In fact, after learning about Zhao Junchen's various plans, not only Gu Quan, Zhan Shanchang, and Liu Changan, but also Zuo Lanshan, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, also felt awe of Zhao Junchen.≧
This can be seen through the changes in their attitudes.
When Zhan Shanchang, Gu Quan, and Liu Changan faced Zhao Junchen, their attitudes became more humble and prudent, and they no longer dared to take credit or ask for benefits; Zuo Lanshan, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, also became much more cautious, feeling that he had lowered his posture.
, I no longer dare to rely on my official position to speak and act unscrupulously like Zhao Junchen.
After all, no matter how Zhao Junchen explains it, there is one fact that cannot be concealed.
That is - Zhao Junchen's methods are superb, far better than anyone else's, and in Zhao Junchen's various plans, they are just mere chess pieces, and once the chess pieces offend their master, they will become a chess piece at any time.
Abandoned child!
Therefore, it is natural that they would be in awe.
However, "awe" does not mean "loyalty", it often means alienation.
But Zhao Junchen didn't care about this.
If you want to win the allegiance of a gentleman, it is not enough to just rely on the word "reverence". But if you want to win the obedience of a villain, in addition to the relationship of interest, the word "reverence" is the most important thing.
People like Zhan Shanchang, Gu Quan, Liu Changan and others are not pure villains, but they are also not gentlemen. The fundamental reason why they took refuge in Zhao Junchen is just because of their interests. If one day there is a greater temptation of interests, they will
He may not betray Zhao Junchen.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen's various statements today are precisely to establish prestige and make them feel awe of him. In this way, they will obey him more and not dare to betray easily.
In fact, before this, the "Zhao Party" was essentially just a loose alliance of interests, not a powerful political group. Zhao Junchen was able to become the leader of the "Zhao Party" only because Zhao Junchen could seek the greatest benefits for everyone.
Just benefits.
It is precisely for this reason that before this, Zhao Junchen did not have very strong control over the "Zhao Party". If he wanted to take any action, he often had to persuade other "Zhao Party" officials, and he did not stick to his word.
Ability.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen has always wanted to establish prestige and strengthen his control over the "Zhao Party".
However, Zhao Junchen was lacking in both prestige and strength in the past. If he blindly established his prestige, it would only be counterproductive and make the "Zhao Party" officials feel disgusted.
But now, the time is right - when Zhao Junchen is accompanying Zhao Junchen on his southern tour, after the "Zhao Party" officials lost Zhao Junchen's protection, they were like a bereaved dog and were bullied. In this way, the importance of Zhao Junchen
There is no doubt that this has increased Zhao Junchen's prestige in disguise.
In addition, Zhao Junchen is about to take over the business and tax rectification, and his power will inevitably increase greatly, so Zhao Junchen's strength is gradually becoming sufficient.
Therefore, now is the best time for Zhao Junchen to establish his prestige!
At the same time, Huang Yourong is about to fall from power. Zhao Junchen, out of various considerations, will try his best to bring Zuo Lanshan into the cabinet and serve as cabinet minister. By that time, Zuo Lanshan's apparent status will be higher than
Zhao Junchen may cause chaos in the leadership of the "Zhao Party". Zhao Junchen chose to establish his prestige at this time to prevent such a situation from happening.
Today, Zhao Junchen explained his various plans in detail. In fact, he was hinting to everyone the fact that my means, mind, and abilities are far superior to yours. I can protect you without any risk, or you can die without a trace.
Land, it all depends on my thoughts! So, don’t have any small thoughts in the future, just listen to my leadership!
Of course, Zuo Lanshan, Zhan Shanchang and others were still unaware of Zhao Junchen's thoughts. Only the bachelor Huo Zhengyuan was aware of it, but Huo Zhengyuan not only did not feel disgusted by it, but instead had a glimmer of admiration in his eyes.
Due to personality reasons, Huo Zhengyuan does not want his future leader to be a weak person.
*****
Next, Zhao Junchen began to discuss with everyone the plan to annex the "Yellow Party", which was basically just to instigate rebellion, bribe and suppress dissidents. No need to elaborate.
But he said that at this moment, in the capital city less than thirty miles away, various forces were also brewing their own plans.
In the Prince's East Palace, Zhu Heyu learned that Emperor Deqing had arrived in Tongzhou and was about to return to the capital. He quickly summoned many members of the "Prince Party" to discuss countermeasures.
Among them, in addition to the elder Cheng Yuandao, the young master Guo Tang, the imperial censor of Zuodu Lu Chunxiao and others, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian is also on the list!
I don’t know since when, the seventh prince Zhu Heyu has gained the recognition and trust of everyone in the “Prince.Party”, and he has begun to openly attend various gatherings of the “Prince.Party” and blatantly act for the “Prince.Party”
All the officials of the "Prince Party" took this for granted and regarded the seventh prince Zhu Hejian as the second-in-command of the "Prince Party", second only to Prince Zhu Heyu.
