"Oh? But I don't know how His Highness the Seventh Prince evaluates me?"
After hearing Zhao Junchen's inquiry, Qin Xi's expression became more serious and his tone was very sincere, and he said: "His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince has mentioned to me many times that among the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, the one he admires most is Mr. Zhao.
I think Mr. Zhao is a pillar-like figure of the country, very important and indispensable.±”
On the other side, Zhao Junchen laughed and shook his head: "The pillar of the country? Indispensable? His Highness the Seventh Prince is really over-honored. I am too ashamed to deserve it. I am too ashamed to deserve it."
Qin Xi said: "Mr. Zhao, why do you have to belittle yourself? Over the years, if it weren't for your financial management skills, Mr. Zhao, the court would have been in chaos, and even His Majesty would have been in trouble... The seventh prince once said personally that now
The Ming Dynasty can live without Zhou Shangjing, but it must not live without Master Zhao. If there is no Zhou Shangjing, the situation will be a little chaotic at best. Sooner or later, it will return to normal. But without Master Zhao, the court will have a road full of thorns and it will be difficult to move forward.
.”
Zhao Junchen still shook his head and said: "I don't dare to compare myself with Mr. Zhou Ge. If these words of the Seventh Prince are spread, I'm afraid it will be laughed at."
Qin Xi smiled softly, with a somewhat meaningful tone, and said: "I think these words of the seventh prince are not wrong. Whether it is the food, salt, sauce and vinegar of the common people, or the emperor's governance, all big and small things require money.
However, everyone has the ability to spend money, but few people are proficient in the ability to make money. If you can manage the court's money in an orderly manner, both increasing revenue and reducing expenditure, it is rare to see people with such skills in a century. Because
This shows how rare Mr. Zhao is. The Seventh Prince also said that governing a country is not an easy task. Regardless of civil and military skills, officials' salaries, and the appeasement of the people, a large amount of money is needed. Therefore, any ambitious emperor must have people around him.
We need the assistance of people like Mr. Zhao, otherwise it will be difficult to defend Chengdu."
When he said the last sentence, Qin Xi's tone became slightly heavier, as if he was emphasizing something.
Zhao Junchen remained humble, as if he didn't understand Qin Xi's hint at all, and just said: "Oh? The seventh prince thinks so highly of me? It makes me a little flattered."
Qin Xi changed the topic, suddenly shook his head and sighed: "The importance that His Highness the Seventh Prince attaches to Mr. Zhao cannot be overstated. He has mentioned Mr. Zhao's benefits to the prince many times, but it is a pity that the prince and Zhao
The relationship between the adults is not harmonious. Although the seventh prince has persuaded and explained the truth many times, the prince is a bit stubborn and refuses to listen to the advice of the seventh prince... It is a pity. If His Highness the prince can be as valued as the seventh prince.
Mr. Zhao, there may be a long-lasting story of harmony between the monarch and his ministers in the future. At that time, Mr. Zhao may become the youngest chief minister of the cabinet in the history of our dynasty, and Mr. Zhao's time as chief minister of the cabinet will only last.
Longer than Zhou Shangjing today..."
As he spoke, Qin Xi's tone became more meaningful, and after finishing speaking, he sighed with regret, as if he was very sorry.
But in fact, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian is definitely happy to see the hostile relationship between Zhao Junchen and Crown Prince Zhu Heyu come to an end. Otherwise, Zhu Hejian's chances of competing for the throne will be greatly reduced.
Zhao Junchen knew this very well and naturally he would not believe it. He just said: "It turns out that His Highness the Seventh Prince has defended me many times, but I only know the news now. It is a pity that I cannot thank the Seventh Prince in person.
Please also ask Mr. Qin to convey my gratitude to the Seventh Prince."
Qin Xi did not say anything, but just shook his head and said: "If there is a good story about the harmony between emperor and minister, it must be Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong in the Spring and Autumn Period. Guan Zhong was certainly a saint with both talent and virtue, but that was also because he met Duke Huan of Qi.
