Wenyuan Pavilion is located in the east of the Forbidden City. It is small in scale and simple in decoration, so it does not look conspicuous.
However, this place was the core of power in the Ming Dynasty. It was the place where the cabinet ministers usually discussed and voted for government affairs. Countless officials regarded entering Wenyuan Pavilion as their highest ambition in life.
Since Shen Changmao became the chief minister of the cabinet, he has always liked to work and discuss affairs in Wenyuan Pavilion. He is always the first to come and the last to leave. He is obsessed with the feeling of becoming the master of Wenyuan Pavilion, which makes him have a good feeling. He had the illusion that the world's situation was under his control - whenever he was in Wenyuan Pavilion, presiding over the political discussions among the cabinet ministers, he watched the decrees related to the fate of countless people being drafted by himself, and watched the power Zhou Shangjing, who is in charge of the government and the public, also needs to seek his own opinion on everything. Seeing countless officials follow his lead, Shen Changmao will get endless satisfaction, and he will be addicted to this sense of satisfaction and cannot extricate himself.
As the saying goes, "A man cannot live without power for a day." This is the temptation of power, and its effect is stronger than drug addiction.
Therefore, when the news of Zhao Junchen's assassination came, the cabinet was also shocked. Zhou Shangjing immediately left Wenyuan Pavilion and returned to his own house to take charge. Cheng Yuandao also left Wenyuan Pavilion and hurried to the East Palace to report to Prince Zhu. He Yu reported the news, but only Shen Changmao remained in Wenyuan Pavilion and refused to leave. Huang Yourong was now obedient to Shen Changmao, so naturally he also stayed in Wenyuan Pavilion.
Wenyuan Pavilion is located in the palace, and it is very inconvenient to pass news. Although Shen Changmao paid close attention to the assassination of Zhao Junchen, he inevitably received the news a step later, and his reaction was slower. shoot.
"So, although Zhao Junchen was assassinated, he was not killed or even injured?"
In Wenyuan Pavilion, after receiving the detailed news of Zhao Junchen's assassination, Shen Changmao couldn't help but feel a flash of disappointment when he learned that Zhao Junchen was safe and sound.
On the side, Huang Yourong also had a similar expression.
After learning about Zhao Junchen's assassination, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were a little excited at first. They felt that if Zhao Junchen died, they would have one less big worry and would be relieved of many obstacles in the future. He has a serious expression, but in his heart there is a sense of schadenfreude.
However, when Shaobao Zhao Zhenghe reported the detailed information about Zhao Junchen's assassination to them, they found that Zhao Junchen was safe and sound. Naturally, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were disappointed, feeling that "the harm will last for thousands of years."
After Zhao Zhenghe saw Shen Changmao's disappointed expression, he also sighed: "I heard that it was Cui Qianxue, the granddaughter of the former Cui Mian, who blocked Zhao Junchen's fatal knife, so Cui Qianxue's current injury is quite serious, but Zhao Junchen It was unscathed."
Huang Yourong snorted softly and said: "This old guy Cui Mian has always claimed to be noble. I didn't expect that his granddaughter would get entangled with someone like Zhao Junchen. She was even willing to defend Zhao Junchen from death. I really didn't know that Cui Mian would get entangled with someone like Zhao Junchen." I wonder how he educates his children and grandchildren in daily life!"
Shen Changmao also shook his head: "Zhao Junchen is a lucky man. He was able to escape for his life even after being assassinated alone. Otherwise..."
As he said this, Shen Changmao's expression became even more regretful.
Seeing that Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were only obsessed with Zhao Junchen's life and death, but did not care at all about the details of the matter, or even the identity of the murderer, Zhao Zhenghe couldn't help but feel anxious, and quickly reminded: "Senior Chief Shen Assistant, Mr. Huang Ge, according to my official opinion, the focus of this matter now is not Zhao Junchen’s life or death, but a rumor that suddenly appeared in the market after Zhao Junchen was assassinated!”
Seeing Zhao Zhenghe's solemn expression, Shen Changmao frowned and asked, "Oh? What kind of rumor? You pay so much attention to it?"