In fact, Prince Zhu Heyu has the utmost trust in the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, and he also obeys Zhu Hejian's suggestions. From this aspect, it does not mean that Zhu Hejian has now become the real controller of the "Prince.Party"
Not an exaggeration.
At this time, Zhu Heyu and Zhu Hejian were sitting on the main seat, while Cheng Yuandao, Guo Tang, Lu Chunxiao and others were sitting on both sides.
I saw that Zhu Heyu's originally resolute face was filled with sadness at this time, and he said slowly: "Father has arrived in Tongzhou now and will return to Beijing tomorrow! Unfortunately, our plan to rectify business taxation has not only failed
I have not achieved any results, but it has made the situation in the temple a lot of chaos. After I see my father tomorrow, I will definitely be blamed. I am not worried about my father's reprimand. I am only worried that our happy achievements these days will be destroyed.
Once the commercial and tax rectification comes to an end, what should we do?"
After saying that, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
In recent days, Zhu Heyu finally took control of the temple as he wished, and began to handle government affairs according to his own ideas. But because of this, Zhu Heyu finally gradually realized his superficiality in the past. He discovered that the political situation of the court was not what it was.
It can be settled with a dose of righteousness.
Therefore, today's Zhu Heyu has gradually matured, and many of his ideas are no longer as naive as before.
In fact, after this incident, Zhu Heyu may gradually grow into a qualified heir to the emperor.
It's a pity that there is really not much time left for Zhu Heyu to continue to grow.
On the other side, after hearing Zhu Heyu's sigh, Lu Chunxiao said angrily: "It's just that the officials below deceived the superiors and deceived the subordinates. They dared to obstruct the imperial decree. Even if we repeatedly kill chickens to scare monkeys, we can't make them fearful.
Our various policies to rectify commercial taxation are not only hindered at the central level, but also become a piece of paper at the local level! How can we achieve results in this way?"
The elder Cheng Yuandao also shook his head and said: "There are huge loopholes in the commercial taxation of our dynasty, so we must make drastic rectifications. However, if our rectifications do not achieve any results and only cause political chaos, we will not be able to win the favor of Your Majesty."
I am afraid that all our efforts these days will be in vain! This situation is really annoying..."
After Guo Tang hesitated for a moment, he said: "What exactly is His Majesty's mind? We still don't know. Maybe Your Majesty may not support us..."
On the other side, Zhu Heyu's brows gradually wrinkled after hearing everyone's busy discussion.
Without him, although everyone has many opinions, most of them are useless. They are just complaints and speculations.
Today, Zhu Heyu has gradually become more practical. Rather than complaining and speculating, he would rather hear some effective suggestions!
Therefore, Zhu Heyu turned his attention to the seventh prince Zhu Hejian beside him, hoping to get Zhu Hejian's advice.
After noticing Zhu Heyu's gaze, Zhu Hejian coughed twice first, and then asked: "These days, I have been recuperating in my mansion and have not paid much attention to the situation in North Korea and China. Listening to what you all have said,
Could it be that our actions to rectify commercial taxation have not yielded any results?"
After hearing Zhu Hejian's inquiry, everyone, including Zhu Heyu, felt a little embarrassed.
After all, under Zhu Hejian's plan, everyone first destroyed the Shen-Huang Alliance, broke through Huang Yourong's obstruction, and then forcibly suppressed the objections of hundreds of officials, successfully implemented the decision to rectify business taxation, and then with the help of Zhu Hejian
, cleverly built momentum, united all the forces that could be united, and transformed the idea of rectifying commercial taxation into actual decrees...
It can be said that in the early days of rectifying commercial taxes, the "Prince Party", with the assistance of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, was smooth sailing and did not encounter any obstacles.
Unfortunately, Zhu Hejian's physical condition was not good. After doing all this, his body naturally "couldn't hold on any longer", so he stopped participating in the actions of the "Prince.Party" and rested his health in peace.
At that time, the overall situation of the imperial court was completely in the hands of the "Prince. Party", and everyone in the "Prince. Party" was also full of confidence. They felt that under such circumstances, even without Zhu Hejian's help, they would be able to make a big impact.
Already.
However, since then, everything has gone wrong for the "Prince's Party". Not only has the commercial and tax rectification failed to achieve any results, but the situation in the temple has become increasingly chaotic. The good situation of the "Prince's Party" has also been gradually lost.
Today, the "Prince Party" seems to be in control of the power, but in fact it is already struggling.
In short, after the "Prince Party" left Zhu Hejian's assistance, not only did it accomplish nothing, but it also gradually lost its original advantages and was unable to even defend Chengdu.
