When Zhou Shangjing and Song Qiwen discussed how Emperor Deqing viewed Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen was also thinking about the same problem. //.//
After solving the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces, Zhao Junchen remembered clearly Emperor Deqing's seemingly casual but meaningful inquiry.
Obviously, Emperor Deqing had more or less guessed Zhao Junchen's purpose, but he didn't express anything.
This is a question worth exploring.
Since coming to this world, Zhao Junchen has always regarded Emperor Deqing as his greatest support and backer, but this does not mean that Zhao Junchen will trust Emperor Deqing!
In fact, not only did Zhao Junchen never trust Emperor Deqing, but he had always been cautiously wary of Emperor Deqing.
In another time and space, Zhao Junchen knew very well how Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty treated He Shen.
Limited by experience, Zhao Junchen did not have Zhou Shangjing's sophisticated vision, but Zhao Junchen understood a very simple truth - although he was a favorite of Emperor Deqing, he was just a favorite. Zhu He Although Yu was not favored by Emperor Deqing, he was the legitimate son and crown prince of Emperor Deqing!
And so far, although Emperor Deqing dislikes Zhu Heyu more and more, he has no idea of replacing the crown prince.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing would suppress Zhu Heyu for various reasons, and would also condone Zhao Junchen for various reasons. When the two of them had conflicts, Emperor Deqing would often favor him. Zhao Junchen, but if Emperor Deqing really had to choose between the two, then Emperor Deqing would definitely choose Zhu Heyu without hesitation.
The favorite minister and the prince will never be the same weight in the heart of any emperor.
In Zhao Junchen's opinion, because of the existence of Prince Zhu Heyu, Emperor Deqing's view of him should be almost consistent with his own view of Emperor Deqing.
That is to rely on and utilize at the same time, but also to be careful and vigilant.
The reason why Zhao Junchen wanted to deal with Zhu Heyu was not only the threat that Zhu Heyu posed to him, but also because as long as Zhu Heyu was still the prince, there would always be conflicts between Zhao Junchen and Emperor Deqing under the appearance of harmony between monarch and minister. There is an irreconcilable contradiction.
Whether this contradiction can ultimately be resolved will largely determine Zhao Junchen's life and death.
………
However, although Emperor Deqing's attitude towards Zhao Junchen was very subtle, just like Qin Hui to Song Gaozong and He Shen to Qianlong, Zhao Junchen had irreplaceable use value for Emperor Deqing.
Because of this utilization value, Song Gaozong tolerated Qin Hui, Qianlong tolerated He Shen, and Emperor Deqing obviously had similar tolerance for Zhao Junchen, judging from various circumstances.
What Zhao Junchen has to do now is to continuously demonstrate his use value in front of Emperor Deqing, and at the same time, use Emperor Deqing's tolerance to expand his power as quickly as possible.
Although Zhao Junchen knew very well that doing so might arouse Emperor Deqing's wariness and suspicion of him, he had no other choice.
Now Zhao Junchen has both short-term worries and long-term worries, each of which is fatal. If you fight for power and form cliques and friends, there is still some hope of life, but if you are mediocre and do nothing, you will definitely die without any chance of survival.
But this time, Zhao Junchen took Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan under his sect without deliberately concealing it. He also meant to test the bottom line of Emperor Deqing's tolerance.
The bottom line of Emperor Deqing's tolerance for Zhao Junchen is related to Zhao Junchen's follow-up plan, and it must be found out clearly.
However, what Zhao Junchen didn't expect was that Emperor Deqing completely accepted his flattery and showed quite satisfaction. However, Emperor Deqing was indifferent to his expansion of power and party formation, and even the slightest warning meant nothing. No!
Could it be that Emperor Deqing was so worried about himself?
Or was it that he had far underestimated the bottom line of Emperor Deqing's tolerance for him?
Zhao Junchen couldn't understand.
The only thing that reassured Zhao Junchen was that most of the matters regarding this southern tour had now been resolved. Taking this opportunity, he once again showed his value in front of Emperor Deqing.
As for what the future will bring, Zhao Junchen can't think of it that far yet. He has to eat his meals one bite at a time and resolve matters one by one.
Zhao Junchen's main target now is still Zhu Heyu.
As for Wen Guanliang, to be honest, Zhao Junchen didn't take him seriously.
Just a stepping stone.
………
"However, this break with Wen Guanliang is an opportunity to further test the bottom line of his tolerance for me."
Zhao Junchen murmured softly to himself while thinking secretly.
"Master, what did you say?" Xu Qingyan didn't hear clearly. Seeing Zhao Junchen thoughtful, he was naturally curious.
At this time, Zhao Junchen had returned to his mansion and was eating supper with Xu Qingyan. Halfway through the meal, he actually became distracted.
"It's nothing, just thinking about some insignificant things."
