Chapter 84. Liu Qing in the Neishu Hall.
People's mentality changes always unconsciously. 【Read the latest chapter】
I remember that when Zhao Junchen first came to this world, he regarded Emperor Deqing as his greatest support. Although he could not be said to be loyal, he also regarded how to please Emperor Deqing as his top priority.
However, as time passed, as he became more and more familiar with the environment of the times, he became more and more integrated into today's role. Although Emperor Deqing was still Zhao Junchen's biggest support, Zhao Junchen began to be unwilling to be controlled by Emperor Deqing anymore. .
This reluctance is getting stronger and stronger, and is even beyond Zhao Junchen's control, so that from time to time, the idea of "what will happen if Emperor Deqing is no longer around" will always appear in Zhao Junchen's mind. At first, he was thinking about how to change the situation. This thought had appeared when the Zhao women were in the draft, and the same thought appeared again now.
"You can't rush it."
Zhao Junchen murmured to himself, suppressing the impulse that appeared in his mind deep in his heart again, and resumed his normal thoughts.
Zhao Junchen doesn't like to do things impulsively.
………
While Zhao Junchen was thinking secretly, he had returned to the Zhao Mansion. After Zhao Junchen got off the carriage, he was about to enter the mansion. Xu Qingyan, who was next to him, suddenly reminded him: "Master, it seems that the carriage has some intention. I saw it just now." It has been waiting at the corner of the street, and now as soon as you appear, Master, it will come over."
After hearing Xu Qingyan's reminder, Zhao Junchen turned around and saw a carriage slowly driving towards the entrance of Zhao's mansion.
The carriage looks ordinary and low-key in style, but both the work materials and the large horses pulling the carriage are extraordinary and cannot be afforded by ordinary people.
After Zhao Junchen was stunned for a moment, he agreed with Xu Qingyan's statement and simply stood here waiting without going back home.
In just a moment, the carriage arrived in front of Zhao Junchen. After the carriage stopped, the driver lifted his hat, raised his head and smiled at Zhao Junchen, saying, "Master Zhao, you are finally back. Is there any heat in the house?" Tea to warm us up? It's freezing cold today, and our bodies are almost freezing while we're waiting for you."
Seeing the carriage driver's appearance, Zhao Junchen's expression condensed, and he glanced thoughtfully into the carriage. He saw that the carriage was tightly covered, but the next moment it was replaced by a flattered smiling face, and he kept saying: He said in a voice: "Oh, it turns out to be Eunuch Zhang De. You are really neglectful. Come and enter the mansion quickly. Although there is nothing good in the mansion, there is still hot tea."
While talking, Zhao Junchen already pulled Zhang De into the house in an affectionate manner.
It turned out that the horseman driving the carriage turned out to be Zhang De, the eunuch who was close to Emperor Deqing!
With Zhang De's status in the inner court, he is now willing to be a horseman. This person sitting in the carriage is probably unusual.
But precisely because of this, Zhao Junchen knew enough not to ask any further questions. He just glanced at Xu Qingyan, then allowed the servants of the Zhao family to take over the carriage, and drove the carriage into the Zhao residence through the side door.
………
However, it was said that after Zhao Junchen led Zhang De into the Zhao Mansion, he did not go to the main hall to rest. Instead, he led Zhang De towards the side courtyard where the carriage was placed.
Zhang De obviously understood what Zhao Junchen was thinking, and followed him with a smile, but did not say anything. He just looked at Zhao Junchen's mansion with interest.
On the way, Zhao Junchen looked up and down at Zhang De's driver's attire and asked, "Eunuch Zhang De's attire today is quite interesting. When I first saw my father-in-law, I was shocked. However, my father-in-law does not need to drive with me today." ?"
Zhang De laughed and said: "Today is a rare day off for our family. The New Year is about to pass, so we are inevitably lonely, so we came to see you, Mr. Zhao. Fortunately, Mr. Zhao is still willing to see our family. I heard that Mr. Zhao is not like us in the inner court these days. It was a big deal, and our family thought we would be shut out."
Speaking of this, Zhang De looked a little more emotional and said: "However, Mr. Zhao doesn't know that our family was originally a horse eunuch. At that time, he was still a young eunuch. This matter of driving a horse and driving a carriage are all involved." It's up to me to do it. Now I'm back to my old business, but I don't have any skills."
"My father-in-law is joking. When you come to my house, I haven't had time to welcome you. How dare you let your father-in-law be rejected? However, if you can allow Eunuch Zhang De to return to your old career, the identity of the person sitting in the carriage must not be simple, right?"
Zhao Junchen asked.
