A person's ability is often more clear to his opponent. 【Read the latest chapter】
Xiao Wenruan, an old prince and grand master, has been recuperating at home all year round. He is already on the verge of death. His scheming skills are far inferior to those of Zhou Shangjing. He has been defeated repeatedly in overt and covert battles!
Such a person, what role does he play in the prince's party?
The answer is, it is unparalleled and no one can replace it!
Why?
Zhu Heyu is the legitimate crown prince, which means that once Emperor Deqing dies, he will be the legitimate successor emperor, and no one can stop him!
But the premise is that during this period, Zhu Heyu cannot make too many mistakes.
The biggest role of Xiao Wenruan's existence is to minimize the possibility of Zhu Heyu making mistakes!
The prince Zhu Heyu was trained by Xiao Wenruan. Zhu Heyu had deep feelings for Xiao Wenruan and respected him extremely. Therefore, in this world, only Xiao Wenruan could prevent the prince Zhu Heyu from leaving. Do those "brave and right stupid things"!
So, what happens after Xiao Wenruan is gone?
Who will stop Zhu Heyu from clashing with Emperor Deqing?
Who will stop Zhu and Yu from making enemies of hundreds of officials?
Who will stop Zhu Heyu from doing those thankless "stupid things"?
No one can!
As for all this, Zhou Shangjing, who is wily and discerning, can see it clearly better than anyone else.
That's why Zhou Shangjing made up his mind, changed his previous style, pressed forward step by step, and finally killed Xiao Wenruan with a fake golden elixir!
Although Zhou Shangjing has always respected Xiao Wenruan's character and conduct, the factional positions and power struggles between the temples have nothing to do with respect.
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The news of Xiao Wen Ruan's death was quickly received by several major forces in the DPRK.
Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao were naturally extremely surprised and celebrated each other.
But Zhou Shangjing, who personally planned all this, felt a little sad.
Zhou Shangjing got the news in the study room of his mansion.
After receiving the news, Zhou Shangjing's old face showed a slightly lonely look. He slowly sat on the Grand Master's chair and murmured, "Xiao Wenruan...is he really dead?"
Xue Gui, the Yin of Shuntian Prefecture who came to report the news, was a little happy. He nodded repeatedly and said: "Looking back, Mr. Shoufu, my subordinates have confirmed it repeatedly. The news is absolutely true!"
After Zhou Shangjing was silent for a moment, he sighed softly, closed his eyes slightly, and said softly to himself with a little regret and sadness: "I am not a perfect person. It is too tiring to be a perfect person, but I admire those perfect people. It is a pity that in this world There are not many perfect people, but from today on, there is one less... a sinner."
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Xue Gui couldn't help but be startled. In his impression, Zhou Shangjing was a deep man who always kept his emotions and anger a secret. He didn't speak much and never revealed his inner emotions, which made people more awe-inspiring. .
But today's Zhou Shangjing is a little abnormal.
Because he could not guess Zhou Shangjing's thoughts, Xue Gui could only flatter him cautiously: "Sir, Chief Assistant, you are of noble character. You have worked hard for the court and the world for many years. Without you, Chief Assistant, the Ming Dynasty would not be in chaos." Whatever it has become, it should be a contribution to the country and a legacy for hundreds of years, but it is too modest to say so."
Zhou Shangjing didn't like flattery, but he was not angry at this time. He just laughed at himself, showing a little tiredness, and said quietly: "A hundred years later, the world will evaluate me. If I can balance my merits and demerits, it will be considered good. How can I have left behind a hundred years of legacy?" .”
Having said this, Zhou Shangjing stood up and ordered: "Grind the ink and lay the paper. I will personally write an elegiac couplet for him."
At this time, there was no one else in the study except Zhou Shangjing and Xue Gui.
And Xue Gui didn't greet anyone else, and quickly came to Zhou Shangjing's desk, carefully polished ink and laid paper for Zhou Shangjing, and did the servant's work, but he looked flattered and felt that he was very close to Zhou Shangjing. few.
After everything was ready, Zhou Shangjing wrote, pondered for a moment, and then wrote the following words:
"Those who attach themselves to the father-in-law are probably gentlemen, while those who serve as the father-in-law must be villains. They will devote themselves to their work and return to their souls as if they were alive."
"I am a national scholar who relies on him in the temple. I hear about his majesty in the grass. He cares about the country as if he were at home. Now he is the cherished public servant in the world."
