After hearing Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but look bitter.
Zhao Junchen didn't want to get involved in today's debate at all, because no matter which side he supported, he would always offend the other side.
Emperor Deqing is Zhao Junchen's current supporter, so he must not be offended. And the three elders, Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, all have great power in the government, so how can they be easily offended?
It is a pity that although the prince's party strongly advocated for Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet, and Emperor Deqing also supported it, it could not withstand the joint opposition of the three cabinet elders, and the momentum was not as good as others. Faced with this situation, Emperor Deqing could not The final word is that I need to find helpers to increase my momentum." "Novel chapters are updated the fastest.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing approached Zhao Junchen, his most trusted person.
At this time, Emperor Deqing's attitude seemed peaceful while he was asking questions, but his piercing eyes were forcing Zhao Junchen to express his stance.
With a sudden glance, all the officials in the court, and all the eyes of the court were focused on Zhao Junchen.
Sighing secretly in his heart, Zhao Junchen stepped out and said slowly: "Your Majesty, it seems to me that, aside from the dispute over the ability of Grand Scholar Cheng, the ancestral rules of our dynasty must never be violated. . Nowadays, there are only three cabinet ministers in the cabinet, which is indeed against the rules, so it is imperative to add a new cabinet minister. In any case, this is undisputed. "
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the officials in the court, whether they truly agreed with Zhao Junchen's statement or not, all nodded in agreement.
The six words "violating the rules of the ancestors" are a big label no matter in Shimeishihou. No one dares to put it on their head easily.
After seeing all the officials nodding, Zhao Junchen continued: "Now, the knowledge, qualifications, and conduct of Bachelor Cheng Yuandao are recognized by everyone in the court. From these aspects, Bachelor Cheng Yuandao is certainly qualified." Qualifications for joining the cabinet. However, as Zhou Shoufu and the two cabinet elders Shen and Huang said, joining the cabinet cannot only be based on knowledge, qualifications, character, administrative skills, and ability to do things. They are also indispensable. In this regard, I I also agree with it.”
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said. Emperor Deqing's face darkened, thinking that Zhao Junchen was also going to oppose Ziji, so he looked at Zhao Junchen with a bad look.
However, let’s talk about this. Zhao Junchen suddenly changed the topic. He also said: "But on the other hand, no matter who the newly promoted Pavilion Elder is, we can't just look at his ability and talent. His knowledge, qualifications, and character are also very important, otherwise he will not be able to convince the public." That is to say, only by comprehensively considering the five aspects of knowledge, qualifications, conduct, ability, and talent can we decide on the best candidate."
When Zhao Junchen said this, Emperor Deqing already understood what Zhao Junchen meant. His expression gradually became gentle, and he even showed a smile, but he did not give Zhao Junchen a chance to practice Tai Chi, but asked: "Oh? Zhao Aiqing, although your words are reasonable, I still want to make my position clear after all. I just want to know." , do you support Cheng Yuandao joining the cabinet?"
Seeing Emperor Deqing forcing Ziji to express his position clearly, Zhao Junchen felt a little embarrassed, but he looked very calm and replied loudly: "Your Majesty, what I mean is that since a new cabinet minister must be added to the cabinet, and Although there are countless talents in the imperial court, in terms of comprehensive knowledge, conduct, qualifications, talents, and abilities, there is no more suitable candidate than Bachelor Cheng Yuandao. Therefore, I support Bachelor Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. .”
In the end, Zhao Junchen chose to support Emperor Deqing.
Although it was troublesome to offend Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others, Zhao Junchen now couldn't do without the support of Emperor Deqing.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to support Cheng Yuandao in joining the cabinet.
Although. Zhao Junchen did not want to see Prince Zhu Heyu increase in power as a result.
But this is always the case in temples. One's stance is on one side, while expressing one's stance is on the other.
Zhao Junchen's words not only supported Emperor Deqing, but also explained to Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others that there were currently vacancies in the cabinet, and no one more suitable than Cheng Yuandao could be found, and there were Emperor Deqing strongly supported it, so it was inevitable for Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. Even if he opposed it, it would only delay the matter.
As for whether Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao can accept Zhao Junchen's explanation, it is not up to Zhao Junchen.
On the other side, Emperor Deqing was very confused about Zhao Junchen's statement. After nodding, he asked Zuo Lanshan, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, "Zuo Aiqing, you are also one of the six ministers, tell me your opinion. "
Zuo Lanshan, as an official of Zhao Junchen's faction, saw that Zhao Junchen had expressed his opinion, so naturally he could not object, so he said: "Your Majesty, I have the same idea as Mr. Zhao. Taking all aspects into consideration, Cheng Yuan, Cheng Da Bachelor, He is indeed the most suitable candidate to join the cabinet.”
