Emperor Deqing also knew that Huo Zhengyuan had now joined Zhao Junchen. After hearing Huo Zhengyuan's self-recommendation, he immediately guessed that it was Zhao Junchen's idea, but he glanced at Zhao Junchen calmly from the corner of his eyes, seeming to be hesitant.
.
At the same time, in the Huangji Palace, many officials' expressions changed drastically after hearing Huo Zhengyuan's self-recommendation.
After all, according to rumors, the assassination of Zhao Junchen was carried out by forces in the DPRK and China that opposed the rectification of business and taxation. Although the specific identity of the mastermind behind the scenes is not yet known, with Zhao Junchen's character, I am afraid he will never give up and will definitely do it.
He will retaliate violently, and will also anger all DPRK and Chinese officials who oppose the rectification of business and taxation.
Nowadays, people like Qin Huaiyuan, the minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Gu Quan, the censor of Zuoqiandu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, are all close associates of Zhao Junchen. This allows Zhao Junchen to maintain a certain degree of influence in various yamen of the Sanfa Division. In addition, Xichang is
It was built by Zhao Junchen and has not yet been officially handed over to the inner court. Even if the West Factory is about to be handed back to the inner court, Zhao Junchen will still have a certain degree of control over the west factory...
As for Shuntian Mansion, it controls all movements in the capital, and is now the main force in detecting the assassination of Zhao Junchen and the attack on Xichang. If Zhao Junchen controls Shuntian Mansion, plus the assistance of Sanfasi Yamen and Xichang Yamen
, Zhao Junchen can control the direction of the investigation and the outcome of the case to a large extent. At that time, Zhao Junchen may take the opportunity to retaliate, and may be deeply implicated. At that time, all the ministers in the DPRK and China who oppose the rectification of business and taxation
, they will all run into trouble and face Zhao Junchen’s deliberate revenge and frame-up at any time...
Therefore, for those ministers who oppose the imperial government's rectification of commercial taxes, anyone and any force can obtain Shuntian Mansion, and they will not deliberately interfere or oppose it, but only Zhao Junchen cannot!
Therefore, as soon as Huo Zhengyuan finished speaking, he was immediately opposed by many courtiers.
Guan Wenqing, the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, seems to be incorruptible, but the family behind him controls a large-scale smuggling shipyard and can make huge profits of hundreds of thousands of silver through smuggling every year. Therefore, Guan Wenqing himself is the most important.
He opposed the imperial court's rectification of commercial taxes. Among the officials who opposed the imperial court's rectification of commercial taxes, his reputation was second only to Shen Changmao and several core figures within the "Shen Party."
In short, Guan Wenqing is a roadblock to Zhao Junchen's efforts to rectify business taxation, and he is also one of the political opponents that Zhao Junchen must defeat.
Now, after hearing Huo Zhengyuan's self-recommendation, Guan Wenqing was afraid that Zhao Junchen would take the opportunity to rectify himself in the future, so he immediately retorted: "Your Majesty, I think that Academician Huo is not suitable for the position of Shuntian Governor. Although Academician Huo
He is extremely knowledgeable and highly respected, but he has not had experience in governing local areas or serving as the chief official of a government for many years, and he has never been good at judging cases. The situation in Shuntian Prefecture's government under the emperor's feet is the most complicated, and now it is
There are several serious cases that need to be solved as soon as possible, and we need experienced officials who are good at investigating cases to take up this position, and Academician Huo Da is not the best candidate. Please be clear to your majesty!"
As Guan Wenqing finished speaking, Ma Shangde, the left minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, also came out and said: "Your Majesty, Academician Huo has a high status and high intelligence. He is an important minister of the imperial court. He will assume the position of Yin of Shuntian Prefecture.
It seems that some of them are overqualified, and I hope that Your Majesty will be able to choose someone more capable."
Ma Shangde is a disciple of Zhou Shangjing, but he has never been taken seriously by Zhou Shangjing. Like Guan Wenqing, Ma Shangde's family can obtain a lot of benefits every year through smuggling and tax evasion. Therefore, since the imperial court wanted to rectify the business tax, Ma Shangde ignored it. Following Zhou Shangjing's instructions, he did not act in a low-key manner like other "Zhou Party" officials, but he took a clear-cut stand against the imperial government's rectification of commercial taxes.
