Lu Chunxiao, as the right inspector and censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, had a second-rank official title, so he was considered to be a high-ranking official. But Lu Chunxiao's mansion in Beijing looks quite simple, with low eaves and black tiles, with mottled doors and walls. It is only two or three acres in size and has no more than ten houses. Compared with Zhao Junchen's luxurious mansion covering an area of 100 acres, it can be said that it is a world of difference, but it is a clean and honest style.
After arriving at the gate of Lu Mansion, Zhao Mu took out two letters of recommendation from his arms at Zhao Shancai's signal, and then knocked on the door to ask for an audience.
Then, a servant of Lu Mansion opened the door to inquire. After learning that the visitor actually had letters of recommendation from He Ming, the former Crown Prince and Grand Master, and Wei Dongcheng, the former Wenhua Palace Scholar, they naturally did not dare to neglect, and first invited Zhao Shancai in a polite manner. The two servants waited for a while, and then hurried back to report." "Novel.
Not long after, the servant of Lu Mansion appeared again, and his attitude became more and more polite and respectful. He bowed to Zhao Shancai and said, "Sir, my master invites you to come into the manor to speak."
…………
rúguǒ is Zhao Junchen's mansion. If you want to walk from the gate to the main hall of Zhao's mansion, you will need a cup of tea. However, Lu Chunxiao's mansion is not big. It only takes a few steps to walk from the gate to the main hall of the mansion.
The main hall of Lu Mansion is also simple and simple, without too many decorations.
After walking into the main hall, Zhao Shan looked up and saw a middle-aged man wearing a Confucian robe with a white face and no beard sitting in the main seat of the main hall. The middle-aged man had an elegant temperament, but also had a serious look and bright eyes. With a resolute expression, he was obviously Lu Chunxiao, the right inspector of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.
Zhao Shancai took a few steps forward and saluted, "Student Zhao Shancai. I have met Mr. Lu and took the liberty of visiting me today. I hope Mr. Lu will not blame you."
Lu Chunxiao didn't answer. Just sitting there looking Zhao Shancai up and down, I saw that Zhao Shancai had a calm expression and a respectful attitude, but he could also look at him calmly, with pure and bright eyes.
After looking at it for a moment, Lu Chunxiao finally smiled and nodded in appreciation: "Are you Zhao Shancai, a talented man from the south of the Yangtze River who is famous in the capital? You are really a formidable young man. Even my master once mentioned you to me. He said that you are already as famous as Mr. He. The true inheritance of the Grand Master should not be underestimated. In recent days, the situation between the government and the public has been changing. I was thinking about whether to contact you, but I didn’t expect you to come to me. Speaking of which, you and I can be considered peers. No need to say more. Courtesy. Sit down and talk!"
Zhao Shancai smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lu."
After Zhao Shancai sat down, Lu Chunxiao's expression became cautious and asked: "I never thought, Mr. Zhao, that you would have letters of recommendation from the old master and the great scholar of Wei, but you didn't take them out until today, and again in It’s such a sensitive time, presumably there’s something important going on, right?”
Zhao Shancai sighed and said: "Your Excellency, you are aware of everything. It is indeed true. As a candidate for the examination, the examination has just ended and the apron ranking has not yet been announced. It is indeed a sensitive time to ask to see you at this time. The student originally wanted to wait until the end of the palace examination. Later, I relied on these two letters of recommendation to seek an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince, but now that the situation is urgent and it concerns His Highness the Crown Prince, I couldn’t care less."
After hearing what Zhao Shancai said, Lu Chunxiao's expression became more cautious.
In fact, although the prince's party had a large number of officials in the court, Zhao Shancai only sought an audience with Lu Chunxiao, but this was done after careful consideration.
According to the information received by Zhao Shancai, Lu Chunxiao is not only one of the core figures of the prince's party and deeply valued by the prince Zhu Heyu, but also among the prince's party, Lu Chunxiao is also one of the few who is not pedantic in temperament and knows how to be flexible in his actions. people. The most important thing is that Lu Chunxiao, as a disciple of Xiao Wenruan, is most powerful because of He Ming, and he will not be underestimated because of Zhao Shancai's youth and qualifications.
Therefore, perhaps only Lu Chunxiao would really pay attention to some of Zhao Shancai's ideas and plans.
Now, seeing Lu Chunxiao's serious face and asking seriously, I was not at all underestimated. It was obvious that Zhao Shancai's consideration was correct.
On the other side, Lu Chunxiao's expression became more serious after hearing that it was about the prince, and asked: "Since Mr. Zhao has won the true inheritance of Master He, he must have great things in his heart. If even you feel that the matter is urgent, I think it must be a big deal, so you might as well tell me in detail."