Emperor Deqing turned his eyes and looked at Zhan Shanchang, the minister of household affairs, and asked: "Zhan Aiqing, what do you mean?"
Zhan Shanchang naturally knew that Zhao Junchen's statement was forced, but as a close confidant of Zhao Junchen, he needed to keep in step with Zhao Junchen, so he also said: "Your Majesty, I also agree with Mr. Zhao."
Then, Emperor Deqing successively asked Liu Changan, Li Lide, Chen Dongxiang, Gu Quan and other "Zhao Party" officials, and these people naturally agreed with Zhao Junchen.
Therefore, because Emperor Deqing always picked people to ask questions, the people who answered all supported Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet, but Cheng Yuandao suddenly gained momentum.
After some questioning, Emperor Deqing's face became brighter and his mood improved a lot. He pretended to be silent and nodded, and slowly said: "This will make things difficult. I didn't expect Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. , it has caused such a big controversy, half of the dear ministers in the court support it, and half oppose it, but they are still in a stalemate."
Hearing Emperor Deqing say this, all the officials in the court looked strange.
Although Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet was strongly supported by the prince's party and Zhao Junchen's party was forced to agree, compared with the opposition voices of Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, the situation was still not as good as before.
However, it came to the mouth of Emperor Deqing. It turned out to be "a divided opinion and a stalemate"!
But Emperor Deqing bijing is an emperor, and he speaks gold. Seeing him say this, no one dared to stand up and refute.
Or, relying on the status of the emperor and using "golden words" to talk nonsense is also part of the emperor's mentality.
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing seemed to be in a very difficult position, and he thought about it for a long time. Finally, he slowly said: "Since you all have different opinions but can't agree on it, I might as well make the decision on this matter... Speaking of which, Cheng Yuandao has been with me for many years. He is an old minister, so Cheng Aiqing is in the cabinet. The matter is settled like this. I also believe in Guog Aiqing's ability."
I still object when I see someone. Emperor Deqing added in a decisive tone: "This matter is settled."
As Emperor Deqing finished speaking, the prince and his party were all overjoyed, and Cheng Yuandao even quickly came out to "thank the Lord for his kindness."
From then on, Cheng Yuandao will fill Wen Guanliang's vacancy and become the fourth cabinet minister after Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao.
And with his help, from now on. The prince's party is bound to gain momentum.
At least, on the surface. Indeed.
Although, Zhao Junchen did not think that Cheng Yuandao could defeat the other three pavilion elders.
On the other side, seeing that the situation had been decided, although Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others were reluctant, they had no choice but to accept it.
…………
After such an incident, calm returned to the morning court again.
After Emperor Deqing inquired about the progress of the Chunwei Examination, seeing that there was nothing else to do, he announced that he would go down to court.
However, before going to court, Emperor Deqing announced that he would personally visit Fu Ling at Xiao Wen's residence. Naturally, no official in the court would object to such a show of friendship between the emperor and his ministers.
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Because Emperor Deqing had specially asked Zhao Junchen to accompany him to the Xiao Mansion yesterday, so after the morning court, Zhao Junchen did not go to the Hubu Yamen to work, but waited outside the Meridian Gate.
Emperor Deqing seemed to have prepared for today's tour, so he left the palace not long after going to court.
When the emperor leaves the palace, it is natural that he will do so with great fanfare. His royal chariots will go everywhere, idlers will disperse, guards will follow, whips will be blown to clear the way, and clear water will be sprinkled on the streets.
Zhao Junchen still couldn't figure out why Emperor Deqing asked Ziji to go to Xiao's house to visit, but he didn't dare to neglect it. After seeing the imperial chariot crown, I planned to follow him in a sedan chair.
Unexpectedly, before Zhao Junchen could give the order, Zhang De, the eunuch of Emperor Deqing, came to see him.
"Mr. Zhao, your Majesty has a decree, specifically allowing you to enter the imperial chariot crown to have an audience, and go with your majesty to the Xiao Mansion." After saying that, Zhang De smiled flatteringly at Zhao Junchen, and said: "Congratulations, Mr. Zhao, for sitting on the imperial chariot with your majesty. To be crowned with a chariot is a rare honor for ministers of our dynasty for hundreds of years."