In fact, among the various factions in the DPRK, whether it is the "Zhou Party", "Shen Party", "Zhao Party" or "Prince Party", there are not a few officials like Ma Shandde. Of course, they are usually They obey orders from their respective backers, but that is only because their backers can fight for their interests and benefits. If the intentions of their backers are contrary to their interests, these people may not be loyal and obey orders. .
Like Shen Changmao, he may not really want to oppose the imperial court's rectification of commercial taxes. After all, he would be standing on the opposite side of Emperor Deqing, and the reason why he wanted to oppose the imperial court's rectification of commercial taxes was other than this stance In addition to bringing him a very high reputation, it is also because Shen Changmao does not have Zhou Shangjing's superb methods, nor Zhao Junchen's ability to induce benefits, nor is he as firm as Prince Zhu Heyu. If he does not show this If his stance is taken, all the officials under him will break away from him.
Without further ado, it is said that with the opposition of Guan Wenqing and Ma Shangde, ministers in the court who opposed the rectification of business and taxation also came out to express their views, and they all disagreed with Huo Zhengyuan's position as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture.
"Your Majesty, I also agree with Master Guan and Master Ma that Academician Huo is not a suitable candidate for Shuntian Prefecture..."
"Your Majesty, Academician Huo Da has limited energy. Now he is not only responsible for the affairs of the Hanlin Academy, but also has the responsibility of assisting the cabinet. If he is allowed to serve as the governor of Shuntian again, he will inevitably lack energy. I hope your Majesty will understand..."
"Your Majesty, Academician Huo took the initiative to ask for the imperial examination. It is certainly commendable that he is loyal, but Academician Huo has always been modest in temperament. I am afraid that he is not suitable for the position of Shuntian Prefecture..."
"His Majesty……"
Faced with the opposition of the officials, Zhao Junchen frowned slightly, and then hinted to the "Zhao Party" officials with his eyes. After receiving Zhao Junchen's hint, the "Zhao Party" officials also came out to refute.
Situ Han, the left deputy censor of the Nadu Procuratorate, has always been close to Huo Zhengyuan. At this time, regardless of the fact that Guan Wenqing was his immediate superior, he immediately stepped out and said: "Master Guan's words are wrong. If you think that the great scholar Huo is not If you are suitable for the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin, then Lord Guan, can you recommend a suitable candidate? Or, Lord Guan, it would not be a bad idea for you to concurrently take the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin yourself! But if Lord Guan, you do not have a suitable candidate to recommend, neither do you yourself. If you are willing to take up the post in person, why should you oppose Academician Huo's initiative to apply? Wouldn't this hurt Academician Huo's enthusiasm? Mr. Guan, although you are the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, if there is no feasible solution, But it would be inappropriate to blindly oppose other people's policies."
After hearing Situ Han's rebuttal, Guan Wenqing suddenly looked gloomy. Unfortunately, the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin is now a hot potato. If Guan Wenqing recommends someone else to take this position, it will be tantamount to framing this person, and the other party may not be willing. As for letting him It was even more impossible for me to hold this position concurrently. Therefore, Guan Wenqing had nothing to say for Situ Han's rebuttal.
On the other side, Zhan Shanchang, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, targeted Ma Shangde, the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and also came out and said: "Your Majesty, although Academician Huo has a respected status, serving as the Yin of Shuntian Prefecture may be a bit condescending, but I
I believe that now is an extraordinary period, and Shuntian Mansion needs a highly respected and important official in the DPRK to take up this position, and Academician Huo Da is obviously the most suitable candidate!"
Then, under the leadership of Situ Han and Zhan Shanchang, all the "Zhao Party" officials came out and expressed their opinions in support of Huo Zhengyuan's appointment as the Yin of Shuntian Prefecture.
However, most of the officials in the court are opposed to the court's rectification of business taxes. Now they are afraid that they will encounter unwarranted revenge from Zhao Junchen, and they are all unwilling to see Huo Zhengyuan assume the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin. Therefore, compared with the "Zhao Party"
Although everyone's voices were supportive, there was still a louder voice against Huo Zhengyuan's appointment as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture.
However, everyone in the "Zhao Party" was well prepared for this, and was not caught off guard like their opponents, so they did not fall into a disadvantage during the debate. The situation was just a stalemate for the time being. No one could do anything about the two views, but they continued to argue.
Debating fiercely.
While the officials were arguing, Zhao Junchen did not express his opinion, but his eyes kept scanning Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao and others.