Zhao Shancai asked: "Students have heard that the court has handed over the rectification of the blunders in the preparations for the southern tour and the grievance trials of the people in various places to the prince. I don't know if this is true?"
Lu Chunxiao nodded and said, "That's right."
Zhao Shancai asked: "Nàme, in your opinion, is this a good thing? Or a bad thing?"
When Lu Chunxiao heard Zhao Shancai's inquiry, he couldn't help but be startled and replied: "This is naturally a good thing. If the prince can quell the grievances of the people everywhere and deal with the corrupt officials of the people, not only can the damaged reputation be restored, but also help In order for His Highness the Crown Prince to establish prestige between the government and the public, I think His Majesty saw this, so he entrusted this matter to the Crown Prince... Could it be that you have other opinions, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Shancai sighed: "Things in this world change treacherously, and good and bad fortunes depend on each other. The good or bad of something is often hard to say. Many things seem to be good, but if some specific conditions are added, they will change. It will cause a great disaster, and the prince's current situation is exactly like this!"
"Master Zhao, please tell me clearly." Lu Chunxiao asked with a frown.
Although he did not dare to underestimate Zhao Shancai, Lu Chunxiao still felt that Zhao Shancai was being alarmist at this time.
Seeing Lu Chunxiao's slightly disapproving look, Zhao Shan explained in detail: "As your Excellency said, if His Highness the Crown Prince deals with corrupt officials in various places and calms the people's grievances and dissatisfaction, he can naturally reverse his reputation and increase his prestige. It seems that It’s a good thing, but now there are three more restrictions, which turns this good thing into a disaster.”
"Oh? I wonder what the restrictions are?"
"The first is the two-month restriction, the second is Dongchang's participation, and the third is the prince's upright character."
Having said this, Zhao Shancai looked at Lu Chunxiao with bright eyes and asked: "If what I expected is true, the two months of restrictions, the Dongchang assisting the prince in investigating the case, and even handing over the matter to the prince to handle the case. It was all driven by Zhao Junchen, right?"
Lu Chunxiao was stunned again. After pondering for a moment, he slowly nodded and said, "That's true. In the morning of the morning, His Majesty asked the officials who should be responsible for the aftermath of the Southern Tour preparations. Zhao Junchen was unexpected. After recommending His Highness the Crown Prince, everyone in the court was astonished;
Then, Zhao Junchen announced that His Majesty's southern tour was imminent and that His Highness the Crown Prince had the important responsibility of supervising the country. So there was a two-month deadline. Then, in order for the prince to complete the task within the deadline, Zhao Junchen also volunteered and wanted Xichang to assist the prince in investigating the case. But it was rejected by His Majesty and turned to Dongchang for assistance..."
Speaking of this, Lu Chunxiao seemed to be aware of the shíme and couldn't help but look solemn. He said in a condensed voice: "After your reminder. Now that I think about it, it is not an exaggeration to say that Zhao Junchen was responsible for pushing this matter from beginning to end."
Zhao Shancai asked: "nàme, Mr. Lu, do you really think that Zhao Junchen has such good intentions that he would actually want to help His Highness the Crown Prince reverse his reputation?"
Lu Chunxiao was silent, but there was something in his expression. But it was full of deepness, and his brows were furrowed tightly.
Zhao Shancai sighed. He explained in detail: "As the student just said, many things seem to be good, but if some special conditions are added, they will become a big disaster! This is exactly the case now! Due to the flaws in the preparations for the southern tour, people everywhere have been wronged , from North Zhili to South Zhili, there are no less than dozens of prefectures, prefectures, and counties involved! But in just two months, how can it be completed?
In order to complete the task within the deadline, the prince will inevitably try the next case quickly and strictly, and mistakes will inevitably occur during the process. But if that’s all, then that’s it, but under Zhao Junchen’s instigation, in order for the prince to complete the task within the deadline, His Majesty actually sent people from Dongchang to assist the prince..."
At this point, Zhao Shancai sighed again and continued to explain: "Since Zhao Junchen was ordered to rebuild the West Factory, the West Factory has repeatedly made great achievements, and the limelight has completely surpassed the East Factory. How can the East Factory be willing to do so? Now it is bound to be a single-minded effort. Thinking of competing with Xichang for favor and credit! And this time they will assist the prince in investigating the case. For Dongchang, it is a great opportunity to make a name for himself!
However, according to Dongchang's usual habits, in order to make more meritorious deeds, he will definitely try his best to organize major and serious cases, do everything possible to make the matter bigger, and even frame Zhongliang out of thin air! However, the prince only had two months to investigate the case. He had no time to investigate and verify the various cases and evidence found in Dongchang. In addition, the prince's character was too upright and he only wanted to eliminate evil. Mr. Lu, have you ever thought about the consequences of combining these three points? "
As Zhao Shancai finished speaking, Lu Chunxiao's expression finally changed drastically!