Otherwise, you will not be able to use your skills. It can be seen that although a wise minister like Guan Zhong is very rare, a king like Duke Huan of Qi is also rare."
After saying that, Qin Xi looked at Zhao Junchen meaningfully, with scrutiny in his eyes.
This time, Zhao Junchen did not continue to be self-effacing, but his eyes were thoughtful.
*****
Qin Xi's words contained quite a lot of hints, but the hints were done in a very clever way, making it difficult for people to grasp anything.
First of all, Zhu Hejian should have guessed Zhao Junchen's fear of him, so he expressed to Zhao Junchen through Qin Xi, "Any ambitious emperor needs the help of people like Mr. Zhao, otherwise he will not even be able to defend Chengdu."
The words "difficult" repeatedly emphasized the importance and scarcity of Zhao Junchen. The implicit meaning is that if Zhu Hejian can ascend the throne as emperor in the future, he will definitely continue to reuse Zhao Junchen and will never do anything to burn bridges - obviously.
This statement is to reassure Zhao Junchen and lay the foundation for future cooperation between the two parties.
Secondly, the metaphor of Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong implies that, except for Zhu Hejian, neither Emperor Deqing nor Prince Zhu Heyu would be Zhao Junchen’s Duke Huan of Qi, nor would they give Zhao Junchen full trust.
Zhao Junchen is allowed to do whatever he wants, so taking refuge in Zhu Hejian is Zhao Junchen's best choice.
Finally, naturally, Zhao Junchen was promised a huge profit. Not only was he promised Zhao Junchen the position of chief minister of the cabinet, but he also guaranteed that Zhao Junchen's time as chief minister of the cabinet would never be shorter than that of Zhou Shangjing...
The various promises were carefully thought out and all factors were taken into consideration, including interests, coercion, persuasion, and temptation. Although they were just a big pie, they were enough to make people tempted.
Of course, Zhao Junchen would not believe these hints.
After all, promises made by politicians are always unreliable, not to mention that now they are just hints and not said by the seventh prince Zhu Hejian himself, so they are even more unreliable.
However, Zhao Junchen did not show his distrust. He just looked thoughtful, as if he was considering it seriously, but did not give an accurate answer.
Of course, this is just a disguise and perfunctory. After all, the real purpose of Zhao Junchen's trip is to test the truth and foundation of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. If he directly expresses his distrust, then he will not be able to continue the conversation.
****
While pretending, Zhao Junchen seemed to be very hesitant and said: "Unfortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince's views are completely different from those of the Seventh Prince. Due to his status, the Seventh Prince cannot participate in government affairs, otherwise I would not have to walk on thin ice every day.
...Speaking of which, the Seventh Prince has always won the favor of His Majesty and the respect of everyone in the inner court. Although he lives in seclusion, all the courtiers from outside the court who have had contact with the Seventh Prince have also been full of praise for the Seventh Prince.
In a certain respect, the Seventh Prince's reputation is no less worthy than that of His Highness the Crown Prince... It's a pity, it's really a pity."
Hearing Zhao Junchen's sigh, Qin Xi's eyes flashed slightly and asked: "Oh? But I don't know what Mr. Zhao is regretting?"
Zhao Junchen said: "It is a pity that His Highness the Seventh Prince is frail and sick, and he is jealous of talents; it is also a pity that His Highness the Seventh Prince is in the royal family and was born two years late. From now on, he can only be an idle prince and cannot display his talents... The most pity is that
, His Highness the Seventh Prince’s conduct, reputation, and reputation are really excellent.”
"Oh? His Highness the Seventh Prince's character, reputation, and reputation are so good. Is it still a bad thing?"
Qin Xi was slightly stunned and asked.
With Qin Xi's rhetorical question, Zhao Junchen finally took the initiative in the conversation.
…
ps: The state is still very bad, but I still managed to write a chapter, so I will post it first. If the writing is not good, please forgive me.
I just hope I can return to form tomorrow!
But regardless of whether the status can be restored, we will continue to update tomorrow!