Zhao Junchen said with a casual smile.
There were some things that he didn't intend to tell Xu Qingyan. Although he was reassured about Xu Qingyan's loyalty, he didn't want Xu Qingyan to be confused by this.
While talking, looking at the delicacies on the table, he also lost his appetite for chopsticks.
At this moment, a servant of the Zhao family came quickly and reported: "Sir, Mr. Zhan Shanchang, the minister of the Ministry of household affairs, and Tong Huan, the general envoy to the general affairs, are asking for an audience."
Zhao Junchen looked at the sky outside the window and said with a smile: "The two of them came very quickly. Well, take them to the study to see me."
While talking, Zhao Junchen put down his bowls and chopsticks and walked first towards the study.
Xu Qingyan looked at the few bites of the food and couldn't help frowning: "Master, you won't eat any more?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "You can continue eating, don't worry about me, I'm full."
Whether he was full or not, Zhao Junchen actually didn't feel much.
However, after returning to Beijing, the intrigues and intrigues everywhere really made Zhao Junchen lose a lot of appetite.
………
After Zhao Junchen came to the study, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan arrived hand in hand before long.
It can be seen that Zhan Shanchang was in a good mood with a relaxed smile on his face after receiving the news that the Qiuwei fraud case in three provinces had been concluded.
After seeing Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang ignored Zhao Junchen's obstruction and kowtowed: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for saving your life. I will definitely swear to death to repay your kindness after I am dismissed."
As Zhan Shanchang's brother-in-law, Tong Huan also paid tribute with Zhan Shanchang.
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "Get up quickly, sit down and talk. Since you have decided to follow me, I can't let you suffer, right?"
After Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan sat down, Zhao Junchen looked a little more serious and said slowly: "I came to you so late, but I have something to explain to you. The Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces seems to have been solved. Actually it’s not over yet.”
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Zhan Shanchang couldn't help being surprised and asked quickly: "Didn't His Majesty declare the case closed? Is there anyone who dares to violate His Majesty's will?"
Zhao Junchen sighed, and then told the two of him what happened before and after his meeting with Wen Guanliang in the evening.
Hearing that Wen Guanliang still wanted to deal with them, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan couldn't help but show resentment on their faces. While they were completely disappointed with Wen Guanliang, they also expressed their feelings towards Zhao Junchen after learning that Zhao Junchen rejected Wen Guanliang's suggestion. Junchen felt more at home.
"This Wen Guanliang dares to threaten you. It's really abominable!"
Zhan Shanchang gritted his teeth and said.
On the other side, Tong Huan became more calm and frowned: "However, although we say we are not afraid of him, Wen Guan's conscience is so narrow-minded. Now that we have broken up with him, he will definitely take revenge, so we must be careful. That’s it.”
Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and said slowly: "Master Tong is right, and I mean the same thing. I asked you two to come here this time because you were once disciples of Wen Guanliang, and you must be very interested in Wen Guanliang's power. I understand, so I would like to ask you, who are Wen Guanliang’s people in the government? Who are loyal to Wen Guanliang? And who can be bribed? Only when we know ourselves and our enemies can we deal with it."
Zhan Shanchang sneered and said: "What Wen Guanliang did this time was too hurtful. The reason why he was so eager to deal with me and Mr. Tong must have been internally unstable. If it had been in the past, I'm afraid there would still be a few people who were foolishly loyal to him." , but after what happened, I don’t believe anyone else will be loyal to him. If they end up like me in the future, they won’t be as lucky as Xiaguan to get help from Mr. Zhao.”
On the other side, Tong Huan said: "Wen Guanliang is the most greedy for money among the cabinet ministers, so most of his subordinates are of the same nature as him. They have followed Wen Guanliang over the years, but they have also gained a lot of benefits. Now, Because of Mr. Zhan’s matter, although there is some separation, it is not easy for them to completely abandon Wen Guanliang.”
Speaking of this, as Wen Guanliang's "front doormen", Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan both showed a little embarrassment. Obviously, they are also greedy for money.
However, hearing what Tong Huan said made Zhao Junchen feel more relieved.
Zhao Junchen likes people who are greedy for money. Although people who are greedy for money may be short-sighted, they know best about choices.
Zhan Shanchang continued: "As for Wen Guanliang's disciples, although there are many of them, among the central leaders, the one who can be ranked in the court and holds real power is Zuo Lanshan, the minister of the Ministry of Industry. Li Lide, the left minister of the Ministry of Punishment, Chen Dongxiang, the right minister of the Ministry of Industry, Gu Quan, the right deputy of the Inspectorate, and others. In addition, there are also some local officials who have close contacts with Wen Guanliang."
