Chapter 879: Zhu Di’s little move to win over important ministers!
"Commander Li," Zhu Di said in a deep voice in his study to Li Fang, the commander of the Jinyi Guards who came to report, "the situation in the DPRK and China is delicate recently. You need to be more careful and collect the information of those who are detrimental to us.
handle."
Li Fang bowed and saluted, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness, don't worry, I will do my best to live up to His Highness's high expectations."
Subsequently, Li Fang summoned several capable officers in the Jinyi Guards and deployed a detailed action plan to collect clues. This was a sensitive and dangerous task, and a slight mistake could lead to personal injury.
"Zhang Qianhu, you are responsible for keeping an eye on the Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs. He is in charge of financial power and must have a lot of money." Li Fang said to a stern-faced Qianhu.
Zhang Qianhu nodded in agreement: "Commander, don't worry, your subordinates will be able to find his flaws."
"Wang Baihu, go and monitor the Minister of Industry. He is in charge of border fortifications and has a close relationship with Prince Zhu Biao. You must be careful." Li Fang then ordered another Baihu.
A trace of determination flashed in Wang Baihu's eyes: "Commander, I understand that I will complete the mission."
Later, Li Fang carried out a detailed division of labor among several other Jinyiwei members to ensure that every key position in the court was under their supervision.
At the same time, in the residence of the Minister of Hubu, Zhang Qianhu was quietly hiding in the dark, observing the Minister's every move. He noticed that the Master would enter the study alone every night and would not turn off the lights until late at night. Zhang Qianhu's heart
Suddenly, I decided to sneak into the study at night to find out.
In the dead of night, Zhang Qianhu used his superb skills to easily avoid the guards of Shangshu Mansion and sneaked into the study quietly. He quickly searched the study and finally found a stack of account books in a hidden drawer. He opened a
Look, there are detailed records of the improper transactions between the minister and some merchants.
"Haha, I really got something!" Zhang Qianhu was overjoyed. He quickly carefully put away the account book and quietly left the Shangshu Mansion.
On the other side, Wang Baihu also made a breakthrough in the Shangshu's Mansion of the Ministry of Industry. By bribing a confidant in the Shangshu's Mansion, he learned that the Lord Shangshu had an unknown secret relationship with a frontier general. After some time,
After careful investigation, Wang Baihu finally intercepted a secret letter between them, which involved kickbacks and benefit transfers for border projects.
"Now, let's see how he can quibble!" Wang Baihu sneered and kept the secret letter in a safe place.
With the in-depth investigation of Jin Yiwei, the secrets of the ministers were exposed one by one. Zhu Di sat in the study, flipping through the intelligence summary presented by Li Fang, with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Okay! Commander Li, you did a good job." Zhu Di put down the information gently and praised Li Fang, "With these handles, those restless people in the court will no longer dare to make enemies of me easily.
.”
Li Fang bowed and saluted: "Your Highness is wise, and I am just fulfilling my duties and sharing your worries for Your Highness."
However, Zhu Di was not satisfied with this.
"Commander Li, next, you need to verify these handles one by one to ensure they are correct. At the same time, you must continue to monitor the movements of the DPRK and China. If you find someone with evil intentions, report to me immediately." Zhu Di ordered in a deep voice.
After Li Fang accepted the order, he knew that the task was arduous, but he was also full of fighting spirit. He summoned the elite of the Jinyi Guards and once again emphasized the confidentiality and importance of the task.
"Everyone, the intelligence in our hands is directly related to the safety of His Highness and the stability of the court. Every step must be cautious and cautious, and there must be no mistakes." Li Fang's voice was low and powerful, and there was no doubt in his eyes.
of majesty.
"Zhang Qianhu, you have rich experience. This time I will leave it to you to handle the affairs of the Minister of Revenue. Remember, we must not only find his handle, but also ensure that our actions are watertight." Li Fang specially warned.
Zhang Qianhu bowed in salute and said in a firm voice: "Commander, please rest assured that I will live up to my trust and will definitely catch all the handlers of the Minister of Hubu."
"Wang Baihu, the situation with the Minister of Industry is complicated. You need to be more careful. Not only should you collect his secret contacts with the border generals, but you should also pay attention to his contacts with other ministers. You may be able to find more clues." Li
Fang turned to Wang Baihu, her tone a little more solemn.
Wang Baihu nodded, determination flashing in his eyes: "Commander, I understand. I will use all means to ensure the success of the mission."