Zhang De did not answer, but said slowly as if reminiscing: "Actually, our family didn't stay in the Royal Horse Prison for long, but within half a year, the late Emperor happened to be reorganizing the inner court again, and after a purge, More than half of the great eunuchs in the inner court went to the guillotine. Although they also relied on the wealth from the purge and the shortage of manpower in the inner court, they were able to be promoted step by step, and our family is what it is today. However, looking back now, I still have lingering fears. "
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Yes, I have also heard about what happened back then. During the late emperor's period, because of Wei Zhongxian's affairs, the inner court was indeed suppressed too much. If something went wrong, there would be a purge, and everyone was killed. It is said that there are no less than ten thousand eunuchs, and it is scary to think about it."
(Note: Regarding the number of eunuchs in the late Ming Dynasty, one said there were 100,000, and another said there were 70,000. I personally feel that these numbers are exaggerated. After all, the history of the Ming Dynasty was compiled under the auspices of the Manchus, and deliberately There are too many things to smear, but in the late Ming Dynasty, the average number of self-employed candidates hired each year was around a thousand, which is also true, so the total number should not be small.
Zhang De also agreed and said: "Yes, the late emperor hated the inner court's interference in politics the most, and he repeatedly purged and rectified it. Now that His Majesty is in office, although he is much more lenient, there are still two incidents in the third year of Deqing and the nineteenth year of Deqing. During the first purge, our family had already entered the ceremonial prison at that time. Although we were closer to His Majesty, we didn’t know if we would be implicated in it. We were also anxious all day long, and even slept uneasily."
At this point, Zhang De paused slightly and turned to look at Zhao Junchen. Just when Zhao Junchen thought Zhang De was about to get to the point, Zhang De turned around and said, "Master Zhao, haven't you always wanted to see Liu Qing?" Master? It’s just that Master Liu Qing is old and in bad health, and it is inconvenient to enter and leave the palace. Although he has long understood your kindness, Mr. Zhao, he can never find the time, but today..."
Hearing Zhang De's words, Zhao Junchen straightened his face and asked in surprise: "Senior Liu Qing is here?"
Zhang De nodded with a smile and said, "That's it. There's nothing we can do about it. In this situation, Master Liu Qing can't help but come."
After Zhao Junchen gestured to Zhang De, he couldn't help but speed up as he walked towards the side courtyard.
Liu Qing has been in charge of the inner study hall for many years. Most of the eunuchs in charge of the twenty-four yamen of the inner court are from his subordinates. They have a high reputation and great influence in the inner court. Zhao Junchen does not dare to say anything to such a person. neglect.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Zhang De said nothing more and just followed with a smile.
A moment later, Zhao Junchen arrived at the side courtyard and saw an old man slowly getting out of the carriage with the support of servants of the Zhao family.
Although this old man has a fair face and a somewhat elegant temperament, he is extremely thin, old, trembling, and has no energy at all. Although Zhao Junchen only looked at him from a distance, he could still feel the flow of life on him, and the richness The pungent smell of medicine came faintly. The impression left on Zhao Junchen was as if this old man had reached the end of his years and had already run out of fuel.
After seeing the old man, Zhao Junchen turned to look at Zhang De, only to see Zhang De nodding to him.
After receiving the confirmation, Zhao Junchen's face straightened, he walked quickly to Liu Qing, bowed and said, "Junior Zhao Junchen, I have met senior Liu Qing."
Seeing Zhao Junchen being so polite, Liu Qing smiled. His voice was not as sharp as an ordinary eunuch's. It was both hoarse and gentle. He said slowly: "Master Zhao is too polite. I am just a eunuch in charge of a local study hall. He is a lowly person." Very, sir, you are a second-rank minister, and a high official in the foreign court, how can you salute an old man?"
While speaking, Liu Qing also bowed his hand to Zhao Junchen, intending to bend down to return the salute, but was supported by Zhao Junchen. As Zhao Junchen waved, the servants of the Zhao family stepped aside. Liu Qing was supported by Zhao Junchen himself, and faced Zhao Junchen. Go to the main hall of the mansion.
Liu Qing seemed to sigh at Zhao Junchen's respect, but did not refuse.
Along the way, Zhao Junchen carefully observed this long-famous old man. From the outside, he seemed to be just an old eunuch, but from his cloudy old eyes, Zhao Junchen could always see some sense of self-reliance. .
Zhao Junchen knew very well that he was now supporting Liu Qing to walk, but it was only an empty support. Although Liu Qing's steps were trembling, he had no intention of relying on Zhao Junchen and was walking entirely on his own strength.
From this alone, Zhao Junchen could see that this Liu Qing seemed ordinary, but he was as stubborn and strong as anyone in the world. The appearance of this quality in an old eunuch made Zhao Junchen unable to help but Somewhat surprised.
After everyone arrived at the main hall, the guests and hosts took their seats. The servants of the Zhao family also served hot tea. After Zhao Junchen took a sip, he looked at Liu Qing and said, "I have long wanted to see my senior, but unfortunately I never got the chance. , I finally got what I wanted today, and I feel really happy.”
