Both Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong turned a blind eye to Wen Guanliang's departure, as if the person walking by them was just an ordinary hotel clerk. (Novel Network)
Zhao Junchen did not feel the atmosphere was awkward, and looked natural. He just led Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong to the private room and sat down.
When the dishes were served, Zhao Junchen and Huang Chen complimented each other and were quite polite to each other. However, after the dishes were served and the restaurant waiters left one after another, Zhao Junchen was just about to say something, but he remained silent. Shen Changmao, who was silent, suddenly spoke.
"Zhao Shangshu." Shen Changmao said slowly: "Today I and Mr. Huang Ge came here just to have a banquet and chat with you and get closer to each other. Apart from that, they have no other thoughts. So, next, you If you just want to chat and bond, then we can continue, and I will accompany you. However, if you want me and Mr. Huangge to let Wen Guanliang go, or if you want to intervene in the transfer of the Salt Envoy, then this This is the end of the second banquet, there is nothing to talk about these things."
His voice is like the person he is, cold and decisive.
On the other side, Huang Yourong said with a smile: "Don't be surprised, Mr. Zhao. Mr. Shen Ge has always had such a temper. He will say whatever he wants. It's not deliberately aimed at you. On the way to the banquet, Mr. Shen Ge even praised me. Mr. Zhao, you are young and promising. However, although Mr. Shen Ge's words are unpleasant, the meaning is correct. Today the three of us will only talk about romance. As for other things, it is not time to talk about it yet. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, at this time, one sang a red face and the other a white face, one was straightforward and the other was tactful, but they expressed the same meaning.
Coming to the banquet has given you enough face. If you still want to push it further, then let's not talk about it and see you in court!
How could Zhao Junchen not hear this? A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but then he smiled as usual and said with a leisurely expression: "It's a pity. The reason why I invited the two elders to gather here today is, But it’s not just for romance.”
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Shen Changmao's expression became even colder, and Huang Yourong's smile faded.
Seeing the change in the expressions of Shen and Huang, Zhao Junchen smiled softly and continued: "In this meeting, I want to make a deal with the two elders."
Shen Changmao frowned slightly and waited for the next step, but Huang Yourong asked with a smile: "I wonder what kind of deal it is, but it actually requires Mr. Zhao to bring Mr. Shen Ge and me together to talk?"
Zhao Junchen did not explain, but took out a folder from his sleeve and handed it to Shen and Huang.
The booklet talks about the rectification of salt affairs in Sichuan.
The rectification of Sichuan's salt affairs and the introduction of Shanxi merchants to Sichuan was originally a deal between Zhao Junchen and the Shanxi merchants. Unfortunately, after returning to Beijing, there were many things to do, but it was delayed. In recent days, the Shanxi merchants have repeatedly sent people to urge them. , but Zhao Junchen kept delaying it on the grounds that "the time has not come yet".
Now, the time is ripe, and Zhao Junchen plans to use this matter to persuade Shen and Huang.
...On the other side, it was said that after reviewing this document with each other, Shen and Huang's expressions became serious.
"Junchen has a good plan to rectify the salt affairs in Sichuan and attract merchants from Shanxi to Sichuan." Wen Guanliang handed the brochure back to Zhao Junchen. His expression seemed normal, but his eyes couldn't help but waver: "However, since Junchen dares to give this brochure to Look at us two old guys, we are probably ready, right? We really have a formidable future."
Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and said: "On the Shanxi merchant side, I contacted them when I was in Lu'an Mansion, and on your Majesty's side, I have already submitted this document to you. These days Since then, I have been analyzing the pros and cons to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty is already a little moved by this. However, the rectification of salt affairs is of great importance, and it can affect the whole body. The entry of Shanxi merchants into Sichuan will also cause a backlash from Huizhou merchants. Therefore, Your Majesty's intention is that the rectification of Sichuan's salt affairs should first be led by the rectification of the Salt Transfer Department. In Sichuan, the Salt Transfer Department, the Salt Class Promotion Department and other relevant officials in the yamen should also add some experience. Abundant manpower. And this kind of rectification is the responsibility of the Personnel Department and the Household Department, with the Personnel Department taking the lead and the Household Department as a supplement."
At this point, both Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong understood what Zhao Junchen meant. After looking at each other, their expressions changed.
But Zhao Junchen seemed not to have seen it, and continued: "This is related to the rectification and expansion of the Salt Affairs Office, which is a top priority. It is related to the local and central government, Sichuan Salt and Shanxi merchants. The person in charge needs to be more relevant. You have to have rich experience. The new Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Liu Changan, has served as a prefect in both Sichuan and Shanxi. He is familiar with Sichuan salt and Shanxi merchants. Now he is working in the Ministry of Civil Affairs. In the eyes of His Majesty, he is probably the most suitable person."
At this point, Zhao Junchen suddenly sighed, changed the topic, and said: "It's a pity. I am having a banquet today. I originally wanted to ask the two cabinet elders for relevant experience, but I didn't expect that the two cabinet elders only wanted to Let’s talk about romance, if that’s the case, then I don’t dare to force it, so the three of us can just chat casually.”