Zhao Zhenghe raised his head and glanced at Shen Changmao, and then said in a cautious tone: "After Zhao Junchen was assassinated, rumors suddenly spread throughout the capital, and they were so serious that they caused a lot of discussion between the government and the public... According to the rumors, , the murderer who assassinated Zhao Junchen was ordered by you, Shen Shoufu, because you had a political disagreement with Zhao Junchen, and you were deliberately humiliated by Zhao Junchen yesterday. Your attempt to retaliate against Zhao Junchen this morning failed, but instead After being reprimanded by His Majesty, you became angry and sent an assassin to kill Zhao Junchen..."
"What!?" After hearing Zhao Zhenghe's explanation, Shen Changmao stood up immediately and his expression changed drastically.
This rumor is too vicious. If you let it spread everywhere, then you will really think that "the crotch is stained with yellow mud, which is either shit or shit."
What's even more frightening is that the content of this rumor is quite confusing - Shen Changmao is indeed at odds with Zhao Junchen's political views, and the two did have a conflict yesterday, and Shen Changmao is determined to retaliate. It is well known to the whole world - I am afraid that many people will believe it to be true!
However, if more and more people believe this rumor, then Shen Changmao's reputation will inevitably plummet, arousing the hostility of all officials, and Emperor Deqing will also be suspicious. At that time, Shen Changmao will be in court It was difficult to move forward.
On the side, Huang Yourong also quickly reminded: "Shen Shoufu, we must do something now. We must not allow such rumors to spread everywhere, otherwise there will be endless troubles!"
Shen Changmao's expression was solemn, and after pondering for a moment, he ordered Zhao Zhenghe: "Immediately, in the name of the cabinet, urge the Shuntian Prefecture and the Sanfa Division to arrest the murderer and solve the case as soon as possible. At the same time, let our people do their best to investigate the truth of the rumors. We must find out the person behind the rumors..."
After Zhao Zhenghe agreed, Shen Changmao hesitated again, but stood up again and said: "Also, Zhao Junchen is an important minister of the imperial court. After being assassinated, he must have lingering fears. As the chief minister of the cabinet, I also You should go to visit and express condolences, take the opportunity to express your position, and use your own actions to dispel the rumors..."
After saying that, Shen Changmao turned to look at Huang Yourong and asked, "Mr. Huang Ge, do you want to go with me?"
Huang Yourong knew that Shen Changmao couldn't bear to see Zhao Junchen alone, so he had to accompany him.
To be honest, Huang Yourong hated Zhao Junchen extremely, and he really didn't want to go to express condolences to Zhao Junchen. But now he didn't dare to go against Shen Changmao's opinion, so he hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Of course we will go together. !”
In this way, Shen Changmao finally left Wenyuan Pavilion, which he was reluctant to leave, and went to look for Zhao Junchen.
At the same time that Shen Changmao and others left Wenyuan Pavilion, in the Prince's East Palace, everyone in the "Prince's Party" was also discussing the assassination of Zhao Junchen.
The "Prince Party" people have always flaunted fairness and pursued order, but when they encounter problems, they will inevitably adhere to double standards.
For example, they have always despised conspiracy and calculation, and believed that court officials should be aboveboard. Conspiracy and calculation were the exclusive domain of corrupt officials. However, during Emperor Deqing's southern tour, they also used the same method after receiving the help of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. Conspiracies and calculations all over the place made Huang Yourong anxious and in a difficult position. At that time, not only did they not feel ashamed, but they were elated and triumphant. They also praised him as "repaying others with their own treatment."
For another example, they have always claimed to be selfless and of noble character. They believe that forming cliques for personal gain and fighting for power are completely against the principles of courtiers. However, when the parties criticize them, they also do not give in and fight everywhere. They just wear a "for power"
They believe that their cliques and fights for power benefit the people, while other people's cliques and fights for power are harmful to the country and the people.
Between different standards, everyone in the "Prince and Party" switched so naturally that they never noticed anything wrong.
In fact, whether it is conspiracies or cliques to fight for power, they are just a means. There is no difference between justice and evil. However, since ancient times, the Qingliu people have been using these means to prevent others from using them because they are not good at it.
The methods are labeled as evil, but while they reject and despise them, they are still unable to escape the mire and remain untainted. In order to justify themselves, they find many high-sounding excuses for themselves when using these methods, which inevitably attracts people's attention.
