling" officials gathered together to discuss the recent situation in the court.
After looking around at everyone, Zhu Heyu spoke slowly and asked everyone for advice: "In recent times, the situation in the DPRK and China has been chaotic and turbulent, which has made it impossible for us to control the overall situation. It has not only delayed the government affairs of the court, but also the commercial tax reform plan. 'It's been a long time coming, can you sir have any good ideas to teach me?"
During the inquiry, Prince Zhu Heyu's resolute face was full of exhaustion and his brows were tightly knitted. It was obvious that the party struggle during this period had made him physically and mentally exhausted.
On the other side, after hearing Zhu Heyu's inquiry, the new cabinet minister Cheng Yuandao, the left inspector of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Yushi Lu Chunxiao, the prince's young master Guo Tang and others looked at each other for a few times, but they were all silent.
In fact, during this period of time, they have thought about and tried various methods, but none of them have achieved much results.
Moreover, not all princeling officials wholeheartedly support Prince Zhu Heyu's "Business and Tax Reform Plan," so the "princelings" have not been able to fully unleash their power.
Usually, "princeling" officials dislike the corrupt officials and treacherous ministers in the court. They believe that these corrupt officials and treacherous ministers have no other abilities except taking bribes, using power for personal gain, and fighting for power.
However, in order to implement the "Commercial Tax Reform Plan", the Prince's Party must first control the overall situation of the court and expand its power and influence. Therefore, during this period, the Prince's Party has also had to put down their status and spare no effort to participate in the In the midst of party strife.
However, after the princeling officials actually participated in the party struggle, they discovered that "fighting for power" is not just a simple four words. There is a lot of knowledge in it, and it is not as simple as it seems. At least they do it. Not good at this.
To put it harshly, during this period of time, the Prince's Party has been like mad dogs biting people everywhere. Whether it is the "Zhao Party", the "Huang Party", the "Shen Party", or the "Zhou Party", they have all taken action to suppress—— Although Huang Yourong was the first to instigate this partisan strife, the fact that the situation is so chaotic is mostly due to the prince's party - but the results are not obvious. Today, the situation between North Korea and China is still in a stalemate. The prince's party has spent a lot of time Despite countless efforts, they still failed to gain enough power and influence, so the "Business Tax Reform Plan" has also been delayed in implementation.
Faced with this situation, the "princeling" officials are all helpless.
Seeing everyone's silence, Crown Prince Zhu Heyu's eyes flashed with disappointment. Just as he was about to say something, someone suddenly entered the main hall and quickly came to Crown Prince Zhu Heyu's side. He reported softly: "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince is here to see you.
Hello, he is waiting in the study now."
After hearing the report, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but be stunned.
Since Emperor Deqing's southern tour, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian's condition has been recurring. He has been bedridden for this period of time. Prince Zhu Heyu is still very worried about this. He has repeatedly visited Zhu Hejian's condition. Why did Zhu Hejian suddenly suddenly appear today?
Did you drag your sick body to visit you?
Thinking of Zhu Hejian's physical condition, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Seeing that no one had any feasible suggestions, he waved his hands and said: "In that case, please go back and think of a solution first. If you think of a feasible solution, no matter what
You can come to me for discussion at any time, and if it is feasible, I will definitely adopt it."
After finishing speaking, Prince Zhu and Yu stood up first and walked towards the study.
*
After arriving at the study, Prince Zhu Heyu didn't care about anything else and first looked at Zhu Hejian.
Zhu Hejian's face was full of illness and he looked extremely weak, but he still observed etiquette while sitting and lying down. When he saw the prince Zhu Heyu appeared, he stood up quickly and saluted the prince Zhu Heyu to greet him.
Zhu Heyu walked a few steps quickly, helped Zhu Hejian up, and sighed: "Seventh brother, how many times have I told you that the two of us are brothers, and we don't need these false courtesy at all on weekdays... Also,
Your body has not recovered yet. Why don't you recuperate in your house? Why are you here? If something happens, just send someone to notify me. I will naturally go to your house to find you. Your health is not good. You should rest more. You are running like this.
Running back and forth, what should I do if my body relapses again?"
After Zhu Hejian stood up, his face was expressionless and he said slowly: "Third brother, I came to you this time to advise you about the current situation in the court!"
After hearing Zhu Hejian's words, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but was stunned again.
In the Ming Dynasty, princes must not interfere in politics, otherwise they would commit a big taboo! Although Zhu Hejian has not yet been crowned king, he should avoid taboos, and Zhu Hejian has always adhered to his duties. How could he suddenly find himself involved in the political situation of the court?
Admonished?
