If the original Zhao Junchen had a domineering temperament and short-sightedness, and only knew how to seek favors from Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing would naturally not notice. .
However, no one could have imagined that after a trip to Lu'an Mansion, Zhao Junchen not only changed his temperament, but also acquired the government's means. Although Wen Guanliang was just a mediocre person in Zhou Shangjing's eyes, he could kill Wen Guanliang so cleanly and neatly. Although the solution was due to various reasons, it was enough for Zhou Shangjing to take a high look at Zhao Junchen.
Now Emperor Deqing is mixing sand with each other for Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen. What he wants is not only clear to Zhou Shangjing, but Zhao Junchen may also be able to figure it out. However, the emperor's methods and the righteousness are considered a conspiracy. It is also a conspiracy. As a minister, it is difficult to resist effectively. At most, you can only defy the plan.
Liu Changan is still on his way to take office, and Ma Sen is also taking over work in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, so officials from the Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen factions are still getting along well.
But when Liu Changan became the Minister of Civil Affairs and Ma Sen became the Minister of Hubu, even if Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing could maintain restraint and calmness, the officials under them would also face an open and covert conflict.
In the officialdom, people have no choice but to do what they want. If you cannot guarantee the interests of the officials under you, then the officials will abandon you. Under the conflict of interests, even though they knew that Emperor Deqing intended to do it, Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, in order to avoid ending up Wen Guanliang's disastrous end also forced them to conflict with each other.
Zhou Shangjing is not afraid of this kind of conflict and hostility. He has been accustomed to it after decades of officialdom. However, some things that happened in the south of the Yangtze River and Emperor Deqing's upcoming southern tour disrupted his plan and limited him to Passive place.
Therefore, Zhou Shangjing had to make preparations early, and Fang Ru, in Zhou Shangjing's eyes, was a useful chess piece.
Once this chess piece is used, Zhou Shangjing can even force Zhao Junchen to make a deal with him when Emperor Deqing tours the south.
And this transaction is what Zhou Shangjing is most concerned about now.
"Japanese pirates..."
After Xue Gui left, in the empty main hall, Zhou Shangjing murmured to himself, the city was as deep as he was, and there was a bit of hatred in his tone at this time.
………
While Zhou Shangjing was planning Zhao Junchen, not far from Xueshi Hutong was the residence of Prince Xiao Wenruan.
As the Crown Prince's Grand Master, he has always been responsible for all the teachings to Crown Prince Zhu Heyu.
Xiao Wenruan has always had his own opinions on how to teach Zhu Heyu.
In Xiao Wenruan's opinion, Emperor Deqing was not a good emperor. He had limited ability to govern the country, but he was very happy with his achievements. He was also obsessed with the emperor's ideas. For the so-called overall stability, he was too tolerant of corrupt officials, which led to the corruption of the Ming Dynasty's officialdom today. , the people suffer, and after a long time, there will be great chaos.
Therefore, under the guidance of Xiao Wenruan, the temperament of the prince Zhu Heyu was completely opposite to that of Emperor Deqing. He was capable and upright, close to virtuous ministers and distant from villains, and hated evil as much as his enemies. In Xiao Wenruan's eyes, such a Zhu Heyu Yu is the ideal emperor in his heart.
However, the things that have happened in the court these days have made Xiao Wenruan doubt whether his decisions were wrong!
Xiao Wenruan is old and has not been to the morning court for a long time, but the things that happened in the morning court cannot be hidden from him.
In his eyes, Zhu Heyu, the ideal emperor, has been unable to defeat Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official who has just achieved success. How can such a prince be a good emperor in the future? Xiao Wenruan was surprised and began to re-examine his own views and practices.
"Did I really do something wrong?"
Thinking of this, Xiao Wenruan sighed softly.
Hearing Xiao Wenruan's sigh, Lu Chunxiao couldn't help but be startled and asked: "Teacher, why are you sighing? But what are you worried about?"
Lu Chunxiao is not only the Right Imperial Envoy of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, but also a student of Xiao Wenruan. At this time, he is explaining the current situation of the Metropolitan Procuratorate to Xiao Wenruan.
Hearing Lu Chunxiao's question, Xiao Wenruan raised his head and said, "It's nothing, just keep talking."
"Yes." After Lu Chunxiao agreed respectfully, he continued: "Since Mr. Li Chengru was appointed as the Zuodu Censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, students have worked together with him to completely control the Metropolitan Procuratorate in our own hands. However, although Master Li and I are the chiefs of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, due to the nature of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, those censors have the power to participate in impeachment, but they often violate it. Although Master Li and I tried our best, But there is still not much progress.”
