Chapter 62. The first snow comes late.
Chapter 62. The first snow comes late.
Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong also turned a blind eye to Wen Guanliang's departure, as if the man walking past them was just an ordinary hotel clerk. 【Read full text】
Zhao Junchen, however, did not feel the atmosphere was awkward and looked natural. He just led Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong to the private room and sat down.
When the dishes were served, Zhao Junchen and Huang Chen complimented each other and were quite polite to each other. However, after the dishes were gathered and the restaurant waiters left, Zhao Junchen was about to say something when Shen Changmao, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
"Zhao Shangshu." Shen Changmao said slowly: "Today I and Mr. Huang Ge are here just to have a banquet and chat with you and get closer to each other. Apart from that, they have no other thoughts. So, next you If you just want to chat and bond, then we can continue, and I will accompany you. However, if you want me and Mr. Huangge to let Wen Guanliang go, or if you want to intervene in the transfer of the Salt Envoy, then this This is the end of the second banquet, there is nothing to talk about these things."
The voice is like the person he is, cold and decisive.
On the other side, Huang Yourong said with a smile: "Don't blame me, Mr. Zhao. Mr. Shen Ge has always had such a temper. He just says whatever he wants. It's not deliberately aimed at you. On the way to the banquet, Mr. Shen Ge even praised me. Mr. Zhao, you are young and promising. However, although Mr. Shen Ge's words are unpleasant, the meaning is correct. Today the three of us will only talk about romance. As for other things, it is not time to talk about it yet. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, at this time, one sang a red face and the other a white face, one was straightforward and the other was tactful, but they expressed the same meaning.
Coming to the banquet has given you enough face. If you still want to push it further, then let's not talk about it and see you in the court!
How could Zhao Junchen not hear this? A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but then his smile was as usual, Youyou said, "It's a pity that I invited these two pavilion elders to gather here, but it's not just to talk about romance."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Shen Changmao's expression became even colder, and Huang Yourong's smile faded.
Seeing the change in the expressions of Shen and Huang, Zhao Junchen smiled softly and continued: "This meeting with the two elders is because I want to make a deal with you two."
Shen Changmao frowned slightly and waited for the next step, but Huang Yourong asked with a smile: "I wonder what kind of deal it is, but it actually requires Mr. Shen Ge and me to get together to discuss it?"
Zhao Junchen did not explain, but took out a folder from his sleeve and handed it to Shen and Huang.
The booklet talks about the reform of salt affairs in Sichuan.
The rectification of Sichuan's salt affairs and the introduction of Shanxi merchants to Sichuan was originally a deal between Zhao Junchen and Shanxi merchants. Unfortunately, after returning to Beijing, many things happened, but it was delayed. In recent days, Shanxi merchants have repeatedly sent people to urge them. , but Zhao Junchen kept delaying it on the grounds that "the time has not come yet".
Now, the time is ripe, and Zhao Junchen plans to use this matter to persuade Shen and Huang.
………
On the other side, it was said that Shen and Huang's expressions became serious after reviewing each other's information.
"Junchen has a good plan to rectify the salt affairs in Sichuan and attract Shanxi merchants to Sichuan." Wen Guanliang handed the folding book back to Zhao Junchen. He seemed to have a normal expression, but his eyes couldn't help but waver: "However, since Junchen dares to give this folding book to Zhao Junchen, Look, we two old guys are probably ready, right?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and said: "As for the Shanxi merchants, the official had already contacted them when they were in Lu'an Mansion, and on your majesty's side, this document was presented to your majesty just after he returned to Beijing. , I have been analyzing the pros and cons to His Majesty these days, and Your Majesty is already a little moved by this. However, the rectification of salt affairs is of great importance, and it affects the whole body. The entry of Shanxi merchants into Sichuan will also cause a backlash from Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants. . Therefore, His Majesty’s intention is that the rectification of salt affairs in Sichuan should first be led by the rectification of the Salt Transport Department, and relevant officials from the Du Salt Transport Department, the Salt Class Promotion Department and other yamen in Sichuan should also be added. Experienced manpower. And such rectification is the responsibility of the Personnel Department and the Household Department, with the Personnel Department taking the lead and the Household Department as a supplement."
At this point, both Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong understood what Zhao Junchen meant. After looking at each other, their expressions changed.
But Zhao Junchen seemed not to notice, and continued: "This is related to the rectification and expansion of the yamen, which is a top priority. It is related to the local and central government, Sichuan salt and Shanxi merchants. The person in charge needs to be rich in relevant experience. That's right. The new Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Liu Changan, has served as a prefect in Sichuan and Shanxi, and now he is working in the Ministry of Civil Affairs. In the eyes of His Majesty, he is probably the most suitable one."
At this point, Zhao Junchen suddenly sighed, changed the topic, and said: "It's a pity. Today, I wanted to ask the two elders for relevant experience, but I didn't expect that the two elders only wanted to talk about romance. In this case, I can’t force you, so the three of us can just chat casually.”
