Chen Dongxiang, the current left minister of the Ministry of Industry, is in his prime, smart and capable, and has outstanding political achievements. He is a very rare capable minister in the court. However, he is too ambitious, has a cold temperament, and is naturally rebellious, which can easily make people feel disgusted.
This person was originally a close disciple of the former cabinet minister Wen Guanliang, but when the party struggle between Wen Guanliang and Zhao Junchen was at its fiercest, he took the lead in betraying Wen Guanliang, and also used methods such as bewitchment, coercion, and inducements to win over people including the leftists.
A large number of Wen Guanliang officials, including Lan Shan, betrayed Wen Guanliang and took refuge with Zhao Junchen. They stabbed Wen Guanliang in the back and single-handedly caused the tragic situation of Wen Guanliang's betrayal and separation.
It can be said that if it were not for Chen Dongxiang's betrayal, Wen Guanliang might not have lost to Zhao Junchen.
However, no one likes a traitor who seeks glory. Therefore, although Chen Dongxiang was Zhao Junchen's first person to bring down Wen Guanliang, after he took refuge with Zhao Junchen, he was not reused by Zhao Junchen and was said to be quite cold.
Never wait too long.
Under such circumstances, Chen Dongxiang resolutely betrayed Zhao Junchen once again, secretly seeking refuge with Huang Yourong, Zhao Junchen's main political enemy at the time, and provided Huang Yourong with a large amount of intelligence, allowing Huang Yourong to easily get rid of many "Zhao Party" officials.
For a time, he had the upper hand in party disputes.
Unfortunately, because of the commercial tax rectification, Huang Yourong was implicated, and he soon fell into bad luck, and his position was in jeopardy. At this time, Chen Dongxiang turned around and returned to Zhao Junchen's sect, and also persuaded many "yellow party members"
"The officials took refuge in Zhao Junchen together to atone for their crimes.
Seeing that Chen Dongxiang had attracted many officials to join the "Zhao Party", Zhao Junchen did not pursue Chen Dongxiang's betrayal, but Chen Dongxiang's position in the "Zhao Party" became even more marginalized.
The above are all the impressions Emperor Deqing had on Chen Dongxiang in recent times.
Moreover, these are also news that Zhao Junchen deliberately leaked.
It was precisely because of these impressions that Emperor Deqing frowned subconsciously after hearing Zuo Lanshan's recommendation.
After all, with Chen Dongxiang's various performances during this period, it is not an exaggeration to say that he is a "family slave with three surnames". It is naturally difficult for Emperor Deqing to have a good impression of such a person.
In fact, no one likes a slave with three surnames who repeatedly betrays his master. Not only Emperor Deqing, but also all the civil and military officials in the Manchu Dynasty today treat Chen Dongxiang with contempt and alienation, even those traitorous ministers who are good at pretending.
Among corrupt officials, few are willing to put on a good face for Chen Dongxiang.
So Emperor Deqing asked: "Chen Dongxiang? Don't you have a better candidate?"
To be honest, Zuo Lanshan also dislikes Chen Dongxiang, and is even more unwilling for Chen Dongxiang to take over the position of Minister of the Ministry of Industry. However, this is Zhao Junchen's decision, and Zuo Lanshan does not dare to violate it now.
Therefore, Zuo Lanshan followed Zhao Junchen's instructions and said: "Your Majesty, Chen Dongxiang's administrative ability is among the best in the yamen of the Ministry of Industry, and his political achievements are also good. However, he has not been reused over the years, and has even been criticized.
He has suffered a lot of exclusion and suppression, and it can be said that he has not recognized his talent, so I also want to give him a chance. After this person is reused, I am sure he will repay his kindness and work more diligently."
Zuo Lanshan's explanation was high-sounding, but Emperor Deqing still heard the hidden meaning in Zuo Lanshan's words.
Not being taken seriously, being excluded and suppressed, being unrecognized for talents, being grateful for kindness...
After linking these keywords together, Emperor Deqing thought he had guessed Zuo Lanshan's thoughts. It was obvious that Chen Dongxiang was ostracized among the "Zhao Party" and not only had no loyalty to Zhao Junchen, but was even quite dissatisfied.
There is a sense of resentment, so if Zuo Lanshan arranges for Chen Dongxiang to take over the position of Minister of the Ministry of Industry, then Chen Dongxiang will definitely be grateful to Zuo Lanshan and become Zuo Lanshan's staunchest ally in the "Zhao Party", fighting against Zuo Lanshan together.
Zhao Junchen......
After thinking of this, Emperor Deqing's brows relaxed slightly, but he still had some doubts in his heart, and asked again: "Chen Dongxiang is certainly capable, but his personality is unruly and difficult to control... Are you sure?"
Zuo Lanshan still followed Zhao Junchen's instructions and said: "I have been friends with him for many years. I understand his temperament, and I am 60 to 70% sure. Although it is not high, I have thought about it.
Chen Dongxiang is already the most suitable candidate."
It seems that among the "Zhao Party", Zuo Lanshan can only win over Chen Dongxiang as an ally. Zhao Junchen's control over the "Zhao Party" is higher than imagined... However, this Zuo Lanshan is also
It's useless. He is obviously the number two figure in the "Zhao Party". His seniority in the court is higher than that of Zhao Junchen. He can't even find a die-hard supporter in the party. He can only find people like Chen Dongxiang to fill the gap.
, However, precisely because of this, Zhao Junchen’s power cannot be allowed to expand further...
Hearing the implication of Zuo Lanshan's words, Emperor Deqing nodded slowly, making calculations in his heart.
After a moment, Emperor Deqing said slowly: "Thinking about it this way, Chen Dongxiang is indeed a suitable candidate. I remember that he also had experience in serving as a local official in the past, and he has achieved outstanding political achievements over the years. It is not a bad idea for him to be the Minister of the Ministry of Industry.
One choice... let's do this. After you go back, give me a memorial in which you list in detail the reasons why Chen Dongxiang serves as Minister of the Ministry of Industry. I will also use this memorial to explore the thoughts of other ministers in the cabinet. If
If they are not too opposed, this matter will be settled... However, after Chen Dongxiang becomes Minister of the Ministry of Industry, you must seize the opportunity and don't let down my good intentions..."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will never dare to live up to your holy hope!"
Zuo Lanshan quickly replied.
At the same time, Zuo Lanshan's mood became increasingly depressed.
All of Emperor Deqing's reactions were as expected by Zhao Junchen. If nothing unexpected happens, Zhao Junchen's plan will succeed again.
Zhao Junchen's repeated successes were considered exhaustive, but they were like a huge stone weighing on Zuo Lanshan's heart, making Zuo Lanshan feel that he would never be able to escape Zhao Junchen's control in this life.
In the past, when Zuo Lanshan was not a cabinet minister, he did not feel this way. He only felt that there was nothing wrong with following Zhao Junchen. At least Zhao Junchen was generous and willing to give benefits to his own people. As a "Zhao party member"
"The second-in-command has never been treated badly.
But now, after becoming the cabinet minister, Zuo Lanshan's thoughts have quietly changed. He always feels that being so controlled by Zhao Junchen is quite restrained and repressed, just like a prisoner.
Therefore, Zuo Lanshan always has the urge to break the shackles and break through the cage from time to time.
Let’s not mention Zuo Lanshan’s change of mentality.
While Emperor Deqing was giving instructions to Zuo Lanshan, Zhao Junchen was also having secret talks with Chen Dongxiang in the Zhao Mansion.