Speaking of this, Lu Chunxiao looked tired. It was obvious that the intrigues these days had made him quite exhausted physically and mentally.
Ten days have passed since Zhao Junchen was promoted to Minister of Household Affairs. Regarding Emperor Deqing's official position adjustment, unlike Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing, who were still procrastinating in handing over power, Li Chengru took up his post at the Metropolitan Procuratorate as early as the next day, and together with Lu Chunxiao, began to Make some changes.
Unfortunately, ten days have passed, and not only have no results been seen, but the Metropolitan Procuratorate has become even more confused.
Seeing the tired and guilty look on Lu Chunxiao's face, Xiao Wenruan sighed and said feebly: "Don't be anxious, this is normal. The Metropolitan Procuratorate is the mouthpiece of various factions in the officialdom, and the forces are the most complex. Those important ministers in the court They are all watching, and it is difficult to straighten things out in a short time, and it will also make things difficult for you and Mr. Li."
Lu Chunxiao said quickly: "It's the students who have troubled the teacher."
Xiao Wenruan nodded and said slowly: "I am old and in poor health. You often follow His Highness the Crown Prince. You must also remind the Crown Prince more. Before we completely control the Metropolitan Procuratorate, we must not interact with the Central Government again." Those people started a conflict. Your Majesty appointed Mr. Li Chengru to be the censor of the Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. I think he must have the intention to protect His Highness the Crown Prince, and also to examine His Highness the Crown Prince's abilities. If His Highness the Crown Prince can completely control the Metropolitan Procuratorate, he will be the mouthpiece of the imperial court. Once you have it in hand, you are already in an invincible position, so integrating the Metropolitan Procuratorate is a top priority right now. At this time, don’t be distracted, and don’t provoke others at will.”
After Lu Chunxiao responded respectfully, Xiao Wenruan saw that the worry on his face was not diminishing, sighed, and continued: "You don't have to worry, the left and right inspectors and censors are all our people, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate is Although there are some nails planted in the gathering place of Qingliu by those corrupt officials and treacherous ministers in the court, we have the advantage after all. Even if those nails have their own backers, as long as we are patient, the Metropolitan Procuratorate will not make mistakes."
As he spoke, Xiao Wenruan coughed a few times, and his face became more and more spiritless. After all, he was too old, even older than Zhou Shangjing. Just talking like this made him exhausted.
Seeing Xiao Wenruan like this, Lu Chunxiao couldn't help but look worried and said, "Teacher, don't worry, Mr. Li and I will definitely take care of things."
While talking, Lu Chunxiao did not dare to delay Xiao Wenruan's rest any longer, and Lu Chunxiao was about to stand up and leave.
However, just as Lu Chunxiao was about to turn around and leave, Xiao Wenruan suddenly said: "Send someone to Hunan and ask that old guy He Ming if he is still strong. Now my body is getting worse. In a few days, , I am going to resign to Your Majesty, for the position of Crown Prince and Grand Master, I would like to recommend him to take over, and if he is willing, let him come to the capital."
Xiao Wenruan said it calmly, but Lu Chunxiao looked shocked!
He Ming, Xiao Wenruan's previous prince's grand master, but unlike Xiao Wenruan, he was better at teaching the ways of the emperor, which was inconsistent with the temperament of the prince Zhu Heyu. Emperor Deqing seemed not to want Zhu Heyu to contact him too early. These things made He Ming retire and return to his hometown, even though He Ming was only in his early fifties at the time.
After He Ming retired and returned to his hometown, Xiao Wenruan succeeded him as the crown prince and grand master, and he held the position for ten years.
After the shock, Lu Chunxiao quickly asked: "Teacher, are you planning to become an official? You know, the prince can't live without you."
Xiao Wenruan smiled and said: "I am old, and I have also figured out that I have been the prince's master for too long and have had too deep influence on the prince, which is not a good thing. Moreover, the prince should also learn other things."
Lu Chunxiao retorted in a rare way: "But, what's the point? The prince doesn't like him, and your majesty doesn't like him either..."
Xiao Wenruan shook his head: "So, you keep this matter from the Crown Prince for now. After I resign, His Majesty will appoint He Ming as the Crown Prince's Grand Master. Even if the Crown Prince doesn't like He Ming, it's settled, but he can't object anymore." .As for His Majesty...after what happened these days, Your Majesty will agree."
After hearing what Xiao Wenruan said, Lu Chunxiao hesitated for a moment and finally agreed.
When Lu Chunxiao left, Xiao Wenruan, who had made up his mind, was not at all relaxed.
As he said before, he has been teaching Zhu Heyu for too long and has had a profound influence on Zhu Heyu. Zhu Heyu's temperament has now been finalized.
