Under Huo Zhengyuan's suggestion, Lin Youlun and Situ Erren continued to debate fiercely on the pros and cons of the "Yellow Party" people switching to Shen Changmao.`
However, how the two people should express their views, how to refute each other's views, which issues should be focused on, and which issues should be deliberately avoided. Huo Zhengyuan has arranged these things in advance, so Lin Youlun and Situ Han The debate seemed heated, but it was just scripted.
At the same time, as a group of "Yellow Party" officials listened to the debate, their thoughts were quietly guided, and gradually changed. The idea of taking refuge with Shen Changmao gradually became less firm than before.
I saw that Situ Han still looked determined to join Shen Changmao, and said: "Brother Lin, what you said is wrong. Shen Shoufu has been in officialdom for many years. Naturally, he has rich experience and clever methods, so how could he not be able to control it?" His subordinates, Chief Shen, are in desperate need of talents right now. As long as we people like us join him, there is no reason to treat him badly. As long as he can restrain his officials, there will never be any conflict between us and those old Shen Party members. As for us, It is even more nonsense to say that our interests will be damaged. Now is the critical period for Shen Shoufu to expand his power. If we take refuge in the past, it is the bones of that golden horse. If Shen Shoufu treats us badly, he will have to do it again in the future. How to convince the world about this, Shen Shoufu must be clear in his heart, but Brother Lin is overly worried."
Lin Youlun still sneered and said: "If his own interests are not infringed, Shen Chieffu can certainly control his subordinates, but now Shen Chieffu has taken too big a step, not only does he want us people to join us, His subordinates are even using the business tax affairs to build momentum. I am afraid that many court officials will defect to him in the future. And if we defect to him, it will only be part of it, just the icing on the cake. Shen Shoufu may not be too If they pay attention to us, they will be afraid of us and deliberately suppress us because we have similar backgrounds and are closely related to each other."
After a pause, Lin Youlun continued: "The most important thing is that Chief Shen has attracted so many officials to join him in one fell swoop. Although it seems that he has gained great momentum, the power in his hands has not actually increased. How will he distribute the benefits? In this way, the benefits and opportunities available to everyone will be reduced. Many people will inevitably be dissatisfied. At that time, I am afraid that some of the benefits of us people will have to be allocated to others. Give it to someone else”
Situ Han said: "Shen Shoufu's power is expanding rapidly now. He may not be able to gain more authority."
However, before Situ Han could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Lin Youlun: "Where does more authority come from? Can he seize the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Hanlin Academy from Zhou Shangjing, or can he seize the Metropolitan Procuratorate from the prince?" He can't even interfere with Zhao Junchen's Ministry of Household Affairs and Ministry of Industry in the distribution of power in the imperial court. It has long been fixed. No matter how fast his power develops, he may not be able to reap real benefits."
After hearing Lin Youlun's rebuttal, Situ Han remained silent, but he acquiesced in the view that Shen Changmao might not be able to defeat Zhao Junchen.
In fact, not only Situ Han, but all the "Yellow Party" officials did not think there was anything wrong with Lin Youlun's views.
After all, the "Yellow Party" and the "Shen Party" can be regarded as old rivals. The two parties have fought openly and secretly many times over the years. They have always won and lost, and the situation is evenly matched. The "Yellow Party" and Zhao Junchen had an incident some time ago. During the party struggle, they were suppressed by the "Zhao Party" from beginning to end. As a result, the "Yellow Party" officials also had their own judgments about the strength comparison between Zhao Junchen and Shen Changmao.
Although Shen Changmao is now the chief minister of the cabinet, his status is more noble than that of Huang Yourong, and his power and reputation are stronger than that of Huang Yourong. But he still may not be able to defeat Zhao Junchen.