Just when Zhu Heyu was confused, Zhu Hejian said slowly: "Third brother, my brother is just a useless prince who is sick in bed. He doesn't even have a throne. Logically speaking, he has no qualifications to give you advice. But I heard that I have heard from you recently.
After the situation in the court, I thought about it over and over again. For the sake of the overall situation of the court and for the sake of you, third brother, I decided to overstep it once!"
After saying that, before Zhu Heyu could react, Zhu Hejian had already changed his expression and said with sincerity: "Third brother, I heard that the situation in the court has been chaotic and chaotic in recent times, which has not only delayed government affairs, but also the people's hearts among officials.
Panic, is this true?"
Zhu Heyu hesitated for a moment, and seeing that Zhu Hejian looked serious, he did not hide it. He nodded and said: "In recent days, the situation in the imperial court is indeed not stable."
"My dear brother, I heard that such a turbulent situation is all because of your struggle for power with various factions in the court, third brother?" Zhu Hejian looked directly at Zhu Heyu and asked again.
After Zhu Heyu hesitated for a moment, he still nodded and said, "You can say that."
"Third brother, you are confused!" Zhu Hejian said loudly, as if he hated iron, "Some time ago, due to the preparations for the Southern Tour and the 'Southern Tour Preparation Fraud Case,' third brother, your reputation has been reduced.
Many, only because of the support of the emperor, did not cause any trouble. At this time, third brother, you should behave more calmly, do more practical things, and take the opportunity to restore your reputation. How can you take advantage of the emperor's southern tour to discuss with everyone?
Factions fighting for power? If this happens, what will my father think of you when he finds out? What will all the officials think of you?..."
As he spoke, Zhu Hejian became louder and said: "Third brother, how many times have I told you that even if you can't stand the corrupt officials and traitorous ministers in the court, you should try your best to be patient, otherwise you will be caught.
, attracting hostility! As long as you are not at fault, the throne will be yours sooner or later, and you will be able to get rid of those corrupt officials and traitorous officials sooner or later, so why rush!"
While talking, Zhu Hejian was so excited that he coughed violently, causing his pale face to turn red.
Zhu Hejian's appearance frightened Zhu Heyu. He hurriedly took care of Zhu Hejian, carrying water and stroking his back. After being busy for a while, Zhu Hejian recovered. But after he recovered, Zhu Hejian continued to
I would like to advise Zhu Heyu and ask him not to engage in wrongdoing anymore, otherwise he will only harm others and himself.
Seeing Zhu Hejian like this, Zhu Heyu felt that Zhu Hejian was only thinking about himself. Seeing Zhu Hejian's painful appearance at this time, he was even more moved and distressed.
Therefore, Zhu Heyu decided to reveal all his plans to Zhu Hejian.
"Seventh Brother, actually you have misunderstood Third Brother... Well, I don't have to hide it from you. This time I compete with various factions in the court for power, not to increase my own power, but to control the situation in the court and implement a plan.
Commercial tax reform plan, once this plan is successfully implemented, the court can increase tax revenue by tens of millions of taels every year, which is a good thing that will benefit the future!"
After a pause, Zhu Heyu added: "Except for some officials close to me, no one knows about this matter now. I see that you misunderstood me, so I explained it to you, but you really
Do not mention it to anyone else."
Hearing what Zhu Heyu said, a trace of contempt flashed in Zhu Hejian's eyes.
Princeling officials have always been lax in their words. Prince Zhu Heyu's "Business Tax Reform Plan" has already been leaked, so Zhu Hejian naturally knew about it.
In Zhu Hejian's view, Zhu Heyu's implementation of this "commercial tax reform plan" is definitely a recipe for self-destruction. Because Zhu Hejian is ambitious for the throne, he is also happy to see its success.
However, the incompetence of the princelings is beyond Zhu Hejian's imagination. Even though they had all the advantages, they were unable to control the situation in the temple for such a long time. If this continues, I am afraid that after Emperor Deqing's southern tour ends, Prince Zhu Heyu will not be able to control the situation.
The "Business Tax Reform Plan" was also unable to be implemented.
Therefore, Zhu Hejian couldn't stand it any longer, so he had no choice but to personally "help" Zhu Heyu.
Zhu Hejian's various pretense before was also to get Zhu Heyu to reveal his plan for commercial tax reform.
Now, after hearing Zhu Heyu finally talk about the plan for commercial tax reform, Zhu Hejian's expression also softened.
"So it turns out that I misunderstood Third Brother." After apologizing to Zhu Heyu, Zhu Hejian thought for a moment and suddenly said: "However, if Third Brother wants to control the situation in North Korea and China, I have a way!"