In Qianqing Palace, the sun has set in the west, and the sky is covered with brilliant clouds.
Huaien took two young eunuchs, each holding a stack of memorials, and walked quietly to the palace, then took the memorials and placed them on the imperial desk.
Nowadays, Cheng Jing, the Supervisor of Ceremonies, is in charge of the affairs alone, and now he and Huaien share the responsibility, and the two of them get along harmoniously.
Although Huai'en is now the eunuch Bingbi, the eunuch in charge of rituals, his focus is still on the Qianqing Palace, and he still does some work in front of the emperor.
Cheng Jing was familiar with things that required dealing with foreign dynasties and was willing to do them. Therefore, basically, Cheng Jing went to attend cabinet and ministry meetings everywhere.
But logically speaking, it should be the other way around. The ceremonial eunuch and the eunuch holding the seal sit in the palace, while the eunuch holding the pen rushes around to do these tiring tasks.
However, due to various reasons, both Cheng Jing and Huai En were happy with this division of labor.
From Cheng Jing's point of view, although he was a eunuch, he was a serious scholar, and he always had the ideal of governing the country and bringing peace to the world.
Serving the emperor in the palace and drafting proposals on behalf of the emperor was indeed very powerful, but it was not what he wanted. .
In contrast, Cheng Jing was more willing to participate in discussions with the ministers of various cabinet departments. Even if he was just a listener and could only add a few words occasionally, it would make him feel that he was truly contributing to the court.
Even, because most of the time it needs to be outside the palace
Huai'en was different. Although he was equally talented and learned, he entered the palace at an early age. Therefore, like all eunuchs, he had the concept that he was the emperor's slave since he was a child, so he naturally wanted to put the emperor first in everything.
Whether it is the Chief of Ceremony or other yamen in the inner court, there is only one most important thing, and that is to serve the emperor.
Therefore, in Huaien's opinion, what he should do is to stay in the Palace of Qianqing every day, carry messages to and from the emperor, deliver memorials, carry out edicts in front of the emperor, and sometimes even criticize the emperor on his behalf under the holy orders.
From this perspective, Wynn is actually much more competent than Cheng Jing.
Because in essence, the ceremonial supervisor is part of the imperial power. As it has developed to this day, its most important role is to assist the emperor in making decisions, and even make decisions on his behalf when the emperor is lazy.
As for discussing plans, considering details, and discussing major policies, it should be a matter for the ministers of each yamen.
So in fact, Huai En really regards himself as a real eunuch and eunuch, while Cheng Jing, due to various reasons, is actually more inclined to become a minister-like role like the latter.
The two of them are familiar with the joints in between, so they have the current division of labor.
Although they were slightly inconsistent with their respective official titles, the two of them maintained this status in a tacit understanding.
Like Shu Liang, Huaien would do many small things personally as long as he was in front of the emperor.
In due course, the emperor replaced the already cold tea cup with new warm tea, Hua En reported.
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Shu is back and is waiting outside the palace."
Hearing this, Zhu Qiyu raised his head from his desk, glanced at the sky outside the window, then picked up a teacup, moistened his throat, and said.
"I've been gone for a day, it's time to go back. Come in Xuan."
"yes……"
Wynn bowed slightly and stepped forward to tidy up the messy memorials on the imperial desk. At the same time, the two young eunuchs who followed him quietly retreated. After a while, Shu Liang, dressed in a python robe, walked in. Quickly walk up the road.
"My slave, please pay your respects to your Majesty."
"Get up, how are things going?"
Zhu Qiyu leaned on the couch and asked casually.
So, Shu Liang stood up carefully, took two steps forward, and then told everything he saw in the Duke Cheng's Mansion in detail.
"The Young Master has done everything the Emperor has ordered. If nothing else goes wrong, the memorial will be delivered to the cabinet in the next few days. Although the nobles did not fully believe it, they did not stop it. Thinking about it, they are doing the same. A fisherman's plan to make a profit."
"It's just that this time they probably didn't expect that the young master not only dares to do such a difficult thing, but can also accomplish it!"
Indeed, whether it is to establish a cabinet in the East Palace or to form a young army, it is not easy for the current Supreme Emperor's party.
But falling into Zhu Yi's hands is indeed a trivial matter.
Of course, Mr. Zhu will definitely have a very difficult time handling this small matter. Otherwise, how can he take credit for it?
Zhu Qiyu nodded and said.