…………
The imperial chariot crown of Emperor Deqing has a huge space. The interior is like a room, with tables, chairs, and even bookshelves standing on the side.
After Zhao Junchen reported the matter, he got on the royal chariot crown and saw Emperor Deqing looking at a couplet in his hand. As he read it, he seemed very mǎnyi and kept nodding his head.
Seeing Zhao Junchen come in, Emperor Deqing put the couplet in his hand on the table and said, "Junchen, come and take a look, what do you think of this elegiac couplet I wrote for Xiao Wenruan?"
Emperor Deqing was showing off his literary talent. Zhao Junchen quickly stepped forward and read it carefully.
First couplet: "The high demeanor is bright and honest, and the glory lasts for thousands of years. The lamentations move the earth, and the majestic spirit is always in the sky."
Second line: "Eternal righteousness, loyalty for thousands of years, virtue spread all over the world, good reputation can turn into gold stars."
Horizontal comment: "Famous for generations to come"
Zhao Junchen's literary talent is average, but he can't see the reason. He only feels that this elegiac couplet is not only graceful in handwriting, but also quite grand in content, all of which reveal Emperor Deqing's imperial majesty and outstanding talent.
However, with such a situation, Zhao Junchen naturally would not miss the opportunity to please Emperor Deqing.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen looked full of admiration and said loudly: "Your Majesty's elegiac couplet is really excellent. The words not only express your Majesty's sorrow for Mrs. Xiao, but also express the life of Mrs. Xiao." The moral integrity is described in detail, and the imperial aura is overflowing with majestic momentum, which makes people unconvincing. According to my opinion, although many people will go to Xiao Mansion today to present elegiac couplets, I am afraid that they will not be able to find a better one than His Majesty's. ”
After a pause, Zhao Junchen sighed again: "Old Master Xiao has this elegiac couplet for His Majesty. It can be considered a great honor and sorrow."
Obviously, Emperor Deqing was also very proud of this elegiac couplet and praised Zhao Junchen. Although I didn't accept it directly, I acquiesced to it all.
After hearing Zhao Junchen mention "sorrow", Emperor Deqing sighed, with emotion on his face: "Xiao Wenruan has passed away. No matter how good I write an elegiac couplet or how great a mourning honor I bestow, it still won't work." It may not have any impact on him. In fact, this so-called 'honour' was never meant for the dead, but for the living."
Speaking of which. Emperor Deqing glanced at Zhao Junchen with a pointed look, and then said: "There are still a few descendants of Xiao Wenruan who are capable of success. Now Xiao Wenruan is gone. The Xiao family has lost its backbone. I am afraid that in the future It is inevitable to gradually decline, so I want to reward Xiao Wen and Ruan Airong, and strive to promote his descendants. I must let the world see that I still value the Xiao family, so that the descendants of the Xiao family will not be underestimated and bullied in the future. , and can one day be as glorious as it is today."
However, Zhao Junchen did not expect that Emperor Deqing actually had such thoughts. 1014 Huitou Toad r swallowing the special mirror collapsed skeleton ammonia deer skin sheath ゾ mao sole the reason pretty だ salty palpitation Na Qing Su Jian! ?br />
Emperor Deqing sighed: "I have been with Xiao Wenjun for more than thirty years. He has always been loyal to me, and he has tried his best to handle all my instructions. He works hard and never complains, but never complains about asking for extravagance. For such a minister , no matter how much I do for him, it’s what I should do.”
After a pause, Emperor Deqing added: "Not just Xiao Wenruan, but any minister in the court, as long as he is as loyal and dedicated as Xiao Wenruan, I will never treat him badly. Even if something unexpected happens, I will never treat him badly." He will also take care of his descendants, and that’s what the so-called friendship between king and minister is.”
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen with a look full of profound meaning.
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen finally understood. Why did Emperor Deqing bring Ziji, a completely unrelated person, with him when he went to visit Xiao Mansion today?
Emperor Deqing was taking this opportunity to appease Zhao Junchen.
Considering that the situation in the temple is becoming increasingly unstable, Prince Zhu Heyu, who has always been hostile to Zhao Junchen, has gradually gained a foothold under the protection of Emperor Deqing. In addition, this morning, Zhao Junchen was forced by Emperor Deqing again. Having offended the three factions of Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, Emperor Deqing must have been worried that Zhao Junchen would be dissatisfied and did this, but he had his own considerations.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile secretly.
The so-called emperor's mind, every word and action has a deep meaning behind it.
