Chapter 66. I have a few pieces of black pot for you.
On the way back to the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Junchen's expression seemed calm, and there was even a faint smile on the corner of his mouth. However, Xu Qingyan, who was most familiar with Zhao Junchen, could detect a hint of coldness in Zhao Junchen's brows.
, so that even he did not dare to talk to Zhao Junchen and ask what happened. (Novel Network)
Sitting quietly in the sedan, Zhao Junchen recalled the scene in the Yangxin Hall and sighed softly.
......... Before leaving the palace, in the Yangxin Hall, Zhao Junchen was just about to leave when Emperor Deqing suddenly said: "Zhao Aiqing, I still have something to explain to you."
Seeing Emperor Deqing's serious expression, Zhao Junchen did not dare to neglect and said quickly: "Please give me your Majesty's instructions."
After Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment, he slowly said: "I have also seriously considered the significance of the southern tour you mentioned a few days ago. The purpose of my tour to the south of the Yangtze River is to emphasize the presence of the emperor, spread the emperor's majesty, and let local officials communicate with
The local elders were in awe of the imperial court, thus stabilizing the country and improving the morale of the people. These remarks are indeed insightful. However, although the southern tour was confirmed at the beginning, due to the lack of money in the national treasury, the southern tour was
The ceremonial guards and entourage of the emperor can only be frugal in everything. How can they reflect my majesty if they are so simple? If it is self-defeating, I am afraid that not only will I not be able to display the majesty of the emperor, but I will be underestimated by the local government. In this way, my southern tour,
On the contrary, the gain outweighs the loss.”
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen felt a chill in his heart. He vaguely guessed Emperor Deqing's plan, but his expression was still full of respect and he asked: "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Deqing looked serious and continued: "As the saying goes, things have changed. Now that the internal treasury is abundant, no matter how frugal and crude the southern tour is, it is not suitable. What I mean is that under the premise that the court does not disturb the people, this
The ceremonial guard, entourage, and regulations for the second southern tour can be as large as possible. The ministers of the court and the concubines in the palace can also be brought with them. After the southern tour, at Nanying Tianfu and Zhongdu Fengyang Mansion, they can also be brought with them.
We can hold two grand ceremonies to pay homage to my Ming ancestors. In short, since we have plenty of money now, this southern tour should focus on spreading my majesty. Zhao Aiqing, what do you think?"
Although it was a question, looking at Emperor Deqing's expression, it was clear that he had already made up his mind.
Zhao Junchen's expression was full of admiration and said: "Your Majesty is still thinking deeply. These things are beyond my imagination based on my vision. In my opinion, your Majesty's words are a great good."
Emperor Deqing smiled and said: "Zhao Aiqing doesn't need to be humble. If it weren't for your words that day, I wouldn't have thought of this."
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he asked again: "So when Your Majesty is on tour to the south, will there be a palace built locally?"
Emperor Deqing waved his hand and said: "Building a palace consumes people's resources, but it is unnecessary. I have already said that I will enter the Zhuannan Garden. How can I change my order overnight?"
After a pause, Emperor Deqing suddenly changed the topic and said: "However, when you said this, Aiqing, I remembered that a few days ago, Aiqing described to me the beauty of Jiangnan gardens, which made me yearn for it.
, A few days ago, someone happened to pay me a tribute to the "Spoon Garden Picture" depicting the scenery of gardens in the south of the Yangtze River. When I looked at it, I couldn't help but admire it. As Aiqing said that day, these gardens in the south of the Yangtze River are like making poems.
, which is different from the magnificence of the royal gardens and has a unique artistic conception. On this southern tour, Ai Qing accompanied me to the south of the Yangtze River, but I have to pay attention to find some suitable craftsmen for me. When you and I return to the capital, we can choose a beautiful garden.
As a summer resort, for me and my descendants, we will build a royal courtyard imitating the gardens in the south of the Yangtze River. What do you think, my beloved?"
A strange look flashed across Zhao Junchen's expression, but he nodded repeatedly and said: "Even if Your Majesty didn't say it, I already had this intention. Your Majesty is rich all over the world. How can the beauty of Jiangnan gardens be exclusively enjoyed by those rich people in Jiangnan? For Your Majesty,
It is your duty to build a summer garden."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing looked full of trust in Zhao Junchen and said with a smile: "In that case, Aiqing, you, together with the Ministry of Work and the Ministry of Rites, should be responsible for these two things. Now the money in the inner treasury is
Be abundant and be lenient in everything, I trust you more."
Zhao Junchen seemed to be flattered, his expression of surprise was uncontrollable, and he said loudly: "Thank you for your majesty's trust. I will do my best for your majesty and will never let you down!"
......... At that time, the conversation between Zhao Junchen and Emperor Deqing could be described as one in which the minister was loyal to the emperor, the emperor loved his minister, and the emperor and his ministers were in harmony.
It's a pity that Zhao Junchen's expression and words at that time were all acting. And Emperor Deqing's expression and words were all acting, if nothing else.
Zhao Junchen was responsible for the arrangements for the southern tour and the construction of the palace. According to Emperor Deqing's wishes, he was lenient in everything. He didn't have to worry about the cost of money. This was a huge fat loss. As long as he used a little bit of manipulation,
Hundreds of thousands of silver can be put into your pocket. If you are braver, it is not impossible to spend millions of taels of silver in one go.
