But it was said that after Zhao Junchen left Emperor Deqing's temporary imperial study, he quickly returned to his room.
On this day, the fighting game between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing was full of ups and downs and dizzying. After Zhao Junchen returned to the room, he naturally wanted to think about and analyze it in detail and seriously.
However, after Zhao Junchen returned to the room, before he had time to think, Xu Qingyan pushed in the door and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Master, someone claims to be a servant of Zhou Shangjing's house and wants to see the master.
Important matters need to be reported to the young master."
Now, at such a sensitive time, if the secret meeting between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing's envoy is discovered, it will undoubtedly arouse the suspicion of Emperor Deqing.
What's more, the secret cooperation between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing has come to an end. Zhao Junchen has already completed all the things that Zhou Shangjing needs Zhao Junchen to secretly assist. Next, Zhao Junchen only needs to wait for Zhou Shangjing's return.
There is no need to risk getting involved with Zhou Shangjing anymore.
Therefore, after Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he shook his head and said: "Go and reply to that person, saying that I am tired and have gone to bed, so I won't see him. If you have anything to do, wait until some time later."
After receiving Zhao Junchen's instructions, Xu Qingyan nodded and left.
However, not long after, Xu Qingyan entered the room again and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Master, that man refused to leave. He insisted on seeing the master. He said that the matter was very important and he must inform the master tonight."
Zhao Junchen frowned slightly and asked, "Has that person revealed anything about it?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "The man said it was about the developments in the capital and related to the prince."
Hearing Xu Qingyan's answer, a glint suddenly flashed in Zhao Junchen's eyes.
At the same time, Zhao Junchen also changed his mind and said, "In that case, bring him in to see me."
Soon, Xu Qingyan led someone to Zhao Junchen's room.
Zhao Junchen took a closer look and found that the person in front of him was a familiar person named Zhou Lu. On the surface, he was just an ordinary steward of the Zhou Mansion, but in fact, he secretly controlled Zhou Shangjing's intelligence network and was Zhou Shangjing's best confidant. Before.
He also often served as the messenger between Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing.
After entering the room, Zhou Lu saluted Zhao Junchen very respectfully and said hello, but Zhao Junchen frowned and said: "Your Majesty lives in the Humble Administrator's Garden now, surrounded by imperial guards and factory guards. How can you see me so blatantly?"
Aren’t you afraid of being discovered?”
Zhou Lu smiled softly and explained to Zhao Junchen: "Master Zhao, don't worry. Among the imperial guards and factory guards in the Humble Administrator's Garden, there are naturally my master's insiders. Although their positions are not important, they are enough to cover up the villain.
His whereabouts are gone, so the villain’s coming to see you will never be discovered by others, please rest assured, Mr. Zhao.”
Zhao Junchen snorted lightly and did not continue to pester. He just went straight to the point and asked: "Tell me, what is the news you brought?"
Zhou Lu bowed her head and said: "Sir, my master asked me to tell you that just seven days ago, the prince made a big move in the capital. He announced that he would carry out commercial tax rectification, and all tax collection stations below the prefecture and county level would be forcibly cancelled.
; At the same time, no matter whether it is Huangzhuang, Military Town, or Liubu Yamen, it is no longer allowed to temporarily set up toll stations. This has caused a backlash from hundreds of officials in the court! However, in today's capital,
It was when the prince's party was dominant and even Mr. Huang Ge could not suppress it, so the prince's decision was forcibly passed."
After a pause, Zhou Lu suddenly smiled mysteriously and said: "In fact, just a few days before the prince forcibly promoted the commercial tax reform, that is, fifteen days ago, Mr. Huang Ge saw that the situation was not good and was afraid that he
I will become the prince's scapegoat in the future, so I submitted a secret letter to your majesty, hoping that your majesty can stop the prince's reckless actions.
According to common sense, this letter should have been delivered to His Majesty's desk ten days ago. Unfortunately... the messenger had an accident while on his way. Perhaps he ate something unclean at the inn and became seriously ill.
It was not until today that the messenger arrived in Suzhou. If nothing else happened, the messenger had already presented Mr. Huang Ge's secret information to His Majesty... Unfortunately, it was a little late. The prince's business
The tax rectification plan has begun to be fully implemented."
Having said this, Zhou Lu regained her respectful attitude and said: "My master believes that this matter is related to some of your plans, Mr. Zhao, and should be informed to you as soon as possible, so I asked the villain to inform you.
News, I hope Mr. Zhao can make preparations as soon as possible."
On the other side, Zhao Junchen suddenly smiled after being silent for a moment.
"Zhou Shoufu is indeed very scheming, and he actually took everything into account..." At this point, Zhao Junchen nodded to Zhou Lu and said: "Although Zhou Shoufu had his own considerations in this matter, he helped after all.
As a favor, when I see Zhou Shoufu, I will naturally thank him in person."
Zhou Lu smiled and said: "Mr. Zhao, you are too polite. From a certain point of view, your interests are consistent with my master's. Perhaps... there will be many opportunities for cooperation between you and me in the future."
After saying such meaningful words, Zhou Lu said goodbye and left.
