In the Ming Dynasty, due to the backward communication methods, poor road traffic, and the vast territory, there was a lag in the spread of news.%し
It often takes more than a month for news from the capital to reach the south of the Yangtze River. This is because the transportation from the capital to the south of the Yangtze River is relatively convenient and the area is relatively prosperous. If the news from the capital is to spread in the direction of Sichuan and Shaanxi, the time required is often longer.
It will be extended several times.
No matter what time, no matter what, the scarier it is, the more precious it is. Therefore, in this era, the most precious thing is probably timely and accurate information. If you can get the information one step ahead, it means that you have the advantage.
Take the initiative and get a lot of opportunities and advantages. As long as you operate it properly, you can easily obtain countless benefits and benefits.
Some time ago, the reason why the battle of wits between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing ended in failure was that there was a problem with Emperor Deqing's news channels, so he was being plotted against.
Zhao Junchen understood the importance of intelligence very early. In order to establish a reliable and fast intelligence network, Zhao Junchen spent countless money and energy. Now he has finally achieved some results. At least he has not become deaf or blind. Although it is not
Like Zhou Shangjing, he is always foresight and takes the lead in every step, but after all, he does not have the hindsight to be calculated by others.
However, in this era, not many people like Zhao Junchen pay attention to information and intelligence. Most people's method of collecting information is still at the level of "word of mouth".
Just like now, Zhao Junchen knew the true intention of Emperor Deqing's southern tour and Prince Zhu Heyu's desire to rectify business taxes long before Emperor Deqing's southern tour, and had been planning for this for a long time.
, In this way, when the incident occurs, Zhao Junchen can naturally use this opportunity to obtain the most benefits.
Compared with Zhao Junchen, most people's news is lagging behind. They don't know the changes in the capital. They don't understand why Emperor Deqing rushed back to the capital in a hurry. They can only rely on the most primitive means to collect information.
.Being aware of it later, it is also passive everywhere.
However, no matter how late the spread of the news is, it will eventually reach people's ears!
After the Southern Patrol Fleet left Yangzhou, it still sailed at full speed and soon arrived at Huai'an City, where it planned to rest for one night.
At the same time, the news that Prince Zhu Heyu was rectifying business taxes finally reached the ears of the accompanying officials.
The shock brought by this news was undoubtedly huge.
Among officials, there is never a shortage of smart people.
After hearing the news, these smart people quickly came to three conclusions - first, the temple, which was already an undercurrent, was about to fall into greater chaos due to the business tax rectification; second, Prince Zhu
He Yu has made a big mistake, and he may be passive. As for Huang Yourong, the cabinet boss who stayed in Beijing to assist the government, he will be even more unlucky. The balance of power in the center of the court is about to be broken; thirdly, Zhao Junchen, as the Minister of Household Affairs,
Not only was he familiar with taxation, he also had unparalleled financial management skills. If Emperor Deqing wanted to clean up the mess of commercial tax rectification, he must further reuse Zhao Junchen and let Zhao Junchen take over the commercial tax rectification. Therefore,
In the next period of time, Zhao Junchen will definitely become very popular and his power will increase greatly!
The commercial taxation of the Ming Dynasty was originally full of profit and water, and the rectification of commercial taxation was full of opportunities. A slight deviation in the policy could bring endless benefits and benefits.
Therefore, after receiving the news, the political speculators thought they understood the changes in the situation. Naturally, they would not miss this opportunity. They all turned their attention to Zhao Junchen, hoping that they could get some benefits from Zhao Junchen.
For a time, Zhao Junchen’s desk was filled with invitations from officials, nobles, wealthy businessmen, and celebrities. Everyone wanted to meet Zhao Junchen and get closer to him. Many of them expressed their interest directly.
He expressed his willingness to take refuge in Zhao Junchen, as if Zhao Junchen had become the most popular figure in the temple.
In fact, not only Zhao Junchen, but also all the "Zhao Party" officials from Zuo Lanshan, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, have received a lot of attention and favor.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing was worried that Zhao Junchen's power would increase greatly after presiding over the rectification of business and taxation, which would be difficult to control, and he took away some of Zhao Junchen's authority in advance, which was not without purpose.