If it were the original Zhao Junchen, he would definitely have thought that the reason why Emperor Deqing made such arrangements was to take care of his favorite minister and to let him earn some "extra money".
But now Zhao Junchen can see the true meaning of Emperor Deqing's arrangement.
What a chilling meaning!
According to Emperor Deqing's words, the reason why he wanted to expand the scale of his southern tour was because Zhao Junchen said that "the southern tour aims to spread the emperor's majesty"; the reason why he wanted to build a separate palace imitating the Jiangnan garden style was also because of Zhao Junchen
Praise him for the beauty of Jiangnan gardens. Then, Zhao Junchen will be responsible for these two things.
If this situation spreads, how will the government and the public view Zhao Junchen? I am afraid that he will be charged with "bewitching the king". And the people's hearts and minds were disturbed during the southern tour, and the national power and money were spent on building another palace.
, in the eyes of the world, the fault lies entirely with Zhao Junchen.
In short, Emperor Deqing got all kinds of benefits from his actions, and his goal of celebrating great achievements was realized, but all the infamy and trouble he caused were all blamed on Zhao Junchen.
"This is a good plan." In the sedan, Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled bitterly: "It's a pity. After the disaster relief work in Lu'an Prefecture and the publication of the "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture", I finally found a way between the government and the opposition.
I have a reputation that has improved, but after this incident, I am afraid it will be ruined again, and it may even get worse. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you so unwilling to see my reputation improve even a little bit?"
"...However, throughout the ages, it is a natural thing for jesters and corrupt officials to take the blame for the emperor, and it is also a manifestation of the emperor's mentality. If my reputation becomes better, how can I take the blame? What Qin Hui, He Shen, Liu Jin and others have done
Although it brings disaster to the country and the people, is it not the emperor's intention? In the end, the emperor is fine, but they are notorious and do not die well. 'The emperor is good, but he is bewitched by corrupt officials'. Throughout the ages, this is probably the mentality of officials and people in both the government and the public...
…”
Just when Zhao Junchen was secretly thinking about how to deal with it, Xu Qingyan, who was following the sedan, heard this muttering, but the voice was too low, so he couldn't hear clearly. So Xu Qingyan hurriedly rushed to Zhao Junchen in the sedan.
Asked: "Master, do you have something to give me?"
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a while, he said: "After you return home, ask someone to select some Cordyceps sinensis, ginseng and Polygonum multiflorum and other medicinal materials to send to the seventh prince. Don't be stingy and give whatever is valuable. In addition, send some trustworthy people to help
I want to find out all the news about the Seventh Prince over the years, whether it is true or rumours, don't miss it, and then send it to me as soon as possible."
Although he didn't understand why Zhao Junchen suddenly paid attention to Zhu Hejian, a little-known prince, Xu Qingyan quickly agreed.
In the sedan chair, Zhao Junchen's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom.
... As Zhao Junchen expected, the regulations for the southern tour would be expanded, and Emperor Deqing's plan to build a new palace in the style of Jiangnan gardens was spread the next day, causing an uproar between the government and the public.
.
At the same time, the rumor that "Emperor Deqing had such a plan was all because of Zhao Junchen's bewitchment" was spreading more and more widely, and the eyes of Prince Zhu Heyu looking at Zhao Junchen became more and more hateful.
With the intentional or unintentional connivance of various factions in the court, reports of impeachment of Zhao Junchen from the Metropolitan Procuratorate were sent to Emperor Deqing like torrential rain. However, due to Emperor Deqing's deliberate protection and partiality, these impeachments did not hinder Zhao Junchen.
Junchen has nothing to do with him.
Someone once calculated an account in the impeachment report. After the expansion of the regulations of the Southern Tour, the upgrade of the ceremonial guard, the increase of the entourage, the two Chen ancestor ceremonies in Yingtian and Fengyang, various preparations by the local government, plus road construction and construction.
The amount of silver required for rivers and other expenses will more than double, to at least 600,000 taels of silver!
As for the construction of the villa, it cost a huge amount of money. Since it was built to imitate the gardens in the south of the Yangtze River, the scenery and water and soil in the north were inherently deficient. During the construction, just building lakes, mountains and arranging the scenery required at least 500,000 taels of silver.
, and the construction of palace roads, the cost of manpower and materials, all added up, no one can calculate how much money this palace requires and how long it takes to build.
However, Emperor Deqing's plan was to use private money from the inner treasury after all. Although the ministers of the DPRK and the Central Government had objections, especially the prince's party, which could be described as fierce and decisive, it was of no use in the end. Under the power of Emperor Deqing,
Against all odds, and with Zhao Junchen's helpless support, Emperor Deqing's two plans were finally passed.
And with the approval of this plan, Zhao Junchen's reputation as a "disaster to the country" and a "sycophant" spread throughout the world again.
However, in everything in the world, there are gains and losses. These two things are huge mistakes, and they are both presided over by Zhao Junchen. However, the gang of corrupt officials and worms under Zhao Junchen are happy because of them.
After working hard all day long and getting ready to make a move, he became even more devoted to Zhao Junchen. Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao, Huang Yourong and other factions also planned to get a share of the pie, which was something Zhao Junchen had not expected.
But when things finally settled and all the noise was over, Zhao Junchen, who was busy dealing with intrigues and intrigues, suddenly discovered that unknowingly, the New Year had arrived...