Liu Qing also put down the cup in his hand tremblingly, and said: "I have already heard about Mr. Zhao's kindness from Xiao Dezi, but I am really old and have been in poor health. I can't move even if I don't move, but I have never been able to meet Mr. Zhao. However, Mr. Zhao also understands what he means, which is to let the people in the inner court reconcile with Mr. Zhao. However, things in this world are always not as good as As expected, the confrontation between Mr. Zhao and the inner court is now more serious than before."
Hearing what Liu Qing said, Zhang De looked embarrassed. Obviously, the "little virtue" Liu Qing mentioned was Zhang De.
However, the only person who can call Zhang De "Xiao Dezi" is Liu Qing.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen also sighed and said: "Yes, there are always 10% unsatisfactory things in this world. The younger generation's friendship with the inner court is full of sincerity and the benefits are always provided. However, the inner court does not As sincere as this junior is, not only did he receive the money but failed to do anything, leaving him in debt, he also wanted an explanation but couldn't get it."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said: "Senior, if you are first betrayed and then underestimated, how should you deal with this situation?"
Liu Qing smiled, and the wrinkles on his face squeezed together. He seemed kind, but the words in his mouth were cold and ruthless: "Revenge, establish authority, kill chickens to scare monkeys."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "The junior and senior have the same idea, so we did this."
Liu Qing sighed and said: "But what you are doing now, Mr. Zhao, is not to seek revenge and establish authority, nor to kill chickens to scare monkeys. Instead, it means to destroy the whole family. In this way, even Zhou Shangjing and Huang Yourong are not willing to do anything." I can convince you, Mr. Zhao.”
"The junior's temperament is actually quite stubborn in a certain aspect. Naturally, this kind of temptation with a lucky intention cannot convince the junior."
Liu Qing sighed again: "Yes, I think so too, but unfortunately there are always some people in the inner court who want to give it a try. This matter is indeed a mistake made by the inner court, and I am also asking you here. Mr. Zhao confessed and promised Mr. Zhao that this kind of thing will never happen again in the future. My words are considered to have some weight in the inner court. I wonder, Mr. Zhao, are you willing to let the inner court go?"
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said: "Sincerity, this junior needs the inner court to show some sincerity. Naturally, this junior can trust his senior, but after this incident, this junior can no longer trust this kind of verbal guarantee."
"So in Mr. Zhao's opinion, what should the inner court do to be sincere?"
Zhao Junchen said calmly: "Senior Liu Qing, it is a sign of sincerity that you can come in person, but I still need an explanation. Why is the chief assistant accompanying you on the southern tour? News like this will be concealed by everyone in the inner court. In the end, we can only find out from His Highness the Seventh Prince?"
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Qing was silent for a long time, and finally said slowly: "Actually, what is the reason for this situation? The inner court has long understood what you mean, Mr. Zhao. A few days ago, Mr. Zhao had an affair with Xiao Dezi's apprentice. , Zhang Xiu, the eunuch in charge of the Yangxin Palace, had a detailed discussion, and what Zhang Xiu said is exactly what the inner court wants you to know, and the reasons behind the matter are also related to you, Mr. Zhao. I guess there is no big difference. Are you satisfied with this answer, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Junchen thought thoughtfully and chuckled: "Let me tell you, why didn't Eunuch Zhang De happen to be away that day, and Eunuch Zhang Xiu and the younger generation were a little too eager? I see, it seems that the inner court has already agreed Premeditated."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked: "I just don't know, the current position of the inner court is subordination? Is it cooperation? Or is it just a bet?"
In response to such inquiries, Liu Qing avoided talking about it and just asked: "Now that there is an explanation, I wonder, Mr. Zhao, are you willing to let the inner court go this time?"
Although he did not get an accurate answer, Zhao Junchen had an answer in his heart and was not angry. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly smiled and said: "What does the senior mean by this? The junior and the inner court have always cooperated closely, so how can I let him go?" Speaking of which, the batch of cloth and satin that the inner court needs to hand over is so huge that it was delivered to the inner treasury three days ago, which shows how capable the inner court is in handling affairs."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Qing and Zhang De were both stunned.
Zhao Junchen continued: "Speaking of which, Senior Liu Qing came at just the right time. I just have a piece of news to inform the inner court. Now the inner treasury is running well and there is enough money. From now on, the inner treasury will give dividends to the inner court. I am interested in doing so again." Add another layer, what do you think, senior?"
Liu Qing suddenly smiled, and his expression seemed to be extremely cheerful: "Master Zhao is young, and it is really a good trick. But in this way, the inner court will cooperate with Master Zhao in the future, and I will feel relieved."
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