Putting the wolf hair in his hand aside, Zhou Shangjing looked at the elegiac couplet he had written and asked quietly: "How do you think I wrote this elegiac couplet?"
Xue Gui looked strange, but he didn't know what to say.
Zhou Shangjing's elegiac couplet actually scolded himself. For a moment, he couldn't even say it was good or bad.
Fortunately, Xue Gui finally had some quick wits and discovered the anomaly in this elegiac couplet, but he quietly changed the subject and replied: "I am a low-ranking official with little talent and little knowledge, but I am not qualified to comment on your work, Sir. I just feel that Sir, you The handwriting used in writing this elegiac couplet seems to be different from usual."
Seeing Xue Gui changing the topic, Zhou Shangjing didn't care, he just smiled softly, and then said quietly: "If I use my usual handwriting to write this elegiac couplet, it will be recognized by others, and it will only be recognized by Xiao Mansion." People tore it up and threw it away, so the handwriting changed."
Speaking of this, Zhou Shangjing told Xue Gui: "Frame this elegiac couplet and send someone to Xiao's house. Don't reveal my name. Just say it was a gift from an old friend."
Xue Gui quickly said yes, and seeing that Zhou Shangjing had no other instructions, he carefully left with the elegiac couplet in his hands.
When there was no one else in the study room, Zhou Shangjing slowly sat back on his chair. Looking out the window at the gradually darkening night, he sighed leisurely: "Fate has caused people, you and I have been enemies rather than friends in this life, and I owe it to you. If there really is reincarnation, I hope you and I can become friends..."
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Zhao Junchen's intelligence network in Beijing is now gradually improving, and he has gained the power of Xichang, and he soon received the news of Xiao Wenruan's death.
When he received this news, Zhao Junchen had just arrived outside the Forbidden City and was planning to enter the palace to see Emperor Deqing.
After waving the Xichang Fanzi who had reported the news to leave, Zhao Junchen also sighed leisurely.
Unlike Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen felt sorry for the prince Zhu Heyu.
Speaking of which, Zhao Junchen's view of Zhu Heyu is similar to Zhou Shangjing's view of Xiao Wenruan. He admires him in his heart, but he has to be hostile.
"The prince is upright and stubborn. When doing things, he never looks back until he hits the south wall. If Xiao Wenruan hadn't restrained him and reminded him in these years, he would have been hit by the 'south wall' and his head would have been bruised and bloody. Now that Xiao Wenruan has passed away, the prince is afraid that in the future..."
Standing outside the Forbidden City, Zhao Junchen looked up at the majestic Meridian Gate. He seemed to be talking to Xu Qingyan, or to himself. After finishing speaking, he sighed again.
Xu Qingyan, who was on the side, did not understand the thoughts in Zhao Junchen's mind at this time. He just added with some gloating: "What the young master said makes sense. Without the restraint and guidance of that old guy Xiao Wenruan, I'm afraid the prince will not be controlled by him in the future. It's so easy to hit the 'Southern Wall' and break your head and bleed, maybe even your brains will fly out."
Zhao Junchen smiled softly and walked towards the Meridian Gate. As he walked, he asked Xu Qingyan: "Qingyan, do you still remember that when Zhao Shancai was planning to go to the prince, why did I not stop him from staying?"
Xu Qingyan thought for a while and said hesitantly: "Master, you seemed to be saying that Zhao Shancai is indeed talented and has inherited the emperor's mental skills, but if he joins the prince, it may not be a good thing for the prince."
Zhao Junchen nodded and asked again: "Do you know why this is?"
Xu Qingyan shook his head and said, "Young master, you didn't tell me, so of course I couldn't think of it."
Zhao Junchen smiled softly, but the emotions contained in his smile were quite complicated. He explained in a low voice: "The prince is surrounded by mostly pedantic people who only know about ethics and ethics. Even if there are the right inspector Lu Chunxiao, the minister of rites Bao Wenjie, and Wen Cheng Yuandao, a scholar of Huadian University, and others were all only talented. There were many things that the prince could not think of, he could not fight for even if he thought of them, and he could not do them even if he fought for them. But after having Zhao Shancai, it was different. Many things , the prince can think of it, fight for it, and do it."
Xu Qingyan didn't understand, and asked doubtfully: "The prince thinks that he has fought hard, but what can he do?"