Laughed.
Today, the same is true.
In broad daylight, an important official of the imperial court was assassinated near the busy city at the feet of the emperor. The nature of this kind of thing is extremely bad. If it were normal, everyone in the "Prince Party" would have been filled with righteous indignation and could not wait to demand justice... But if it were the person who was assassinated
However, it was the political enemy of the "Prince.Party", the notorious corrupt official Zhao Junchen, and everyone in the "Prince.Party" had a different mood.
Therefore, after learning the details of Zhao Junchen's assassination, he found that Zhao Junchen was actually unscathed after the assassination. The mood of the officials of the "Prince Party" was somewhat similar to that of Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong. They all thought that God was blind, like Zhao Junchen
It is a great misfortune that such a corrupt official could escape with his life!
"It can be seen from this that Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official, is now the target of thousands of people, and the people are full of resentment. That's why some righteous people want to take action to eliminate harm for the people! It's a pity that the success fell short, and Zhao Junchen escaped with his life in the end.
, which makes people sigh with regret!”
As he spoke, Lu Chunxiao had a look of regret on his face, but he could not wait to confirm the assassination of Zhao Junchen.
As Lu Chunxiao's words fell, the elder Cheng Yuandao also said: "Yes, if Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official, did not escape this disaster and was assassinated, then the situation in the court would inevitably be cleared up. From now on, we will work for the court and serve the people.
When the people ask for orders, it will be much smoother."
Chen Dongxiang sneered and said: "However, after Zhao Junchen has experienced this incident, he will also see the resentment of the people towards him. He will definitely be frightened and will be in panic all day long from now on."
After hearing Chen Dongxiang's guess, everyone in the "Prince Party" smiled knowingly. Thinking of Zhao Junchen's worried look, they all felt that their resentments had been relieved.
However, after hearing the comments from the "Prince Party" people, Zhao Shancai frowned.
After Zhao Shancai learned about Zhao Junchen's assassination, he was also shocked. He did not expect that Zhao Junchen would encounter such a thing after being separated from him.
However, despite Zhao Shancai's outstanding intelligence, he would not have thought of the many coincidences involved, let alone that Zhao Junchen had blocked the disaster for him. He just vaguely felt that there was another hidden reason in this matter.
Compared with the "Prince Party" people, Zhao Shancai's stance was much more neutral and objective. After hearing the comments from the "Prince Party" people, Zhao Shancai immediately noticed something was wrong.
Originally, Zhao Shancai just remained silent and did not interrupt the excited discussion among the "Prince Party" people. But when he saw that Prince Zhu and Yu also nodded in agreement, he finally couldn't hold it anymore and stood up and said: "
Your Royal Highness, seniors, please listen to what the students have to say."
Following Zhao Shancai's speech, everyone's eyes were focused on Zhao Shancai.
In the midst of everyone's attention, Zhao Shancai looked serious and said slowly: "Students believe that these words of seniors can be said here, but they must not be spread everywhere. After all, the court has its own laws and regulations. I
As an important official of the imperial court, your first priority should be to uphold the laws and regulations of the imperial court. Now there are murderers assassinating important officials of the imperial court. Regardless of whether the official is loyal or traitorous, innocent or corrupt, such behavior violates the laws and regulations of the imperial court.
Not only can we not defend the murderer, but we must act impartially and do our best to uphold the court's laws and regulations. Only in this way can we reflect our public spirit, otherwise we will not be able to convince others in the future, and may even arouse the resentment of officials!"
As he spoke, Zhao Shancai turned his attention to Prince Zhu Heyu and said: "Especially His Royal Highness, you are half monarch and half minister. To His Majesty, you are a minister. To all the officials, you are the future emperor. And
Zhao Junchen is your minister. Now that your minister has been assassinated, you must express your position and attitude. Not only must you severely condemn, but you must also urge the relevant yamen to solve the case as soon as possible. In this way, all officials will be convinced by His Highness. Your Majesty will see
After His Highness’s attitude, I will definitely feel relieved.”
After hearing Zhao Shancai's suggestion, Prince Zhu Heyu hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and said: "Mr. Zhao is right. Although Zhao Junchen is a corrupt official, we cannot forget the court's laws and regulations. Please rest assured, sir.
