At the same time that Zhao Junchen asked to see Emperor Deqing, Emperor Deqing's announcement of returning to Beijing also reached the ears of the accompanying officials. Look.
Except for Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen, Shen Changmao and other powerful officials in the DPRK, most of the accompanying ministers did not understand why Emperor Deqing suddenly announced his return to Beijing, and why Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing's game of fighting... Stopped abruptly.
But obviously, if Emperor Deqing could change his mind temporarily and his attitude was still so eager, something big must have happened.
In official circles, the most important thing is self-protection. If you want to protect yourself, you must first judge the direction of the situation. If you want to judge the direction of the situation, you must first obtain accurate information. All those who are hindsight and slow to react Officials cannot survive long in the ever-changing and crisis-ridden official world.
Therefore, after receiving the decree from Emperor Deqing, most of the accompanying officials were searching for information. However, because Emperor Deqing temporarily blocked the information, they could not obtain accurate information no matter how they inquired. , I only knew that a big change had occurred in the capital, and Emperor Deqing returned to the capital eagerly to stabilize the situation.
But there are different opinions on what the so-called "big change" actually is.
As a result, although the battle between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing came to an end for the time being, the officials accompanying him still had an atmosphere of panic and suspicion.
Because of Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing's secret conspiracy, during Emperor Deqing's southern tour, although Huang Yourong stayed in the center of the capital and became an auxiliary minister, which can be said to have sole power, Huang Yourong's three major generals, Shaofu Zhangcheng and the Minister of Etiquette, Lin Wei and the great scholar Huo Zhengyuan were both included in the list of charioteers to accompany Emperor Deqing on his southern tour.
To a large extent, it was precisely because of this that Huang Yourong was unable to suppress the crown prince Zhu Heyu, allowing Zhu Heyu to successfully carry out the business tax rectification plan.
On the other side, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan. Because Huang Yourong stayed in Beijing, they were unable to gain access to the court's secrets in time, so they always had some hindsight.
After Emperor Deqing announced his intention to return to Beijing, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan were also suspicious and frightened. So they immediately got together to speculate on the reason for Emperor Deqing's sudden return to Beijing.
But like most officials, due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, no matter how they speculate, they cannot draw convincing conclusions.
So they thought of their ally Shen Changmao.
Of course, Shen Changmao has now succeeded Zhou Shangjing and been promoted to the new Cabinet Assistant. In a certain respect, the game between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing actually made Shen Changmao the biggest gainer.
However, although Shen Changmao's status has become more noble, he and Huang Yourong are still in an alliance.
Therefore, after Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan could not guess the reason, they decided to go find Shen Changmao and ask for information.
Then, Shen Changmao received them warmly. Not only did he go out to greet the three of them in person, but he also had many compliments. His usual cold demeanor was completely invisible, which made Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan all feel flattered.
After arriving in the living room, Shen Changmao and the three Huang Dang cadres took their seats.
Then, without waiting for Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan spoke. Shen Changmao said with emotion: "Speaking of which, I have been ministers of the same court with Mr. Huang Ge for more than 20 years. I have no idea about Mr. Huang's personality, mind and spirit." , I have always admired him very much for his methods. However, due to various reasons and under the pressing circumstances, I and Mr. Huangge have always been more hostile than cooperative over the years. Now that I think about it, it makes people full of emotions."
Although Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan were all eager to inquire about the news, Shen Changmao's status was very noble. Since Shen Changmao suddenly expressed emotion, the three of them could only follow Shen Changmao's topic for the time being. talk.
So, Zhang Cheng smiled and said: "These are all things in the past. Now, Mr. Fu, you and Mr. Huang Ge have formed an alliance, and the two parties have become a cooperative relationship. I believe that our cooperation in the future will only become closer and closer. Those conflicts in the past have , it’s just a passing cloud.”
Shen Changmao nodded and said: "That's true. Now that I think about it, Mr. Huang Ge really has a long-term vision. The cooperation between you and me is indeed a great move. Since the merger of the two families, our influence in the temple has greatly increased." It is getting worse day by day, and all actions are unfavorable. Even Zhou Shangjing does not dare to underestimate us, let alone Zhao Junchen, a junior with junior qualifications. Speaking of which, I cannot become the new assistant today without your strong support. ah! "
After hearing what Shen Changmao said, Zhang Cheng and others were humble and said they did not dare to take credit.