Seeing Zhou Lu leave the room, Zhao Junchen suddenly sighed and said slowly: "Zhou Shangjing's methods are really terrible. Now I am still far inferior to him... I originally thought that Shen Changmao and the 'Eight Kings Boat Company'
This incident was his last trump card. I never thought that he would even factor into my plan to frame Prince Zhu Heyu... This time, Zhou Shangjing won the game!"
Just when Emperor Deqing was taking advantage of the Japanese pirate rebellion in Suzhou, Zhou Shangjing seemed to have fallen into Emperor Deqing's trap, but in fact he secretly bribed Zhao Junchen and used Zhao Junchen to transfer Deqing.
The emperor's focus caused Emperor Deqing to ignore other clues.
Then, just when Emperor Deqing thought that the victory or defeat was decided, Shen Changmao, who was also bribed by Zhou Shangjing, suddenly brought up the matter of "Eight Kings Ship Company", which connected the Japanese pirate rebellion with the royal family, and also
This created a temporary relationship between Zhou Shangjing and the reputation of the royal family that would harm both sides. As a result, Emperor Deqing did not dare to punish Zhou Shangjing easily and could only delay time and find other ways to break the situation.
However, at this time, under the operation of Zhou Shangjing, Emperor Deqing suddenly received the news that Prince Zhu Heyu had begun to rectify business taxes...
Zhou Shangjing is the current chief minister and a veteran of three dynasties. He has huge influence and deep-rooted power. If he falls, it will definitely cause chaos in the government and the public! However, with the political methods of Emperor Deqing, he can still control under such circumstances.
situation.
However, if at the same time as Zhou Shangjing's downfall, the "Eight Kings Shipping Company" was leaked, it would inevitably cause greater chaos, and the reputation of the royal family would also be damaged. Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing would no longer want to control
The situation was not easy, which was why Emperor Deqing was hesitant.
However, at this time, Emperor Deqing still did not give up and was still thinking of ways to overthrow Zhou Shangjing. At this time, Prince Zhu Heyu suddenly began to rectify the business tax.
The commercial taxes of the Ming Dynasty are related to the interests of all aspects. The prince's rectification of commercial taxes means that he will violate the interests of almost all forces. This is why Zhao Junchen plots against the prince, and it will inevitably cause chaos in the government and the public.
In this way, if Emperor Deqing insists on punishing Zhou Shangjing, the combination of various factors will inevitably add chaos to chaos, and the entire Ming Dynasty will be in turmoil. Even if Emperor Deqing prides himself on his superb political methods, there is no certainty.
The situation can be controlled, and when that time comes, no one knows what will happen.
When things have developed to this point, it is no longer important whether the "Eight Kings Ship Line" has anything to do with the Japanese pirate rebellion. It can be predicted what decision Emperor Deqing will make in the end.
"Zhou Shangjing's plan can be said to be interlocking, and it goes straight to Emperor Deqing's weakness. The ingenuity of his methods, the timing, and the comprehensiveness of his thinking are even more amazing... As of now, His Majesty has lost.
, In order to stabilize the situation and control the situation, if nothing else happens, His Majesty will soon find Zhou Shangjing to compromise... However, I will also get a lot of benefits..."
Zhao Junchen thought secretly.
The reason why Prince Zhu Heyu promoted the rectification of commercial tax was all because of Zhao Junchen's calculations. Emperor Deqing would receive the news, which was also expected by Zhao Junchen.
However, because of Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong's messenger had an "accident" on the way. Emperor Deqing delayed receiving the news for several days. It was too late to stop it!
In this way, Prince Zhu Heyu's business tax rectification will undoubtedly become more in-depth and irreversible, and Zhao Junchen's plan will also be more successful.
Things developed just as Zhao Junchen expected.
After Emperor Deqing received Huang Yourong's secret message, he immediately became furious. In this era, the word "cheating" has not yet become popular, but if Emperor Deqing knew this term at this time, he would definitely feel the same because of Prince Zhu Heyu's business tax rectification
, in order to wipe Prince Zhu Heyu’s butt, Emperor Deqing’s plan to overthrow Zhou Shangjing could only end in vain!
However, after being furious, Emperor Deqing finally calmed down and immediately found Zhou Shangjing. While the two parties had a secret conversation, they also made a deal.
On the next day, Emperor Deqing issued an imperial edict, giving Zhou Shangjing a lighter sentence for covering up the Japanese pirate rebellion in Suzhou. He only removed Zhou Shangjing from the position of chief minister and fined him a salary for three years, but still retained Zhou Shangjing's authority.
and cabinet seats.
Then, Emperor Deqing issued another imperial edict, announcing the end of the southern tour, and hurriedly drove back to Beijing.
It is worth mentioning that the vacant chief assistant position was taken by Shen Changmao. This should be one of the deals reached between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, and it was also the condition used by Zhou Shangjing to bribe Shen Changmao! Otherwise, Shen Changmao would not be at the critical moment.
I always sided with Zhou Shangjing.
If nothing unexpected happens, after Zhou Shangjing returns to the capital, he will also help Emperor Deqing stabilize the situation between the government and the public, and work with Emperor Deqing to clean up the mess for Prince Zhu Heyu!
However, for Zhao Junchen, these things are no longer important.
Because, Zhao Junchen still has a next step to plan!