Under such circumstances, whether Huo Zhengyuan can assume the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin ultimately depends on the opinions of these people.
Sure enough, seeing the situation reaching a stalemate, Emperor Deqing no longer remained silent and said angrily: "Quiet! In the Huangji Palace, you are all important officials of the imperial court. How can you argue loudly regardless of your status?!"
After the officials calmed down, Emperor Deqing turned his eyes to Shen Changmao and asked: "Shen Chief Fu, what do you think about this matter?"
Since Shen Changmao became the chief minister of the cabinet, he has paid more and more attention to his status. Naturally, he will not quarrel with the officials. After Emperor Deqing asked him personally, Shen Changmao slowly stepped out and said: "Your Majesty, I also think that Huo University is the best."
The experience, character, identity, etc. of the scholar are not suitable for the position of Shuntian Prefecture..."
The cooperation between Shen Changmao and Zhao Junchen was just that Zhao Junchen helped Shen Changmao fight back the rumors, and Shen Changmao acquiesced that Zhang Jizhi, Zhao Junchen's disciple, got the position of Yanzhou magistrate. In addition, the two were still political enemies with different political views, so Shen Changmao naturally did not
Will support Huo Zhengyuan to serve as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture.
After a pause, Shen Changmao hesitated for a moment, and then said: "The old minister recommended Ye Wenkang, the right deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, for this position. Mr. Ye has served in the Metropolitan Procuratorate for many years and is an indispensable general of the Three Law Departments. He has always been
He is good at solving cases and has experience in governing the people, so he is the most suitable candidate."
After hearing Shen Changmao's recommendation, all the officials who opposed Huo Zhengyuan's appointment as the Shuntian Governor were cheered up. Under the current situation, as long as someone is willing to compete with Huo Zhengyuan for the position of Shuntian Governor, everything will be easy!
However, including Shen Changmao, they all ignored Ye Wenkang's ideas.
Ye Wenkang, the right deputy censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, was originally a "Yellow Party" official. Now he has followed Huang Yourong and defected to Shen Changmao. He is one of the few former "Yellow Party" officials who did not defect to Zhao Junchen.
This person has a similar personality to Huang Yourong. He has always been greedy for power and has always stayed away from things that would affect his official career.
As mentioned above, under the current situation, the position of Shuntian Fuyin is a hot potato. If you are not careful, your official career will be affected. How can Ye Wenkang be willing to take up this position?
"What a good Shen Changmao. He also said that he would treat both old and new disciples equally, but now he is going to burn bridges! He didn't even ask for my opinion, and he just threw the hot potato of Shuntian Prefecture into my hands! Those old people of yours Among the disciples, there are several people who are suitable for the position of Shuntian Fuyin. Why do you recommend me? Are you bullying me because I am from the "Yellow Party" and have recently taken refuge with you? Hey! I will not suffer the loss of being dumb! What a big deal. Liangsan, like everyone else, I also went to Zhao Junchen!"
While thinking secretly, Ye Wenkang suddenly came out and said to Emperor Deqing: "I am naturally willing to share your worries for Your Majesty... However, I have been feeling unwell in recent days and often lack energy. I am currently recuperating and am just dealing with the problem. The affairs of the Metropolitan Procuratorate are already my limit, and the affairs of Shuntian Prefecture are much more than those of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Now is an extraordinary period. I am worried that my lack of energy will delay things. If I betray His Majesty's trust, I cannot escape the blame for my death..."
As Ye Wenkang finished speaking, Shen Changmao's face suddenly turned ugly.
He never expected that Ye Wenkang would dare to refute his attitude!
In fact, Shen Changmao recommended Ye Wenkang as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture without any selfish motives, just because Ye Wenkang was the most suitable. However, Shen Changmao had just annexed some of the "yellow party" forces, but he ignored Ye Wenkang's selfishness. Personality, sensitive mind, and swinging attitude.
On the other side, after hearing Ye Wenkang's answer, Emperor Deqing didn't say much. He just turned his gaze to Zhou Shangjing and asked: "Zhou Aiqing, what do you think?"
Zhou Shangjing came out again and said: "Your Majesty, Academician Huo is an important minister of the imperial court. He is always known for his wit and ability. If there are no other suitable candidates, and Academician Huo has taken the initiative to ask for help, we might as well give him a try. try."
