Should I agree?
Faced with this problem, Zhang Xi said without any hesitation.
"Of course I agree, why not?"
Such a straightforward answer made Zhu Yi even more suspicious.
So, he continued to explain.
"Second Master, it's not that I don't want to give up the quota of these honorary guards, but as you know, Dingguo Duke's Mansion is from over there. If their people are allowed to join the honorary guards, they will be giving manpower to the emperor. Opportunity."
As he spoke, Zhu Yi frowned slightly, seeming to be thinking about something, and said slowly.
"Moreover, since the old Duke Ding passed away a few years ago, the Duke Ding's government has not been very involved in government affairs in the past few years. But at this moment, people suddenly have to be arranged to join the Xunwei. I always feel that things are not that simple... "
Seeing this situation, Zhang Xi's expression became serious and he asked.
"What's the meaning?"
Zhu Yi pondered, as if thinking about what to say. After thinking for a long time, he spoke.
"Second Master, you and I are related by marriage, so I will say some things directly. You and I should know the strength and status of each noble family in the capital."
"Nowadays, the Jing'an Bo Mansion, Feng Guo Gong Mansion and other houses may seem to be flourishing, but after all, their foundations are far worse."
"In this capital, the only ones that are really important are your family and me, plus Duke Dingguo's mansion."
"It's just that due to various reasons in the Dingguo Duke's Palace, your family has always been the leader in the court over the years. But now the situation has changed drastically. I am young and can't control the situation. The British Duke's Palace Here, we are suppressed by the emperor again. At this time, it is a good opportunity for the Duke Dingguo to rise..."
As soon as these words came out, Zhang Xi's expression suddenly changed slightly.
He may not be clear about other things, but as a person who grew up among nobles since childhood, he knows very well about the origins of the status of various noble families in Beijing.
Dingguo Gongfu itself was inherently deficient. He came from surrender, and most of the people who attached to him were surrendered generals, so they were not reused at the root.
Therefore, from the Taizong Dynasty to the Xuanzong Dynasty, those in power among the military officials were always the British Duke and the Chengguo Duke, while the Dingguo Duke had almost no sense of existence.
However, this does not mean that Duke Dingguo's government has no strength. On the contrary, even if he is no longer reused, his connections in the court accumulated over many years are not shallow.
What's more, times have changed now, and everyone is a noble who has been passed down for many years. The older generation has passed away long ago, and it is meaningless to talk about whether to surrender.
Therefore, for Duke Dingguo, it is the best opportunity to participate in the court situation now.
Zhu Yi was right about this.
And now in the DPRK, there is a good opportunity for the Dingguo Palace to rise.
"Military Mansion?"
Zhang Mian frowned. Although he was asking a question, his tone was very firm.
Although the title of honorary guard is important, after all, it is the business of the younger generation. It is just the accumulation of seniority. The true judge of the strength of the honorary and nobles depends on their influence in the military government.
This is also the reason why although Zhang Fu died, the British Duke's Palace was always regarded as the most powerful residence of the military officials in the court.
Nowadays, the military government is about to be reorganized. No matter who is in charge, the entire military government will eventually face a big reshuffle.
Duke Dingguo is not stupid, so he must be very clear that this kind of opportunity does not come around all the time.
Zhu Yi nodded slightly and said.
"I'm afraid that the matter of honoring the guards is just a test. I always feel that Duke Dingguo's move is to get a piece of the pie when the military government is reorganized later."
"That's why I hesitated, not knowing how to reply to Wu Xing."
"What do you think, Second Master?"
Hearing this, Zhang Xi's face was a little uncertain, as if he was struggling with something, but his expression made Zhu Yi even more aware that something was wrong.
You must know that since the orthodoxy, the military government has always been the territory of the British government. Otherwise, Zhang Shi would not be so angry when Ren Li secretly hooked up with other officials, and he would not be so impatient to get the upper hand now.
Whether it is because they want to hold on to the power left by Zhang Fu, or because they are afraid of the decline of the British government, in the end, the military government is the core interest of the British government. In detail, it is even more important than the Beijing camp.
After all, the Beijing camp is related to the defense of the capital, and the admiral has always been the emperor's most trusted minister, and it is not exclusive to any one family.
But the military mansion is different. It has always been a place for various forces to compete for. Therefore, this is what Zhu Yi feels is wrong.
You know, when Wang Qin was promoted, Zhang Shi almost fell out with him, but now that he knew that Duke Dingguo had the intention of plotting the military government, Zhang Shi could be so calm. What was he hesitating about? ?
