Chapter 74. Guessing and acting.
Zhao Junchen has always believed that throughout the ages, all those who have achieved great things have achieved great things. Although strength and ambition complement each other, there are also priorities. Strength creates ambition, and ambition comes from strength. Only when one's own strength reaches a certain level, ambition will follow. Expansive growth. [No pop-up novel website]
Inflated ambitions without the guarantee of strength are not "lofty ambitions" but "overestimating one's capabilities." Although times make heroes, the prerequisite is that the so-called "heroes" themselves have sufficient strength and preparation.
After a brief contact at the Deqing Birthday Ceremony, Zhao Junchen was convinced that Zhu Hejian did have some kind of ambition, and he was not a person who underestimated his capabilities. Otherwise, he would not have been able to endure it behind the back of the prince Zhu Heyu for so many years. So where does the strength base that supports his ambitions come from?
In today's Ming Dynasty, the external forces of the Ming Dynasty have long been divided up by Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao, Huang Yourong, and Zhao Junchen, and the prince's party has also established a foothold in the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Zhu Hejian has no room for intervention.
Of course, Zhu Hejian may also have received the support or promise of a powerful foreign official, such as one of Zhou, Shen, and Huang. However, with Zhou, Shen and Huang's mentality and methods, it is impossible to truly support a powerless and frail prince, otherwise it would be better to support a younger prince. Therefore, even if this kind of support or promise does exist, it is only speculative at best, and Zhu Hejian is even less likely to regard it as a guarantee of his own strength.
As for the support and allegiance of the military, it is even less likely. The military system of the Ming Dynasty was perfect, and power had always been monopolized by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Without the emperor's permission, neither the Ministry of War of the outer dynasty nor the imperial horse supervisor of the inner court could mobilize the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty, even if they were As powerful as Zhou Shangjing, he could not interfere in the slightest, let alone Zhu Heyu.
If we put aside the civil and military forces in the outer court, then the only ones left are the eunuch forces in the inner court.
In the Ming Dynasty, the eunuchs in the palace were in charge of the twenty-four yamen of the inner court. They were the most powerful in the history of the dynasty. Although since Emperor Chongzhen killed Wei Zhongxian, their power and influence have been reduced again and again, and they are even prone to being attacked at every turn. To clean up and rectify, but it still cannot be ignored. The reason why Zhao Junchen was eager to establish a good relationship with the eunuchs in the palace was because of this consideration.
However, with Zhu Hejian's reputation and status, is it possible to get the support of the eunuchs in the inner court?
If it were a day ago, Zhao Junchen would definitely think it was impossible.
But now, the eunuchs in charge of the palace, at the same time, concealed the news from Zhao Junchen that Zhou Shangjing was going to accompany him on the southern tour. However, this news was finally revealed to Zhao Junchen by Zhu Hejian, allowing Zhao Junchen to He passively owed Zhu Hejian a favor, and there was always something fishy about what happened, but Zhao Junchen had to seriously consider this possibility.
………
"...As the only adult prince in Beijing, Zhu Hejian can enter and leave the palace and win over the powerful eunuchs in the inner court even more conveniently than the prince Zhu Heyu. Under the current system of the Ming Dynasty, if Zhu Hejian wants to realize his ambitions, he can win over the inner court. The eunuch power, supported by the eunuch power in the inner court, may also be his best way out. Although it is difficult, if you think about it carefully, it is not completely impossible, as long as the means are appropriate..."
"...Compared with Zhu Hejian, the eunuchs in the palace were full of fear of the crown prince Zhu Heyu. With Zhu Heyu's consistent behavior, after he succeeded to the throne, he would continue to suppress the influence of the eunuchs in the inner court. , is also very possible. In this way, the attitude and views of Zhu Heyu, and those eunuchs who want to come to the inner court are also very subtle..."
Thinking of the conversation he had with Zhang Xiu, the eunuch of Yangxin Palace a few days ago, the eunuchs in the inner court had completely different opinions and attitudes towards the two brothers Zhu Heyu and Zhu Hejian, and Zhu Hejian's behavior of deliberately cultivating good relationships in the inner court over the years, Zhao Junchen I couldn't help but think deeply.
"Master, Master!!"
While Zhao Junchen was thinking secretly, Xu Qingyan's soft call beside the sedan finally brought Zhao Junchen back to his senses.
Just now, Xu Qingyan was scolding the eunuchs in the palace for not following the rules and not doing things after accepting money. Corrupt officials also have their own rules, and they even value them more than ordinary people. The most important one is to do things after accepting money. ——But while he was cursing and cursing, he found that Zhao Junchen was not listening. He was just sitting in the sedan chair thoughtfully. His face seemed solemn and surprised, and he seemed to be thinking, smiling but not smiling.
When he came back to his senses, he saw that Xu Qingyan was looking at him worriedly, as if he was afraid that he would break out of anger. Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile and said softly: "Qingyan, send someone to send a message to the eunuchs in power in the palace. Just for this matter, I need them to give me an explanation.”
Hearing Zhao Junchen's instructions, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but was stunned and frowned: "Young master, just asking is enough? They took the money and didn't do anything. We can't retaliate too much. Just send a message and ask, and all we need is an explanation." , I’m afraid that’s too much of a sign of weakness? If those castrates think we’re easy to bully…”
Xu Qingyan was midway through his words, but was interrupted by Zhao Junchen with a wave of his hand.