Once Zhao Junchen presides over the rectification of business and taxation, he will certainly offend the interests of many people and become the enemy in the eyes of many vested interests, but he also has the power to redistribute the interests. These interests are so huge that they are enough to
It is heart-warming, and it is natural for many people to voluntarily become Zhao Junchen's disciples in order to seek greater benefits.
However, just when everyone wanted to get close to Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen did not meet anyone. He just took advantage of the Southern Patrol Fleet's break in Huai'an City to wear casual clothes and led Xu Qingyan to Huai'an.
Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the city at night.
Under the current situation, it may be difficult for Zhao Junchen to have any leisure time in the future.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen planned to relax and enjoy his last free time before he returned to Beijing.
In the night market in Huai'an City, Zhao Junchen seemed to be an ordinary citizen, walking and stopping along the way, watching the excitement, admiring the night scenery, tasting snacks, and moving with the flow of people, which seemed quite comfortable.
Originally, Zhao Junchen thought he would spend the night like this.
Then, in the bustling night market, Zhao Junchen saw Zhou Shangjing, who was also wearing casual clothes.
Zhou Shangjing was seen wearing simple Confucian clothes, hiding his temperament, as if he were a down-and-out old scholar, standing quietly at the corner of the street, nodding towards Zhao Junchen with a smile.
It seemed like a chance encounter, and it seemed like he had been waiting for Zhao Junchen for a long time.
After seeing Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen was slightly stunned at first, but soon returned to normal, and came to Zhou Shangjing, bowed and said: "I was just wandering around, I didn't expect to meet you, Senior Zhou is so elegant.
!”
Zhou Shangjing smiled calmly and said: "Junchen is now attracting the attention of thousands of people, but he is dressed in casual clothes and strolling in the folk night market with a calm look. How can he not be so elegant?"
Then, the two looked at each other, smiled, and walked side by side naturally.
While strolling, the two chatted for a few words. Zhou Shangjing suddenly changed the subject and said: "Speaking of which, I still remember the first time I met Junchen. At that time, Junchen was appointed as the number one scholar by His Majesty, and his face
His face was full of ecstasy and disbelief, and even his words were stumbling and uncoordinated... At that time, I felt that Junchen, your city was too shallow and you were in trouble. Although it was a coincidence that you became the number one scholar, my future future may be
Very limited.”
After saying that, Zhou Shangjing laughed and shook his head. He said: "I didn't expect that I was mistaken. Junchen, you are already a second-rank official at a young age. You will become the most popular upstart in the temple in the future. You really have a bright future." There is a limit... Especially during the period before and after the southern tour, the situation in the temple was ups and downs. The overt and covert fight between His Majesty and the old man attracted the attention of the world. Now this battle has finally come to an end in the eyes of others. This time, His Majesty and the old man can be said to be... Both sides suffer, and it is Shen Changmao who benefits, but I know very well. The person who really gets the greatest benefit is you, Zhao Junchen! You took advantage of the fight between His Majesty and me, not only pushed the prince into a dilemma, but also took advantage of the opportunity. Having gained further space for development, it can be said that both Your Majesty and I were plotted by you, Junchen... Speaking of which, it is a good means and a good idea."
Hearing Zhou Shangjing's emotion, Zhao Junchen did not reply, but just waited for the next sentence.
Sure enough, after Zhou Shangjing sighed with emotion, he suddenly asked: "So, Junchen, what do you think brought you to this point? Is it the best financial management skills in the world? Or is it the shrewd vision of discerning opportunities? Or maybe it's the high A clever way to outdo each other?"
With Zhao Junchen's current reputation and status, I am afraid that only Zhou Shangjing is qualified to ask Zhao Junchen like this.
After Zhao Junchen thought seriously for a moment, he shook his head and said: "None of them! In recent years, although I have occasionally encountered some small setbacks and troubles, it has basically been smooth sailing. This is probably not because of my brilliant methods and vision. It’s because of the situation... In other words, I was very lucky and encountered a situation that was suitable for my development.”