After Zhao Junchen was silent for a moment, he said: "Ignorance means no worries, and if you do more, you will make more mistakes. There are too many things in this world. If you think about it, fight for it, or do it, it may not be good. But the prince... You may not understand this.”
Xu Qingyan was stunned for a moment, then became thoughtful.
While talking, the two of them had arrived outside the Meridian Gate.
The eunuchs and guards on duty recognized Zhao Junchen and did not dare to neglect him, so they hurriedly greeted him.
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Emperor Deqing summoned Zhao Junchen in the Yangxin Hall.
After being summoned, Zhao Junchen quickly walked into the Yangxin Hall with a serious look, and then saluted: "Your Majesty, Zhao Junchen, long live my emperor!"
Normally, he was used to seeing Zhao Junchen being arrogant and doting on his flatterers. Now seeing Zhao Junchen's rare solemn expression, Emperor Deqing was slightly startled and understood that what Zhao Junchen was about to report must be something extraordinary.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing's expression also became serious, and he raised his hand and said: "Ai Qing, please get up. You are rushing to see me at this time, but what big thing happened?"
Zhao Junchen's expression became more serious, and he said in a deep voice: "If it were not a big deal, I would not dare to disturb His Majesty at this time. It is really a big deal in the capital."
Emperor Deqing frowned and said, "Tell me in detail what happened."
Zhao Junchen did not waste any time and reported to Emperor Deqing one by one the refugees from Shandong Heze who came to Beijing to complain about the preparations for the southern tour, the refusal of the Sanfa Department to accept the cases, and the various rumors that resulted in the capital.
What kind of imperial scheming does Emperor Deqing have? Zi Zi quickly figured out the subsequent impact of this incident, but his face was as dark as water.
"You mean..." Emperor Deqing's eyes flickered, and he didn't know what he was thinking: "The rumors and rumors caused by this spread throughout the entire capital in less than a day?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Yes, Your Majesty, I also find it incredible. How big is the capital? How many people are there? How many big and small things happen every day? This rumor spreads too fast. I'm afraid things are not that simple."
The main purpose of Zhao Junchen's trip was to disassociate himself in front of Emperor Deqing and prevent Emperor Deqing from doubting him, so when he spoke, he looked like he was considering it from the standpoint of Emperor Deqing.
Emperor Deqing sneered and said: "Of course this matter is not that simple. Someone must have taken the opportunity to discredit the prince. If the rumors spread so fast, there must be someone behind it."
At this point, Emperor Deqing's expression flashed with a look of solemnity, and he ordered: "My beloved, please pass on my decree and immediately send out all the Xichang officers to join forces with Dongchang, Jinyiwei, and Shuntianfu Yamen to inspect the capital and make every effort to quell the Influence, restrict the spread of rumors. But if you encounter people who spread rumors, they will be arrested immediately and interrogated strictly! I want to see who is the mastermind behind this!"
After Zhao Junchen bowed and saluted, he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have arranged this. In addition to Dongchang not being ordered by me, Jinyiwei and Shuntianfu Yamen are already taking action with the West Factory fans. .”
Emperor Deqing was slightly startled. Apparently he didn't expect that Zhao Junchen would help the prince wipe his butt. He looked Zhao Junchen up and down a few times and didn't know what he was thinking. Finally he nodded and just said: "You did the right thing, no." I value you in vain."
At this point, Emperor Deqing suddenly snorted and said: "It seems that my decision to rebuild the West Factory is indeed correct. For such a big thing, the East Factory has not even had any news and has not reacted yet. You also need to report to me the newly built west factory, huh, the east factory can’t be put to good use, I’m so disappointed!”
Because of all the things that happened during this period, Emperor Deqing became more and more dissatisfied with Dongchang.
And now, under the leadership of Zhao Junchen, Xichang was able to handle things effectively and react quickly, which made Emperor Deqing pay more attention to it.
Little did he know that Dongchang couldn't be blamed for this incident. It happened so fast that Dongchang hadn't reacted yet. In fact, if Zhao Junchen had not anticipated this and asked West Factory to keep an eye on it early, now West Factory has just been established, and its performance may not be as good as that of East Factory.
However, seeing Emperor Deqing being angry for Dongchang, Zhao Junchen had no intention of speaking for Dongchang. He only showed a little hesitation, but it attracted Zhao Junchen's attention.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Emperor Deqing raised his eyebrows and asked, "What? Is there anything else?"