The combination of tight political restrictions, Dongchang's greed and deceit, and the prince's strong and strict character to eliminate evil and do everything possible, have resulted in consequences that are truly terrifying if you think about it carefully!
That must be a large number of unjust, false and wrongful convictions!
And once these unjust, false and wrongful cases are exposed, the prince responsible for the matter...
Thinking of this, Lu Chunxiao stood up suddenly and said seriously: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for reminding me! I didn't expect that there were such hidden dangers in this matter. I know Dongchang's habits best. , Mr. Zhao, these worries you have are indeed very likely to happen! If things really develop to that point and result in a large number of unjust cases and miscarriages of justice, the reputation of Prince Nàme between the government and the public will be completely ruined! "
…………
On the other side, seeing that Lu Chunxiao valued Zìjǐ's opinion so much, Zhao Shancai was not only happy, but also frowned subconsciously.
Without him, it was Zhao Shancai who didn't think that although Lu Chunxiao valued the government's opinion, he only focused on the reputation of Prince Zhu Heyu and didn't think about other aspects at all.
In fact, if only the reputation of Prince Zhu Heyu was damaged, Zhao Shancai would not have to worry so much. Zhao Shancai, who inherited the emperor's mentality, did not pay much attention to the reputation, but regarded it as a practical purpose. Nang Huizhi's nephew It can be completely reversed with just a few tricks.
What Zhao Shancai is really worried about is that Prince Zhu Heyu, under Dongchang's instigation and deception, is organizing major and important cases everywhere, implicating the wealthy and noble families in the government, and in turn offending too many government forces!
The reputation has been ruined, and there are ways to make up for it, but if it has offended too many Japanese forces and caused a situation where both parties are fighting to the death, how can it be made up for?
Before coming to Lu Mansion. Zhao Shancai once explained to Zhao Mu that the prince's greatest advantage and foundation now is not the quality of his reputation. But among all the princes, no one can compete with him! With méiyǒu having a better choice, Emperor Deqing could only focus on cultivating Prince Zhu Heyu!
However, if the prince offends too many political forces, coupled with the dissatisfaction of the major factions in the central government, the future enthronement will cause too much chaos and turmoil, making Emperor Deqing feel that the gains outweigh the losses if the crown prince Zhu Heyu ascends the throne, affecting the inheritance of the Ming Dynasty. . And he questioned the ability of Prince Zhu Heyu to govern the country... nàme Zhu Heyu's position as prince was no longer stable!
It is precisely because of this consideration that Zhao Shan is so anxious and worried!
And Zhao Junchen's layout plan. It seems that there is no trace of it, but if it is realized, for the prince, it will be like taking the salary from the bottom of the cauldron! It will greatly shake the foundation of Prince Zhu Heyu!
But Zhao Shancai had no idea. Lu Chunxiao was among the prince's party. He can be considered a rare talented person, but he is completely incompetent. When he saw this, his eyes were only focused on Zhu Heyu's reputation!
The prince's virtuous reputation was originally the greatest advantage of the prince's party, but now the prince's party has begun to be dragged down by such a virtuous reputation!
Therefore, Zhao Shan couldn't help but remind him: "Mr. Lu, this reputation and public opinion are actually controlled by róngyì. You can always find some way to save it, and you don't need to care about it. But in this case, he will still offend the prince. A large number of political forces will definitely oppose the crown prince's ascension to the throne in the future, and the prince's ability to do things will definitely make your majesty doubtful. This is the most important government! I hope Mr. Lu will give it more consideration! "
On the other side, after hearing what Zhao Shancai said, Lu Chunxiao was slightly startled, but he didn't really listen. He just nodded and said: "Mr. Zhao is right. I will write a letter right away and convey your considerations to the Crown Prince. , His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has just left the capital today, so it’s not too late to think about things!”
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When Zhao Shancai left Lu Mansion, it was already late and dusk appeared in the sky.
And Zhao Mu followed Zhao Shancai, recalling the conversation between Zhao Shancai and Lu Chunxiao just now, he couldn't help showing admiration, and said: "Young Master is still thinking too far, I didn't expect that there are such hidden dangers in the matter, but that Zhao Junchen No matter how cleverly the layout plan is concealed, it cannot be hidden from the master’s wisdom. And with the master’s reminder, I think Zhao Junchen’s plan will come to nothing!”
Zhao Shancai didn't look happy at all. Instead, he sighed, shook his head and said, "Not necessarily."
Zhao Mu was slightly startled and asked: "Is it possible that even with your reminder, Master, there are still variables in this matter?"
