After hearing Shen Changmao's weird laughter, not only Huo Zhengyuan, but also Lin Wei and Zhang Cheng gradually felt that something was wrong.⊙,
Just now, Huo Zhengyuan suddenly mentioned Huang Yourong just to test Shen Changmao's true intention.
However, Shen Changmao did not pay attention to Huo Zhengyuan's temptation. He seemed to have acquiesced in his desire to annex the "Yellow Party" and was not worried about Huang Yourong's subsequent revenge.
For a moment, the three of them were suspicious and at a loss. They didn't know how to deal with Shen Changmao.
On the other side, after seeing Huo Zhengyuan, Lin Wei and Zhang Cheng all expressing doubts, Shen Changmao finally got to the point: "The three adults suddenly came to see me today, probably to find out the reason why His Majesty suddenly left for Beijing, right?"
After Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan looked at each other, it was Zhang Cheng who spoke again: "Master Chief Assistant, you are very aware of everything. The three of us are indeed here for this purpose. I hope you can help me, Mr. Chief Assistant." I'll wait for some guidance."
Shen Changmao nodded, sighed artificially, and said slowly: "Speaking of which, this matter is very important and has a close relationship with the three of you. I really should tell you the details... in about twenty days. Previously, His Majesty the Crown Prince took advantage of His Majesty's tour to the south of Beijing, and despite the efforts of Mr. Huang Ge, he passed a resolution to drastically rectify commercial taxes, crack down on private smuggling, and abolish local prefectures, counties, and military towns. Huangzhuang, and even the tax collection station privately set up by the six central departments..."
Then, a look of gloating flashed in Shen Changmao's eyes, and he continued: "The three adults also know that I, Chaoshang, are like a bottomless pool of muddy water, which can easily drown people. You must not touch it easily. Everyone knows that our dynasty’s business and tax affairs are in chaos. The court conducts routine rectifications every year, but such serious rectifications as the prince’s have never done. There is no other reason than that they are afraid of causing chaos and conflict between the government and the opposition. Rebound... Whether it is local governments, military towns, Huangzhuang, or the six central ministries, a large amount of money is obtained through tax collection stations every year, either to fill shortfalls, to seek personal gain, or to win people's hearts. For all officials, this amount of money is indispensable for socializing and entertaining. This decision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is a big deal. The government and the public are bound to be in turmoil. His Majesty hurried back to the capital. In order to stabilize the situation..."
Having said this, Shen Changmao shook his head with regret and sighed: "It's a pity that although His Highness the Crown Prince stabbed this huge trap, the Crown Prince is the crown prince and the future emperor. His Majesty will never do that. He gave up so easily, so after His Majesty returned to Beijing, in order to stabilize the situation, he could only find an unlucky scapegoat to quell the public anger. And this scapegoat must have enough weight... In this way, Mr. Huang Ge, as His Majesty The minister who stayed in Beijing during the southern tour may be in trouble. No one can save him..."
"What!?"
"Huangge is in danger!"
"how so!?"
For a moment, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan's expressions all changed drastically, and they all exclaimed.
As senior officials of the imperial court, they naturally understand the seriousness of this matter!
Lin Wei couldn't help but ask for help. He said: "Master Chief Minister, you are now the head of the cabinet. It can be said that one person is inferior to ten thousand people. Mr. Huang Ge is your most important ally. You must save my family." Mr. Huangge!"
Shen Changmao still shook his head and said: "I and Mr. Huang Ge have been ministers of the same court for more than twenty years. They have cooperated happily in recent times. Naturally, they will not ignore death... But it is a pity that judging from the current situation, Even I can't save him! Do you three adults know why your majesty suddenly let Zhou Shangjing go? This is because your majesty and Zhou Shangjing have reached a secret agreement. In the next period of time, your majesty will no longer pursue Suzhou. Regarding the Japanese pirates, Zhou Shangjing must fully cooperate with His Majesty to stabilize the situation between the government and the opposition... Therefore, when we return to the capital, not only will His Majesty make Mr. Huang Ge a scapegoat, Zhou Shangjing will also make Mr. Huang Ge take the blame. Although I am the cabinet It is impossible for the chief minister to violate the common will of His Majesty and Zhou Shangjing at the same time. It can be said that Mr. Huang Ge is now destined to step down sadly!"
After hearing what Shen Changmao said, Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan looked even more flustered and pale.
Indeed, in the whole dynasty, only Emperor Deqing can deal with Zhou Shangjing, and only Zhou Shangjing can deal with Emperor Deqing. If Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing join forces, no one can go against their will!