After all, Zhao Junchen not only had superb methods and was good at grasping the situation, and won the favor of Emperor Deqing, but Zhao Junchen's power was concentrated in the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Works, and he ran these two yamen like an iron bucket. It is extremely difficult for outsiders to get involved, but unlike Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, they seem to have huge power, but their power is too widely distributed and extremely scattered. Every yamen has intervened, but every yamen cannot establish an absolute advantage. Easily defeated by opponents one by one.
From this aspect, Zhao Junchen's foundation is actually stronger than that of Shen and Huang.
In fact, this is also the strength of Zhou Shangjing. Zhou Shangjing's power distribution is wider than that of Shen and Huang, and his momentum is more powerful. However, Zhou Shangjing's power foundation is very stable. With these two yamen firmly in hand, they have the responsibility of evaluating officials and cultivating officials respectively, so Zhou Shangjing was able to have students all over the world and remain standing for many years.
After Lin Youlun refuted Situ Han's point of view, he took advantage of the victory and continued: "Also, brother Situ, don't think that after Shen Changmao became the chief minister of the cabinet, he really was inferior to ten thousand people. We all know how he became the chief minister of the cabinet. He just took advantage of the fight between His Majesty and Zhou Shangjing. In terms of strength, scheming, and means, he is far inferior to Zhou Shangjing. Hehe, I think Brother Situ, you also know how dangerous it is to seize a high position without corresponding strength. In my opinion, Zhou Shangjing will take back the position of chief assistant sooner or later. By that time, Shen Changmao is more and more popular today. If he has unlimited glory, his fate in the future will be even more miserable, and if we take refuge with Shen Changmao, we will also be implicated when the time comes, and we may have to find another way out."
As Lin Youlun finished speaking, Situ Han fell silent again.
As if prearranged, Lin Youlun won the debate.
Such a result made all the "yellow party" officials present look uncertain.
Obviously, these views of Lin Youlun were very weighty and once again wavered in their intention to seek refuge with Shen Changmao.
Then, everyone was conflicted and finally remembered the host of the party, but they all focused their attention on Huo Zhengyuan.
Huo Zhengyuan has always been the wisdom and courage of the "Yellow Party". At this time, everyone in the "Yellow Party" still wants to hear Huo Zhengyuan's views.
Under the gaze of everyone, Huo Zhengyuan pondered for a moment, and then asked Wang Xin, Zuo Tongzheng of the Department of General Affairs: "Master Wang, what do you think about this matter?"
Huo Zhengyuan's inquiry can be said to be very particular.
At the beginning, under the calculation of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, Wang Ye, the son of Wang Xin, the left general secretary of the "Yellow Party", and Dong Qing, the nephew of Sima Zhuo, the right general secretary of the "Shen Party" had a fierce fight in the brothel. In the conflict, Wang Ye finally severely injured Dong Qing. This incident also directly contributed to the breakdown of the Shen-Huang alliance, making Huang Yourong no longer able to suppress Prince Zhu Heyu's plan to rectify the business tax.
It is precisely because of this that Wang Xin has been the target of criticism from officials of the "Shen Party" during this period. Huang Yourong is also resentful and does not like to see him. In this way, it is difficult for the "Yellow Party" people to seek refuge with Shen Chang. Naturally, Wang Bin was firmly opposed to Mao's matter.
Therefore, after hearing Huo Zhengyuan's inquiry, Wang Xin immediately said: "Master Huo. I think what Master Lin said is reasonable. If we want to find a new way out, then this way must not only ensure our immediate interests, but also provide We have to protect him for a long time, otherwise it is not worth entrusting ourselves to him. Although Shen Shoufeng is currently in a high position, there are many hidden worries, but it may not be a good way out."
Then, according to prior arrangements, Huo Zhengyuan's cronies also spoke one after another, expressing their opposition to taking refuge with Shen Changmao, and each had several reasons.
For a time, the situation reversed, and it seemed that opposition to taking refuge with Shen Changmao had become the mainstream idea within the "Yellow Party".