Zhu Yi thought so in his heart, secretly paying attention to Zhang Xi's every move, but Zhang Xi didn't notice that Zhu Yi was testing him. After pondering for a moment, he unexpectedly asked Zhu Yi.
"Master Guo, from your perspective, if we are willing to let Duke Ding's government get a share of the pie when the military government is reorganized in the future, is it possible to win over those families to our side?"
Zhu Yi blinked and realized that Zhang Shi was referring to several powerful nobles in Beijing who were always close to Duke Dingguo.
Putting down the surprise in her heart, Zhu Yi thought for a moment, shook her head slightly and said.
"I'm afraid not."
After the words fell, Zhu Yi could clearly see a look of disappointment flashing across Zhang Xi's face.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi carefully considered his words and continued.
"Second Master, you should understand that no matter how weak the Dingguo Palace is in recent years, it is still a duke's house. No matter how great the benefits are, we can't make them listen to our orders."
However, after hearing this, Zhang Min was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand.
"My lord, you misunderstood, that's not what I meant."
"The Dingguo Duke's Mansion is still a public palace after all. If I want them to bow their heads and become vassals, I'm not so naive..."
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi's eyes flashed and she asked pretending to be confused.
"Then what the second master means is..."
Then, Zhang Xi's expression became serious and he said.
"I mean, can the Duke Dingguo's government support the Supreme Emperor or His Highness the Crown Prince? Even if it doesn't work, it's okay if they can help us in the future affairs of the court."
There was no joke in this statement. It can be seen that Zhang Shi did have this idea.
It should be said that this is not surprising, but coming from Mr. Zhang’s mouth, it is worth pondering.
You must know that among the Supreme Emperor's party, the dominant position of the British government has been threatened by Zhu Yi. Not to mention, although Jiao Jing and others have been silent recently, that is because the Holy Mother has returned to Beijing since the Supreme Emperor returned to Beijing. , no longer interfere in political affairs. If it comes to the face in front of the Holy Mother, the British government is even worse.
Under such circumstances, Zhang Shi actually wanted to win over a Dingguo government that he could not control. This was really different from the Zhang Shi that Zhu Yi knew.
It's not that it's wrong to win over the Duke of Dingguo, but once the Duke of Dingguo joins in, he will definitely not be suppressed by Zhang Xian. At most, he will only be subject to the will of the Supreme Emperor. In this way, the British Duke's government will be among the Supreme Emperor's party. status will only decline.
However, despite knowing this, Zhang Shi still wanted to do this. This was really different from his usual style. Not to mention, this second master Zhang was actually willing to let Ding Guogong occupy the military palace. A place, this is so unusual...
Thoughts were swirling in his mind, but Zhu Yi remained calm on his face and said.
"I'm not sure about this, but looking at the previous behavior of Duke Dingguo, I'm afraid it's difficult. Not to mention their always wise and self-protective attitude, just talking about their goodwill after the current emperor ascended the throne, it can be seen that Dingguo The Duke's government is leaning toward the Qianqing Palace. If you want to win over them, it will be difficult..."
After hearing this, Zhang Min was a little disappointed again, sighed and said.
"Also, staying away from the court has the advantage of staying away from the court. At least now, no one will regard Duke Dingguo as a confidant of the Supreme Emperor. In this way, Duke Dingguo's options will be much wider. This aspect is different from yours and mine."
"In that case, then Wuxing..."
Zhu Yi's eyes flashed and she continued to ask.
This time, Zhang Xi hesitated for a long time, but in the end, he finally spoke.
"It's better to agree."
This answer once again exceeded Zhu Yi's expectations. It seemed that he was aware that Zhu Yi would be confused, so Zhang Xi explained in a deep voice.
"Although it is not easy for Duke Dingguo to surrender to the Supreme Emperor, it is also good to form a good relationship. His Royal Highness is currently weak. The more power he has, the more stable his position will be. If Duke Dingguo and his family are excluded from the In addition to the Xunwei, they were pushed to the Qianqing Palace."
"I have thought about it carefully these days, and I feel that what Mr. Zhu Ge said before is reasonable. The East Palace has a righteous name, and the officials in the DPRK are noble. No matter what their position is, as long as they become an official of the East Palace, they will be one with His Highness the Crown Prince. , even if you have other plans in mind, you must not harm His Highness the Crown Prince, otherwise, you will be a treacherous person."