However, despite being self-effacing, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan all looked a little embarrassed.
After all, the premise for cooperation between Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao is largely due to the fact that both parties have equal status and equal power. Now that Shen Changmao has become the Cabinet Assistant, he will have the upper hand over Huang Yourong in the future. If things continue like this, the "Huang Party" will "It is possible that he will become a vassal of the "Shen Party" in the future.
However, these are just long-term considerations, and the most urgent task is to find out from Shen Changmao the specific reasons for Emperor Deqing's sudden return to Beijing.
However, before Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan could ask, they heard Shen Changmao sigh again: "There are many benefits for you and me to cooperate. As long as we work together, there will be nothing in this temple." It can be difficult to get us, so I have decided that your family and I will further deepen our cooperation in the future. It would be best if we can be as close as one family without distinguishing each other."
After saying that, Shen Changmao glanced at the three of them with a smile, and said meaningfully: "In fact, in my opinion, there is no difference between the three adults and my own people. From now on, as long as I still If you stay in the cabinet, your benefits will definitely be indispensable."
After hearing Shen Changmao's story, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei and Huo Zhengyuan all had a flash of surprise in their eyes.
What do Shen Changmao's words mean?
What does "we are as close as one family" mean? What does "no distinction between each other" mean? What does "one of our own" mean? What does "your benefits are absolutely indispensable" mean?
Is it possible that after Shen Changmao became the cabinet minister, his ambitions expanded and he planned to annex the "yellow party"?
Although Shen Changmao has now become a cabinet minister, his status is only a little more noble. His power and influence with Huang Yourong are only equal. Want to annex the "Yellow Party"? Shen Changmao probably doesn't have such a good mouth!
If Shen Changmao really wants to seize the opportunity to annex the "Yellow Party", he should never be so eager, nor should he show it so obviously. The best way is to take it slowly and gradually infiltrate!
Logically speaking, Shen Changmao would never be such an ignorant person and should understand this!
In the midst of surprise and suspicion, Huo Zhengyuan, the most intelligent among the three, had an ominous premonition in his heart, and felt that the changes taking place in the capital were not that simple.
Therefore, Huo Zhengyuan tried out to Shen Changmao: "Master Fu, your idea is naturally the best. But the three of us have always followed Mr. Huangge's horse, so this matter between you, Shen Fu, and Mr. Huangge Just discuss it, as long as you and Mr. Huang Ge reach an agreement, we will comply with it!"
"Huang Ge Lao? Hehe"
Hearing Huo Zhengyuan's words, Shen Changmao suddenly laughed strangely.
After Prince Zhu Heyu rectified the business tax, although he created a big mess and caused a backlash from all stakeholders, Emperor Deqing would never give up on Zhu Heyu as the heir apparent.
Therefore, in order to quell public anger, to stabilize the situation between the government and the opposition, and to protect the crown prince Zhu Heyu, Emperor Deqing could only find a scapegoat.
The best candidate for this scapegoat is undoubtedly Huang Yourong, who stayed in Beijing to assist the government!
Therefore, after Prince Zhu Heyu began to rectify business taxes, it was already doomed that Huang Yourong would step down sadly!
Zhao Junchen can think of this, Zhou Shangjing can think of this, Huang Yourong himself can think of it, and Shen Changmao can naturally think of this too!
Therefore, for several powerful officials in the court, the most important thing now is not to stabilize the situation between the government and the opposition, but to carve up Huang Yourong's political legacy and power in the court!
Zhao Junchen thought so and had been preparing for a long time.
Shen Changmao thought the same way, and he was already taking advantage of his status as Huang Yourong's ally to plan to gain the upper hand first!
Allies are only temporary, and only your own interests are eternal. If you can gain more benefits by betraying your allies, then "betrayal of trust" is also acceptable.
Shen Changmao already has a deep understanding of this point.
Today, Shen Changmao's various performances were just to take advantage of Huang Yourong and recruit Zhang Cheng, Huo Zhengyuan and Lin Wei into his sect!
These three people are Huang Yourong's most capable officers. As long as they are bribed, it is equivalent to gaining most of the political power of the "Yellow Party"!