As a result, everyone was naturally a little embarrassed after hearing Zhu Hejian's inquiry.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Zhu Hejian's eyes flashed with disdain, but on the surface he remained calm. He just sighed softly and said slowly: "Well, commercial tax is the most sensitive area of our government.
It is true that rectification is not something that happens overnight, and it is inevitable to encounter some setbacks. Therefore, although the current situation is not good, it is no wonder that you adults, but in the eyes of my father, this situation can only
It will lead to an evaluation of incompetence, so our top priority is to try to get the father's understanding and let us continue to preside over the business and tax rectification. When that time comes, we will find another way to reverse the situation..."
Zhu Heyu's eyes lit up, and he felt that Zhu Hejian's analysis was to the point, and he finally heard some useful suggestions. So he quickly asked: "Oh? Get your father's understanding? Seventh brother, do you have any specific methods?"
Zhu Hejian lowered his head slightly, as if he was deep in thought. In fact, he used the lowering of his head to hide the faint excitement in his eyes.
Zhu Hejian has been coveting the position of crown prince for a long time, so naturally he will not sincerely help Zhu Heyu reverse the situation.
In fact, Zhu Hejian would only propose a plan that looked good, but if Prince Zhu Heyu really followed the plan, then Zhu Heyu's end would only become more embarrassing.
Zhu Hejian has been preparing for this "looking good plan" for a long time!
However, just when Zhu Hejian was about to speak, an eunuch from the East Palace hurriedly came to Prince Zhu Heyu and reported to Zhu Heyu: "Your Highness, someone claims to be a student of the former crown prince He Ming. Jinke
The second place winner in the imperial examination is named Zhao Shancai, and I would like to ask to see you."
After hearing the report, Prince Zhu Heyu was slightly startled and said: "Zhao Shancai? Didn't he accompany his father on a southern tour? He should be accompanying him in Tongzhou now. How could he come to the capital?"
On the other side, Lu Chunxiao, the censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, was overjoyed and said: "Your Highness, that Zhao Shancai is a close disciple of senior He Ming. He has inherited the knowledge of emperor's mind from senior He Ming. Although he is not very old, he is also
He is a man of extraordinary intelligence. And he is one of our own. He has come to the capital now to help His Highness solve problems. Why don’t we recruit him? Maybe he will have a way to solve the problem at hand!"
Prince Zhu Heyu had also met Zhao Shancai several times and had a good impression of Zhao Shancai. So after hearing Lu Chunxiao's suggestion, he immediately nodded in agreement and said, "In that case, let's invite Zhao Shancai to come in and talk."
On the other side, after hearing Lu Chunxiao's proposal, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian's eyes flashed with sparkle and he fell silent.
Zhu Hejian was also a student of He Ming, the former crown prince, and he knew very well how profound and unpredictable He Ming's tactics were. Unfortunately, Zhu Hejian was not the prince, so He Ming never wanted to see Zhu Hejian and never taught Zhu Hejian his true talents and knowledge.
Zhu Hejian is extremely talented in the ways of strategizing, but he has managed to reach this stage by relying on some superficial knowledge taught by He Ming!
However, it was precisely because Zhu Hejian knew how terrifying He Ming was that when Emperor Deqing recalled He Ming to serve as the crown prince again, Zhu Hejian did not stop doing anything and sent people disguised as bandits to intercept and kill He Ming on the way.
The Ming family, because Zhu Hejian knew very well that once the prince Zhu Heyu obtained the assistance of He Ming, his ambitions would never be realized.
It is precisely because of this that although Zhao Shancai is not well-known now, as He Ming's close disciple, Zhu Hejian does not dare to underestimate him.
Therefore, Zhu Hejian suddenly fell silent - the "seemingly beautiful plan" he conceived was not difficult to hide from the officials of the "Prince Party", but it may not be possible to hide it from Zhao Shancai. If he rashly hid it at this time
If you bring it up, Zhao Shancai might expose it!
On the other side, while waiting for Zhao Shancai, Zhu Heyu also asked Zhu Hejian for his idea again, but Zhu Hejian just said that he had not thought it through yet and wanted to think about it for a while, but Zhu Hejian planned to do it after seeing Zhao Shancai's true ability with his own eyes.
Decide.
Then, Zhao Shancai appeared quickly.
With the aura of being a disciple of He Ming, although Zhao Shancai has little qualifications and is young, everyone in the "Prince Party" looked at him highly. When Zhao Shancai appeared, everyone's eyes were also focused on him.
On the body.
Under the attention of everyone, Zhao Shancai looked calm and calm. He just walked quickly to the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, bowed and saluted: "Student Zhao Shancai, you are so polite! I have met His Highness the Crown Prince, and I have also met all of you sirs!"
Prince Zhu Heyu asked: "Shancai, aren't you accompanying the driver? Your Majesty is still in Tongzhou and will not return to Beijing until tomorrow. Why did you come back early? If others find out, I'm afraid you will be punished by the officials.