"It is only a matter of time before the East Palace leaves the cabinet. Since we have reached this point now, there is no harm in doing it earlier. As for the young army, it can be considered as some comfort to the honorable nobles. How do you feel about being in the Chengguo Duke's Mansion?"
With a slight nod, Zhu Qiyu moved the topic.
Donggong didn't say anything anymore. Zhu Qiyu had always let nature take its course when it came to leaving the cabinet. In his life, he had no intention of making any fuss about the prince. This was different from many speculations by the outside world, so he was not afraid. Self-certification.
Of course, it is still possible to use it to control these nobles.
The same is true for Youjun. Just like Xu Youzhen questioned Zhu Yi, from Zhu Qiyu's perspective, this is first of all an exchange.
It is said that hardness cannot be defended and softness cannot last long. The way to govern a country is to use kindness and power at the same time. This is not only for one's own people, but also for ministers with different political views or even hostility.
Looking at the entire court situation, Zhu Qiyu was thinking about how to carry out the policy of reorganizing military camps more smoothly.
The iron fist method of the Ministry of War is one, and Zhu Yi's clever transfer of pressure to the young army is the second. The former is hard, the latter is soft, using both soft and hard is the fastest and best way.
At this time, we have to talk about the role of Mr. Zhu.
Without him, the only means Zhu Qiyu could use was prestige, which does not mean that he could not be kind to these nobles.
But as a monarch, you cannot bow to your subordinates first. This can easily be seen as weakness rather than a reward.
What's more, if the people's hearts are not enough, snakes swallow elephants. If he or Yu Qian and others bring up the matter of the Young Army, the nobles will not think it is a concession. They will only feel that the court's rectification attitude is not firm, and then they will push the issue further, which will be counterproductive. .
Therefore, it is in the best interest of the government that it is proposed by Mr. Zhu Xiaogong and succeeded after "hard struggle".
Shu Liang was originally a man with a sharp mind. When the emperor sent him to deliver the message to Duke Chengguo, he already understood its intention. Now after hearing the emperor's question, he thought for a moment and spoke.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. During the day when I stayed at Duke Chengguo's Mansion, although I was waiting for Young Master's reply, I also took a look around Duke Chengguo's Mansion when I was bored."
"I didn't say hello before I left today, but after I arrived, the young master was also very enthusiastic. After he rushed to the British Duke's Mansion, I made many requests to the housekeeper. For example, I wanted to go to the inner residence of the Chengguo Mansion. Take a look at the study room and other places, and even in the end, the slave even deliberately exceeded the rules and made the decision for Duke Chengguo's mansion to let Xu Youzhen into the mansion."
"These requests are somewhat normal and some are excessive, but I don't know if the young master had already given the order or if he had given instructions before leaving. In short, everything can go smoothly in Duke Chengguo's mansion. Even for those important matters, as long as the slave mentions them, The housekeeper also led the slaves over one by one."
"In addition, I also asked Qingfeng carefully, and he gave me the same reply. The young master did not avoid him in anything he did inside and outside the house."
Therefore, sometimes, we still have to have the welcome and farewell.
Zhu Yi's "expression" will certainly not let Shu Liang do anything for him, but in many cases, a few words of inclination in front of the emperor will benefit people immensely.
Shu Liang's words are indeed true, but under normal circumstances, Eunuch Shu would not speak in such detail, but at this time, the more detailed the better.
Hearing this, Zhu Qiyu also glanced at Shu Liang and said with a smile.
"It seems that you are very satisfied with your visit this time. Anyway, Zhu Yi has been busy for a long time and is considered diligent. If he becomes the Duke of Guo, I will give him the title."
These words seemed to have profound meaning, but Shu Liang did not panic and just lowered his head and said.
"Your Majesty's willingness to give me grace is a blessing to Duke Chengguo. I believe that my young master will work even harder in the future to express his gratitude to His Majesty for his kindness."
"Well, step back, Wynn, and send someone to call Lu Zhong over."
Zhu Qiyu rubbed his forehead and gave casual instructions.
It should be said that Zhu Qiyu had no intention of giving the title to the Duke of Chengguo so early, but the plan could not keep up with the changes.
As the saying goes, the way to control your subordinates is to use both kindness and power.
What Shu Liang said just now may be an exaggeration, but most of it is the truth. Even if a person with Shu Liang's temperament can say good things for him in front of him, Zhu Qiyu believes that this is not something that simple gold, silver, wealth and silk can do. Did it.