Zhao Junchen sighed first, and then reported to Emperor Deqing: "Your Majesty, I have just received the news. Not long ago, probably because of everything that happened today, Prince Xiao Wen and Lord Ruan Xiao were so anxious that he actually committed a crime. He became seriously ill and died."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Emperor Deqing remained silent and said nothing.
But the flash of solemnity in his eyes showed Emperor Deqing's true mood now.
Zhao Junchen knew that Emperor Deqing was really angry only when he was silent.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen did not dare to say anything more, and just stood with his head bowed quietly.
After a long silence, Emperor Deqing suddenly spoke.
"Junchen..." Emperor Deqing used the most affectionate name for Zhao Junchen, but what he said next made Zhao Junchen's body tremble: "Before, in the He Ming family murder case, you found out about King Gong'an, He must have been wrongly accused, right?”
Zhao Junchen did not expect that Emperor Deqing would suddenly mention this matter, and he was shocked. Then he knelt down and kowtowed: "I dare not hide it from Your Majesty. I am guilty!"
Emperor Deqing didn't care, and waved his hand and said: "Get up, I have acquiesced in this matter, so what are you guilty of? At that time, the case of He Ming's family murder was not solved for a long time, which would only damage the face of me and the court, but I have to find a way to solve the case as soon as possible in order to show the majesty of the imperial court and deter disobedient people, even if it means finding a scapegoat... What's more, King Gong'an himself is restless, but I can't find any evidence..."
Having said this, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen who stood up with bright eyes, and asked: "What I mean is that these things that have happened during this period are related? I won't talk about He Ming's case. , Xiao Wen and Ruan Zhen know best. He still has a mind for recuperation. How could he get so anxious and die of illness because of such a little thing? I'm afraid things are not that simple. "
Zhao Junchen was slightly stunned, but he did not expect this. He raised his head and asked cautiously: "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
Emperor Deqing sneered: "I was wondering if these things were all done by the same force? Deliberately targeting the prince, or even coveting my throne?"
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he nodded and said: "Your Majesty, please rest assured. Although the case of He Ming's family extermination was declared closed, I have been letting Xichang secretly investigate it. Now that Master Xiao has passed away under mysterious circumstances, I will also send people to keep an eye on it." , I will definitely find out the culprit behind it for Your Majesty!"
No matter what he thought in his heart, Zhao Junchen at this time looked like he was considering Emperor Deqing wholeheartedly.
Emperor Deqing nodded, as if he had great trust in Zhao Junchen, and said: "I can rest assured that you are doing things. Junchen, you have never let me down since we became kings and ministers together! Nowadays, things in Dongchang are often unfavorable. This matter Let West Factory be responsible.”
However, at this point, Emperor Deqing suddenly changed the topic and said: "However, after all, the West Factory has only been built recently, and you have little experience. The boss is responsible for this, and the pressure is a bit greater... It might as well be like this, Yi Luo Xiang, the son of Xinghou Luo Jiamao and a descendant of meritorious deeds, has reached the age of becoming an official. Although he is still young, he has a good family background and many of his ancestors have served as commanders of the Jinyiwei. I originally planned to let him practice in the Jinyiwei Yamen first. He will be reused later. Now you might as well transfer him to the West Factory and let him assist you, what do you think?"
Since Zhao Junchen took over the West Factory, he has learned a lot more about the history of the factory guards. Naturally, the Luo family also knows a lot about Jinyiwei.
The Yixing Marquis Luo family can be said to be one of the most trusted meritorious families by successive emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Three people served as commanders of the Jinyiwei, which had a great influence on the power of the Jinyiwei.
"It seems that even though he expressed his loyalty, the situation is complicated after all. His Majesty is still not at ease with me. Once this Luo Xiang comes to the West Factory, it means that the Luo family forces have come to the West Factory. It is for surveillance and also for Checks and balances…”
While he was thinking this, Zhao Junchen didn't hesitate at all, and just said: "It's up to your Majesty to make the decision. Now that I'm busy with both the West Factory and the Household Department, I'm already in a hurry. It's good to have someone to share some of the pressure."
Emperor Deqing smiled and nodded, seemingly very satisfied with Zhao Junchen's performance.
At this moment, a eunuch came to report that Feng Desheng, the director of the East Factory, wanted to see him! (To be continued. Please search, the novel will be better and updated faster!)