"So, even if we can't win over it, as long as a descendant of the Dingguo Duke's family enters the East Palace, they will be more concerned about His Highness when doing things in the future. This is a good thing, and there is no need to stop it..."
When these words came out, Zhu Yi was even more surprised.
It would be fine if other people said this, but when did Mr. Zhang become so aware of justice?
Zhu Yi sighed, slightly dissatisfied, and said.
"However, the Dingguo Palace is clearly betting on both ends. On the one hand, it wants to show its favor to the Qianqing Palace, but on the other, it wants to rely on His Highness the Crown Prince, and even wants to interfere with the military government."
"In other words, looking at the complicated situation between North Korea and China, I want to have both sides, but I have made so many efforts before, but now I want them to get a piece of the pie in vain?"
"My lord, the overall situation is our top priority!"
Seeing that Zhu Yi was a little impatient, Zhang Xi tried to persuade him, and then a strange look appeared on his face and he said.
"Speaking of it, Duke Dingguo's move does seem to be about profiting from a fisherman, but Duke Dingguo, you don't have to be so angry. Is it possible..."
Seeing Zhang Xi's thoughtful expression, Zhu Yi secretly thought to herself that it was not good, she had gone too far, and she was afraid that Zhang Xi would notice something...
However, Second Master Zhang was Second Master Zhang after all, and he performed as steadily as ever. He looked up at Zhu Yi with a look of understanding and said.
"Is it possible that Duke Guo is afraid that the involvement of Duke Ding's Palace will affect the status of Duke Cheng's Palace in the court?"
"If that's the case, there's no need. In the final analysis, Duke Dingguo's mansion is just trying to get some soup. After all, there is no real person in charge in their mansion. By the time little Duke Dingguo grows up, the structure of the court will have already been decided. , when you and I join forces, are we still afraid that he will succeed in the Dingguo government, which has been weak for a long time?"
"I hope so..."
Zhu Yi secretly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. Although she still had unsolved doubts, she did not dare to test him any more. After a few more pleasantries, she left the British Duke's Mansion.
At the same time, in the Qianqing Palace.
Zhu Qiyu also received the report from Shu Liang. Faced with the doubts reported by Zhu Yi, he naturally knew the reason.
However, what he was more concerned about was another thing.
"You said that the Supreme Emperor asked Zhang Mi to bring a few eunuchs out of the palace, and also asked Xu Youzhen to meet him in a few days? Did you say what date it was?"
Shu Liang nodded and said.
"Back to the Emperor, it's true. The few people sent to the British Palace by the Supreme Emperor were all dedicated to the Supreme Emperor when Bodu came to Beijing. Therefore, there is no way to insert spies into them."
"However, my slave has discovered a piece of news, that is, although these people have entered the Nangong Palace, they are said to have listened to the words of Qi Muge, the female officer next to the Supreme Emperor. Therefore, in recent days, the Supreme Emperor's favor for Qi Muge has increased day by day. They all ordered him to accompany him, and even when Zhang Xi came to see him secretly, he did not turn away."
"As for Mr. Xu, Zhang Xi just said that the Emperor wanted to see him, but because he wanted to be summoned secretly, he had to wait for the opportunity. The specific date is unknown..."
After hearing these words, Zhu Qiyu had a trace of ridicule on his lips.
He didn't know whether he should call his brother smart or stupid. When Qi Muge came to him, he made it clear that it was a chess piece sent by Bodu. The purpose was to use Zhu Qizhen's status to try to influence the Ming Dynasty's political situation on the grassland. Interventions and attitudes towards ministries.
Zhu Qizhen could not see this clearly, but he still left Qi Muge behind, and also kept her by his side to serve him. Judging from the current situation, he did not avoid her in all kinds of confidential matters. Isn’t it clear that the Tian family’s struggle will be shown in front of such a foreign woman?
Not to mention, he used the people brought by Qimuge to send them to the British government. Wasn't this his plan to rely on these people to collude with the British government and allow foreigners to get involved in the political situation of the Ming Dynasty? He really can do it.
However, this is good, it saves him a lot of time...
After thinking for a moment, Zhu Qiyu ordered.
"Xu Youzhen, let him think of a way, delay it for now, wait until everything is arranged, and then let him go to see the Supreme Emperor..."
"My slave obeys the order."
Seeing Shu Liang retreating after receiving the order, Zhu Qiyu sighed silently. After all, there are some things that cannot be avoided...
(End of chapter)