Tong Huan added: "Especially Zuo Lanshan, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and Chen Dongxiang, Right Minister of the Ministry of Industry, are the most valued by Wen Guanliang. They hold key yamen such as the Yingxiu Qingli Department and the Dushui Qingli Department. Over the years, , half of Wen Guanliang's income from his corruption came from these yamen. In addition, there are also many people from Wen Guanliang in the Salt Transfer Department, and they have paid more tribute to Wen Guanliang over the years."
After listening to the two explanations, Zhao Junchen curled his lips subconsciously.
From a certain perspective, Wen Guanliang's power distribution in the DPRK is really strange.
If Wen Guanliang is not powerful, he has people in the most popular yamen. If he is very powerful, the yamen he controls have no other use than making money. .
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Junchen said: "In the next few days, you two have to work hard. Among Wen Guanliang's disciples, regardless of official position and power, first select the ones who are easiest to bribe. Let's talk about this. The official will meet them at Tianhai Tower in three days and give them some benefits."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan looked at each other. Although they couldn't guess what Zhao Junchen was thinking, they still nodded in agreement.
Next, Zhao Junchen discussed the next countermeasures with Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan. Seeing that it was getting late, he let them leave.
It is worth mentioning that before leaving, Zhan Shanchang left 300,000 taels of silver notes to Zhao Junchen, which was exactly what Wen Guanliang received from the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces. However, Wen Guanliang later felt that the money was hot and deliberately shifted the blame. If he lost it, he returned the money to Zhan Shanchang.
Zhan Shanchang wanted to give the money to Zhao Junchen a few days ago, but Zhao Junchen refused.
However, this time, Zhan Shanchang came prepared and brought all the banknotes with him. With his insistence, Zhao Junchen accepted it half-heartedly.
It's not that Zhao Junchen is greedy for money, but that only by receiving this money can Zhan Shanchang truly feel at ease.
After Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan left, Zhao Junchen looked at the thick stack of silver notes in his hand, thinking about Xu Qingyan's ecstasy after seeing the money, and couldn't help but smile.
"Corrupt officials, greedy officials... I'm afraid I will never understand the word greedy. If one hundred thousand taels of silver is enough to live comfortably for a lifetime, then why take risks and ignore your conscience? And what about the repeated corruption of ink, which will not bring you life or death? Is it really possible to become addicted to corruption and perverting the law?"
Treating a thick stack of silver notes as a plaything in his hand, Zhao Junchen tapped the table gently and murmured to himself.
………
The breakdown of the negotiations between Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang could not be concealed from many people. Now, almost everyone in the government knew that Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang were bound to have a deadly fight in the coming days.
According to the prince's party, this falls into the category of "dog eat dog".
However, whether it was Zhao Junchen or Wen Guanliang, they were either accumulating strength or waiting for the opportunity. They tolerated each other and did not take action first.
Perhaps it was the calm before the storm. In the next three days, there was peace in the court, and all the officials in the court were just waiting to watch the excitement.
The only thing worth mentioning is that the prince's party was very dissatisfied with Emperor Deqing's early settlement of the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces. They petitioned Emperor Deqing many times and planned to continue the investigation, but Emperor Deqing had made up his mind. Although the prince's party was dissatisfied with the matter being settled, they had no more options.
However, what makes Zhao Junchen a little concerned is that the chief minister Zhou Shangjing seems to be quite interested in him these days. Every morning before and after the morning court, Zhao Junchen always feels that the chief minister often keeps his eyes on him, and his eyes are not as good as his own. , with some meaningful scrutiny.
………
However, although the situation above the temple was unusually calm and quiet, among the people, something big happened.
Although it is said to be a big event, it is actually not very important, but for many people, it has a profound impact.
That is, after nearly a month of preparation, Zhao Junchen's "Yerongfang" officially opened in the capital.
"Yue Rong Fang" sells very weird things. For example, there is a kind of thing that is used to replace saponins called yizi. The cheapest yizi is about the same price as saponins, but a slightly higher-end one costs three times more. The money ranges from half a tael of silver, and the most expensive medicinal pancreas costs eight taels of silver each!
In addition to soap, "Yue Rongfang" also sells perfume. This kind of stuff can only be bought and sold in small quantities from the West, but it is very rare.
In addition, there is something called "beauty water". According to the propaganda of "Yue Rong Fang", it will affect the skin after long-term use. The price is also very expensive, one or two silver a bottle, but few people You know, the so-called "beauty water" is just the juice of aloe vera, cucumber, etc., with some seasonings added. It was something Zhao Junchen specially ordered to produce because he saw that there were too few products in "Yue Rongfang".
At first, perhaps because the items sold at "Yue Rong Fang" were too weird, there were only so many people available.
However, on the second day after the opening of "Yue Rong Fang", under Zhao Junchen's personal instructions, "Yue Rong Fang" gave some fragrant pancreas to some of the most famous brothels in the capital for free.
Then, things got out of hand.
c