It now appears that Emperor Deqing, who ordered Zhao Junchen to accompany him to the Xiao Mansion yesterday, was already determined to force Zhao Junchen to go to court this morning. Junchen expressed his support for Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet.
I am afraid that even if the prince is a party today, Emperor Deqing will take the initiative to mention Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet.
"You can do things for me with confidence and boldness. From now on, no matter whether you take the blame or offend others, I will protect you." What Emperor Deqing said just now, although he was talking about him and Xiao Wen The friendship between Ruan and his ministers is actually just that.
Although he was thinking this in his heart, Zhao Junchen looked very moved. He stood up and saluted Emperor Deqing and said: "Your Majesty is so considerate of us and other ministers. I am very moved. I will be loyal and dedicated in the future." , Your Majesty will not be disappointed."
When Emperor Deqing saw Zhao Junchen acting like this, he seemed very embarrassed. He nodded with a smile and said, "I feel relieved that you have such thoughts."
…………
Along the way, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but feel the friendship between Ziji and Xiao Wenruan over the years, and Zhao Junchen also praised him from time to time.
As time passed, the imperial chariot stopped very quickly, and the guards came to report that Xiao Mansion had arrived.
Emperor Deqing stood up and told Zhao Junchen: "Help me hold this elegiac couplet. I will personally give it to the descendants of the Xiao family."
After Zhao Junchen agreed, he held Emperor Deqing's elegiac couplet in his hands.
Then, Zhao Junchen took off his royal chariot crown as Emperor Deqing, looked up at Xiao Mansion, but his expression changed slightly.
At this time, outside the Xiao Mansion, because Xiao Wenruan passed away, he was wearing white clothes. The descendants of the Xiao family, after receiving the news, had already knelt down outside the mansion to welcome him.
What made Zhao Junchen's expression slightly change was because of an elegiac couplet hanging in a conspicuous place outside the door of Xiao's residence.
"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."
As the saying goes, there is heaven outside, and there are people outside people. People are more likely to die than others, and goods are thrown away when comparing goods.
The elegiac couplet written by Emperor Deqing seemed to Zhao Junchen to be excellent and quite majestic. However, compared with this elegiac couplet, both the artistic conception and literary talent were far inferior and could not be compared at all. .
Ruguo said that the elegiac couplet in front of him uses plain words to describe Xiao Wenruan's life, but it makes people feel that the artistic conception is far-reaching. The elegiac couplet of Emperor Deqing is just a vulgar work that blindly piles up gorgeous rhetoric.
If that's all, that's it. However, as Emperor Deqing is the emperor, the elegiac couplet he presented will inevitably replace this elegiac couplet and be hung in the most conspicuous place. In this way, the two will inevitably be commented and compared by the world. At that time, Emperor Deqing's vulgar painting actually replaced the elegiac couplet, and he was probably going to be secretly laughed at.
The emperor personally wrote the elegiac couplet and presented it as a gift. This is a rare good story in a century, but if such a situation happens, it will be an embarrassment that cannot be seen in a century.
Emperor Deqing naturally did not want to see such a scene because he was very proud of his achievements.
"This elegiac couplet has no name, and I don't know who wrote it."
Zhao Junchen naturally could not have thought that this elegiac couplet was written anonymously by Zhou Shangjing. In the content, Zhou Shangjing himself was scolded. He just secretly looked at Emperor Deqing and found that Emperor Deqing's expression was indeed a little embarrassed.
Seeing this situation, Zhao Junchen gritted his teeth and used a little force with his hands, but he tore a little of the elegiac couplet written by Emperor Deqing himself in his hands.
Then, Zhao Junchen apologized softly to Emperor Deqing with a grimace: "Your Majesty, I deserve to die. I accidentally tripped when I got out of the car. I failed to take good care of your Majesty's calligraphy treasure and actually tore it."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Emperor Deqing was stunned for a moment, then relaxed, and reprimanded: "Why are you so careless!? Well, since this elegiac couplet has been torn, put it away. Bar."
…………
After that, Zhao Junchen followed Emperor Deqing and paid no attention to the various condolences and visits in the Xiao Mansion. He only said that after Zhao Junchen finished everything, he returned to the mansion, only to find that Wei Huai was already waiting in the Zhao Mansion.
Wei Huai was extremely efficient. In less than a day, he had found out what happened to Chu Jiayi!
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Well, here comes the 5,000-word chapter. Thank you again for your likes. (To be continued...)