On the other side, Shen Changmao suddenly changed the topic and said: "However, Mr. Huangge is an important ally of me. I have been sympathetic to him for many years, so although I can't save him, I won't do anything." Do, you still have to do your best where you should... For example, if the three adults are willing, you can completely seek refuge with me. As long as you are protected by me, even if Huang Yourong falls, you will never be implicated. You are still The young masters, ministers, and bachelors of the imperial court may be able to go further! In short, for the sake of Mr. Huang Ge, I will definitely regard you as my confidants and will never treat you badly. And I have got you. With the help of Huang Ge, we are even more powerful, and our momentum will never be reduced by the fall of Mr. Huang Ge!"
After saying that, Shen Changmao looked at the three of them with a smile and asked: "I am sincere in my intentions, but I don't know what the three adults think?"
At this moment, Shen Changmao finally saw the truth, tore off his fake mask of sympathy, and exposed his true intention to take advantage of the opportunity to annex the "Yellow Party"!
After hearing Shen Changmao's recruitment, Huo Zhengyuan's expression changed, and he felt a little shaken in his heart. Since Huang Yourong's downfall was inevitable, switching to Shen Changmao's sect was also something that could be considered.
However, before Huo Zhengyuan could speak, Zhang Cheng stood up with an angry look and accused: "Shen Changmao! I didn't expect you to be so shameless! Mr. Huang Ge is your ally in the DPRK and China. When your allies meet, In times of crisis, not only do you not think about rescuing, but you want to annex the power of your allies. Aren't you afraid of being cast aside by others for being so treacherous?"
At the same time, Lin Wei also snorted coldly. Although he said nothing, he glared at Shen Changmao angrily. It was obvious that his attitude was completely consistent with Zhang Cheng.
Different from Huo Zhengyuan, Zhang Cheng and Huang Yourong are from the same hometown, classmates, and Jinshi in the same subject. The relationship between Lin Wei and Huang Yourong is that of sons and daughters. They have a close relationship with Huang Yourong and are loyal to Huang Yourong, unless Huang Yourong has completely lost power. Otherwise, they would never abandon Huang Yourong so easily.
On the other side, after hearing Zhang Cheng's accusation, Shen Changmao's expression gradually turned cold and returned to his usual stern expression: "Oh? You said that I am shameless and treacherous? Humph! As Huang Yourong's confidants, don't you think Don’t you know about Huang Yourong’s little tricks in the capital a few days ago? Taking advantage of the opportunity that I accompanied you on the southern tour, isn’t it possible that Huang Yourong secretly infiltrated, bribed, and suppressed my disciples? Do you really think I don’t know about Huang Yourong? Those little thoughts and actions? As Huang Yourong's cronies, you actually have the nerve to criticize me?"
Hearing Shen Changmao's sarcasm, both Zhang Cheng and Lin Wei were speechless.
As Huang Yourong's cronies, they naturally knew about Huang Yourong's plan to annex the "Shen Party", but they could not refute it.
In a certain respect, Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao are indeed a pair of allies, and what they do is the same, not to mention the eldest brother.
Therefore, Zhang Cheng did not answer, but said coldly: "Different ways are not enough! Although Mr. Shen Ge is unwilling to help, the three of us have been greatly favored by Mr. Huang Ge over the years, but we cannot turn a blind eye. Abandon the old master! Even if His Majesty and Zhou Shangjing join forces to suppress Mr. Huang Ge, we will never surrender! Farewell!"
After saying that, Zhang Cheng turned around and left with a resolute expression.
At the same time, Lin Wei also stood up and followed him.
Although Huo Zhengyuan had some different thoughts in his mind, after hesitating for a while, he finally followed Zhang Cheng and Lin Wei and left without any further expression.
On the other side, Shen Changmao looked at the three people leaving with cold eyes.
Unexpectedly, his plan to annex the "Yellow Party" got off to a bad start.
However, Shen Changmao is not in a hurry. In his opinion, the most critical point in annexing the "Yellow Party" forces is not Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan, but Huang Yourong, who is about to fall!
As long as Huang Yourong is willing to transfer all his power, connections, authority, etc. to Shen Changmao, then Zhang Cheng, Lin Wei, and Huo Zhengyuan can only surrender to him obediently.
Moreover, Shen Changmao believed that Huang Yourong would definitely do this.
After all, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong are still allies, and the two sides have not officially broken up with each other. Moreover, Shen Changmao is now the chief minister of the cabinet, and his status is unusual! Huang Yourong has the only choice to avoid losing too miserably. !
Therefore, Shen Changmao is not in a hurry.
However, what Shen Changmao didn't know was that he was not the only one who planned to take advantage of Huang Yourong's corner.
Secretly, as the real mastermind who directly contributed to Huang Yourong's downfall, Zhao Junchen has been sharpening his sword and has been waiting for a long time!