And such changes have once again increased the doubts of the "Yellow Party" people about Shen Changmao.
At this moment, Huo Zhengyuan nodded and finally expressed his position, saying slowly: "Actually, the matter of taking refuge with Shen Shoufu is just the idea of Mr. Huang Ge, but for this idea. Whether it is Lin Neither Shangshu, nor Zhang Shaofu, nor myself, are in favor, which is why Shangshu Lin and Zhang Shaofu did not attend this gathering. Now Mr. Huang Ge is personally persuading them both."
Humans are social animals and are most likely to follow the crowd.
Because of the argument between Lin Youlun and Situ Han, everyone in the "Yellow Party" was already hesitant. At this time, they discovered that the great scholar Huo Zhengyuan, the Minister of Rites Lin Wei, the young master Zhang Cheng, the General Secretary Zuo Tongzheng Wang Xin and others were not They are willing to take refuge in Shen Changmao, and the attitudes and stances of these people naturally play a decisive role.
Although it was Huang Yourong's idea to take refuge with Shen Changmao, Huang Yourong was about to collapse, so who would really care about Huang Yourong's thoughts?
Therefore, soon a "Yellow Party" official asked Huo Zhengyuan: "Since there are so many hidden dangers in taking refuge with Shen Shoufu, then we do not necessarily have to follow Mr. Huangge's wishes and ask Academician Huo for advice. In your opinion, In my heart, where is the way out for us people? Is it to seek refuge with Zhou Shangjing?"
Huo Zhengyuan shook his head and said: "Although Zhou Shangjing is powerful and cunning, it is precisely because he is too strong that we will not be too much if we are too much, and if we are too short of us, we may not be taken seriously. In addition, Zhou Shangjing has always been His Majesty's He is a thorn in his side and a thorn in his flesh. There will definitely be a fight between His Majesty and him in the future. If we take refuge with Zhou Shangjing, we may be implicated at that time, but it is not safe. The most important thing is that Mr. Zhou Ge is really too old."
After hearing Huo Zhengyuan's reasons, all the "Yellow Party" officials nodded in agreement.
Over the years, they all watched the overt and covert struggles between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, and were unwilling to participate easily. Moreover, Zhou Shangjing was indeed too old, and they didn't know how many years he could stay in office, but he would certainly not be able to protect them for a long time.
In fact, so far, Zhou Shangjing's age has always been the biggest hidden danger for "Zhou Party", and anyone with a discerning eye can see this.
While everyone was thinking deeply, Huo Zhengyuan said: "As for my idea, it may be a bit sensational, but I do have a good reason, that is, we might as well join the Zhao party."
"Zhao Dang Zhao Junchen"
After hearing Huo Zhengyuan's point of view, everyone in the "Yellow Party" was surprised and felt that it was unreliable.
Just as Huo Zhengyuan had worried beforehand, although Zhao Junchen was strong enough, he was too young, too junior, and had not yet entered the cabinet. In the eyes of the "Yellow Party", it was by no means a good way out.
However, Huo Zhengyuan had already anticipated everyone's reaction and had already made arrangements.
I saw Lin Youlun stood up to speak again, and asked before everyone could object: "Master Huo has always been resourceful and cautious. Since Master Huo wants to join Zhao Junchen, he must have given full consideration.
But I also asked Academician Huo to explain the reason, otherwise we and others will not be able to understand."
Following Lin Youlun's speech, everyone in the "Yellow Party" forgot about their objections and turned their attention to Huo Zhengyuan's reasons.
Huo Zhengyuan looked thoughtful and said slowly: "I have three reasons. First, Zhao Junchen's rise is still short. Although he has become powerful, his momentum is still small. If we join him, it will be a timely help.
The situation can also attract his full attention and he will never treat us badly, and Zhao Junchen's current strength is no less than that of several senior ministers in the court. But it is also enough to protect us and ensure our vested interests."