Already."
Zhao Shancai shook his head and sighed: "How could Shancai still sit still after hearing about His Highness the Crown Prince's move to rectify business taxes? After arriving in Tongzhou, he left the southern patrol team privately and hurried back to the capital! However, Shancai's status was low.
, the southern patrol team has a huge number of people, and although Shancai is absent, it may not be discovered. What's more, if the crisis of His Royal Highness can be relieved, even if Shancai is punished by the officials, everything will be worthwhile."
"Crisis? How to say it?"
Prince Zhu Heyu had indeed grown up a lot. He was sensitive to the seriousness of Zhao Shancai's words and asked quickly.
Zhao Shancai sighed again and asked: "In recent days, His Royal Highness has been busy with business and tax rectification. I'm afraid he hasn't paid much attention to His Majesty's southern tour, right?"
Prince Zhu Heyu was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said: "That's true. During this period, I was focused on business and tax rectification and did not pay attention to the details of my father's southern tour. What's wrong? Could it be that during my father's southern tour?
What happened?"
Zhao Shancai saw that Prince Zhu Heyu was so dull, and subconsciously sighed again, and then said: "Prince, do you really think that His Majesty's southern tour is just for fun? In fact, His Majesty's southern tour is for fun.
There is another profound meaning, and the situation in the imperial court almost changed drastically because of this."
After hearing Zhao Shancai's explanation, Prince Zhu Heyu was stunned again and asked: "What do you mean? Please tell me in detail!"
Then, Zhao Shancai explained in detail to Prince Zhu Heyu and the "Prince Party" the fighting game between Emperor Deqing and his chief assistant Zhou Shangjing during the southern tour, as well as Emperor Deqing's intention to take the opportunity to overthrow Zhou Shangjing.
Hearing the various overt and covert fights between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, all the "Prince Party" officials were shocked. They did not expect that Emperor Deqing's southern tour plan had such profound meaning!
At the same time, the battle between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing was extremely exciting. Even though everyone only inquired about it afterwards, they felt equally thrilling.
Therefore, when Zhao Shancai finished speaking, everyone was shocked, and there were actually many people who showed a hint of unfinished expression.
Seeing that everyone was only listening to the story and did not realize the seriousness of the matter, Zhao Shancai felt angry and said: "Your Majesty has been fighting openly and secretly with Zhou Shangjing for many years. It has always been your Majesty's long-cherished wish to overthrow Zhou Shangjing. When he was in Suzhou, your Majesty was far away from him.
Success was only one step away, but at this moment, Your Majesty received the news that you, the Crown Prince, were rectifying the business tax. In order to stabilize the situation between the government and the opposition, he had no choice but to give up the attack on Zhou Shangjing. Countless efforts and preparations were also made.
It was ruined because of this... As a result, the annoyance in His Majesty's heart can be imagined. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you ruined His Majesty's plan to bring down Zhou Shangjing. His Majesty is extremely dissatisfied with you now, and it is definitely not just a few words of reprimand.
It can pass..."
At this point, Zhao Shancai's expression became more solemn, and he said word by word: "In the eyes of His Majesty, His Majesty the Crown Prince, you have accomplished more than you have accomplished. To be more serious, Your Majesty may have had the idea of replacing reserves.
Maybe..."
After hearing what Zhao Shancai said, all the "Prince Party" officials, including Prince Zhu Heyu, realized the seriousness of the matter.
Especially after they heard the word "exchange reserves", they all looked flustered and turned pale!
The position of crown prince is the most fundamental interest of the "Prince.Party". If Zhu Heyu loses the position of crown prince, it means that the entire "Prince.Party" will disappear!
Before that, they always felt that no matter how serious the business tax rectification was, the most they would get was a few words of reprimand from Emperor Deqing.
And just when everyone in the "Prince Party" was panicking, Zhao Shancai said again: "As of now, although the situation is serious, it may not be impossible to recover!"
As Zhao Shancai finished speaking, a trace of murderous intent suddenly flashed in the eyes of the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian!
In Zhu Hejian's view, the Zhao Shancai in front of him must not be kept!
…
ps: Due to certain circumstances, Chongzi usually doesn’t have much free time. He often can’t find time to code until after nine o’clock in the evening, so even if he tries his best, there will only be one chapter a day. Depending on the status, the number of words will be around 2,000.
It ranges from more than four thousand.
In fact, because of the lack of updates, the performance of this book is very poor. Chongzi writes words every day, largely just to escape reality and change his mood.
But I never expected that after the update became stable, everyone would be very supportive, which moved Chongzi very much!
There is no official work today, and I have relatives helping me with family matters. After resting, I will also write more to express my gratitude to everyone for their love.
Well, here comes a 6,000-word chapter! Will update more tomorrow!