"I told you, don't call each other 'eunuch' from now on. If those eunuchs find out, the relationship we have finally repaired with them will be completely over." Zhao Junchen glared at Xu Qingyan and slowly said Said: "This matter is fishy no matter how you look at it. I did not retaliate, but just asked them to give an explanation. It was not a sign of weakness, but a test. It was to knock the mountain to shake the tiger. I want to see what can be finally knocked out. If it can be knocked out. There are some things, I also want to see if those things are consistent with my guess."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan frowned. He obviously couldn't understand what Zhao Junchen said.
However, seeing that Zhao Junchen was serious, Xu Qingyan nodded in agreement.
Seeing Xu Qingyan's appearance, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction, but a trace of regret flashed in his eyes.
Nowadays, Zhao Junchen has been frozen by Li Daitao. The reason why he still treats Xu Qingyan like a brother and a friend and keeps him by his side is because Xu Qingyan is loyal. The person in this world who is least likely to betray Zhao Junchen is probably the person in front of him. Xu Qingyan; secondly, because Xu Qingyan was attentive, or Xu Qingyan had great trust in Zhao Junchen. Whatever Zhao Junchen asked, he would do it with his heart, never doubting or hesitating.
Loyalty and dedication are also the two most important requirements for Zhao Junchen when choosing his disciples.
It's a pity that these two points are Xu Qingyan's only advantages. More are his shortcomings. He is uneducated, impulsive, domineering, and his abilities are only average. Although Zhao Junchen has deliberately cultivated these days, some things have already I have a plan, but I will patiently analyze and explain it to Xu Qingyan, just to make Xu Qingyan grow, but after so long, it still has little effect.
While sighing secretly, Zhao Junchen closed the curtain on the sedan chair, sat back in the sedan chair, closed his eyes and continued to meditate.
"The first time we met, this Zhu Hejian showed his kindness to me, which made me suspicious of his attitude and mind. The second time we met, this Zhu Hejian took the opportunity to reveal the information, revealed his position and ambition to me, and made me owe It’s a favor, so next time we meet, shouldn’t it be time for him to reveal his trump card to me?”
"It's a pity that it is very inconvenient for ministers from other dynasties to contact these princes. If they communicate openly, Emperor Deqing and Prince Zhu Heyu will get the news in less than half an hour. If they communicate secretly, the risk will be too great. Once If you are discovered, even if there is nothing wrong, you can't explain it at all, and it will touch Emperor Deqing's bottom line. Otherwise, I really want to have more interactions with this disabled and strong-willed prince..."
While thinking secretly, a smile appeared on Zhao Junchen's lips. Although it was a smile, it was very cold.
"However, if he can really get the support of the inner court forces in the world without knowing it, the city government's methods are too terrible. Even if I want to cooperate with him in the future, I have to be on guard, but he is not the best support object... "
While thinking secretly, Zhao Junchen opened the sedan curtain again and asked Xu Qingyan: "Qingyan, I asked you to send people to collect information about the seventh prince Zhu Hejian a few days ago. Is it done now?"
Xu Qingyan said quickly: "Master, I have always asked people to collect information, but the seventh prince Zhu Hejian has always been low-key, even the people around him. Although our people have been trying their best to find out, they can't collect anything useful at all. news."
Zhao Junchen nodded and did not blame him. He just said: "It's okay. When you get back, send the information you collected to the study. By the way, also send some information about other princes who are still in the capital. "
………
Just when Zhao Junchen was thinking about the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian had returned to his mansion outside the palace.
Now Zhu Hejian has grown up. Although he was not crowned king due to his frailty and illness, he is still not suitable to live in the palace. Emperor Deqing gave him a fine mansion. Every day, in addition to entering the palace to greet his father, the emperor, his mother and his concubines, he also He went to the prince's library to study and stayed in this mansion the rest of the time. He rarely went out and was extremely low-key.
Zhu Hejian was personally sent back to the mansion by Prince Zhu Heyu.
Arriving at the gate of the mansion, the two of them got off the sedan respectively. Looking at Zhu Hejian's pale face, Zhu Heyu sighed. He had always been as strong as him, and there was even a hint of pity in his expression at this time.
"You have always been in poor health. Today's Father's Birthday Ceremony was not only noisy, but also made you stand all afternoon. It's really hard on you."
After hearing Zhu Heyu's words, Zhu Hejian's face was full of exhaustion, but he still forced himself to smile and said: "Your Highness, you are overly concerned. Father's birthday and all other etiquette must be observed. If we, as sons and ministers, are all If you can’t abide by it, how can you set an example for the ministers?”
Zhu Heyu shook his head and smiled bitterly: "You, you attach too much importance to the word 'property'. Since I was canonized as the prince, because of this word of propriety, you have never even called me fifth brother, and always addressed me as prince." , On the contrary, it seems that our brothers are divided. Today, even for the sake of this word of courtesy, you went to talk to that corrupt official Zhao Junchen. That kind of person is despicable and dirty, and you are not afraid of damaging your reputation. "
After Zhu Hejian coughed twice, he breathed for a moment, and then said slowly: "I call you His Royal Highness, not because of your birth status, but to set an example for everyone and to establish your power and virtue. Don't be careless. As for me today The purpose of talking to Zhao Junchen is to repay his gratitude, so how can it affect my reputation? What’s more, as a sick man like me, what kind of reputation do I have..."
Halfway through his words, Zhu Hejian coughed again and his face became paler.
Seeing Zhu Hejian like this, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but become anxious. He quickly grabbed Zhu Hejian's arm and helped Zhu Hejian into the house to rest.
However, this action was stopped by Zhu Hejian with a wave of his hand.
"Your Highness, it's getting late. It's time for you to go back to the East Palace to rest. I just want to go back to the palace by myself. I can't delay your business..."
!d@t
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