Zhao Shancai smiled bitterly and said: "The prince has a stubborn temper, and now he is bent on punishing those corrupt government officials who bullied the people during the preparations for the southern tour. However, these guesses of mine are just words and unfounded. If nénggòu meets the prince in person, Your Highness, I still have some ability to convince the prince, but if Lord Lu tells the prince, how can the prince take it to heart even if he listens to it? Even if he takes it to heart, the prince is not strong enough after all, and now it is urgent. He also can't bear to see the deception that Qīngchǔ Dongchang is trying to do to him, so this time, the prince is afraid that he will be in trouble again!"
Zhao Mu was stunned again and asked, "Master, what you did today, wasn't it a waste of effort?"
Zhao Shancai shook his head again and said: "That's not necessarily true. People plan things and God decides to make things happen. But if there is any chance, I will try it after all. If things don't work out, then I will wait until the prince fails in the future. If you cause trouble, you will definitely think of me first, and no matter how much I can help the prince solve the trouble, from now on, the prince will definitely be convinced by me. From this point of view, it is considered a good thing. Good thing!"
After hearing what Zhao Shancai said, Zhao Mu nodded thoughtfully.
…………
Just like that, during the conversation, the master and servant left the west area of the capital and came to the bustling commercial south area.
I thought that everything was settled for today. On the way back to the inn, while walking in the night market, Zhao Shancai saw that it was getting late and he was planning to find something to eat.
tūrán, someone behind him shouted loudly: "Isn't this cousin Shancai? Cousin Shancai! Cousin Shancai!"
When he heard someone calling zìjǐ, still calling him "cousin", Zhao Shan couldn't help but was startled. He turned around and saw a young man in luxurious clothes and a frivolous expression walking quickly.
This person seemed to be very familiar with Zhao Shancai, but Zhao Shancai couldn't remember his identity at all. He just looked familiar and could not help but frown slightly.
As the saying goes, "People with the same surname were one family five hundred years ago." The surname "Zhao" was a common surname in Jiangnan. Many people with the same surname have close or distant relatives.
And Zhao Shancai was born in a large family in Suzhou and Hangzhou in the south of the Yangtze River. He had no less than dozens of cousins within three generations. If he also included those distant relatives who could only carry eight poles, the specific number would probably be countless!
Therefore, Zhao Shancai did not know the young man in front of him who called him "cousin". He just felt that his expression was frivolous and full of dandyism, and he was subconsciously unhappy.
As for these things, Zhao Mu still remembered qīngchǔ and reminded Zhao Shancai softly: "Master, this man is the third son of the Zhao family in Yangzhou. His name is Zhao Xuancheng. He has some weak blood ties with us. Master, before you went to Beijing to take the exam, you had Met him once."
"Yangzhou Zhao family?"
After hearing Zhao Mu's reminder, Zhao Shancai frowned again.
The Zhao family in Yangzhou is also a wealthy family, but its reputation is not very good. There are often rumors of bullying men and dominating women.
Even so, when Zhao Xuancheng walked up to Zhao Shancai, Zhao Shancai still bowed his hands politely and said: "It turns out that you are the third son of the Zhao family in Yangzhou. I never thought that you would also come to the capital. We meet in a foreign country. We are really destined."
Zhao Xuancheng is different from Zhao Shancai. Although he is also from a wealthy family, he is just a minor figure in the family. Even Zhao Shancai does not remember that he has such a distant relative.
However, for some reason, Zhao Xuancheng's expression at this time was full of pride. He only remembered zìjǐ when he saw Zhao Shan, and his pride became even more intense.
"Haha, you might as well tell your cousin that I am coming to Beijing to visit relatives with my father!" Zhao Xuancheng said proudly with some eagerness to show off.
"Oh, the Yangzhou Zhao family also has branches in the capital?" Zhao Shancai didn't care and just asked casually, perfunctorily.
After hearing Zhao Shancai's inquiry, Zhao Xuancheng became even more excited and proud, and said: "Hey, it can't be said that it is a separation of families. He is now a hot and important figure in the court. It is not certain who will separate the family in the future. It's just that the master back then We had some disputes and grudges with the clan, and we have stopped communicating with each other since then, so we keep it secret for fear of making others unhappy.
But after all, we are still a family. The elder sent someone to contact the clan years ago, and he wanted to repair the clan. This was a great thing, and even the clan leader did not dare to neglect it. Not long after the new year, he personally took care of it. Several elders from the clan came to Beijing, and my father was among them, so I also came with them..."
At this point, Zhao Xuancheng showed off again and asked, "Cousin Shancai, you might as well guess who this adult who is related to us is?"
After hearing Zhao Xuancheng's inquiry, Zhao Shancai smiled and said: "There are many senior officials named Zhao in Beijing, but..."
Halfway through his words, Zhao Shan thought of some rumors in the officialdom, and Tūrán looked strange.
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ps: Two chapters in one. (To be continued...)