As night fell, Zhang Qianhu quietly sneaked into the residence of the Minister of Revenue. He used the cover of night to easily avoid the guards and came to the outside of the Shangshu's study. The study was brightly lit, and the Shangshu was immersed in processing official documents without noticing the danger.
has quietly approached.
Zhang Qianhu held his breath, quietly approached the study window, and peered through the gap. He noticed that Shangshu flipped through some seemingly ordinary account books from time to time, but there was unnoticeable worry in his brows. Zhang Qianhu's heart
As soon as he was moved, he decided to sneak in while the minister was leaving the study.
Soon, Shangshu got up and left the study and went for a walk in the backyard. Zhang Qianhu took the opportunity to quickly enter the study and began to search carefully. He opened the seemingly ordinary account books one by one, and finally found clues in an inconspicuous account book - the details inside
A large number of illegal transactions between ministers and merchants were recorded.
"Haha, I finally found it!" Zhang Qianhu secretly rejoiced and quickly hid the account book in his arms, then quietly left the study and disappeared into the night.
At the same time, Wang Baihu also launched an operation in the office of the Minister of Industry. He used his bribed confidants as internal agents to easily obtain the secret messages between the Minister and the border generals. However, he was not satisfied with this;
Decided to dig deeper for more clues.
Wang Baihu disguised himself as a servant of Shangshu Mansion and sneaked into the hall where Shangshu usually received guests. He hid in the dark and carefully observed the conversation between Shangshu and each visitor. After some observation, he found that Shangshu was talking to several court officials.
There seems to be an unusual tacit understanding and communication between the central and important ministers.
"It seems that there is some kind of chain of interests between these ministers." Wang Baihu thought to himself and decided to continue to follow these important ministers in order to find more clues.
"Commander Li, you have done a good job." Zhu Di praised, "With this information, my position in the court will be more stable. But remember, we must use these handles to consolidate our power rather than abuse them.
To attack innocent people."
Li Fang bowed and saluted: "Your Highness is wise, and I must strictly follow His Highness's teachings."
Zhu Di was sitting in the study, playing with an exquisite jade pendant in his hand, his eyes were deep and complicated. Although he had collected the clues about the ministers of the DPRK through the Jin Yiwei, to truly win people's hearts, these alone were not enough. They must be supplemented by more subtle methods.
Political skills.
At this time, an attendant knocked on the door gently. After receiving permission, the attendant respectfully reported: "Your Highness, Mr. Li, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, wants to see you."
Zhu Di smiled slightly, already thinking about it. "Invite him in."
After a while, Mr. Li, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, walked into the study and saluted: "See Your Highness the Fourth Prince."
Zhu Di stood up and personally stepped forward to help Mr. Li up. His tone was cordial and sincere: "Master Li, there is no need to be polite. Please sit down. What's the important thing for you to come today?"
Mr. Li hesitated a little, but finally mustered up the courage to say: "Your Highness, I have heard some rumors in the court recently, which are quite detrimental to Your Highness. Although I am not talented, I hope to help Your Highness solve your problems."
When Zhu Di heard this, his expression remained unchanged, but he was thinking secretly in his heart. Mr. Li must have wanted something when he came here, or he felt his own pressure and wanted to seek shelter. So, he pretended to be surprised and asked: "Oh?
Is this happening? Mr. Li, have you heard what the rumor is?"
Mr. Li hesitated for a moment and finally said: "I heard that someone secretly spread rumors that your highness is ambitious and has evil intentions. I know that your highness is loyal and patriotic. These rumors are pure nonsense, but people's words are terrible and I am afraid that they will be harmful to the country."
It’s not good for Your Highness.”
Zhu Di sighed softly and looked quite helpless: "Yes, people's words are scary. Mr. Li spoke upright for me, and I am grateful to you. However, there may be people with ulterior motives behind these rumors."
Mr. Li quickly expressed his position: "Your Highness, don't worry, I will do my best to clarify the misunderstanding for Your Highness and safeguard His Highness's reputation."
Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a flash of approval in his eyes: "Master Li is very loyal, how can I not know it? However, the situation in the DPRK is complicated, and it may be difficult to turn the tide by myself. Your Highness needs to be as loyal as Master Li.
Gentlemen, we conspire together for great things."
When Mr. Li heard this, he was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to show his loyalty: "I am willing to do everything for His Highness, and I will do whatever it takes!"
Zhu Di personally helped Mr. Li up and said in a more cordial tone: "Sir Li, your words are serious. Your Highness just hopes that we can work together to contribute our modest contribution to the Ming Dynasty."