In the morning tomorrow, I will naturally act on your advice."
After all, although Prince Zhu Heyu was very hostile to Zhao Junchen, doing things impartially and following court laws were Zhu Heyu's basic bottom line.
Seeing Prince Zhu Heyu nodding in agreement, Zhao Shancai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was really worried that everyone in the "Prince Party" would be excited and excited and would defend Zhao Junchen's assassin in court tomorrow morning. If that happened, "
The "Prince Party" will completely lose its foothold.
Then, Zhao Shan thought briefly for a moment, but said nothing more and just quietly stepped aside.
In Zhao Shancai's view, the assassination of Zhao Junchen was full of weirdness and would have many far-reaching impacts. However, given the current situation and strength of the "Prince Party", it was not suitable for too much involvement, otherwise it would be easy for others to take advantage of it.
However, in this matter, the "Prince.Party" also has interests to gain.
For example, the location of Sunchon Fuyin!
This position is crucial. If Prince Zhu Heyu wants to successfully ascend the throne, he must control this position, and now is a great opportunity.
However, once the "Prince Party" plots the position of Shuntian Fuyin, he will inevitably become an enemy of Zhou Shangjing. If he wants to seize this key position without leaving a trace, it will take time and preparation.
Therefore, although many plans flashed through Zhao Shancai's mind, he did not explain them to everyone present, but just considered them secretly in his heart.
In this way, after learning about Zhao Junchen's assassination, all the forces in the DPRK and China had their own thoughts and plans, and they all had different plans.
However, in this matter, all forces subconsciously ignored Cui Qianxue, who was seriously injured.
After all, Cui Qianxue is not a member of the court, and her injury will not affect the situation in the court. In this incident, Cui Qianxue's injury is just an insignificant footnote.
However, in the eyes of the major forces in the court, although Cui Qianxue was insignificant, in the eyes of Cui Qianxue's relatives, Cui Qianxue's injury was a huge matter!
In particular, in order to amplify the seriousness of his assassination, Zhao Junchen also deliberately exaggerated Cui Qianxue's injuries, claiming that Cui Qianxue was now in critical condition. When such rumors fell into the ears of Cui Qianxue's relatives, they naturally aroused great concern.
of vibration.
After learning the detailed information about Zhao Junchen's assassination, the house of Cui Mian, the former cabinet minister, was in chaos.
Cui Mian's wife, Cui Guo, has always loved Cui Qianxue, her precious granddaughter. After Cui Mian kicked Cui Qianxue out of the house, Cui Guo even had a big quarrel with Cui Mian, and she has never given Cui Mian a good look.
.
On this day, after hearing the news that Cui Qianxue was seriously injured and her life was in danger, Cui Guo passed out on the spot, causing a panic in the Cui family.
Cui Qianxue's uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters all had sad faces and were secretly worried.
As for Cui Mian, the old man in the front cabinet, after learning about Cui Qianxue's injury, he was also secretly worried and anxious!
Cui Mian's love for Cui Qianxue was no less than that of Cui Guo. He was forced to drive Cui Qianxue out of the house for the sake of his family's reputation, but the pain, helplessness, and guilt in his heart were really difficult to express to others.
Now, after hearing the news that Cui Qianxue was dying, Cui Mian's first reaction was to visit and accompany Cui Qianxue. However, he personally kicked Cui Qianxue out of the house and the two parties had severed their relationship. If he went to visit Cui Qianxue at this time, it would be inevitable
It will attract criticism, and all the efforts he has made in the past to protect his family's reputation will be in vain.
However, if he still abandons Cui Qianxue, he cannot bear the worry and torture in his heart.
Therefore, after the news came that Cui Qianxue was dying, Cui Mian kept himself locked in the study, full of contradictions in his heart, not knowing what choice he should make.
In the end, thinking about Cui Qianxue's current experiences, he also has a great responsibility. If he hesitates again, he may not even see Cui Qianxue for the last time, and he will regret it for the rest of his life. Cui Mian gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind!
I saw Cui Mian walking quickly outside the study and calling loudly: "Prepare the sedan immediately, I am going to Baoxing Pavilion!"
…
ps: It’s still two chapters in one, 5,000 words! The status is gradually recovering, and more will be updated tomorrow!