While talking, Zhao Junchen put the information about the rectification of Sichuan Salt Affairs into his sleeve, and then said with a smile: "The 'Yue Rong Fang' founded by Xiaguan has recently released a batch of health ointments, which are effective in preventing diseases and prolonging life. Have you ever used them? If not, I will have someone send a batch to the two elders after I return home. What do you think?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, both Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao looked embarrassed for a moment.
Zhao Junchen's intention is very obvious. The relevant positions in the yamen such as the Salt Transfer Department and the Salt Class Promotion Department must be expanded, and the manpower arrangements are in charge of his subordinate Liu Changan. Whether it is Emperor Deqing or Shanxi merchants, he will Now that the communication is well established, Shen and Huang cannot be allowed to pick fruits.
Compared with the reorganization and expansion of the yamen such as the Salt Transfer Department and the Salt Class Promotion Department, there have been countless increases in relevant positions. However, the positions in the Salt Transfer Department that Shen and Huang have been competing for these days are no longer so large. It's important.
………
After thinking about this, the smile on Huang Yourong's face became more kind, and he said to Zhao Junchen: "As Zhao Shangshu thought, the rectification of Sichuan's salt affairs is of great importance, and it can affect the whole body. If Mr. Shen Ge and I didn't know, This matter is just a matter of return. Now that I know it, how can I still talk about those romantic things with you, Zhao Shangshu? As the saying goes, eating the emperor's salary and being loyal to the emperor, at this time, the official business is naturally the main thing. "
On the other side, Shen Changmao, who always looked cold and stern, actually smiled at Zhao Junchen, nodded and said: "That's it."
Zhao Junchen looked hesitant and asked: "What do you two adults mean, let's not talk about romance next, but talk about business?"
Huang Yourong nodded repeatedly and said, "Of course, business is more important."
Seeing Zhao Junchen's expression and words, Shen Changmao snorted lightly and said: "Liu Changan is indeed your man, but the official department is Zhou Shangjing's territory. Even if His Majesty is interested in him, if Zhou Shangjing blocks it, Whether this will happen or not is a matter of debate. This is due to the reorganization and expansion of the Salt Envoy Department, Salt Class Promotion Department and other yamen. The relevant positions will probably be at least one-third more. How can Zhou Shangjing allow others to interfere? Zhao Shangshu Even though we have the upper hand, there is no need to hold back against me and Mr. Huangge here."
It has to be said that although Shen Changmao is never polite when speaking, talking to him is extremely efficient, and all the polite flattery can be dispensed with.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen was not angry at Shen Changmao's counterattack. He just nodded and said with a smile: "So, I have come to see the two elders today just to make this deal. If the two elders can let Wen Guanliang go, , and in the future, he will fully support Liu Changan in presiding over the rectification and expansion of the yamen such as the Du Salt Transfer Department and the Salt Class Promotion Department. The lower officials will definitely reciprocate and provide new positions for the two cabinet ministers in the Du Salt Transfer Department. We need to arrange some manpower in the yamen. There are a lot of new official positions this time, and we are not afraid that we will not be able to arrange them. What do you think, sir?"
Seeing what Zhao Junchen said so directly, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong pondered for a moment and then nodded.
The general direction was finally determined, and all the three of them had to discuss next were the details.
………
Details are often the most difficult to resolve, because the distribution of benefits often lies in the details.
After agreeing to cooperate, Zhao Junchen bargained with Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong for a long time, and the relevant benefits were finally distributed.
Perhaps it was because the argument was too intense. When everything was over, the sky was already dark, and at some point, it started to snow heavily in the capital.
When Zhao Junchen, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong left Tianhai Tower, the shopkeeper of Tianhai Tower, in order to please the three of them, asked the restaurant waiter to hold three hot pots and presented them to Zhao Junchen, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao.
"The shopkeeper is really interested."
Holding the carbon pot in his hand, Zhao Junchen smiled and said to the shopkeeper of Tianhailou.
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, the shopkeeper looked flattered: "Mr. Zhao, you are so flattering. I have been taken care of by you many times these days. It is right for me to put some thought into you and the two elders."
On the other side, Shen Changmao looked at the falling snow outside Tianhai Tower and suddenly said: "It snowed late today."
Wen Guanliang also nodded and said: "Yes, as the saying goes, 'Auspicious snow heralds a good year'. In previous years, it would snow in November, but this year it has been postponed to December. I am afraid that the harvest in the north next year will not be good. Hey, people I’m going to suffer again.”
Wen Guanliang spoke with concern for the country and the people, but he looked extremely satisfied.
Obviously, Wen Guanliang got a lot of benefits from the bargaining just now.
"Yes, it snowed late."
Zhao Junchen also murmured to himself.
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