I'm afraid that on weekdays, Zhu Yi would keep her body very low in front of Shu Liang.
The fact that a dignified prince could do this and even let Shu Liang wander around the house actually shows from the side how much Zhu Yi desires his own title.
In this case, if Zhu Qiyu still suppresses the offer, it will have the opposite effect.
A hundred years of great changes have made Zhu Qiyu understand many truths, one of which is that people's hearts need to be maintained, not tested!
Not to mention, Zhu Yi was indeed dedicated to his work. Just like today, there are still manpowers sent by the nobles in the Jinyi Guards. Zhu Yi could have stopped prying, but he still thought of a way to get the information out of Zhang Mi. , which is enough to show his thoughts.
Seeing Shu Liang's respectful figure disappearing into the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Qiyu suddenly asked.
"Huaien, do you think I should tell Zhu Yi who Xu Youzhen is?"
He could see that Shu Liang actually wanted to ask this question just now, but he was cautious and probed secretly. Seeing that the emperor had no such intention, he did not open his mouth to ask.
Wynn was silent for a moment and shook his head.
"It shouldn't be!"
"Oh? Why?"
Zhu Qiyu couldn't help but be a little surprised. He expected Wynn to say this, but he didn't expect him to be so decisive.
Just when he thought Wynn would give him some reason, Wynn bowed and said.
"Since Eunuch Shu didn't say it, it's natural that the emperor didn't let him say it. Since the emperor didn't let him say it, then he shouldn't say it!"
"I believe that Eunuch Shu thinks the same way, so he didn't ask any more questions, because both Eunuch Shu and this servant know from the bottom of their hearts that everything the emperor does has his own arrangements, and we just need to obey his orders. Just do the work.”
"We will do whatever the emperor orders us to do. This is the duty of slaves!"
What he said was very Shuliang, but I have to say that Wynn's attitude made people feel very comfortable.
Zhu Qiyu sighed and said nothing. After a while, he stood up and came to the window, looking at the gorgeous clouds in the evening. He seemed to be responding to Wynn, and seemed to be talking to himself.
"Since ancient times, everyone has been called a loner. There is only one reason. The emperor can trust one person, but he cannot trust just one person."
"You have to give someone trust, but it's best not to give someone all your trust."
Wynn followed behind and stood respectfully. Hearing this, he blinked slightly.
He could probably understand what the emperor meant.
The emperor trusted Zhu Yi, the young prince of Chengguo Palace, and everything he had done so far was worthy of trust.
However, despite this, everything cannot be entrusted to one person.
Perhaps after Zhu Yi knew Xu Youzhen's identity, the two could cooperate with each other and achieve the effect of one plus one being greater than two.
However, they don't know each other's identity, which is actually more useful to the emperor.
Two independent news channels can confirm each other when necessary and avoid many unnecessary risks in advance.
Giving Zhu Yi full support and trust is the emperor's sincerity, and keeping the identities of the two secret from each other is the emperor's method.
This truth is put bluntly, and it is actually easy to understand.
However, for some reason, Wynn always felt that the emperor's words were not just referring to the matter of becoming the Duke of Guo.
Vaguely, he seemed to feel that the emperor's whole body was once again filled with a touch of sadness...
I don't know how long it took, but a waiter came in from outside, lowered his head and said a few words in Wynn's ear, so Wynn stepped forward carefully and said.
"Your Majesty, Lord Lu Zhong, the commander of the Imperial Guard, has been summoned to wait outside the palace."
"Declarate it."
Unlike Shu Liang, although Lu Zhong was the commander of the Imperial Guards of the Emperor's own army, it was not common for him to have an audience like this when it was almost nightfall.
"Your Majesty, Lu Zhong, comes to see you."
The tall and honest Commander Lu entered the palace and paid homage, but he secretly looked at the emperor's face from the corner of his eye.
Well, it seems that His Majesty is not very happy with Yazi...
"Get up, I just received news that although Ren Li was imprisoned in prison, someone secretly sent a message for him. Do you know about this?"
Zhu Qiyu didn't hesitate, he went straight to the topic and asked.
However, these words caused Commander Lu to fall down again after he had risen halfway up, and said repeatedly.
"Your Majesty, I am incompetent. During this period of time, I have been focusing on the border. I never thought that such a flaw would happen in the capital. I have neglected my duty. Please forgive me!"