Seeing that everyone looked thoughtful and seemed to be thinking seriously, Huo Zhengyuan remained calm and continued: "Secondly, Zhao Junchen is different from Shen Shoufu and Zhou Ge because of the matter of rectifying business taxes and the position of the prince.
It is already a bit unstable, so Zhao Junchen's future situation is very good. He is neither worried about the short term like Shen Shoufu nor long-term like Mr. Zhou Ge. He can develop in the long term and can protect us for a long time.
time."
Hearing Huo Zhengyuan's reason, everyone in the "Yellow Party" nodded secretly.
In the eyes of ordinary people, the only hidden danger for Zhao Junchen's future is Prince Zhu Heyu. Now that Prince Zhu Heyu has gotten into big trouble due to business tax rectification, Zhao Junchen is naturally worry-free and has a bright future.
From this perspective, taking refuge in Zhao Junchen may not be a bad choice.
Then, Huo Zhengyuan added: "In addition, Zhao Junchen is famous for being generous to his subordinates. I heard that all the officials under him secretly bought shares in his Yuerongfang, and everyone made a fortune every day. In addition,
Zhao Junchen also controls the two oil and water bureaus, the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Industry, and now he is involved in the rectification of business and taxation. As long as we take refuge in Zhao Junchen, the benefits will definitely be indispensable."
After hearing Huo Zhengyuan's reason, everyone in the "Yellow Party"'s eyes lit up.
After Huo Zhengyuan's reminder, they suddenly discovered that there would be so many benefits after they took refuge in Zhao Junchen.
Especially the matter of commercial tax rectification, everyone knows how much benefit it contains. Originally, they were not in favor of commercial tax rectification, because commercial tax rectification would harm their interests, but if they can participate, and
If you can get greater benefits, that's another way of saying it.
Compared with interests and advantages, the original position is not important, and Zhao Junchen's qualifications and age are equally unimportant.
As a result, everyone in the "Yellow Party" was a little tempted.
While tempted, a "Yellow Party" official hesitated and said: "But we just had a conflict with the Zhao Party. If we defect to Zhao Junchen, I'm afraid..."
Huo Zhengyuan shook his head and said: "About this, you don't have to worry. We and Party Shen have been criticizing each other for too long, and our mutual hostility is too deep. Therefore, we all have many conflicts with Party Shen officials, but The conflict between us and Zhao Dang is still short. The conflict between us is limited to Huang Gelao and Zhao Junchen, and has not yet penetrated into everyone. Now that Huang Gelao is about to retire from officialdom, then our conflict with Zhao Dang Contradictions naturally no longer exist.”
At this moment, Chen Dongxiang suddenly spoke: "Actually, someone from the Zhao Party has contacted me a few days ago, saying that as long as I return to the Zhao Party, all past events can be forgotten."
After hearing what Chen Dongxiang said, all the "yellow party" officials were refreshed.
They didn't know Chen Dongxiang's undercover identity. They only thought that Chen Dongxiang was a traitor to the "Zhao Party" and had a deep conflict with the "Zhao Party". If Zhao Junchen and even Chen Dongxiang could be forgiven, then the past relationship between them and Zhao Junchen Grudges are nothing to worry about.
In addition, Zhao Junchen's attitude is enough to show Zhao Junchen's sincerity.
As a result, everyone in the "Yellow Party" began to seriously consider taking refuge in Zhao Junchen, but the more they thought about it, the more they felt that taking refuge in Zhao Junchen might be a reliable way out.
Seeing the changes in the expressions of the "Yellow Party" people, Huo Zhengyuan's eyes once again flashed with a hint of pride, knowing that most of the matter had been successful.
As long as the "Yellow Party" people have such thoughts, even if they cannot make an immediate decision, as long as they lead a group of people to take refuge in Zhao Junchen, a chain reaction will immediately occur.
ps: This chapter has a lot of words, so it took me two days to finish it. Please forgive me.