At this time, can we still accept the tactics of the former Crown Prince and Grand Master He Ming?
Xiao Wenruan was not sure at all.
………
Naturally, Zhao Junchen didn't understand Zhou Shangjing and Xiao Wenruan's thoughts and actions. He had his own plan.
In the next nearly half a month, Zhao Junchen still focused his main energy on the integration of the forces under his sect. In Zhao Junchen's view, no matter what happens in the future, a solid foundation and internal stability are the most basic things.
Through Zhao Junchen's efforts, this integration has begun to bear fruit. At least, those old and new officials who have taken refuge in Zhao Junchen are now familiar with each other, understand who they are, and understand what they need to do under Zhao Junchen. What, I also understood Zhao Junchen's temperament and rules.
On the other side, with the help of Fan Binqi's overt enemies and secret friends, after half a month of discussion, the matter of redoing the accounts of the household department was finally approved by Emperor Deqing on this day.
But in fact, before getting the approval of Emperor Deqing, the relevant officials of the Ministry of Revenue were already redoing the accounts. Now it is almost completed. All that needs to be done next is just to save face.
As for the new accounts of the Accounts Department, even if they are not perfect and without loopholes, it is difficult to find any faults.
It can be said that until this time, the Household Department was really completely controlled by Zhao Junchen. It was impossible for other factions to cause trouble for Zhao Junchen through the Household Department.
Because, no matter how they review the new accounts of the Household Department, Zhao Junchen and everyone in the Household Department are completely honest officials.
As for the old accounts of the Ministry of Accounts, they will disappear together in an accidental fire in the Ministry of Accounts in a few days.
………
Having eliminated a hidden danger, Zhao Junchen was in a good mood that day. The self-deprecating self-deprecation he had felt nearly half a month ago had been hidden deep in Zhao Junchen's heart again.
After the morning court, on the way back home, sitting in the sedan chair, he suddenly smelled the fragrance of bean curd. Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said, "Stop the sedan chair."
Xu Qingyan, who was following the sedan again, heard Zhao Junchen's voice and saw the familiar bean curd stall next to him. He understood what Zhao Junchen was thinking and curled his lips subconsciously.
Since he accidentally had a meal of tofu curd at this stall nearly half a month ago, Zhao Junchen has often eaten a bowl of tofu curd here after the court. Now he has become a regular customer of this stall and seems to like it very much. the taste of.
Xu Qingyan didn't know much about this. In his opinion, the tofu puffs sold in this store only tasted average.
However, Xu Qingyan naturally would not question such a trivial matter, so he ordered the bearer to stop the sedan chair and wait quietly outside the sedan chair.
After a while, Zhao Junchen, who had changed into casual clothes in the sedan, got out of the sedan and walked towards the bean curd stall with Xu Qingyan.
On the other side, as Xu Qingyan waved, the bearers carried the empty sedan and left on their own. This was Zhao Junchen's special order. He did not want to attract other people's attention at this time.
Following Zhao Junchen, Xu Qingyan complained: "Master, let me tell you, since you like to eat the tofu puffs here so much, just bring the old man who makes tofu puffs to our house, and let him serve the young master every day If you make tofu puffs, it will save us from being crowded together with these common people every day. Besides, I think the taste of the tofu puffs here is just average, and it is not as delicious as the ones made by the chefs in the house."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "What do you know? Eating tofu puffs here is not just for eating tofu puffs, but also for the fun. Since this tofu puffs are food for the common people, they can only taste good if they are eaten with the common people." .”
Xu Qingyan shook his head and said nothing more. He didn't understand what Zhao Junchen said, so he couldn't refute it.
After passing through the bustling crowd, Zhao Junchen led Xu Qingyan to the bean curd stall. The morning session ended today, and it was now the time for people to have breakfast. There were no empty seats around the stall.
"We have to wait again."
Xu Qingyan muttered.
Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed. He didn't say anything more, just waited quietly.
In fact, as Xu Qingyan said, the tofu puffs at this stall have an average taste, not even as good as the chef from the Zhao family, but Zhao Junchen just likes the tofu puffs from this stall.
Nearly half a month ago, Zhao Junchen felt a little confused. By chance, he had a meal of tofu noodle here. At that time, no one except Xu Qingyan beside him knew his identity. He was just one of the common people. Sitting alone among the noisy people, eating crude food that he had not eaten for a long time, Zhao Junchen felt a sense of peace for a moment.
Therefore, he came here to eat tofu puffs, not because the tofu puffs here are delicious, but because Zhao Junchen wanted to find the memories of when he was an ordinary citizen here and try his best to retain his original intention, which is becoming increasingly rare.
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ps: The second and third updates today, two chapters in one!
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