Later, Zhu Di had an in-depth conversation with Mr. Li, talking about everything from the changes in the political situation to the people's livelihood sufferings. He skillfully used his political wisdom to not only show his trust and respect for Mr. Li, but also remain calm.
He hinted at his plans and prospects for the future.
After sending Mr. Li away, Zhu Di returned to the study with a satisfied smile on his lips. Next, he will continue to use the same method to win over ministers in the court who are useful to him one by one.
Soon after, another important visitor came to Zhu Di's study - Mr. Zhao, the Minister of Industry. Unlike Mr. Li who was cautious, Mr. Zhao seemed more straightforward and heroic.
"Your Highness the Fourth Prince, I heard that you have been taking frequent actions in the court recently. I wonder if you have any plans to conspire with the old minister?" Mr. Zhao asked directly as soon as he entered the door.
Zhu Di smiled slightly and stepped forward: "Your Highness admires Mr. Zhao for his quick words. To be honest, His Highness does have great ambitions and wants to expand territory for the Ming Dynasty and promote our country's prestige. However, the situation in the DPRK and China is complicated and changeable.
It's difficult to accomplish anything by one's own efforts. Therefore, I came to invite Mr. Zhao to discuss the big plan together."
When Mr. Zhao heard the words, a trace of excitement flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness's words are exactly what I want! Although the veteran is old and frail, his loyalty is still there. As long as Your Highness can use my veteran, just give me your orders!"
Zhu Di held Master Zhao's hand and said in a sincere tone: "Master Zhao, what you said is wrong. You have rich experience and are the pillar of the court. With your help, His Highness will be even more powerful. However, I have something to ask for."
Mr. Zhao quickly asked: "Your Highness, it doesn't matter if you say so."
Zhu Di pondered for a moment and said slowly: "His Highness hopes that Lord Zhao can promote His Highness's achievements and ambitions in the court. At the same time, I also ask Lord Zhao to pay attention to the trends in the court. If there are any remarks or actions that are not conducive to His Highness, please
Please inform in time.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhao patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness! This matter will be taken care of by the old minister!"
Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction, his eyes shining with trust and expectation for Mr. Zhao.
"Master Zhao, I have always admired your loyalty and bravery. What you said today is exactly what I wanted."
Zhu Di gently patted Mr. Zhao on the shoulder, with some deep meaning in his eyes, and said slowly: "Mr. Zhao, do you know that the real wisdom lies not only in the far-reaching layout, but also in the insight and grasp of people's hearts. Those die-hards,
They may be stubborn, but they often have their own entangled interests behind them. What we have to do is to find the lever that can pry their defenses off."
Mr. Zhao nodded thoughtfully, and after pondering for a moment, he replied: "What your Highness said is absolutely true. The old minister is too stupid to do this. But I don't know what your Highness has to say?"
Zhu Di smiled slightly, turned around and walked to the window, looking at the bustling capital outside the window, and slowly said: "I can't speak highly of you, but I do have some ideas. For example, the Minister Zhang always thought he was honest, but in fact his mother was seriously ill at home and needed a lot of money.
Seek medical attention. If we can help each other in secret, he may be able to help us one day."
When Mr. Zhao heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then admiration arose spontaneously: "Your Highness is really thoughtful and considerate of every detail. I admire you!"
Zhu Di turned around, his eyes shining with confidence: "Mr. Zhao, you and I both think about the Ming Dynasty, but in different ways. I think the purpose of forming this think tank is not only to gather wisdom, but also to
Unite all forces that can be united to jointly face the storm in the future."
As he said that, Zhu Di picked up a list from the desk and handed it to Mr. Zhao: "These are the few candidates I have initially selected. They are either outstanding talents or high moral prestige. They are all indispensable talents in the court. Mr. Zhao
What do you think?"
Mr. Zhao took the list and after carefully reviewing it, his eyes flashed with approval: "Your Highness has unique vision and these people are rare talents. I am willing to personally come forward and visit them one by one to convince them."
Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao. Remember, when persuading them, we must not only show our sincerity and determination, but also let them see the broad prospects after joining us. What the people want is our most solid foundation."
backing."
Mr. Zhao carefully put away the list, with a firm light in his eyes, and said to Zhu Di: "Your Highness, don't worry, I will do my best to live up to my trust. However, these adults have their own temperaments, and I still need to be careful.
Only by trying to figure it out can we prescribe the right medicine."