While talking, Zhao Junchen put the information about the rectification of Sichuan Salt Affairs into his sleeve, and then said with a smile: "The 'Yue Rong Fang' founded by Xiaguan has recently released a batch of health ointments, which are effective in preventing diseases and prolonging life. Have you ever used it? If not, I will have someone send a batch to the two elders after I return home. What do you think?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, both Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao looked embarrassed for a moment.
Zhao Junchen's intention is very obvious. The official positions and powers of the salt affairs yamen, such as the Salt Envoy Division and the Salt Class Promotion Division, will all be expanded. As for the various manpower arrangements, it is very likely that his subordinate Liu Changan will be responsible for it, and even more The Ministry of Household Affairs was involved, and he had already made good contacts with both Emperor Deqing and Shanxi merchants, and he would not allow Shen and Huang to pick fruit.
Compared with the reorganization and expansion of the All-Transportation Salt Envoy Department, the Salt Class Promotion Department and other yamen, countless related positions have been added. Shen and Huang have been envious of these days and competed with each other for the positions of the All-Transportation Salt Envoy Department. But it's not that important anymore.
... After thinking about this, the smile on Huang Yourong's face became more kind, and he said to Zhao Junchen: "As Zhao Shangshu has thought, the rectification of Sichuan's salt affairs is of great importance, and it can affect the whole body. If Shen Ge and I I didn't know about this, so it was fine, but now that I know it, how can I still talk to Zhao Shangshu about those romantic gossips? As the saying goes, 'Eating the emperor and being loyal to the emperor', at this time, it is natural to focus on official business. .”
On the other side, Shen Changmao, who always looked cold and stern, actually managed a smile at Zhao Junchen, nodded and said: "What Mr. Huang Ge said makes sense, that's exactly what it is."
Zhao Junchen looked hesitant and asked: "What do you mean, sir, that we won't talk about romance next, but talk about business?"
Huang Yourong nodded repeatedly and said, "Of course, business is more important."
Seeing Zhao Junchen's expression and words, which were somewhat sarcastic, Shen Changmao snorted softly and said: "Liu Changan is indeed your man, but the official department is Zhou Shangjing's territory. Even if His Majesty is interested in him, if Zhou Shangjing stops him, Whether this will succeed or not is still a matter of debate. This is all due to the reorganization and expansion of the Salt Envoy Department, the Salt Class Promotion Department and other yamen. There will be at least one-third more relevant positions. How can Zhou Shangjing allow others to take advantage of Zhao? Although you have the upper hand, sir, there is no point in trying to manipulate me and Mr. Huang Ge here."
It has to be said that although Shen Changmao is never polite when speaking, talking and negotiating with him is also the most efficient, and those polite flatteries can always be avoided.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen was not angry at Shen Changmao's counterattack. He just nodded and said with a smile: "So, the official came to see the two elders today just to make this deal. If the two elders can let Wen Guanliang go, , and then gave full support to Liu Chang'an, the new minister of the Ministry of Personnel, to preside over the rectification and expansion of the Salt Transfer Department, the Salt Class Promotion Department and other related yamen affairs. The lower officials will also reciprocate. , there will definitely be a lot of new official positions, and we are not afraid that we will not be able to arrange them. What do you think, sir?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen spoke so directly, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong pondered for a moment before both nodded.
The general direction was finally determined, and all the three of them had to discuss next were the details.
...Details are often the most difficult to resolve, because the distribution of benefits often lies in the details.
After agreeing to cooperate, Zhao Junchen bargained with Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong for a long time, and the relevant details were finally determined.
Perhaps it was because the argument was too intense. When everything was over, the sky was already dark, and at some point, heavy snow began to fall in the sky over the capital.
When Zhao Junchen, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong came to the downstairs of Tianhai Tower, the shopkeeper of Tianhai Tower, in order to please the three of them, asked the restaurant waiter to hold three hot pots and presented them to Zhao Junchen, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao.
"The shopkeeper is really thoughtful."
Holding the carbon pot in his hand, Zhao Junchen smiled and said to the shopkeeper of Tianhailou.
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, the shopkeeper looked flattered and said repeatedly: "Master Zhao, you are so complimentary. I have been taken care of by you many times these days. It is right for you and the two elders to put some thought into it."
On the other side, Shen Changmao looked at the falling snow outside Tianhai Tower and suddenly said: "The snow fell late this year, about a month late."
Huang Yourong also nodded and said: "Yes, as the saying goes, 'Auspicious snow heralds a good year'. In previous years, it would snow in November, but this year it has been postponed to December. I'm afraid the harvest in the north next year will not be good. Hey, people I’m going to suffer again.”
Huang Yourong spoke with concern for the country and the people, but his expression looked extremely satisfied.
Obviously, Huang Yourong got a lot of benefits from the bargaining just now.
The suffering of the people obviously did not affect Huang Yourong's good mood of benefiting himself.
"Yes, it snowed late."
Zhao Junchen was thoughtful and murmured to himself...