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's opinion, Emperor Deqing pondered again for a moment, and finally said: "In this case, for the time being, Academician Huo Zhengyuan will concurrently serve as the Yin of Shuntian Prefecture! Academician Huo, you also know the current situation. After you take office , we must fully urge the Shuntian Mansion to solve the case of Zhao Junchen's assassination as soon as possible, and we must not neglect it! ... However, the current situation between the government and the opposition is complicated, and you must be more cautious when handling the case, and do not cause too much chaos and turmoil. "
In fact, Emperor Deqing did not want Huo Zhengyuan to serve as the governor of Shuntian. After all, Zhao Junchen's power was really not suitable for any increase. Moreover, Emperor Deqing had not forgotten his general direction of stabilizing the situation between the government and the opposition, and did not want to be blamed for this matter. The situation in the court was once again turbulent. However, once Huo Zhengyuan became the governor of Shuntian, Zhao Junchen might make big moves, and then the situation in the court would become chaotic again, which was inconsistent with Emperor Deqing's original plan.
Therefore, when Emperor Deqing appointed Huo Zhengyuan, he also left a back-up, just letting Huo Zhengyuan concurrently serve as Shuntian Fuyin "temporarily". In this way, if the situation is not right in the future, Emperor Deqing can immediately correct it.
After hearing Emperor Deqing's order, Huo Zhengyuan immediately accepted the order and thanked him, saying: "I obey the order, and I hope that Your Majesty will feel at ease. I dare not live up to your holy hope. I will do my best to solve the case as soon as possible, and I will also act with caution.
I will never cause trouble to His Majesty!"
After receiving Huo Zhengyuan's assurance, Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction.
Then, Emperor Deqing's face suddenly became serious, his eyes turned to Zhao Junchen, and he said: "The appointment of Shuntian Prefecture Yin is over for now! Now, it's time to talk about the business! Zhao Junchen!"
Following Emperor Deqing's call, Zhao Junchen immediately stepped out of the queue and responded: "I am here!"
Emperor Deqing's voice was full of anger again, and he said: "Now tell the officials the story of your assassination in detail!"
"I obey!" After Zhao Junchen bowed and agreed, when he stood up again, his face showed sadness.
Then, Zhao Junchen explained in detail the events surrounding his assassination yesterday in front of hundreds of officials.
Of course, Zhao Junchen has not forgotten the lies he made up!
"...The murderer approached me while I wasn't paying attention. He took out a dagger and stabbed me in the heart. He shouted loudly, 'Even if you want to please the emperor, you should not stop him.
He was a scholar and had never been good at martial arts. He was stunned on the spot and did not react at all. He was about to be stabbed to death by the murderer. Fortunately, Miss Cui beside me was kind and righteous and sacrificed her life.
I blocked the knife for you, otherwise I would not be able to see Your Majesty today... Unfortunately, although I escaped with my life, Miss Cui was seriously injured and is still in a coma..."
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen may have felt scared, or he may have been aggrieved, or he may have been worried about Cui Qianxue's condition, and his eyes were gradually turning red.
Then, Zhao Junchen wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeves - the sleeves had been stained with ginger juice beforehand - so after Zhao Junchen lowered his sleeves, his face became even more "tears"...
Then, Zhao Junchen knelt down in front of Emperor Deqing with a plop and cried: "Your Majesty, I don't understand that the corrupt state of the imperial court's commercial taxation is well known to everyone. It has never been a secret that the imperial court's money and grain turnover is difficult.
Therefore, the current situation of commercial taxation in our dynasty must be rectified. This is also the consensus of all officials! I just want to do things for the court, and I just want to be loyal to your majesty. Why, why do some people just can’t tolerate me? Since I was ordered to rectify the commercial taxation
Since then, not only have I encountered all kinds of difficulties, but yesterday I was assassinated and almost lost my life... Your Majesty, you must make the decision for me!"
Zhao Junchen's cry was so sad and pitiful that all the officials changed their minds after hearing it.
Emperor Deqing felt that his authority and authority had been challenged. At this time, his face became even more gloomy, and he said slowly: "You work for the imperial court and are loyal to me. I see all this. If someone can't tolerate you because of this,
, then naturally they are unwilling to serve the imperial court, nor are they willing to be loyal to me!"
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing had already determined the assassination of Zhao Junchen.
…
ps: Well, two chapters in one, five thousand words!