Zhou Shangjing nodded appreciatively and said: "I was worried that you would be overwhelmed by the situation in front of you. I didn't expect you to still remain calm. It's really rare... Yes, Junchen, you are actually very successful in achieving what you have now." The element of luck. In recent years, there have been few outstanding talents in the court. I and Your Majesty have been constraining each other. They only have eyes for each other, and they don’t pay enough attention to you. The other elders are all short-sighted and only have petty gains in their eyes. , and you have been repeatedly suppressed by me, and your strength is not worth mentioning... Therefore, your real political opponents are only Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, and the Qingliu under the Crown Prince! But since the late emperor suppressed the Donglin Party, the Qingliu people have become more powerful in terms of both strength and power. All means are out of date, and the prince's character is very upright and very easy to exploit... This gives you room to develop calmly! Of course, it is also your ability to fully seize the opportunity and develop to this stage, but What’s more, it’s the times and circumstances that dictate it.”
Zhou Shangjing's words seemed to underestimate Zhao Junchen, but Zhao Junchen nodded in agreement.
After watching the battle between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing at close range, Zhao Junchen knew that his methods were far from sophisticated. If Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing deliberately targeted him, Zhao Junchen might not have any power to fight back.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen has been able to reach this point, in addition to the mentality of walking on thin ice and his own insights from later generations, the most important thing is that Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing restrained each other and had no time to deal with him.
Zhao Junchen has always been very clear-headed about his own understanding.
Zhou Shangjing added: "However, from now on, the situation will be different! Because of the prince's rectification of commercial taxation, I and your majesty have reached a secret agreement and suspended the fight. After you presided over the rectification of commercial taxation, you will inevitably
Your power has increased greatly, so your majesty and I will also pay attention to you and will not let go of your every move... In fact, not only your majesty and me, but all the forces in the government and the opposition will no longer despise you from now on.
Your political opponents will no longer take you lightly! Your every move will be repeatedly studied and speculated by people, and any of your actions will be closely watched! Therefore, your current situation seems to be good, but in fact the environment
On the contrary, it is more dangerous than before. If anything goes wrong, it will be doomed..."
Having said this, Zhou Shangjing shook his head and sighed softly, and said: "I have been living like this for decades, and it is really very hard... So, Junchen, do you think, under such circumstances, you can still be like before?
Generally take it calmly?"
After Zhao Junchen was silent for a moment, he sighed: "To be honest, I can only try my best, but I don't have much confidence."
Zhou Shang nodded and became silent again.
Then, the two of them walked in silence in the night market of Huai'an City, without any dialogue.
When the moon was on the branches and the two were about to go back, Zhou Shangjing suddenly asked again: "I heard that Your Majesty has taken over the authority of your West Factory and Inner Transport Warehouse?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "That's true."
"In other words, His Majesty plans to let you take over the business tax rectification matter?"
Zhao Junchen nodded again and said: "Senior's eyes are so bright that I can't hide anything from you."
"Do you have a plan in mind regarding the rectification of commercial tax?"
"There are some."
"Is there any chance of cooperation with me?" Zhou Shangjing's seemingly dim eyes suddenly flashed with light and he asked again.
Zhao Junchen suddenly smiled, nodded again and said: "Junchen has little qualifications and insufficient abilities. There are many things that require your help, senior."
Zhou Shangjing also smiled, nodded and said, "That's good."
After saying that, Zhou Shangjing turned around and left.
Zhao Junchen watched Zhou Shangjing leave, only to see Zhou Shangjing's old figure, but this figure had been standing in the court for decades, so Zhao Junchen never dared to look down upon him.
Zhou Shangjing met with Zhao Junchen today, seemingly to advise Zhao Junchen, but the deeper meaning was also obvious - the next situation is not as simple as you think, nor can you solve it alone, so Zhao Junchen and
Zhou Shangjing needs cooperation. Zhou Shangjing wants to share some of the benefits of commercial and tax rectification, and at the same time, he will also help Zhao Junchen solve some problems.
Then, Zhao Junchen simply agreed to Zhou Shangjing's request.